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СКАЧАТЬ with her gait. Kira then leaned back against the steel prep table while the chef remained at the stove, where Kira’s own mother had once stood, preparing the finishing touches on dessert as several of the staff members engaged in clean-up. She rubbed both temples with her fingertips and closed her eyes against the beginnings of another nagging headache. The reason for that headache happened to be seated in the dining room, acting as if he practically owned the palace.

      One arrogant man. One gorgeous egomaniac. One weakness she couldn’t afford to have.

      “Might I have a few moments alone with you, Miss Darzin?”

      Speaking of the sexy devil himself. Kira’s eyes snapped open at the deep timbre of his now-familiar voice. “Actually, I’m rather busy at the moment, Mr. Azzmar.”

      Tarek strolled into the kitchen as if he were king of the castle, hands planted in his pockets. “Then I would be happy to speak with you about our plans while you continue your duties.”

      Conversing with him in front of the staff could be detrimental on several levels. She could only imagine what they were already thinking. “I suppose we can discuss your needs in the corridor.” And that sounded entirely too suggestive. “Needs as in your need for an administrative assistant.”

      “Ah, yes, that need.” He swept a hand toward the opening to the hallway. “After you.”

      Kira rushed out of the room, unable to avoid the curious glances of the employees. She continued down the passage with the current thorn in her side trailing behind her and pushed out the doors leading to the courtyard. Once there, she turned and practically face-planted into Tarek’s broad chest. “Do you mind giving me some space?”

      He took a step back. “Is this better?”

      Better would entail having the persistent man standing several yards away, not less than a foot in front of her. “As long as you don’t come any closer, that will do.”

      His expression turned somber. “Do you fear me, Kira?”

      “Of course not.” Not in a traditional sense, yet she did fear the way he made her feel—vulnerable.

      “Do you believe I would never do anything to harm you?”

      “Yes, I believe that.” He wouldn’t, at least not physically, but he had dealt her an unsolicited emotional blow six weeks ago.

      He released a rough sigh. “Then I must admit I am somewhat confused by your recent attitude. When we first met, I had several opportunities to attempt to seduce you, yet I did not. Instead, we spent many hours engaged in casual conversation, and only conversation, until the night we spent together. I assumed we had established a measure of trust between us.”

      “I thought so, too, until that night.”

      “Clearly I have been mistaken in my belief that our pursuit of pleasure was mutual.”

      “It was mutual,” she stated firmly. “We were both consenting adults.”

      “Then why are treating me as if I am a pariah not worthy of your regard?”

      He didn’t understand, and Kira wasn’t certain she could explain. Still, she had to try, and that entailed revealing how his careless disregard had made her feel. “That isn’t my intent. What we shared was a mistake, not only because I crossed a line I shouldn’t have crossed with a palace guest, but because you’re clearly not the type of man to maintain a monogamous lifestyle. That became apparent when I didn’t hear a word from you after that night, as if you’d had your way with me and tossed me aside.”

      A hint of anger flashed in his eyes. “You are making an erroneous assumption, Kira. As I have told you, I was seeing to business. I do not treat women as chattel.”

      “They why did you fail to inform me you would be leaving?”

      “I was only honoring your request not to approach you again.”

      He definitely had her there. “True, but I didn’t mean we should completely sever all ties. Your actions made me feel used.”

      He streaked a hand over his jaw and his gaze momentarily drifted away before he returned it to her. “My sincerest apologies, and I am sorry that you have so little faith that you would believe I considered our interlude as nothing more than a diversion. If you wish me to lie and say that I do not want you now, I cannot do that. I cannot promise that if you decide to join me, I will be able to discard my desire for you. If you have trouble accepting this, perhaps you should decline accompanying me to Cyprus. I prefer you not do that, but I will leave the decision to you.”

      As he turned to leave, Kira realized that if she rejected his request, she would be giving up the opportunity to know him better. To learn if he might be the kind of man who would be open to raising a child. She couldn’t squander that opportunity for both her and their baby’s sake. “Tarek, wait. We need to talk.”

      He faced her again and sent her a frustrated look. “I have said all that I have to say about this matter.”

      “But I haven’t,” she said as she strode to him. “I’m sorry that I’ve jumped to conclusions, and I do realize you were only following my instructions. If we can get past this, I would really like to start over and return to our original relationship.”

      “Which was?”

      “Friendship.” When he scowled, she added, “Unless you’re not able to maintain a friendship with a woman.”

      “I would find it difficult to go back after what we shared, but I would be willing to try.”

      “And if that’s true, then I’d be willing to go with you to Cyprus.”

      “You will?” Both his expression and tone reflected disbelief.

      “Yes. We could spend the time together getting to know each other better.”

      Now he looked skeptical. “I am a very private person when it comes to certain aspects of my life.”

      “I’m not suggesting you show me a financial statement and I don’t expect to rifle through your underwear drawer for secrets.”

      His expression turned hard, unforgiving. “Why would you believe I have secrets?”

      His reaction took Kira aback and led her to believe he might be withholding something. But so was she. “Everyone has secrets, Tarek. I have no reason to ask you to reveal yours to me, unless you’re doing something illegal.”

      He seemed to relax somewhat. “I assure you that all my business dealings are aboveboard and within the law.”

      “That is good to know.” Now for the question that would seal her fate for the next two weeks, depending on his response. “Since I’ve laid out my terms, does the offer to join you still stand?”

      “Yes. My driver will come for you at 4:00 p.m. and escort you safely to the airport.”

      She had less than twenty-four hours to prepare. Twenty-two hours, to be exact, to change her mind. But, with so much riding on this trip, she had to follow through. “I suppose I will see you tomorrow afternoon then.”

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