Chapter Nine
AALIYA
"Aloo, I NEED your help."
Icy shock moves through my veins at the first sound of Zain's familiar, deep and sexy-as-hell voice. The very last person I expected to call me at my office on an early Wednesday afternoon"and just how did he get my work number anyway?
Duh, your brother.
Freaking Riz.
"No, Hello, Aaliya, how's it going?' And I really, really wish you wouldn't call me Aloo." I'm trying to joke. Or more like trying to figure out if he really does need my help. I mean, come on. Like hearing from him out of nowhere nearly a month later, after what happened between us, is no big deal.
It's such a big deal.
"So nice to hear from you, Zain. What's it been, a couple days?" Almost twenty-five days, not that I'm keeping count.
"Very f**king funny, Aaliya. I'm not kidding," he growls irritably. "I need your help, and I needed it yesterday."
"And you're calling me? Why? How exactly can I help you?" Wow, I sound remarkably cool and calm, but deep within my insides are trembling. And for whatever crazy reason, my n**ples are hard. All from his gruff, commanding tone. So ridiculous, but it's like the second I hear his voice, my body reacts. I haven't been able to get that night out of my mind. Images of a nak*d Zain above me, kissing me, buried deep inside me are burned on my brain.
"You're still single, right?" he asks, knocking me from my thoughts.
"How is that any of your business?" My heart lodges in my throat. As if he would care. "And who told you that?" Fine. I so am. I haven't talked to Marc, the jerk, since I broke it off with him. And I haven't talked to any other guy either, let alone gone out on a date since my night with Zain.
Has he somehow ruined me forever? God, I hope not. I'm only twenty-four. I don't want to die a shriveled up old lady pining for a man who had sex with me once and then walked away.
"Rizwan told me."
I'm going to kill my brother. "Why do you care if I'm single or not?"
"I have a proposition for you." He pauses and my heart falls into my stomach with hope. "A business proposition."
Of course. Not that I expected a sexual one. Hello, been down that road once before and look where it got me? A lot of lonely, achy nights waking up after sweaty, too-graphic dreams involving me and him nak*d. "What sort of business proposition could you possibly have for me?"
"We're getting ready to open a new set of suites at Hush. There's only a handful, but they're bigger, much more exclusive"and expensive"and I need someone to design the interior." He pauses and my heart squeezes. "I want you."
Hearing his familiar, deep voice say he wants me in that commanding way of his sets my legs shaking. And I'm sitting down. Ridiculous . "Maybe I'm busy," I say haughtily, which is true.
"Come on, Aaliya. You're not too busy for me, are you?" He's teasing me, but there's a sexual edge to his voice. One I want to ignore.
"Actually, I am. I have a lot of projects I'm working on currently for clients." I sound like a prim schoolteacher, but damn it, I know I have an appointment I need to get to soon. I really don't have time to listen to him go on and on about how much he needs me. Getting my hopes up only for them to come crashing down when he never contacts me again.
He's real good at that.
"I'll make it worth your while." His voice lowers, deceptively soft yet edged with smoky, sensual heat.
Tingles sweep over my skin. "I'm sure you will," I say sarcastically. I refuse to let him know how much he still affects me, especially after he so callously ignored me this past month.
We got nak*d together. We had sex. And he acts like it never happened. I do too, because how else should I handle it? Confront him?
Hey, what the hell was that night all about anyway? I felt the earth move and thought maybe . . . you felt the same?
Can't go there. No matter how badly I want to. And wasn't he the one who called it a mistake?
Yeah, so not going to bring any of that up to him. He'd rather forget. Just like I would.
Liar.
I wish he hadn't called. Just hearing his voice works me up. Zain Abdullah is dangerous for my well-being and I know it. Delicious. Wicked. Appealing. Wrong. At least, he's wrong for me.
"I have to go, Zain." I keep my tone brusque as my gaze lands on my computer screen. My to-do list mocks me, it's so long. And my calendar app dings, reminding me I have an appointment with a client in thirty minutes.
Which means I need to leave now if I want to make it on time.
"Listen, I'm in town and I want to see you," he says, shocking me. I didn't expect him to say that. "Let me take you to dinner tonight and I'll explain everything. How about we go to Spruce?" He refers to an ultra-popular restaurant not too far from my office. I've been there before and it's amazing. Amazingly intimate too"the perfect restaurant for a date. Not that we're going on a date.
Yeah, right.
"I'll pick you up at your office, we can have a few drinks first, then dinner," he continues.
"No," I say vehemently, rendering him completely silent. I'd bet a million dollars not many women utter that word in his presence, but the very last thing I want is Zain invading my private workspace, spreading his devastating charm all over it.
I really don't need that reminder lingering around long after he's gone. Some things should remain sacred from the Zain effect. "How about I meet you at the restaurant?"
He's silent for a moment. Like he doesn't approve of my suggestion. As if I care. "That should work," he finally says, his words clipped.
