CHALLENGED BY THE SHEIKH

by Kristi Gold

Doris attacked another burner with the cloth. "He came to Georgia right after…" Her hand and words hesitated simultaneously. "Right after he wasn't married anymore. That's been two years ago."

  Obviously the end of his marriage had devastated him enough to keep him away from any intimacy. Again, Imogene questioned why Raf had chosen her to end his celibacy. Probably because she was simply available and in some ways, non-threatening. He knew she didn't plan to stay beyond three weeks, less if Sid had his way. When her time with Raf was over, then they would be, too. No strings attached. No long-term commitment. That was okay with Imogene. After all, she still had her career. So why did she feel so down in the dumps?

  Deciding Doris was probably quite done with the revelations, Imogene patted the woman on the back and smiled. "Do you think 'the boys' would mind if I join them? I've never seen a horse being born."

  Doris's wily grin returned. "Land sakes, girl, you are green as new mold. What are you doing on a horse farm?"

  "Trying to learn how to ride." Trying not to fall in love with her teacher.

  Doris clucked her tongue. "That may have been your original reason for being here, but something tells me you've found another reason to stay."

  The woman was just too darned intuitive, or Imogene was too darned obvious. "I can't stay because I have a job to do. In fact, work is piling up while I'm standing here talking to you."

  Doris faced Imogene, a knowing look on her heart-shaped face. "Work won't keep you warm at night, sugar. Just ask the sheikh when you get a chance. Of course, he's not going to admit that, either."

  Imogene assumed that much, but at least she could try. First, she had to find him and eventually get him alone.

  Imogene finally found the foaling barn by process of elimination and following the sound of muffled voices. She entered to discover Ali and Mr. Blaylock standing in the aisle.

  When Imogene approached them, Blaylock removed his cap and Ali nodded. Raf was crouched in the corner of the oversize stall, elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together. All three men looked totally engrossed in observing the mare lying on her side, her ribs rising and falling with each ragged breath she drew.

  "Should I call the vet now?" Ali asked.

  Raf raised a hand. "Not yet. Ali, you may go home to your wife. Blaylock, do the same but have Doris put on some coffee. This could take a while."

  Imogene took that as her cue to leave, since Raf hadn't acknowledged her presence, but as she started away behind the men, she heard him say, "Genie, stay."

  She headed back down the aisle while the others kept walking. Once she reached the stall, she stared at Raf through the bars, afraid she hadn't heard correctly. "Did you say something to me?"

  He sent her a quick glance before bringing his attention back to the mare. "Come inside and keep me company. Please."

  He didn't have to ask her twice. Imogene lifted the latch, opened the door and quietly entered. "Where do you want me?"

  A smile played along his mouth but didn't quite form. "Next to me."

  Imogene complied, lowering herself to her knees yet leaving a comfortable distance between her and Raf. She was touched that he had asked her to stay. Thrilled that he would want her sharing in this moment. And still so drawn to him that just seeing him dressed in his standard denim jeans, frayed at the hem where they covered his scuffed boot heels, the denim shirt rolled up to the elbows, stole her breath.

  Comfortable silence settled over the stall, broken only by the mare's occasional whinny. "How long do you think before it will happen?" Imogene finally asked.

  "Soon," Raf said.

  "How long has she been like this?"

  "A few hours."

  "And she doesn't need a vet?"

  "No. This is her tenth foal. She tends to take her time. She will deliver when she is ready."

  "What's her name?"

  "Jasmine, but her official name is—"

  "Never mind. I'll just call her Jasmine." Right now Imogene would rather call her stubborn.

  While they continued to observe, the mare stood twice and lifted her tail, then settled back on the ground. The seconds turned into minutes, minutes into two hours, and still she didn't appear as if she had any intention of having a baby.

