by Kristi Gold
Now why was that not such a terrible prospect? Karen knew why. During the phone call he’d had her worked up and woozy with only a few well-chosen words said in a voice that could persuade a saint to sin. Of course, he could be all talk and no action. And someone could show up on her doorstep next January and hand her a million bucks, too.
Karen arrived at the hotel in a remarkably short time considering the commuter traffic and her inability to focus on driving. In the elevator, she was grateful that the attendant kept his eyes to himself. She was strung so tight that she might have to slug him if he even looked at her crossways.
Once outside the penthouse door, Karen hesitated. What if Ash hadn’t been kidding? What if he did greet her naked as the day he was born? Surely not. But if he happened to be without clothing, she would keep her eyes averted and try not to fall out in the foyer.
Drawing in a broken breath, she started to knock then remembered that Ash had given her a card key. She rummaged around in her purse—the pesky culprit that had brought her to this moment. And it couldn’t even accommodate her enough to cough up the key.
When Karen finally found it, she slipped the card into the lock with trembling fingers and opened the door to find the suite starkly silent and completely dark except for the warm glow of firelight radiating from the small hearth in the sitting area.
Karen visually searched the room, her gaze coming to rest on the plush chair facing the door, a chair containing her new husband. Her naked new husband.
Obviously he was a man of his word, Karen decided. A man with a body that could melt a midwinter Montana snowfall.
Her eyes immediately homed in on his bare chest revealing smooth bronzed skin stretched tight over his pecs, the territory interrupted only by a fine smattering of dark hair that spanned the space between his collarbones. Below that, a ribbon of masculine hair traveled to his navel. Below that…
Karen didn’t dare look any farther but that was exactly what she did while trying to breathe with some semblance of normality. He sat with his legs stretched out before him, crossed at the ankles, a champagne flute balanced in one hand and an expression that told her he was somewhat amused over her inability to tear her eyes away. He seemed as comfortable with his nudity as Karen was uncomfortable with it.
Karen wasn’t altogether uncomfortable; she was fascinated. Fascinated by the sensual image he presented. Fascinated that he was already fully aroused. Normally she was a butt connoisseur but considering Ash’s ample attributes, she had no doubt that he could handle the conception quite well. But could she?
Tossing her overnight bag onto the adjacent sofa, Karen headed toward the bathroom muttering, “I need a shower.” She needed a tank of oxygen.
As she passed him, Ash caught her wrist. “I will have the champagne poured for you on your return.”
She didn’t look at him for fear she might forgo the shower. “Good. And do you mind putting something on?”
“Music?”
“Clothes.”
“If that is what you wish. I’ll have on my robe when you rejoin me.”
“Good.”
“And I look forward to having you remove it.”
So did Karen. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
In the bedroom, Karen closed the door and collapsed her boneless body against it. She hugged her arms to her chest to stop the shivers, but it didn’t work. She wasn’t sure her legs would work, either, but she had to move. She had to bathe and prepare for the conception. Prepare for whatever Ash had planned for her tonight. As if she could really prepare for that.
Ash could not imagine what was taking Karen so long in the bath. He supposed it was possible that she was anxious. Perhaps he had inadvertently shocked her with his nudity, though he had given her fair warning. Perhaps he should remember that they were unfamiliar with each other. He would take care of that soon, if she ever returned.
In reality, he was experiencing some unease despite the fact that seeing Karen come through his door, even fully clothed, had served to fuel his desire for her. Created a need so strong that the force of it had taken him aback.
Ash paced the length of the room while he considered the reasons behind his own disquiet. Normally, he had no qualms whatsoever when it came to making love. He had learned at a relatively young age to pleasure a woman and take his own pleasure from the act. He had been groomed by the best, a beautiful woman five years his senior who had been uninhibited and an excellent teacher. He had always thought fondly of her, and through the years, he had practiced what she had so skillfully taught him.
Tonight his concern centered on only one woman—his wife. He worried he might not be able to break down Karen’s resistance so she would allow herself to take without hesitation what he offered. He worried that perhaps she would only view the consummation as a means to an end, that she would see him as being no better than a stallion providing breeding services. He longed to have her know him as a man, not as a prince. A man who very much wanted her, all of her, including her trust and her respect.
That was very important to him, and something he had not desired from a woman in many years. Fifteen years, to be exact. But he would not think about that tonight. He would turn all his energy to Karen and her needs. He would utilize every method he had learned and some he had discovered through experimentation, and there were many in his repertoire.
First, he would remember to maintain control, take his time, go slowly….
“Ash?”
He turned to find Karen dressed in a flowing, sheer lace gown the color of a desert rose that revealed the shadowed curves of her body, her light brown hair framing her face in soft waves.
The vision of Karen standing there backlit by the fire, and the knowledge that she was his, at least for tonight, caused Ash to grow hard as slate beneath the robe he now wore, every muscle in his body growing taut from a need to take her right where she now stood.
