by Marie Tuhart
Malik leaned down and whispered in her ear. “We’re going to be alone together, and I for one can’t wait.” He left the room smiling to himself. Today would be fun, he’d see to it.
Catherine stared after Malik. What was he up to? Her skin tingled at his words. To be alone with him? And then there were his words about exploring her body. She wanted to explore his too. They hadn’t had much time alone in the last week. Darn it, what was it about him that sent her body into hormonal overload?
But he was a complication she didn’t need. He was the crown prince, for heaven’s sake. She wasn’t made to be under some microscope by the press and by people. She’d had more than enough of that growing up with parents who were a baron and baroness, and she felt that she had never measured up.
Yet all Malik had to do was glance at her or give her one of his sexy bad boy grins, and her body went into overdrive. Thankfully, his minister of information had been a buffer in the car all week. Malik was annoyed with his minister, but it had saved her from her acting on her own desires, which she had no business acting on. Not when she would be leaving in a few months. During the evenings, she had been half expecting him at her balcony doors and then both disappointed and relieved when he’d apparently had late meetings with the king or his ministers that kept him away from her.
And what was he saying about accompanying her today? With a frown, she finished her breakfast. Her thoughts wandered to Malik again. She was getting good at reading him, and that told her she was spending too much time studying him.
Oh, heck, all she had to do was look at her sketchbook. Pages and pages were filled with him. She fought herself on a daily basis, but it didn’t seem to be working. She only wanted to get closer to him, to feel his touch and his kiss once again.
With a shake of her head, Catherine drained her coffee cup, picked up her oversized bag, and made her way to the front entrance where she’d told Samir she’d meet him. She came to an abrupt halt upon seeing Malik leaning against the doorjamb.
“Where’s Samir?”
Malik straightened. “Getting the car.” He pulled open the heavy wooden door and gestured for her to precede him.
Catherine stopped short when Samir pulled up in a silver Jaguar. Whirling around, she tilted her head and looked at Malik. “What is this?” She gestured to the vehicle. She was getting used to the oversized Mercedes or SUV, but this was a powerful sports car.
“Our car for the day.”
“Our car?” Oh, no. Oh, no. He could not be serious. They were going to be cooped up in that small car together, just the two of them? Malik stood there, arms folded over his chest, staring at her. Oh, crap, he was serious. A tingle of excitement slipped through her blood at the thought of being alone with him in the vehicle.
“Yes.” He cupped her elbow, escorting her down the stairs and to the passenger side of the car.
“But … ” Her words trailed off when he placed warm fingers against her lips. Heat exploded in her body, and she barely stopped her tongue from darting out to taste him.
“You want to explore the city, and I’m more than willing to be your guide.”
Her heart skipped several beats. “Where are your bodyguards?” she mumbled against his fingers. They had to be around somewhere. It was bad enough Samir didn’t leave her alone while she was at the hospital. But Malik had so many more, at least three at all times.
“They’ll be in a car behind us and staying out of sight. For all intents and purposes, you and I will be alone.” He removed his fingers from her lips and opened the car door.
Alone. That was asking for trouble. But instead of protesting, she slid onto the seat and reached for her seatbelt. Where was her sense of self-preservation? It flew away without her thinking about the consequences if the paparazzi caught them together.
Malik slipped behind the wheel and she turned to him. “Is this really a good idea?” Who was she trying to convince, him or herself?
“It’s the best I’ve ever had.” He leaned over. “Besides, it’s time for us to learn more about each other and explore this attraction.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips, then put on his seatbelt before starting the car and putting it in gear.
Her lips pulsed from the kiss as he drove away from the palace. She was about to tell him she’d changed her mind when Malik began talking about the history of Bashir. The pride and joy in his tone had her quickly lost in his voice and his world, all thought of sensual things forgotten.
Forty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the zoo. Catherine shook her head. She couldn’t believe how fast the drive had passed. Malik’s voice had kept her enthralled with his knowledge of history.
He helped her out of the vehicle. “Before you ask, Samir told me about your interest in seeing native animals, so I figured this would be the best place to start our day.” He grinned at her. “The early morning hours are the best to visit because the heat is less intense, there are fewer crowds, and the animals are more likely to be out and about.”
Unable to help herself, Catherine laughed. Who would think of finding the crown prince at the zoo? “Lead on.”
He gave her one of his heart-stopping grins, then tucked her arm through his as they crossed the parking lot to the entrance.
Several employees bowed their heads as they walked through the gates. Catherine was getting used to seeing people do it. She had asked Malik about it the first day, and he’d explained it was a sign of respect from the people. She stopped when she noticed there weren’t any other people around.
“Where is everyone? Are your zoos not a favorite attraction?” She bit her lip when his cheeks turned a dull red.
“The zoo is ours alone, for as long as you want it.”
“Ours?” She glanced over her shoulder to see Malik’s security detail, headed by Samir, but no one else. “What do you mean? Don’t they open soon? Don’t tell me they closed down the zoo for your royal visit?”
