Free The Sheikh's Second Chance Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 5) by Cara Albany Page B

his life and spoke about his achievements with visible satisfaction. Every time he tried to dig deeper into Lana's past, she rebuffed him, firmly, but politely. She saw his frustration after each of her refusals, but she was determined that they should only be friends.  
    Every once in a while, she glanced at a doorway at the far end of the room. She was sure that was where the bedroom lay. Best not to think of that, she told herself repeatedly. There was no way she was ever going to end up in that room. Not if she had any say in the matter.  
    And, to be fair to Malik, not once during their long conversation did he ever try to make the move on Lana that she had prepared herself for.
    Was that a good thing? She wasn't sure she liked the frequent stabs of disappointment that came to her, completely unwanted, utterly unbidden. Why on earth was she feeling even the slightest tug of disappointment that Malik hadn't at least tried to make a move to kiss her the way he'd kissed her before? Was it that they were here, in his private space?
    The hours wore on, and the sun started to sink toward the horizon. The sky was beginning to turn a beautiful shade of orange. Malik suddenly leapt up from the sofa and extended a hand down to Lana.
    "Please, come with me," he ordered.
    Lana felt her throat tighten. Where was he taking her? Was this how he did things with other women? Did he simply take them to his room without so much as a request? Well, it wasn't going to be that easy, Lana told herself, starting to prepare a barbed reply.
    "I have a surprise for you," Malik announced.
    Lana stood and let Malik lead her toward the lift. He opened the lift and guided Lana inside, following her in. The doors closed and Lana felt a surge as the lift moved up again. She gave Malik a puzzled look, but he said nothing.
    The lift doors opened, and Lana felt a rush of fresh air. She looked out upon the roof of the building. Malik led her out, and the lift doors closed behind them.
    A loud metallic whirring sound filled Lana's ears. She turned and froze on the spot.
    A helicopter stood a few yards away, its rotor blades already spinning. Lana looked at Malik. He smiled at her and took her hand. "I hope you're not frightened of flying in helicopters," he said with a grin.
    The noise from the rotors was louder now, so Lana had to raise her voice. "I've never been in one."
    Malik gazed off toward the distant setting sun. "I thought we'd take a spin and just enjoy the sunset in a different way."
    Lana gave Malik a disbelieving look. "Really?"
    Malik nodded, and she could tell he was excited.
    "Do you want to do it?" Malik asked.
    Lana paused, glancing toward the helicopter. She raised a hand to her blonde hair which threatened to completely cover her face. Also, it didn't help that her dress was blowing wildly around her legs. She saw Malik glance down at her body. It was the first time he'd looked at her like that since they'd arrived at his apartment. But, the way the fabric of her dress was clinging to her body was obviously affecting Malik in a way he couldn't control.
    Lana nodded and smiled. "Okay. I'll be brave."
    Malik grinned. "I knew you would be," he said above the roar of the helicopter's rotor blades.
    Malik escorted Lana safely into the helicopter, strapping her into the seat. The pilot watched until Malik slid the door closed behind himself and took his place next to Lana. Malik nodded to the pilot, and Lana felt a sudden surge to one side as the helicopter lifted off and swung out over the edge of the tall building. She felt her stomach sink, and she gripped the side of her seat. Lana saw Malik look at her, concern visible in his gaze.  
    Lana nodded at Malik silently answering his unspoken question.
    Lana gazed out the window and saw the city slide below them. The sense of movement was intense, but somehow having Malik next to her made Lana feel a curious sense of safety.  
    The helicopter headed out across the city. Lana glanced at Malik