Limits of Destiny (Volume 2)

by Sharlyn G. Branson

  Raising my head, I aimed my lips toward his and murmured, “Kiss me.”

  “I can’t, much as I would like to.”

  “What do you mean you can’t?” I looked at him in surprise. I didn’t get it.

  “In Dubai, it’s against the law to kiss in public. I take it you wouldn’t like it if we got arrested.” His lips twisted into a faint smile.

  “Then hug me… tight.”

  “That, I think, shouldn’t be a problem, since I don’t intend to slide my hands down to your tempting butt,” he said and squeezed me so hard it hurt a little. I didn’t care—it was exactly what I needed at that moment.

  “God, I love you so much,” I whispered.

  “Me too, baby… Are you better now?”

  I nodded.

  “Let’s go to lunch.” Our fingers intertwined and we headed toward the restaurant together.

  When we sat at our table for two in Ronda Locatelli, I realized I’d lost my appetite due to all the stress. So I decided to order something light, choosing a Caesar salad. I leaned back in the chair and examined our surroundings—they were very cozy. Young people and families with children were sitting around the tables, talking and laughing nonstop. They emanated a positive energy, which somehow must have affected me too, as I now felt calmer and little more confident.

  Right then, my iPhone rang. I took it out of my handbag and, seeing Ralph Egli on the display, I frowned. I didn’t want to talk to him. Not when I was with Alexander. I was on holiday after all. Could he not wait to talk until I was back?

  “Hello, Ralph, is something the matter?

  Alexander’s look became ice-cold when he heard Ralph’s name. He scowled and lines formed on his forehead.

  “Alexia, Tobias Brauner told me you’re leaving,” began Egli. No hello, how are you…? Straight to the point.

  “Yes, you have that right,” I replied and nervously ran my fingers through my hair.

  “Have you found a new job?”

  “I’m sorry, but I’d rather not discuss this right now.”

  “Well, have you?” he asked again.

  “I don’t think that’s any of your business. Why did you have to become my boss?” I snapped at him and started to nervously tap my fingers on the table. Why was he trying to meddle in my life?

  “Please don’t be mad at me. I don’t want us to fight.”

  “I’m not fighting with you. We’re just talking. I’m simply angry with everything that’s happening, dammit.”

  There was a brief silence, and then Ralph asked me, horrified, “What are you going to do without work? What were you thinking?”

  “I’ll still have a job.”

  “Oh… I get it. You’re going to work at Kraftberg’s company. Of course. How did I not guess earlier?”

  I detected pain in his voice. I didn’t want to harm anyone. What was I supposed to do? Did I not have a right to happiness? Did I not have the right to be with the man I loved?

  “Ralph, please don’t make things more complicated than they already are.”

  “Alexia, dammit… I can’t stop loving you. I beg you. Let’s give it another go. Since we broke up, I’ve been thinking only about you—”

  “Hang on a sec.” I interrupted him. I turned to Alexander, putting my hand over the receiver. “I have to go outside. It’s too noisy in here.”

  He nodded, but he could barely contain his rage.

  I stood and exited the restaurant. I went to a secluded corner and resumed the conversation. “Ralph, can you hear me?”

  “Yes, I can hear you.”

  “I can’t do what you want.”

  “Alexia.” I heard him exhale loudly. “I want to marry you… I know it sounds crazy, but I’m sure you’ll grow to love me in time.”

  What?

  “I can’t, Ralph… I’m sorry.” My heart was breaking. I imagined how crushed he must feel right now.

  “I understand,” he whispered. His voice was terribly sad when he said, “I hope Kraftberg makes you happy.” Then he hung up.

  Dejected, I went back to Alexander, who was simmering with rage.

  “What did he want from you?” he asked without looking away from me.

  I wondered what I should say. How do you tell your boyfriend that your ex just proposed to you? Not that it mattered so much. I hadn’t accepted after all.

  “What did your ex want from you, Alexia?” he hissed through his teeth.

  “For me to marry him,” I said without looking at him. I couldn’t imagine—had no idea—how he would react.

