Sinful Seduction

by Alice Raine

  The temptation to reach out and run my hand over his jaw to see how prickly the stubble was nearly overwhelmed me, and I had to sharply remind myself that I was suffering from a fairly severe concussion in order to rein in my libido.

  It seemed to me that Khalil was also experiencing a similar thought process, because he shook his head, chuckling to himself, then looked up at me with a clearer expression. The darkness from a second ago was gone, and although I was sure I could still see attraction in his eyes, he seemed to have tamped down his lust and reinstated his self-control. ‘Would you like to sit up, or lie down?’

  ‘Sit, please. Lying made me dizzy.’

  Khalil shifted closer to help stack my pillows behind me, and my nose was instantly hit with his scent. It was rich, and deep, and so different to the aftershaves I’d smelt in the UK that I found myself taking a deep inhale and smiling. It was exotic, and unfamiliar, but so alluring. A lot like the man himself.

  He propped several pillows behind me. As I sank back onto them he reached out and ran a fingertip across my brow, gently skirting the bruises there, then lowered his hand so he was cupping my jaw.

  ‘OK, little one?’

  As I absorbed his continued use of the affectionate name, I stared into his eyes and promptly lost the ability to breathe. He was so close. Close enough that just a slight movement from either of us would bring our lips together in what I suspected would be a pretty phenomenal kiss.

  I nodded jerkily, and swallowed hard. The sound was loud enough that it seemed to echo in the room around us. Khalil's eyes dropped to my lips for a fraction of a second as if he was also contemplating a kiss, then flicked back to the bruising on my face before he pulled back slightly. It was as though he, too, had to keep reminding himself that I was injured and off limits.

  He wiggled his eyebrows in amusement before pulling back. The moment might be broken, but we still shared a brief, regretful stare before he stretched out his long legs and settled himself beside me.

  It was then that I realised his feet were bare and he was wearing black silk pyjama bottoms and a black T-shirt. The look was particularly appealing, and I couldn’t help my eyes straying down the material on his legs, and noticing how it pulled tight in several places over the taut muscles below. The T-shirt was tight, too – snug enough that I could see he had no fat on his belly whatsoever – and his arms were muscled, covered in dark hair, and deliciously tanned. God. He looked incredible, and I started to regret my decision to ask this gorgeous specimen to share the bed with me.

  Thankfully, instead of picking up on the obvious tension hanging between us, Khalil decided to steer us clear of any dangerous interactions and distract me with conversation. ‘So, tell me more about what brought you to my island.’

  ‘Your island?’ I chuckled, immediately picking up on his funny word choice.

  He grinned in response and shrugged. ‘Sorry, it was just a turn of phrase. What brought you to Somora?’

  Settling back into the soft cushions, I closed my eyes as I began to explain. ‘I qualified as a teacher last year, but I could only secure a one-year contract in the UK. I was looking on the internet for new postings when I saw the one here advertised.’ I gave a small shrug and smiled. ‘I figured why not experience something completely different?’

  ‘Why not indeed,’ Khalil agreed, his words seeming to mean far more than he was letting on, and prompting me to open my eyes again and glance across at him. His head was turned in my direction, and he was staring directly at me, his gaze not faltering in his observation of me.

  ‘So you only qualified last year? How old does that make you?’ he inquired with a curious tilt to his head.

  My suspicions that he was a good deal older than me returned, and for some reason I suddenly felt embarrassed by my young age. ‘Twenty-two.’

  Khalil didn’t reply to my confession, but I noticed his eyes narrow as he digested it. I was tempted to ask how old he was, but for some reason the words wouldn’t leave my lips.

  ‘We have quite a few expats coming to our island to work now, but most women are here with a spouse,’ he mused. ‘So, you have no husband? No partner?’

  I went to shake my head, but realised the pain it had caused me last time, and so refrained and simply gave a small shrug. ‘No.’

  I might not have been brave enough to ask his age, but seeing as we were sitting in bed together and he’d just point-blank asked about my relationship status I decided I could do the same.

