Page 38 of The Forbidden Sheik

Amit chuckled, shaking his head. “You know that’s not a good idea. We embarrass the palace staff when we leave the door open.”

Marianna couldn’t hold back a giggle, but quickly stepped around her desk, keeping the furniture between them. She wasn’t sure what she hoped to accomplish. She’d tried this tactic before and it never worked.

“Keep your hands to yourself, mister!”

He chuckled at her adorable, playful expression as she tried to avoid him. “Ah, but you don’t really want me to, do you?”

She laughed again. Mari couldn’t help it. This playful, teasing man had evolved after their second year of marriage and she adored him even more now than she had on their wedding day.

“I want to have a conversation,” she told him firmly.

“So talk,” Amit countered, coming around the other side of the desk. “Nothing is stopping you from speaking.”

She knew him better than that. As soon as he caught her, they wouldn’t talk until after they’d spent over an hour in each other’s arms. She never knew if Amit was going to tease her during sex, or if he wanted to just bend her over her, or his, desk and drive her wild.

She loved both ways, but not right now. Not at this moment.

She paused, thinking about it and…okay, maybe. But she really needed him to understand that…! Marianna yelped when he somehow shifted one way, then feinted the other, grabbing her slender waist and lifting her into his arms. She couldn’t help laughing as he carried her to the sofa and sat down with her on his lap.

But for once, he didn’t start taking her clothes off. Instead, he smiled expectantly at her, one hand resting on her knee, the other wrapped around her back.

“What did you need to discuss?”

Marianna was a bit irritated that he wanted to…talk. Wasn’t he going to kiss her? Wasn’t he going to make love to her? This hesitation was…unexpected!

“I’m pregnant again,” she announced.

The sparkle of pride in his eyes made her want to…scream? Laugh? It was always a toss-up with Amit.

“I know,” he replied, moving his hand from her knee to her still-flat stomach. “I’ve known for a week.”

“A week?” she gasped. “How in the world could you know before me?”

His gaze dropped pointedly to her breasts. They were already fuller, more sensitive, and…! “I guess I pay more attention than you do,” he teased. Then he turned serious. “Are you concerned about being pregnant again?”

She nodded, snuggling up against his big, strong chest. “The last pregnancy, I had morning sickness for ten weeks!”

“I know. That was miserable,” he grunted in agreement. He stroked her stomach soothingly. “This time will be different. I’ve already ordered more gingersnaps.”

She pressed her nose against his neck. “Yeah, those helped last time.” She snuggled closer. “But, what if they don’t help?”

“Then we’ll find something that will. And I’ll be with you the whole time.”

She considered those words briefly, then nodded. "Okay," she whispered, still uneasy. Her two-year-old son, Aiden, was a whirlwind of energy—intelligent, mischievous, and an absolute delight. She cherished every moment with him.

“I really love you,” she whispered. “And you smell delicious.”

He chuckled. Her increased sense of smell was another clue about her pregnancy. He rubbed her belly again. “It’s going to be a girl this time.”

“Think so?”

“Yeah. A girl.” He looked at her. “I love you,habibti. I know that I drive you nuts sometimes, but you’re everything to me.”

Marianna’s heart melted at his words. Every time, this man confused, irritated, or…any other emotion, Marianna loved him even more.

“You’re the most amazing man,” she whispered, then kissed him deeply, silently promising him her love forever.