Page 48 of The Billionaire's Timed Wife

But that was before I kissed Adeela for the first time. Because after holding her, soft, trembling, sweet, the decision was made.

And then came last night, when unexpectedly, the shy, inexperienced girl surrendered to my touch, revealing her desire without fear. Trusting me to guide her.

I can’t deny it aroused me when she practically challenged my fidelity with her noteworthy three-year “contract.”

If that’s what she wants, I’ll include the clause. But there’s no chance I’ll ever betray her. If she knew me, she wouldn’t even have imagined such a thing. Once I make a decision, I’d die before breaking it.

“Who is she?” my father asks, bringing me back to the conversation.

“Adeela Ghazal.”

“Adeela . . . Jazmina’s friend?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t understand. You were never close to her. Why this decision now?”

Because only yesterday did I allow myself to see how perfect she truly is, even if she’s too young for me.

Because I can’t stop thinking about tasting every inch of that beautiful body, hearing her breathless moans.

Because . . .

There are too many reasons. And if I were a better man, I’d never bind her to me, but unfortunately for both of us, I want her and I won’t walk away.

“You told me to get married. I found the woman I want by my side. Why is that so hard for you to accept?”

“I never said I’d oppose the union,” he replies evenly. “I’m just trying to understand. Is that why they went to Paris? Was this arranged in advance?”

“Not at all. Their trip had a much more complicated reason.”

“I want to know what it was. My health isn’t what it used to be, but my mind is still sharp. I won’t be left out of matters concerning my sons.”

“They came here because of an unexpected situation, Father. I can’t give details—it isn’t my secret to share. What matters is that Jazmina needed to get Adeela out of Rheadur as fast as possible.”

“I don’t like mysteries, especially when they involve my family.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore. Whatever danger Adeela was in, it’s over. She’s my fiancée now and under my protection.”

“Why her, Kaled?”

“Believe me when I say she’s the only person I could ever marry.”

“That’s not exactly a declaration of love.”

“No, but I care for her enough to imagine spending the rest of my life with her. That’s already a big step for me.”

He falls silent, and I know why. My father understands. Not all his marriages were born of love either. In our world, physical attraction carries far more weight than affection ever could.

“You don’t sound excited,” I remark.

“I am. About you getting married, yes. I was tired of seeing you parading around with a new model every week. My concern is with your choice.”

“Why?”

“Adeela’s a good girl, my son. Maybe you should reconsider. Like your sister, she deserves someone who loves her.”

I try to look at it from the outside. Imagine her with another man. Sleeping and waking in a bed that isn’t mine. Kissing someone else. Moaning in another man’s arms.