Sunday Smooch with Michelle Douglas

Welcome to another LoveCats DownUnder Sunday Smooch!

Today we have a smooch from Sarah and the Secret Sheikh but first 

... the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is Laura Boon!


Can you please contact Stefanie at: stefanie (at) stefanie - london (dot) com to receive your copy of Only the Brave Try Ballet

And now for today's Sunday Smooch from Michelle Douglas

 Expecting the sheikh's baby…

When one magical night with gorgeous and enigmatic Majed leaves Sarah pregnant, she's torn apart over whether to reveal her secret. She already loves this baby, but will confirmed bachelor Majed feel the same?

Discovering he's going to be a father changes everything for Majed. It's time to face the music and unveil his true identity as Prince of Keddah Jaleel! He'd love to make Sarah his sheikha, if only he can convince her she'll be much more than his convenient bride


[Scene set-up: Sarah has just informed Majed that she's pregnant. They've been discussing  their options...but what Majed wants if for Sarah to marry him. He doesn't believe in love, but he does believe in a marriage of convenience. Sarah's not sure what to think.]
 

  She moistened parched lips. ‘Do you believe in fidelity?’
  His eyes flashed. ‘I do.’ He took her chin in a firm grip and forced her gaze to his. ‘I can assure you that, if you marry me, you will not think of other men.’
  And then his lips slammed to hers with a force that was far from polite and more demanding than any kiss she’d ever experienced. One hand slid to her nape to prevent her from drawing away, while the other remained at her jaw, holding her still while he plundered her lips with a ruthless and seductive intent that had her melting even as she wanted to resist. The relentless, primal possession continued, sending the blood stampeding through her veins while the strength leached from her muscles until it finally tore his name from her throat.
  He lifted his head, his eyes glittering. ‘Are we clear on this point?’
  She lifted fingers that trembled to swollen lips. That kiss had been an outrageous attempt at domination, yet she wanted him to kiss her like that again…and not stop.
  ‘I’m clear on the fact that you expect fidelity from me. Do you demand it of yourself?’
  ‘Naturally.’ His chin tilted at an arrogant angle. ‘But then, I expect my future wife to make sure my mind does not stray to other women.’
  She tossed her head, dislodging his grip, thrilled and appalled in equal measure. But before she could give him the put down she was sure he deserved, his lips were on hers again—warm, gentle…playful. They teased and tantalised until her anger had dissolved and she threaded her fingers through his hair to pull him closer.
  He obliged until she lay half-sprawled beneath him, their only barrier the thin material of their clothes, his kisses sending something inside her spiralling free. She wanted all barriers between them gone. She wanted to move to the dance he’d taught her six weeks ago. She craved the spiralling pleasure, the adventure of it all, and the peace that followed. She ached…
  A whimper broke from her when he lifted his head. He muttered words she didn’t understand but could translate all too easily.
  There’d be no more kisses today.
  He lifted himself away from her and then helped her back into a sitting position with a gentleness that had the backs of her eyes burning.
  ‘I’m sorry.’
  He physically removed himself from the sofa, his words emerging clipped and short. If she hadn’t heard the regret threading through them, she might’ve fled in mortification.
  ‘I’m only sorry you stopped.’ She’d aimed for levity but fell far short of the desired mark. It was the truth of her words that rang in the space between them rather than humour. What the heck, she’d made a fool of herself over lesser things. ‘Why did you stop?’
  He moved to sit in an armchair. She’d love to flatter herself that it was because he couldn’t trust his control when he was near her, but she wasn’t that kind of woman. She didn’t inspire that kind of passion in men.
  ‘I don’t want to do anything to make you resent me.’
  ‘And…sex can be complicated?’
  ‘That is my experience, yes.’
  Hers too, but she and Majed had already been lovers, they were having a baby—he wanted to marry her, for heaven’s sake! Surely…?
  ‘From here on, Sarah, it has to be all or nothing. I won’t settle for anything less.’

Amazon
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Harlequin

Would you like to visit an Arabian oasis...or see the night sky from the Sahara Desert? Or does the thought of all that dry heat fill you with trepidation?

Come back next Sunday, when the winner of today's giveaway will be announced and another smooch will be posted!

Smooch Graphic by WebWeaver