by Marie Tuhart
“What are you doing?” Her hands fluttered to his shoulders.
“This.” He lowered his head and captured her lips. She tasted of sweetness and light, pure Catherine—his strength, his courage, his woman. Wanting to keep the kiss light, he lifted his head.
Her eyes flared with desire, and he wanted to kiss her again, the way a lover kissed another. Slow, long, and hot. He wanted her more and more with each passing minute.
“Did that help?” she asked, as she traced his jaw with her fingers, her touch making his skin tingle with pleasure.
“Yes.” And it had. There was something freeing about having his woman in his arms. “Later, I’m going to explore every part of your body while I have you tied to my bed.” A shiver shook her body as her eyes widened and desire blazed in them.
“It’s almost time,” his minister of information interrupted.
Malik inclined his head and waited until the man retreated. Ever since Omar had insulted Catherine earlier that morning, Malik had watched his minister with new eyes. What else was the man doing that he didn’t know about? “You’ll be with my family?” His mother and brothers would be in the adjoining room, within sight of the people.
“Yes.”
“Good.” He brushed his lips over her cheek, breathing in her scent, then he took a step back and released her from his embrace.
“You’ll knock them dead,” she said, before stepping around him and joining his family.
17
Catherine gnawed on her lower lip as she watched Malik from her vantage point. He looked so handsome in the traditional robe and so right addressing his people. She was proud of him.
She listened to his words and scanned the crowds below. It was obvious the people thought the world of the royal family and the crown prince. They cheered when Malik told them his father’s heart attack was minor and he was recovering quickly. Then they cheered again when he said he would be taking a more active role in running the country during this crisis. A big cheer went up when he made the announcement that he’d found his future crown princess.
Her breath caught in her throat when Malik turned. He’d tried earlier to convince her to join him, but she didn’t want to be in the spotlight. She sighed; there was no way to keep their engagement in the dark, especially since it was already in all the papers.
Khalid nudged her in the back, and in a trance she moved to Malik’s side, taking his outstretched hand. She was setting herself up for heartbreak, but she couldn’t avoid it. She was falling for this man. He had facets that she itched to explore. Maybe she could overcome her past with him by her side.
When he tugged her to his side, he dropped a light kiss against her lips. The applause and cheering became deafening. Then, still holding her hand, Malik finished his speech. “Wave,” he whispered when he’d finished.
Together, they waved to the crowd, who continued to cheer, even as she and Malik disappeared from sight.
His family was waiting for them, and Anna smiled at Catherine. “That was a lovely thing to do.”
“What?” she asked.
“To go to Malik’s side, to acknowledge you will be our crown princess, and waving to the people. You’ve made their day.” There was approval and acceptance in Anna’s voice.
Catherine’s cheeks grew hot. Malik had told her to wave, and she had. It was just a friendly gesture, wasn’t it? Then she thought about the kiss. “Did I make some sort of mistake in waving or the kiss?”
“Not at all,” said Hassan.
“Nope,” added Rafi.
“In fact,” Khalid said, taking her hand in his, “by joining Malik, the kiss, and the wave, you’ve publicly acknowledged the engagement. The press will be frantic now.” He hesitated, and then added, “In a good way.”
Catherine closed her eyes when her stomach dropped to her feet at Khalid’s words. Life would be perfect without the press. Well, she’d stepped into the fire all by herself this time. Maybe the fake engagement would take some of the pressure off Malik.
Later that evening, Catherine stood outside her room on the balcony. She loved this time of night. Not too hot and not too cold.
“Are you okay?” Malik’s voice drifted over to her. She turned her head to see him lounging against the railing, watching her.
“Yes.” She let out a sigh. “You could have told me what was going to happen today before I stepped to your side.”
“I didn’t want you bolting.” He sauntered over to her and lifted his hand, and his fingers caressed her cheek before slipping behind her neck.
“You think you know me so well.” The gesture calmed her nerves.