"Is seven too late?" I glance at my calendar, see that I have one last meeting with a new client at five-thirty to go over wallpaper samples, but the restaurant he suggested isn't too far from the office. I could probably make it on time.
"I'm staying the night in the city so seven's perfect." He pauses, the silence heavy with unrecognizable . . . tension. "It'll be good to see you again, Aaliya."
Clutching the phone tight, I close my eyes for the briefest moment, all those unwanted memories bombarding me. The way he kissed me, the taste of his lips. How he'd touched me, his big hands everywhere, settling between my legs, teasing me while he murmured the hottest, sexiest words I'd ever heard.
And that was only the moment out on the terrace. Never mind later, when we ended up nak*d in a bed. I can't even go there. Not now, with his velvety deep voice in my ear.
"Seven o'clock at Spruce," I confirm, opening my eyes to glare unseeingly at the computer. "See you then."
I hang up before he can say another word, proud of myself. Women don't hang up on Zain either. Hell, no one really hangs up on him. He's a force to be reckoned with.
And now he calls me out of nowhere declaring he needs me"please. He's stringing me along, I'm sure. Why, I haven't a clue.
But when do my past experiences with Zain ever make sense?
Deciding my client can wait a few minutes, I bring up Google and type in Zain's name, waiting breathlessly as a list of recent articles pop up. Talk of Hush and how he made it such a huge success. One article written a week ago catches my interest, about the expansion of the Hush brand and how he's refurbishing a location in Calistoga.
Frowning, I click on the link, reading the few details they have about the new Calistoga spot. He never mentioned it during the phone call. Or when we were last together and we were actually at Hush. He'd been so proud showing me everything. You think he would've at least mentioned a new location.
So why didn't he tell us about it?
Weird.
I close out Google and gather my things, my mind awhirl with what I read. Was this the job he referred to, the one he so desperately needs me for? All logical thought flowing through my brain is telling me not to bother meeting him. Cancel via text with no explanation. He would totally deserve it.
Curiosity rules me though, it always has. There's no way I can pass this dinner up. Despite how difficult it will be, sitting across from him for hours in a dark, intimate restaurant, gazing adoringly at his beautiful face. Wondering yet again how stupid could I be, hav**g s*x with him. Nursing this renewed crush of old that can go absolutely, positively nowhere.
I'm pitiful.
Zain
I GLANCE AT my watch for what feels like the millionth time, wondering where the hell Aaliya is. She's close to twenty minutes late, and I know for a fact she's ridiculously punctual.
With the exception of tonight when she's meeting me. Shit.
Drumming my fingers atop the white tablecloth in a steady rhythm, I glare at the entrance to the restaurant. I hate it when people make me wait. In business, I flat out don't tolerate it. That this woman I've known since she was a gangly teenager with a mouthful of metal leaves me waiting almost desperately for her arrival blows my mind.
And rarely is my mind blown. Funny, how the one person who keeps doing it on a regular basis is Aaliya.
She's angry with me. I could hear it in her voice when I spoke to her on the phone. It had taken me two days to work up the courage to call her. Like a complete wuss, I rehearsed that conversation in my mind a thousand times.
The reality had turned out worse than my imagination. At least I got her to agree to see me. But what if she decides not to show and leaves me hanging?
I push the thought from my mind, refusing to acknowledge it for even a minute.
"Another drink, sir?" The waitress appears, her gaze full of sympathy. She probably thinks I've been stood up.
Hell, I've never been stood up in my life. "I'm fine," I mutter.
"Perhaps you'd like to order dinner? An appetizer, maybe?" She sounds hopeful and I'm beyond ready to crush her dreams.
Shaking my head, I glare at her. "I'll wait a few more minutes."
She takes off after flashing me a wan smile, leaving me to brood. If Aaliya doesn't show, I can hire someone else to do this job. It wouldn't be a problem, there's a goddamn list of designers who would give up their first born to work with Abdullah's.
But damn it, I trust her. I want her. And not just for her amazing design skills.
She isn't just Aaliya. Could I really fall for her? Why else would I act like such an anxious a**hole? This woman has me so twisted up in knots I'm ready to do anything to have her back in my life.
Anything.
Scowling, I glare at the door, as if that'll make her magically appear. I'm thinking like a chick but I can't deny it. I want her with me all the damn time. It's scary how bad I need her. Trying to ignore her didn't work. I went almost an entire month without contacting her, but she's all I could think about. The moment I get into the city, I'm reaching for the phone, demanding that she meet me.
I remember how put out she sounded on the phone, her voice full of irritation. The first indication I'm most likely going to screw this up.
Hell. I cannot screw it up.
And then there's the stupid bet. Kartaar sends me the occasional email asking on my dating situation. Hell, he haunts my Facebook page, probably just waiting for me to change my status from "single" to "in a relationship".
As if I ever would do that. I know his ass is watching. I won't give him the satisfaction.
