To Touch a Sheikh by Olivia Gates Read Free Book Online Page A

endlessness. “It felt like four days.”
    He removed his abaya, tossed it on the nearest cushion. Sweat had plastered his loose shirt to his formidable torso, a testament to his exertion. The blow-torching dryness had evaporated every drop of her sweat, then dug its tentacles into her body to draw any remaining moisture from its depths. Good thing, too, or she would have drooled at the sight he made right now.
    He strode to the kitchen, flicked switches. Droning started, a generator, then a pump. He turned on the tap. After a few coughs and spurts, water flowed. Her parched insides tingled at the sight. She teetered over to him, took the glass he’d filled for her.
    â€œI’ve had the well water tested…” He paused as she gulped it down in one go, continued the assurance she hadn’t needed. “And it passes through filters and purifiers.” He downed his own glass. “And for the record, this place is about forty miles from where we were. We could have covered the distance in less time under better conditions, but as it was, it was a damn good rate. So sorry my efforts didn’t meet Your Royal Grumpiness’s timetable.”
    She felt her lips would split if she smiled. She gulped down her third glass of water, settled for twitching them at him. “I wasn’t complaining, Your Royal Snarkiness.”
    â€œWhy not? It isn’t as if I can send you back now.”
    â€œNope.” She chuckled and watched his strong throat work as he drank, wondered how it would feel beneath her lips, if his skin would taste as intoxicating as he smelled. She sighed, knowing it wouldn’t be soon enough before she could find out. “But I would have appreciated it if, among your prolific commentary on the human condition, you’d told me how long you expected our ride to be. Not knowing made it feel like it would never end, made it harder to take.”
    â€œAnd what would you have done if I’d estimated four hours and those became five or six? You would have spent that extra time going nuts thinking we were lost.”
    â€œNot if you told me we weren’t.”
    â€œAs if you would have believed me.”
    â€œI absolutely would have.”
    That seemed to do the impossible—had him stymied for a comeback. Those spectacular eyebrows swooped down as if he, too, couldn’t believe it. As if he couldn’t believe she’d trust his word that undeniably. He’d soon learn otherwise.
    She saw right through his masterfully off-putting facade to the core of valor inside. She more than trusted him. She believed in him.
    She decided to put him out of his sarcasmless misery. “But you wanted to spare me anxiety, so your intentions were good.”
    â€œAnd we all know where those lead.” He flicked a mocking look around. “Even though there wouldn’t be much worse than here.”
    â€œStop insulting this wonderful place. If you no longer want it for a lair, I’ll take it off your hands. Just name your price.”
    A moment stretched as he brooded at her. “You’re barely standing upright and I’m not carrying you again if you collapse. Do so inside while I take care of business. Help yourself to the jet-powered shower.”
    â€œAnd you dare badmouth this place. I would have been ecstatic with rudimentary indoor plumbing. A jet shower is nirvana.”
    â€œIt’s nothing like you’re used to…” She opened her mouth toremind him that she hadn’t always been a prince’s daughter. He overrode her. “And don’t expect anything fancy to eat. Provisions are all dried, powdered and canned.”
    â€œIt comes with food, too? A veritable five-star hotel, then.”
    â€œGo.”
    â€œWhy do I get the feeling you want to get rid of me?” He rumbled something dangerous in his gut. She raised her hands in teasing placation. “I’ll go, but only because what you’re