Desert Rogues Part 2 (74 page)

He didn't mind the competition, he simply wanted to know how slowly he should move.

Kiley blushed and turned her head. “He, ah…”

“I do not mind if there have been more.”

“Yes, well…” She finished her glass of champagne and set it on the coffee table. It was only when she raised her gaze to his that he saw the truth.

Not
more
lovers.
Less.

She was a virgin.

Rafiq was less startled by the news than by the fierce need to possess her that swept through him. The primitive emotions startled him with their intensity. In his day-to-day life, he rarely felt his desert heritage, but at that moment he was one with his ferocious history.

“I know it's really old-fashioned, especially now,” she said, speaking quickly. “Socially, it's not something I really talk about. I don't even know where the idea came from. My mom always talked about the first time being with someone I loved, but never that I should wait. Still, I wanted to. I wanted to give that to the man I married. I wanted to be a virgin on my wedding night.”

She stared at the floor. “Eric knew, of course. He was all for it, the bastard. In a way that's what made it worse. I'm not a saint or a sexless creature. We would kiss and touch and I wanted to do more. I thought I was being strong and noble, and sometimes it was really tough. I thought he believed, too. Instead I would go home frustrated and he would head off to sleep with somebody else.”

Rafiq had never had an opinion on Kiley's fiancé until she told him what he'd done. Then he'd felt mild annoyance and contempt. Now he wanted to hunt down the other man and horsewhip him into a bloody pulp. How dare he reject such an incredible gift with thoughtless callousness?

“It is better you didn't marry him,” he said, careful to keep his anger from his voice.

“Agreed. He was a jerk and I'm lucky I found out before the wedding.” She looked into her glass. “I just don't feel very lucky. I feel stupid. Like I did this really big thing and no one noticed or cared.”

Her admission of innocence made him want her more. He wanted to be the first to touch her and pleasure her in the unique way a man could please a woman. But to defile a virgin…

“You must reconsider our arrangement,” he told her, even as he longed to pull her close and take her. “Someone who was willing to wait so long should not give her gift so easily.”

She stared at him. “You've changed your mind? But you can't.”

“I have not,” he said gently, hating the need to do the right thing. His body told him to take what was offered without question, but his soul demanded Kiley make the choice. “You said yourself you should be in love the first time.”

“Were you?”

He smiled. “It is different for a man. We are eager to dispose of our virginity.”

“Gee, that's what I'm thinking. I want this, Rafiq. I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't.”

Honor demanded he give her an out. Now that he had and she'd refused it, he wouldn't ask again. “Then we will go on as planned,” he said. “With one small change.”

She frowned. “What's that?”

“I had thought we would wait a few days to become intimate. Now I think we will move even more slowly.”

“You don't have to because of me.”

“Oh, but I do.” He moved closer and touched her cheek. Her skin was smooth and soft.

Based on what he'd heard about Eric, Rafiq would guess the other man hadn't been interested in teaching Kiley the possibilities.

“There are many ways for a man to please a woman,” he said, staring into her eyes. “We will explore all of them together. I will show you the way it should be, and when you are ready, we will be lovers.”

Kiley felt equal measures of relief and disappointment. On the one hand, she appreciated that she didn't have to get naked right this moment. On the other hand, there was something about Rafiq that intrigued her.

Maybe it was the way he talked—speaking of possibilities and pleasure. Moving slowly toward an ultimate goal. A shiver of anticipation raced up her spine. Maybe this was going to be fun.

“Would you like to see the house?” he asked. “There are some beautiful pieces I brought from Lucia-Serrat.”

The change of topic left her blinking. Couldn't they keep talking about how great he was going to make it? Unfortunately there was no way she could ask, and as he stood, she would guess he hadn't read her mind.

“That would be nice,” she said.

She accepted the hand he offered and let him pull her to her feet.

“This small chest was built in the sixteenth century,” he told her, pointing at a small, carved chest by the end of the sofa. As he spoke, he rested one hand on the small of her back and placed the other on her upper arm.

Both points of contact were warm. Nice, she thought. More than nice. Interesting. Appealing. He moved his fingers back and forth, stroking her like a cat. As he continued to tell her the history of the chest and touch her, she found herself relaxing.

They circled the living room. He pointed out several works of art painted by people even she recognized. They passed through a large, well-appointed kitchen filled with the delicious scent of cooking dinner. Rafiq pointed to the oven.

“Sana, my housekeeper, has left us dinner. Are you hungry?”

