“Stay here,” he commanded as he rolled off her. It was silly, because where would she go? Still, it felt right to say it to her.
He strode into the bathroom, cleaning himself up quickly as he ran the bath, filling it with warm water and the scented oils he never used.
When he walked back to the bedroom, Desiree was still in bed. Early morning daylight filled the room, bathing her in an unearthly glow. Her hair spilled over his pillows, smooth skin against the sheets, and those plump lips swollen with his kisses. She’d never looked more beautiful.
“Karim, I—” She let out a soft whoop when he hauled her up into his arms. “Where are you taking me?”
“A hot bath should sooth your aches,” he said.
“You could have just said so. I can walk, you know.”
“I know.” He set her down by the tub. “But where is the fun in that?”
A deep blush colored her neck and cheeks, and she cast her gaze toward the water. “Oh. That looks divine. I’ve been wanting to soak in it, but I was afraid there was some kind of law against bathing in the prince’s tub.”
He chuckled. “Perhaps, but you have my permission now.”
“Thank you.” As she stepped over the side of the bath, his gaze roamed over her naked figure, and though he wanted her again, he controlled himself. For now, at least.
“Ohhh.” She moaned as she sank in, the water level not quite covering her breasts. The round globes bobbed up and down teasing him and making his cock twitch painfully. “Thank you … this feels … amazing.”
“I should go and let you—”
“Join me.” A wet hand grabbed onto his arm. “There’s plenty of room.”
How could he say no to this desirable Venus? With a quick nod, he joined her, the lavender-scented water rising up as he lowered his body. The tub indeed, was large enough for both of them, yet he gathered her up and held her close to his chest, her head resting in the crook of his arm. She sighed again and nuzzled up at him.
They lay there in silence, allowing the warmth of the water and the scent of the oil to soothe them both. When the water began to cool, he motioned for her to get up. Grabbing a fluffy towel from the rack, he helped her out of the tub and buffed her dry, giving himself a once over before carrying her back to the bed to lay her down.
Mine. Ours. The Great One’s voice was clear. Adorn her.
“Wait a moment,” he said and turned back to dash into the bathroom and into his closet. He saw something glinting out of the corner of his eye. A chain hung from one of the many jewelry cases inside his vast wardrobe. This particular chain, however, was very special to him. He would never give it away, except—
Adorn her.
He grabbed the chain. It was delicate, made of the finest white gold. Perfect. Padding back into the bedroom, he got into bed behind her.
“Karim, what are you—” She gasped when he slipped the chain over her head. “I … what’s this?”
“It’s for you.” He kissed her shoulder.
“Me? Why?”
“I don’t know … it just felt right.” This felt right too, holding her in his arms. If he wasn’t careful, he could get used to this. Maybe he should remind himself of what he said earlier, about making no promises.
“It’s beautiful.” She lifted the chain to eye level. “I can’t possibly—”
“You can,” he said firmly.
“Thank you.”
The chain glinted against her skin and The Great One rumbled in delight.
Delight?
“Karim … I …” She twisted around to face him. “I wanted to assure you of something.”
“Assure me?”
“Yes, see … you didn’t use any condoms and …”
Yes, that was careless of him. “Oh.” The implication of her words became clear. Normally, he would have broken out into a cold sweat. She would not be the first woman to make a claim, but really, she would be the only one where that would be even possible.
“So, I wanted to let you know that I’m safe.”
“Safe?”
“Yes.” She smoothed a hand over his shoulder. “I’ve always used birth control, and my kind … we don’t reproduce easily.”
Her kind. Had he forgotten what she was? That like him, she also had a beast inside her. Would they even be compatible? Would any offspring of theirs be like her or have The Great—
Gods above and below, offspring?
It seemed he spent his life avoiding women who wanted such things from him and now he was the one thinking these thoughts.
“Karim?” Her voice was sleepy now. “Do you have time to nap, or do you have to get up soon?”
The hour was growing late. He should get dressed and attend to his duties, but … “No. Arvin will anticipate that I need rest and will cancel my morning appointments.”
“Oh.”
Was that a sigh of relief? Or disappointment. He wasn’t sure because the rise and fall of her chest became even, and he knew she was fast asleep.
He held her closer, feeling the warmth of her body. Danger, his mind warned. No promises, they’d said. But the question wasn’t if she could stick to that agreement. It was if he could.
Chapter Eleven
Deedee woke up feeling sore. In a good way. As soon as she opened her eyes, the first thing she thought was, I’m not a virgin anymore.
She sat up and looked around. Karim was gone, of course. Part of her was miffed, but another part of her was relieved. Because, really, what was one supposed to do after a night of sex? Or in their case, it was morning. And it was just the one time.
Was there going to be more? A delicious shiver ran through her, thinking of Karim. Her lover. Lover, she repeated in her mind. L-O-V-E-R.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she made her way to the bathroom, wincing as she got up. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she tried to examine if there was anything different about her. Really, she should have paid more attention to herself before she was deflowered, as now, she didn’t know if there was a difference between the old Deedee and the new.
