Capture My Heart

by Bobbi Smith

  Serad's stride was purposeful as he walked straight for the stables. He wasn't at all pleased with the way things had gone so far, but he told himself it could only get better.

  Serad was pleased to see that the two horses were tied up side by side as he'd instructed. He'd meant for this outing to be a pleasant diversion for Tori and for himself. He'd thought if they spent some time together alone, away from the harem and life in Algiers, she would become more amenable. Now he wondered.

  Moving forward, Serad could have easily deposited Tori directly on her own horse, but after the way she'd fought him so far, he was not about to trust her riding alone. Instead, he set her on her feet and, ignoring the icy glare she shot him, he adjusted the haik on her head and about her shoulders. When he was done, the long, flowing cape-like garment covered her from the top of her head to her knees.

  "I don't want to wear this," she snapped.

  "Right now I don't care what you want." He took a critical look at her and decided it would provide enough cover for the short trip. Swinging up onto his mare's back, he unceremoniously reached down and snared her around the waist to draw her up and across his lap.

  "What are you doing?" Tori asked, shocked by his actions and the feelings that were surging through her as he held her tightly against his broad, powerful chest.

  "We're going for a ride," he informed her as he wrapped the haik around her more protectively.

  "Just where do you think you're taking me and why do I need to wear this thing?" Tori asked. She hoped wherever it was that he was taking her, it wasn't far. She didn't want to be this close to him. Being held on his lap, pressed against his chest like this, definitely was a sensual experience. Thoughts of the previous night rushed heatedly through her mind.

  "You'll see," he answered evasively. The feel of her soft against him was filling him with memories of their joining the night before and he longed to make her his again. "It's not a long ride, but you have to be covered and you'll need to hold on to me."

  "Surely this can't be comfortable for you. Why don't you let me ride the other horse?" Tori suggested, wanting to put as much physical distance between them as she could. It was disconcerting to find she could be this angry with him and yet desire him at the same time.

  "No. I'll keep you here with me. That way I'll know exactly where you are and what you're doing."

  "You think I could get away from you on horseback?" Tori ventured in a deliberate taunt.

  "You could not escape me, but I want to save myself the chase," he answered with arrogant self-assurance as he retrieved the other mount's reins and put his heels to his own horse's sides to start them on their way.

  "If you think women can't ride as well as men, then you haven't seen any Englishwomen ride. I've been riding to hounds since I was old enough to keep my seat."

  "Riding to hounds?"

  "Fox hunting," she explained.

  "You enjoy such sport?"

  "Very much."

  He nodded thoughtfully, and recalling his determination to win her over, he said, "Later we will ride together, and you can show me your skill. For now, though, we will stay as we are."

  They made the ride from Algiers amidst stares from many who were in the streets at that time. Tori knew she was the object of much interest and yet she held her head high as they made their way through the narrow passages. Though she would never admit it to Serad, she was glad that she had the bothersome haik around her while making the trek through the city, for it afforded her some protection from the Algerians' prying eyes. When at last they left the city, Tori couldn't help but wonder where he was taking her, but he offered no information and the trip was made in silence.

  The two-hour ride to Serad's secret oasis was usually an enjoyable one for him, but this time, he found himself in a state of agonized torture. Having Tori so close to him, he was completely aware of her as a woman. He could feel the softness of her. He could smell the scent of her. The heat of her seemed to burn him wherever they touched. Every time she shifted positions, her bottom came in near-painful contact with his loins, and he had to grit his teeth to keep from pressing his more ardent attentions upon her right there on horseback.

  Tori attempted to hold herself erect and away from any contact with Serad. She didn't want to be close to him, for to touch him reminded her vividly of the night before, and she wanted to forget that that had ever happened. She told herself she wanted to go back to England and go on with her life just as she'd planned—or at least that was what she was trying to convince herself of as they made the ride out into the wilds of the desert.