  “What? Over the phone?” He didn’t hide his astonishment.

  “Yes, over the phone. He sounded… despondent.”

  “And what did you say to him?”

  I felt his eyes on me and knew they were filled with fear. If I were in his shoes, I would have probably caved by now. “I declined, of course. I can’t marry him because I don’t love him.”

  Alexander exhaled loudly, as if he’d been holding his breath.

  I took a sip from my wine glass and whispered, “I don’t know what’s wrong with him.”

  When we were together, he hadn’t seemed like he would die for me, but he’d sounded so helpless just then. Why did men act this way? Or did this rule apply to everyone? You only appreciate someone once you’ve lost them?

  “Do you have any feelings for him?” he asked quietly.

  “I don’t love him, if that’s what you mean. But I’m not going to lie to you. I feel sorry for him.”

  Alexander took my hand and gently caressed it. “Don’t blame yourself. I’m glad things turned out this way, because now you’re with me.” He raised my hand and pressed it against his lips. Just one light touch from him was enough to make my body respond. He had the ability to warm the most isolated parts of my body and give me what I needed most—love.

  I couldn’t blame myself for not responding to Ralph’s feelings. Alexander was my love. He was the only ruler of my heart. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him and if I were to ever marry someone, he would be that someone. Not now, of course, but after a while, when we knew each other better and had the trust we both so sorely needed. I had strong hope the magic between us would never be undone.

  7

  Late in the evening, we arrived at the Qasr Al Sarab Hotel, which was located in the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi. As soon as we entered, Qasr Al Sarab captivated me with its exquisite Arabian style and elegance. Mild scents of jasmine wafted through the air. The walls were decorated with beautiful Oriental lanterns. I was instantly reminded of the enchanting tales of Scheherazade.

  We’d taken only some of our luggage and left the rest in our suite in Burj Al Arab. Alexander insisted we return there and spend the remainder of our vacation in Dubai.

  We went to the reception desk, where we were met by a man in white robes who checked us in.

  On entering the suite, I smelled the aroma of flowers and vanilla. Lanterns and lamps emitted pleasantly soft light across the rooms and made the atmosphere even more relaxing.

  Our suite was decorated in beige, brown, and morello tones. The whole interior had an air of Oriental romance. I looked around and smiled when I saw the numerous small cushions strewn all over the couches and our bed.

  Peeking into the bathroom, I was pleasantly surprised to see the huge bath had been filled and rose petals were scattered over the surface. There were huge candleholders at each side. I went out on the veranda and was nicely impressed by the fact that we had our own pool. And on the outside terrace, there was a garden bed with a lovely view of sand dunes. I pictured how Alexander and I would lounge lazily, holding each other and watching the stars for hours on end.

  If only he wasn’t swamped with so much work…

  Outside, the expanse of sand went as far as the eye could see. The sun was setting, leaving an orange trail in the sky.

  “I can tell by your eyes that you like the hotel,” murmured Alexander, kissing me on the cheek. He embraced m
e from behind, and I had the pleasure of feeling his powerful muscles against my back.

  “Yes, I think it’s very romantic.”

  “Get changed if you want, before they bring our supper. I take it you don’t mind if we eat here.”

  “No, I was actually thinking of suggesting the same.”

  * * *

  We were sitting comfortably on the veranda bed, leaning on the numerous cushions and eating Arabic food consisting of falafel, bulgur wheat, some fried dough treats, and Arabic bread. It was quite delicious. Alexander had ordered a fruity white wine to wash it all down with.

  When we finished eating, I took the trays of dirty dishes and placed them on the room service cart.

  “Come here and let me hug you, sweetie,” said Alexander, and I lay on the mattress beside him.

  The sounds of pleasant Arabic music drifted over from somewhere.

  Tenderly, he gazed at me. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Nothing special.”

  “I hope you’re not thinking of Ralph. To be honest, I don’t know how I’ll endure the three months you have left to work with him,” he admitted and pouted.