  Imogene's legs began to cramp so she plopped down on her bottom, knees bent where she rested her arms. At least the shavings were clean and smelled of fresh-cut wood. She glanced at Raf who was still crouching, surprised his thighs had been able to maintain that position for as long as they had. No denying it, Raf Shakir had strong, solid thighs. He also had the most fantastic, well-defined forearms covered in a fine veneer of warm skin and masculine hair. His hands were also solid and strong and large, his fingers square and blunt. She trembled when she remembered how he had used them on her so methodically, sensually.

  "Are you cold?"

  Imogene looked up from his hands, only then realizing that she'd been caught staring and shivering. "No. I'm fine."

  "Would you like to return to the house? It is getting late."

  She didn't want to be away from him for a moment, even if it meant sitting on a barn floor waiting for Jasmine, who seemed determined not to accommodate them. "I wouldn't dare leave now. I just know if I do, she'll have that baby and I would've missed the whole thing."

  "Have you ever seen a foal's birth before?"

  "No. In fact, I've never seen anything being born."

  "It is something not to be missed. Truly a miracle. It is not often we have the chance to experience it in our lifetime."

  It was a miracle that Imogene didn't kiss him, even though she dearly wanted to. "I'm willing to wait." Wait for the mare. Wait to once more know the pleasure of Raf's kiss. She was determined to know that, and more. Maybe even someday she might understand his enigmatic soul.

  The mare snorted as if she believed that to be a long shot at best. Or maybe she wished they would leave and let her labor in peace. Then she lifted her head and nipped at her sides, drawing Imogene's attention to the discernible roll in her belly. "I can see it moving," she said. "That's incredible."

  "And you will soon see it come into this world."

  Raf was right. The first signs of life appeared in the form of two spindly legs emerging, then a nose that looked as if it were attached to those legs. After a few more attempts at pushing, the baby arrived completely. The mare hopped up, snapping the umbilical cord, then proceeded to remove the sac covering the foal's face and body. The baby's damp coat was black as the cloud-covered night surrounding them. Raf, who had finally stood, announced that Jasmine had given birth to a filly.

  Imogene came to her feet and watched Raf wipe the foal's body with a towel, exercising as much care as he had shown her when he'd touched her. After struggling and falling twice, the baby finally rose up on shaky legs and staggered toward her mother.

  Imogene laughed when the foal's tiny lips began to work as she instinctively searched for her first meal. She grew silent when Raf came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close against his chest.

  As they watched the filly nurse then settle in to sleep at her mother's feet, Imogene experienced total contentment. She supposed new life had a way of bringing about optimism, but that wasn't the only thing lifting her heart and spirits. The connection that she and Raf had in those moments was intangible but it felt so real. She could go on this way for hours, secure in his arms while playing witness to this wonder.

  "She is perfect," Raf said, his tone almost reverent.

  "Yes, she is. BáHar should be proud of his firstborn." She looked back at Raf. "Speaking of that, you're going to make a great father some day."

  She saw a flicker of that same old sadness in his eyes. "If that opportunity ever arises."

  Imogene decided to take a risk, one that she hoped would pay off. "Did you and your wife want children?"

  His arms stiffened, a sure sign he was raising an emotional wall. "How did you know about my wife?"

  "I in
advertently found out you were married at one time. But I don't know why you aren't married now."

  "I prefer to keep the past in the past." His voice sounded flat and emotionless, as if he had totally withdrawn, splintering their special time together.

  Imogene considered an apology for being so intrusive but she didn't want to make matters worse. At least he hadn't released her or walked away.

  But she realized their time had come to an end when Raf dropped his arms from around her. "You should go to bed now since it's past midnight. You need to be rested for our morning lesson."

  Imogene turned and witnessed the impassive mask he used to effectively screen his emotions. "Just a few more minutes. I want to make sure I remember all the details." She couldn't stand the thought of leaving him, either, but he was determined to dismiss her, apparent when he unlatched the door and opened it.

  "You may have pictures to take with you when you leave here," he said.

