Saving the Sheikh (The Legacy Collection) by Ruth Cardello

Zhang.”
    No, her mind shouted. Instead of fighting him physically, she forced herself to remain still and struck at him with her words. “You’re delusional if you think this will change my mind.”
    His hand cupped one of her breasts. “You will be my wife, Zhang.” His mouth descended on hers.
    Yes.
    No.
    How could something so crazy be so tempting to agree to?
    His lips claimed hers, hungrily demanding submission from her – a submission Zhang wanted to deny, but her lips parted for him and her tongue met his eagerly. His kiss softened and the invasion turned more playful. Their tongues danced and teased.
    He broke off the kiss and rested his forehead on hers. “Just say yes, Zhang,” he said raggedly.
    Her own breathing was labored, but she glared up at him. “Never.”
    “Your resistance will only make our wedding night that much sweeter,” he growled into her ear. “Is that what you’re hoping for? Are we continuing your fantasy?”
    She pushed against his chest. “You can’t be serious. I stopped playing the moment you locked me in.” Her hand stilled as she sought to make him see reason. “Don’t do this. I can deal with the bad press. I’ll even do what I can to help you smooth it over here. This isn’t you, Rachid. You know you have to let me go.”
    He set her back but held on to her waist. The lines of his face deepened. “You’re wrong. This is exactly who I am, Zhang.” His expression softened and he said, “You could be happy here, if you let yourself be.”
    She raised her chin defiantly and threatened, “I don’t want to hurt anyone, but it’ll happen if you continue on this path.”
    He pulled out the chair for her to sit in again and murmured, “You are so beautiful.”
    Shock held Zhang immobile. Did he just go there? Did he just say I’m beautiful when I’m angry? When did my life morph into some cheesy romance novel? Her hands clenched at her sides. “You have clearly forgotten who you’re dealing with if you think a compliment can sway me. I don’t care if you find me attractive, I just want to leave.”
      He ran a hand lightly down one of her tense arms. “Little liar. The angrier you pretend to be the more I want to prove to you how little of it is real. If you don’t want me to take you right now on the table, I’d suggest you calm down.”
    She shook her head. Images of the two of them frantically sweeping the dishes aside and pulling off each other’s clothing warmed her cheeks, and for a moment she refused to look at Rachid. A part of her wanted to push him to the place he threatened to go. There was no use pretending otherwise to herself. Frustrated, she directed her next admonishment to her loins.
    Stop acting like he’s the last man on the planet.
    You were perfectly fine before him.
    We don’t need him.
    Oh, my God, I’m talking to my genitalia now.
    I guess I only have to worry if it answers me.
    Zhang almost chuckled at the insanity of her inner dialogue.
    “Zhang?” Rachid’s query prompted her to look up at him.
    She met his eyes reluctantly, trying but not succeeding to glare at him.
    “Sit,” he said, and then he gave her one of those devastatingly sexy smiles, as if he knew exactly the inner debate that was raging within her.
    Zhang didn’t return his smile or move to obey his command. “I’d like to go back to my room now,” she said and added, “alone.”
    “Of course,” he said, and went to the door to call a guard over to escort her back. As she passed by him, he said softly, “Don’t worry, Zhang, there’ll be other tables.”
    She grit her teeth and followed the guard out of the room, without giving Rachid the pleasure of knowing his taunt had sent another wave of warmth to her cheeks.
    When she was once again locked behind the large wooden double doors of her room, Zhang removed the lace dress and threw it on the floor, as if doing so could undo the last half hour.
    I’m not staying.
    No man, not even that one, is worth my