  I didn’t want to discuss this again and ruin our lovely evening. “Don’t you trust me?” I kissed him on the neck. He smelled so nice.

  “I do, but I don’t believe he’ll give up on you that easy. Clearly, I’m not the only one who’s crazy about you.” His fingers outlined circles on my belly and sent the now-familiar sweet tingles across my body.

  “Even if we weren’t together, I wouldn’t be with Ralph because I don’t love him,” I explained.

  Alexander knitted his eyebrows and propped himself up on his elbow. “What’s wrong with you, Alexia?” he growled, teeth gritted. His eyes showed he felt hurt. “Why are you saying these things? Are you thinking of dumping me?”

  “I don’t want us to split up. I’m just being realistic about our relationship. You’re not used to this kind of lifestyle. You might get tired of it… You might get tired of me… How do you expect me to feel secure knowing how much you used to value your freedom? How do I know your desire to be a lone wolf and have fun in the sex club won’t return some day?”

  “I forbid you to say such things. Do you hear me?” He was even more furious now. “Don’t you get it—I need you. I won’t let you leave, Alexia, however insecure you feel in our relationship… I’ll prove to you that you’re wrong.”

  Immediately, having realized how much I’d upset him, I regretted my words. “I didn’t mean to make you angry.” I caressed his face. I wanted to calm him down.

  “Then stop talking about our relationship in such negative terms. You sound like it could fall apart at any given moment. Don’t rush to conclusions. Give me time to prove to you how much you mean to me.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. Only if you wrong me somehow… If you cheat on me, I don’t know whether I’ll have the strength to forgive you.”

  “You’re all I need.” He slid his hand under my blouse and cupped my breast. “At first, I was worried about whether you’d be able to keep up with me, but—”

  “But what?” I interrupted him.

  “You want it no less than I do, baby. And I really like that.”

  “I only want you.” I ran my fingers through his silky hair.

  “We’re made for each other. Don’t you feel it?” He started to gently suck the skin around my nipple. “You have the greatest breasts in the world.”

  “Mmm… You’re turning me on.” I moaned.

  Alexander leaned over my face and gazed at me. “What have you done to me? You have enchanted me with your emerald eyes… How they shine in the light of the lanterns—this unearthly green.” His lovely lips touched mine. “I adore you.”

  “Mmm…” I intensified the kiss. It felt so, so nice, but we had to stop. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “If you’ve bought me a present, it can wait,” he said and gently sucked the skin of my neck.

  I moaned. “Hmm… I’m the present.”

  “What?” He propped himself up on his elbow and looked at me in wonder.

  “I hope you’ll like it. But first we have to go inside, into the bedroom, and I have to blindfold you.”

  Will he like it?

  “Ooh, I’ve got a good feeling about this.” He grinned like a schoolboy.

  We went into the bedroom, and I made Alexander sit on one of the large armchairs. I blindfolded him with a silk ribbon and kissed him on the lips. He looked very excited.

  He grabbed me and threw me onto his lap.

  I cried out in surprise. “This isn’t the game we’re playing. You have to be patient.” I tried to get loose from his powerful arms.

  “Are you going to torture me, Miss Welson?” he mock protested. My beloved was happy. He obviously liked this game.

  “No, I’ll turn you on and seduce you.”

  “There’s no need for that. I’m already pretty turned on.” He smiled widely, revealing his pearly white teeth.

  “Are you going to let me do it or what?”

  Alexander reluctantly let go of me.

  “I’ll be back in a sec, honey,” I reassured him and went into the other room to change.

  A year ago, my friend Lily and I went to Oriental dance lessons. We procured super sexy outfits for the purpose. Mine consisted of a bra completely covered with tiny beads and crystal stones. The bottom of the outfit was a magenta satin skirt with a slit all the way to the wide canvas belt covered in crystals, which fell low below my waist. I covered my face with a short veil, only showing my eyes. My aim was to look as near to a mysterious Arabic dancer as possible. I wanted us to have some fun and hoped he would like the show.

