Sheikh's Destiny

by Leah Leonard

  “Exactly,” she beamed, flashing a perfect smile.

  He studied her pale pink lips and considered what she might taste like. Strawberries, perhaps? His gaze followed the line of her jaw, down her neck to her pale speckled skin and he daydreamed about what he would find under the dark green satin. “What do you do in Iowa?”

  “My parentshave a farm, and I” she stopped short of her reply. Suddenly her whole temperament turned sour. Her sweet mouth turned downward, a single tear trickled down her cheek.

  “I apologize.” Uri placed his arm around her shoulder, trying to comfort her. “I have offended you.”

  “No,” Stephanie wiped her cheek. “Not at all.”

  “Indeed I have, and rest assured, this was never my intent.”

  Stephanie sighed and lowered her gaze. “My parents passed away a few weeks ago. I really don’t know why I’m even here.”

  “You are here,” Uri touched her delicate chin, turned her head to face him, “…to meet me, dear lady. And I am sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you,” she smiled slightly. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to ruin our time together, but it’s just all so fresh.”

  “No apologies! Never! You cannot ever replace those you loved and lost.” He, of all people, knew that sad fact all too well.

  “The farm belonged to my parents, but…” she sniffled and dabbed her beautiful little nose with her napkin. “…it’s mine now. I don’t want it. I’d gladly give it all back…”

  The poor dear shed a few more tears.

  Uri pulled her close, brushing her hair in his hands, cradling her head against his shoulder. She was so frail, so fragile and tender. He wanted nothing more than to protect her, to heal her pain, and take it all away. What a sweet, sweet soul she had. He had never desired anyone more. Not in a long, long time….

  He couldn’t believe the thoughts he was having about this girl. She was already starting to fade his memories of Tamara. Touching Stephanie now, comforting her, feeling her body next to his, Uri suddenly realized he had not considered Tamara at all. He barely remembered what she felt like. The pain of losing her had become a state of being, but had nothing to do with any real memory of what he lost. He couldn’t recall any details about her. At this moment, Stephanie was all he ever wanted.

  He continued to comfort her, not wanting to continue with such a delicate subject while the others were around, but he realized he needed to say something in response to the personal details she confided in him. “I am certain this is an incredibly difficult time.”

  “Yes,” she sniffled. “I haven’t done anything yet as far as taking over the farm. I was set to go on this cruise, so here I am. I’ll have to deal with the day-to-day aspects of the business when I get home.”

  “Oh?” Uri couldn’t stand the thought of her leaving. “And when is that?”

  “Our ship leaves later today for the next port, then we go home the day after that. I know what you must be thinking. I’m insensitive and selfish.” She shook her head and appeared agitated. “My aunt talked me into coming here, even though we just had the funeral. I must be out of my mind.”

  “I should thank her,” Uri smiled.

  Stephanie smiled and actually chuckled a bit.

  She was an angel and Uri was glad to see her good mood returned.

  After a few more minutes, lunch was served. Stuffed grape leaves, sautéed vegetables, and spiced meats were served in excess.

  Uri noticed her picking at her food. “Is the meal to your liking?”

  “Oh yes,” Stephanie cut into the grape leaf wrap. “Delicious. I’ve never had anything like this before.”

  “You may pick it up if you would like.”

  “Oh,” she took his cue, and put the end in her mouth.

  He couldn’t believe the thought that crossed his mind, and how he wished a certain part of his anatomy was in her mouth instead. He hadn’t thought like this in so long! Stephanie made him feel alive again, and he wanted her by his side from now on. At that moment, he decided to claim her as his own and refused to take no for an answer.

  Nine

  Stephanie could hardly speak through the dinner. Her emotions were so raw, she was afraid if she opened her mouth she might start bawling, and she couldn’t let that happen. She promised herself!

  She knew she should be polite, and ask the Sheikh more questions about himself. All the things her parents had taught her to do in such situations flew out the window. Aside from her own delicate emotional state, Uri was so beautiful, he scared her half to death, and she found herself at a complete loss of words around him.

  That was only made worse by the fact that she actually lost her cool and cried in front of him. She told herself that when she came out here today she would have a good time, leave her recent past behind. Then again, how could she? The whole situation made her wince. She was dreading her return to the farm. That’s when reality would really set in.

  She couldn’t get past Uri’s incredible looks, and as if that wasn’t bad enough, his scent drove her absolutely wild. She realized for the first time in her life that she was more than aware of Prince Uri’s actual smell. He had a faint spicy fragrance that lingered on her skin from their dancing. She found herself staring at him, studying his high cheekbones, strong jaw, sparkling white teeth, and beautiful cocoa skin. The man belonged in a magazine, not sitting here eating lunch with her.

  He had loosened his tie awhile back, so the top button of his dress shirt was undone. Thick black hair peeked out from underneath. She found herself thinking about what she might see if just one more of those buttons was open. And what might happen if her hand slipped down his chest. What would it be like to lay her head there and have him cradling her in his arms? Never in a million years did she ever think anything could ever get her parents off her mind, but Prince Uri had succeeded in doing just that.