The front door opens, letting in a gust of cold air that chills my skin, sends a rush of awareness through me that nearly steals my breath. She enters the dimly lit restaurant, windblown and gorgeous, her curvy body covered by a black coat. I greedily drink her in as Aaliya pushes wild strands of long dark brown hair away from her face, her gaze searching the room before those pretty hazel eyes light upon me.
I work to keep my expression neutral, my mouth curving into a subtle closed-lip smile, but inside I burn.
For her.
She smiles in return, though it's faint, and the sight of it is like a punch to the solar plexus. I wait impatiently as the hostess takes Aaliya's coat before leading her to my table.
The way Aaliya moves captivates me. Sinful and sexy yet with an innocent air, her h*ps sway as she heads toward me, the skirt of her black dress swishing about her legs. The dress covers her completely, but I know exactly what it's hiding beneath the clingy fabric. All I can think about is slipping my hands beneath her skirt so I can touch her thighs. I remember the first time I touched them, how they trembled. How smooth her skin was . . .
"Sorry I'm late," she says as she sits quickly, not giving me time to stand and greet her like I want to, with a hug. I wanted another chance to get my hands on her again, however briefly.
Aaliya smiles up at the hostess as she pushes the chair in for her before hurrying away. "My meeting took much longer than I anticipated," she explains apologetically. Always polite, though I see the strain around her mouth, in her entire expression. She's uncomfortable being with me. I get it.
I don't like it, but I get it.
"Trying to keep me on my toes?" I raise my brows and she frowns.
"I didn't do it on purpose, Zain." She exhales shakily. "I'm not interested in playing games with you."
"I don't want to play games with you either, Aaliya," I say. God, I wish I could reach out and touch her. Rest my hand on hers. Tell her how much I miss her.
She sounds breathless, which makes my body twitch. Reminding me how breathless she'd been the last time I saw her"naked. How she begged for more when I had her pinned beneath me, her body shaking as I made her come with my name falling from her lips.
Having her sitting in front of me after not seeing her for a month is like a shock to my system, leaving me tongue-tied. Frozen. She picks up the menu, oblivious to my dazed stupor, and smiles when the waitress approaches, ordering a glass of wine.
"Want another beer, sir?" The server's cheerfulness grates.
"Yeah," I bite out, scowling at the waitress just before she hurries away. I catch Aaliya sending me a secret smile as she shakes her head. Makes me wonder if she thinks I'm some sort of joke or something. The way she looks at me, like I amuse her.
Better than sending me the cold glare of death, which I suppose I deserve after how I've treated her since we were together.
"You look good," I say, my rough voice startling her from her quiet perusal of the menu.
She flicks her gaze up, those pretty eyes meeting mine. "It's . . . nice to see you too, Zain." Her voice is the stuff of my wet dreams, low and melodic. "Have you already ordered?"
"I was waiting for you." Damn, does she think I'm a total rude bas***d or what?
Most likely"you are, after all.
"Oh. Well isn't that sweet of you." She checks out the menu again, biting her lip as she looks over her options. The restaurant's packed, the buzz of conversation a low hum that falls away the longer I watch her.
What would it take to get back into her good graces? What do I have to prove?
Everything.
The waitress reappears, snapping me from my thoughts, and I order the steak while Ivy orders seared scallops. The server takes our menus, promises our drinks will be ready in minutes and then leaves us alone.
Finally.
Aaliya watches me expectantly as she takes a sip of water, the delicate gold bracelets on her arm jingling with the movement. "So tell me about this job and why you need me so badly," she says, getting right to the point.
I toy with my empty beer bottle, unsure how to start what will surely be an awkward conversation. It's going to take everything I have not to blurt out why I really want her to work for me. "I'm opening a new location."
A little smile teases the corners of her lips. "I saw."
"Where? Ah, let me guess. Online." Her gaze meets mine and I stare at her, probably looking like a lovesick fool. She nods in answer, her gaze cutting away from mine, and I feel oddly defeated. "It's in Calistoga. I've been in negotiations on the property for a while and at one point it almost fell through. But I finally put the deal together and we've been doing a quick renovation on it the last few months."
"So you knew about this when you"when you showed Hush to Riz and me?" Her smile disappears when I nod. "Why didn't you tell us about it?" She sounds shocked.
"I've been keeping it a secret. I didn't want anyone to know. Most details about the location are pretty limited and I made sure of that. I don't want anyone to know what we're offering to our guests until we open." I shrug.
"So now the new resort is almost ready?" She's studying me like I'm crazy, which I probably am.
"Two months, give or take." I shrug.
"So why are you here when you should be back in Calistoga supervising the remodel?"
Here comes the tough part. The stuff I don't want to admit for fear she'll laugh in my face. "I wanted to meet with you," I say, my voice stiff.
"You came here for the sole purpose of seeing me?" She sounds incredulous, visibly swallowing as she reaches for her water glass, her shaking hand making the ice rattle against the glass when she sets it down. She looks nervous.
