The Sheikh's Enemy Lover (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 12)

by Cara Albany

  Belle raised herself up on her tippy toes, seeking more from him, desperate to make it clear to him that her need was as urgent as his. She felt his hardness press against her middle, felt the way he shifted position to intensify the pleasure of touch.

  Belle's mind went blank and she submitted to every pleasure that swept through her body. Nerves tingled, heartbeat rushing, blood pounding. Ecstasy seemed to continue forever. Time became meaningless as his tongue probed her, as his lips teased and tormented her.

  Then, thought finally flickered into her awareness. Here she was. Naked with her sheikh lover; out in the wilderness; in a world different from any she'd ever known. She knew what would come next; wanted it more than anything, knowing that she'd never wanted anything like she needed Khalid.

  Their lips parted with a mutual gasp. His eyes were dark with a desire she knew could not be denied. He glanced toward the alcove, where the bed awaited them. Softening her gaze, lowering her head slightly, she let him begin to lead her toward the alcove. Her bare feet sank into the depth of the luxurious rug. She felt warm, her naked body inflamed by his desire for her.

  Then they were in the alcove and she lay down on the bed, watching him settle down by her side. He kissed her again, drawing her body against him. Once more, sensation flamed into life, lying here next to him like this. Shifting onto her back she watched him lean across her.

  All the expert attention he'd lavished on her the previous night was repeated. His lips teased and tormented her body, tracing agonizing lines of ecstasy from her nipples, down her belly and all the way to her core. Over and over, Belle groaned as he lifted her to peaks of pleasure. She did the same for him, resolved to drive him to ecstasy, just as he had done for her.

  Then, once they were almost sated, almost drained, and she felt she hardly had the strength to continue after so much pleasure, they shared their climax together, in unison, connected like never before, with an intensity that staggered belief as far as Belle was concerned.

  Sleep came as they wrapped their exhausted bodies around one another, holding on to each other, having found the truth they both knew was undeniable.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The next morning they left the camp by helicopter and started back to the palace. Khalid sat beside Belle in the helicopter as it sped high above the desert and thought about what had happened during the last twenty-four hours.

  It was simple, really. He'd shared the reality of his past with a woman he was absolutely certain he loved. He'd taken her to a place which was sacred to him, and witnessed the way she'd reacted. There had been a depth of understanding and sensitivity in her reaction which hadn't surprised him. Not one bit.

  Now he knew that Belle understood him better than any woman he'd ever known. And that was one reason why he loved her. That kind of connection was a once in a lifetime thing.

  And, it didn't hurt that she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever set eyes on. The intensity of their love-making had risen to new heights since they'd been reunited. Absence had truly made the heart grow fonder.

  Because of all this, he was now considering doing something which a few days ago would have seemed impossible. Inconceivable.

  Khalid glanced over at Belle. She was gazing out the window, scanning the landscape below. The dunes slipped away beneath them.

  They'd be at the palace soon. Khalid knew he didn't have much time to think what he was going to say. He knew there was only one question he needed answered now.

  Wasn't it just a case of coming right out with it, and asking her? Wasn't asking a question like that simple? Especially after the last forty-eight hours?

  Last night, after the ferocity of their love-making had burned itself out, he'd been seized with an impulse to ask her. But, he'd restrained himself. Back at the palace he'd seen the way she'd reacted to being offered the amulet. There had been definite hesitation in her reaction. That had surprised him. Taken him aback, even.

  No. More than that. He'd been saddened. At one point, he'd been sure she'd been about to refuse the gift. Panic had welled up inside him, a certainty that he'd miscalculated, misjudged the strength of their attachment.

  But then, finally, she'd accepted, and the symbolism of that acceptance had been lingering in his mind all through the rest of yesterday and had floated into his mind during the night.

  He couldn't forget the temptation which had nearly overwhelmed him as he and Belle had stood in the ruins of that palace. The impulse to ask her the ultimate question had seized him, and he'd wondered if she'd noticed the warring thoughts which had tormented him. There were times when he was convinced she could read his mind.

