Ela might believe he had no valid reason not to enter the desert, but he did have one. Only one. But one big enough with the potential to derail him completely if he returned to the place where his nightmare had begun.
Elaheh feltthe thrill of the ride in every cell of her newly awakened body. The desert wind had pushed her hijab from her face and her hair flew out behind her. And for once she didn’t care how it looked. The early morning sun was warm on her face, and her stallion was at his responsive best. They galloped as one, the pounding of his hooves in time with her quickened heartbeat. She was relaxed, and yet fully aware, living in the moment in a way she couldn’t do when she was in the public eye. And she was always in the public eye.
She glanced across at Xander who, despite his protestations, looked superbly at ease on his mount. He might not be enjoying it, but he was certainly good at it. The thought suddenly crossed her mind that she didn’t know anything he wasn’t good at. If she had been asked to name one weakness in him, she wouldn’t have been able to. But surely no one was that strong? There were times she sensed an unease in him, but she had no idea as to its source. But maybe, just maybe, by putting him out of his comfort zone she’d be able to know him a little better. Especially if she bypassed the Shuruq Alshams Oasis and headed directly to the place she really wanted to go. She suspected he wouldn’t be aware of the change in itinerary.
And she was correct. While the desert was apparently featureless, she knew her way instinctively, drawn to the smudge on the horizon which indicated her destination. And Xander said nothing, merely rode silently alongside her.
Slowly the smudge took shape. Firstly the spiky leaves of the palm trees—their points dark against the deep blue sky on the horizon. Then the different shades of brown and green, then the birds who lived there. It was only as they approached that the mirage of shimmering water turned into the actual water of the oasis.
The land was a kind of no man’s land now and so only the most traditional Bedouin would use it. But not at this time of year. She knew it would be empty, and had taken precautions to make sure it was before they’d set off. The place had been secured and prepared for their arrival. Although she’d protested against the luxury of the castle, she was anxious to make sure Xander was comfortable. Both for himself, and for her. The more at ease he was, the more satisfaction he could give her, she thought with a smile.
As soon as they reached the first trees she jumped down and patted her horse, calming him after the brisk gallop.
Xander jumped off his horse and looked around. “Strange, I remember the Shuruq Alshams oasis as being smaller.”
Elaheh smiled, suddenly uneasy. She shouldn’t have tricked him, but this oasis was so beautiful that surely he’d forgive her once he understood where they really were.
He was frowning as he looked around. He started to walk toward the Roman ruins, hidden by the lush trees, which would betray the identity of the oasis. Elaheh’s heart beat quickly in panic as she realized that her stay would be cut short unless she did something quickly. She shot out her hand and grabbed his. It seemed she’d have to begin where she’d intended to end.
“Let me show you where we’ll be staying.”
For a moment she didn’t know if he’d agree, but then he glanced at her and his expression softened—changed from suspicion to warmth.
“It seems I can’t deny you anything,” he said with a smile.
“And that’s,”—she grinned back—“as it should be.”
Elaheh led him through the towering palms which hid the waters of the oasis and climbed up a narrow path to a tent which had been erected in the prime location, overlooking the verdant oasis, complete with Roman ruins of the ancient spa, now hidden by the tent.
She ran ahead and opened the rear curtain of the tent. She gave an exaggerated bow. “My sheikh,” she said with bowed head.
Xander walked through to the tent and she followed, watching as he absorbed all the fittings she’d instructed—principally the bed. Everything else was minimal, but the bed was fitted with luxuriant silk in all the rich colors Elaheh secretly loved—aubergine, copper, purples, reds—it looked like a jewel set in the bleached tones of the desert. She followed him inside and let the curtain fall. She was relieved to see the front entrance was still covered. Their location remained a secret. She’d deal with that later. After she’d got what she wanted.
He turned to her. “Looks like a scene for a seduction,” he said, a slight frown playing on his brow. For a moment she doubted her abilities to seduce. “But who’s seducing who?” he murmured. He approached her and thrust his fingers through her hair, his thumb stroking her cheek. Her doubts immediately evaporated. “Looks like my pupil has overcome her fears.”
She nodded, liking the way his fingers moved against her scalp. “I have, thanks to you.” She kissed the palm of his hand. “You showed me what true pleasure was like.” She held his dark gaze. “And I want more.”
He smiled, that rare smile. “Then, Ela, I will give you more.”
“Good, because I want… a lot more.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Anything in particular?”
She licked her lips, suddenly nervous at what she was about to ask.
“Go on,” he said gently. “Anything you want is okay by me.”
“I want sex. Full sex.” She paused but he didn’t reply. “I want you inside me,” she said for clarification in case he hadn’t understood. But the darkening in his eyes didn’t lighten.
“No.”
“No?” She wasn’t sure she’d heard right.
“That’s right, the answer is no. You need to save that for your husband.”
She ground her teeth in frustration. “I didn’t realize you were so old-fashioned.”
“I am when it comes to you.” He sighed, and caressed her shoulder. “Look, I want to help you. You suffered an experience no woman—certainly no girl—should endure.”