‘Told you, why?’ he asked. They were approaching the gangplank where a queue of guests was forming.
‘Because it makes us very different,’ she said.
‘If we’re so ill matched, why are you here? For a glimpse into the life of the super-rich?’
‘That’s part of it,’ she admitted frankly.
If he’d been looking for a smooth-tongued casual date, a woman who would do and say everything she could to impress him, he’d got it badly wrong—and thank goodness for that!
CHAPTER FOUR
‘SIR...’
One of the security guards, having recognised Tadj, escorted them to a second boarding point a bit further along than the first.
‘What’s that the other guests are holding?’ Lucy asked him as she gazed at those queuing patiently to have their identities checked before being allowed on board.
This was her first taste of life on the other side of the Sapphire Sheikh divide, he reminded himself as he explained, ‘Sheikh Khalid’s invitations have been issued in silver boxes, studded with sapphires.’
‘Recyclable, I hope,’ she teased him with a cheeky smile.
‘Yes,’ he confirmed, matching her mood. ‘The box has to be large enough to hold a passport and other documentation, such as a visa.’
‘You need passports to get on board?’ Lucy exclaimed, staring up at him with an engaging mix of indignation and surprise.
‘Only when certain guests disembark in certain countries,’ he explained with a shrug. ‘The party doesn’t last for one night,’ he added when she looked at him in bemusement. ‘It lasts at least a week.’
‘Not for me, it doesn’t,’ she assured him. ‘And, anyway, I don’t have my passport with me.’
‘None needed,’ he confirmed. ‘The umbrella of diplomatic immunity covers both of us.’
‘I beg your pardon?’ she said, turning serious and concerned. ‘I haven’t signed up for a cruise. A couple of hours with you will be enough.’
‘For me too,’ he assured her dryly.
They laughed so easily now, but then she flashed him a look to warn that her next statement must be taken seriously. ‘I have to be back by midnight,’ she said, ‘or alarms will ring at the laundry, and the police will come looking for me. I made sure everyone knows where I am tonight,’ she explained.
‘Nice to know you trust me,’ he mocked lightly, ‘but sensible.’
‘I thought so,’ she agreed. ‘I don’t take chances.’
‘Nor should you,’ he confirmed as a uniformed officer stepped forward to escort them on deck. He liked Lucy more and more, and couldn’t help comparing her to all the other women who wound around him like clinging vines in the hope that things might progress. Not Lucy. She slapped her cards down on the table face up, no nonsense.
‘So, Your Importance,’ she murmured as they walked ahead of the other guests, ‘privilege all the way for you. What am I supposed to call you in front of people?’
‘Nothing rude.’
‘Then, be nice to me.’
‘I intend to be,’ he assured her. ‘Call me Tadj—or Lord and Master, if you prefer.’
‘Tadj will do nicely,’ she said.
‘Sir...’
‘Yes?’ He glanced sideways at the officer detailed to escort them.
‘Sheikh Khalid is waiting to greet you.’
He glanced up and saw his striking friend watching their embarkation with amusement. ‘Of course,’ he murmured, acknowledging the officer with a brief dip of his head. ‘Come on,’ he added to Lucy. ‘There’s a lot I want you to see before you meet our host.’ He didn’t feel like sharing her. ‘I don’t want you to miss a single moment on board the Sapphire tonight.’
His determination intensified as Lucy’s eyes sparkled with excitement; whether that was for him, or for this fabulous event, for once, he didn’t know.
* * *
This was partying on a scale Lucy could never have imagined, even in her wildest fantasy. Jewel-studded boxes to hold the invitations...guests in diamonds, exuding clouds of exclusive scent...limos lined up on the dock as more guests arrived, and then those guests being made to stand in line while Lucy walked past on the arm of the Emir of Qalala. That was just crazy. Accepting that a vessel as huge as the Sapphire was privately owned took another immense leap of faith. There were so many decks, so many bands playing, so many guests milling about, and floral installations beyond magnificent that gave Kew Gardens at the height of summer a run for its money. The scent of blossom was intoxicating, as was the tang of ozone, but, above everything else, it was the smell of money, of outrageous wealth, that really threatened to choke her.
