Instead he was wearing an exquisitely cut suit in deep charcoal-greya modern suit with a mandarin collar which set off the exotic perfection of his face. And where the flowing silk had only hinted at the hard, lean body which lay beneaththe suit left absolutely nothing to the imagination and Rose just couldnt stop looking at him.
His shoulders were broader than she had realised, much broader, while the narrow hips were those of a natural athlete. And the legsgood heavens, those legs seemed to go on forever. Such powerful legs.
Rose opened her mouth to say something, but words just failed her.
You want me to go away? he prompted silkily.
Did she? It would probably be for the best, she answered truthfully.
But youve dressed for lunch, he observed, his eyes sweeping over the elegance of the pale linen dress.
Yes, I have.
So why waste all that effort?
It wasnt much effort. She shrugged. It only took me a few minutes to change!
Im flattered, he said drily.
She fixed him with a reproving stare. Im used to men being courteous enough to collect their date, and not sending a servant to collect them!
His eyes grew flinty. Philip is no servant, he said coldly. He is my emissary.
Lets not quibble about terminology! she returned. Why didnt you come yourself?
Khalim sighed. What would her reaction be if he told her that he had never had to? That all his life he had only had to metaphorically click his fingers and whichever woman hed wanted would comeif not running, then walking pretty quickly.
But I am here now, he said, in as humble an admission as he had ever made. Because he suspected that Rose Thomas was not playing games with him, and that if he pushed her too far then she would simply refuse to come. And he wanted her far too much to even countenance that.
He turned to where a tousled-headed brunette was gazing at him in wonder from the other side of the crimson-painted room, and gave her a slow smile.
Khalim, he said, with a slight nod of his head.
Rose was infuriated to see Lara virtually dissolve into a puddle on the carpetbut who could really blame her? It was something outside both their experiences, having a man of this calibre here, exuding vibrancy and sheer physical magnetism.
L-Lara Black, she stumbled. And Im very pleased to meet youK-Khalim.
Any minute now and her flatmate would start prostrating herself in front of him, thought Rose despairingly. She turned to find those impenetrable dark eyes now fixed on her.
Shall we go? he questioned quietly.
She knew that it would be impossible to backtrack, even if she had wanted toand to her horror she discovered that there was no way she wanted to. She wanted one lunch with this magnificent man. One lunch to show him that she was his equal. That she wouldnt crumble and capitulate in the face of all his undoubted charms.
One lunch, that was all.
Very well, she answered, in a quiet tone which matched his.
Khalim very nearly allowed a small smile of triumph to creep onto his lips, until he drew himself up short. There was no victory to be gained from that coolly dispassionate acceptance! he reminded himself. But instead of feeling irritation at her unwillingness to co-operate, he found that his senses were clamouring to life, making his blood sing out that heated, relentless rhythm once more.
Come, then, Rose, he said, and gestured for her to precede him.
In the hallway, however, he halted, and Roses mouth dried as she turned to see why. He was too close. The hall was too small. If she reached out her hand she could touch that proud, beautiful face. Could run her fingertips along his sculpted chin, and meet the faint rasp of shadowed growth there. She swallowed.
Khalims eyes gleamed. So. He had not been mistaken. It was for her just as it was for him. She wanted him. He noted the coiled-up tension of repressed desire in her rigid frame. He could read it in the dark helplessness of her eyes, and in the fulsome pout of her soft lips.
So, he said unsteadily. Where would you like to go?
Havent you booked anywhere? asked Rose in surprise. She had assumed that he would want the best table in one of the best restaurantsand Sunday was traditionally a very busy day for eating out.
No. He shook his head.
That will limit our choice somewhat.
I dont think so. He saw the frown which had creased the milky-white space of skin between two exceptionally fine eyebrows. I never have to book, he explained, and for the first time in his life he realised that he sounded almost apologetic.
And then Rose began to get her first glimmer of the implications of dating this man. She tried to make light of it and smiled. One of the perks of being a prince, I suppose?
Thats right. He found himself smiling back, unable to resist that sunny and unsettling curve of her mouth. Where would you like to go?
Rose wasnt a head-hunter for nothing. Her people skills were what kept her going in a competitive industry. She guessed that luxury would be second nature to Khalimso wouldnt he be a little bored with luxury?
Theres a local Italian restaurant called Pronto! on Sutton Street, she said. Simple foodbut good. And you can usually get a table there!
He was pleasantly surprised, expecting her to plump for somewhere much more up-market than her local restaurant. Then lets go and find it, he murmured.
On the way downstairs, Khalim was hypnotised by the proud set of her shoulders and the plaited hair of brightest gold which had captivated him from the moment he had first seen her.
Outside sat the most luxurious car Rose had ever seena great black gleaming monster of a car, with tinted windows and a liveried chauffeur who was standing beside it, and who immediately sprang to open the door.
Take us to Pronto!, said Khalim. On Sutton Street. And the chauffeur inclined his head respectfully.
Rose climbed into the back seat, noting that Philip was seated at the front, next to the chauffeur. And next to him, a dark-suited and burly individual. A bodyguard? she wondered nervously. Probably.
The car cruised slowly through the traffic-snarled streets, until it drew up outside a restaurant whose exterior was adorned with a giant picture of the Italian flag.
Vibrant, observed Khalim softly as the chauffeur opened the door for them and they both climbed out onto the pavement.
Isnt Philip joining us? asked Rose.
Khalim suppressed a feeling very close to frustration, but even closer to jealousy. Jealousy? So she wanted his cool and handsome emissary to join them, did she? Was she attracted to him, he wondered in disbelief, or did she simply want a chaperon?
His mouth hardened. No, he is not.
Now, what had put that look there? puzzled Rose, shocked by the sudden surge of relief which washed over her. She wanted to be on her own with him, she realised sinkingly, her growing attraction to him becoming all too apparent by the moment. But with an effort she managed to shrug it away. Fine by me, she said easily.
Inside the restaurant it was even more vibrantwith Italian music playing gently in the background.
The waitress gave Khalim an appreciative glance. Have you booked? she asked him.
Khalim shook his head. Can you fit us in?