  Sense had prevailed, and he'd kept the words to himself. But he knew that eventually he'd have to ask her. It was the only thing left for him. The only hope.

  He couldn't let her go. Not again. The thought of her disappearing to Europe, of never being able to share his life with her, caused an almost physical pain.

  He'd woken a few times last night. The candles had almost burned down and he'd shifted carefully in the bed so that he could gaze at Belle in the soft light. His soul had filled with joy at seeing her sleeping next to him. By the soft candlelight inside the tent her beauty had stunned him even more than ever.

  More than once, he'd wanted to reach across and caress the pale skin of her face with the back of his fingers. He wanted to be able to look at her every day from now on. He knew that, felt it in the depth of his soul.

  Their love-making had been beautiful. He'd never experienced such passion, never felt such need. And the release she'd brought him had left him shattered, every part of his being affected, but desperate for more. He smiled to himself. That was what this incredible woman could do to him. She belonged to him and he belonged with her. Fate was calling, a destiny that was inescapable and true.

  Still, he needed to get a sense of whether he could really ask her the most important question he would ever ask anyone.

  Khalid looked across at her. "You okay?" he asked.

  Belle turned to him and nodded. "Yes. I am," she replied, smiling.

  Khalid resisted the impulse to kiss her sweet smile, taste the familiar delights on her lips. The helicopter pilot might get distracted, Khalid told himself.

  Up ahead he saw the palace. Once they were back on solid ground, there would be time to get Belle alone and ask her.

  "I'm glad you came with me. To the palace," he said.

  "Me too, Khalid," she replied. She looked suddenly thoughtful. "I think I can see why your father acted the way he did," she said.

  "Really?" he asked, surprised at her admission.

  Belle nodded. "He was only trying to do what he thought was best for your family and for the country he loves. So much sudden change can affect people. And now that I've seen where your family came from, I can see why he might have reacted the way he did."

  Khalid was taken aback by Belle's generosity toward his father, especially given how Abdullah had behaved with Karim and Erin.

  "He might have chosen a better way to make his point," Khalid said.

  Belle nodded. "I agree. It wasn't ideal. Maybe he'll see that. Come back one day."

  Khalid shook his head. "The last time I spoke with him, he said he was determined to remain overseas." Khalid sighed. "He's a stubborn man."

  "I think my sister and Karim got that message. Loud and clear," she said furrowing her brow.

  Belle reached out and rested her hand on his arm. "Give him time. He can wait. So can you, Khalid."

  Khalid felt a surge of emotion. "But I don't have time, Belle."

  Her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

  Khalid curled his fingers across the hand Belle had rested on his arm. He felt the warmth of her skin and squeezed her hand gently. Her gaze dropped to look at what he'd just done. Then she lifted her eyes, and he could see a dawning understanding in them.

  "You know what I'm talking about, Belle," he murmured.

  Khalid restrained the urge
to mention her impending departure from Qazhar. She still hadn't told him whether she was going to stay, or if she was going to start a new life in Europe. The mere thought of her leaving triggered a fresh wave of worry.

  Belle pulled her hand loose from his and smiled wanly. "You know how things are, Khalid," she said uneasily.

  Khalid shook his head. "No, Belle. I don't. Explain it to me," he insisted trying to control the emotion in his voice.

  Belle glanced quickly toward the front of the helicopter. "I can see the palace," she announced with a hint of relief in her voice. She clearly didn't want to talk about any of this.

  Khalid leaned back in his seat and drew in a deep breath. She was right. This was neither the time nor the place for this kind of conversation.

  The helicopter swept down onto the wide lawn within the palace walls. After a few moments, they stepped out. Khalid felt relieved to be free of the confines of the helicopter. Now, maybe, he and Belle could finally talk properly.

  During their entire walk across the lawn toward the palace terrace and to the doors that led into the sitting room, Khalid ran through his mind the words he wanted to say to Belle. His declaration of love. The proposal he had to make. If he didn't do that now, he might never get another chance.