‘Feeling nauseous?’ Tadj commented when she made a noise down deep in her throat. ‘And we’re not even moving yet.’
‘Nor will we, I hope,’ she said, recovering fast. ‘At least, not while I’m on board. I’m just feeling a bit out of place,’ she admitted, ‘amongst all these diamonds and pin-thin figures dressed in designer clothes.’
‘Nonsense,’ Tadj insisted with a dismissive wave of his hand. ‘You’re the most beautiful woman here. And the most intelligent.’
‘Did you give everyone an IQ test?’ she queried, with the reminder not to take herself so seriously. ‘Okay, so you know most of the women here,’ she remarked with a grin, as Tadj looked at her in a certain way. ‘I should have known.’
‘Most of them aren’t renowned for their academic qualifications,’ he admitted, ‘but they have other qualities.’
‘Spare me,’ she begged. ‘I don’t need a rundown of the sordid details.’
‘Relax. Enjoy yourself,’ he advised.
Why not? This was incredible. ‘Thank you for inviting me,’ she said. It was just unfortunate that her gaze slipped to his mouth as she added, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before.’
He laughed softly down deep in his chest. ‘Feast your eyes,’ he invited.
She would. This was the Emir of Qalala, and the Emir of Qalala had kissed her. She had no idea if he would ever do so again, but she would remember that kiss for the rest of her life. He was one hot guy, so why not enjoy this as Tadj suggested? It wasn’t every day that fantasy turned into the best type of reality. She liked him more and more. He was courteous and fun to be with, and as hot as hell.
‘Drink?’ he suggested.
‘Sparkling water, please.’ Must keep a level head, she warned herself, and something told her that wouldn’t be easy tonight.
‘Sparkling water, mademoiselle?’ a steward invited, handing Lucy a crystal glass.
‘Are you hungry?’ Tadj enquired when the steward had left them.
‘Shouldn’t we go and meet our host?’ she asked, wishing her body wouldn’t respond quite so willingly to the amused heat in Tadj’s eyes.
‘No hurry. The other guests will keep him busy for a while.’
‘I’m okay with water for now, thank you.’ How could she eat while her senses were being subjected to an overload of testosterone? Tadj made her long for all things forbidden, and she had to remind herself that she was nothing more than a dockside novelty for him.
Several wine fountains had been installed on board the Sapphire, and it was here that couples seemed to be congregating. She couldn’t stop staring at them—arms entwined, bodies touching, laughing intimately into each other’s faces.
‘Would you like me to fill your glass?’ Tadj prompted with a curving smile as he glanced at the glittering stream.
For a moment she was lost for words, and then came to with a jolt. ‘No, thank you. I’m steering clear of the hard stuff tonight, and only drinking water.’
He laughed. ‘Sensible.’
‘Always,’ she confirmed.
They stared at each other for a few potent moments, during which time Tadj looked like a mythical hero, while
she tried to stop her cheeks flaming red. But if there was a cure for blushing, she hadn’t found it yet, something to do with her pale Celtic skin that showed every emotion whether she wanted it to or not.
‘Why did you invite me tonight?’
‘Fireworks,’ he said.
She blinked and then realised what he meant as plumes of light began to explode all around the ship. ‘I really want to know,’ she pressed.
This was dangerous. She was always so cool where men were concerned, and with good reason, having the experience of her stepfather behind her, but with Tadj cool was becoming increasingly impossible.
‘Look!’
His touch on her arm made her jump, and it took her a moment to follow his stare to the circus performers in glittering green costumes, swinging high over their heads. She gasped, and not just because of the risks the acrobats were taking, but because Tadj had swung an arm possessively around her shoulders, which was a risk right here.
‘And down there,’ he said as she was about to wriggle free.
And breathe, Lucy instructed herself firmly, making herself relax as Tadj turned her to see the fire-eaters and jugglers performing.
