She might love this man but she found him impossible to understand.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
SALIMKEPTHERby his side through the rest of the event, even leading her to his limousine for the return trip to the palace.
Through it all Rosanna’s sense of unreality grew stronger and her body more tense as she fought to appear at ease. She wanted to spurn Salim’s touch and demand an explanation. She wanted to curl up against his solid shoulder and take her first unfettered breath in days. She wanted...
She couldn’t have what she wanted.
Even though he’d stood up for her publicly against one of his most influential advisors.
Rosanna’s gait was stiff and her heart bruised as Salim ushered her through the palace and into a large sitting room.
When she recognised it she stumbled to a halt.
Her breath shuddered out. Salim’s private apartment. Over there was the spot they’d first kissed. Where he’d told her he couldn’t think about any other woman because he could only think of her.
Rosanna’s gaze slewed to the door on the other side of the room. The door that led deeper into his private realm and to his bedroom. Horrified, she slammed that memory shut and stalked away from his silent presence behind her.
Salim hadn’t said a word since they left the exhibition, presumably because they hadn’t been alone. But that silence unnerved her.
She swung around to face him when she reached the window. ‘Are you going to explain?’
That took him by surprise. His eyes widened and his jaw firmed. Why?Shehadn’t been the one to make a scene. His friend had done that. Then Salim had compounded it, ensuring everyone saw them together as if they were...
‘First you refuse to see me. I presume because I’m an embarrassing complication. Then you parade me around as if I’m some prize VIP for everyone to stare at.’
For several seconds Salim said nothing while the atmosphere between them thickened.
‘You don’t embarrass me. And I find it hard to believe you don’t like being stared at.’ His gaze trailed down her body, igniting sparks everywhere it touched.
Rosanna’s chin hiked up as she planted her hands on her hips. ‘I’m covered from neck to ankle.’
He shook his head and moved closer. ‘Maybe so, yet I can see every delicious curve of your body.’ His voice hit a deep, growly note that she felt in her marrow. ‘And that red screams for attention.’
He was right. She’d been desperate for him to notice her. But she didn’t understand what was happening. That fed her annoyance.
‘So, are you going to explain?’
There it was again, that glint in Salim’s eyes that spoke of temper fiercely leashed.
‘You thinkIhave something to explain?’ He paused, his stare piercing. ‘Why didn’t you tell me about your lover?’
‘Ex-lover. And I did, I told you he’d betrayed me.’
‘You didn’t mention how. You didn’t tell me the trouble he’d caused you.’
Rosanna drew in a deep breath. ‘It was no one’s business but mine.I’mthe one he hurt, not anyone here.’
‘You think that doesn’t matter?’ Then before she could process that Salim continued. ‘And you’re wrong. It’s now my business since you work closely with me and reside at the palace.’
Abruptly all her indignation seeped away like air from a punctured balloon. She sagged against the window frame, guilt eating at her. ‘You’re right. I’m sorry. I never thought my past could reflect on you or your administration.’
‘You think I’m worried for myself?’
Rosanna couldn’t read Salim’s expression except she was sure fury was part of it. This really was the end.
‘You’re going to break the contract, aren’t you? You’re going to send me away.’