Page 30 of Filthy Hot Prince

“We usually cover our head and face with akeffiyehduring the noon, but there’s no need of it because we will drive to the oasis by a car,” Khalid explained when I heard a car door open. I knew whatkeffiyehwas, a cotton scarf that wrapped around the head to help keep you cool during the scorching heat.

I sat down on the soft leather of the car seat and sighed in relief when I felt the other door close, and Khalid sat beside me. I knew it was him by his exotic musky scent, which was more potent than before, and the way his large body settled beside me. He was always gentle and slow, never surprising me with suddenness which might shock me otherwise. Especially because of how tall and large he was compared to me.

When the car started moving, I looked in his direction and asked, “We are going to an oasis?”

Khalid

I should have told her beforehand. “Yes, we are going to a private oasis. We will stay there for a while to get started with the painting,” I said, omitting how I planned to woo and seduce her at the oasis. “If that is okay with you. We can go to the palace if that’s what you want.”

Her fingers fumbled in her lap. She did that a lot when she was thinking. A nervous tick, probably. Valeria offered me a small smile. “Sure, I want to know how you are going to start the painting. I am excited about it.”

I could hear in her honeyed voice how excited she was.

Leaning closer to her, I breathed in her sweet feminine perfume and whispered, “Naked, my sweet one. I don’t want any clothes on you while I paint you.” I watched her slender, pale throat bob when she gulped, the tips of her ear turning pink. I smirked and pulled away. “But don’t worry, we can have a demo today before we start.Withthe clothes on.”

I watched Valeria with a dark gleam in my eyes when red flush creeped over the neck of her tee shirt, to her cheeks. I wanted to remove that fabric and see where else she was flushed and lick every inch of her soft skin.

Forcing my mind to something else, I looked away from her clenched legs and controlled my urges. We weren’t even alone yet and my body was reacting wildly to her being there. Beside me. In my country. I felt more primal and intimate, as if I couldn’t help being a civil man for once and stake claim on her like a wild beast.

I clenched my fists, focusing on my breath, and calmed myself down.What was happening to me?I had never lost control before. Well, I had once. But never likethis. Never due to lust and physical attraction.

I peered at the woman who leaned her head outside the window, feeling the wind run through her red hair, which gleamed golden red in the sunlight, a soft smile donning her face. She looked carefree and innocent.Pure. Everything opposite of what I was and more. But I knew it was not just physical attraction with her.If it was, I would have taken her on the couch last night.

It was more. Something special.

I, Khalid Al Latif, was afraid to know what made Valeria Dunne so special and precious to me.

* * *

“Welcome to the oasis, Valeria,”I said, holding her hand while my people in white long tunics bowed at us, helping with our luggage and taking it in the manor. It was more of a smaller palace than a manor, with large open spaces, only to be closed during a sandstorm. I had checked the weather and one would arrive later that week.

The air felt cool on the oasis. It felt wild and free. The smell of fresh water and something musty like wet sand surrounded us as I took her to explore the oasis while the staff set up her room.

There, in my country, surrounded by my people, I felt something like a warm blanket settle over me. Valeria looked womanly, tall, even in the casual clothes. Her red hair glowed like a carnelian crystal does under the sunlight, red and orange and auburn. Her alabaster skin was pale and flawless, the dotted freckles on her cheeks making her look younger.

Every minute with her was a sweet, delicious torture that I was glad to have, even though it made other parts of my body ache with need.

“I hear water. Is there a pond nearby?” Valeria asked with a grin on her face.

“Yes, there’s a swimming pool and a spa on the lower floor but I also have a private pool on the balcony of the master suite. Come on, I will take you there.”

Valeria

My body was on override from hearing Khalid’s deep, soothing voice when he explained the interior of the small palace. I had managed to swallow my shock when he casually mentioned it had a home theatre and a tennis court. Who needed tennis court in the middle of the desert? Apparently, royals of Azmia were competitive when it came to sports and needed one at the oasis.

It was built over a hundred years ago to keep an eye on their neighboring area, but The Golden Sand War was long over and they had rebuilt it with some modern taste to spend some time away from the capital. I could feel the lush opulence as soon as I had entered through the humongous gates Khalid had explained to me with security stations.

I could hear lots of people walking, the staff who took care of the oasis. I knew they were his people, but didn’t know how to greet them. Khalid told me that they were busy setting up our things so I wouldn’t be able to greet them at that moment. We walked past the hallway to the kitchen, from where I could smell the exotic spices and something delicious cooking. My mouth watered. I couldn’t wait to taste the spicy cuisine.

I could feel that we were in a deep end in the dark cold hallway. I stepped closer to him, wanting to make sure I wasn’t lost without him, even though I had my cane with me. His body heat warmed me. He squeezed my hand in reassurance, leading the way.

“This is my art studio. I am sorry it’s a bit cold as it’s open to all the elements.” Khalid’s voice was deeper and louder in the studio.

So this is where the magic happens.

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