The Sheikh's Impossible Girl - completed.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Light fingers travelled up her back, over her shoulders, guiding her back towards him, her hair falling softly upon his face. "I am sure nothing so dramatic would be needed. I have already spoken to your father and have his approval if allowed."

Ashley hovered over him. "You do? When?" Tears welled in her eyes, falling that he kissed away. "Why is it I always cry around you?" she cried, then sniffed. "Happy tears." He wrapped her shaking body into his arms as she kissed him. "I never thought this could happen, not us." She peered up at him as she was twisted in his arms, across his lap sideways, cocooned in his muscular, familiar arms. "Can I wear your Jaddati's ring?"

"I already thought you were. Those jewels all belong to you." Her eyes rounded. "And it would be a great honour if you did. Jaddati would have loved you, not as much as I do."

"Your parents are pretty cool as well."

"Glad to hear it. They do have their moments." Tarazi took Ashley with him as he stretched on the sofa, side by side, brushing wayward hair from her face. "Until Layla can join you, I need you at my side at all times. I also need Yasser back in my service."

Her fingers stroked his chest where the buttons were undone, watching with fascination, loving his colouring. Everything about him. "As you wish. See, I'm easy to get along with." She purred, leaning in, nuzzling his neck. "Hmm, you smell so good, good enough to eat." Kissing a path up and nibbling on his earlobe, bringing forth a guttural response.

"Then you should have something more to eat," he growled, fingers brushing her shoulder towards her collarbone.

"Not for food," she laughed, kissing his cheek.

"Yes, well, today was a once-off until we're married. We will be watched, and Layla will move in with you."

That brought her head up sharply. "Why?"

"What happened to I'm easy to get along with?"

"I don't need a chaperon."

"That's debatable." He laughed as she wiggled in closer, working a leg between his, snuggling in.

"Do I get paid to work at your side?" Back to nuzzling his neck. His hand dropped and curled around her bottom, squeezing.

"No, you'll be part of the family business," bringing a moan from her. "Ashley, not like your family business. You'll be helping me. I thought that was what you wanted. If not, you don't have to."

"Well, I'm not going to twiddle my thumbs. Yes, I want to work at your side. So, does this mean we are officially engaged?"

"Just between us, no one else."

"Can I wear your ring?" She felt all fuzzy inside. It was feeling real, pressing harder against him, sliding her hand inside his shirt and caressing over.

"Yes, but when in public, wear it on the other hand. There are a few formalities we have to go through before they can announce it."

She looked up into his watchful, hooded, heated gaze. "What does that mean, exactly?"

"I have to present the engagement in front of a gathering of family members and explain my reason for the engagement, also what you will bring to the family."

Moaning, she dropped her forehead onto his chest. "The shortest engagement in the history of time," she bemoaned. "I have nothing to offer the family."

"What you offer is more precious than any royal connection. Your heart. I just have to sell the reason for our marriage. I am good at what I do, Ashley, so trust me."

"Do what you have to do. I don't care as long I have you."

"Had me," he laughed to be poked. "Behave yourself, princess."