Welcome to the club. I'm nervous. And women don't make me nervous.
With the exception of Aaliya.
"This project is important. I want you by my side, Aaliya, working with me."
"I"I don't understand where this is coming from. You've never come to Paxton before. You haven't even seen my portfolio."
"I saw samples of your work online." Everything's online, both a wonderful and scary thing. "Your portfolio is on the Paxton website."
"Oh," she says weakly, settling back in her chair, her shoulders sagging, her lips parted as if she wants to say something but can't come up with the words. She looks like she's in a state of shock. "Wha"what did you think?"
"Of your work? It's amazing." Giving into impulse, I reach across the table and grasp hold of her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know we'll be the perfect fit, that you'll be the perfect fit for Crave. Your sophisticated touch is just what the suites need."
"I"I don't know, Zain. What you're proposing is coming so out of left field, I don't know how to answer. I don't know if I can answer." She presses her lips together and shakes her head. "I have to talk to Sharon and see what she says, but I can already guess."
"What do you think she'll say?" It won't matter. I want Aaliya on this project and I will pay and do whatever it takes to make that happen.
"She won't let me work on the project. She'll want it." Exactly what Riz pointed out, not that I'm surprised. In fact, I'm fully prepared, having already called Sharon and proposed my suggestion.
I'm not quite ready to admit the outcome of that conversation.
The waitress magically appears, interrupting what I might've said next by setting our drinks in front of us and I release my grip on Aaliya's hand. We both thank her, our smiles polite and false. I see the way Aaliya sneaks glances at me. Like she thinks I might've lost my mind.
I probably have.
The tension that has been brewing between us returns tenfold the moment the server makes her escape.
If I wasn't so damn agitated I might find it amusing, how Aaliya took such a big gulp of wine, nearly draining her glass before she leans across the table. "You just can't come out of nowhere and demand I work for you, Zain," she whispers. "I answer to someone else. I just can't up and do what you want me to at the snap of your fingers."
"I already have approval from your boss."
Her eyes widen in shock. "What?"
I nod slowly. "I spoke with Sharon earlier. Explained my situation, how much I appreciate and am inspired by your talent, and knowing how busy she is, I would love to hire Paxton Design to work on this project for me. With the sole purpose of having you lead it."
She sucks in a harsh breath. "So I'm working for you."
"She cleared your schedule for the next two weeks. It'll be an intense, rushed job, but I know you can do it." I do. She's smart. Her employer had nothing but wonderful things to say about her, not that I'm surprised. Aaliya is amazing.
So amazing, I can't stop thinking about her.
"What if I don't want to be a part of this project? What if I don't want to work directly with you?"
Damn, not the answer I expected from her. "Does it bother you?" Pausing, I study her, drinking in all that dark hair waving past her shoulders, her beautiful but shrewd gaze, her lips pressed together as if she's afraid she's going to say something she'll probably regret. "We've already done this, Aaliya, and we were pretty damn compatible. Would it be such a hardship, having to spend time with me?"
Her jaw drops open, and she glances around as if she wants to make sure no one's listening before she leans across the table. "If you're implying that I'm going to have sex with you, you couldn't be further from the truth. Been there, done that, don't want to go through with it again."
"Ouch." I rub my chest, surprised by her words. Why, I'm not sure. I asked for them for saying all that. "Harsh."
"It's the truth," she retorts, draining the last of the wine in her glass. "God, I need a refill."
"I've made some mistakes. A lot of mistakes," I correct myself when she narrows her eyes, looking ready to blast me. "The biggest one is how I've treated you. I'm sorry I haven't called or contacted you since we were last together. I've been"busy." And too chickenshit to make the first move.
She rolls her eyes. "Like I was sitting beside the phone waiting for your call. Please, Zain. Don't flatter yourself."
She's extra feisty tonight, which I assume means she's extra mad at me. I need to tread lightly. "It's not that I was purposely ignoring you, you know. I've been swamped trying to put this new resort together." It's the best excuse I have"and the truth, for the most part. Hopefully she believes me.
Thankfully she doesn't acknowledge what I said. "Explain the new location. I'd love to hear more about your little secret," she says, settling back into her chair as if she's going to stay awhile.
Excitement rises within me. Her wanting to hear about it means she's interested. And once I get her fully hooked, she'll be on board to happily work with me. I know it. "It's the ultimate in luxurious comfort. Every need will be taken care of at the Calistoga location. It's a more intimate resort that caters exclusively to only a handful of couples at any given time. Couples that are looking to put intimacy back into their relationship. Even sexual intimacy." I stress the last two words.
"A swingers club," she states flatly.
I shake my head, chuckling. "Hell, no. What sort of pervert do you think I am?"
Aaliya doesn't say a word, just arches a delicate brow in challenge.
I sigh and shake my head. "Fine, I'm a pervert. But I don't run a swingers resort, Aaliya. There's no swapping with others or wild orgies going on at either location. It's all about a one-on-one level." Ironic, considering I have no clue what that's like.
