The Sheikh's Bartered Bride. Lucy Monroe

we’re married.”

      “Yes. This is true.”

      “Well, then what would be the point of letting myself get all worked up if you aren’t going to let anything happen?”

      It was a good question. One he wished he could answer, but he had not been so successful in tamping down his own desires. He was rock hard and the only thing saving his pride were the blankets covering them both. Even so, had he not had his body tilted toward her, his erection would have tented the covers and given him away.

      It shamed and frustrated him that his usual ice-cool restraint was letting him down. With all his training, she had more control over her desires than he did his. He did not like weakness, even that of a purely sexual nature.

      “So you told a story in your head?” What sort of story would have been sufficient to take her mind off of the pleasure of their lovemaking?

      “Yes.”

      “And it was not about me.” He felt his irritation turn to irrational anger at the thought.

      “That would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it?” Her tone said her words should be obvious to even the simplest of minds.

      He glared at her. “I thought you wanted me to stay with you tonight.”

      Suddenly the pragmatic tilt to her mouth disappeared and searing vulnerability beamed at him from the startling blue of her eyes. “Yes. Are you going to leave because I was daydreaming?”

      She had much to learn about him. “I made a commitment to stay. I will stay.”

      She chewed on her bottom lip, still red and full from his kisses. “Do you always keep your promises?”

      “Always.” He repeated the word in his mind, reminding himself he had given her his word to wait until their marriage to receive the gift of her purity.