The Sheikh's Hesitant Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 7) by Cara Albany Page B

She knew it would probably mean he'd return to Qazhar empty handed as far as properties were concerned. It meant there would be no more secret meetings, no more chances for her to get to know more about him; no more chances to be alone with him.  
    Her mind drifted back to the previous night. They'd come so close, she realized. She had almost crossed a line, one she had drawn for herself, one no man had ever been able to tempt her to cross.
    But, Zarif was different. She'd realized that many times during the past two weeks. After last night, she was even more convinced that he was utterly unique, a man who had the potential to turn her world upside down.
    That single thought made her feel a dangerous mixture of temptation and anxiety. She'd never before felt such a potent cocktail of emotions.
    "Rachel. Are you listening?" she heard Abby demand. "Honestly, I don't know what's gotten into you these past few days," Abby stated.  
    Rachel squinted up at her boss. "I guess I've just been working so hard, Abby," Rachel said, trying to contain the hint of sarcasm in her voice.
    Abby frowned, taking note of Rachel's brief moment of rebellion.
    Rachel glanced across and saw Alice lower her head, a scandalized smile on her face. Rachel saw Abby glance over at Alice and scowl.  
    "What do you need me to do, Abby?" Rachel asked quickly. She seized a pen and pad, readying herself to take notes.
    Abby paced back and forth in front of Rachel's desk, ticking off a list of tasks which Rachel would have to do that morning. Finally, Rachel couldn't resist the impulse which had been tugging at her since Abby had started to speak.
    "What about Sheikh Zarif?" Rachel asked.
    Abby froze on the spot and glared at Rachel. "What about him?" she blurted out sharply.
    Rachel hesitated, trying to find a diplomatic way to broach the subject of the man who had been her secret companion these past few days. "Who's going to deal with him while we're gone?"
    Abby waved a dismissive hand. "I've already dealt with that," she stated.
    "Really?" Rachel asked, wondering why her boss looked so annoyed. Had something happened between her and Zarif? Had he finally made clear to Abby just what he thought of her? If that was the case, Rachel couldn't even begin to imagine how that conversation had ended except without at least some disappointment for Rachel's boss.
    "I offered Alice as an alternative to you, Rachel. But, for some reason the Sheikh wasn't exactly happy with that suggestion," Abby said.  
    Rachel saw Abby's brows furrow. There was definitely more going on than Abby was willing to reveal to Rachel.
    "What did he say?" Rachel asked.  
    Abby frowned at Rachel. "What does it matter to you what he said?" Abby said sharply.
    "I only thought..." Rachel started to say, but Abby cut her off abruptly.
    "I don't pay you to think, Rachel," Abby said. "I pay you to persuade clients to buy properties. Or, at least, that was what I thought you were doing with Sheikh Zarif."
    Rachel glared at her boss, shocked at the tone of voice. For a moment both women stared at each other. Rachel was momentarily lost for words. Abby had never spoken to her like that before. Rachel saw Abby's jaw tighten, saw the deliberation behind her boss' eyes. There was definitely something more going on, Rachel told herself.
    Rachel stood up. "If you're unhappy with my work, Abby, then why don't you just come out and say so," Rachel declared.
    Abby's gaze locked on Rachel. "You seem to have been doing very well for yourself these past couple of weeks."
    "What does that mean?" Rachel demanded. She moved around the desk and faced Abby.  
    Her boss stood her ground. "I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, Rachel," Abby said.
    Then Abby did something which triggered a wave of indignation in Rachel, an unsettling rush of outrage which Rachel struggled immediately to contain. Abby's gaze eased slowly from Rachel's face all the way down her body. There was disdain and contempt in that