The Sheikh's Second Chance Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

shift the memory of Lana's taste from his mind. He'd constantly found his attention drifting back to that moment at the foot of the stairs, wondering just how sweet it would have been to pursue things even further.
    How had she burrowed her way beneath his skin? He had no idea. The mystery of it had troubled him for weeks.
    And now, Lana was in the palace. Placed here like a divine torment, designed to test him, tease him. Perhaps even drive him mad.
    They reached the seat and Emir sat down slowly. Malik waited until his father was settled before sitting down by his side.
    Emir dark features and heavy brows were a sign that all was not well. Malik tried to smile at his father, but Emir gave him a stern look in return.
    "What did you want to talk about, father," Malik asked.
    Emir's eyes narrowed. "You mean you don't know?"
    "It's not the usual subject, is it?"
    Emir nodded solemnly. "What else would I wish to talk about with my beloved son, except the issue of marriage."
    "Rafiq?"  
    Emir shook his head. His gaze was penetrating.
    Malik sighed. "You know what I have to say about getting married, father."
    Emir straightened and lifted his chin defiantly. "All my sons have an obligation. You are no different."
    Malik felt his jaw tighten. Best not respond. Give his father a chance to say what had to be said. But, Malik was determined not to bend to his father's considerable will. Not immediately, anyway.
    "Rafiq is behaving with honor. He has chosen a fine wife. Even if she is not exactly of a tribe I would have preferred," Emir said, his voice trailing off wistfully.
    Malik scoffed. "Mia's not even Qazhar born. And you repeatedly try to persuade me to marry a Qazhar woman."
    Emir glared at Malik. "And, what is wrong with Qazhar women?"
    Malik shook his head and said nothing.
    "You seem to enjoy the company of many Qazhar women. At least, that is what I hear," Emir said, turning his head away from Malik as if the very subject caused him physical pain.
    "Times have changed, father. Qazhar has moved into the modern world. Relations between men and women are not what they were when you were my age."
    Emir sighed. "You're right. The world has changed. Which makes it all the more important that you choose wisely."
    Malik stiffened. Worry curled in his middle. He twisted on the seat and faced his father directly. "What do you mean?"
    Emir lifted his gaze up to the overhanging branches and the bright blue sky above. "As I say. It is time."
    "For what."
    "For you to commit to the woman with whom you will spend the rest of your life."
    Malik felt as if he had been struck a blow. He'd expected something like this, but nothing so bold, so insistent, so direct.
    "And if I don't?" Malik murmured evenly, intent on trying to maintain his calm in spite of the roiling emotions inside.
    "Then I cannot allow you to continue the life that you have chosen for yourself."
    Malik felt himself bristle. His fists curled into tight balls. He peered at Emir, trying to gauge the seriousness of his father's intent. He saw a familiar look on his father's face.  
    Implacable.
    Determined.
    "And exactly what kind of life do you think I have chosen for myself?" Malik asked firmly.
    Emir eyed his son as if to say there was no point in elaborating any further. They both knew what kind of life Malik had been living. It would have been impossible to conceal the truth. People talked. There was gossip. He was well-known for his playboy lifestyle. It was impossible to deny what his father was suggesting. But, for it to be taken away? Malik wasn't sure if he was ready for that.
    "You cannot force me to marry against my will," Malik stated.
    Emir sighed softly. It was an impatient sound, but one that hinted at eventual victory.
    "It is not a question of you marrying against you will. You must accept responsibility. You must choose commitment. That is the way. Rafiq has done so. Why cannot you do the same?" Emir asked evenly.
    Malik's heart was thumping hard. He could