You silly idiot. Her hand slapped on her forehead. She was acting like a teenager, not a woman of thirty with a promising academic career.
White gold glinted between her naked breasts, and her hand immediately went to the chain Karim had given her. Oh, it really was lovely, and no man had ever given her such a gift. Hmmm … she recalled her mother having a similar chain around her neck.
A longing hit her all of a sudden. Her family, her friends … They must be worried out of their minds by now. Her mother would be distraught, and her father would be combing the earth looking for her. And then there was Cross.
Hmmm. When was the last time she had thought of him? Frankly she couldn’t remember. For someone who had occupied most of her thoughts for the last year, he had suddenly disappeared from her mind.
It was strange, really. While she didn’t plan for Cross to be her first lover, she had always imagined it. But now, it seemed almost like a childish dream.
Maybe what they said was right. The best way to get over someone was to be with someone else. Or do someone else, she thought wickedly. And it seemed she’d hit the jackpot with Karim. He was just so sexy and hot, and he did all the right things. It had hurt like the dickens, much more than she’d thought it would, but after the pain had subsided … it was all so good. Her nipples puckered now, thinking about it.
Oh dear, hopefully she could get him out of her system by the time she left. After all, he had told her that he couldn’t make any promises. And she agreed, because she didn’t want to repeat history. She had let her feelings run away with Cross, and she wasn’t ever going to let herself fall in love with someone who could never love her back. It was better that she and Karim had an understanding now before things went too far.
Her stomach growled loudly, making her jump in surprise. It had been hours since she’d eaten. Hopefully Ramin would be setting her breakfast—or lunch
?—out soon.
After getting refreshed and putting on one of Karim’s shirts and loose pants, she walked out to the living room. The smell of food made her stomach grumble, and she saw that Ramin was indeed putting food on the table.
“Oh, that smells good. What is it?” She didn’t even wait for the young man to finish before she grabbed a skewer of meat. “Mmm …”
Ramin looked like he was trying to hide a smile as he picked up his tray. Deedee wasn’t distracted enough by the food to notice that he didn’t give her his usual glare or have the air of animosity around him. In fact, he looked downright friendly. It unnerved her.
Placing the skewer down, she walked to him. “Ramin, I’m sorry about last night. Making you chase after me. You understand that Karim was in trouble, and I had to help him.”
There was a glimmer of comprehension in his eyes. “You … save … Karim.”
Oh, so he knew. “I … guess …” She nodded. “Do you know who could have hurt him?” Her she-wolf growled, wanting to know the answer too.
He said nothing back, but placed his hand over his heart as he gave her a short bow. Then, he turned and left her.
Strange. But then again there was nothing normal about the past few days, right?
Her stomach clamored for attention again, and this time, her wolf joined in.
“Oh, all right.” She sat back down at the low table and began to heap a plate with food. Fragrant garlicky flatbread. Meat skewers with exotic spices. Fresh, crisp salads. And a divine pastry with pistachios, honey and fresh cream. Before she knew it, she had finished almost everything on the table.
“I’m glad to see you have a healthy appetite. But did you not leave any for me?”
She was about to wipe her mouth with a napkin when she heard that familiar, low baritone. “Karim!” It was hard not to scramble to her feet or let those trills of excitement run up and down her spine. “I didn’t know you were coming for lunch, or I would have saved—”
He was so close to her, she nearly collided into him. “I was joking, Desiree.” He steadied her by wrapping his hands around her arms.
It was like the full force of his handsomeness hit her right in the gut. He was wearing that military uniform again, cut so well to fit his form, and those medals seemed to glint at her. And goodness, that smile on his face—so full of sensual promise.
“I have already eaten with the generals,” he continued.
“Oh, did you find out anything about who could have attacked you?”
A line of worry furrowed between his brows. “Arvin and I are keeping that to ourselves for now.” His shoulders tensed. “But we will find out who tried to harm The Great One.”
“And you,” she reminded him. She wanted to find out too, and so did her wolf. It seemed to relish the thought of raking its claws down whoever tried to hurt Karim.
“Do not fret. I will take care of it.” His face softened. “But I stopped by to see how you were feeling.” He brushed his thumb against the corner of her mouth. A bit of cream and honey came off, and he popped it into his mouth, his tongue darting out to lick at his lips. “Delicious.”
Deedee would have melted into a puddle right then if he wasn’t holding her up. “Karim …”
He lowered them both to the plush carpet. “I had to come and see you. I couldn’t wait until tonight.”
Oh dear, now he was crawling over her, and she had no choice but to lie back and let him cover her with his body. He nudged her knees apart and settled on top of her, his hardness pressing against her thighs. “Oh …”
“Desiree.” He devoured her mouth like a man aching with hunger, the force of his lips sending a shockwave of desire rippling through her. “Desiree … I want you again.”
A delicious shiver tickled her spine. “Oh … yes.”
“But I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t,” she growled against his mouth. “I just need you.”
His eyes flashed silver, and he swooped down again to take her mouth. A warm palm cupped her breast through her shirt, his thumb teasing a nipple. She spread her legs, pushing her heat up against him, making him groan. “Oh, Kar—”
The door slamming against the wall made them both freeze.
