CHAPTER SEVEN
For some reason, Eliana had assumed this impulsive and hastily arranged journey with Kadeem would take her to some distant corner of the city. So she was amazed when Kadeem's limo pulled to a halt in front of a tall building only a five minutes drive from the Zahram embassy.
Eliana gazed up at the twenty-story, ultra-modern tower. "What's this?" she asked turning to Kadeem.
He leaned forward and pushed open the door. "This is where we can have some privacy. At last."
"You're saying this is where you live?" she asked.
He shrugged. "One of the places I have in the city."
She remained seated and narrowed her eyes at him. "This is where you bring your friends?" she asked, knowing full well what she meant. She was sure this was some kind of bachelor apartment.
"Actually, I own the entire block," he said.
She felt her mouth open in surprise. "Oh!" was all she could say.
Then he stepped out of the limo and extended a hand. "I promise I won't bite," he said casually. He grinned at her, waiting for her reply. All she did in response was place her hand in his and step out of the limo.
"You know that when they discover I'm gone, there'll be trouble," she said.
He lifted a brow. "But you knew that before you decided to leave with me, didn't you?"
She tilted her head. "I guess so."
He grinned at her. "You're quite the rebellious little princess, aren't you?" he observed.
She walked past him. "You don't know the half of it," she chided.
Eliana strode across to the entrance. He opened the door for her with a security keycard and they entered the reception area. There was a concierge who stood suddenly and bowed to Kadeem. "Sheikh Al Kharif!" he exclaimed. "I had no idea you were coming," he said.
Kadeem smiled warmly at the young man. "Good evening, Ali," he said.
Then he led Eliana to the elevator. Within moments, she was standing next to him in the elevator watching the numbers on the display. She thought about her escape from the embassy compound. She'd been speaking the truth downstairs. When her absence was discovered, there'd be big trouble. So, why was it that, somehow, this little adventure with Kadeem thrilled her so much? He was still capable of surprising her.
But, there was something else tugging at her awareness. The simple fact that she had, impulsively, and dangerously, decided to be alone with him. And with none of the usual security arrangements. Did that mean she had finally found a way to trust him? Or that she was simply intrigued by him?
It didn't matter, because she wasn't intending to stay very long.
The elevator came to a halt and the door opened. She followed him out and drew in a sharp breath. Laid out all before her, she saw the huge expanse of a massive apartment. It was decorated in an ultra-modern style. The furnishings were minimalist. The color scheme was darkly brooding, but elegant at the same time.
What you'd expect in an apartment which was obviously used for private get-togethers between Kadeem and others, she told herself. And it was a place he could bring whoever he was currently gracing with his attentions.
Was it her turn to be the subject of those attentions?
He led her into the open central space in the middle of the apartment. He offered her a drink, but she declined. "I think you better tell me why you came to the embassy."
"Now that we're alone," he said with a note of appreciation in his voice.
She folded her. "Now that there's no-one to eavesdrop."
He smiled. "I like the sound of that."
She scowled at him. "I think you should get to the point, Kadeem," she stated firmly.
He moved closer to her, but she held firm, just watching him as he approached her. She wasn't going to fall for any of his tricks. Not tonight.
He halted and gazed at her. "It's about your father," he said.
"What about him?"
Kadeem frowned. "Has he been putting pressure on you?"
"What kind of pressure?" she asked.
He tilted his head. "You know the kind. Trying to make you think you've got no choice."
She hugged herself tighter, knowing where he was going with this. "About an engagement?"
"Our engagement," Kadeem said sharply.
"There isn't going to be any," Eliana retorted.
His brows furrowed and he looked suddenly serious. "That isn't what your father seems to think," he said.
"How do you know that? Have you been talking with him behind my back?" she asked. She felt the emotion rising and knew that she was probably starting to look annoyed.
To her surprise, Kadeem shook his head. "You know what he thinks of me."
Kadeem walked away from Eliana and stood in front of the floor to ceiling, tinted windows. He thrust his hands into his pockets and gazed out at the brightly-lit cityscape.
As she advanced toward him, she saw her reflection in the darkened windows. She stood to one side and glanced at him.
"It seems our fathers were talking about us today," he told her. "When they were out in the desert."