  That served as another reminder that eventually Imogene would have to leave this place, and him. She would have to return to the real world of high finance and long hours. If she didn't get a grip on her feelings for Raf, it would be much too hard to leave when the time came. He was unreachable, untouchable, at least when it came to the business of his heart.

  On that thought, she left the stall. "I'll see you in the morning," she said without looking back. She didn't want Raf to see her disappointment. She didn't want to run back into his arms and make a total fool of herself. If he wanted to take up where they'd left off, then it would have to be up to him.

  Imogene would simply go to bed and grab a few hours of sleep, be up in the morning raring to go and forget the fact that she wanted more than anything to have him beside her for what remained of the night—and if things were different, what remained of her life.

  * * *

  Shortly before dawn, Raf braced his arm on the door frame and watched Genie sleep. Only moments ago he'd come to her room, intending only to tell her she could remain in bed longer since the weather was not cooperating this Saturday morning. But the sight of her curled on her side wearing only a sheer white camisole that conformed to her breasts and a pair of satin shorts had left him unable to turn away.

  Although she looked peaceful with one hand resting next to her face, the sheet was crumpled at the end of the bed as if she had struggled with it during the night, the same as Raf had struggled with his feelings for her. The way he struggled now with the undeniable craving to make love with her.

  Yet he was uncertain if she would want him in her bed after their most recent conversation. He should have issued an apology, explained why he did not wish to discuss his past. Instead, he had dismissed Genie in order to avoid her questions and his own underlying guilt.

  He lingered in the doorway, knowing she would be warm and as soft as fine silk if he touched her. He should leave her be, allow her to rest and take the day off from his demands. Yet he could not leave her because of what she was doing to him—body and soul.

  How much longer could he go on this way, desperately wanting and needing her, yet fearing he needed her too much? How long could he continue to deny himself or her? No longer. This time he would not turn away from her. He would give her his best. Everything. Completely.

  Raf closed the door and locked it behind him, slipped out of his jeans and briefs and crossed to the end of the bed. He worked his way up the mattress, fitted himself against Genie's back and slid his hand down her arm while he brushed his lips over her shoulder. He took those moments to memorize the feel of her skin, to relish the scent of her hair, the warmth of her body.

  She finally roused when he kissed her neck. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked back at him with an unfocused gaze. "Why—"

  He pressed his fingertip to her lips. "We have no need for words. We have better ways to spend our time."

  She rolled onto her back and stretched. Realization dawned in her expression as she palmed his unshaven jaw and lifted her head to kiss his lips chastely, yet it served to encourage him.

  Pulling Genie up until she sat before him, Raf clasped the hem of the camisole and worked it over her head, then tossed it aside. He took a few moments simply to hold her, to explore the smooth plane of her spine with his palms, to take pleasure in her breasts fitted against his chest. Gliding his hands through her hair, he held her in place for a kiss. As always she opened to him, met the play of his tongue with her own. He drew away and sipped at her lips before entering her mouth again and again.

  After guiding her back onto the bed, he paused to study her emerald eyes. She contemplated him as if she sensed how monumental these moments would be. How long he had waited for this—since the day she had walked into his life.

  Lowering his mouth to her breasts, he suckled her until he felt the movement of her hips beneath him, knowing she needed much more. And he would endeavor to give it to her.

  He gradually inched her shorts down, leaving kisses on her bare flesh in their wake. When he had them worked below her navel, he sat up and pulled the garment completely away to reveal she wore nothing underneath, serving to heighten his desire.

  He slid both hands up her bare thighs and back down again, bent her knees then nudged them apart to make a place for himself. He heard the catch of Genie's breath, and he hesitated. He would first make certain she wanted this intimacy and if she did, there would be no turning back until he had given her the ultimate pleasure.

  Resting his cheek on her thigh, he sifted his fingers through the golden down between her legs and watched her face. He only saw anticipation in her expression, then acquiescence when her eyes drifted closed.

  "Watch what I do to you, Genie," he whispered.