"Then what exactly is this new place supposed to be?"
"It's whatever your heart desires," I say softly. "Whatever your lover wants. Hence the name Crave, considering it fits so perfectly. A discreet, comfortable safe place where you can discover your secret fantasies, indulge in your secret wants. The new location will provide whatever you might need, no questions asked."
Her cheeks are pink, her eyes wide. She looks almost . . . aroused. "It sounds"interesting."
I smile. Damn, she's beautiful. "It is. Very interesting."
She remains silent, tracing the stem of her wineglass with the tip of her index finger. I fixate on that finger, how delicately she touches the glass, the short, darkly painted nail. My skin suddenly feels too tight, I'm getting hard from watching her finger for the love of God. Taking a deep breath, I try to regain some control.
But hell, I'm dying to feel those fingers all over my body again . . .
Leaning across the table, I lower my voice, ready to cut to the chase. "I need you, Aaliya. I want you to bring a sexy, sophisticated touch to my resort."
A little sigh escapes her. "You've already arranged it with Sharon. Why feel the need to ask me?" She sips from her wine, her gaze steady on me over the rim of her glass.
"Because I want you to willingly work with me. I know I should've told you first before I spoke to Sharon, but I was getting desperate. I'm running out of time and I need to get this project finished. And I trust you." It's the truth. I hardly trust anyone. I definitely don't trust any women. They're all the same.
Except for Aaliya.
Reaching for her hand again, I press my palm against hers and entwine our fingers. Hers are slender, delicate, and I swear they tremble in my grip. A jolt moves through me at the connection, as if my body missed being touched by hers. "Say yes, you want to work with me."
"It's not that easy . . ."
"Say yes," I repeat, refusing to take no for an answer.
"I shouldn't. I should be mad that you went above my head and made it happen anyway, with or without my approval."
I smile, feeling cocky. "Come on, you've never been able to resist me."
She tries to extract her fingers from mine but I squeeze tight, not about to let her go. "You're such an ass."
"You think I wouldn't use that to my advantage?" I lower my voice. She's going to kill me for saying this, but I'm overcome. Having her hand in mine, our fingers laced together. I'm gripping her so tight, I feel like a desperate man. I haven't forgotten her no matter how hard I try. "I absolutely cannot get the last time we were together out of my mind."
"Please. We haven't spoken since. Until today." She glares at me with narrowed eyes, tugging against my hold, but I refuse to release her. "You know, I really can't stand you. Seeing you tonight only reiterates my feelings."
I don't doubt it for a minute. Most women hate me once they get to know me.
Not Aaliya. She knows all my faults yet she still wants to be with me. Or at least she used to. I want that again. The closeness, that connection I share with no one else. She somehow understands me, she always has.
I know for a fact that not many people do.
"Fine, hate me all you want. Just say you'll do this."
"It's not that easy for me to walk away from my life, you know. I have responsibilities. And what if Sharon's mad that you did this?" I smooth my thumb across the top of her hand, and she releases a shuddering breath. "I'm asking for trouble, working with you."
"Aaliya, please."
Her eyes widen at my choice of words. I rarely say please. I just take what I want. But please is not working with Aaliya at this very moment. She looks ready to run.
"Zain . . ."
"Please, Aaliya," I say again. "I need you."
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A love so overwhelming that I cherish the presence of each and every one of you in my living every single day..every living moment..Thank you for your cooperation. Next chapter will be updated tonight.
Love
Ann
Chapter Ten
Aaliya
"IT'S HARD FOR me to believe you're serious." He's driving me crazy with how he's touching me. I can't think. And the way he's looking at me isn't much better.
At this very moment his sole focus is on me. That penetrating dark gaze of his locked on my face. As if nothing and no one else matters. All that intensity is tough to deal with.
Of course, he wants something from me. Not like he can be a complete ass and expect me to be agreeable.
Despite my instinct to scream No! and flee the restaurant, I take this moment to study him, my gaze roving over him greedily. He's wearing a black sweater that stretches across his chest, emphasizing his broad shoulders. His dark hair gleams beneath the soft glow of the lights shining from above.
More than one woman has glanced in his direction since I sat down. Power, wealth, authority, it radiates from Zain in palpable waves. Funny how I can forget that when I'm not around him. How potent he is to my well-being.
Couple all that potency with a devastatingly handsome face and outrageously sexy body, no woman is immune.
Including myself, as much as I'm loath to admit it.
"What's so difficult for you to believe? I've already gotten your boss's approval. We're ready to move forward." He smiles, drags his thumb across my knuckles yet again. A bolt of heat rushes through me at the seemingly innocent touch. He knows what he's doing to me, how he affects me. This is an act to make me agreeable.
Stupid idiot that I am, I'm falling for it despite the warning bells screaming inside my head. "For how long again?"
"Two weeks tops."
