The Sheikh's Second Chance Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 5) by Cara Albany Read Free Book Online Page B

was just like before, every bit as delightful and overwhelming as she could recall. This time though, his tongue probed, seeking and exploring. It was all she could do to hold that promise at bay, but she knew she had to, needed to resist that simple temptation.
    She felt his hand snake through her hair, drawing her head more firmly to him, as if he was claiming something precious. All the while, the strength of his kiss intensified, his lips taking her to another place. His body pressed against her, and she could feel the tension in him, the coil winding up.  
    Lana rested a hesitant hand against Malik's shoulder. Lana closed her eyes. The moments seem to stretch, and somewhere in the distance she heard the voices of the guests, the normality from which she was being wrenched. But, where was he taking her? Did she even want to go the place that held such danger, such promise?
    Lana's heart was racing, and the blood was pounding in her veins. She hadn't felt this alive ever before.  
    And then, with a startling revelation, she realized that she had felt like this. Once before.
    In New York.
    In Malik's arms.
    It was happening again. She felt as if she was being claimed, possessed, taken to a space she wasn't sure she wanted to inhabit again. Some part of her rebelled, a sense of resistance rising up from a memory, from previous disappointments.
    She opened her eyes. He was so unbelievably powerful and handsome. And, she was thrust hard against him, close enough to sense the energy that seemed to pulse throughout his entire being.
    He wanted her.
    Lana felt her body tighten. It was an involuntary movement, and Malik immediately noticed. She felt a momentary absence as his lips moved away from hers. He leaned away from Lana, gazing at her quizzically. They said nothing to one another, allowing the moment to pass. Lana wondered what would replace the intense passion that had so suddenly overcome her.
    There was an awkward silence. The tension in Malik's shoulders seemed to ease. He cleared his throat. "Perhaps you're right. The guests might be wondering where we've gotten to," he said.
    It didn't sound convincing. Lana could still see the hunger in his gaze.
    Lana nodded. "Perhaps you're right."
    Lana took her glass and sipped the remnants of the water.
    Then she turned and started to head back into the reception room.
    She realized that Malik wasn't following her, and she paused, turning to him. He was still leaning against the balustrade. "Aren't you coming in?"
    There was a sardonic smile on his face, and she wasn't sure she approved of it. All of a sudden he looked dismissive, almost disinterested. Lana felt irritation curl inside her belly. He shrugged and then shook his head casually. "I think I'll stay out here for a while."
    Indignation stabbed at Lana. How dare he think he could just kiss her one moment and then abandon her the next. Who did he think he was? She recalled the way he'd just walked away from her in New York, as if kissing her was of no consequence.
    She was about to say something to him, about to make sure that he wouldn't get the idea that she'd welcome any future flirtations, when Mia appeared behind her.
    "There you are," Mia said.  
    Lana saw Mia glance at Malik. "I didn't know you two were out here," she said. "All alone," Mia added pointedly.
    Lana smiled at Mia. "I was just coming to find you. I needed some fresh air, and Malik was kind enough to escort me."
    Mia's quizzical gaze shifted from Lana to Malik. "I hope you were nice to Lana," Mia said to Malik.
    Malik grinned. "I think I was quite nice to Lana." Malik glanced at Lana. "Wouldn't you agree?"
    Lana scowled at Malik and hooked an arm inside Mia's. "Let's get back inside, Mia," Lana said.
    And with that Lana and Mia strode back into the reception room leaving Malik well and truly behind.

CHAPTER FIVE

    "What were you two up to there?" Mia asked.
    Lana turned to Mia. "Nothing. What makes you think we were up to something?"
    Mia grinned.