by Leah Leonard
She sighed. “I don’t mean this like it sounds. I don’t need a lot of extravagance to be happy. I really don’t. Why don’t you surprise me? Don’t tell me where or when, but here…” She handed the ring back. “Ask me again later. I do promise I’ll say yes when the time comes.”
This was not at all what he wanted to hear, but he had to respect the lady for knowing her wishes and sticking to them. “As you wish, love.”
She kissed him. “Thank you.”
As disappointing as this was, he held her for a moment and started thinking about where and when he might propose. “I love you.”
She rubbed his chest, “I love you too.”
Perhaps tomorrow would be the right day, if the setting was better. The only difficulty with that plan was the fact that he had that blasted meeting to attend. He hoped his sweet Stephanie would be amenable to waiting for him. “Darling?”
“Yes?”
“I have a meeting I must attend tomorrow. I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
“I assure you it won’t take long, and I want you to be entertained while I am busy, then I promise you shall have me all to yourself for the remainder of the day.”
“Anything with you is perfect,” she sank into his chest.
Uri wondered if he should go ahead and tell her about his father and their arrangement. He had indeed kept his word to find a bride before his birthday. From the sound of tonight’s conversation, he was on his way to doing just that.
Was it important to tell her about it? No. Probably not. It did not matter. Her love motivated him, not controlling stock in his corporation. He would not risk doing anything to spoil this moment with his love.
And with that, the two fell asleep, entwined in each other’s arms.
Thirty Two
Stephanie woke hours later and found herself naked in Uri’s bed. Her mind flooded back to the beautiful lovemaking session they shared earlier in the day. She realized that coming here was undoubtedly the best decision she’d ever made in her life. Not that sex was the end-all-be-all of her feelings for Uri, but it was the physical manifestation of those desires and thoughts, some of which were still left unsaid between the two of them. Not that they wouldn’t eventually discuss everything, including all of their feelings, but at this point, they hadn’t been together long enough. All would be shared in time. She knew that. Still, she trusted him implicitly. He was the real deal. She knew that now. The tenderness he showed her in the bedroom was mirrored by everything he’d done for her so far. He was like a dream, a dream she never wanted to wake up from.
As if sensing her wakefulness, Uri moaned, rolled to one side and draped his muscular arm across her torso.
Stephanie leaned into him slightly, just enough to arouse him into hardness. He instinctively moved toward her, and without ever opening his eyes, the two joined their bodies together again. The more he pushed within her, the more he woke up. He rolled on top of her, fully awake and erect and dominated her until they melted together again. She never felt as alive as she did now.
“My dear,” Uri breathed. “You are so beautiful.” He kissed her forcefully, rolling her over.
She sat on top of him, straddling and riding him like a wild stallion. She leaned down, kissed his neck, pressed her chest against his and ran her arm behind him to his backside, pressing him deeper within until they experienced another total and mutual collapse into ecstatic exhaustion.
They napped again, this time, tangled up in each other like unruly vines. When one moved, the other moved. When one breathed, the other drew breath. They were slowly infusing themselves together until they became one. One living, breathing entity. United.
When Stephanie finally opened her eyes again, Uri was awake this time, lying still and quiet, watching her sleep. “Good morning,” he purred.
Stephanie shot straight up in bed. “Morning? Did I miss dinner last night?”
Uri laughed heartily. “No, dear, I only meant it in a…how do you say it?”
“Oh you’re just teasing?” she felt relieved.
“Yes.” He took her hand, tracing the third finger on her left hand. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she echoed. Holding off the engagement was the right thing to do, she told herself. For now…
“And I am pleased to report we still have sufficient time before dinner.” He showered her with tender kisses.
“I’m glad. I don’t want the staff to think all we do is play around in bed.”
“And if they do?” He nibbled her neck. “Who cares? They will all come to adore you, as I do. Besides, if I have my way, you will be living here soon enough, and they shall pay you proper respect.” He kissed her again. “Unless you have changed your mind?”
At this point, she couldn’t imagine herself without him. “No, of course not. Have you?”
“Never. You are my angel. I cannot wait until we are wed.”
“Me neither.” Stephanie kissed him and realized she had never felt closer to another human being in her life. “But just remember to ask me again, okay?”
“Agreed, dear.”
They made love again, gentle and quiet, loving and connecting each more than they had before.
Just before six in the evening, they finally got up. “Would you like to shower here?”
Stephanie wasn’t sure she should risk running down the hall. “I guess so. Otherwise, the servants might see me.”
“Darling, by all accounts you live here now. You may come and go as you like and it is not for anyone to judge.”
“I know you’re right. I just don’t want to take the walk of shame.”
Uri scowled. “The what?”
She laughed. “It’s an American expression meaning I don’t want the staff to take one look at me and know exactly what I’ve been up to all day.”
“I see…” Uri squeezed and patted her bottom, and nibbled her neck. “And so they would be jealous of me, so what? They should be! I am the luckiest man in the world.”