  ‘What about you? Are you married?’

  Khalil smiled and shook his head. ‘No. I’m single. Much to the disappointment of my parents.’

  I gently rolled my head sideways, so it was still supported, but now facing him. Taking in his handsome good looks, I wondered how a guy like him could still be single. ‘Your parents want you to get married?’

  He screwed his face up in a scowl and nodded. ‘Indeed. Here in Somora it is rare for someone to reach thirty and still be single. They’ll be pushing for an arranged marriage soon.’

  It seemed I’d just learned his age, but his comment about the arranged marriage made me frown, something that Khalil picked up on, as he nodded in apparent resignation. ‘I know arranged marriages aren’t common in Britain, but here it's still a cultural thing. As far as I’m concerned, it's antiquated and unromantic, something I expressed to my father many years ago. So far, he's respected my wishes and not forced it, but now I’m back from the UK he's started making noises about it again.’

  ‘That's ridiculous.’ I knew about the tradition of arranged marriages within some religions and cultures, but I was a crazy romantic at heart, and as naive as it might be, I believed in fairy-tale love. I wanted to fall head over heels for someone, and be romanced to within an inch of my life. I just couldn’t imagine being told who I would marry by someone else.

  Seeing the tension in his jaw, I sensed this was a sensitive subject for him, so directed the conversation to the other interesting fact he had imparted.

  ‘You just mentioned being in the UK. Was that for a holiday?’

  Khalil shook his head and folded his arms over his chest. ‘No, much like you, I moved abroad to experience a different culture. I wasn’t intending on being away for so long, but I managed to get accepted onto a university course I loved, and so I stayed. I lived there for nearly seven years.’

  ‘Wow. Where were you?’

  ‘Cambridge University.’ He replied quietly, and my eyebrows rose. Getting accepted to study at Cambridge was seriously impressive, and yet there had been no hint of bragging present in his tone at all. ‘I studied Veterinary Science, then went on to do a master's degree and some postgraduate research.’

  Blimey. I didn’t think I’d ever met such a well-educated guy. Who knew vets could be so bloody attractive?

  ‘That explains why your English is so fantastic.’

  ‘Indeed. It also explains my love of horses,’ he added with a grin.

  A sudden yawn crept up on me, most probably a result of the strong painkillers kicking in, and Khalil checked his watch and nodded. ‘As much as I am enjoying getting to know you, I think perhaps now it is time for you to rest.’

  I wanted to sleep, but I didn’t want a reoccurrence of my nightmare, and I frowned as Khalil carefully helped me adjust into a lying position. The feel of his hands on me had the same arousing effect as before, but this time it was dulled by the heavy sleepiness invading my system.

  Leaning over, he gazed down at me and once again gently stroked my cheek. A chunk of dark hair fell across his brow, and I couldn’t resist reaching up and trying to brush it back for him. He smiled at my action, then stopped me from giving in to temptation and grabbing him for a kiss by pulling the blankets up higher for me. Something definitely seemed to be developing between us, but with my mind growing groggy from the tablets, now was not the time to consider it.

  ‘It's OK, little one, just relax. I’ll stay here while you sleep.’

  His words were all
the reassurance I needed, and as a feeling of security washed over me I allowed the drugs to pull me towards slumber.

  Chapter Five

  All I remember after my talk with Khalil was a lengthy blur of sleep broken by occasional stumbled trips to the en suite. I barely saw another human, because each time I woke up my room was either empty, or filled with the smells of one of Aliya's delicious creations left for me to eat – Khalil had been right, she really was a very talented cook. I vaguely recall Khalil helping me to the bathroom at one point, too, but that was about it for my interactions.

  On the occasions that I was briefly awake, I always noticed evidence of people watching me – an open book on the small coffee table by the window, a used mug left beside the armchair in the corner – but the concussion must have really taken it out of me, because as soon as I’d finished eating, it would be mere minutes before heavy sleepiness washed over me again.