  It was very difficult for Tori to maintain her rigid posture, and after the first hour, she got tired of holding herself so stiffly. Every inch of her body started to ache from trying to avoid the enforced intimacy of their positions, and she almost wished that she could allow herself to lean back against Serad's chest and relax. She was just about ready to give in to that temptation, when they topped a low-rising hill and he reined in the horse.

  "There . . ." Serad spoke, pointing in the distance. "That's where we're going."

  Tori's first view of Serad's secret destination was breathtaking. After endless miles of hot, dry, lifeless desert sand, the palm-bordered oasis with its sparkling blue-green pool looked wonderfully refreshing and inviting. A large, airy-looking tent was standing not far from the water's edge, and several camels were tied up nearby. As she looked on, she could see servants hurrying about to prepare the site. "Is it a mirage?"

  "Hasim and I thought so, too, when we first found it many years ago. Very few people know about this place, and we like it that way." Serad felt his excitement grow at the prospect of having Tori there, all alone, all to himself with no chance of interruptions. It would give them time to get to know each other and perhaps give her time to come to terms with staying with him. He wanted her desperately, and the last hour and a half with her sitting there before him had only served to emphasize that need.

  Serad nudged the mare forward, eager to cross the last mile. When he drew to a stop before the tent, several attendants rushed forth to meet them.

  "Serad, it's good that you are here. All is in readiness for you."

  "Good. You may go as soon as we have settled in."

  The man nodded his understanding. "We will return late tomorrow as you've instructed."

  "That will be fine."

  One man helped Serad as he handed Tori down and then dismounted himself. The other took the reins to both his mare and Tori's unridden horse and led them away to be rubbed down and fed.

  "Come, Tori. I will show you our humble abode for the night." He took her hand and urged her along with him into the tent that had been set up just for them.

  Tori had never seen anything like it, and she stopped just inside the door flap to stare around in surprise. The ceiling was high, allowing for whatever cooling breezes there might be. The hot sand of the desert floor was covered with rich, plush carpets. Piles of brightly colored, satin-covered pillows served as the only furniture, but they looked very inviting after the time spent on horseback. A vast array of foods had already been prepared for them and were being set out now.

  "How did they know when to have the food ready?" she asked.

  "I had told them this morning what our time of arrival would be."

  "You were very sure of yourself," Tori remarked, put off by his confidence in himself.

  "I am very sure of myself," he stated calmly as he moved behind her to remove the haik. "My judgment is sound. Had I not insisted upon the haik to cover you, you would have suffered much from the sun."

  It was hard for her to admit it, but she had known after the first hour in the saddle that he'd been right about their apparel. His sheik's clothing may have looked foreign to her, but it was very practical in this climate.

  "With time I think you will come to see that I am not given to rash decisions or undisciplined actions." His gaze met and held hers.

  "So you deliberately a
ttacked our ship . . ."

  He smiled slightly, a silver flame glowing in the depths of his eyes. "Of course. I knew the prize on board was of great worth."

  Tori was unable to say a word in response. Though she knew she should hold herself in icy reserve, she felt herself begin to warm to him.

  After a long, quiet pause, he touched her cheek with a gentle hand and said, "Come, let's enjoy ourselves. Welcome to my humble abode. Make yourself comfortable. I'm sure you must be tired and in need of refreshments."

  His touch sent sensual awareness through Tori and her defenses began to crumble.

  "I am," she agreed cautiously, moving farther inside to sit upon some pillows. She wasn't quite sure what to make of this change in Serad. He had dragged her out of the harem like she was his personal possession, yet now he was being very solicitous of her. Tori knew if she wasn't careful, she might come to care for him, and that was something she couldn't allow to happen.

  There was no future for her with Serad. Her future was with her fiancé, Alexander Wakefield, in London. She had reminded herself of that continually since they'd ridden out of Algiers so she wouldn't surrender to Serad's overwhelming attractiveness again. He might have her there alone in the middle of the desert, but she still had some control over what happened to her.

