There was an anger in her voice that he hadn’t anticipated, and he knew that he’d read the situation wrong. She wasn’t scared of him.
She was pissed.
“Liyah.”
“When should I be ready?” she snapped again coldly.
“Eight.”
“Then at eight, you will find your dutiful bride-to-be waiting for you. Until then, I’ll be out exploring the gardens. Excuse me.”
As she stalked past him, she seemed to take the air in the room with her. His heart slammed against his chest. For the first time in Asad didn’t know how long, he had no idea what to do with a woman.
Several hours later, she was dressed in a beautiful shimmery pink cocktail dress. Despite the amount of time she’d spent outside, her complexion was still soft and creamy, but she was beginning to show that sun-kissed glow. There was nothing to hide the curves that had fit so well into his hands the other night, and he ached to have her.
“I’m ready,” she announced casually—as if she had no idea what she was doing to him.
/> He found that he couldn’t say anything to her that wouldn’t lead to him bending her over and tasting every inch of her exposed skin as well as exploring the secrets she hid underneath, so he stayed silent as he escorted her out the door.
The silence during the ride was chilly.
“Anything that I should know?” Her voice was calm and cool, quite as if she did this kind of thing all the time. There was almost no hint of the shy woman he’d first seen in the lounge, stumbling over herself. He didn’t know if it meant that she was getting comfortable around him or if she was simply too angry with him.
“You didn’t get a chance to meet Bashar at Rashid’s party, but he’s the biggest influence among the investors. What he does, they’ll follow. He’s one of my father’s oldest friends. He’ll most likely speak to you tonight and try to judge our relationship.”
“Don’t worry,” she said stiffly. “I’ll put on a good show for you.”
He didn’t want her to put on a show. He wanted her to be real and genuine. Be herself. Naked, in his arms, no masks, and no surprises.
Word had spread of his pending marriage, and the gallery was packed with people. Asad wasn’t worried. People parted easily for him, but he knew how Liyah felt about crowds. Here, she didn’t have Amira or Khalid to turn to if she got overwhelmed.
There was only himself.
Wrapping his arms casually around her, he bent low to whisper into her ear. “If you need a break, tell me that you’d like a drink on the terrace. I’ll escort you out, okay?”
“I’ll be fine.” She was a soldier, preparing for war.
“Asad!” Imran, one of the other investors, approached them at a rapid pace and clapped his hand on Asad’s back. Imran was Asad’s least favorite man. He had a tendency to be vulgar and crude, and Asad couldn’t help but push Liyah slightly behind him in an attempt to shield her.
Imran was having none of that. “Don’t be shy,” he crowed as he reached around and grabbed Liyah’s arm. The people around them stopped and stared as the man pulled Liyah forward, putting her on display. “Let me take a look at you, my dear. Asad has been hiding you from us, but he can hide you no longer. Such lovely curves you have. No wonder Asad has fallen under your spell.” He leaned over and whispered something in the girl’s ear, and Asad felt his anger rise as he saw her face blanch.
He immediately pulled her out of Imran’s grasp.
“You always did have exquisite taste,” Imran said and laughed. He stepped around Asad to get another look at Liyah but was stopped by a strong grip.
“I believe you might be making the young woman uncomfortable,” Bashar said quietly, but his tone held a warning. “Perhaps you should go and see to your own wife.”
Imran looked almost angry, but he bowed his head. “My apologies. It’s just that this moment is a rare treat. Asad has a habit of discarding beautiful women, so naturally, we’re all surprised to see the one who’s made him stay.”
Ashamed that he’d brought her out in public only to have her treated with such disdain, Asad turned to Liyah, but her face was nearly void of expression. It was almost as if she’d retreated inside herself. “Would you like a drink?” he said hoarsely.
“I believe that’s an excellent idea.” Bashar stepped forward. “Why don’t you get her some champagne, and I’ll show your lovely bride-to-be my own contribution to the collection. We’ll be in the south wing.”
Asad was hesitant to leave Liyah alone, but he knew that she’d be in good hands with Bashar. Giving her one last look to see if she was okay, he escaped into the crowd.
“Imran has always been a horrible little man,” Bashar said warmly as he guided Liyah through the crowd. “I’m sure you’re hesitant to leave Asad’s side, but he needs some time to cool down.”
“He didn’t look particularly angry,” Liyah muttered before remembering that not only was she supposed to be in love with Asad, but she was supposed to woo the very man standing next to her.