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as he took in each fleeting expression.
    "No, everything is fine," she replied still ignoring him.
    "What's wrong?" he asked taking her chin between his fingers and tilting her face so she had no choice but to look at him.
    "I told you, nothing," she snapped quietly and he sighed as he brushed his lips briefly against her own.
    "You'll keep," he responded as he entwined his fingers with hers and tugged her towards the dance floor.
    Dancing with Tariq was a sensual experience and Katie tried her best to remain immune but he was filled with such raw magnetism and power that it was impossible not to succumb. After the first dance Katie tried to pull away but Tariq would not allow it and his grip tightened as he twirled her round again and continued dancing with her.
    It wasn't until Amber came in to view that Tariq finally allowed her to escape and Katie wasted no time in moving across the room to take a seat. She expected her husband to be right behind her but when she looked he was nowhere to be seen and neither was Amber. 
    "It really was a lovely wedding, darling," her mother said as she came to beside her and Katie forced a smile to her face. It was almost second nature by now.
    "Wasn't it?" she replied wondering just where her husband had disappeared to and then cursing him when she realised the obvious answer.
    "It's such a shame about your posture though, otherwise the day would have been perfect," her mother said as she reached out to push her shoulders back making Katie roll her eyes in exasperation.
    "I doubt whether my posture ruined the day," Katie replied and her mother laughed as she patted her arm.
    "You might believe that, dear. But I guarantee that people will be talking about it for months," her mother said and Katie forced her smile to remain in place for she was used to her mother being critical about everything.
    "I'm sure nobody even noticed," Katie replied while her mother sighed.
    "Of course people noticed. That lovely girl Amber was just commenting on it not long ago and if she noticed I'm sure everyone else must have," her mother corrected and Katie gritted her teeth. How was it that Amber was taking over her wedding day?
    "I have to mingle," Katie said in response as she got to her feet and moved away from her mother. She slowly made her way around the room stopping occasionally to talk to guests before she made her way back towards the rest rooms only to come to a halt as she heard voices coming from inside where the door was open slightly.
    "I understand that I can't meet you for a few weeks but I'll be waiting," Amber purred seductively and Katie held her breath praying that she wasn't talking to who she thought she was.
    "I'll call you," Tariq said and Katie stared at the partly open door in horror as she realised just what she was hearing.
    "I'll be sure to wear something appropriate for the occasion," Amber said in a breathless voice that left Katie in no doubt as to what sort of outfit would be appropriate for the occasion they had in mind.
    "I would expect nothing less from a professional like you," Tariq confirmed with a laugh and Katie backed away slowly for she had heard enough. 
    Before she could move far though the door swung open and Amber exited the rest room with her hair mussed and her lipstick smudged. She was readjusting her dress when she bumped in to Katie and she paused with a little gasp as she pursed her lips.
    "Oops, I hope you didn't hear any of that," Amber said in a falsely sympathetic voice before she flounced off with a satisfied smile on her face. 
    Katie hesitated then followed her back in to the party. It was a few minutes before Tariq finally joined her and she turned a mutinous glare on him.
    "Sorry, I had to make a business call," Tariq apologised as he reached her and Katie slowly nodded.
    "A business call? You mean to set up some business meetings?" she asked with a raised brow and he smiled down at her.
    "Exactly, but it's nothing you need concern yourself