He looked down into her soft eyes. ‘At least they had that.’
‘You’re turning into a romantic, Karim.’
He smiled, and looked at Safiyah as the shadows inside eased. ‘How could I not be when I have you,habibti? It’s all your influence.’
‘And in all those years he never took another wife?’
Karim shook his head. ‘Another thing my father and I have in common. It appears we’re one-woman men.’
‘Sweet talker.’
He pulled his beloved close and stroked his hands over the gossamer-fine silk of her dress. It shimmered, indigo blue, over her delectable curves. Inevitably he felt the familiar tug of desire and satisfaction. This woman was his life, his home—everything he wanted.
‘Just stating the truth.’ He moved his hands more purposefully and heard Safiyah’s breath snare. Anticipation quickened his pulse. ‘But they say actions speak louder than words. Perhaps I should demonstrate my feelings.’
He backed her towards the long divan by the window.
‘We’ve got an official lunch in half an hour and—’
‘Some things are more important than royal duty, my love.’
Safiyah shook her head, but she was laughing as he lowered her onto the cushions. ‘You’re right, Karim. Some things are.’
Then she reached for him, using those supple, clever hands so effectively that Karim forgot everything but the need to show his wife just how he felt about her.