As he asked the question, he put his hand back on her hip. She found herself wanting to step closer. How odd. Until this morning they'd never touched, except by accident as she passed a file or they walked together down the hall. Now he had the right to touch her whenever he wanted, and she could place her hand on him.

“Kiley?”

“What? Oh, dinner. Let's wait a bit. If I eat when I'm too nervous, really bad things happen.”

He chuckled. “We don't want that.”

“No.”

She looked at him, at his broad shoulders and the thickness of his chest. Hard muscles under warm skin. What would he be like to touch?

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

She looked at his face. “That these are very unusual circumstances. When two people date, things start out slowly. Hand holding, then kissing and so on. With a few words we've given each other permission to do whatever we'd like, physically.”

“What would you like to do?”

She laughed. “I'm not sure. It's just that I can. Does that make sense?”

“Yes. What would you like to do?” he asked again.

What would she?

She turned so she stood directly in front of him, then raised her hand to cup his cheek. The skin was smoother than it had been earlier when she'd kissed him.

“You shaved,” she said, more than a little surprised.

“Yes. I grow a heavy beard and didn't want to scratch you.”

Because he'd assumed they would kiss. He hadn't wanted her to be uncomfortable. She wasn't sure why she found the thoughtful gesture so intriguing, but she did. Maybe it was because he'd imagined them kissing. Had the idea been fleeting or had he considered it for some period of time? Did he feel anticipation? He did want her?

Her stomach clenched at the thought. Right now a man wanting her seemed very important. If Eric had ever wanted her, he'd managed to keep his feelings to himself. Or perhaps he'd simply burned them up in another woman's bed.

She lowered her hand from his cheek to his chest and splayed her fingers. He was as hard as she'd imagined. Sculpted. She had a sudden vision of touching his bare skin and her breath caught.

“The tour,” she said, stepping back. “What's next?”

He stared at her for several seconds before taking her hand. “The bedrooms.”

Oh, goody.

As they went down the hall, Rafiq pointed out several pictures. She saw a photo of his father, the crown prince of Lucia-Serrat, and one of Rafiq dressed for riding. He stood next to a beautiful horse. There were more paintings and objets d'art, a few antiques and a tapestry. He pointed out his home office, a very-well-equipped gym, a lavish guest room and then they stepped into what could only be the master bedroom.

A massive bed dominated the large, open space. Dark, carved furniture made the room seem masculine but not unwelcoming. There was a deck that overlooked the ocean, a low dresser, an armoire and a beautifully framed mirror hanging directly across from the door.

She could see herself in it, with Rafiq behind her. He was tall, several inches above her own five foot seven, and dark to her blond. They looked good together, if slightly wicked.

His eyes met hers in the mirror. She found herself caught in his gaze, thinking how handsome he was and how, just twenty-four hours ago, she could never have imagined herself in this exact position. Here. In his bedroom. Watching him watch her.

He put his hands on her shoulders, then bent down and lightly kissed the side of her neck.

Her entire body erupted in goose bumps as she both felt and saw the tender caress. His lips barely grazed her skin, but the warm, soft contact was enough to make her want to turn in his arms and beg for more. When he straightened, she found she'd stopped breathing and she had to consciously force herself to draw in a breath.

“Perhaps we should see about dinner,” he said, his voice low and sensual.

Dinner? Oh, yeah. That evening meal she'd been too nervous to eat before. The good news was she wasn't nervous anymore. The bad news was she hadn't just jumped into the deep end of the pool, she'd taken a flying leap into the middle of the ocean.

“Y
ou completed college with two degrees?” Rafiq asked as he poured Kiley more wine. It had taken her most of the meal to drink the first glass. He knew she didn't smoke, it seemed she barely drank and, based on her bright, cheerful, early-morning demeanor, she didn't party.

“Business and early-childhood development.” She pushed a slice of chicken around on her plate. “Odd combination, I know.”

“Not if one plans to open a day-care facility.”

She looked at him and smiled. “You're right. I'd never thought of that. I love kids. Honestly, I never wanted much more than to be a wife and mother. The business degree was so I could get a good job, and the other studies were to help me to be a good mother. Although, my mom didn't study anything and she was the best. I want to be just like her.”

Kiley nibbled on a slice of carrot. “You're probably disappointed.”

He'd always known she was intelligent, so her multiple degrees didn't surprise him. She'd carried her half of the conversation at dinner and she continued to surprise him.

“What exactly would have disappointed me?” he asked.

