Marriage Behind the Fa?ade Read Online Free PDF Page A

arched as he studied her. “Yes, here you are.”
    Sydney’s heart skipped several beats at once, making her feel momentarily light-headed. She splayed her hand over her chest, breathing deeply to regulate the rhythm.
    Malik looked alarmed. “What is wrong? Do you need a doctor?”
    She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Just a few skips. Happens sometimes, usually when I’m tired. It’s nothing.”
    Before she had time to do more than squeak a protest, he swept her off her feet and into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he turned and barked orders to the men surrounding them.
    “Malik, for God’s sake, put me down! I’m not hurt,” she cried.
    He didn’t listen. She considered kicking her legs and fighting, showing him just how strong she was, but decided that bringing them both to the ground with a struggle was counterproductive.
    “Please put me down,” she begged as he began to move. “This is embarrassing.”
    People were staring at them, pointing, whispering. Malik seemed not to care. It was stunning to be held against him after so much time. Like plunging into a swimming pool with all your clothes on. He was hard, strong, and the heat of his body reminded her of another kind of heat they’d once shared.
    He glanced down at her, his handsome features stark against the dark red background of the headdress framing his face. No one would ever mistake this man for anything other than a prince, she thought wildly. He was so sure of himself, so full of life and heat and passion.
    She’d missed that.
    No.
    No, she was not going there. She didn’t miss Malik. She didn’t miss a single thing about him.
    “We are not going far,” he said. “I will put you down as soon as we are somewhere quiet, so you may rest.”
    She turned her head away as his long strides ate up the distance. The entourage hurried along with them, in front of them, their passage through the airport like the ripple of a giant wave. Soon, they were passing between sliding glass doors and into a quiet suite with plush chairs, tables and a bar at one end. Soft music played to the empty room. The lights in here were low, the air cool against her heated skin.
    Malik set her down in one of the chairs. A glass of cold fizzy water appeared before she’d even blinked.
    “Drink,” he ordered, settling into the chair beside her and picking up the glass.
    “I’ve had plenty to drink,” she said, pushing his hand away. “Anything else, and I’ll explode.”
    He looked doubtful. “Jahfar is hot, habibti. It can sneak up on you before you realize it.”
    “Water is not my problem, Malik,” she insisted. “I’ve just flown all the way from L.A. I’m tired. I’m stressed. I want a bed and six hours of uninterrupted sleep.”
    She’d slept a little on the plane, but not enough. She’d been too nervous.
    And with good reason. The man staring back at her now, this hard, hawklike being who seemed so remote and unapproachable—so regal—could make a lion nervous. Were they really married? Had she ever shared a tender moment with this intimidating man?
    “Then you shall have it,” he said. He nodded to a man who turned and disappeared through another door. A few minutes later, he took her hand—as she tried desperately to block the prickling heat of skin on skin—and led her out the same door and into an elevator. Then they were exiting the airport through a private entrance and climbing into a Mercedes limousine.
    It was almost like the past, only Malik was dressed in white robes and a headdress instead of a tuxedo. He looked so cool and exotic while she felt frumpy and hot. She tugged at her jacket, drawing it off and laying it on the seat beside her.
    Malik’s eyes dropped to her chest, lingered. She felt his gaze as a caress, felt her body responding, her nipples tightening inside her bra. Lightning sizzled in her core. She crossed her arms and turned to look out the window.
    “Where are we going?” she asked as the limo