Читать книгу Modern Romance August 2016 Books 1-4 - Miranda Lee - Страница 16

CHAPTER SEVEN

RAHIM STARED INTO Allegra’s face, her beauty momentarily blinding him to the reality that he needed to stop...walk away before things escalated out of control. They were already a light year from how he’d expected things to go when he’d entered his bedroom and found her here.

Having resigned himself to seeing the last of her in his study, and having taken out the brunt of his anger at her duplicity in an hour-long pounding in his private swimming pool, finding her scantily clad and looking guilty as hell had been a shock.

Hard on the heels of shock had been disappointment—that she was no better than any of the females he’d availed himself of in his past life who always wanted something from him—followed closely by the resurgence of anger. That he’d read her motives for coming to Dar-Aman so wrong. That she was so set on securing material assets that she was unwilling to consider offering the vital assistance he needed for his people.

But as Rahim had stood there debating whether to throw her out or go one better and call security, other, more urgent needs had taken over. He wasn’t ashamed to admit those needs, after that kiss that threatened to blow his mind, now reigned supreme.

However, he knew her motives weren’t as altruistic as she pretended, so he forced himself to slow down, to give her a chance to redeem herself, even as his fingers dug into her waist to hold her in place, and every cell in his body screamed at him to take what she offered, gorge on the feast she’d laid at his feet.

‘Are you sure?’

She let out a laugh, probably designed to entice. Instead the clear nervousness in the sound curled around a hard kernel of his remaining resolve, melting it to nothing. Then her hand unclenched from his hair and slid along his stubbled jaw. When her shaky fingers traced his lower lip, Rahim groaned low and deep.

‘Before I came here, I was known for saying what I mean and meaning what I said.’ She laughed again, the sound easier, if a little hungrier than before. ‘I haven’t demonstrated it as well as I should, but yes, I’m sure.’ The last bit was whispered, her blue eyes turning several shades darker as her gaze locked on his lips.

Knowing she wanted his kiss, and much more, lit pure fire in Rahim’s veins. He caught her roving finger into his mouth and suckled hard. Her eyes widened. For a second, he wondered about her sexual experience, then lost himself in the expression of wonder on her face as her gaze locked on what he was doing to her finger. Testing her further, he licked the tip, and she gasped.

Desire pounded through him as the many ways he could have her flared across his senses. Reaching for the wrap hiding her from him, he ripped it away.

Her negligee was a silk-and-lace concoction, delicate enough to tear at the slightest exertion. The temptation to do just that was strong, but Rahim exercised restraint. Anger and disappointment were no longer overriding emotions—he would triumph in finding a way out of his predicament, he always did—but they remained buried beneath more urgent, earthier needs. Needs so voracious he forced himself to pause a beat as her heaving breasts straining against her thin silk sent renewed hunger roaring through him.

Catching her beneath her hips, he strode quickly to the fireplace set beneath the pillared elevation of his bed. Before the flickering flames dancing between the coals, he laid her down on soft cashmere rugs and sat back on his heels.

The flames reflected off her glowing skin a few shades lighter than his own but exhibiting her Latin ancestry.

Slowly, he traced the sweet curve of her jaw, to the pulse hammering at her throat. She shivered and squirmed, her movements innocently seductive as she stared up at him.

For a long moment, Rahim didn’t move, arrested as he was by her.

‘Please...’

‘Shh, let me enjoy you for a moment, for you are an exquisite sight to behold.’ The clear outline of her nipples drew his touch and he circled the bud with his finger, drawing an urgent cry from her that echoed deep within him.

Sliding the straps from her shoulders, he bared her to him. ‘Exquisite,’ he repeated.

Bracing himself on his elbows, Rahim drew one velvety tip into his mouth. Her groan was so intoxicating he repeated the act, then again on her other breast.

‘Oh, Rahim,’ she choked out.

‘You like that?’

Her nostrils quivered delicately as she inhaled. ‘Yes,’ she breathed.

‘You want more?’ he demanded, a keen desire to see her completely undone overcoming him.

At her eager nod, he flicked his tongue against her, then caught the wet, pebbled flesh between his teeth. Her nails scored his shoulders and she arched her back.

Rahim clawed at his fraying control, warning himself that this was just a means of sating his lust. Of taking what she was freely offering and perhaps teaching her a lesson in the process. There was no need for this to be something else, something alien that scrabbled at a place he’d sealed off a long time ago. A place that reeked of loneliness and neglect. A place that reminded him too much of his adolescent years.

