The Sultan's Bed Read Online Free PDF Page A

Seriously I appreciate the gesture, but you can leave. I’m fine.”
    He stood up, walked out of the bathroom and waited behind the door. “I shall stand behind the door until you realize you need my assistance.”
    She snorted. “Well, you’ll be waiting all night for that, buddy.”
    Moments later he heard her groan with pain.
    â€œMiss Kennedy?”
    â€œI’m fine. Just fine.”
    Seconds later there was another cry of pain and a soft thud.
    â€œStill fine, Miss Kennedy?”
    â€œYes.”
    He shook his head, walked back into the bathroom. “I do not enjoy playing games. You will not send me away again, and I will help you until more suitable help arrives.”
    â€œThere is no suitable help.”
    â€œYour roommate is not home yet?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œBut she is returning soon, yes?”
    â€œShe’s actually going to be out of town for a week teaching some Hollywood bimbo how to cook.”
    Alarm moved through Zayad. He had not heard her correctly. Jane gone for one week. Impossible. He had but two weeks to know her, make her understand herpast, her family’s history, see if she was ready to return to her homeland and take up her duties as princess. How could this happen? How could he have allowed his plan to be thwarted?
    Frustration swam in his blood. What was he to do now? Follow her? Rent another home in Los Angeles for one week, then return to Ventura with her?
    He glanced down at the woman who needed his assistance. With great care he eased her into his arms. He had to take care of this situation first and quickly, then find a solution to his woes with Jane.
    Head against his chest, Mariah groaned. “This is so humiliating.”
    â€œWhat is? Falling down or being nude?”
    â€œOh, of course the naked part.”
    A grin tugged at his lips. “Miss Kennedy, you have nothing to feel ashamed of. Your body is beautiful, lush, and your skin is softer than silk. It took great effort to tear my gaze from you, but as you were hurt, I felt compelled to do so.”
    He watched her eyes widen and her lips part.
    Chuckling, he lifted her up, bath mat and all, and headed out of the steamy room. “Praise be. I have found a way to keep you quiet.”

Four
    T he pounding in her ankle aside, Mariah was still reeling from Mr. Next Door’s compliment as he carried her down the stairs. She knew she shouldn’t be reeling. In fact, she should have told him that his cheesy lines about her lushness and soft skin sucked and then given him a good slap.
    But the thing was, she didn’t want to think that what he’d said was a line. He’d looked at her with such devilishness, such sincerity, it had nearly had her wrapping her arms around his neck and demanding a kiss. And not just any kiss. From him she wanted open mouth, a little sweep of the tongue and maybe a nibble or two on her bottom lip.
    Oh, it had been too long. She felt like an old, ratty plum on a tree, desperate to be picked, saved from a pruney future. Dangerous waters…
    â€œWhere are you taking me?” she asked him.
    â€œTo bed.”
    There it was—the deep end of those dangerous waters. “Mr. Fandal—”
    â€œI think it is now appropriate for you to call me Zayad.”
    â€œAnd I’m thinking, after the whole bare-butt incident, it might be best to preserve some boundaries.”
    â€œAnd you think formality is the way to do this?”
    Not a clue. “Let’s not get off track here. We were talking about you taking me to bed.”
    â€œThat’s correct. Not to get undressed and join you, but so you may rest as I call the doctor.”
    She wilted—just slightly. “Oh.” Not that she would allow herself to contemplate such a thing, but it sure would be nice to be wanted.
    When he reached her bedroom, Zayad whipped back her white cotton sheets and placed her gently on the bed. “I will only be a