For the record, he said, I picked up the ball on your little seduction there, because I thought you knew what you were doing.
Ive been sleeping in my own bed, she countered. Not hiding under a rock. I knew exactly what I was doing.
I cant sleep with you, Brittany.
Why not? Okay, that hadnt come out exactly as shed planned. She might be inexperienced, but bitchy and demanding didnt seem like a particularly effective seduction technique.
She wasnt sure exactly when shed decided to seduce Alex. She wasnt in a hurry to lose her virginity, and she certainly wasnt desperate. It was just that he was Alex. And there was something about him. And she knew if she didnt do this shed spend the rest of her life wondering.
One word, he said in answer to her terse question.
She waited.
Harrison.
Do you honestly believe Harrison will care if Im not a virgin on our wedding night?
Harrison will care very much that it was me.
Oh. She hadnt thought about that.
Yeah.
Hed fire you?
Id quit.
Okay, that wasnt good. She tucked her leg beneath the robe where it belonged. Guess Id better go back to repressing.
That would be good.
She bobbed her head for a moment. Too bad. I kind of liked having a wild side.
You could turn Harrison down.
And have a fling with you?
And do anything you want. Just because youre programmed to find a titled husband doesnt mean you-
Programmed?
What would you call it?
Harrison and I have many things in common.
Like money, titles and property holdings?
Like religion, politics, art and mutual friends.
Are you in love with him?
Hes a lovable man.
Does he make your heart beat faster, your skin prickle with heat, your toes curl?
That wasnt a fair question. Those things made for a good fling, not a good marriage. Marriage was more than mere physical attraction.
Because, if he doesnt, sweetheart, Alex drawled, its going to be a bloody long marriage.
She pulled herself forward in the chair. Why do you care?
The question seemed to stop him. Seconds ticked by. I dont know, he finally said.
Are you protecting Harrison? she asked. Are you afraid Ill make him a bad wife?
Alexs gaze dropped to where her robe gaped open.
At the touch of his gaze, her heart beat faster, and her skin prickled with heat.
No, he finally said in a voice that was low and tight with emotion. Im afraid Ill have to quit my job anyway, because I wont be able to stand watching the two of you together.
Brittanys heart thudded deep and hollow. She could swear she heard it through the silence that boomed in the room.
So, he breathed and rose to his feet, his eyes focused on the cleavage revealed by the robe. I guess, since thats the case, Im in. Your call.
She slowly rose to face him. Could she sleep with Alex then marry Harrison? It was what she wanted, but she couldnt shake the sense of betrayal. Ironically, though, it seemed like a betrayal of Alex rather than of Harrison.
I cant, she managed.
Alex smiled, reaching out to gently stroke her cheek with the pad of his thumb. Of course you cant.
But I want to. She owed him her honesty, at least.
He cupped her cheek. So do I.
She closed her eyes and rested against his open hand, its warmth bittersweet. Her own hand rose to his wrist, wrapping around its thick strength and holding on, desperately afraid to let go of the moment.
He took a step forward, smoothing her hair with his other hand. She inhaled the hiss of his breath, subconsciously leaning into his scent and his strength.
Then his lips touched hers, and hot emotion swamped her, cresting along her limbs, flushing her skin.
She kissed him back, and the world fell away.
He opened his mouth, and his hand slipped around, anchoring at the back of her neck, holding her close while he kissed her thoroughly, deeply, expertly.
She took her own step forward, bringing their bodies together, and his arm went around her waist, while hers snaked around his neck. The knot in her sash rubbed free. Her robe slipped open. And his raw cotton shirt abraded her tender skin.
Sparks of desire shot down her spine. Want pooled in her belly, and need softened her bones, making it difficult to stand.
Alexs lips left her mouth. They trailed down her cheek to the crook of her neck, to the tip of her shoulder, pushing the flimsy robe until it slipped down her arm. He pushed the other side, and the fabric whispered down to pool at her feet.
He drew back to look, eyes dark with desire.
He groaned once, then scooped her into his arms and crossed to the bed.
The air whispered over her bare skin. His hands were hard and solid against her. His arms were strong, his body sturdy. She wasnt engaged, and they were both adults, and they were perfectly free to make this decision.
He laid her down, then straightened away, his eyes determined and defiant as he worked his way down the buttons of his shirt. She watched him, mesmerized as he stripped it off. His chest was impressive, dark and broad, sculpted with muscles that corded into his shoulders and neck.
His hands moved to his slacks, popping the button, drawing down on the zipper.