How simple he makes it sound. He snaps his fingers and makes it all happen, just like that. Could I really stand to be around him for any extended length of time? I have no willpower when it comes to Zain. He's a weakness of mine. Like indulging in too much chocolate and bad movies on a Sunday afternoon.
Only a million times worse.
"And Sharon readily agreed to this without protest?" I found it hard to believe. She needs me around, she's so busy. I don't know how she can afford to let me go, even if it's only for two weeks.
"The prestige of her design company working with Hush and Abdullah is more than enough incentive for her to have you come work for me." He pauses, the confident expression on his face downright breathtaking. "You really think she'd refuse me?"
Could anyone refuse him? He's an Abdullah , after all. And so arrogant with it, I wish I could tell him no. Just once. Right now would be the perfect time"but the opportunity he's offering me is just too tempting and Sharon would kill me if she's already agreed. He knows it too. "What you're suggesting . . . it's crazy. You really think we can get this project off the ground and ready in two weeks?"
"We can do whatever we set our minds to. Just say yes, Aaliya." His gaze drops, landing on my mouth, where it lingers a fraction too long. My lips literally tingle, as if he physically touched them.
Extracting my hand from his grasp, relief floods me as I finally break the physical connection between us. When he touches me, I can't think. I have a problem thinking when he's looking at me too, so I drop my gaze. Study the tablecloth in front of me, which is a stark, pure white, made of fine, thick linen.
That I'd rather contemplate a tablecloth shows how powerful Zain's influence is on me. God, I'm weak when it comes to this man.
His sinfully deep voice breaks through my thoughts. "Stop playing this game, Aaliya. It's going to happen."
Sighing, I reluctantly lift my gaze. "Fine. When do we leave?"
"Tonight?" He flashes that dazzling smile, the one that dissolves my panties. Sexy, no-good jerk.
Grabbing my wineglass, I drain it, my skin instantly warming from the alcohol. I'll definitely need more wine to get through the rest of this evening. "No way. Tomorrow."
"All right. Tomorrow works," he drawls. "But it'll have to be first thing. I have a few stipulations too."
"I'm sure you do."
"I'll need you to consult with me on everything. Every choice, every decision you need to make. It's not that I don't trust you, but there's a certain aesthetic I want at both locations and I need to ensure your choices meet that aesthetic."
I nod once. Nothing unusual there. "I don't have a problem with that."
"And if I don't like what you suggest, you won't try to convince me otherwise. I have final word." He wraps his fingers around his beer bottle and brings it to his mouth, taking a drink, gorgeously sexy when he swallows, which is insane.
He makes me insane. His scent, the way he watches me with that calculated, hot gaze. His mere presence warms my skin, sets fire to my blood. Floods me with memories of our one amazing night together. I both cherish and hate those memories.
And he's drawing out the suspense on purpose. I'm literally sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting to hear what he might say next. "I also want you to move in with me," he finishes once he sets the bottle down.
My mouth drops open, shock rushing through my veins. "Move in with you?" I squeak, clearing my throat.
"I'll need you on site every single day. I'm rushing this project. All decisions we need to make must be quick. I can't have you coming back and forth from San Francisco. I need you with me. Every day. Every night, until the project is finished. At the very least you can stay at Hush."
"Oh, I get exactly what you want from me." A slow-burning rage sweeps over me, making me shake. I push back my chair and stand, glaring down at him. "I'm not going to be another one of your sexual conquests."
Tilting his head back, he watches me, calm as ever. "Don't be angry, Aaliya. I'm not asking you to have sex with me in order for you to have this project. I'm not that much of an a**hole."
God, his words sting. What sort of woman does he think I am? "Yeah, right. Next thing I know I'm flat on my back in your bed. No thank you. You're not going to bribe me with career recognition either." Bending, I grab my purse from the floor and sling it over my shoulder.
"I know the idea of staying with me doesn't make you comfortable, but it's best for the project considering the timeline. Besides, I'm not asking you to wait for me nak*d in my bed every night, though the idea is appealing." The arrogance dripping from his voice makes me want to hit something. Preferably him. "Come on, I know you haven't forgotten how easy it was between us that night, Aaliya," he murmurs, his voice low. Sexy.
Ugh.
His words enflame me, filling me with both lust and anger. I really hate that I still want him. "You're a bas***d," I say through clenched teeth before I turn and head toward the door, desperate to escape the suddenly too warm, too confining restaurant.
I hear him call my name. Hear his chair scrape across the floor as he stands and starts to come after me. But I refuse to look back. Choose to ignore the hostess who's calling after me that she still has my coat.
Pushing open the door, I step out into the dark night, deeply breathing the cool air. A flash goes off in my face, I swear I hear them call Zain's name, and I head in the opposite direction, avoiding the paparazzi at all costs. How could I forget they follow Zain everywhere?