He wasn’t lonely. Or desperate for the connection that had been missing in his life for longer than he cared to recall. He’d learned to do without it. He’d found other, more fruitful ways to find the closure that had eluded him. By taking his rightful place on the throne as all Al-Hadis had done in the past, and vowing to care for his people, he’d sealed off that part of himself that wanted closure.

He didn’t need closure if he intended to take up the mantle destiny had handed him.

He certainly didn’t need the warm, vibrant woman beneath him, not even for one single night the way his senses were tricking him into believing. This would be a brief, if thoroughly pleasurable, coupling before he sent her on her way.

That was all it would ever be.

‘Rahim?’ Her sultry voice centred his attention back on her and he happily abandoned his unsettling thoughts.

‘Yes, habibi? Tell me what you want.’

Her back arched higher, seeking his attention. ‘More, please?’

Squeezing the perfect globes, he lowered his head. ‘It’ll be my pleasure.’

* * *

Allegra almost cried in relief when his mouth closed over her again. For a moment, she’d feared he would stop. Certainly the bleakness that had clouded his eyes and stolen his focus had sent a cold shiver through her, the brief glimpse of pain momentarily stopping her desire in its tracks.

Curiously, in that moment, she hadn’t felt a loss at his lack of attention. Watching emotions she recognised in herself flit over his face had evoked a surprising affinity. One she’d quickly banished because she knew in her deepest heart that Rahim wouldn’t welcome such a connection.

Lust and sex were more acceptable to him.

And with the touch of his lips, everything besides the feverish sensations firing up her body melted away. Including the cautionary voice that questioned what on earth she was doing.

She was living. She was providing her soul with much-needed sustenance even she hadn’t known was missing until she’d touched Rahim. She was absolutely certain this would be a one-time thing, so she staunched the voice and gave herself over completely to the bliss rampaging through her. Dug her nails deeper into his shoulders, arched her back higher and vocalised her groans.

He tugged on her negligee, his movements a touch rougher than they had been a moment ago. Allegra watched the firelight dance over his sculpted features as he pulled down her garment and flung it away. Her panties quickly followed.

Being naked with a man for the first time in a very long time drew a well of self-consciousness within her. And the way Rahim’s gaze scoured her, leaving no inch untouched, made her squirm harder, his scrutiny almost a living thing on her skin.

Unconsciously, her arms started to move to cover herself. He captured them and pinned them down beside her hips. ‘Don’t deny me, Allegra. Stay,’ he commanded gutturally. ‘Let me look and have my fill.’

He let go of her, staggered away for a handful of seconds and returned with a condom. Dropping to his knees, he framed her body with his hands. From neck to thigh, he caressed her while his eyes devoured her. By the time he hooked his hands behind her knees and parted her, Allegra had forgotten what it felt like to breathe. Each caress pushed her higher on a plane of pure heart-pounding desire, where plea-filled words crowded her brain, ready to fall should he keep her waiting a moment longer.

As if he knew the depth of her desperation, he crashed forward, took her mouth in another voracious kiss. Their tongues duelled, their mouths melding in bruising kiss after bruising kiss, until with a groan he yanked his towel free, donned the protection and positioned himself between her thighs.

With one hand locked in her hair, he tilted her head up. ‘Look at me.’ Lust throbbed in his voice, but there was also a tinge of anger.

And when she lifted lust-drugged eyes to his, she witnessed a sliver of cruelty in there. Not enough to stop her though. She exhaled as she felt him, solid and strong, against her core. ‘Open wider for me.’

She complied with a helpless groan, then whimpered when he still hesitated. ‘Rahim, please.’

A fevered flush flared across his cheekbones, a sheen of sweat coating his upper lip as he gritted out, ‘Tell me again that this is what you want.’

Allegra angled her hips, desperately bringing herself closer to the promise of oblivion. ‘Yes. I want you, please. Take me— Oh!’

Rahim drove into her, his penetration sure and powerful and complete enough to drive her breath from her lungs. On the heels of his uncompromising possession came a surge of pleasure so amazing Allegra could only stare up at him in wonder.

Then he moved.

Hot, guttural Dar-Amanian words fell from his lips and a visible shudder shook his frame as he slammed back in, then held himself deep and solid inside her.