  Finally, I woke up. After yawning, I realised that I felt almost human again. The tiredness had cleared, as had the heavy feeling in my head and pounding skull. I gingerly sat up, and as I was shifting myself upright I saw that the clock beside the bed read eleven o’clock. From the darkness outside the windows it seemed that it was eleven at night, but what day was it?

  Looking at my watch, I checked the date.

  Then I checked it again.

  And again. Because according to the digits on my wrist, two full days had passed since my slip on the beach. What the heck? How had I slept two days away?

  There was no one in the room, but, glancing to my right I saw that the pillows on the other side of the bed were rumpled and propped against the headboard as if someone had recently been sitting there. I couldn’t imagine Aliya joining me on the bed, so, with a small smile growing on my lips, I leaned forwards and sniffed the fabric. My nose was instantly hit with Khalil's unique scent, something crisp and citrusy, but with an almost smoky undertone. I loved it. It reminded me of the incense burners I’d smelled in the local markets over here, burning oud and frankincense.

  Being careful not to shift my head too much, I slid from the bed and stretched experimentally. I was still stiff, although that could be from two days of lying still, but I felt a good deal better.

  After freshening up with a quick shower, I dressed in some clothes I found neatly piled on the coffee table. A selection of outfits had been left for me. They were a perfect fit, and more western in their style – T-shirts, jeans, a skirt, and a shirt – and I couldn’t help but wonder if they had been purchased just for me.

  Now I was washed and dressed, I wondered what to do. It was nearly half past eleven at night, so presumably Khalil, Aliya, and any other staff would be sleeping. I shouldn’t really go wandering around the unfamiliar estate in case I woke them, but I’d slept so much that I was now wide awake and fidgety to move my stiff body.

  Deciding to risk a walk, I left my bedroom barefoot to minimise my noise, and began down the corridor which led to the stairs. It was yet another hot night, so I was hoping to find a door to the gardens, but seeing as this place was gigantic and I didn’t know my way around I ended up opening lots of doors with no success. I felt guilty poking around someone's house like this, but I think I would have gone stir crazy if I’d just sat in my room all night.

  I didn’t come across anyone on my travels, but finally, many doors later, I found a sitting room that had a patio door at the back. There was a key in the lock, so after turning it, I pressed the handle, praying it wasn’t alarmed. I sighed in relief as the door opened silently.

  As I made my way outside, I breathed in the cooler night air and smiled. It was so calming out here. Leaves shifted gently in the slight breeze, and there was the sound of crickets singing in the longer grass that surrounded the path.

  Wandering further, I realised I was walking towards a swimming pool and deck area, set within a beautifully planted lawn and surrounded by palm trees.

  After my near-drowning two days ago, I was surprised I was drawn to the pool. But I felt no fear or concern at all, and walked a lap of the smooth stone surround, watching the surface of the water glint in the moonlight.

  The entire pool area was in darkness, lit only by the light from the moon, so I decided to rest for a while and sit on the edge to dip my feet into the water. It lapped refreshingly around my ankles, but instead of being cool as I’d expected, it was surprisingly warm, presumably still holding some of the heat from the day.

  I sat there listening to the crickets, just enjoying being outside and absorbing the peace of the warm night and the beauty of this place.

  The longer I sat there, the more the temptation to slip into the pool developed. The warm water would feel blissful around my bruises and achy muscles. I’d just need to make sure I kept the cuts on my head dry.

  I could feel excitement settling in my stomach at the idea of an illicit midnight swim. Biting on my lower lip, I glanced up at the house, and saw that all the windows were swathed in darkness. It was the middle of the night, why would anyone else be up?

  No one would even know.

  Making up my mind, I stood up and walked back to a hut at the side of the pool where I’d seen a stack of towels. I pulled off the top towel, wandered back to the pool, and dropped it on a sunbed beside the water.

