The Sheikh's Pretend Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 2) by Cara Albany Page B

his heat against her hip. His arm slid down off the back of the sofa. She felt his hand slide onto her left shoulder, his arm tightening around her back. Ella heard his breath, coarse and heavy. All his hard-won self-control seemed to have been abandoned as he leaned closer to Ella.
    Ella felt a galvanic sensation course through her body. His touch was an electric impulse that jolted her into sudden and surprising pleasure. Ella saw his eyes darken appreciatively. He looked suddenly hungry, even ravenous.
    Ella gasped, and her eyelids closed slowly almost against her will. She became unnaturally aware of every nerve in her body; the world seemed to have shifted beneath her; the blood was pulsing faster along her veins.  
    Ella opened her eyes, hoping that he wouldn't pursue this course of action. Surely it was all happening too fast. Hadn't she been convalescing only a short while ago? Didn't he understand that, or was his pleasure the only thing he could think of at this moment? What about the promises he'd made to keep her safe? Because, right at this moment that last thing she felt was safe with Sheikh Raz Al Kharif.
    Raz's hand drifted up, and he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. The touch of the back of his hand against her head sent a rush of sensation down to her middle.
    Ella peered into Raz's eyes and smiled hesitantly. His gaze softened, reassured by the look she had given him.
    Ella knew this had to stop; knew that it couldn't go any further.
    She stiffened, and Raz reacted immediately, his brows furrowing, concern filling his eyes.
    Ella shrugged her shoulders, and Raz removed his hand, almost as if he'd received an electric shock. His mouth opened, and he straightened, moving slightly away from Ella.
    She rubbed a hand against her forehead. "It's warm in here," she said flatly.
    Looking suddenly awkward, Raz nodded. "Perhaps I can open the french doors," he said standing up.
    Ella stood and faced him. "No. It's alright. I'm tired after the meal. Perhaps I need to lie down again."
    "Of course. You must still be exhausted. Perhaps the meal was too large. I'll mention it to the chef. Tomorrow we can have something lighter. Until you get your strength back fully."
    "I think I'm strong enough to leave, Raz," Ella said. "Maybe I should get back to the city."
    Raz cocked his head to one side. "You do?"
    Ella nodded wordlessly.
    Raz's eyes flickered from side to side, and then he spoke. "I can't allow that," he said evenly.
    Ella glared at Raz. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. "You can't allow that? What on earth do you mean?"
    "Just what I say. You have to stay here," Raz replied peering straight at Ella. His shoulders stiffened almost as if he was readying himself for her reaction.
    "You can't do that," she declared.
    Raz shook his head. "I have to insist. You're a guest in my kingdom, and I believe you are at risk while you remain in my country. It's my duty to keep you safe until you are strong enough to leave."
    "This is outrageous. You are going to keep me prisoner in your palace because you think I'm in danger?""
    Raz nodded, his eyes filled with certainty and conviction. There was a look on his face that announced there was little or no room for manoeuvre. She'd soon see about that.
    "Where's the proof I'm in danger?" she demanded.
    "I can't tell you that," he replied.
    "There's no proof, is there? You've just made this up so you can keep me here like one of your throwaway girlfriends."
    Ella saw Raz's features tighten with indignation, but he didn't react. Not right away.
    There was a long silence during which Ella faced Raz defiantly, glaring at him, waiting for some kind of explanation in which she could have faith. The distant sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks were like the pulsing tension between them both.
    Finally Raz spoke. His voice was soft but filled with conviction. "You are not like those women, Ella. Nothing like them." Raz took one step closer to Ella. "Do