  Serad dropped down easily on the cushions beside her, and after they'd washed their hands in the bowls provided by the servants, they dined on the delicacies provided. The servants returned some time later to tell Serad that they were departing, and he waved them off with little interest. Finally, the sun began to lower in the western sky, and they were alone.

  "Would you care to bathe?" Serad asked. "The ride was a hot one, and the water of the pool is delightfully cool."

  "I will bathe, if I may do so privately." She didn't trust herself with him in such an intimate setting.

  "There is no one else about, Tori. We are alone."

  "You're the one I was talking about."

  "What is it you fear?"

  "I'm not afraid of anything . . ." Tori argued too quickly, averting her gaze.

  He gave a soft, meaningful laugh. He'd seen the spark in her eyes and felt a small thrill of triumph. "Could it be that you are afraid of what I make you feel? I've seen you without your clothing. I know how lovely your body is, and I know how responsive you are when I touch you . . ." He ran a caressing hand down her arm, going slow, being gentle with her.

  She flushed with heat at his words. It was true, and he knew it. It was frightening to think he had such power over her, but it was also exciting. Grasping for a last way to defend herself, she said, "I had meant to save myself for my betrothed. I was to come to him untouched."

  Her words pained his conscience. He stiffened and dropped his hand away from her. When he spoke, his tone was reserved, "Come. I'll take you only as far as the water's edge."

  Without speaking she got to her feet and Serad stood, too. He led her out of the tent and down to the water, but did not touch her again.

  As they walked side by side in the moonlight, Tori wanted to tell Serad that she didn't want to bathe, that all she wanted to do was to go back to the harem with Jonesey. She stopped herself, though, for she realized it would be a lie. As irritating a man as Serad was, she found him irresistible. As arrogant as he was, she needed to taste of his love another time.

  Tori had wondered if the ecstasy they'd shared had been a dream. She had wondered if his lovemaking had really been that perfect, that arousing, that exciting. She had wondered, and now as he walked slowly by her side, she knew. It had all been true. She couldn't stop her body from responding to him, even without any physical contact. This attraction she felt for him had grown more powerful with each passing minute. His nearness was exhilarating. She wanted him . . . in all ways, at all times.

  Only a last thread of sanity remained, and it cautioned Tori to fight him. It reminded her of what he was and that she would find no lasting happiness with him. Tori ignored the warnings.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Tori's words had cooled Serad's ardor and reaffirmed his determination to play the gentleman. He was resolved to prove to himself that he could be the kind of man his aunt wanted him to be. It wasn't that he particularly relished the idea, but it was somehow strangely important to him that he do so.

  Serad was very conscious of Tori beside him. He knew the next few minutes were going to be the true test of his will. He wanted her desperately, yet if he could deny himself and not touch her, it would be a great victory for him. He would prove the kind of man he really was. It was not going to be easy, for at that very moment there was nothing he wanted to do more than strip the ugly, borrowed dress from her slender body and lay her down upon the warm desert sands.

  With every step Tori took on her way to the water's edge, she was overwhelmingly aware of Serad's powerful male presence. Her need to be in his arms sharing his kiss was driving her to distraction. Having resisted him for so long, it troubled her that she now wanted that which she'd fought against. She didn't fully understand what it meant. She didn't recognize the longing for what it truly was.

  "Enjoy your bath," Serad said abruptly as they reached the bank.

  Tori was surprised by his words that sounded very much like a cool dismissal. She glanced up at him expectantly, and she was puzzled when he merely smiled at her, his expression curiously benign. She was astounded by the courtesy he was displaying.

  Tori stared up at him in the dimness of the rapidly fading light, expecting to see . . . She wasn't sure just what, but something. Serad's handsome features proved unreadable, confusing her even more.

  Serad assumed that she was standing there regarding him so silently and so seriously because she was waiting for him to give her the privacy she'd requested. It took a major effort of will on his part, but he finally turned around.