“I do.” His lips found hers.
Catherine sank into his kiss, her lips parting to allow his tongue to thrust into her waiting mouth.
Hot tendrils of desire wove their way through her body and around her until her skin felt as if it would burst from need. She broke the kiss and gazed up at Malik. “I want you.”
His eyes darkened. And the next thing she knew she was in his arms, and he was striding into her room. The balcony doors slammed shut as he kicked them before he made his way into her bedroom.
She was crazy, that’s all there was to it. She was getting in deeper rather than pushing Malik away, but she didn’t want to push him away. Catherine wanted to feel his lips on hers, his body against hers, his passion igniting hers.
He lowered her to her feet, his fingers at the tie of her robe. He loosened it, and he sucked in a breath. She grinned.
“You are exquisite,” he whispered, pushing the fabric from her shoulders. She hadn’t bothered to dress after her shower. Her body was completely exposed to him. “Tonight, you are mine.”
He lifted her onto the mattress, positioning her in the middle of the bed before he removed his own robe.
Her breath caught in her throat. Lord, he was magnificent. His body was fit and toned. Dark hair trailed down his chest to where it disappeared beneath the white briefs he wore. His penis pushed against the fabric.
“Ummm.” She didn’t know what to say. She wanted him, but was suddenly shy.
“Shhh.” He leaned over and kissed her gently on the mouth. “Let me take care of you.”
She tilted her head, puzzled, until he grinned and began kissing and licking her neck. Her head arched back, giving him more access. His lips were so soft, and his tongue tickled as he nibbled his way down to her throat.
Catherine’s nerves danced to life under Malik’s talented mouth. His lips caressed the base of her throat, sliding lower, he lapped at her left nipple. Her mouth fell open with the sensation of his tongue against her breast, as he moved to the right. Shivers of pleasure flowed through her nipples straight to her center.
Without thought, she tangled her hands in his hair, holding him to her. His head rose, and he stared down at her. “No touching.”
“What?” He couldn’t be serious.
Malik rolled off the mattress, and before she could form a question, he was back, pulling her arms over her head. Soft fabric looped around her wrists. Catherine tilted her head up. He’d taken the belt off his robe and was tying her up.
Her breath caught in her throat. Malik gazed into her eyes. Desire, want, and need flared in his dark depths. The tiny flickers of gold in his eyes sparked with fire and heat.
“Now you are at my mercy.” His voice was low and husky.
She tugged at her bonds. They were firm, but not painful. Anticipation licked through her veins, but she wasn’t stupid. “Do I need a safeword?”
His eyes darkened further. “Princess,” he murmured.
“What?” Did he say what she thought he had?
“Princess is your safeword.” He grinned. “But you won’t need it.”
Malik moved down her body until his lips caressed her stomach, and then he moved lower. His palms were warm against her inner thighs as he pushed her legs apart and continued his journey.
Her skin danced as he nipped and licked his way between her th
ighs. Then he swiped his tongue over her outer lips.
“Malik,” she cried his name, her hips rising from the mattress.
“Sweet,” he whispered. His fingers worked their way over the top of her slit, and maneuvered over her skin until he was able to part her outer lips, exposing her to him.
When he licked her this time, Catherine closed her eyes on a moan at the sensations coursing their way through her body. Oh, dear Lord. Then he closed his mouth over her clit and sucked.
She thrashed against the mattress, her muscles tightening. It was overwhelming, the feeling of his mouth on her, his tongue playing with that little bundle of nerves. Her senses were on overload.
Malik held Catherine’s thrashing body easily. She tasted so good. Like honey and spice rolled into one sweet treat. He kept an eye on her as he licked, sucked, and nipped at her slit.
Her body was flushed; she’d closed her eyes and panted. Good, aroused and on edge. That’s how he wanted her. He kept tormenting her as he slid his right hand over her inner thigh.