But when he saw the hesitancy in her eyes, he remembered that he needed to pace himself, stay in control, rely on gentle persuasion and not the desperation for release that his body demanded. “Come with me,” he said as he held out his hand to her.
She moved slowly toward him and took his hand. When he guided her to the sofa and pulled her down to his side, she frowned. “What’s wrong with the bedroom?”
He poured her a glass of champagne from the bottle set in the silver bucket resting on the coffee table before them. “The bedroom will come later. Perhaps we should talk first.”
He offered her the flute and noticed her hands trembled as she took it from him. Ash experienced a slight tremor as well, but it had nothing to do with stress. The faint outline of her nipples exposed through the gossamer lace covering her round breasts, the dark shading at the apex of her thighs, engaged him in the ultimate battle for control.
She stared at the champagne, rimming a slender finger round and round the edge of the glass. “What do you want to talk about?”
What I am going to do to you, with you. “Your day.” He shifted slightly, keeping a comfortable distance between them in order to keep his desire temporarily at bay. “Would you like something to eat? I can have room service deliver a tray.”
“No. I grabbed a burger this afternoon.”
“Are you sure you would not like something that will help you maintain your strength?”
“Why would I need any strength?”
“Because I intend to preoccupy you until the early hours of the morning.”
Color rose high in her cheeks, a few shades lighter than the negligee. “Oh.” She twirled a lock of hair around one slender finger, sparking Ash’s imagination. “I’m okay. I had an order of fries, too.”
Ash placed his champagne on the table and draped one arm casually along the back of the sofa. “You seem tired.”
She took a sip of the wine then clutched the glass to her breasts. “I am. It was a long day.”
Ash suddenly wished he were the champagne flute. “Yes, it was. A
very long, hard day.” Coming upon an idea that might make her more at ease, he took the glass from her and set it next to his. “Lie back.”
“Ash—”
“I only want to help you relax.”
With wariness calling out from eyes that appeared golden in the firelight, she stretched out with her head resting on the sofa’s arm, her arms folded beneath her breasts. Ash brought her legs across his lap, taking care not to come near his burgeoning erection. The slightest bit of contact in that area would make him forget his vow of patience.
He began his ministrations with her feet, delicate feet with toenails painted the color of her red gown. He worked her instep, her heels, those delicate toes that he found very intriguing. When he moved his massage up to her calves, she tensed and he realized that he would have another battle on his hands to make her relax. Continued conversation might aid in his cause to distract her as he worked his way to his destination.
“Where was Maria off to in such a hurry today?” he asked.
Karen closed her eyes. “She had somewhere she had to be.”
“Baronessa?”
“No.”
He slipped his hand to the inside of Karen’s knee and waited for her reaction. When she remained still, keeping her eyes closed, he continued his gentle stroking and the conversation. “I find it odd that she would leave knowing you were recently wed.”
“She needed a vacation.”
“Does this mean she will not be returning for a while?”
“I’m not sure how long she’ll be gone.”
“Where did she go?”
She sighed. “Montana. And her location has to remain a secret. You can’t tell anyone, not even Daniel.”
Ash found that to be surprising news, Maria traveling to the state where Karen once resided. He also found it odd that she obviously was in hiding. But that Karen trusted him enough to take him into her confidence pleased him. “I assure you I will tell no one. Yet I am wondering what business she has in Montana.”
“No business. Just a break. That’s all I’m at liberty to say at this time.”
Ash thought of several ways he could make her talk yet he wasn’t in the mood for more conversation. He slipped his fingertips to the inside of her thighs and Karen’s eyes snapped open.
“Are you feeling more relaxed?” he asked as he continued caressing her leg with tempered movements.
“Not exactly.”
“Tell me what I might do to assist you.”
She released a slow, strained breath when he moved his fingertips up a fraction. “You’re doing okay.”
Okay? That did not set well with Ash. Determination drove him from the sofa and onto his knees beside her. Her lips, like her toes, were painted a deep crimson. Very tempting, but he wasn’t ready to kiss her yet. At least not there.
“What are we doing now?” she asked, her voice as uneasy as her eyes.
“You are to remain where you are and enjoy.” He lowered one thin strap and whisked his lips over her bare shoulder, then proceeded to do the same with the other strap. He could feel her heart thrumming where his chest pressed against her breasts and he knew that he was somewhat successful with his seduction.
“You are very beautiful,” he murmured as he massaged her bare shoulders. “Are you relaxed yet?”
She hid a yawn behind her hand. “I’m definitely getting there. You’re doing fine.”
At least his efforts had been elevated from “okay” to “fine.” He vowed to arrive at “wonderfully” soon. He pledged to give her the gratification she deserved, to prove to her that meeting her needs meant more than meeting his own. But not yet, not until he knew she was completely ready for him. Until he knew he had her full attention.
When Ash moved to the end of the sofa, Karen sent him a confused look. “Why did you stop?”
He pulled her up to his side, brought his arm around her and nudged her head against his shoulder. “You should rest.”