  Tori was honestly shocked by his gentlemanly action. She frowned, then wondered why she had done so. Had she expected him to sweep her up in his arms and have his way with her? Had she expected him to take the decision from her? The thought was troubling. She wanted him badly, yet it seemed that he was not going to press his attentions on her at all. Perplexed, Tori realized that she did have all the privacy she needed for her bath and she went on with that, quickly shedding the gown and letting it drop to the sand. Completely naked, Tori moved into the welcoming water. It felt like liquid velvet on her skin, and she sighed in appreciation. As it washed over her in a gentle caress, she moved out to a deeper area and slipped beneath the surface to wet her hair.

  Serad was doing battle with himself. He'd known it wasn't going to be easy to ignore her while she bathed in the pool behind him, but he'd never thought it would be this hard. Vision after vision of her slim, naked form slipped into his thoughts, and his body heated in remembrance. He remembered, too, the time on board the Scimitar when he'd considered sharing her bath with her. That memory alone left him heavy with passion and almost ready to throw his resolve to the wind and go after her. Instead, he stared up at the sky and began to count the multitudes of twinkling stars.

  It was then that Serad heard Tori's sigh. It sounded so sensual that a muscle worked in his jaw as he fought to maintain restraint. In a gesture of defense, he crossed his arms across his chest.

  Tori stood up in the water, and her long hair sleeked back from her face in dripping splendor. She seemed a water nymph, the innocent seductive beauty of the deep. She glanced up toward Serad and found she was unable to tear her eyes away. In the fading light, he appeared a tall, proud silhouette against the cloudless evening sky. Tori's pulses quickened as she gazed at his broad-shouldered form and her heart began to beat a thundering rhythm. He looked the majestic warrior, the brave, indomitable male. In that moment, she realized that she loved Serad beyond all reason and all logic.

  His name escaped her lips in a whisper.

  Serad was confident he was going to do this. He was not going to turn around and look at Tori, even though he wante
d to so very much. He was not going to charge out into the middle of the pool like a wild man and take her in his arms and make passionate love to her. He wasn't. No, he wasn't. He was going to stand there and continue to stare up at the heavens, asking God why he was doing this to himself. He remembered hearing once that harsh self-discipline was good for the soul, and he knew by the time Tori's bath was over, his soul was going to be in very good condition. But then, he heard her sigh his name.

  Like a sailor of old mesmerized by a siren's song, Serad turned. Tori stood in waist-deep water, a slender, pale enchantress risen from the deep. He started to go to her, then in a last desperate attempt to control himself, he clenched his jaw and stopped right where he was.

  "What is it, Tori? Do you need something?" He barely recognized his own voice, so harsh with desire was it.

  Tori had hoped he would understand her unspoken invitation and just come to her. When he didn't, she wasn't quite sure what to do, and she felt embarrassed at his question. How could she tell him she wanted him to make love to her? She was afraid to say the words out loud, so in the language of lovers through the ages, she simply lifted her hand to him in a silent gesture of invitation.

  Serad stared at her in shock. He wasn't going to do this. He had to stop himself. He had to . . .

  The hell he did! This was what he'd wanted. This was what he'd been prepared to wait for. He'd wanted Tori to come to him, and she was—now, here, tonight.

  Mindless to the fact that he was still dressed, Serad walked straight out into the water. With great care, he picked her up in his arms and kissed her. His mouth slanted across hers with arousing force as he crushed her wet body to him. Holding her tightly against him, he carried her from the pool.

  Serad took no notice of his drenched clothing. He was focused solely on Tori and the hours to come and he strode without pause to the tent. She had come to him of her own free will! His heart sang. Kicking aside the tent's doorflap, he strode inside and knelt to lay her upon the rich, plush rugs. Her arms clung to his neck as he would have moved away to shed his clothes, and so encouraged, he kissed her again like a starving man at feast.