God. My head is spinning, and not just from the wine. The stupid photographer is just the tip of my overwhelming iceberg"that Zain demands I work for him. Going above my head to ensure I have no choice but to work for him is infuriating. Never mind that we had sex and he has to bring it up. Like he's trying to use that night against me. I could blame it on the champagne I drank too much of, I suppose.
So freaking embarrassing.
Worse? I know I would've done it without the champagne. I can't blame too much alcohol on my one night with Zain. I was completely sober.
But he's an a**hole. A controlling, arrogant jerk who thinks I'm some sort of spineless, stupid girl. I wish I could refuse him but he's effectively trapped me. And why didn't Sharon talk to me about this? I can't quite wrap my head around how he made all of this happen and so quickly.
He's just that powerful, that influential to gain the things"or people"he wants with a simple phone call or snap of his fingers.
Not knowing which way to go, I turn right, heading blindly into the night. Cars pass by, I hear the loud rumble of a city bus as it speeds down the street, and I blink hard, my strides quick, my heart pumping like crazy. A shiver moves through me and I rub my arms with my hands, wishing I had my coat. It's a total favorite; I love that jacket and I'm pissed I left it in the restaurant like an idiot.
God, he's so distracting, it's unfair. Why did he have to be so gorgeous? So freaking irresistible?
I increase my pace, furious at my thoughts. I can hear him right now, following behind me, his determined steps hitting the sidewalk, his huffs of aggravation.
Good. I'm irritating him. Glad to know the feeling is mutual. I need to get away from him.
Far, far away.
"Aaliya." The man is as tall as a god with legs as long as my entire body, meaning he easily catches up with me. His strong fingers clamp around my upper arm and he turns me so I face him. "Don't run away from me."
His words are spoken as a demand. "Let me go." I struggle against his hold and he tightens his fingers, making it impossible to escape.
Zain pulls me in close, his body heat wrapping around me, his potent scent filling my head, making me weak. "Stop fighting this."
I need my willpower to kick in. It has to or I'll never survive him. "There's no this' to fight. I'm not helping you."
Zain looks downright offended at my words. "You don't have a choice. I need you."
"You don't need me. I'm just an easy target." The urge to punch him comes over me, stronger than ever. He has the advantage, knowing how easily I react to him. He's not above using it against me fully either. "I hate that you've done this," I murmur.
"Why?" His voice is deceptively soft. As persuasive as his fingers stroking my lower back, he's trying to lull me into a false sense of security. Like I'm some sort of cat he can pet and stroke and ease under his spell. I was strong enough before to send him away, to walk away on my own. But am I strong enough now? Can I resist him again? I don't know.
"You've already fooled me once." Not really, but it sounds good. We fooled each other. "I shouldn't let it happen again."
Reaching out, I rest my hand on his chest, desperate to push him away. It's as if my fingers have a mind of their own, though. I curl them into the soft, smooth fabric of his sweater, feeling the steely strength of him just beneath. A trembling sigh leaves me, and I keep my gaze locked on my hand, afraid to look at him. Afraid he'll see everything I feel for him reflected in my eyes.
"I was fooling myself," he finally says as he touches my cheek, slipping his fingers beneath my chin to tilt my head up. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
I frown. Did I hear him right? Did Zain just admit he'd done something wrong? "Well, you did."
Our gazes hold for long, quiet moments heavy with tension. I want to run. Break free of him once and for all and pretend this night never happened. Yet another part of me wants to stay. Wants to agree to what he's asking me. Maybe then I can get one of two things.
Either I can convince Zain we're truly meant to be. Or finally get him out of my system once and for all.
Zain
Aaliya'S FINGERS STILL grip my sweater, her innocent touch driving me f**king wild with wanting her. Holding her close, she fits against me perfectly, as if she were made for me. It was like this between us last time. The moment I pulled her into my arms, it was like we were two pieces of a puzzle that finally clicked together.
Half the reason I'd been scared shitless before. Still. No other woman feels this . . . right in my arms. And I haven't even kissed her yet. It feels damn good just to hold her, which is ridiculous because I don't need to just hold a woman.
I should have her sprawled nak*d and needy beneath me, screwing her brains out at this very moment. Forget emotion, forget everything but that driving need to consume. That's how I usually operate.
Yet here I am. Acting like I'm in junior high and holding hands with a girl for the first time. Terrified and out of my mind with it.
"Is this just an excuse to get in my pants?" she finally asks, her voice wary. She's so damn smart. "You wanting me to work for you in such close circumstances? Seems pretty desperate if you ask me."
Slowly shaking my head, I let my thumb drift across her plump lower lip. Only a month since I last kissed her and I can vividly remember her taste. The sounds she makes. The way she wound her arms around my neck, her slender fingers threading through my hair. Her touch had felt so damn good. Too good.
f**k. That's exactly it. She's too damn good for me. I need to remember this.
"You're the only woman I can trust, Aaliya," I murmur, my heart lodging in my throat, making it hard to speak. "The only woman who understands me and my life and my career and what's required. I know you won't leak any information about the new location. And I know I can trust you to help me make the right decisions when it comes to designing the interiors."
