Over and over, ecstasy swept over her, until finally, she felt the ultimate wave sweeping toward her. Sensing her need, Razim's movements became more urgent. Their bodies moved in perfect unison as her climax began to build. Until the tension became almost unbearable.
Wanting him to share the moment with his own ecstasy, she grasped his hips, curving her fingers around his rear, coaxing him, driving him on. He responded with instant need, his breathing becoming faster, his gaze intensely focused on her eyes, watching her pleasure grow.
Finally, with one more of his powerful thrust, the wave took hold of her. She cried out and, at exactly the same moment, Razim roared, his body quivering as he emptied his desire into her.
Paige felt herself thrown over a precipice, holding onto Razim as if her survival depended upon it. Ecstasy took complete possession of her, making every nerve flame into life. The sensation seemed to last an eternity. And she never wanted it to stop.
Razim's body crashed down upon hers. She felt the heat of his skin and the exquisite heaviness of him as she wrapped her arms around him. All she wanted was to be close to him. All she had ever wanted was to have him inside her, again. That had been her hidden desire. So hidden that she had managed to avoid its truth for a very long time.
Eventually, the pleasure subsided, replaced by a wonderful glow which warmed her body. They didn't need a fire to warm them, she told herself. Their desire was enough to keep away the chill of the desert night.
Razim's breathing settled eventually, and he shifted to her side, letting her wrap her body into his. He held her close with his powerful arms. They gazed into each other's eyes, unable to find the words to describe what had just happened.
Razim leaned his head forward and kissed her again. This time there was none of the urgent need. This time there was tenderness and relief that the truth had won out in the end.
Paige closed her eyes and snuggled in closer to him. His scent was powerful. Raw and intense. She inhaled it and felt herself ease into a warm and quiet drowsiness.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Razim gazed at Paige's perfect features. The light from the dawn light cast a warm glow across her clear skin. Her eyes were closed, and he could feel her gentle breathing against his naked body.
It was done, he told himself.
Finally, after all the waiting, destiny had had its way.
He thought about the way they'd finished making love, barely a half hour ago. He smiled to himself.
Before the dawn.
Now they were together. And nothing would ever tear them apart again.
Razim had fallen asleep, alone, on this rug hours ago believing that all had been lost. He'd been determined to keep his promise and leave Paige alone inside the tent.
The long night had proven to be a torment as he'd tossed and turned, battling with his desire and trying to avoid the shame of breaking his promise to Paige.
But when he'd awakened and seen Paige standing there, looking like a mirage out of the desert, her body so tempting beneath the transparency of that gown, need had flared in him. It had been an unstoppable desire which had driven him to want her. He'd known that this had been his last chance. That he would never forgive himself if he didn't act upon his desires.
And, as he'd stood there watching Paige's own desire grow, as he'd seen the certainty in her eyes, Razim had been seized by a fearsome conviction that it was now or never.
He'd known the sun would be rising soon. If that happened, all would be lost.
Forever.
But, the miraculous had happened.
Paige had given herself to him.
Their desire had taken its course and now she was lying in his arms. Where she belonged. He inhaled the sweet scent of her body. Of their desire. It was an intoxicating aroma.
He barely dared move for fear of waking her. He wanted this moment to last forever. Holding his desert bride in his arms.
He wondered how she would react when she opened her eyes. Would she be indignant? Would she accuse him of taking advantage of her? Would she tell him that what they'd done couldn't possibly mean they would have to accept that they were now married.
Never to separate.
Right now, he didn't know. All he did know was that he had seen the pleasure she had taken from their union.
Their reunion.