“We are here before opening hours, and yes, they have closed it.” He lowered his head as if he were embarrassed.
“But how fair is that?” She tugged on his arm when he started to walk. “Think about it, Malik. How many families will arrive today to find the zoo closed? How disappointed their children will be because of that.”
He frowned. “It is not my choice. Security demands it.”
“Oh, posh.” She waved her hands in the air. “You’re the crown prince. You can do anything you want. There’s no danger here, unless I decide to feed you to one of the animals for being so inconsiderate.”
“I used this same argument on my minister of information this morning.”
“And apparently he won.”
“In a way. Since we put out the press release about the mural, we’ve had more requests to speak with you.”
“Me?” Catherine tilted her head and stared at him. “Why would they want to talk to me?”
“Because you are the artist creating it.” He leaned closer. “And a beautiful one at that.”
Her breath caught in her throat. Every time he said something like that, her bones melted and she wanted to kiss him silly. “Back to the zoo.”
Malik grinned. “You are right. The zoo needs to be open to everyone.”
“Dang right I am. You have enough security here to protect us.” She waved her hand at his full security team of eight.
He let out a laugh and then signaled Samir to his side.
“Sir,” Samir said, stopping in front of them.
“Tell them to open the zoo at the normal time.”
“But, sir … ”
Malik held up his hand. “Don’t argue, just do it.”
Samir shook his head and stalked off.
When Malik glanced at her she giggled. “He thinks I’m a bad influence on you.”
“It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. Your heart is in the right place. Now, shall we get moving before the crowds descend?”
Catherine laughed and danced away. “Lead on, my p
rince.”
11
Several hours later, Malik scanned for Catherine. He spotted her right where he’d left her five minutes before his going to speak with Samir about their next stop. She was by the oryx enclosure, her pencil flying over the sketchpad. She’d sketched almost every animal in the zoo, even those not native to Bashir, saying she wanted to capture them as they appeared in his country.
Excited, young voices caught his attention. It had been the right decision to open the zoo. Families strolled around, and children exclaimed over the animals. What surprised him the most was the way he was able to blend in. Very few people approached him. Most just smiled and nodded.
There were a few older gentlemen who came up to shake his hand and introduce themselves, but none in a manner his security forces feared.
A set of nervous giggles caused him to turn his head to the right. A group of teenage girls clustered together.
He smiled at one of the girls when she peeked in his direction, only to have her giggle and her face turn red.
“They think you’re cute.” Catherine’s breath brushed over his skin.
“Oh.” He hadn’t sensed her come up beside him. “Do you think I’m cute?” He couldn’t wait to hear her answer.
Her nose wrinkled as she considered the question. “In an autocratic sort of way.”
“I’m not autocratic Bossy, maybe.”
Catherine snorted. Lord, this woman was so beautiful when she was being herself. Not that she wasn’t beautiful all the time, but right now, all her barriers were down. She wasn’t worried about anyone seeing her so unguarded, and her inner beauty shone bright like a beacon.
Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks were pink, and her hair was slightly windblown. And he wanted her. More than he’d ever wanted any woman. He’d gone from liking, to lusting, to need in the space of a week. He should be concerned he was in so deep, but he didn’t care.
“This from the man who ordered the Arabian Red Fox to show itself.”
“You wanted to sketch him. It was the least I could do.” He tugged at the collar of his shirt.
She laughed, and his heart turned over at the sound. When had he had so much fun with a woman? A woman who made him think of long hot nights in his bed, yet at the same time made him so happy? This was the woman he wanted in his life.
“Sir,” Samir said.
Catherine stiffened and her smile faded. She backed away from him. All morning that had happened. Each time he and Catherine seemed to get close to each other, one of his security team had interrupted.
“Yes, Samir.” Malik tried to keep the irritation out of his voice.
Samir glanced at Catherine, then back at Malik.
“I’ll be right over there.” She motioned to the empty space near the teenage girls.
“Now what?” This time he didn’t hide his annoyance.
“I’m sorry, sir, but the minister of information is on the phone again.” Samir held out the small cell phone.
Malik snatched the device out of Samir’s hand, barely resisting the urge to smash it to small pieces. “Enough! Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow. Do not call again.” He hit the end button and handed the phone back to Samir. “Unless it’s a member of my family, do not answer it.” Without another word, he strode to Catherine.
“Do we need to get back?” she asked, not looking at him but rather at the foliage.
“No.” He combed his fingers through his hair before dropping them back to his side.
“If you need to go back, I’m okay with it.” She placed a soft hand on his forearm, and every nerve in his body went on alert.
The urge to snatch her into his arms and kiss her was strong. Her offer was sincere, and it was precious to him. “We’re fine.”
He took her hand and brought it to his mouth. His lips caressed her knuckles. A fine shiver ran up her arm.
He wanted, no needed, to kiss her. Now. A chorus of feminine sighs floated on the air. They had an audience; maybe that would work to his advantage. He released her hand and framed her waist.
