The Sheikh's Reunion Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

widen imperceptibly at her use of his name. There was pleasure in that look. He didn't look at all like a man who had been jilted.
    Mia stiffened and took one decisive step back, putting distance between herself and Rafiq. "What time would you like me to come over?" she asked.
    Rafiq's brows furrowed thoughtfully. He made as if he were deliberating and then replied. "How does eight o'clock sound?"
    Mia nodded. "Eight, it is."
    "I'll send a car for you," he said.
    Mia shook her head. "There's no need to do that. I can make my own way."
    Rafiq frowned. "I will send a car," he repeated emphatically. He fixed his gaze on her eyes. She felt the force of that gaze shift something inside her. Mia sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'll be at the office until your car comes."
    "Can I get my driver to take you back to your office?" he asked.
    Mia shook her head firmly. "No. I can make my own way," she replied.
    Mia saw the corner of Rafiq's mouth crease with the flicker of a smile. Was he making fun of her now? She'd seen that same look on his face a long time ago.
    "I look forward to seeing you, then," he said extending a hand to Mia.  
    She shook his hand, feeling suddenly awkward with their forced civility.  
    Then, Mia released his hand quickly and spun on her heels, heading for the revolving glass door as fast as she could. It was only when she had emerged out into the cool London air that she realized the warmth which had overtaken her inside the hotel. Rafiq had affected her. That was for sure, she told herself, as she paused at the foot of the steps. She dared not look back into the hotel, because she knew he would probably be watching her, and she didn't want to encourage him, give him any hint of the effect being in his presence had had on her.
    With a shrug of her shoulders Mia stepped out into the rain, feeling suddenly grateful for the cooling solace of the water against her skin. She had to put as much distance between herself and Rafiq Al Kharif.  
    And fast.

CHAPTER THREE

    Rafiq watched Mia race out of the hotel reception and smiled to himself. It had been so good to see her again after all these years. How could he have forgotten how beautiful she was? She'd changed. Grown up into a gorgeous, self-assured confident young woman.  
    He sighed appreciatively as he peered through the rain covered window of the hotel front. He saw her standing there, waiting a moment before making her way out into the rain. She'd defied him so many times during the last half hour. And, even now, she was determined to make her way back to her office on her own terms. He had to admit to himself that every little defiance had made him feel an excitement that had been in short supply since Naima had exited his life.
    Rafiq recalled how Mia had resisted him during that crazy summer. They'd both been different people then; both on the verge of their own destinies. He could never have believed that she would grow up to be so incredibly attractive, so poised and elegant. And still she was defying him, trying to keep him at bay. He smiled.
    Outside, in the rain, Mia ducked her head and ran out into the street, and away from the hotel.  
    Rafiq turned and went to the lift. He got in and pressed the button for the top floor. He felt the gentle movement of the lift and leaned back against the wood-panelled wall.  
    Mia.
    It was good that she was coming back to him in a few hours. He already looked forward to seeing her again. Why was that? Then he realized that he was desperately trying to push away thoughts of Sayid and Naima. It had only been weeks since his friend had married the woman who had once been betrothed to Rafiq. He hadn't gone to the wedding, deeming it inappropriate, given that Naima had previously promised to wed Rafiq.
    The truth was that Naima and Rafiq hadn't truly been close. Their potential marriage had been something agreed between families and, as such, there had been little true feeling between the couple.
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