  She responded by opening her eyes, pure, persuasive desire reflecting from them. Only then did Raf skim her warm flesh with his tongue. Genie's hips lifted toward him, not away, encouraging him to be more ardent, and he was, with every insistent stroke of his tongue, every steady tug of his lips, every gentle push of his finger inside her.

  He looked up to see that she had turned her face toward the mirror to observe, and he pressed his palm on her thigh to nudge her leg straight, offering her an unencumbered view, believing it would serve to intensify her pleasure as well as his own. His body burned when he felt the beginning waves of her climax, when he watched in the mirror's reflection the moment it overtook her. He slid two fingers inside her so that he could feel what she experienced. And he intended to feel it again when he was deep inside her body.

  She murmured his name, and Raf recognized the sound of gratification and absolute pleasure in her voice, knowing she was ready to take the final step. He worked his way back up her abdomen with more kisses and, through sheer will alone, refrained from plunging into her. Instead he kissed her with temperance, demonstrating with his tongue what he would soon accomplish when he crossed the boundary between wanting and having.

  "I want all of you," she whispered, the only words she had spoken, yet exactly what Raf needed to hear as fervently as he needed to be inside her.

  "And you will have me." All that he could give.

  The steady succession of raindrops pelting the roof and the distant sound of thunder were the only sounds disturbing the quiet. Yet Raf's heart pounded against his chest as he guided himself to her, knowing he balanced at the point of achieving this long-awaited reward.

  As he drew in a cleansing breath, he pushed inside Genie's body, ending his lonely existence devoid of intimacy. He exhaled a long breath of satisfaction and remained very still to savor the sensations of her body sheathing his, until he could wait no longer. He found Genie's mouth again at the same time he claimed the rhythm his body required. He alternated between kissing her lips and her breasts as he lifted her hips with his palms, creating the friction she would need to bring about another climax. The heaviness gathered between his legs, the heat consumed him as Genie met him, thrust for thrust. He wanted to slow down to make the moment last, yet he would not deprive her
of her own fulfillment. And only moments following her orgasm, Raf let go as he had never let go before.

  He buried his face in her hair fanning out on the pillow as he tensed with the climax, inside and out. His hands shook as did his body from the onslaught of overpowering sensations. Never before had he reacted so strongly with a woman. Never before had he wanted so much.

  Once his respiration had calmed, Raf rolled to his side and enfolded her in his arms. Again no words passed between them, only gentle touches, soft caresses over arms and shoulders and backs as if they were starved for the contact. In many ways, Raf was.

  The knowledge that Genie had accepted him voluntarily gave him the peace that had evaded him until now. She continued to hold him as if providing an anchor against the storm raging outside the house and inside his soul. Soothed by the warmth of her body, by the calm he now felt, he gave in to his exhaustion and slept with her in his arms.

  * * *

  Eight

  « ^ »

  Imogene stood at the French doors and watched the oaks bowing to the strong winds and the lines of horizontal rain. But the weather's wrath hadn't awakened her. Once again Tori had appeared to her in the persistent dream, but unlike before, this time she'd spoken.

  Don't give up, Genie.

  Imogene had awakened with a start, shaking, her face shrouded in tears that she didn't want Raf to see, the reason why she'd left their bed. She tightened her robe about her but that did little to alleviate the chills. Only Raf could provide the warmth she now needed.

  She sensed his presence before he wrapped his arms around her waist to tug her back against him. His lips were soft against her neck, his hands gentle as he ran one lightly over her breast.

  "I did not like waking to find you had left me," he said, his voice a rough growl. "Was it the storm?"

  She decided to settle for a half truth. "It's almost noon. I don't normally lie around this long, doing nothing."

  "You consider what we've done nothing?"

  She turned into his arms, thankful to find a smile not anger on his beautiful face. She ruffled his already tousled hair. "You know what I mean. I can't remember the last time I really took a day off. I went from high school to college, obtained my MBA while interning. And then I moved right into a competitive career in a coveted job that kicks my butt on a regular basis."