  He'd just come out with the truth. He'd tell he loved her; that she belonged by his side; that fate had brought them both together. And that he would honor and cherish her for the rest of his days.

  If she would agree to become his wife.

  His princess.

  As they both stepped across the threshold and into the sitting Khalid heard a sharp voice. Too familiar. Too shocking, right at this moment.

  "Khalid?" came the voice from inside the room.

  Khalid halted in his tracks and Belle froze by his side.

  Standing in the center of the room was Khalid's father, Abdullah.

  ****

  Belle gazed at the tall, elderly figure standing in the middle of the room. Khalid's father. She recognized him at once. It was the same man who had confronted Karim in front of the embassy; the same man who had tormented her sister and Karim during the early part of their marriage of convenience. How on earth could he be here?

  "Father!" she heard Khalid exclaim next to her.

  Belle turned to Khalid and stared at him in disbelief. He peered back at her, momentarily lost for words. Khalid's face was pale with shock. She could tell this was the last thing he'd expected.

  Abdullah was dressed in traditional white robes. He had a white beard and his gaze was fierce, demanding explanation. However, the main object of Abdullah's attention was Belle. His gaze was fixed on her, and there was a look of incredulity on his face. He recognized Belle. She could tell that simply by the expression on his face.

  Abdullah looked at Khalid. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked sharply.

  Khalid paused. "Why are you here?" Khalid asked.

  Abdullah ran his gaze around the room and then looked at Khalid. "I believe this is still my home, is it not?"

  Belle heard Khalid sigh heavily. He glanced at Belle and she could see the frustration on his face.

  "You didn't tell me you were coming to Qazhar," Khalid said.

  "I wasn't under the impression that I needed permission to do so," Abdullah said acidly.

  Once again, Abdullah peered at Belle and then back at his son.

  Khalid put an arm against Belle's back and gently moved them both forward. "Father, this is..." he started to say, but he was interrupted by Abdullah's sharp voice.

  "I know who this is," he said curtly, looking evenly at Belle. "Miss Summers, I believe," he sneered.

  Belle felt nerves clutch at her middle and she wanted to say something, but she forced herself to hold her tongue.

  "We did meet, once before, did we not, Miss Summers," Abdullah scoffed.

  Belle'd jaw tightened and she willed herself not to reply. Right now, silence seemed to be the wisest choice.

  "Belle and I are close friends," Khalid announced.

  They were only a short distance from Abdullah, and Belle could see the change in the elderly man's face as he heard Khalid's words. Abdullah's eyes were burning hot coals of resentment and incredulity. He peered at Belle and ran his gaze down the length of her figure, taking in the sight of Belle's traditional, white robe.

  "I see she thinks herself a Qazhar woman, dressed in that garb," Abdullah said heavily.

  Khalid bristled at that obvious insult. He stepped closer to his father. "Now, father. That is no way to address Belle. And you of all people should know that."

  Abdullah faced his son directly, gauging the strength of Khalid's defense of Belle. Khalid peered defiantly at Abdullah and then the older man glanced back at Belle.

  "It seems the ambassador's daughters favor the men of Qazhar more than would be imagined," Abdullah said sarcastically.

  "Father. What are you suggesting?" Khalid demanded.

  Abdullah shrugged. "Merely, that wealth and power seems to attract these Summers women," Abdullah replied acidly.

  Once again he ran his gaze up and down the length of Belle's frame. Disgust mixed with disapproval as he did so. Belle felt anger flare inside her, but she kept hold of her emotions. Abdullah wouldn't have an easy victory today. She was determined about that, at least.

  Khalid gasped and stepped closer to his father. They were mere inches apart. Both men glared wordlessly at one another. The tension in the room was palpable.

  Unease swept through Belle. This wasn't how things were supposed to turn out, she told herself. She'd realized what Khalid had been trying to say to her in the helicopter.

  What he had been leading up to.

