‘My name is Zafiq.’
‘Ahh, and I get to use your name because we had sex, is that right? Special privileges.’
The breath hissed through his teeth and he vaulted from the horse and strolled across to her. ‘You are very flippant.’
‘Well, I’m sorry if I don’t please you, but I have no idea what to say in this situation.’ Self-conscious and angry, Bella pushed her hair away from her face, wishing she could have spent three hours being pampered in a spa before meeting him again. Facing him bare of make-up required a confidence she didn’t possess. ‘If this had happened in the city we wouldn’t have had to see each other again.’
‘This would never have happened in the city. In the city I don’t forget who I am,’ he gritted, ‘nor do I forget my responsibilities.’
‘Your life sounds like a laugh a minute.’ Bella brushed sand from her tunic. ‘I’m sorry I made you forget your responsibilities.’
There was a long protracted silence and then he sighed. ‘Don’t be. You were incredible.’
For a moment she thought she’d misheard him. She stared at a point somewhere in the centre of his chest and then slowly lifted her head to look at him, her mouth dry and her heart pounding. ‘Sorry?’
‘You have to understand that I am a very disciplined man,’ he said fiercely. ‘I am not accustomed to losing control.’
‘Really? I’m hardly ever in control. I’m more of an impulse person.’
His smile was wry. ‘That, I have no trouble believing, habibiti. You’re extremely emotional.’
‘Whereas you are frighteningly unemotional.’ Remembering how he hadn’t touched her after sex, Bella felt her cheeks flush and turned away from him. ‘So we’re imperfectly matched, then. Having finally realised that, I suppose you’ve decided you’re finally ready to take me back to the city.’
He inhaled deeply. ‘That isn’t what I have decided.’
‘Look, this is supposed to be your week of rest and relaxation so you hardly want to be tiptoeing round an awkward situation, do you?’
‘Precisely. This is my week of relaxation, there fore I shall spend it as I please.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ She rubbed her hand over the mare’s neck. ‘What pleases you?’
‘You please me.’
Bella’s stomach tumbled and she turned her head, her eyes wide. ‘What did you say?’
‘You please me greatly. You’re extremely passionate and responsive and once you’re in my bed you stop fighting me.’ He gave a sardonic smile. ‘There fore I intend to keep you in my bed for the rest of my time in the desert.’
‘So I’m going to be your personal harem while we’re here, is that it?’
The corner of his mouth twitched. ‘One woman does not constitute a harem, habibiti, although you certainly have enough spirit to share generously between at least ten women.’
‘Now wait just a minute—’ Flustered, her face burning, Bella backed into the horse who threw up her head and nudged her hard in the back, pushing her straight into Zafiq.
Strong hands closed around her arms, steadying her, and Bella moaned as she felt the immediate explosion of chemistry.
‘You’re not my type. I’m not your type. This goes against my better judgement.’
‘Mine too—’ his mouth hovered close to hers ‘—but I think we’ve suspended judgement at this point.’ Without warning he swung her up into his arms and Bella thumped him on the shoulder.
‘Where are you taking me?’
‘Back to bed,’ he drawled, striding into the tent. He deposited her gently on the mattress and yanked her tunic over her head without giving her the chance to resist. ‘When you’re underneath me you’re soft, compliant and all woman so that’s where you’re staying while we’re here.’