“Very funny,” she ran her hands on his chest, kissed him. “I know you don’t understand this because you’ve lived here your whole life, but I’m so new here, I want them to see me as a lady and respect me, not just because I am going to live here someday. Plus I know how conservative your culture is and I want to respect that.”
“Times are changing, dear, however you are correct. In many ways, I am quite conservative. Or at least I was until I met you,” he grinned.
“Very funny.”
“You, darling, are the most amazing lady I have ever known, and I am certain my staff will think the same, but even if they do not, I love you, and I do not care.” He kissed her cheek, hopped out of bed. “If you will not take me up on my offer for the first shower, I shall go ahead.”
“What time’s dinner? I think I want to go to my room and just get ready there and meet you in a bit.”
“Whatever you please, dear. Dinner will begin when you wish.” He checked his Rolex. “Half hour, perhaps. I shall inform the staff of the time when you tell me what is best for you.”
“I do well under pressure, so I think that should be fine. Six thirty, then?”
“Good, then I shall meet you in the formal dining area near the front entrance where we ate earlier. Again, please ask if you cannot find it.”
“I will,” she said as she got up, put her clothes back on and tried to smooth her hair out so she wouldn’t look too messed up. She kissed his cheek and swatted his behind. “Have a nice shower and I will see you in a bit.”
Uri grabbed her and pulled her to him. “Join me if you’d like…”
“I will take a rain check on that. If we don’t get moving, I’m afraid we won’t leave your room all day.”
“And? I see no problem with that.” He grinned.
“Me neither, but let’s save that for later.”
“Dessert, perhaps?” Uri teased.
“Sounds good to me.”
&n
bsp; Thirty Three
After a couple of wrong turns down the many winding corridors of the palace, Stephanie finally found her room.
Uri was right. There was nothing to worry about. His staff seemed eager to help, and if they were thinking anything about her, they certainly didn’t show it. Everyone treated her with kindness and respect.
The first thing she noticed when she opened the door to her suite was a large gift box with a big red bow sitting in the middle of her bed. Another surprise from Uri? He was spoiling her, for sure.
She untied the ribbon, lifted the lid and found a stunning blue silk evening gown with a card inside that read:
You will look lovely in this tonight. Uri
Stephanie went to the closet to find a hanger for it, and noticed that Mrs. Balik had pressed and hung up all of her other clothes. She also must have sprayed them with something, because they smelled of fresh flowers and were literally in better shape now than they were when she left home.
Someone knocked at the door. “Madam?”
Stephanie recognized the kind voice of Mrs. Balik. “Yes. Come in, please.”
Mrs. Balik bowed. “I hope you found everything to your liking.”
“I did, thank you so much for taking such good care of my clothes.” She lifted one of her shirts and sniffed it. “They smell amazing.”
“Yes, ma’am. And I trust you found your gift?”
“Yes, it’s beautiful.”
“The Sheikh also wanted you to have these.” Mrs. Balik presented her with a red velvet box tied in a ribbon.
“I don’t know what I will possibly do with all of these presents,” Stephanie told her.
“Go on and open it, ma’am.” she waited with her hands clasped.
Stephanie lifted the lid and saw the most beautiful sapphire and diamond earrings she had ever seen, with a stunning drop necklace to match. “They’re gorgeous!”
“Yes, ma’am, and they will match your gown. I am happy to help with your hair and makeup if you would like.”
Stephanie hardly knew what to think. Of course this lady made her livelihood from helping others, so she agreed. “That would be great. I will shower and then I would love your help.”
She showered quickly, and had Mrs. Balik help her put the gown on and zip up the back. She styled Stephanie’s hair and applied her makeup, which helped ensure she didn’t spill any on the new dress.
She had a gentle manner about her, and Stephanie felt sleepy with relaxation as she brushed her long hair.
She closed her eyes, opening them every so often to find Mrs. Balik checking each strand of her hair, her lipstick, eye shadow and eyeliner. Once she was finished, she turned Stephanie around in the swivel chair to face the mirror.
Stephanie could hardly believe her eyes. She rarely wore much makeup and never applied eye shadows or liners before today. Her skin was lightly dusted with liquid cover-up, just enough to remove any inconsistencies, while still allowing her faint freckles to show through and remain natural looking. Her hair was kept long but swept back from her face with two sparkly combs. “Wow,” she told Mrs. Balik. “You did amazing work here.”
“You are a beautiful woman, milady. Not hard at all,” she smiled.
“Thank you.” Stephanie stood, turned around in a circle in front of the mirror. “And this dress…it’s gorgeous!”
“It fits you perfectly, ma’am.”
Stephanie couldn’t believe her eyes. The gown was tasteful and elegant with long sleeves and a V-neck. “I love it.”
“One more thing.” Mrs. Balik gestured for Stephanie to sit again. She clasped the sapphire and diamond necklace on her, which hung perfectly on her collarbone.
Next, she brushed her long hair back once more, making sure every strand was in place, and helped her with the earrings.
Once she finished, she stood back to admire her work. “You look quite striking, ma’am. I know the Sheikh will be pleased.”
“Thank you,” Stephanie told her. “I appreciate it all so much.”
