by Cara Albany
A year ago, they'd always been able to understand one another, almost instinctively. But, right now, it seemed to her that she and Taliq had created a fresh bond, a new way of sharing, which needed no words.
Taliq shifted, laying his powerful body across Abby. She opened her legs, feeling him settle into position. Her heart began to race again.
More pleasure, she told herself. As if he just assumed she could take any more, she reflected as she gazed up at his features. His gaze was dark with expectation.
He settled above her, his thickness pressing against her core. He took his weight with his heavily muscled arms. She reached up and curled her fingers around his muscles, feeling the tension there, feeling the warmth and sweat building up on the surface of his skin.
Taliq dipped his head and kissed her. She felt the roughness of his dark chest hair against her bare breasts. His slight movements caused sharp pleasure across her nipples. She felt him settle into position, pressing gently at her folds. She felt the heaviness of it, the promise of it.
Kissing her, his tongue explored her mouth, tasting her all over again, and she was sure she felt him harden even more.
As if that was possible. As if he could be any more ready for her than he so clearly was.
His desire was so firm, so powerful, that she felt a sudden stab of impatience. She wanted his hardness inside her, needed to feel herself wrapped around him.
She needed that intimacy which had been missing for so long.
Still kissing her, still probing her with his tongue, she felt him move his hips. And then he was pressing into her folds. The sensation of that simple move only made her urgency more fierce. She felt herself moist and ready for him.
Then, with one thrust he slid inside her, filling her. She groaned, still kissing him, and felt herself tighten around him.
He paused, unmoving, as if sensing the change in her body, as if he was savoring the sensation of her closeness. He continued kissing her, his lips locked upon hers, his breath quicker. As she gripped his arms, she felt his muscles tighten. It was as if he was a wound up spring, ready to be let loose.
Then he started to move, easing into her. Every movement triggered a tightening in her, as her body gripped itself around him, needing him, wanting him.
Once again, the pleasure took hold of her, wave after wave sweeping over her with each one of his powerful thrusts. He lifted his head, and she gazed up into his eyes. He was looking right at her, and there was an expression of joy and ecstasy written in his eyes.
But there was also something else there, she realized, as she held onto him, feeling him push into her.
Return to her.
There was a wild and savage need hidden behind the mask of those features, she realized. He was doing his best to contain that ferocity, trying hard to contain that wildness with every wave of pleasure he felt, with every thrust.
But she could sense it in him. He looked as if he wanted to let himself loose, let himself take his own pleasure with complete abandon.
The prospect of that tempted her to do all she could to make him lose that restraint. She remembered how he'd made love to her in the past. His primal passion.
He wanted to let that fierce vitality loose. She could tell by the sheer strain she could feel in his taut muscles.
But he was holding himself back.
He thrust into her again and again. Each time beginning to pound into her harder, with a greater need.
And each time he was deep inside her, he pressed himself against her mound, triggering waves of sensation in her.
He was such an expert. There wasn't a single move he didn't know. He hadn't forgotten how to make her feel truly alive.
He was aware of her every move, every slight change in her need. And each time he sensed that change, he responded with a move of his own, sending pleasure into her, and taking pleasure for himself.
It was a dance, primitive and unstoppable, and their bodies moved in perfect unison, their connection instinctive, their understanding of each others' need primal.
Abby curled her legs around him and reached down, seizing hold of the tight muscles of his rear. She felt the power there, the exquisite tightness, every time he pushed into her. She curled her fingers around the contours of his muscles, savoring the strength there, the taut delight.
Every time he pushed into her, it seemed he went deeper and deeper, until she was sure she couldn't take any more of him. As if there was nothing more to take.
His pace began to quicken as he thrust into her, and she sensed her was near his own climax. She'd already had more than she'd thought she could take, but the prospect of stopping, filled her with dread. She wanted him to keep going, to keep possessing her. To keep claiming her.
But she realized that even someone as vital, as primal as Taliq couldn't restrain himself forever.
And then he quickened his thrusts. She knew he was near, and so was she. She desperately wanted them both to reach their peak, their climax, together.
As one. Again.
After all this time, they were one.
He thrust faster, pressing deeper into her, hard against her mound. Waves of exquisite sensation swept through, and then she felt him thrust one last time. He stiffened and cried out his own pleasure.
She felt him empty his desire into her. As she did so she felt a tsunami of pleasure flood over her and she also cried out. She'd never felt such union, never experienced anything like this.
And, as pleasure took possession of them both, sending them crashing, he came down onto her, enfolding her in an urgent embrace. His powerful arms claimed her, holding her, as he shook with pleasure.
She wrapped her arms around him and allowed her entire being to go with him into a warm and safe place.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Throughout the rest of the night, Taliq made love with Abby. Over and over.
He couldn't allow himself to be satisfied. Refused to be denied. Didn't want to waste a moment. Time and again, he made love to her, taking her to fresh peaks of ecstasy.