‘Heaven above, you feel incredible,’ he groaned when he moved again.

Allegra couldn’t find words, so she held on tight as he increased his scorching rhythm, taking her with a mastery that heaped pleasure on top of pleasure with each thrust. Somewhere along the line, he released his grip on her hair, and transferred his hold to her hip. Holding her steady, he took her higher, deeper still, all the while kissing her, and muttering indecipherable words against her skin when he drew away.

The raw beauty of the act seared her soul, and when the pressure got too much, tears filled her eyes.

‘Rahim...’ Allegra didn’t know what she wanted. All she knew was that the feeling inside her was too much to contain. Sliding her hands up his jaw to his cheeks, she cradled his face in her hands, stared deep into his eyes as her world exploded into flames and ecstasy buffeted her in relentless waves.

His own scorching release followed swiftly on the heels of hers. Allegra watched in awe as he threw back his arrogant head, gave a hoarse cry before a series of deep shudders raked his frame. He collapsed on top of her, and their breaths mingled as their racing hearts began to calm.

Minutes passed by before Rahim rose on one elbow and brushed her hair away from her face. Although she’d closed her eyes at some point, Allegra felt his keen scrutiny. But she wasn’t prepared for the words that fell like barbs from his lips.

‘If this is how you make amends, then I’m all for it.’

She stiffened, her heart clenching with hurt despite the knowledge that she’d brought his response on herself. Opening her eyes, she met fierce, hazel ones. ‘You could at least wait until I’m dressed before you hurl the insults,’ she breathed.

‘Insults? I thought you were all for speaking freely and honestly? I in turn meant what I just said. Give me another taste of your body and you can consider your apology accepted and your slate wiped clean,’ he said. ‘That is if that was what you really came here for?’ A cynical smile touched his lips, but it was replaced a moment later by male appreciation as he transferred his gaze from her face to her body, then back again.

She lowered her gaze, unable to withstand the challenge and suspicion in his eyes. Her insides clenched in shame at how utterly she’d let herself down since stepping foot in Dar-Aman.

‘It was...but my gesture was finite.’ She started to move away, but he caught her arm and held her still.

‘Where do you think you’re going?’

‘Back to my room, of course.’

One finger caught her beneath her chin and compelled her gaze to his. Hunger, wilder than before, blazed in his eyes. ‘I told you I intended to have my fill. I’ve barely started, Allegra. You’re going nowhere until I’m done with you.’

The shameless part of her that craved what he offered melted with a swiftness that robbed her of breath. She scrambled to gather a semblance of thought as his head lowered dangerously towards hers. ‘I have no intention of being your plaything, Rahim. I’ll leave that to the women in your harem.’

He looked surprised for a moment before a low laugh spilled from his lips. ‘I stopped having playthings the moment I hit puberty, habibi.’

The absence of denial of his harem set a different blaze in her belly that made her squirm to get away from him. ‘Whatever. I’m still leaving in the morning.’

‘And I have no intention of stopping you,’ he parried with arrogant ease, as if she was one of the many ornaments in his palace to be taken or left at his whim. ‘But there are many hours between now and morning and I intend to fill them all.’

Allegra told herself she should be thankful that Rahim had proved her right in one aspect—he was a playboy who bedded and discarded women as frequently as he changed his regal clothes. She told herself she ought to have more self-respect, leave while the absurd feelings of hurt and bewildering anger weren’t choking her.

But then his hand slid down her belly to the place that still throbbed hard and mercilessly from his possession. A weak, helpless moan escaped her before she could kill it.

Even to her own ears, the sound of surrender was enough to halt her in her tracks.

She would never see Rahim Al-Hadi again. He was the very epitome of a no-strings-attached one-night stand. Hell, by this time tomorrow, he’d have forgotten she existed.

Why couldn’t she do the same? Use him as he was using her?

Because that’s not who you are...

‘Stay with me, Allegra,’ he demanded harshly.

Allegra’s disturbing thoughts melted as his fingers curled, expertly teasing her heated flesh. She tried to shake her head but he only increased his exquisite torture. Her body, having had a taste of what pleasures were in store for it, completely betrayed her, undulating to his command as bliss overtook her.

‘Stay with me,’ he demanded again his tone gentler. His head dipped and he caught her nipple in his mouth. His tongue swirled around the bud before he pulled it deep into his mouth.

