Page 57 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

They made love all through the night, until she felt as if she had nothing left to give, and until he had spent himself completely.

Nicole fell asleep at some point during the night, awaking many times to find Rashid holding her close. When at last the rays of the rising sun began to filter through the the bedroom's thin curtains, she opened her eyes and smiled.

She lay across Rashid's chest, feeling the soft rise and fall of his breathing. His scent was intoxicating, his skin warm. He was completely naked, as was she. The cover had been thrown back and they lay, both exposed to one another in the soft morning light. But she felt not a hint of discomfort. There was no awkwardness to their nakedness.

Nicole took a few moments to examine Rashid as he slept. Lying there like that, his arm thrown above his head and across the pillow, his body leaning toward her he looked unbelievably gorgeous. His skin was smooth, his muscled torso tempting her to reach out and run her hand down the front of his chest, along his flat stomach, and all the way down to his firmness which she could see was already aroused. Maybe he was already beginning to awaken.

She remembered the way he'd made love to her and felt the stirrings of desire at her core once again. Maybe they'd resume their love-making once he'd woken up, she told herself. She wondered if she would be able to. She still felt tender after the night.

Rashid drew in a deep breath and opened his eyes. He smiled at her. "Good morning," he murmured sleepily.

Nicole went to him, resting her arms by his side and lifting her head, seeking a kiss from him. He was more than happy to give her what she wanted. His lips were as warm as last night, but somehow there was more tenderness in his kiss.

Their lips parted and she smiled at him. "How are you, this morning," she asked.

He stretched like an awakening animal, breathed in deeply and sighed contentedly. "Perfect," he growled.

She lifted a brow. "Is that all?"

Rashid smiled at her and reached out, drawing her into his arms. She snuggled into his embrace, savoring the warmth of his body, the sheer sense of belonging she felt.

"Isn't that enough?" he asked. "And you?"

She shrugged. "I guess I'm feeling pretty good," she said cheekily.

He quirked a brow at her. "Pretty good? Huh. I'm not sure I like the sound of that," he said smiling broadly.

"Well, what are you going to do about it, then?" she teased.

He glanced down at his middle and she followed his gaze. She saw what he was looking at and felt warmth stir inside her. She looked back at him and squinted, saying nothing. He looked as if he was ready for more of what they'd shared hours before.

Nicole reached down a hand and took hold of him, keeping her gaze on his face. His thickness felt heavy and strong in her hand. She felt his body tighten and his eyes became dark with desire. They both knew what they wanted, knew that they were both ready.

She kept hold of him and lifted her head closer to him. He kissed her again, and she felt him harden. His breath became harsher as they kissed. When his tongue probed her mouth she felt heat in her core and she shifted closer to him.

She felt him turn, facing her, and she let him go, knowing that he wanted to be closer, needed her to open up to him.

When they made love again, it was as intense and real as the night had been. Somehow, seeing him more clearly, made her feel that everything she'd told herself was true. They did share a deep connection. She didn't care how that connection had been forged, only that it existed, that she hadn't been fooling herself yet again.

When they climaxed together, she cried out and held him tight, knowing that somehow, everything had changed, that she would never be the same again. And that was fine. Destiny had brought them together, and fate would bind them.

Nicole fell asleep again, sensing him close, his heat and strength a presence in her dreams.

****

Rashid could hear the noise in his dreams. It was a rhythmic sound some way off in the distance. At first he couldn't make out what the sound was, so all encompassing was the warm feeling of being this close to Nicole.

Somewhere in his deep slumber, he could feel her against him, her naked body warm and soft against his side, his arms wrapped around her. He knew he never wanted to let her go. Knew that he would never let her go, now that he had claimed her, now that she belonged to him. Now that he belonged to her.

He was sure he could feel her heart beating steadily against him, sure he could feel her soft breath against his skin.

But, still he heard the distant sound and some part of him wondered what the sound was, where it was coming from. Then he felt something shocking, something that jerked him out of his sleep.

Nicole had moved away from him. Just before he opened his eyes, he felt her move, knew that she wasn't by his side.

When he did open his eyes, he saw the confirmation of those vague impressions. He saw Nicole striding across the bedroom, toward the terrace doors. She was holding her dress in front of her body as she tugged open the curtains and looked outside toward the sound.

---