His hands moved to his slacks, popping the button, drawing down on the zipper.
The room air was cool, but his gaze was hot. It traveled the length of her body then back again. Need roared in her ears, and it clouded her brain, until all she could see was a tall, naked, god of a man sinking down on the bed beside her. His hand closed over her breast. His mouth met her swollen lips. And his thigh slid up between hers, landing solid, sending rivers of sensation straight up to her brain.
His thumb rasped her nipple, and she reflexively arched. He murmured soothing words, gentling the caress.
She stroked his arms, clasped his shoulders, kissed his lips and tangled with his tongue.
After that, she was lost.
What do I do? Her whisper was pained against his mouth.
Anything you want. He kissed her again. Trust me, it wont be wrong.
His hand slid down her rib cage, cupping her bottom, kneading the soft flesh.
She feathered her fingertips down his chest, feeling the hot play of his muscles, the sparse hair, his flat nipples.
He sucked in a breath, so she tried it again, smiling to herself when she realized he liked it. She swirled down lower, and lower still.
He gasped. You want this to be over quick?
I have no idea.
Trust me, you dont. He retrieved her hands, putting them safely against his back.
But when his wandered to her thighs, she copied his movements. They stared at each other, alternately kissing and touching and teasing, as their bodies grew slick and the tension ratcheted up between them.
Then finally, he trapped her wrists in one hand, holding them out of harms way. He gently urged her thighs apart, watching her expression as he positioned himself above her.
Her breathing was laboured, her skin itchy hot, her limbs and her body twitchy with need. He touched against her, and her eyes went wide. Her lips went soft and she leaned up to kiss his mouth.
Her hips flexed, and her thighs quivered.
Now, she pleaded.
I cant believe- He pressed against her.
She groaned and arched and freed her hands to wrap her arms around his neck.
I cant believe, he repeated, that Im about to ruin both our lives.
Then he flexed, and she gasped, and his solid thickness filled her. Heat instantly pulsed where their bodies joined.
She brought up her knees, and sharp pain was replaced by swirling desire.
You okay? he gasped, even as his body moved in its own rhythm.
Dont she groaned back. Stop She sucked in a breath. Ruining my life.
Brittany. His hand slipped beneath her buttocks, refining their angle. I could ruin your life forever.
Events had quickly spiraled out of Julias control. Although there was a serious language barrier, the thrill of a wedding seemed universal. Ahmeds wife, Habeeba, had immediately begun issuing orders, while the oldest daughter, Rania, pulled Julia into one of the bedrooms.
She laughed and gestured for Julia to sit on a small chair in front of a gilt, oval mirror. When she began combing Julias hair, Julia quickly realized she was being prepared to be a bride. She wanted to protest that it was unnecessary, but Rania seemed so excited that she didnt have the heart to stop her.
Rania smoothed Julias hair back into a flat braid. Then she offered her a warm cloth and gestured for her to wash her face. Julia smiled and nodded, trying to express her appreciation without words.
She didnt know what Harrison was doing outside, but she hoped it was more along the lines of getting the local marriage official and filling out the paperwork.
She was far from convinced this was a good idea. But if they were going to do it, theyd better get it done and get out of here.
She had no doubt Muwaffaq was scouring the desert for them, and she doubted hed stop to ask for their passports.
Chatting as she worked, not seeming the least bit concerned that Julia didnt understand her, Rania carefully applied cosmetics to Julias freshly washed face. She brushed and blended, and stroked the subtle colors onto Julias eyes, lips and cheeks.
Then, apparently satisfied, she pulled over another small, wooden chair and reached for Julias hands. As she began washing them, Julia forced out another smile. She didnt really need a manicure. A preacher alone would do the trick.
She surreptitiously glanced behind her.
Where was Harrison?
Then, the bedroom door opened. But Julias sigh of relief was short-lived. Instead of Harrison come to rescue her, she saw Habeeba coming through the door. The woman carried a small, ceramic bowl and a hand towel.
She spoke to Rania, who stood up and relieved her mother of the bowl.
Then Habeeba sat down across from Julia and reached for her hands. Before Julia knew what was happening, the older woman had dipped a brush into the dark paste in the bowl and started to draw on the back of Julias hand.
Julia fought an instinct to snatch her hand away. But, quickly, an intricate design of scrolls and flowers appeared. Rania and her mother chatted to Julia and with each other, with Rania pointing and commenting as the drawing took shape.
Julia got that it was some kind of wedding tradition. She also realized the paste must be made from henna dye.