With a deep groan, Allegra gasped, ‘Yes.’

At some point, he carried her from the fireplace, up the stairs to his bed. In between intoxicating bouts of lovemaking, Allegra took in the view from her lofty position, her senses drowning in the wonder of floating on a bed of dreams.

But dream turned into nightmare somewhere around dawn when she jerked awake, the ephemeral thoughts that had been niggling at the edge of her brain finally sending her on a frantic search. Hands shaking, she located the condom. The ripped condom which she hadn’t thought twice about when she’d grasped Rahim in a particularly heated moment but which her subconscious must have documented.

Waves of ice drenching her, she slid from her bed and stood with her heart thudding dully. Thoughts of the possible consequences slammed through her mind, each worse case more frightening than the last. She took deep, steady breaths, forcing herself not to panic. She was on the pill, one with high levels of success. And that last, lust-inflamed move, she concluded, face flaming hotter, had been right before their final release. Her fears abated slightly as she confirmed that her pill dosage was right on track.

It had to be.

She was nowhere near equipped to assume the huge responsibility of caring for a child.

Her track record was woefully lacking to even begin to contemplate motherhood.

And really, would the odds be so cruelly stacked against her for seeking one moment of passion?

But it hadn’t been just the once...

Rahim had stayed true to his word. His hunger hadn’t abated until the first streaks of an orange sunrise tinged grey skies. Her body ached in places thoroughly alien to her and, with each breath, she felt the residual power of his possession.

Allegra knew that if it hadn’t been for her subconscious nudging her to acknowledge her folly, she would be as dead to the world as Rahim was now. Her breath caught anew as she stared down at him.

In sleep, he was a little less overpowering, but every bit as magnificent. With the sheets tangled around his waist and one arm thrown over his head, his incredible body was on display, reminding her just how hungry she’d been in turn. How hungry she still was. The force of that need had her taking a step back. When her back touched the cold railing, she suppressed a gasp.

She was naked in the bedchamber of a man she hadn’t met this time yesterday. A man who was only supposed to have been a means to an end. An end she’d failed woefully at achieving.

Far from the woman she’d taken pride in believing herself to be once she’d acknowledged her basic flaws, Allegra felt the humiliating burn of deep shame and she hurried silently down the stairs to the lower floor of Rahim’s chamber. Each stealthy breath she took hammered home her spectacular failure.

Ruthlessly she locked her thoughts down to be dealt with when she was far away from Dar-Aman. It was either that or lose her mind along with everything she’d thrown under the bus of her weakness. Slipping her wrinkled negligee over her head, she crossed to where Rahim had dropped her wrap earlier. As she straightened, her gaze fell on the Fabergé box.

Don’t fail me, ragazza mia.

Her grandfather’s words resonated loudly in her head, as if he stood next to her. Hopeless tears filled her eyes. She plugged the sob that threatened with her fist and took a step back from the cabinet.

She couldn’t.

She wouldn’t.

But hadn’t she lost everything she deemed worthy tonight? She’d come into Rahim’s room with the intention of finding some way of taking possession of the box. When he’d caught her red-handed, she’d lied and thrown herself at him to cover her subterfuge.

Her integrity was already in shreds. But did that warrant adding stealing to her sins?

She shook her head as another sob rose. She’d failed her family in so many ways. Adding another failure...returning home to her grandfather empty-handed... The thought tore at her heart.

Hands shaking, she slid back the cabinet glass and reached for the box. Shrugging her wrap off her shoulders, she wrapped the priceless ornament in it and slowly turned.

With one last quick glance up to where Rahim lay sleeping, she slipped out as quietly as she’d entered.

But even as her feet carried her back to her suite, and she hurried through packing her suitcase and reassuring a bewildered Nura that she would much prefer a taxi to the airport over a palace driver, Allegra was certain the stain on her soul would never be erased.

The stain deepened even as she sent silent thanks to the media who’d widely documented her visit with Rahim. As a guest of His Royal Highness, she was informed with deference by the airport officials; she didn’t need to go through customs. Allegra cringed with shame as she was escorted into her first-class seat on the commercial jet.

Nevertheless, she cradled her grandfather’s Lost Mistress throughout the flight, unwilling to let it out of her sight.

The tiny voice that mocked that she did so because the box also signified the only part of Rahim she would ever encounter again in this lifetime, she harshly ignored.