The Sheikh's Hesitant Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 7) Read Online Free Page A

should spend so many millions of his own money? The idea seemed faintly ludicrous, but she could see by his expression that he wasn't teasing her, that he was asking her in deadly earnest.
    "Are you joking?" she asked.
    Zarif shook his head firmly. "Not at all. I can see you've done a better job than anyone I can think of when it comes to assessing this property." Zarif leaned closer to her, and she could see a hint of mischievousness in his gaze. But, there was also an earnestness in his eyes, a purposeful look that told her he was looking for an honest answer.
    "After all, that's why I hired Abby's company. To give me honest advice."
    Rachel frowned. "Are you saying that if I tell you to buy this place, you'll just buy it? On my advice alone?"
    Zarif nodded. "I can see you're bright, after all" he joked.
    She narrowed her eyes at him and turned away knowing full well that he was teasing her.
    Rachel turned back and faced him directly, meeting his gaze. "I can't possibly take such a responsibility," she argued.
    "I trust your judgment," he stated.
    "But, it's your own money," she replied.
    "I am aware of that," he said with a casual, dismissive grin.
    "No. I can't do such a thing, Zarif," Rachel said. She saw the corner of his mouth curl into an appreciative hint of a smile. Had that been caused by her use of his first name?
    "Let's agree that money isn't an issue," he said with a flippant tone of voice.
    "But, you know the asking price of this place, don't you?" she asked.
    He lifted the sheet of paper with the property details up to his eyes and squinted at the asking price written there.  
    "Okay. That's quite a bargain. Especially given the location," he said lifting his brows.  
    Now she knew he was teasing her. Even testing her, but to what end?
    "I think it would be best if you talk to Abby," Rachel stated firmly.  
    Zarif shook his head and took a step closer to her. "I don't want Abby's opinion. I am asking for your honest opinion. Because, it seems to me that I can trust you."  
    His expression had changed suddenly. There was an eager, urgent look in his eyes. His determination touched her, and she felt something shift in her middle. That look must have touched many women. It was the look of a man who demanded, a man who was accustomed to compliance, to submission.
    "Are you saying you can't trust my boss?" Rachel asked.
    His gaze flickered and he seemed to have realized the importance of the inadvertent suggestion in his previous statement.
    He regained his former composure and smiled. He glanced at his watch. "I have a lunch date with her. Let's just leave any decision until after that, shall we?"
    Rachel gazed at him. The moment had passed, and now he had reclaimed his previous air of indifference.
    "Well?" he asked.
    Rachel squinted at him, feeling puzzlement once again.  
    "Would you do me the honor of accepting an invitation to dinner this evening?" he asked.
    "I beg your pardon?" she replied.
    "May I have the pleasure of your company for dinner this evening? That will give you a chance to consider your advice."
    Rachel felt her mouth open, and she was sure she looked shocked by his sudden invitation. She felt her pulse quicken. Dinner with the sheikh?  
    "I'm not sure if Abby would approve of that," Rachel said.
    Rachel heard him draw a breath. She saw his shoulders rise. She was sure she saw his nostrils flare, a primal sign, a signal of displeasure. "I'm sure Abby needn't know," he stated.
    "You're asking me to have a private meeting with a client and not tell my boss?"
    Zarif took a step toward Rachel. "I'm not suggesting merely a private meeting, Rachel." He filled her entire view, and she felt suddenly alone in the apartment with him, as if she were the only thing he was interested in right now. "I'm asking you to dinner."
    "A date?"
    Zarif quirked a brow and shrugged one shoulder. "A date."
    Rachel's throat tightened, and she became aware of just how close Zarif was to her. It was almost as if she