by Mel Teshco
Desire fluttered between her thighs and it was hard to remember she needed to speak to him. “There are things we need to discuss first.”
“Of course. We’ll discuss whatever you wish.” As he spoke he undid the buttons on the bodice of her dress, before sliding it over her arms and letting it drop to her feet. His hot gaze burned her as he admired her pale pink bra and matching French knickers with lacy suspenders.
What had she been saying?
“Tariq.” She took a deep breath but it didn’t help cool her thoughts.
“Yes, my sweet bride?” He cradled her face and his kiss was tender and hot and she clung onto his arms before she melted into a puddle at his feet.
When he finally allowed her to draw breath, she panted inelegantly into his face. “This marriage must be an equal partnership.”
“That’s what I wish also.” His lips branded her throat and her head tipped back, allowing him greater access. Perhaps they could talk in the morning…
“I’m glad to hear it.” Her eyelids fluttered as he unclipped her bra, and his sharp intake of breath as he drank in her naked breasts thrilled her soul.
“Tonight you will ride me, Sofia.” It wasn’t a request, and delightful tremors licked deep inside at his command.
“Yes,” she breathed, arching her back as he teased her aching nipples with his thumbs. Tell him now before I forget. “But there’s something that concerns me.”
His lips brushed hers. “Tell me. Whoever’s displeased you will be severely punished.”
She smiled and forked her fingers through his hair. “It’s nothing like that. I’m just not happy about walking two steps behind you.”
He growled deep in his throat, and before she guessed his intention he swept her into his powerful arms and strode to the bed. “Where it matters you’re never two steps behind me.”
She sank back on the bed and watched him strip off his clothes as though he couldn’t wait to claim her once again. Her mouth dried as his magnificent cock sprang free from his boxer briefs, and although her face heated she couldn’t tear her mesmerized gaze away.
He loomed over her, his knees bracketing her hips, his fists planted beside her shoulders. The self-satisfied grin on his face was breathtaking.
“Do you like what you see?”
“Yes.” She trailed her fingertips over his rock hard abs, but a tiny flicker of unease drifted through her mind. It was hard to focus on anything except this glorious man who entrapped her so effortlessly, but this was important. “But I’m referring to us when we’re in public.”
“I don’t want to talk politics when you’re about to fuck me.” He nuzzled her neck and she shuddered in pleasure as his stubble chafed her tender skin.
“It’s not politics.” She scraped her nails along his back and his groan caused wet heat to flood through her. “It’s us.”
“I told you already that change takes time.” He sucked her nipple into his mouth and her thoughts splintered. He was right. They could talk later. But for now, all she wanted was this.
He moved down her body, his lips conquering every inch of skin, and he tugged off her knickers before he shifted position and kneed her thighs apart. “You’re so gorgeous, Sofia. I’m going to eat your sweet pussy until you forget everything but this moment.”
This moment was all she cared about. “Do it,” she croaked. His lips and tongue captured her, sliding into her heat and flicking against her sensitive nub, kissing her in ways she’d barely imagined. His tongue was an instrument of the most exquisite pleasure, and she writhed on the bed, boneless with desire.
He pulled back, and she dragged open her eyes, speechless. How could he stop now?
His grin was feral, and without a word he rolled them across the bed, until she straddled him. “Sink down on my cock.” His command wrapped around her like a velvet embrace and she shuddered as need rippled through her.
He grasped her hips and guided her, until the head of his shaft nudged her wet heat. Slowly she eased him inside her swollen lips and his guttural groan sent primordial shivers through her.
She braced her weight on his chest and sank down a little more. He was so big, and she was a little tender from the night before, but the rapture on his face made her forget any slight discomfort.
“How do I feel?” Did I really just ask him that? Experimentally she flexed her muscles and his fingers dug into her hips as he bared his teeth in a feral grin.
“Do that again.”
She inched down his thick shaft, reveling in the way he stretched her to accommodate his invasion. And then she squeezed her muscles tight again and he bucked, pushing his cock so deep inside nothing else existed but him.
His hands were everywhere, cradling her bottom, smoothing her thighs, and playing with her breasts until she was delirious with need. She might be on top but he was still in command and she loved the way he pounded into her, riding her from beneath her writhing body.
When his finger teased her clit she shuddered and flung back her head as the pleasure consumed her, and he came with a primitive roar.
Chapter Eleven
It was done.
She was now married to Prince Tariq El-Amin, and she stole a sideways glance at her bridegroom. How different he looked in the traditional white robes of his forefathers, but he was no less arresting than when he wore a designer suit.
He seemed to be waiting for her glance, as he gave her that smile that turned her insides to molten jelly and convinced her that everything would work out.
The ceremony, with its ancient, symbolic rituals, had taken place in the great medieval hall of the fortress and was nothing like her girlhood dreams of how her wedding would be. She wasn’t surrounded by her family and friends, only Rashad as a representative for her father, and there were no personal touches that made the event special. It was, pure and simple, the public unification of their marriage.
But it didn’t matter. Because her husband exceeded every dream she’d ever had.