  She knew he had more on his mind than dealing with the sudden return of his father. Much more important things as far as Khalid was concerned.

  But, right now, she could see there was no hope of Khalid saying what he wanted to so obviously say to Belle. Not while his father was here, and clearly determined to disparage Belle's relationship with his son. Because that was what was happening. Abdullah still had hate in his heart. He was trying to belittle Belle, demean her in front of Khalid.

  The only thing which was stopping Belle from responding, from taking the bait, was the realization that in doing so she would hand Abdullah the victory he so badly wanted. She wasn't going to give him that.

  There would come a time when plain truth had to be spoken out loud. But, not right now.

  Belle took a few steps back from both men. Maybe it was time to call a temporary truce to this madness. She'd been dragged into this, and she had really tried her best to heal the wounds of the past.

  She sighed. Maybe some wounds just couldn't be healed, she told herself.

  Belle started to make her way toward the door. She saw Khalid stare at her, his eyes widening in apparent disbelief.

  "Where are you going, Belle?" he asked, moving toward her.

  She kept walking. "I'd like to go back to the embassy," she announced evenly.

  Khalid took hold of her wrist and held on tight. Belle paused and gazed down at his hand. Khalid released her wrist and peered at Belle. "Don't go," he said heavily.

  Belle shook her head and glanced over Khalid's shoulder. The corner of Abdullah's mouth had twisted into an insolent smile. "It looks like you and your father have a lot to talk about. I'm just going to be in the way."

  "No!" Khalid exclaimed. His voice was emphatic, even demanding.

  Belle smiled at him. "Can you arrange for me to be taken home?" she asked softly.

  Khalid dragged in a deep breath. She could see this wasn't easy for him. Saying goodbye like this wasn't what she'd wanted. Not at all. But she had no other choice.

  Khalid's brows furrowed and she saw his jaw tighten, his features hardening with each passing moment. Belle dreaded the thought of what could happen if she didn't get out of here.

  Belle smiled at Abdullah. "It's been a pleasure meeting you again, Sheikh Abdullah," she said softly, forcin
g as much civility into her voice as she could. Her mother had taught her that being pleasant in the face of provocation was often the best way to win an argument. Just smile and keep going. That was how her mother had told her to behave in situations like this.

  Abdullah's brows furrowed as he realized this particular American woman wasn't going to be bullied into submission. Belle gazed at Khalid.

  "Please, Khalid," she said evenly.

  Khalid sighed and his shoulders slumped. "Fine. I'll drive you back."

  "No. I would prefer it if one of your drivers took me," Belle said quickly.

  Khalid's eyes narrowed and she saw an instant objection on his face. But he held his peace and nodded.

  "Fine," Khalid said. He turned to his father. "If you'll excuse me, I have to arrange for Belle to be taken back to the embassy."

  Khalid put a hand on Belle's back, intent on ushering her out of the room. She paused and looked at Abdullah. Khalid looked at Belle, a puzzled expression on his face.

  Belle stared at Abdullah. "Sheikh. Perhaps we'll meet some other time," she said bowing her head imperceptibly. Belle tilted her head. "Then again. Maybe not," she added acidly.

  Abdullah shrugged, obviously indifferent to that prospect.

  Belle looked at Khalid. "I'm ready to leave."

  And with that she turned her back on Abdullah and followed Khalid out of the room.

  Khalid led Belle through the hall and out the front door. He turned to her at the top of the steps. "You can't leave," he stated sharply.

  Belle squinted at him. "I have to. You know that, Khalid. You saw how he spoke to me," she said glancing back toward the inside of the palace. "He hates my family."

  Khalid grunted. "He doesn't understand."

  Belle narrowed her eyes at Khalid. "What doesn't he understand?"

  Khalid sighed and thought for a few moments. "He doesn't know how I feel about you," he murmured. He moved closer to her, but she took a step back, maintaining the distance between them. Khalid's eyes narrowed when he saw her do that. She saw concern on his features, as if he'd been shocked by her simple action of keeping him at bay.