And experiencing ecstasy the likes of which he'd never believed possible.
This woman was amazing, he told himself repeatedly. Her desire for him seemed insatiable. Almost as much as his need for her. They'd found something special, again, he told himself. They'd come together, and it seemed as if the separation of the last twelve months hadn't even happened.
And there was something else, equally important.
To be treasured.
This was their wedding night, and he wanted it to be unforgettable.
Needed her to know just how much he wanted her.
He'd seen the hesitation in her eyes back there in the sitting room. He'd felt her final resistance in the hallway by the door.
But, he'd also seen something else.
He'd seen temptation in her gaze. He'd seen the mask fall away as he'd faced her at the doorway. And he'd felt the barrier between them crumble as he'd pressed her up against the wall, his lips claiming her, his tongue tasting her.
It wasn't just pleasure, though, he told himself.
No. It was so much more than what they'd shared a year before. This time had felt so different.
Was it because they were man and wife? Could it be as simple as that?
Taliq shifted in the bed and gazed across at Abby. She lay on her back with her head turned toward him. Her blonde hair spread across the pillow. He smiled to himself as he gazed at her longingly. Her pretty features. The rise and fall of her chest. The contours of her curves beneath the bed clothes.
He felt the same aching need as earlier, the same impulses which had driven him on to claim her, to show her just how much she meant to him.
Taliq restrained the temptation to reach out and touch her. He didn't want to risk waking her, although it was almost sunrise. Across the room, through the curtained windows, he saw the first glimmers of the dawn.
It had been a long night. A passionate night he would never forget. He r
ealized that, all through the day, he'd thought about the wedding night, and how it would end. He'd never allowed himself to believe that it would end up being so perfect.
Because that was exactly how it had been, for him. Perfect.
They were back together again. Unlike before, the prospect of her leaving him was unlikely. Taliq had a strong sense that Abby was determined to take her new responsibilities seriously. He had seen no hint that she would even consider running out on him and the children. He'd witnessed how close she'd become to them. How much effort she'd put in these last few weeks to bridging the gap between her and the children.
It was almost like all of their problems had been solved by one simple decision.
And that was okay, as far as he was concerned.
They were a family now.
He was a husband.
Taliq sensed that his entire identity had been changed by this amazing, beautiful woman. She had made him into a new person. She had brought a whole new element into his life.
He had to be grateful for all of that, didn't he? Was this the start of something truly momentous for him? Was she about to try and tame him? Forge him into a new kind of man?
That thought triggered a sudden, unwelcome, very sharp sensation in him. It cut a path through his middle and quickened his heartbeat. It was a feeling with which he was all too familiar.
In his thoughts, there was a whispered voice. The same one which had persuaded him to maintain a distance from every woman he'd ever been with before.
But, Abby was different, he told himself firmly. Even though this marriage had been shaped by necessity, there was something unique and very special about her. He'd experienced those qualities during the night. Moment after beautiful moment of ecstasy and emotional connection.
Why did that thought make him feel so unsettled? Because, the truth was, the mere thought of commitment had always driven him to do crazy things. Anything that enabled him to maintain the life he'd always enjoyed.
But, now was different.
As if sensing his sudden unease, Abby shifted by his side, her breathing becoming momentarily heavy. Taliq heard her sigh softly. He wondered what she was dreaming of. Was she reliving their love-making? Had their connection become that unshakeable?
Taliq drew in a deep breath and stretched out, pulling the comforter away from his naked body. He had nothing to worry about, any more, didn't he? All his problems had been solved. And all Abby's concerns had been dealt with. The children would be secure from now on.
That was all they needed, wasn't it?
He knew that wasn't true. The urgency of that realization caused him to slide carefully off the bed. There was a dressing gown in a large walk-in closet. He carefully padded across the thick carpet, put on the gown and walked across the room, passing at the door.
He indulged himself once again by looking toward Abby lying there on the bed looking heart-achingly gorgeous. And then, he headed out of the bedroom.
****
Abby was awakened by the sun shining in through the thin curtains across the double doors on the far side of the bedroom.
She opened her eyes and saw the golden light which filled the room. Their room faced east, and she knew that, if this was to become her and Taliq's room, every morning she'd be awakened by this wonderful, welcoming light.
Abby stretched out an arm, realizing with some shock that she was alone in bed.
Where was Taliq? She sat up, feeling the tenderness in almost every part of her body.
The night had been long and indescribably passionate. She leaned back against the headboard and tugged the bedspread up around her.
She drew in a deep breath and thought about what she and Taliq had shared. It had been an incredible night of love-making, she told herself. He had been passionate and tender; wild and gentle. Even just thinking about him made her heart beat faster.
But, right now, he wasn't by her side and she wondered where he could be. Especially so early in the morning.
This was their first real day as man and wife. Surely he understood that, even given the circumstances of their marriage deal, she might have expected him to be there, next to her, on waking.