  I scooped up my hair and tied it into a high pony tail on top of my head, then wondered exactly how I was planning on swimming without a costume. Going into someone else's pool naked just seemed wrong, but I could hardly swim fully dressed, especially as I was wearing the clothes I’d been lent.

  After pondering it for several seconds, I pulled off the skirt and T-shirt. Then, after another nervy glance around, I removed my bra before quickly covering my breasts with my hands and making my way to the pool in just my knickers.

  When I entered the water, I couldn’t keep the excited, childlike grin from my face as I dipped deeper, and as soon as it rose around my shoulders I let out a contented breath and dropped my hands away from my chest. The last few days had been eventful, to say the least, and I was still incredibly aware of a slight headache and stiff limbs, but the warmth of the water was certainly helping to relax me.

  I wouldn’t risk getting my cuts wet, so I didn’t swim, but I walked through the water for a minute or so, enjoying the feel of it surrounding my near-naked body, then moved towards a corner of the pool that had some steps which were perfect as a submerged seat.

  Closing my eyes, I rested my head back on the rim of the pool and allowed my arms to drift at my sides. The feel of my breasts shifting with the water was deliciously naughty, causing a gentle arousal to awaken in my body and distract me from my dull head and achy bruises.

  With the water soothing me, and the warmth of the night on my face, I quickly relaxed into my own little bubble of contentment. The noise of a door opening and footsteps approaching vaguely echoed in my mind, but it wasn’t until two poolside lamps were switched on that I actually registered that I had company.

  My eyes flew open, and I saw a figure standing by a lounger at the far end of the pool, facing away from me. The entire area was still shadowed by palm trees, but with the lamps on it was now far more illuminated than before, and I watched in horror as he removed the robe he was wearing, and kicked off his flip-flops, seemingly unaware that the pool already had an occupant tonight.

  He might have his back to me, but with those broad shoulders and that dark hair curling at his nape there was no mistaking who it was, and a small panicked yelp rose in my throat.

  My squeak was accompanied by my arms flailing and splashing in the water as I hastily moved to wrap them around myself and cover my breasts. My movements instantly drew the attention of Khalil, and his head snapped around, his eyes searching the water before landing on me and narrowing.

  Without hesitation he dived into the water, then made quick work of gracefully swimming the length of the pool before emerging from the water before me and flicking his hair back from his face like a model in an afters
have advert.

  Even in the shadows of the night I could see that his body was stunningly built, and I was entranced, greedily soaking up the details of his chest and the outline of the muscles on his stomach.

  ‘What are you doing in here?’ The sharpness to his tone brought my ogling to an abrupt halt, and I snapped my eyes to his to find a deep angry frown creasing his brow.

  ‘I’m sorry … I couldn’t sleep so I took a walk, but it's really hot, and the water just looked so inviting … and it feels really nice on my bruises …’ I was rambling, badly, but as I blathered on with my apology, Khalil's expression shifted, softening to one of amusement.

  ‘Hey, stop. I didn’t mean you weren’t allowed in the pool.’ He took a step closer and, taking me by surprise, cupped my cheek with his wet hand. The feel of his warm, damp skin moving over mine sent tingles of awareness pinging around my body, and the water seemed to heat by several degrees. Or perhaps that was just my body's reaction to this man, because I always seemed to feel hot under the collar when he was around.

  ‘I was referring to the fact that you have a concussion. It's not safe for you to be sitting in a swimming pool on your own.’

  Ah. So his frown had been one of concern, not anger. I hadn’t really thought that I was endangering myself, but he was right. The doctor had told me to avoid taking a bath in case I fell asleep, and yet here I was sitting in the most gigantic of bathtubs.

  ‘What if you had slid under the water?’

  Biting down on my lower lip, I tried my best to look contrite and apologetic, but the water felt so good that it was hard to fake it. The only thing playing on my mind was the fact that I was frigging topless beneath the water and now face to face with Khalil in all his glory.

  Seeming to forgive me for my carelessness, he smiled. ‘It's good to see you finally awake again, Sara. I was starting to get concerned.’