Her fingers clamped around the fabric and pulled it close. He gestured her forward again and this time she went. Once in the other room, she saw another harem costume laid out on one of the couches, this one in lavender and rich purple, with iridescent beads.
"Although I have seen you totally naked, you probably wish that I turn around while you dress, yes?"
"Yes."
Why was he being so cooperative all of a sudden?
He turned and she quickly pulled on the skimpy thong and skirt, then fastened the belt around her hips. When she tried to fasten the bra, however, she ran into problems. She could not manage the strange hooks on the heavily beaded, snug fitting garment. She struggled and struggled.
"Is there some problem?" he asked.
"I … can't seem to … get this … uh … top fastened."
He chuckled. "May I be of assistance?"
"Uh … Maybe one of the women ..."
"Nonsense."
He turned around and she clamped her hands tighter on the bra, which currently hid her breasts but she had an irrational fear that it would fall off. Irrational mostly because he'd already seen all she had.
He stepped toward her. She stared up at him and he stared down at her.
"Well?" His eyebrow arched upward.
"What?"
He made a circular motion with his finger and she realized he wanted her to turn around. Duh. Her brain really had come unhinged.
She turned around and his large, masculine fingers touched her skin and a quivering sensation shimmered down her back. Within two seconds, he had the bra fastened. Then his fingers stroked along the band, lightly, caressing her skin, sending her common sense fleeing as she longed for him to slide his hands around her and cup her breasts. She tugged on the sides of the bra to ensure it was secure and stepped forward, putting an end to the sensuous spell of his touch.
"Now, let me look at you."
"Are you really giving me a choice?"
He touched her shoulder lightly, sending shivers of awareness through her.
"I want your permission."
She hesitated. She could refuse, but where would that get her? On the other hand, if she gave her permission, would he take it as something more?
She sighed and gave a single nod.
His gaze caressed the length of her body, sending heat burning along her skin. As his gaze settled on the curve of her breasts, pushing out the top of the bra, she could barely stand still.
"You've already seen me naked," she snapped.
"Yes, and that was very … arousing, but a garment such as this adds a different level of allure. The way it pushes your bosom up. The way the cascade of beads caresses the delicate skin of your abdomen. The way your long, shapely thighs peek out from the flowing fabric of the skirt.
Her cheeks flushed at his words. They made her feel sexy and attractive, despite embarrassing her. She wasn't used to feeling sexy. As his gaze began to travel again, she realized she wanted him to look at her. Wanted him to find her attractive.
This was crazy. Here she stood, enduring … no, luxuriating … in his perusal and the way it made her feel. Silently, she prayed he would sit down first so she could pick a seat far away from him. Finally, he placed his hand on the small of her back, sending more tremors through her, and guided her forward.
"Sit here, Angelica."
She sat on the couch he indicated, then he sat beside her. He clapped his hands together and an array of servants appeared carrying a multitude of covered dishes. They set up a low table in front of Kadin and her, and one of the servants placed a tall candelabra on the table. The lights dimmed as the woman lit the candles, filling the room with a warm glow. Soon the table was filled with serving platters full of spicy, colorful foods. Angelica didn't recognize any of them, but the lovely aromas set her mouth watering. Someone poured wine from an ornate, glass decanter into tall, crystal goblets. Finally, all the servants left. One covered dish remained and she glanced at him and raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, that," he said. "I wasn't sure if you would enjoy our cuisine so I had this brought in." He lifted the lid and, underneath, was a McDonald's Big Mac, fries, and a milkshake.
It looked so out of place among the elaborate feast he'd set out. She covered her mouth with one hand, stifling a giggle.
"They have such … restaurants … at the airport." He tipped his head and his expression grew taut as he noticed tears escaping her eyes. "Have I displeased you?"
"No." She wiped a tear of suppressed laughter from her eye. She hadn't meant to insult him, but so much had happened to her in the past twelve hours that the thought of some sultan, or whatever he was, buying her fast food at the airport and placing it amongst this scrumptious feast, all while punishing her, had just sent her over the edge.
In fact, she found the gesture rather sweet.
"It was very kind of you, but I would far prefer the other dishes that I'm sure your … staff has spent a lot of time preparing."
There. Maybe that would make up for her potentially insulting behavior.
He nodded his head and smiled. She seemed to have pleased him. Why did she find that thought pleased her?
He smiled. "Good."
Approval lit his charcoal eyes, unnerving her a little. She reached for the goblet of wine and took a sip. Red wine wasn't her favorite, but this one was superb, and it warmed her stomach and relaxed her frazzled nerves. She took another sip.
He helped her select foods, recommending various dishes. She sipped wine and ate, enjoying everything he offered. Finally, her stomach sated, the warmth of the wine talking the edge off her nervousness, she sat back and sighed.
"Ah, but you have left room for something sweet, have you not?"
He smiled and lifted a bunch of red grapes from one of the platters. He pulled one from its stem and lifted it to her mouth. He stroked it across her lips, sending a delicious tingling along the sensitive skin. She parted her lips, and he eased the grape into her mouth. She bit through the skin and the sweet nectar burst into her mouth.
Gently, he grasped her hand, surrounding it in warmth, and guided it toward him. She stiffened, wondering what he was going to do, and relaxed as he placed a grape between her fingers then drew her hand to his mouth. As he guided her to stroke the small globe against his lips, the tip of his tongue slipped out and teased her fingertips for a second before he grasped the grape in his teeth and drew it into his mouth. He freed her hand and plucked another grape, then touched it to his tongue, moistening it. He brought it to her mouth and stroked it across her lips. She imagined it was his mouth touching hers. She flicked out her tongue and touched the grape, wishing she was touching his tongue.
Encouraged, he lifted her hand and grazed his tongue across her palm. She sighed at the exquisite feel of him. He kissed along her forearm, then nuzzled the inside of her elbow. She melted back against the cushions. A moment later, he progressed to her shoulder and kissed her neck, sending her senses into a spiraling tornado of need.
She wanted him to kiss her, wanted his lips to ravage hers.
How could she allow this? How could her body want this unreasonable man?
Chapter Six
Kadin paused to sip his wine and watched the lovely Angelica relax against the cushions. The soft swell of her bosom rose and fell with her breathing.
She had to be the sexiest woman in the world. He had barely been able to contain himself when she had been bound against the wall and his women had touched her. He had almost burst at the erotic sight of her in the full glory of orgasm.
She reached for her wine and sipped, watching him. He thought about pressing his lips to the soft swell of her breasts, of freeing those breasts and capturing one enchanting nipple in his mouth. Of licking it, then sucking lightly, and feeling it harden and pebble in his mouth.
"You're going to have to force me, you know?" she said flatly. "If you insist on this punishment of yours."
His gaze darted back to her face and his eyes narrowed. He remembered the books she'd carried in her purse. Clearly, the idea of being captured and forced to submission turned her on. The thought occurred to him that maybe she was suggesting he do just that. Force her. As in, role-playing.
Maybe she wanted him to take on the role of dominating her. He had to admit, playing a game such as this appealed to him.
He beset a fierce expression on his face and dragged her toward him. His lips captured hers with a mastery meant to take her breath away. And it did.
Her soft lips moved delicately under his. His groin clenched and his cock, already in a state of semi-arousal, grew harder. Her delicate breath brushed against his face and he inhaled it, wanting to consume her.
She wanted him to force her, he was sure. He grabbed her wrists and pushed her down onto the couch while he nipped her neck, then kissed down her chest, anticipating the feel of her glorious breasts in his mouth. She made tiny protests, vague whimpers in a gasping voice that merely fueled the fire in his blood.