The Sheikh's Island Fling (Sheikh's Meddling Sisters 2)

“Sorry, ma’am. No.” Ravi darted a glance between Rehaj and Ani. “Tomorrow begins the focusing of the love chakras series, which involves sensual massage and aromatherapy designed to fan the flames of desire.”

Inside, Rehaj was a swirling mass of chaotic panic. This was not good. Not good at all. But if he didn’t go through these things with Ani—Ani who knew the score, who was as gun-shy of love as he was, who wouldn’t expect more from him as he wouldn’t of her—then what was his alternative? The swinging marrieds the specialist had mentioned earlier?

Nope, nope, and more nope.

Not happening.

“That’s fine,” he said at last. His voice sounded oddly normal, despite his constricted vocal cords. “We’ll welcome the new challenges.”

“We will?” Ani said, gazing up at him with those clear azure eyes and for some reason the adrenaline zinging through his system calmed. His eyes flickered to her lips.

“Yes,” he said. “We will.”

Time seemed to slow as Rehaj bent his head and brushed his lips over Ani’s. She tasted of salt and spices and pure, sweet sunshine. Before he could stop himself, Rehaj turned slightly and slid his hands into her hair, twining the silky strands around his fingers as he licked his tongue across her mouth. She gasped and he took advantage, sweeping inside to taste the fruity wine she’d been drinking along with a surprising, welcome passion to match his own.

Distantly, he heard the clearing of voices and the steady pound of his own heart, but at that moment, his world zeroed down to just this woman, just this second, just this kiss.

Allah help him, Rehaj knew right then that he was in far more danger of exposing his secrets here on the island than he’d ever been at home. He pulled away finally, staring down into Ani’s flushed face, his pulse racing faster than a thoroughbred as he swallowed hard and said the last words he’d ever expected to say. “Yes, we will welcome the challenge.”

* * *

That kiss knocked Ani off her game for a while. All that evening and most of the next day, to be exact. She went through the motions, showing up to the activities she was supposed to be in with Rehaj, smiling at people and doing her best to respond intelligently. But the whole time her mind stayed focused on those thirty seconds in the restaurant when his lips had been on hers and her world had tilted off its axis.

Didn’t help that each time she bit her lip, she imagined she could still taste him there—bright citrus from the water he’d drank and a hint of salt from his meal. Nor was it good that her skin would tingle at odd times, like when they’d been in the couples’ hot yoga class together sitting back to back in lotus position meditating. Well, Ani hadn’t been able to reach her Zen because all she’d focused on was Rehaj’s heat penetrating through her thin cotton sports bra top and the brush of his spine against hers when he breathed. Talk about major shivers.

Then there was the fact he’d not brought it up at all. In fact, they’d barely talked since leaving the dining room the night before. He’d dismissed her efforts at conversation, saying he had a lot on his mind and just needed some time alone.

Unfortunately, seclusion was hard to come by on an island dedicated to love. So here Ani stood wearing her new yellow ruffled sundress with the flattering halter neckline and handkerchief skirt, hand raised to knock on Rehaj’s door and her heart in her throat. Why she was nervous, Ani didn’t know. The kiss hadn’t meant anything. It had all been for show, to throw the resort staff off and keep them from spending the week with two swingers looking for sexy fun. Rehaj was clearly not looking for love. He was distant and emotionally unavailable, by his own admission. He was polite and kind with her, but nothing beyond that. He’d kissed her because he’d had no other choice, right?

She took a deep breath and knocked with her right hand, her small wristlet and the old flip-style video camera the resort staff had given her to record their activity tonight clutched in her left.

Rehaj opened the door and gave her a slow head-to-toe appraisal. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Ani smiled, the butterflies swarming inside her intensifying. “You look pretty awesome yourself.”

He waved her inside his villa and she took the opportunity to glance around. The layout was basically the same as hers, just opposite—living room, separate bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom.

“Would you like something to drink?” Rehaj asked, reaching down to o

pen his mini-fridge. “I’ve got water, white wine, or ale.”

“No thanks.” She tucked a stray curl of hair behind her ear and did her best not to stare at him. Man, she’d thought he looked yummy in his bike shorts and T-shirt earlier for yoga, but those black trousers fit him just right, cupping his tight butt like a second skin. Plus that white linen shirt, open at the neck to reveal a tantalizing V of tanned skin, sprinkled with dark hair. Lord help her, the man was smoking hot. He had the cuffs of his shirt rolled up too, to reveal muscled forearms, his gold Rolex sparkling in the late afternoon sun. She licked her lips and didn’t miss the way he tracked the tiny movement with his gaze.

The air between them seemed to crackle with tension.

“Right.” Rehaj said, tearing his eyes from Ani and stalking over to the open sliding doors leading out onto his balcony. She followed. “So, what’s the activity tonight again? I forgot to check my flier this afternoon. All I remember was dinner on the beach.”

“Yep.” She leaned her elbows on the railing beside him and stared out at the horizon. “We’re having dinner at sunset. Just over there.” Ani pointed to a clearing nestled in the palm trees lining the beach where resort staffers were busy setting up a cozy table for two complete with tablecloth and candles. “I had to pick out the menu after our yoga workout. The chef prepares everything, then brings it out to us. I hope you like my choices.”

“I can’t imagine I wouldn’t,” he said, charming as always, but his smile seemed distant. “And what’s that in your hand?”

“Oh, this.” She waggled the little video camera in the air. “I’m supposed to tape it all, so we can re-watch it later and relive the romance.” Ani chuckled and rolled her eyes. “Maybe we can make silly faces and at least have a good laugh about it.”

Rehaj’s smile fell into a frown and Ani had the impression she’d stepped in it somewhere with him but wasn’t sure where exactly. “What’s wrong?”

Cursing under his breath, Rehaj gripped the railing hard. “I don’t like to be filmed.”

“Sorry. I didn’t know. Maybe we can talk to the staff and see if there’s something else—”