More honey flowed from her, she was so wet and so ready. His dick swelled. No, this was for her. He’d promised her he’d kiss her all over, and he was going to fulfill that promise, but first … He slid two fingers into her core.
Her hips bucked as her feet tried to find purchase on the mattress. Wasn’t going to happen, not with him between her legs, keeping her open to him. He lifted his head.
“You are so wet and tasty.”
“Too much,” she whispered, her fingers curled into her palms.
“Not enough.” He blew against her mound and she let out a moan. “Let go, my princess. Let me give you the pleasure you deserve.”
He lowered his head. Her hips jerked as he moved his fingers within her core, while he continued to use his tongue against the sensitive bundle of nerves. She was so sweet, so sexy, so … his. Her muscles tightened around his fingers.
Oh, yes, she was close. He doubled his efforts, his fingers finding that special spot inside her. The second he pressed his fingers against her G-spot, she cried out and her body shuddered as she climaxed.
He grinned against her skin, his tongue now smoothing over her hot button rather than arousing it. Malik lifted his head, watching her body float down from her orgasm. She was so damn beautiful. Her muscles still clenched his fingers deep within her.
She opened her eyes and their gazes clashed. Her blue eyes were languid with satisfaction. But he wanted more. Carefully, he slipped his fingers from her pussy.
“So beautiful,” he whispered, and he kissed his way down her left leg, and then up her right leg. His cock strained with need, but he ignored it. This was for her. This was her night. He would get his later.
When he kissed his way back up her body, his lips captured hers. Her body bucked against his, but she didn’t try to pull away; instead, she kissed him back.
He trailed his fingers back to her slit as they kissed. She was still wet. He slid his digits into her again. Her body bucked harder as muscles tightened around his fingers.
Malik raised his head and stared into her eyes. “Again,” he whispered.
18
Catherine woke to someone knocking on her door. Malik? She turned her head, but she was alone in bed. Malik? Her heart raced. No, he would use the balcony doors, as he had last night when he’d swept into her room and carried her to bed.
Her core tightened with the memory of all the wicked things he’d done with his mouth last night. She vaguely remembered his kissing her early this morning, telling her he was going back to his room and for her to get some sleep.
Looking at the clock, she let out a groan. It was seven. She hadn’t fallen asleep until five. She found her robe on the chair and slipped it on. Her face warmed, remembering the way Malik had tied her wrists. Shaking her head, she walked to the outer room and opened the door. A woman swept through the doorway, almost knocking Catherine down.
“Miss Taylor, you should be dressed. Where is your maid? We have so much to do today. Fittings, etiquette, history lessons, protocol lessons. We’ll never fit it all in.”
Catherine rubbed her eyes as her brain tried to make sense of what the woman was saying. “Who are you?”
“I’m your liaison.” She looked at the door Catherine still held open. “Oh, good, the dressmakers are here. Let’s get started.”
Three hours later, Catherine escaped from the sitting room into her bedroom, slamming the door between herself and that woman. Enough was enough. She’d been poked and prodded for hours by Lillianna, as she said her name was. She had been sent by the minister of information to help Catherine transition into the royal family, and they had a lot of work to do.
This whole thing was an unnecessary exercise. It was a fake engagement. A tiny part of her whispered it could be real if she said the right words to Malik, but she shushed the voice. She’d play her part until the mural was done, and that was it. But her heart pounded at the thought of breaking her rules and just going for it with Malik.
Catherine sighed as she pulled on a pair of her favorite jeans and a blouse. While it might not be dignified, she was going to sneak out, again. Another minute with Lillianna and she was going to strangle her. Catherine could give the woman lessons in protocol, how to dress, and beyond. All things she’d learned as a child from her parents. Things she’d rather not go over again.
Slipping out the balcony doors, she jogged down the back staircase and through a door into the lower level. She asked one of the staff to have Samir bring a car around. Catherine cautiously made her way to the breakfast room and peeked around the door.