  I put on the Omar Faruk song “I Love You” and slowly approached Alexander, turning off the lights on the way and leaving on only one of the wall lanterns.

  Taking off the blindfold from his gorgeous eyes, I gently caressed his lower lip with my thumb. I put some distance between us and started to dance to the rhythm of the music, shaking my hips and twisting my arms like I’d been taught at the course in Oriental dances. I kept approaching him, teasing him, and stepping back. He made me feel beautiful and wanted.

  I put one of my legs on his body so my breasts were level with his eyes, dancing and shaking my hips the entire time. He took a deep breath and lifted his hand toward me, but I didn’t let him touch me. It was a turn-on to watch him yearning for me, wanting me.

  Slowly, I ran my fingers along the delicate skin of his neck and down to his chest. Alexander closed his eyes and parted his lips slightly. At the end, he couldn’t take it any longer. He lifted me in his arms and carried me to the bed.

  Shivers surged through my body when he stood over me in his full masculine glory. He looked like a rapacious black panther. When we’d arrived, he’d changed and was now wearing dark-grey pajama bottoms and a tight-fitting black T-shirt, which clearly highlighted his biceps and chest muscles.

  “I haven’t seen a more beautiful Arab girl in my life.” The corners of his mouth twisted into a slight smile.

  Alexander carefully removed the veil from my face. His darkened eyes locked on mine. “Can you guess what kind of sex I want us to have?” he asked me softly.

  “Oh no.”

  “Oh yes. But we’ll do it very gently and slowly. You’ll like it. I promise. Now your beautiful eyes will be blindfolded with this silk ribbon.”

  I raised my head so he could tie it. “Have you done it before?”

  “Oh, baby, you don’t want to hear the answer.”

  “Right.” I frowned. I didn’t like being reminded of his extensive sexual experience. “Will it hurt?”

  Oh God… I was really afraid. I hadn’t had anal sex before and had no idea what to expect.

  “What? Oh… Just a little, until you get used to it and open up for me.” His lips burned the skin of my cleavage with passion. “You don’t have the foggiest idea, baby, how happy I am that your first time will
be with me,” he exclaimed, his blue eyes sparkling in excitement.

  He released my breasts from the bra and sucked hard on my nipple. First on one, then the other. They both hardened instantly under the pleasant touch of his soft lips. His teeth gently dug into my soft skin. I arched my back, and my groin muscles contracted with desire.

  “I want you.” I hungrily lifted my hips toward him.

  “It’s your turn to be patient, sweetie. I have to prepare you properly for this.”

  I felt my way to his T-shirt and started to pull it up in my desire to undress him. Alexander understood my intentions and helped me. He undressed himself and then took off my panties.

  “I’m having trouble with this skirt,” he said earnestly.

  “Do you want me to take off all of it or just the lower part?

  “What do you mean just the lower part?

  “There are press studs under the fabric trimmed with beads. Yank them and only the part that looks like a wide belt will be left behind.”

  He followed my instructions. “Ah, yes… Very sexy. I like it. Now I’ll fuck you just in that,” he said while settling between my legs. “Hmm… Short, fine, blond pubes… I hadn’t seen a blond Arab girl yet.”

  Gently, he blew on my labia and then sank his velvet-soft tongue inside me. I moaned with desire, my insides contracting and my clitoris throbbing. His thumb started to rub it lightly. I couldn’t see anything; I only sensed his touch, and it was so nice feeling him inside me. He inserted his thirsty tongue deeper and deeper, which made me writhe with pleasure. He teased me, and my groin muscles responded to his touch by tightening further. They squeezed him until my body surrendered and I came hard.

  I was still tingling from the powerful orgasm when he lifted me.

  “Give me a moment to recover,” I whispered, still out of breath.

  “Yes, baby, give me a cuddle,” he said and removed the ribbon from my face.

  I hugged him, relaxed in his arms, and inhaled the wonderful intoxicating scent of his skin. I started to softly kiss his skin—the chest and then higher on the neck. Holding my face, he bit my lower lip. Then he slid his hot tongue in my mouth.