  He thought she didn’t like the grape leaves. Little did he know she was simply too distracted to eat. She needed to talk to him about something, and brought up the only thing she could think of at the time. “So, have you ever been to the United States?”

  “Yes, of course,” Uri took a bite of meat.

  Stephanie studied the strength of his jawbone. “Where exactly?”

  “New York, Washington, D.C., and Florida.”

  “Wow, I’m impressed. That’s more than I’ve seen,” she admitted.

  “I am surprised to hear that,” Uri said.

  “Why?”

  “You have come all this way to see my country, and yet you have not seen your own?”

  She shrugged, “Good point. The United States is huge. Then again, so is Turkey.”

  “So is Turkey,” Uri echoed as they both spoke in unison, then gazed intently into each other’s eyes, and broke into laughter.

  “I guess we’re completing each other’s sentences already,” Stephanie teased.

  “Indeed,” Uri stared into her eyes, and leaned in so close, she thought he might kiss her.

  She backed away instinctively, even though she wanted to devour him right there and then.

  “What brings you to Turkey?” Uri backed off.

  “I want to see Ephesus.” Her gaze lowered again. “My mother loved the Virgin Mary. She told me about the house when I was a girl.”

  “Did she visit Turkey?”

  “No, we were supposed to come here together.”

  “I am so sorry,” he said.

  .“Don’t be. She was really excited about Turkey, and I guess I came because even though she’s gone, I didn’t want to disappoint her by canceling. She would never have wanted me to miss this.”

  “Please do not apologize for making the journey,” Uri said. “I did not know your parents, but I feel sure you are correct in your thinking. Sadly, life must go on amidst tragedy. I admire your courage.”

  “Sometimes I feel like a coward for running away from my farm and my responsibilities. I don’t want to face my life without them, I guess.” She c
leared her throat, forced her gaze up toward the ceiling to stave off the tears wanting to fall.

  “No,” Uri said. “Only someone of great courage would journey alone across the sea.”

  “You’re very sweet for saying so,” she said.

  “Pardon me for asking, but you said both parents were killed?”

  “Yes,” she said. “In a car accident. It was horrible, but they were married over thirty years, and they really loved each other. It was probably for the best. For them anyhow, not for me.”

  He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “You are so beautiful.”

  She smiled.

  “Are you all right?” Uri asked.

  She nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

  “Would you like tea?” Prince Uri purred.

  “Yes, please,” she managed.

  Uri grabbed her hand, gently squeezing her fingers, his gaze stared straight through her. “My mother died of cancer many years ago. I never speak of it to my father. It still pains him. Then my brother died only three years ago.”

  Stephanie touched his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Uri.”

  “Indeed, loss is difficult. Yet there is hope for brighter days, is there not?” he smiled.

  “Yes, I see that now that I’m here.” Stephanie couldn’t believe how much Uri had helped her realize that no matter how much tragedy befell her, things could improve.

  The two stared at each other, not speaking a word, while the wait staff brought out a tray of sweet Turkish delight, and the strongest, sweetest tea Stephanie had ever tasted. Although the food was gourmet, the company was delightful.

  ***

  Uri couldn’t believe he actually confided to Stephanie about his mother and brother. Like many of the painful memories of his past, he kept them buried deep within his soul, and rarely spoke of them or considered what he had lost.

  His thoughts of Omar were mainly focused on things his brother might enjoy, but his mother…she died when he was a young boy of eleven, and her death broke his heart. He could barely bring his mother to mind anymore, let alone speak of her. Who was this incredible woman who brought out such emotion in him?

  He wanted to kiss her a moment ago, but she appeared to pull back. How could he blame her though? She was upset about her family, and rightly so.

  There was more to her story, he realized. He would find out all about her over time. Now was neither the time, nor the place, but soon. He found this woman bewitching and wanted to know everything about her. Every single thing.

  Perhaps his father was right after all. He needed to get out and meet new people, and he was happy he decided to do that, today of all days. Despite his father’s trickery, this event was beyond his expectations.

  This woman…her frailty, her humility, and her raw beauty, had touched him, affected him in a way he found inexplicable. He would learn all there was to know about Miss Stephanie, and he would make her his own.

  After lunch, he stood and asked, “May I have this dance?”

  Stephanie glanced at the other table. “What about them?”

  Uri noticed the group appeared to be gathering their belongings to leave. Good riddance, he thought. He wanted the beauty to himself. “They are of no concern. Please, indulge me one more dance, then I promise we can find the others if you’d like.”

  “Okay,” Stephanie held out her hand.

  Uri escorted Stephanie to the dance floor again, and they waltzed to the music of the live orchestra. With her in his arms, he felt renewed strength. She was a quiet beauty, a lady of few words, and he liked her very much.

  He grew so weary of the majority of women he met who could not shut up for a second to let him have a thought, and the other thing he liked about sweet Stephanie was her humble background, and her apparent indifference to his affluence.

  It could all be an act, he realized, yet she appeared to be neither impressed nor put off by his wealth. Being part of such a prominent Turkish family had its obvious drawbacks, which Uri had seen his brother fall prey to one too many times to count. One found it difficult to know whom to trust when the only thing people wanted from you was your money.

