Page 133 of Bred By the Sheikh

Heat tightened low between my thighs.

“You’re staring.”

“I’m married to you. I’m allowed to stare at my wife.”

“That’s not how marriage works.”

“It’s worked very well for me so far.”

I laughed and finally got the second earring through.

Tariq crossed the room and came up behind me. His arm settled around my waist, his hand spreading over the curve of my stomach as he bent to kiss the side of my neck.

My breath caught.

“You look beautiful,” he murmured.

I turned in his arms.

“You look acceptable, but I’m trying not to inflate your ego before we go downstairs.”

His eyebrows rose. “You’re wasting your effort.”

“On your ego?”

“On trying not to inflate it.”

I laughed.

Tariq kissed me before I could answer.

It wasn’t a polite kiss meant for a woman whose lipstick had already been applied. His fingers tightened at my waist, and the kiss lingered until I was braced against his chest and had absolutely no concern left for cosmetics.

When he finally lifted his head, I checked myself in the mirror.

“You’d better hope my lipstick survived that.”

“It did, and if it didn’t, you can repair it.”

“You’re very relaxed about creating work for other people.”

“I employ people.”

“That might be the most Tariq answer you’ve ever given me.”

A gray shape streaked through the open doorway.

Goblin skidded to a stop beside my hem.

“Goblin, don’t you dare.”

She tipped her face up at me.

Her coat was sleek now, her small body filled out enough that nobody would mistake her for the dusty little creature I’d found hiding beneath hotel landscaping. She wore no expression of gratitude for the veterinary care, food, toys, expensive furniture, or general royal lifestyle she’d acquired.

Goblin rubbed herself enthusiastically against the emerald silk.

I stared down.