Mrs. Balik smiled. “We enjoy having you here, milady.”
“The feeling is definitely mutual,” Stephanie beamed. She loved it so much, she never wanted to leave. Her heart warmed with love and appreciation for everything that was happening.
***
Uri waited in the dining room for Stephanie to arrive, his mind filled with the details of their amazing lovemaking session earlier that day. Distracted by those thoughts, he nearly fell out of his chair when she appeared in the blue gown he bought her.
“Sorry I’m a few minutes late,” she said. “I did my best.”
“I would say it was worth every moment, dear,” Uri tried to stop himself from hardening at the sight of his beauty, but realized that was next to impossible. He adjusted his trousers and shifted in his seat in an effort to calm himself down.
Bright red hair flowed down her back, her flawless skin highlighted by the conservative cut of the dress.
The sapphires he chose were perfect too. Another treasure his late mother left behind that would finally get some use. She looked elegant and demure, like a truly dignified lady. A lady he would soon call his wife.
“Darling.” He rose from his chair, crossed the dining room and took her hands, kissed each cheek, then her perfect lips. “You look stunning.”
“So do you.” She ran her fingers along the pocket of his midnight blue blazer. “That’s a beautiful dinner jacket.”
“Thank you, dear,” he purred, the jolt of electricity from her touch shot through his arms and into his lower extremities. He cleared his throat, trying to get himself under control until they were alone again.
“Thank you for this.” She spun around in a circle so he could admire her from all angles. “I love it. I don’t know how you knew my size, but it fits perfectly.”
“You are perfect in my eyes, and of course, I make it my duty to learn what I can about you through observation. Come and sit.” He took her hand, led her toward the table where a staff member held her chair and placed a napkin on her lap.
Exactly where I wish I could be at the moment, he thought.
The staff poured hot Turkish tea and they dined on fresh fruit, vegetables sautéed in a light marinade and hummus before the main course of fish.
“Are we missing anything you like, darling?” He reached out and took her hand.
“No, not at all. Everything is delicious,” Stephanie told him. “Thank you.”
“I am pleased you are enjoying yourself.” He loved how polite she was, how kind, the respect she showed toward his service staff.
She was a wonderful person who was so unspoiled compared to the high-ranking ladies he normally had to associate with. The more time they spent together, the deeper his feelings of love. Love and…lust.
“It’s been a long day, and of course, we must take time to rest.” He raised his eyebrows and chuckled a bit.
“Yes, we’ve certainly had our fair share of rest so far, haven’t we?” she whispered and grabbed his knee under the table.
“Indeed, however one can never rest enough,” he slid his palm on her thigh, sliding his fingers under the high slit in her gown.
“Uri,” she whispered. “You’re driving me crazy!”
“Good,” he leaned in for a kiss. “I am succeeding in my plan.”
“Yes, big time,” she kissed him back.
Uri was excited about tomorrow, and in particular, taking his hopefully soon to be bride to Istanbul. “Any places you really want to see more than others?”
“The Topkapi Palace would be nice. And the Grand Bazaar,” she told him.
“Well I must say I am impressed you know some of the important destinations of Istanbul.”
“I’ve wanted to come here for years. And really, Uri, anything is fine with me. This whole area is so amazing and filled with so much history. Take me wherever you think I should go. I’m just happy to be with you.”
Nothing pleased him more than hearing her
say that. She was a true gem, a rare and one of a kind treasure.
Once they finished their dinner, the staff cleared the dishes and Stephanie excused herself to the ladies room.
Uri was lost in his thoughts of her, imagining himself unzipping her gown back in his suite, watching it fall to the floor, and thinking about how her body would feel next to his.
Unfortunately, his fantasies were interrupted when his head doorman appeared. “Your Highness? Your father is here to see you.”
Uri checked his Rolex. “What? Now? Isn’t it a bit late?”
“I apologize for the inconvenience, sir,” the doorman said.
“It’s certainly not your fault. I just mean it is late in the day, and we’ve had such a long journey.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” he bowed.
Uri glanced across the room and noticed there was no sign of Stephanie yet. He might be able to hurry and see what the Sultan wanted, but the intrusion on his alone time with Stephanie was annoying at best. “Tell him I am busy.”
The doorman disappeared through the dining area, returning less than a minute later. “Sheikh?”
“Yes?”
“I beg your pardon, however the Sultan says this is urgent. I tried to explain that you’ve been traveling, but he insists on seeing you at once.”
Could the Sultan be any more annoying? “Tell him I have just arrived, I am tired, and I have company…”
“Pardon me, Sheikh, but he is fully aware of your situation. He says this matter cannot wait.”
“He understands Miss Stephanie is here and we have just traveled from the United States?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Uri realized his stubborn father would not leave him alone. He could avoid him tonight, or deal with him tomorrow, but he wanted to have a relaxing day with Stephanie, free from his family, so he decided to give in. “Oh all right. Tell him to meet me in my office. I’ll be there in a moment.” Uri waited for another few minutes to see if Stephanie would return, but when she did not reappear, he left to go see what was going on.