  Miss Stephanie from Iowa had proven herself to be unlike anyone he had ever met. Only time would tell if she was sincere. He certainly hoped so.

  Ten

  Stephanie rested her head on Uri’s shoulders, closed her eyes and reveled in the feeling of the warmth of his arms as he guided her around the dance floor.

  She cherished this time with him, and although they knew very little about each other, the feeling of having him near comforted her grief more than anything had so far. She practically melted into him and allowed herself to get completely lost in his caress. Like a dream she didn’t want to wake up from, she kept on swaying with the music until it suddenly stopped.

  Uri chuckled. “I believe our players are abandoning us.”

  “Why?” Stephanie glanced up at Uri, hardly hearing what he said because she was simply feeling him. “How long have we been dancing this time?”

  Uri glanced at his Rolex. “Forty minutes.”

  She gasped and pulled away from him. “What?”

  “Don’t worry, my darling. You are safe with me.”

  Panic ripped through her core. She noticed awhile ago that the other girls were already heading out, but she hadn’t realized it was so late. “Oh no! I won’t have time to see the House of the Virgin Mary! I’ll never get another chance.”

  “You will, my darling,” Uri rubbed her back. “I can take you there now, if you’d like. A private tour especially for you.”

  “Are you sure we’ll have time?”

  “Yes.”

  She felt a little better, but still, she had no idea when she had to be back on the ship. “I had no idea we’d been dancing so long.”

  “I must say I am flattered to have distracted you so,” Uri teased, squeezing her shoulders.

  Stephanie giggled. “You are quite the distraction, Sheikh Uri.”

  “As are you, my darling,” Uri stepped close and kissed her deeply on the mouth.

  Stephanie had no resistance left within her. She kissed him back.

  Their lips parted, and Uri cradled her head in his hands, tipped her back slightly, and began nibbling her neck. “You are irresistible.”

  “I could say the same about you.” Stephanie pulled away a bit. “And I would love to continue this conversation, but…”

  “Understood. We must go find the Virgin. Come,” he reached for her hand. “We will fetch the limo, and I shall give you a private tour of her home.”

  “Thank you,” she batted her eyes at him.

  “It is my pleasure, dear,” he purred.

  “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

  Uri was definitely a man of his word. By the time they reached the lobby and walked outside, a gleaming white limo was waiting for them. The driver was already standing outside and opened the door the moment they stepped on to the curb.

  Stephanie couldn’t believe that she’d ridden in not only one, but two limos today. This white one was far grander than the black one she took from the ship. The interior was decorated with rich mahogany wood sides, a full bar, and soft white leather seats.

  Uri slid in the back and sat next to her, gently placing his arm around her shoulder. “We will be there soon, dear. Less than half an hour. We shall not wait in any lines, and you will find the tour will actually take less time than if you had gone with the others. Plus, you won’t have to worry about walking in these.” His hand found her calves and he caressed the straps of her heels. “Unless you want to, that is. I must admit, I rather like them.”

  “Thank you,” Stephanie leaned in to Uri’s chest. She was so busy admiring his good looks, she forgot all about her other clothes, her other life. Sure enough, every detail was attended to. A bag containing her other clothes sat on the seat. She had planned to change, but oh well. There wasn’t time for that now. She’d have to go to the Virgin house
in her formal attire. She could put her tennis shoes on and wear those with her gown, but knowing Uri liked them and thinking about how ridiculous she would look, she decided to stick with her heels. Hopefully the walk wasn’t too steep, but at least Uri promised to pull them up closer to the site than she would have gotten on her own or with the group. She wasn’t the best at walking in heels, but she would manage.

  “Anything for you, dear.”

  The car headed north along the shore, and within twenty minutes, they were passing Ephesus.

  “We can stop there on the way back if we have time,” Uri told her.

  Ten minutes after that, the limo turned into the parking area surrounding the sacred site. The driver pulled as close as possible to the structure, and told Uri he would wait there until the couple finished looking around.

  The driver opened the door and helped Stephanie to the curb. While she stood waiting to go in, she looked around the area, unable to believe after all this time she was actually here. Her gorgeous male companion was an unexpected bonus. The shear emotion of finally seeing something that had been in her heart for so long, and something that meant so much to her beloved mother brought tears to her eyes. “Thank you for this.”

  Uri kissed both her cheeks. “My pleasure, although I must say, I have never actually seen this structure.”

  “See?” Stephanie teased, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. “You’re not the only one who hasn’t seen his own country.”

  “You are correct. Come,” he took her hand and led her toward the building. “Tell me all about it.”

  “There was a nun named Ann Catherine who lived in the 1800’s and started having visions that led to the discovery of this house. People believe Saint John brought Mary to Ephesus and she lived here until her death,” Stephanie explained.

  “Fascinating,” Uri said. “I am anxious to see more. How did you come to learn of this special place?

  “My mother always loved the Virgin Mary and she was the one who first talked to me about the idea of visiting Ephesus.”