"Some kind of paternal royal marriage talk?" she stated. "How quaint," she added in a wry voice.
He nodded slowly. "I got the impression that your father has been trying to force you to do something you really don't want to do," Kadeem said. He turned to face her. "Is that true?"
"You think he's been putting me under pressure?
To her surprise, Kadeem shook his head. "No. Is it true that you have already decided that there is no circumstance under which you will ever consider me as a potential husband. That you've already rejected me. And that you've said so to your father."
For a moment, she was completely taken aback by his words. "I haven't said any such thing," she admitted.
"Then why does he disapprove of me so much?" Kadeem demanded.
"He doesn't," she objected.
Kadeem shook his head. "You saw how he looked at me, yesterday. He has already rejected me, out of hand. Even before I have a chance."
"To do what, Kadeem?" she asked.
He looked suddenly thoughtful for a long moment and then shook his head. He didn't reply to her question.
She scoffed. "He's like that with everyone. At least with every one of the suitors back in Zahram," she said.
The second she'd uttered the words, she regretted them. His gaze darkened. "Suitors? You mean potential husbands?"
"Forget I said that," she replied.
"How many have there been? Before me." he asked.
She turned to face the window. "That's not important."
He moved in front of her. Now he was close enough that, if he wanted to, he could touch her. "I know you're no innocent. But how many potential husbands have there been. Am I just the latest?"
She flashed an angry look at him. "What kind of a question is that to ask me? And how dare you use that word."
He looked puzzled. "What word?"
"Innocent?" she snapped. She glared at him, indignation sweeping through her. "I know what you really mean by that."
"You do?" he inquired in a flat voice.
Eliana felt heat rise to her cheeks. She was glad that the light was subdued in the apartment. It would hide the fact that he'd affected her with his words. Affected her more than she would admit. How dare he question her like that?
Had he just betrayed the real reason why her father disapproved of him? That he was from a lower order than her own family? She still recalled the sarcastic comments and jokes she'd heard back in Zahram about the sheikhs of Qazhar. How they were all descended from rough desert tribes. How none of them had real royal blood in their veins. Especially the Al Kharif family.
But, Kadeem wasn't like that, was he? She'd witnessed so many other sides of him since she'd been here in Qazhar. There was a true regal aspect to him which was undeniable. Maybe her father just hadn't seen it, yet. But she had.
It was that quality which had allowed her to forge even the weak and fragile connection she had with him. But, was it strong enough to last?
Kadeem moved closer. "I apologize," he said. "That was uncalled for. You didn't deserve that. It's none of my concern."
She peered up at him. "Is this the reason why you brought me here?"
Kadeem's gaze softened. "Did I need to have a reason?"
He eased closer to her. She felt her heartbeat begin to quicken. Panic seized her. "I've been here long enough," she said hastily.
He lifted his hand and gently touched her chin. "You only just got here," he murmured.
This time it was the sound of her pulse roaring in her ears that captured her attention. It dragged her awareness mercifully away from the exquisite sensation of his touch.
She moved as if to begin to make her way to the elevator. But he intercepted her, positioning himself with a temptingly defiant stance. Heat flared in her middle as she looked up into his hooded gaze.
"Kadeem," she muttered. "This was a mistake."
He didn't move. Merely gazed at her silently for a long moment. Then, he shook his head. "There's nothing mistaken about you being here with me, Ellie," he said.
He moved closer, and she watched him. She felt hypnotized, captivated by his sheer masculinity.
Then he cupped her face in his hands. She lifted her face up to him, as if she was offering him a willing sacrifice. Because, right now, that was what she felt like. And it wasn't the first time he'd triggered that feeling in her.
Then his head dipped, and his warm lips were upon hers. She gasped as sensation swept through her body. She stretched up on her toes, instinctively seeking more of him.
When his tongue probed her mouth, electric sensation shot through her. It was as if every nerve in her body had flared into exquisite life.
He growled like a feral presence and she sensed something come to life within her. She felt the heat of his skin.
His hand moved down and he swept her into his embrace. He crushed her body against his. She felt the hardness of his torso, the firmness of his desire. Heat flared at her core in response to the gentle pressure of his desire against her belly. Treacherous thoughts filled her mind, but she wasn't able to push them away. The truth was, she didn't want them to vanish.
