The Sheikh's Second Chance Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 5) Read Online Free

catching the light in a seductive fashion.  
    He suddenly recalled the feel of her hair against the side of his face when he'd kissed her at the foot of those stairs in New York. The scent of the soft tresses had stayed with him long after he'd made his exit after the interruption of the woman at the top of the stairs.
    Malik tried to clear his head of such thoughts, but the sight of the beautiful American woman standing in front of him had seized his attention with an intensity that had taken him aback.
    Malik took in the sight of her features and tried to disguise the wave of approval that surged within him. Her lips were red and full; the green of her eyes caught the light, and they seemed to shimmer with the familiar intensity that had captured his attention in New York. Even across the room at the fundraiser those eyes had captivated him. There was something animal and hypnotic about them.
    The moment of their reunion seemed to slow time to a crawl. The distant noises of the airport had faded into the background. All he could do in this instant was savor the sight of this American woman who he had taunted so mercilessly and then abandoned.
    Mia squinted at Lana. "You and Malik haven't met before, have you?"
    Lana flashed a glance at Malik. Her lips parted obviously with the intent to reply, but Malik quickly cut her off. "Don't be silly, Mia. How could we possibly know each other?" he said to Mia.
    Mia looked unconvinced. She glanced back and forth from Lana to Malik. "It's just that, the way you two were looking at each other, it seemed like you were already familiar," Mia said.
    Lana glanced at Malik, and he was sure she was about to say something to correct her friend.  
    Malik narrowed his eyes slightly and met Lana's confused gaze. She seemed to catch his drift and then turned to Mia. "I feel like I already know your future family, Mia. You've talked about nothing else since you gave me the wonderful news."
    Apparently satisfied Mia curled her arm inside Rafiq's. "I can't wait to take you to the palace," Mia said.
    Lana rolled her eyes. "That sounds just too good to be true. A palace?"
    Mia nodded. "I know. Isn't it amazing?"
    Lana turned to Malik. She looked up at the blue sky. "Is it always so sunny?" Lana slid down the dark sunglasses that were perched on top of her head. "I guess I'm not used to this amount of sunshine." She turned her gaze toward Malik. "Especially with New York winters. They're not renowned for their sunny days."
    Lana lowered her head, and Malik knew she was awaiting his reply.
    Malik shifted awkwardly. "I wouldn't know about that. I haven't been to New York in the winter. I don't go there as often as I'd like."
    The corner of Lana's mouth creased with a sardonic smile. "Really? What a pity. You'd love it," she said wryly. "It such a contrast to all of this," she said gesturing toward the distant sand dunes.
    Malik saw Mia frown. "Can I take your bags, Lana?" he asked quickly. It was all he could think to say. Desperate circumstances called for desperate measures.
    Lana turned toward the plane where the bags were being unloaded from the cabin. "I suppose so," she said.
    Malik saw Rafiq look questioningly at him. Malik's face froze in a neutral mask. It wasn't often Rafiq had seen Malik make such an offer to a woman, especially one he'd apparently just met. Was it so unusual for Malik to behave like a gentleman toward a woman? Apparently Rafiq thought so, judging by his expression.
    Malik walked to the plane, picked up the two small cases and headed to the limo. With the driver's help, he placed the cases in the rear of the car. He watched Mia, Rafiq and Lana get into the car. As she dipped her head to enter the limo, Lana lifted her head and gave Malik a long look.
    Malik got into the limo and paused before sitting down. Rafiq was sitting on the bucket seat with Mia and Lana taking up part of the lengthy main seat facing forward.
    "You can sit next to Lana," Mia said with a smile.
    Malik