Abby got out of bed. She saw her wedding dress right where she had thrown it. She frowned and picked it up, holding it thoughtfully, wondering what she could wear. Maybe, she'd have to put the gown back on, but that seemed ridiculous.
Then her attention was captured by the sight of something hanging on the door handle of the bedroom's entrance. She recognized it immediately as one of her own pink dressing gowns. She wondered how it had gotten there, but she was also glad to find it.
Abby went across and put the robe on, and walked out, still barefoot along the hallway. She couldn't hear any sounds from the rooms in the suite. There was a profound silence in the hallway as her bare feet padded along the soft carpet.
She thought about going back to her room on the other side of the palace and putting on something else, but a sound from inside the sitting room caught her attention. It had sounded like a china cup being placed on a hard surface.
She entered the sitting room. The flowers were all still in their places in the vases set around on the various cabinets and tables. She couldn't help smiling as she gazed around the room, taking in the riot of vibrant colors. The scent of the flowers filled the air, just as they'd done a few hours before.
An eternity ago, she told herself.
Abby saw the curtains at the open French doors billow with the breeze from the desert beyond the palace. Through the curtains' thin material she saw Taliq, seated at a table out on the terrace.
Heading to the doors, she tugged back the curtains and stepped out onto the terrace. She felt the cool stone of the floor against the bare soles of her feet. The early morning breeze caressed her skin.
Taliq had his back to her, but on hearing her come out onto the terrace, he whirled around and smiled with obvious delight.
Taliq stood quickly, pushing his seat back noisily across the marble terrace floor. "Good morning," he said in a bright, excited voice. His gaze regarded her for a moment with visible appreciation and delight.
He looked pretty amazing, she told herself. His gown was partially open at the front. She could see his muscled torso and the dark hairs of his chest. She could see that he was naked beneath the dressing gown. Memories of the night flitted into her mind. There was a hint of the dark hair at his waist. The sight of that made her feel a sudden anticipation. She felt her cheeks flush.
He seemed to notice the way she was looking at him, and did nothing to hide himself. Instead, he stood casually for a moment, his own gaze drifting down the length of her body. She liked the way he was looking at her. He seemed genuinely pleased that she was here on the terrace with him, now.
Then he came to Abby and wrapped his arms around her. She allowed herself to settle into his embrace, feeling every muscle in her body soften instantly. She leaned her head back and peered up at him, waiting.
He sensed what she wanted and dipped his head, his lips settling gently upon hers. His kiss was warm and tender. Such a contrast to the ravenous kisses he'd lavished on her entire body a few short hours before.
Abby leaned back against his chest, feeling the warmth of his body beneath the robe he was wearing. She was sure she could feel his heartbeat, this time slow and steady. Again that was so very different from his frantically racing heartbeat she'd felt during their love-making.
He leaned away from her and gestured toward the table, upon which had been set dishes containing figs, yogurt, various fruits, eggs, bread and a large pot of what smelled like fresh coffee. "You hungry?" he asked.
"Ravenous," she exclaimed. "Have you been here long?"
He shook his head. "Not long," he said curtly. "I like to watch the sun coming up."
Abby peered out across the desert. The colors were vibrant and the air was cool. She breathed in deeply. "I suppose this is where we'll have breakfast every morning, from n
ow on," she observed.
Abby was sure she felt his body tense suddenly. She glanced up at him, seeking some clue as to why that would have happened.
"Of course," he replied in an even voice.
Wasn't it true? He'd arranged for this suite to be theirs, so it was natural that they would have breakfast here. Maybe not every morning. There would be times when they'd want to be with the children. But, this seemed like an ideal place for her and Taliq to enjoy private moments. For a perfect start to every day.
"It'll give us a chance to have some private time together," she said.
Taliq didn't respond directly to her comment. Instead, he glanced at the food on the table and said: "I thought you'd have an appetite, this morning," he said. "Especially after last night," he added with a mischievous grin.
Why had he just changed the subject like that?
She squinted up at him and smiled. Being barefoot, she suddenly felt so much smaller than him. "What are you suggesting?"
He ignored her question and pulled her closer to him, gesturing toward the distant vista of the desert. The sun had risen and the sands already glowed brightly in the early morning light. "The perfect setting, don't you think?"
Abby nodded following the direction of gaze. "Perfect," she repeated casually. She looked at him, trying to understand the reason for his sudden awkwardness.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked leading her toward the table.
She looked disbelievingly at him. "I don't think I slept for more than a few hours." She pouted at him. "I think you might have had something to do with that," she said, testing him.
She thought he'd respond in kind with some kind of smart reply. Especially to that comment. But he didn't.
"Of course," he said stiffly. He opened his eyes wider and nodded. "It was an amazing wedding," he said. Seeing her immediate puzzlement at that remark he added: "And, beautiful."