Taken With The Enemy by Tia Fanning Read Free Book Online Page A

to my cheeks, I bit my bottom lip and nodded.
    He pulled me onto unsteady feet, his arms drawing me closer until my length was pressed tightly against him. “Are you sure you're not hurt?” he asked.
    Unable to find my voice, I simply nodded again. My ankle was now throbbing, but it wasn't worth mentioning.
    He captured my gaze and held it, searching. Silent seconds passed. His warmth seeped into my chest and my stomach flip-flopped. The air grew heavy, intimate, like a moment shared between lovers. I almost expected him to lean in and kiss me.
    The grin he gave made me wonder if he read my thoughts.
    My cheeks went from hot to scalding.
    He unraveled his hold and slowly began stepping back, running his hands down my arms and lifting them up as he went. He didn't stop until his fingers intertwined with mine and a large circular gap stood between us.
    "Walk to me."
    Not knowing what else to do, I limped forward two paces.
    "You've hurt your ankle?"
    "I'm okay. I just need to walk more,” I replied.
    "Are you sure?"
    "I think I'd know. I'm a doctor. Remember?"
    He chuckled. “I'm glad to hear that.” He let go of one hand and turned, leading me away from the staircase.
    I looked around and saw that we were in a small lobby, the front entrance just a few feet away. Damn. We bypassed another elevator, two couches, an unmanned desk, and went through a set of engraved wood doors.
    My heart raced as we stepped outside into the chilled night.
    The door swung close behind us, casting the world in utter darkness. As the gentle sound of bubbling water reached my ears, my eyes adjusted, and the full moon's soft glow illuminated the small garden courtyard. Light reflected off the glass windows that surrounded us on all four sides. I realized that the area was enclosed by the building itself.
    "Come."
    He led me on the tiled path that meandered through a lush garden of date palms and other tropical flora. Soon, we came upon the center of the courtyard to where a little fountain stood. He guided me over to a stone bench. We sat and I found myself succumbing to the enchantment of the small oasis. Before me, the trickling water sparkled in the moonlight, tinkling softly in the cool desert breeze. A billion stars dotted the ink-colored sky like diamonds scattered across rich velvet, and I inhaled deeply, relishing the heady scent of jasmine mingling with that of sandalwood.
    Sandalwood. His scent.
    I looked over and met the glittering eyes of my captor. It was only then that I recognized how inappropriate our situation was. We sat so close together, our thighs touched, the heat from the contact contrasting with cool dampness that seeped through my clothing from the stone seat. His large fingers had somehow interlaced with mine, producing an intimate hold further emphasized as our joined hands rested lightly in his lap.
    "You know, you look beautiful tonight. The abaya flatters you.” His thumb stroked the inside of my wrist as he spoke.
    Oh, my God! Was he actually hitting on me?
    My stomach fluttered, but I willed myself to keep it casual. “Thank you,” I said, gently tugging my hand out of his. Suddenly fearing that he would be offended, I hid the reason for my withdrawal by moving my hem out of the way and lifting my foot to show him the embroidered shoes. “I was very lucky. The abaya was a perfect fit, as were the slippers."
    "I'm glad. We procured those items just for you."
    I didn't know what to say. Good manners dictated that I should show gratitude, but my suspicious side also surged, wanting to know how he knew my size at all.
    Duh! The guy knows everything about you.
    "Why am I here?” I blurted out. After I said it, I wondered which way I meant the question. Why here imprisoned, or why here with him now in this would-be romantic moment? Shit, I'd be satisfied if either of those questions were answered.
    "Why did you become a doctor?” he asked.
    I froze. “I ... um ... wanted to help people."
    "Very noble,” he