Page 101 of Bred By the Sheikh

“I want you in Dubai.”

My breath caught.

“I want you in my company because your work belongs there. That has nothing to do with this.”

He touched the edge of the ring box.

“This does.”

I swallowed.

“I want you in my home. I want you as my wife. I want the family we’ve talked about when we’re in bed, but I want it when we’re dressed too.”

My eyes burned.

“That is an extremely unfair sentence.”

“I’m not trying to be fair.”

A shaky laugh escaped me.

His expression softened.

“I’m trying to be clear.”

“You’re succeeding.”

“I’m not putting this ring on your hand tonight.”

I glanced at the box.

“Why did you bring it out?”

“Because I won’t hide what I’m asking you to consider.”

My chest ached.

“I’m not asking you to abandon your career to stay with me. I’m offering you work because you earned it. I’m offering you marriage because I love you.”

Tariq held my gaze.

I pressed my fingertips against my lips.

“You love me.”

“Yes, I do.”

Tears stung my eyes.

“That is also extremely unfair.”

This time he smiled.

“I can stop speaking if it helps.”

“It probably won’t.”

I laughed through the pressure in my throat.