“Me being a secretary and wanting to be a mother. Not very big aspirations. A lot of my friends were shocked when I admitted it to them. They think I should be more. Do more. I guess I feel guilty. These days women are supposed to have it all. But I don't want it all. I just want a little house with a garden and a couple of kids and a man who loves us as much as we love him.”

He had been born into royalty, so not many of his acquaintances shared his lifestyle, but Kiley was farther removed than most.

He'd never longed for a small house with a garden. While a wife and children were in his future, the assumption that he would one day marry and father children was far more about providing his country with an heir than any personal desire on his part.

She put down her fork and leaned toward him. “I know that I shouldn't care about what other people think, or the expectations of our society in general, but sometimes it bugs me.”

Her expression was earnest, her blue eyes wide and intent. The soft light from the chandelier brought out the strands of gold in her hair. She was beautiful and sincere and he could honestly say he'd never had a conversation like this with a woman he intended to seduce.

“Do you spend much of your day worrying about the expectations of society?” he asked.

“No. Just sometimes.” She shook her head. “I'm guessing you can't relate to any of this. You knew who and what you were from the time you were born. Is that a good thing?”

“It simply is, for me. I haven't imagined another life. What would be the point?”

“Plus you're really rich and can pretty much do what you want. That has to be a good thing.”

“It is.”

She smiled. “So you're not married, right? I just realized I never asked about a Mrs. Rafiq sequestered back on the island.”

“I wouldn't be here with you tonight if I was.”

“Really?” She sounded surprised. “You'll be faithful when you're married?”

“Do you question me specifically or all men in general?”

“I guess the whole fidelity issue is a sore spot for me, but right now I'm asking about you specifically.”

“I'm faithful now.”

“With very short-term relationships. Marriage is forever. At least it's supposed to be.”

“The expectation for me is that my wife and I will only be parted by death.”

“And you'll be faithful all that time?” she asked.

“Of course.”

“You're going to have to be really sure you love her.”

Love? As if that mattered. “My choice will be based on more practical matters. She will be the mother of my children.”

“But if you don't love her…”

Rafiq found it intriguing that, after all she had been through, she was still a romantic. “Respect and shared goals often last longer than love.”

Kiley didn't look convinced. “So, is there a place one goes to find a woman fit to be a princess? Like a princess store?”

Her eyes were bright with humor and the corners of her mouth curved up.

“There's an Internet site,” he said, pretending to be serious.

“Oh, I'd love to see it. Do you type in specifications? Height, weight, number of sons required.”

“Of course. Along with how many languages I want her to speak and what accomplishments she should have.”

“You really need to get going on that,” she said with a smile. “So you aren't too old when your kids are born. You want to be able to play ball with them.”

“I have a few good years left.”

“I don't know. You're over thirty.”

“By a year.”

“Still. You're looking a little creaky.”

“How charming,” he said dryly. He liked that she was feeling comfortable enough to joke with him.

“How many children do you want?” he asked.

“Three or four. I was one of three and it was great. There was always someone to play with, and with three of us, the blame for whatever bad thing we'd done could get spread around.”

He could see her in a small house, raising her children, working in the garden. She would bake cookies and sew Halloween costumes, and ask for almost nothing for herself. He could imagine birthdays and Christmases when the children would receive piles of presents and there would only be one or two for her. But she wouldn't mind, because her world would be defined by her family.

He studied the gold hoop earrings she wore and the delicate chain around her neck. Modest pieces at best. She would look good in jewels, he thought. Sapphires. The traditional blue stones would match her eyes. He would like to see her in pink sapphires as well. And diamonds. Diamonds and nothing else.

The image of a Kiley wearing only diamonds filled his mind. Desire licked through him, heating his blood. He enjoyed the sensation, even knowing he would not have her for some time. In this case, anticipation would sweeten the union.

“I have been invited to a fund-raiser on Friday evening,” he said. “The event is formal and I would very much like you to attend with me.”

“Sure.” She wrinkled her nose. “How formal?”

“Black tie.”

“I've never been clear on what that meant, but I get the general idea. The only really fancy dress I have is my wedding dress, and that would probably be tacky to wear, huh?”

As soon as she spoke, she covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, no. Is it okay that I said that? Are you offended?”

“It was your wedding, Kiley. You may speak of it as you wish.”

“Good. Either way, the dress isn't a good idea. I'll come up with something. I need to take off a little early one day this week to get to the post office and ship back the rest of the gifts. I'll go shopping after that.”

Dismantling a wedding sounded like as much work as putting it together, he thought. “Where were you and Eric going to live?”

