Brides & Bargains. Maureen Child

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ that in mind, she climbed back into the truck on her knees to straddle Sebastian’s thighs. Yet he thwarted that immediate plan when he said, “Wait.”

      She didn’t want to delay another moment. “Why?”

      “Birth control,” he grated out.

      Of course that would be his primary focus, and it should be hers as well. She lowered from her knees and sat on the gate, hugging her arms to her breasts. “I have not resumed taking the pills. I had no reason to do that.”

      She saw dismay in his expression before he stood and pulled up his slacks. “And you should have informed me immediately.”

      She suddenly felt very exposed, both physically and emotionally. She also sensed a hint of accusation in his tone. “If you are intimating I planned this so you could impregnate me, I was not the one who drove here for the purposes of seduction.”

      He released a rough sigh. “You’re right, and my apologies for doubting your motives. However, if you consider our past, you certainly shouldn’t blame me for my concerns.”

      Furious, Nasira came to her feet and grabbed her discarded clothing. “Obviously allowing this interlude under the circumstances has been a colossal mistake.”

      She glimpsed anger in his expression before she pulled the dress over her head, heard it in his voice when he said, “The sounds you made alone indicated you certainly enjoyed it.”

      “Evidently I am not immune to your charms,” she said. “But mark my words, this will not happen again until we come to terms with our issues. And we have several, including your lack of trust in me and your resistance to having another child.”

      He slid out of the truck to tuck in his shirt. “We have a month to work out our differences and reach a compromise.”

      If they could work anything out. Nasira was not certain they could. “Presently I need to return to the house and you need to return to wherever you are staying for the duration.”

      He streaked a palm over his nape. “Actually, I haven’t a place to stay at this point in time. It appears there are no rooms in the inns due to some rodeo event in the area.”

      Of all the irresponsible, ridiculous excuses. “You did not make arrangements before you decided to travel here?”

      “It was a spontaneous plan.”

      An illogical plan in her opinion. “I can’t very well have you in my room under my brother’s roof. He is well aware we’re having problems, and I prefer we not sleep in the same bed until we’ve had more time to work on our issues.”

      “I will take whatever room they have available if you don’t wish me in your bed.”

      “There isn’t another room, Sebastian. The house is still undergoing renovations and I have the only accommodations left.”

      “Then I suppose I shall sleep in the truck until other arrangements can be made.”

      Oh, for heaven’s sake. “All right. You may stay in my room as long as you have no expectations and you leave before first light. I truly do not wish to explain your presence to Rafiq or to have him assume we’ve been...you know.”

      “I’m certain Rafe has engaged in...you know, since his intended is living with him.”

      “She is also pregnant,” she added, curious to see how he might react.

      “Really?” he said with little enthusiasm. “I didn’t know the old boy had it in him.”

      “He does, and he is very protective of Violet, as well as me. On the other hand, he is not particularly fond of you at the moment. He assumes you have done something to wound me.”

      “And clearly you have allowed him to have those assumptions.”

      “Like it or not, Sebastian, your behavior for the past few months has been very hurtful to me.”

      He sighed. “And that is why I’m here now, to atone for my transgressions. Regardless, I promise to remain on my side of the bed until you are ready for me to fully atone.”

      When he suggestively winked, Nasira realized having Sebastian in her bed would not be wise for many reasons. “I will make a place for you on the floor.”

      He had the nerve to kiss her hand. “Whatever you wish, fair lady.”

      She wanted not to be so attracted him. She wanted not to want him, yet sadly she still did. “It is late,” she said as she wrenched from his grasp. “And one more thing. When we arrive, be quiet. I prefer not to wake the household.”

       Two

      “What is he doing here?”

      Sebastian had barely entered the two-story foyer before being verbally accosted by his brother-in-law. “I’m accompanying my wife to the bedroom.”

      With her hand on the banister, Nasira sent a sheepish glance in Rafe’s direction. “He does not have a hotel room for the night. However, he has promised to leave first thing tomorrow morning.”

      Rafe gestured toward a formal floral settee. “The sofa is available.”

      Angry over the suggestion, Sebastian dropped his bags on the ground. “I won’t fit on the bloody sofa. And if you recall, I’m still married to your sister and I have every right to sleep with her. Once you’re married, you’ll soon learn that problems can and will arise in every union.”

      Rafiq took a step toward the stairs. “She does not want you here.”

      “I invited him, Rafe,” Nasira said. “But only for the night. Now if you will excuse us, we are both exhausted from the evening’s events.”

      “Quite memorable events,” Sebastian added knowing he would probably incur his wife’s wrath.

      Rafe pointed at him. “I do not wish to see you here when I awaken.”

      Sebastian saluted. “Yes, sir, commander sheikh.”

      Without looking back, Nasira hurried up the stairs and paused at the landing before regarding Sebastian again. “Are you coming?”

      He suddenly realized he should attempt to turn Rafe into an ally, not an enemy. “In a moment. I’d like to have a word with your brother.”

      He saw a fleeting look of panic in her eyes. “All right, if you two promise to remain civil.”

      A promise Sebastian hoped he could keep. “I have no problem with that.”

      She glanced past him toward her brother. “Rafiq?”

      “I will maintain my calm,” Rafe said.

      “I am counting on that,” Nasira said before she climbed the remaining stairs and disappeared.

      Sebastian decided he could use a СКАЧАТЬ