“Malik, what are you doing?” she whispered.
“I’m going to kiss you.” He slid his body closer to hers.
“Why?” She tilted her head, looking up at him.
“Because I want to.” He captured her lips with his.
Ambrosia. She tasted of sweetness and pleasure. He had planned on making it a short kiss, but she let out a sigh, and her lips opened to his as she leaned into him.
He couldn’t help himself; he allowed his tongue to slip past her lips, tangling with hers, playing with it, before exploring the deep recesses of her mouth. Her arms encircled his neck, causing his skin to tingle, then she dug her fingers into his hair. He widened his stance, pulling her between his legs, letting her feel what she did to him.
For a brief moment, she stiffened, then she pressed even closer as her tongue traced his. Malik bit back a groan. How long would it take them to get back to the palace and his bed?
A series of feminine sighs caused Catherine to break the kiss. She glanced over her shoulder, and Malik followed her gaze. The girls were staring at them with awe etched in their expressions.
“I think you made their day,” she whispered, wishing her heart would stop pounding. Heck, who was she kidding, her core was pulsing with want and need. If they’d been alone … but they weren’t.
“It made mine.” He brushed his thumb over her lower lip. “I want to keep kissing you. I want to make love to you with my lips, to hear you sigh my name as you orgasm. Shall we return to the palace?”
A hyena let out a bay, and Catherine’s heart sank. What was wrong with her? Anyone could snap a picture. But to return to the palace? It took her brain several seconds to catch up with her emotional high.
He was aroused, and darn it, so was she. But to sleep with him? Bad idea. Kissing him hadn’t been such a good idea either, but she’d been unable to help herself.
Determined to put some space between them, she tried to take a step back. He held her fast.
“No hiding, Catherine.”
“What are you talking about?” She squirmed in his hold. A minute ago she couldn’t wait to be closer to him; now, she needed distance between them or she might do something stupid, like beg him to tie her up and have his wicked way with her.
“I mean, my fair princess, this is only the beginning. You can’t hide from me or your destiny.”
“Want to bet?” Her stomach chose that moment to let out a growl.
Malik threw back his head and laughed, allowing some precious space between their bodies.
“Later, when we are alone, we will explore this,” he whispered. “Right now, I think a snack is in order, then a visit to the marketplace.” He stepped away from her but captured her hand, and they walked toward the zoo entrance.
“This is magnificent,” Catherine said a short time later as they strolled around town. The wrought-iron balconies reminded her of the intricate ironwork in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Then there were the latticework shutters, which protected the occupants from the harsh sun and the occasional sandstorms. At least that’s what Malik told her. But it was the marketplace that held her captivated. Rows upon rows of every conceivable type of merchandise made it a shopper’s paradise.
Choices ranged from fruits and vegetables, to spices, to shoes, to the latest Paris fashions, to more traditional Bashir clothing, to furniture, to the most up-to-date electronic equipment. Her senses were overwhelmed, yet a thread of excitement ran through her veins. This was a tour of a lifetime. Vendors, each one friendly, called out greetings as she and Malik walked down the narrow streets.
Many recognized Malik. They smiled and invited him to view, taste, or simply see what they were selling. And word of his presence passed through the marketplace, because as they walked, more and more people filled the streets.
Malik was gracious, stopping and talking to the vendors. Catherine stood back and observed, then pulled out her small digital
camera. She couldn’t resist taking pictures of Malik surrounded by his people.
The people were very respectful, but they were also very anxious to talk with him. From her vantage point, she watched as he took each person’s hand or touched a child on the head and, in some cases, embraced an elderly woman. And he listened to each person. He was very much a public official. He was truly the people’s prince.
And she had no idea of how to deal with him. He was a public figure, more so than Jamie ever had been. And Malik made her heart pound and her core clench with need. A small shiver of fear climbed up her spine. She could lose herself to this man if she wasn’t careful.
“Your people respect and love you,” she commented after Malik rejoined her and they were seated at a table in a local cafe.
“And that is a bad thing?” He snagged her fingers and raised them to his lips.
“No.” A shiver trailed from the tips of her fingers to her toes. Part of her enjoyed the attention Malik lavished on her, while yet another part was overwhelmed. She hadn’t been the focus of male attention in quite a while.
She should be distancing herself from him. Not allowing him to kiss her fingers, to overwhelm her senses. In the long run it could hurt them both. Tomorrow, she promised. She wanted to enjoy today, these moments in his country and his company.
“You’re a good man and an even better royal. It’s obvious that in everything you do, you do it for your people and your country.”
A frown appeared. He gazed at her, and she wondered if she’d stepped over an imaginary boundary.
“You are very observant.”
“It comes with being an artist.” She shrugged and picked up the menu in front of her. The words jumbled together because all she could concentrate on was him.
She opened her mouth to ask him what he would suggest when a camera flash went off.
12
Catherine flinched and hid behind the menu.
“Prince Malik, Miss Taylor, look this way,” one of the reporters said.