“Deedee,” came the youthful voice. “I came to see if you were feeling better. Aunt Zafirah said you were sick yesterday and—” Amaya let out a gasp. “Karim! What are you doing?”
He mouthed a few choice curses against her mouth before letting out a sigh. In one quick motion, he got up and lifted Deedee up with him. “Amaya, what are you doing here? Where is your tutor?”
“I just finished my noon meal, so he let me go and play, but I came here instead to check on Deedee.” Her small eyes narrowed at them. “What were you doing to her?”
Oh dear, she wanted to sink into the ground right then and there.
“Er …” Even Karim seemed at a loss for words. “Desiree was having a hard time breathing.” He scratched at the back of his head. “So, I was helping her.”
“By getting on top of her?” Amaya asked in all her wide-eyed innocence. “And breathing into her mouth?”
“Yes,” Deedee added quickly. “He was. Thank you, Karim,” she said.
The corners of his mouth quirked up. “I’m at your service.” He turned to Amaya. “Now, it’s time to go back to your lessons.”
“Karim!” she protested. “But Deedee hasn’t told me about the Aztec mummies yet.”
“She will, tonight at dinner. If your tutors are satisfied with your work.”
Dinner? She raised a brow at him, but he ignored her as Amaya let out a squeal of delight.
“I can’t wait!” The girl rushed to Karim and hugged him, then did the same with Deedee. “I promise to finish my lessons and homework.” And just as fast as she breezed in, Amaya was gone.
Karim cleared his throat. “Apologies for the interruption.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” she said. “And I’m glad to see Amaya. She really is a great kid.”
He shoved a hand into his pockets, then took something out. “Here,” he held his palm open. “For you.”
“What?” She peered down at his hand. On it lay a necklace with a pink diamond pendant the size of her thumb. “Oh my. No, Karim, no.” But he was already placing it around her neck. “I can’t accept—”
“It suits you.” His eyes gleamed that silver color again. “I got it just for you.”
“I … thank you.” The two chains—the diamond pendant and the necklace he gave her last night—clinked together as she twisted them in her fingers. “I didn’t think … did you mean it about tonight? Dinner again?”
“You seemed to enjoy yourself the last time.” He traced a finger down the side of her face. “And … you should enjoy your time here.”
Her heart thudded in her chest. “During dinner.”
“Yes.” His thumb brushed against her lips. “And after, as well.”
“I—”
His kiss was quick, a soft sweep of his mouth against hers. But oh, the heat rushed through her like wildfire. “I … I should go. I shouldn’t have come in the first place but—”
“You have duties,” she pointed out. “Your people need you.” I need you, she wanted to say.
His eyes smoldered, as if he heard her, but then he gave her a small nod. “Until tonight.”
She stared after him as he left the suite, her body still aching with need. No promises, they had said. But his words sounded like a thousand promises he intended to keep.
Chapter Twelve
That evening, they all had dinner in the dining room again. Since Karim had already explained the reason for Desiree’s presence to him, Arvin had joined them as well. Though his cousin had railed at him for risking so much by keeping her here, he had agreed that there was no other way to have handled the situation that didn’t involve dire consequences to Deedee or Ramin.
“So, Professor Creed,” Arvin began as he took a sip of his wine. “Is a
rcheology as exciting and a glamorous field as they show it in movies? What was that famous film where the adventurer is chased by a large rolling boulder and then escapes in an airplane?”
Desiree laughed. “Oh no.” She wiped her mouth with her napkin and then put it back on her lap. “I’m afraid except for the scene where he’s in the classroom teaching uninterested students, archeology’s nothing like that at all. The actual academic work is very tedious, mostly.”
A vision of Desiree in a prim white blouse, tight skirt and glasses popped into Karim’s mind. No, that didn’t sound very boring at all. He grabbed his wine glass and took a sip, hoping the fleeting buzz would help dull the ache of desire in his groin.
“And what were you studying when you arrived here?” Zafirah asked. “Surely our little part of the world wouldn’t interest someone as accomplished as you. Wouldn’t you have rather gone to someplace like Egypt or maybe Rome?”
“Perhaps, but so many other archeologists are already studying those places,” Desiree said. “But really, this region has fascinated me for years. I’ve devoted most of my research to it after finishing my master’s thesis five years ago, just when I started teaching. Actually, I received a grant earlier this year for my research. After writing to a couple more foundations, I finally had enough funds to do an extensive trip. I’ve been out here since about the beginning of the year.”
“The state of the academe is such a sorry one.” Arvin shook his head. “I can’t imagine it’s easy to find funding.”
“It’s hard, definitely. There’s so much money in the world, yet I can’t even get a grant for newer tools or more people.” Her jaw clenched. Big universities in the US often focused on more glamorous pursuits, like sports, not very un-sexy ones like archeology.
“Then why not stick to teaching?” Zafirah asked. “It’s much safer, too, right?”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know which is harder, getting corporations or foundations to part with their cash or getting students to pay attention.” She gave a little laugh. “They’re all obsessed with scrolling on their little screens or the latest celebrity gossip.”
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