Tariq took her hand and guided her along the great hall to where his two brothers and their wives waited. Her glance snagged on the beautiful woman standing by Prince Zafar’s side. Was that really the wild warrior princess she’d heard about from one of her sisters earlier this year?
Tariq made the introductions. His eldest brother was aloof, as befit his status, but she saw the way he looked at his elegant blonde wife, as though she was his world.
Had Tariq’s brothers both made love matches?
After the polite exchanges had been made, Tariq gently led her to one side. “I fear the Grand Vizier wishes to meet you personally.” His seductive whisper in her ear belied his words and it took her a couple of seconds before his comment fully penetrated. “Simply smile at whatever he says and try not to take it personally.”
She shot him a sharp glance. “That depends on what he intends to say to me.”
Tariq laughed, as though he thought she was joking. “It doesn’t matter what he says. He’s got what he wanted. All three of us married to the women of his choice. Let’s just be grateful Jamal and Zafar are his favorites, so we needn’t concern ourselves that he’ll be making regular visits to us.”
She smiled, since he clearly expected her to, but inside his words churned through her brain.
Ahmet Khan had got what he wanted with this marriage. And although it was too new and fragile to speak aloud, after meeting Tariq she’d wanted this marriage too.
But what of Tariq? Did he still think of this as an irksome duty he’d had no choice but to perform?
The Grand Vizier stood apart from everyone else, like a wizard from ancient tales scrutinizing the fruit of his machinations. As they approached he bowed low, his forehead almost touching his knees.
“Grand Vizier.” Tariq waited until the old man straightened. “You honor us with your presence.” He turned to her. “Sofia, may I introduce the Grand Vizier, Ahmet Khan? Grand Vizier, this is my wife, Sheikha Sofia Jemila al Jazad.”
The Grand Vizier bowed low again and she had to restrain herself from asking him not to. He looked so frail, but however feeble his body she had no illusion as to just how sharp his brain was.
“Your Royal Highnesses. It is I who am honored to see you bound as one.”
“Thank you.” Tariq sounded more formal than she’d ever heard before. Although he no longer held her hand, they were close enough to touch and she could feel the coiled tension radiating off him in waves. “The Sheikha and I hope our marriage will help to solidify peace.”
“Indeed, Your Royal Highness. Once Her Royal Highness has done her duty and borne you many fine sons for Zanzar, the hill tribes will be appeased.”
Sofia’s face ached with the force of her smile and she couldn’t stop herself. “Grand Vizier, I envisage my duty to ensure peace will encompass a great deal more than merely producing offspring.”
The Grand Vizier blinked his faded eyes at her as though her ability to speak had somewhat astonished him. Tariq cleared his throat, and within seconds had ushered her away.
“Don’t tell me I should have kept my mouth shut,” she said between gritted teeth and a false smile for any onlooker.
He gave an undignified snort, almost as if he was trying not to laugh. “You should most certainly have kept your mouth shut.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Many fine sons? The man is delusional.”
“He’s also now under no misconception that you’re a malleable puppet.” For some reason this appeared to greatly amuse him, and he gave her a sexy smile that had no place in public.
“As long as you’re of that same opinion.”
“Of course.” He kissed her hand, and she was still glowing inside ten minutes later when she, and the rest of the women, withdrew to a smaller chamber to enjoy the delectable refreshments.
***
Tariq watched as his two sisters-in-law flanked Sofia and the women left the hall. He should have known she wouldn’t let the Grand Vizier get away with such a remark, but the shock on his face had been more than worth the minor breach in protocol.
He was still smirking to himself when a man loomed over him.
“Your Royal Highness,” said an unfamiliar voice, and Tariq snapped to attention as Prince Rashad bowed his head.
“Your Royal Highness.” Tariq returned the bow. There was no resemblance between Sofia and her half-brother, and it was a little disconcerting that his new brother-in-law was only a few years younger than his own father had been when he’d died.
They exchanged the usual pleasantries, and then Rashad narrowed his eyes in contemplation. “I’m extremely fond of my youngest sister, for all her somewhat eccentric Western ideals.”
“I assure you the princess has my utmost devotion.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Rashad’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Arranged marriage or not, my sister’s happiness is of utmost importance to me.”
Tariq admired the older man’s nerve. Qutum, after all, was the more powerful player in this union. “Your sister’s happiness is of paramount importance to me, also.”
It was true. They hadn’t even known each other a week and yet it was hard to remember his life without her now. Her smile enchanted him, her touch beguiled him and he enjoyed their lively discussions—even when he didn’t fully agree with her opinions.
“Then all should be well.” Rashad gave another formal bow, and moved on, and Tariq frowned. Did he just threaten me?
It was inconceivable, yet the suspicion remained. But instead of wounded pride that his integrity should be so insulted, an odd warmth heated his chest.
It pleased him that Sofia’s half-brother, the heir to Bahmen, held her in such regard. It wasn’t always the case between half-siblings, especially when a foreign mother was involved.
He rejoined his brothers but only one thought filled his head.