“We rented an apartment together. The lease doesn't start until the end of the month and we'd discussed maybe painting it before moving in, so I haven't given notice at my place, fortunately.” She sighed. “I have to break the lease on the new place, which won't be fun.”

“I'll take care of it,” he said.

She looked at him. “I appreciate the offer, but it's not your responsibility.”

“You are right. It's Eric's. But he is not here and I am. Besides, now you are
my
responsibility.”

“Is this a mistress perk?”

He smiled. “One of many.”

A faint flush darkened her cheeks. “Are you going to get all imperious if I say I want to do it myself.”

“Absolutely. I do imperious very well.”

She laughed. “Okay, then I'll give in graciously and say thank you. It's really nice of you to offer, and to be honest I wasn't looking forward to making that call.”

“Now you don't have to.”

Kiley had no idea why Rafiq had taken on the chore. Under other circumstances she would wonder if he was going to pass it on to his staff, but this time she doubted it. After all, she was part of that staff, and as his secretary, she would know.

“Have you finished?” he asked, nodding at her plate.

“Yes. It was delicious.” And she'd eaten more than she'd thought. Funny how once they got talking, she forgot to be nervous.

He stood, walked around the table and waited until she stood. Then he put his hand on the small of her back and guided her through the living room, out onto the deck.

The sun had set some time before, so the ocean was barely visible. She could see the faint white of the waves as they crashed into the shore and, in the distance, lights from another house. He moved in close behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her against him.

The night was cool; the man, warm. She liked the feel of him pressed against her, liked the way he held her close.

“I enjoyed dinner,” she said. “We have a lot to talk about.”

“Are you surprised?”

“A little. I thought things might be awkward, but they're not. Why is that?”

“You're intelligent and don't want to talk about clothes and shoes.”

She laughed. “Do you get that a lot?”

“You would be surprised how much.”

“Then you're in for a treat with me. I promise never to talk about my clothes. They're just not that interesting.”

“They would be if you took them off.”

The unexpected shift in the chitchat direction made her breath catch. In a single heartbeat she went from enjoying the moment to being hyperaware of the man. His words shocked her, but in a way that made her curious and excited.

“Fear not, Kiley. I meant what I told you earlier. Not tonight. Not for some time. But I will have you.”

The low growl of his voice made her shiver. “Will I like it?”

“I will do my best to make sure you do.”

As he spoke, he bent down and kissed her neck. He'd done that earlier, in the bedroom. She closed her eyes and remembered how they'd looked standing together, then her mind cleared as her body absorbed the soft brush of his mouth against her sensitive skin.

He kissed her with the slow deliberateness of a man who had all the time in the world. She tilted her head to give him more room and held on to his arms. He worked his way up from the curve where her neck met her shoulder to the sensitive skin just behind her ear.

“What are you thinking?” he asked, his breath tickling her.

“That this is nice. It feels good.”

He raised his head and turned her in his arms so that she faced him. Light from the living room spilled out onto the deck and allowed her to see his features. His dark eyes seemed to burn with an intensity she'd never seen before. There was tension in his body but an easy smile on his lips. Funny how she knew so little about him yet she trusted him. She'd asked to be his mistress for the purpose of revenge, but now she found herself anticipating the three months they were to have together.

He touched her face, tracing the shape of her nose, her mouth. He ran his hands down her neck, then across her shoulders to her arms. From there he slipped to her hands, which he took in his.

“You're very beautiful,” he murmured.

“Thank you. But not really. The beautiful part, I mean. I appreciate the compliment though.”

He studied her face. “I have been with many women. I know of what I speak. Your eyes are large, and the color forever changes. Dark blue, then darker still. Stormy, clear. Your skin is perfection. Your mouth calls to me, begging for kisses.”

He raised her right hand and pressed his lips against her palm. She felt
that
tingle all the way down to her toes.

“Every part of you is beautiful.”

Okay, maybe this was part of the seduction, but it was working. She felt her knees getting a little weak and her blood zipping along a little faster.

He reached up with one hand and touched her hair.

“Too short?” she asked. “I know most guys prefer long hair, but I like it short. Eric was forever after me to grow it out.”

“I like it,” he said, sliding his fingers against her scalp and drawing her a little closer.

She went willingly, hoping he would kiss her, because suddenly she needed to be kissing him. She put her hands on his shoulders and shifted that last inch so that her body pressed against his.

His chest was hard and hot against her sensitive breasts. Her thighs lightly brushed his. It was all so…interesting…and she wanted to get moving to the next level. The kissing level.