A trembling breath escapes her, the gust of air brushing against my thumb. My heart rate kicks up into a steady gallop and I inhale deeply. Trying my damnedest to act like she doesn't affect me.
But holy shit, does she ever affect me.
"How can I understand you when I don't even really know you, Zain? We've never been close." Her gaze drops to my lips, lingering there. "Despite what . . . happened between us last time, there's nothing between us."
I feel like there's too much between us, but I won't go there now. "You've been a part of my life for a long time. You've known me since I was a teenager. Before I became . . . this." The consummate playboy who can have any woman I want at any time. The workaholic hotelier who throws himself into his business until all he can do is live and breathe Hush. And now there's Crave . . .
"Yeah, well my feelings still haven't changed about you. I think you're crazy." She gasps when I lean in and brush my lips against the right corner of her mouth. That quick sample of her soft skin makes me ache for more. "Wh"why are you kissing me?"
"Because I need to." I kiss the left corner, moving to capture her upper lip between both of mine, nibbling a little bit before I release her. "I need your help,Aaliya. I can't get the resort ready without you."
"Stop it." She's pushing at my chest but I'm not going anywhere. "Don't say things you don't mean."
"You really think I don't mean it when I say I need you?" I'm incredulous. I sure as hell need her. More than I care to admit.
I have to convince her back into my bed. At least one more time"possibly a few dozen times before I let her go back to her world and I go back to mine. She was there the night of Jeff and Cecily's wedding reception. All that pent-up chemistry swirling between us, exploding the moment my lips first touched hers. She knows how combustible it can be between us.
So why is she full of so much doubt?
"You don't need me. You just want me to bail you out of trouble. I've never mattered to you. Not really." She tilts her head away from mine when I lean in for another kiss.
"Damn it, Aaliya," I start, but she cuts me off.
"You abandoned me, Zain." Aaliya's voice is so soft, I can hardly hear her. "I know we agreed our hav**g s*x was a mistake, but the way you touched me in the suite at Hush right before Riz texted you, I was so confused. I thought you wanted . . . oh my God, I don't know what you want. Not really. I don't get you. Since I left you that afternoon, you haven't called. I haven't heard one peep out of you, not that I expected to." She takes a step back, withdrawing from me completely, and my arms feel empty without her in them. "This back and forth between us is . . . difficult. I can't risk getting close to you again only for us to end it before we really gave ourselves a chance. Not that there's an "us" . . ." Her voice trails off and her cheeks turn pink. She probably didn't mean to admit such a thing.
Her small admission gives me hope.
"I won't touch you. Unless you want me to." I smile but she doesn't return the gesture. Heaving a big sigh, I cup her cheek, briefly sliding my fingers across her soft skin before I let my hand drop away from her. I can't help but touch her, but if she doesn't want me to, I won't. "I promise."
Pressing her lips together, her hazel eyes go wide as she trembles. I draw her back into my arms, protecting her from the cold. She has to be freezing since she left her coat in the restaurant. "Let's get out of here and you can come back to the hotel with me downtown. I have the penthouse suite and the view of the city is amazing. It's too damn cold out here to talk."
Aaliya stiffens in my arms just before she withdraws from me yet again. "Come with you back to your hotel room? I don't think so. Next thing I know, I'm flat on my back and you're all over me."
I smile. Damn, that sounds amazing. "And that's a bad thing, why?"
"Stop, Zain. I already told you I refuse to let that happen again." She crosses her arms in front of her, contemplating me with her shrewd gaze. "Besides, if we ever did have sex again, you'd run like you always do."
When shit gets serious, I definitely run. But not anymore. For once, I don't want to bail. "I can't run any longer, Aaliya. This is it. I need the new resort to open with a roaring success. I need those suites to look amazing. Together, I know we can do it."
"Fine." She sighs. "We need to come up with a budget. A timeline." She taps her finger against her pursed lips, driving me wild with wanting her. Damn, she's beautiful. Even shivering in the cold, angry with me and most likely thinking I've lost my damn mind, she's gorgeous. f**king amazing, really.
I don't deserve her help. I don't deserve Aaliya Haider whatsoever.
But I still want her. Desperately.
"We can plot and plan back at the hotel, Aaliya," I tell her. "Come on. I won't try any funny business."
A perfectly manicured brow lifts at that remark. "Promise?"
Nodding, I make an X on my chest with my index finger. "Cross my heart."
"You swear? I can't think when you push yourself on me,Zain. And if you want my help in figuring out how we're going to do this, then you need me to be able to think."
Is it wrong that I'm pleased with her remark? That she can't think when I'm around? I love that, especially because I feel the same way.
"Come back to the suite with me, Alaiya. We'll figure this out."
"Fine." She offers a jerky nod. "Let's do this."
Sweeter words were never spoken.
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The fun has just begun !
From
Ann
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