His embrace enveloped her even more. She felt as if she'd been swept up inside an unstoppable force of nature. She could feel the hunger in him, the strength of his need. This was nothing like the kiss in the garden, she told herself. This was completely different. As if he was taking possession of her entire being.
For a moment, she told herself it wasn't too late to turn back. She could still deny herself the pleasure he so obviously promised her. But, even as she played with that thought, she knew it was a lie. Temptation had been growing in her for a long time. The temptation of Kadeem.
She knew she was alone with him. Knew what that could mean. His bed was only a short distance away.
Eliana sensed the power of the choice facing her.
And, in an instant, knew exactly what she wanted.
What she had wanted for a very long time.
He pulled his head away from her and gazed down into her eyes. His dark pools were filled with expectation, and with the desperate need for an answer.
Eliana reached up and slid her hand around his neck, feeling his hair against her fingers. Then she smiled briefly at him and pulled his head down to her again.
Once more his lips took possession of her. She felt his hand ease across the front of her dress. He cupped one of her breasts and she gasped. His finger caressed the area around a nipple, bringing it to an instant peak. Eliana moaned as pleasure tingled through her.
His tongue tormented her and his lips were warm and sweet and hungry. She wanted more of this. All thought emptied from her mind. All she sensed was the pure sensation of Kadeem's body and everything he seemed determined to do to her.
Then he groaned once more and, with a sudden gesture, lifted his head up and swept her up into his arms. Eliana felt her weight settle into his powerfully muscled arms.
Then he quickly carried her across the room. His strides were urgent and purposeful. There was no doubt in his mind what was about to happen. And there was no hesitation in her own mind, either. She wanted this.
She caught sight of herself in the reflection from the darkened windows. She seemed so small, held like this in his powerful embrace.
Then he kicked a door open, impatience overwhelming him. They were in a bedroom. By the small, dim light in the ceiling she saw the huge double bed, a walk-in wardrobe to the left and a table and chairs on the right.
But it was the bed that seized her attention. Butterflies took to life in her belly as she glanced at the bed.
He set her down. She stood at the side of the bed and he brusquely tugged at her dress, silent and demanding. She unfastened it as fast as she could and within moments it lay on the floor.
Kadeem freed himself from his white shirt, which was quickly discarded. She gasped as she gazed upon his muscled torso. The ridged contours of his belly. His broad shoulders and powerfully formed arms. The thickness of the dark hair that traced a wide line down the center of his torso. He drew in a deep breath, his chest filling out to its full proportions. She sensed his power and promise.
He slid his arms around her waist and drew her against him. The heat of his skin felt as if it would burn her. As if it would set her on fire.
Her breasts pressed against his torso and she felt his hands at her back, loosening her bra. As he did so, he pressed his mouth against the side of her face. His hardness pressed against her as she leaned on his warm body. She felt the heat of his breathing close to her ear. Her body quivered with pleasure.
Then, she took hold of her untied bra and threw it to the floor. She slid out of her flat shoes. He surprised her by suddenly lowering himself and kneeling in front of her. His lips descended upon one of her nipples. He suckled hungrily at the peak. She groaned and lifted her gaze upwards, snaking her fingers through his hair.
His tongue laved her pebbled peak, tracing delicious circles around the nipple. Every movement of his tongue triggered indescribable delight in her. It was as if he was feeding on her. And, for the moment, she was glad to offer herself up to him.
Anticipation warmed her core. After a while, his tongue eased slowly down the length of her belly. He lavished kisses on her skin, each time triggering new delights in her. He worked his way across her middle, as if he wanted to explore every part of her.
Eliana gripped his powerful shoulders, curling her fingers into his flesh. She didn't dare move. Didn't want him to stop. It was a foolish thought, because she knew he had absolutely no intention of stopping.
Not now.
She felt him tugging at her panties, and she slowly drew them down the length of her legs.
She was naked now. For some reason she felt no awkwardness about that. She felt completely comfortable with him, now. And when he pressed his lips against her belly, she slid her hands along the length of his shoulders.