‘We’ve got a lot more to see,’ he said as he moved and took her with him across the deck.
He wasn’t joking. The next place they stopped had been transformed into a souk, complete with flower stalls and food outlets, as well as flashy gifts of every type. The attendants behind the stalls were exotically and colourfully robed, and played a good part as they shouted their wares to the passing guests. No money changed hands, and there was quite a crowd competing for the hats, shawls, beads and ornaments, with which to adorn their designer clothes.
‘This isn’t a party, it’s a theatrical production,’ Lucy commented as she glanced up at Tadj.
‘One man’s ludicrous is another man’s normal,’ he remarked. ‘And you look sensational, by the way,’ he added as they walked on. ‘No need for strings of beads, or even a hat to hide your face.’
‘Watch it, mister,’ she said, smiling as she faked a punch, and Tadj ducked. ‘Actually, you don’t look bad yourself, now I take a proper look...’ Massive understatement. Tadj looked sensational in nothing more than a pair of well-cut jeans and an open-neck shirt, with a casual jacket left open to reveal his powerful chest. He could have worn a boiler suit, and still looked fabulous. Better still naked, she thought.
And here she was in borrowed clothes, carrying the flag for her friends. Tipping up her chin, she met his teasing stare head-on, and was rewarded by the warmth in Tadj’s eyes. Make that heat, she thought as her body responded with enthusiasm.
‘Champagne?’ Tadj proposed as he selected two crystal flutes from a tray a passing waiter was carrying.
‘No, thanks. I’m a cheap drunk, so I’ll stick to water, if you don’t mind. And even if you do,’ she added good-humouredly. Tonight was going better than expected—far better than she’d dared to hope.
‘To us,’ he said as they raised their glasses.
‘To a wonderful evening,’ Lucy replied, calling on her natural caution. She might be having the time of her life—might have kissed the hottest man at the party, but she had no intention of completely losing her head.
Tadj achieved the impossible, by finding them a quiet and sheltered spot on the Sapphire’s crowded deck. Taking her glass out of her hand, he put it down next to his. Was he going to kiss her again? Every part of her body tingled at the thought. She could feel him in every fibre of her being, as if he were the virtuoso who had temporarily laid aside his violin. Her strings were certainly twanging at the memory of his touch, Lucy thought, carefully concealing her amusement at a body running riot while the sensible head supposedly guiding it was temporarily unavailable.
‘It’s so beautiful here,’ she said, looking around. The floral decorations were incredible, though the blossom was in a more restrained colour palette than the rest of the Sapphire, as if this area had been designed for lovers. It was like standing in the middle of a fragrant ocean of palest pink and white. Drawing on the heady scent, she closed her eyes, only for the unwelcome thought that she should be leaving soon to pop into her head. ‘Tadj, I...’
‘Tadj what?’ he murmured.
He’d dipped his head to stare into her eyes, and their mouths were almost touching.
‘Don’t,’ she begged.
‘Why not?’ he teased.
Her lips were tingling. His warm, clean, spicy scent was drugging her senses. She wanted another kiss and was in no hurry to move. Sighing raggedly as he began to tease her lips with his, she wondered if anything that felt this good could be bad for her. The touch of Tadj’s hands on her arms was so light and yet so dangerous. She didn’t want to break away. She wanted more of his skilful touches. He was so gentle, and yet so firm in a way she had never experienced before. He promised more pleasure than she could imagine.
‘Something amusing you?’ he asked, frowning as he stared down.
True, her mood had changed and no wonder. ‘This is a film set,’ she said, as a cloud of pink smoke drifted up from a lower deck, threatening to envelop them in its scented embrace.
‘Where you are, anything’s possible,’ Tadj said dryly as he wafted it away. ‘Look down there, and you’ll see an oasis complete with sandy beach and palm trees.’
‘And all for the amusement of the Sheikh’s guests,’ Lucy commented with a wry smile. ‘And what about up here?’ she queried softly, holding Tadj’s burning stare.
