She splayed her fingers and leaned in. ‘Kiss me, Salim. I don’t want to talk any more.’
His mouth curled into a smile that stole her breath all over again. ‘Your wish is my command.’
Rosanna caught the indulgent humour in Salim’s eyes as he deliberately played into that fantasy, and suddenly her nerves dissipated. She was grinning up at him as he gathered her close and kissed her with a deliberation that left no room for second thoughts.
She wanted him.Howshe wanted him.
Her fingers scrabbled at the tiny buttons on his collarless shirt even as she lost herself in the sensual exploration of mouth on mouth, of bodies straining together, eager for more.
She felt Salim lift one hand at the back of her dress, then the slow, tantalising slide of the zip that was a caress in itself. She arched against him, eager for more.
‘Drop your arms, sweetheart,’ he murmured against her mouth and she felt strong fingers wrapping around her wrists, pulling her hands to her sides. Moments later her dress pooled around her ankles, leaving her in underwear and high-heeled sandals while Salim was still fully clothed.
Rosanna kept her gaze on his face as he captured her hands again and drew them wide, away from her body. He looked down, surveying each swell and dip with an attention so exquisitely sharp she felt it like the skim of fingers across bare flesh.
She might have felt uncomfortable under that scrutiny, like some slave girl being inspected by a potential buyer. Except shewantedthis with every particle of her being. Besides, watching Salim through half-closed eyes, she registered the dusky heat slash across his high-cut cheeks. Saw the convulsive swallow and felt the needy way his hands tightened on hers.
He said something soft and low that sounded like treacle poured over grinding stones. The unfamiliar words were lush and rich yet harsh with emotion as if his larynx had seized.
Then ebony eyes met hers and something heavy swooped inside her. ‘You’re stunning, Rosanna.’
A tiny part of her brain told her Salim must be as desperate with need as she was. She’d never been called stunning and she knew she was average. Yet she responded unthinkingly to the accolade, standing taller, breasts swelling and nipples budding so tight the ache almost made her cry out.
‘I want to see you too.’
She didn’t consciously form the words but suddenly they were out and she was glad.
Salim released her hands but not her gaze as he made short work of a couple more buttons then hauled his shirt off. It was incredibly arousing, having him watch her as he undressed.
Finally, though, she had to follow the movement of his hands downwards.
Her breath stalled on the sight of a honed body that seemed all lean strength. The shift of muscles beneath golden skin mesmerised her. The dusting of dark hair across his wide chest invited her touch and she found it surprisingly silky and tempting beneath her fingertips.
A gasp filled the silence but whether it was from Salim or her she didn’t know.
Was there anything in the world as wonderful as the feel of hot, sculpted, male muscle twitching against her touch?
Salim’s hands dropped to his trousers and Rosanna’s eyes widened. In what seemed like one urgent shove he dispensed with the rest of his clothes and his footwear as well, leaving him utterly naked.
Rosanna blinked, her mouth drying.
She’d never seen such male perfection. Had never thought to in real life. Salim’s tall body was perfectly proportioned with wide shoulders, narrow hips, solid thighs and a jutting erection that made that soft spot low in her body turn molten. Even his bare feet were sexy.
But it was the invitation in his eyes that stole her breath. That and the little flare of his nostrils that told her he too struggled for control.
‘Come.’ He held out his hand palm up in invitation. She put her hand in his and instantly long fingers encircled hers, drawing her to him.
Now she was surrounded by his heat, soaking it up eagerly, pressing closer, kissing his collarbone and throat. He tasted of spice and salt with a deeper note that was intrinsically, excitingly, pure male.
So entranced was she that she barely noticed him remove her underwear until they stood, naked flesh to naked flesh, and it felt as if her body sang out loud.
In one easy movement Salim lifted her then lowered her to the bed, following her so fast she was cocooned between his hot body and the silken coverlet. The sensations were so delicious it was a sybaritic overload. Desperately she stroked his bare body, shifting against him, revelling in the friction between them and the fascinating new delights.
Salim kissed her again, as easy as a long-term lover and more thrilling than anything she’d known.
Rosanna lifted her hands, channelling her fingers through his thick hair to cup the back of his skull. She shifted her legs wider so he sank against her, all magnificent heat and shockingly potent arousal.
‘Please,’ she whispered against his mouth. ‘Please, Salim.’