Her core ached with need. She could feel his breath against the skin of her middle and knew he was so close to her most sensitive area. Anticipation triggered heat that suddenly became almost unbearable.
Then she felt his hands slide slowly up the inside of her thighs. The roughness of his skin didn't matter. All she felt was the exquisite sensation of the tips of his fingers against her soft skin.
In that instant, she knew what he was about to do next. And she wanted it without any hesitation. Needed it, now that the ache and heat at her core was becoming impossible to ignore.
He kissed the area above her mound and gently moved his fingers to her core. She felt herself being parted, gently and with the most incredibly delicate movement.
She leaned in against him, holding onto him for dear life. She knew what was coming next. When his fingers moved to her nub, she gasped. And when he started to circle tenderly and softly, Eliana had to draw in a deep breath. Pleasure coursed through her body. Instinctively she moved closer to him, needing his touch. Wanting more of it.
His fingers shifted softly around her most sensitive area. For a moment, she could hardly believe the sheer intensity of the sensation which had taken hold of her body. Every nerve had flamed into beautiful life. She'd never felt like this before.
Wave after wave of pleasure pulsed through her body. Each time it overcame her, she shifted against him. She felt his lips continuing to lavish delicate kisses across her middle as his fingers drove her to heights of pleasure.
Then, she felt one decisive wave of delight begin to swell. It grew suddenly and with an intensity which shocked her. He seemed to sense her coming climax. His movements became suddenly more purposeful. She gasped loudly and gripped her fingers tightly into his shoulders, knowing that she'd have to hold on if she was to survive the oncoming wave.
Then it swept over her, suddenly and with a force which made every one of her muscles quiver. As if to support her, Kadeem held onto her tightly as she submitted to her climax. Every part of her body seemed to melt and she collapsed into his arms as he lifted himself up and embraced her.
She folded herself into his embrace and let the pleasure take complete hold of her.
Finally, the ecstasy subsided, leaving her in his arms. He held her gently for a short while. Then he lifted her face up to him and kissed her, tenderly. But she could feel the firmness of his need. She knew he wouldn't wait long before taking his own pleasure. And giving her even more.
Then she lay back down on the bed and watched as he discarded his pants and boxers. Naked before her he looked astonishing. His desire was erect and ready. She marveled at the thickness and the promise of it.
Then he lay down upon her. His skin was moist with desire and the exertions of giving her so much pleasure. She felt the weight of his naked body. The heat of his skin. The rough promise of his powerful frame.
She curled her legs around his waist and he fitted in close to her. She felt his firmness at her core.
Then with one quick thrust he was inside her. She gasped as she felt herself tighten around him. He drew in a deep breath and took his weight by placing his arms at her side. He gazed down at her. Dark desire filled his eyes.
Then he started to move. Slowly at first, but then with increasing urgency. Every thrust sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body. He leaned down, pressing his heavy body down upon her. He kissed her, his tongue probing her, seeking satisfaction.
Something in him changed and she felt an urgency take hold of him. She felt as if he was claiming her, finally taking possession of her. His thrusts became faster, his hips pressing exquisitely against her mound. Every time he did that, he seemed to pause, letting the gentle pressure send fresh waves of delight into her body.
Eliana shifted irritably, needing more. Wanting everything he could give her. All the difficulties of the past few weeks had faded into nothingness. All that mattered was their union. One that she would have never thought possible.
Time and again he pressed himself into her, shifting his hips against her, igniting ecstasy over and over. She felt her entire body quiver until she reached a point where she wasn't sure if she could take any more of it.
Then, once again, she sensed a final wave sweeping toward her. Almost as if he sensed it too, Kadeem's movement became more urgent, almost feverish and desperate.
His thrusts became harder and faster.
Then she felt him thrust into her one last time, and he lifted his head up and growled with a feral ferocity. His entire body quivered and shook as he emptied his desire inside her.
At that exact moment, she cried out as the tsunami took hold of her and she was cast into a swirling maelstrom of ecstasy.
Then he collapsed down onto her and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight, drawing him as close as she could to her.
The ecstasy flamed throughout her body for what seemed like an eternity. But finally, as she held him close, and as he wrapped her in his embrace, the pleasure was replaced with a warm glow which she never wanted to end.