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“Of course not. Itison the way.”

“Then I’m sure she’ll be happy to agree.” Howard smiled at her. “Right, Harp?”

“Umm, right.” She still had no idea what they were talking about, but whatever. She just wanted out of here. “So...I guess I can go now?”

“Of course,” Khalil said.

Howard laughed. “I don’t think anyone will stop you this time, since you’ll be flying with the sheikh.”

She was what?

But there was no time to protest, with a limousine already rolling down the driveway within moments, and the chauffeur taking her luggage from her hands to stow it in the compartment. Before she knew it, the sheikh had already tucked her inside the limousine, and they were on the way to the airport.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she shrieked. “I don’t want to fly with you!”

“Then it’s too bad things have already been taken care of,qalifa. Youwillfly with me. It’s the only way you’ll be cleared to leave my kingdom.”

Harper stared at the sheikh. “Why are you doing this?” she asked finally. “I really don’t get it.” They had known each other for eight weeks in a span of eight years, and yes, he always paid attention to her, butthat was it.And it wasn’t like he had been saving himself for her or anything (like she was). He had even been engaged to another girl, and after Sapphire March he had countless lovers – theBeastsarticle was proof of it.

So why now?

And why her?

Khalil was gazing at her contemplatively. “I suppose now is a good time as any.”

A good time for what, Harper wondered irritably.

“This would no doubt come as a surprise,” the sheikh murmured.

A surprise? What surprise?Her mind went overdrive, and then suddenly it came to her. “You’re seeing someone,” she said flatly.

Khalil blinked. “Eafi?” Excuse me?

“You’re seeing someone, aren’t you? Someone important, and you want me to keep my mouth shut about last night.”

Understanding came in a flash, and the sheikh said immediately, “No.” He shook his head, exasperated. “In the name of Allah,no.”

She could see that he meant it, and a tremor ran over her body. It was...relief, and the realization made Harper bite her lip hard. It wasn’t that she cared if he had a lover or not.Okay?She only cared because it meant she hadn’t hurt anyone.That was all.

“What kind of man you must think of me,qalifa.” His voice was softly chiding.

Harper felt defensive. “It’s the first thing that occurred to me, and it’s not like I really know you.”

“What you suggested was dishonorable.” The sheikh’s tone had become silky. “Do I seem like that kind of man to you?”

Oh. Shit. Right.She hated it when the sheikh won a point over her. “Fine,” she grouched. “Sorry.”

“Gracious as ever,” the sheikh murmured.

“I said I’m sorry,” she snarled. “What else do you want, for me to go down on my knees—-” She shut up, but it was too late, the words were already out, and she knew it had been the wrong thing to say. But when her gaze flew to his, and she saw the way his eyes were burning, his nostrils once again flaring – maybe, maybe it wasn’t that wrong a thing?

“A good suggestion,” Khalil said thickly.

It was.

And he reached for her –

And she let him.