I want to be with Sofia.
***
Sofia had been in Zanzar for three weeks. The time had sped by in a haze of reorganizing the fortress so it became more of a home, and endless hours in Tariq’s arms as he taught her every pleasure she’d ever dreamed of.
A honeymoon. She’d loved every moment. But in the back of her mind the question of her future always hovered.
As they breakfasted in one of the rooms that adjoined their bedroom she took his hand. “What are you doing today?”
He sighed. “More meetings with my advisers.”
“Anything I can help with? Discuss with you, I mean?” If she showed up to a government meeting the sky would likely fall.
He squeezed her fingers. “No, you have enough to do with making this a home for us. I’ll be back mid-afternoon at the latest.”
Her smile felt brittle. “I’m capable of multitasking, Tariq. In case you didn’t know.”
“Of course you are. Your capabilities continually delight me.” His grin left her in no doubt of what was on his mind and it had nothing to do with her brain.
Heat pooled between her thighs. All she wanted to do was drag him back to bed, but this was important. She hadn’t mentioned it before, since she enjoyed the freedom he’d given her to do whatever she wished to their home, but her interest in fabrics and furniture and consulting with the chef had quickly lost its novelty.
She needed—craved—more to occupy her time and stretch her brain.
“No. There’s something I’d like to—“ She was cut off by a knock on the door, and one of Tariq’s personal servants entered. He was dressed in a suit and she’d first met him in London when Tariq had taken her to the Clifton. Usually she was happy to see him since he never gave the impression he thought she was nothing more than a womb with legs, but right now his timing sucked.
“Apologies, Highnesses.” He bowed his head, before turning to Tariq. “Sir, it’s time.”
Tariq shot her a regretful glance. “Duty calls.” He kissed her fingers before rising. “Whatever you wish to do, you have my blessing. I’ll see you later.”
After the door shut behind him, Sofia took a deep breath and relaxed her death grip on her napkin. She understood he had duties to perform. The fact he’d left before letting her finish speaking wasn’t exactly the problem.
It was his assumption that she’d been going to discuss some small domestic issue that grated on her nerves.
For three weeks she hadn’t left the fortress or its compound, and over the last few days the walls had closed in on her. If she didn’t get out into the city to explore a little she’d go stir crazy.
She wasn’t a prisoner. It was time she mingled among her husband’s—and her—people.
Within an hour her personal bodyguard, Borak, had secured a car and along with Luisa and Farrah, an educated and modern thinking young woman of her entourage that she’d become friendly with, they left the fortress.
“Do you simply wish me to drive around, Highness?” Borak glanced at her through the rear view mirror.
“Go further into the city and find somewhere to park. I’d like to explore on foot.”
“As you wish.”
“I’m surprised the prince didn’t insist on you taking a full complement of security,” Luisa said as she gazed through the window at the narrow streets of the ancient town that surrounded the fortress. If not for the liberal use of smart phones by its residents, how easy it would be to think they’d slipped back a thousand years in time.
“Mm.” It wasn’t that she wanted to keep Luisa in the dark, but she wasn’t sure that Farrah, despite her Westernized education, would understand how Sofia hadn’t first obtained her husband’s permission for such an excursion. “I’m sure we’re quite safe. No one in their right mind would dare approach us with Borak to protect us, would they?”
“Perhaps Her Highness would care to see the new community school our prince is building?” Farrah said.
Perhaps she would. It was good to know Tariq was investing in the future of his people, but she had to make him see that non-privileged girls were jus
t as worthy of a good education as the boys.
“I should like that. Can you give Borak directions?”
It took a good hour to navigate through the old town and into the new, modern section of the city where a great deal of redevelopment was underway. Borak parked the limo down a side road and they walked the short distance to the school, which was situated within established native parkland.
“Goodness.” Sofia stared at the building Farrah indicated was the new school. It was nothing like she imagined. For a start, it was far larger, and its design, while undoubtedly modern, also reflected the elegant heritage of Zanzar with its stonework construction. “Now that’s impressive.”
“Would Her Highness care to tour the facility?” Farrah said. “My mother’s second cousin is the principal. I know he’d be honored by your visit.”
For a moment she was torn. It was one thing to explore the city, but quite another to visit a public building without prior notice. On the other hand the school wasn’t yet operational, and it wasn’t as though this was an official visit.
“I’d love to, if it doesn’t impose.”
Farrah whipped out her phone, and within moments smiled at Sofia. “My cousin would be delighted to welcome you to the Fariq El-Amin Community School, and assures you of his discretion.”
***
Three hours later, after an extensive tour of the school and a light lunch in the future students’ pristine canteen, Sofia settled back in the limo with a sigh.
She’d so misjudged Tariq. He really was working toward the equality of his people, and what better way to start than to ensure young girls were offered the same educational opportunities as their male counterparts?
The school wasn’t only for boys. She hugged her waist and smiled inanely through the window. Why hadn’t he told her what he was doing? What other projects was he working on?
Whatever they were, she wanted to be a part of it.