The Sheikh’s Disobedient Bride(69)

“I know. What was I thinking?”



She scooted toward him, practically climbing into his lap. “I don’t know. But just keep me, Tair. That’s all I ask. Keep me close to you.”



“I thought you were a wandering woman. Someone who couldn’t stay in one place long.”



She blinked hard, blinked to keep the tears from falling. He undid her. He, barbarian that he was, made her heart hurt and hope in ways she’d never thought possible. “That was before I met you.”



“You’re a changed woman, are you?”



“Mmmmm.”



“What’s that?”



She tried to avoid his searching gaze but he wasn’t letting her evade him. Tally sighed exasperatedly. “Maybe not that changed.”



“So why can you stay here with me?”



“Because you’re the ultimate challenge. You’re Mount Everest and the Amazon put together. How could I tire of you? I’ll never completely understand you but—” She broke off, took a quick, deep breath. “But I promise I’ll always try.”



Creases fanned from his eyes. His fierce features were inexplicably gentle, and the warmth in his eyes tangible. He stroked her cheekbone, and then the curve of her mouth, her soft pouting upper lip, the full lower lip and then down to her chin. “I love you. And I need you. I’m lost—” He broke off, struggled with the words, then forced himself to finish, “Without you. Come home.”



She moved the rest of the way into his arms. “I have.”