Oh, good, no one was there. She slipped into the room and found her travel mug on the counter—where it sat waiting for her every morning. Filled it from the hot pot sitting on the counter, then hightailed it out of there. Samir pulled up as she came out the front door. Within a minute, she was inside the car, and they were on the way to the hospital. Just because she was Malik’s fiancée didn’t mean she was going to give up her independence, style, and who she was.
“One more, please,” the children cried as they clamored for another story.
Catherine smiled. Upon arriving at the hospital, she realized all her supplies were still at the palace. Instead of going back or sending Samir after them, she decided to read stories to the kids. That was where Hassan had found her a few minutes ago. “Sorry, kids.” Hassan had informed her she needed to get back to the palace before all hell broke loose. “I promised Dr. Hassan I’d stop after this last story.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. It was after three, and she’d been with the kids since eleven that morning.
The kids let out a groan, but they didn’t argue. Instead, they all moved back to their beds, and Catherine made sure to visit each child before she left.
Hassan stood waiting just outside the door. “How much trouble am I in?” she asked.
He laughed. “Your barracuda liaison is threatening to tear you apart, the minister of information is having fits, Malik—who is not upset at all—is trying to deal with them both, and my sainted mother, who I sent home an hour ago, laughs even harder each time I’ve spoken with her.”
Catherine had stopped by Jamal’s room when she first came in, but Anna had been there, holding hands with her husband and talking. She hadn’t wanted to disturb them. “At least I have one person on my side.” She could see Anna laughing at the situation, and it warmed her heart.
“More than one.” Hassan touched her shoulder. “Don’t let them get you down, Catherine. Keep doing what you’re doing now. They’ll learn.”
“Thanks, Hassan.” They stopped in the reception area. She didn’t see Samir anywhere. Then Hassan’s pager went off.
“Go,” she said.
“But Samir isn’t here.”
“He’ll be here in a minute. Your patients need you. Now, shoo.”
Hassan smiled before walking away.
Catherine paced the area waiting for Samir, all the while trying to formulat
e a plan for dealing with Lillianna and the minister of information. A car pulled up, and Catherine stepped outside. Warning bells went off in her head. That wasn’t Samir. Before she could turn, someone grabbed her from behind.
19
Malik listened to Omar drone on about how Catherine wasn’t committed to being his consort and how she needed to be at the palace, not at the hospital.
“Catherine is very committed to her work and the children. I will not stand in her way. She’ll be fine.” Deep in his gut, he was aware of Catherine’s hidden depths. He wasn’t worried about her knowing which knife to use at a state dinner. None of that was important.
He glanced up as the door to his office opened. His mother’s pale face brought him to his feet and across the room.
“Father?” he asked, his heart constricting.
“He’s fine. It’s Catherine.”
Malik’s heart stopped. He didn’t question his mother, his only thought was to get to Catherine. He swept by her and down the hallway, ignoring his minister of information. He rushed out of the house and jumped into the waiting car. Within seconds of the car pulling away, his cell phone rang. He pulled it out to see his mother’s number.
“Sorry, Mother. I need—”
“Quiet, son. Catherine is okay, I’ll let Hassan fill you in, but I didn’t want you running into a situation unknown.”
“What happened?” His heart still pounded in his chest, but his mother’s words helped him calm down a little.
“I’m not sure. One of the nurses called because Catherine was injured, not badly. I could hear Catherine saying it wasn’t necessary, but Hassan wanted you there.”
He blew out a breath. If Hassan hadn’t called, it couldn’t be too bad. “Thank you, Mother. I’ll call as soon as I find out what is going on.” Malik hung up as the car pulled up to the hospital entrance. Ignoring the police, press, and his bodyguards, he strode into the hospital.
Samir waited inside the doors. “She’s this way.” Samir gestured to the emergency room, and Malik nodded and followed him. “You should be aware she was attacked, Your Highness.”