He gave her a considering look. ‘Up here you will find two people, namely you and me, who have more sense than to be taken in by a fantasy.’
If only, she thought as he smiled faintly. Tadj might have his sensible head screwed on tightly, but she’d lost hers when he’d kissed her.
‘You’re beautiful,’ he whispered just as she was reflecting that there would never be another night like this.
‘No, I’m not,’ she said. ‘I’m just okay, but you’re beautiful.’ When he frowned at this, she added, ‘All right, then, you’re not just beautiful, you’re rugged and tough too.’
‘That’s better,’ he agreed with a grin. ‘But it’s only your opinion.’
‘And I’m always right,’ she said.
He laughed and, cupping her chin in one hand, he kissed her again. By the time he’d finished kissing her, she was ready to agree to anything he suggested. Deep down, she knew she should move away, slow things down, but she couldn’t—she didn’t want to. She wanted more breath-stealing kisses, and more caresses from those knowing hands. More than ready to accept that one night couldn’t last for ever, she knew that memories like these would stand the test of time.
The cloud of pink smoke added to the sense of unreality, making things seem possible that she would never have considered on a regular first date. Being close to Tadj and touching him like this was as far from Lucy’s normal as it was possible to get. This was definitely the most romantic night of her life, she thought as she stared into his dark, compelling stare, and she was in no hurry to put the brakes on.
Everything about Lucy enchanted him. She felt perfect beneath his hands, and was full of surprises. Passion of all types fired off her, and she wasn’t afraid to stand up to him. Quirky and inexperienced, as he had thought her, she had responded to his kisses, not on his terms, but on hers, and he liked that about Lucy best of all. He admired her openness. What you saw was what you got, and the night was just beginning.
‘Nice dress,’ he remarked as she straightened the folds of fabric, smoothing it over her thighs, as he would like to do.
‘I have my friends to thank for helping me put this outfit together,’ she admitted. ‘Oh, I see,’ she said, reading him with her usual ease. ‘You like the dress because it leaves my back bare.’
‘That’s part of it,’ he admitted. The tasteful knee-length dress was Lucy’s choice
, he guessed. The glittering shoulder bag encrusted with diamanté, together with its matching high-heeled shoes, didn’t strike him as Lucy’s taste. She was all about understatement, and the shoes were too big, which kind of gave it away. The sensible, if dated poncho she’d handed over to an attendant at the entrance to the Sapphire would certainly keep her warm, but he couldn’t imagine Lucy spending her hard-earned cash on such a bulky and unflattering item. ‘You’ve got some good friends,’ he commented.
‘The best,’ she agreed.
The fact so many people had wanted to contribute to Lucy enjoying herself tonight told him a lot about her character, as well as her resourcefulness, not to mention good judgement when it came to choosing her friends.
‘Let’s make a move,’ he suggested as a fresh wave of pink mist made its way towards them from the lower deck. Taking hold of her hand, he linked their fingers as he led her towards the infamous Golden Suite on board the Sapphire.
‘Shouldn’t we meet the Sheikh first?’ she asked, glancing over her shoulder as impatience to have her truly alone led him to increase his pace.
‘He’s not going anywhere.’
But they were, Lucy thought. And where was Tadj taking her? Her sensible mind caused her to worry her bottom lip, but her wayward body thrilled as she considered the possibilities.
CHAPTER FIVE
TADJ HAD EXPLAINED that the stateroom he was about to show Lucy was unique. Not only was it full of treasures beyond compare in the historical sense, but also it was stuffed to the gunnels with golden ornaments and furniture, as well as the fabulous, famous sapphires.
‘Do I get to see your etchings too?’ she asked lightly.
‘No etchings. Erotic hangings,’ Tadj informed her. ‘No joke,’ he assured Lucy when she looked at him in surprise. ‘So, I hope you’re not easily shocked.’
‘Me? No,’ she said on a throat turned suddenly dry.
‘Extremely erotic hangings,’ Tadj teased, seeing her discomfort.
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