“Rest?”
He whisked a kiss across her forehead and stroked her hair. “You’re tired from your day.”
“I’m fine, really.” She yawned again.
“Are you certain?”
“It’s the champagne.”
“You’ve had only a few sips.”
“I told you it makes me crazy.”
He leaned forward, slid the champagne glass from the table and held it to her lips. “You should have more then.”
Smiling, she took another drink then ran her tongue over her lips, stirring Ash’s body. “This is very good. French?”
He considered licking the moisture at the corner of her mouth but with great effort restrained himself. Unfortunately, one part of his body showed no sign of restraint. “Yes, it’s French. The best.”
“Of course. What else but the finest things for a prince?”
Ash had hoped that she would forget his status and see him only as her prospective lover. “Tonight I am simply a man. A man in the company of a beautiful woman who happens to be his wife.”
“I never had any doubt about your manliness.” She sent a pointed look at the obvious ridge beneath his robe.
“I will be more than happy to remove all your doubts and allow you to remove this robe to uncover the proof.” She reached for the robe’s sash and he stopped her with a hand on her wrist. “After you rest awhile.”
“I’m honestly not that tired.”
Nor was Ash, but he was determined. “Why the hurry? Would you not prefer us to proceed at a leisurely pace? Or would you prefer hard and fast?”
“Yes. I mean no.” She glanced away. “Leisurely is fine, I guess.”
Ash smiled to himself as he offered her another sip of champagne that she gladly took. Obviously there was a side of Karen he had yet to uncover, a sensual facet that longed for wild, uninhibited lovemaking. He looked forward to accommodating her at some point in time. Tonight he chose to savor each moment.
After Ash set the glass aside and twined their fingers together, Karen studied their joined hands. “Very large,” she murmured.
“Large?”
“Your hands. They’re big. But then you’re kind of big…all over.”
“Does that concern you?”
“Not really.”
“Good. Now lay your head back on my shoulder and close your eyes for a while.”
“But what about the baby?”
As suspected, creating a child was still her principal plan. Ash’s plan involved taking her attention off the conception and onto the process of achieving that goal. “We have all night to learn each other. Right now you need to relax. I prefer you awake and energized before we go any further.”
She settled back against him. “Okay, if you insist.” Her head snapped up again. “But I’m not going to sleep.”
Yet it wasn’t long before Karen’s steady breathing echoed in the silent room and Ash realized she was indeed asleep. He had wanted her to relax, perhaps not quite that much, but as he’d said, there were still many hours left in the night.
If he had his way, they would come together every night for the rest of his days. But unless he could convince Karen to allow him to touch her after she conceived, to stay with him long after their child was born, these few moments might be all he ever had. He intended to make the most of them.
Time was on his side. For now.
Five
Karen had no concept of time or place, only that she was in a bed and she had no idea how she’d gotten there. Once she came fully awake, she glanced to her right at the green glow of the nearby clock that read half-past midnight. She looked to her left to see a figure stretched out beside her.
Ashraf Saalem. Her husband. Naked again.
The break in the heavy curtains allowed streamers of light coming from the Boston skyline to fall over him as he lay on his belly, his arms crossed above his head on the pillow, his face turned toward the window. Karen rolled to her side and studied the rise and fall of his strong back, the strength of
his spine and the taut curve of his buttocks.
He was a magnificent man and he was hers for the taking. Or so she’d thought. She had wanted him to make love to her on the sofa, had almost begged him to continue, but her pride had prevented her from doing so. Yes, she had been tired, more than she’d realized. But not so exhausted that she wouldn’t have gladly let him continue. Yet she had felt very secure curled up at his side, with his arm wrapped around her and her head against his shoulder. So relaxed that in only a matter of minutes, she had fallen asleep. And somehow he had carried her into the room without her notice. What else had he done?
Karen patted her chest and realized her gown was still intact. So was her need for him. Her need to create a child, she corrected. After all, that was why she was here, to make a baby.
On that thought, Karen reached out her hand to touch him then pulled back. For some reason she was afraid to rouse him, to unleash the power she inherently knew he possessed. A shudder ran through her, not from fear but from excitement, from the notion that this could be more than she could handle, making love with Ash.
As concerns whirled around in her head, Karen’s hand moved to his back where she pressed a palm between his shoulder blades. His body temperature was volcanic, not surprising at all. Everything about him reminded her of fire, able to consume a woman’s good sense in a matter of moments.
He didn’t stir at all, even when she sent a fingertip down the track of his spine to the dip immediately below his waist. She couldn’t stop there. Oh, no, not when faced with the tempting prospect of testing the firmness of his butt. She ran her palm over that masculine terrain, then on to the back of his hair-covered thighs, then back up again.
She felt like a child discovering clay for the first time, felt like a woman in dire need as she explored with abandon, tracing a fingertip lightly along the cleft, stopping right where his thighs came together. Karen squeezed her own thighs tightly against the onslaught of damp heat when she considered going farther in her journey.