CHAPTER SIX
AS BETH arched her back, resting her hands above her head in an attitude of innocent sensuality, Khal found the urge to bring her pleasure overwhelming. But still he held back, knowing delay would bring its own rewards. He gave her lingering kisses on her lips and on her neck. He suckled her nipples until she writhed helplessly beneath him, begging for more. He lavished his attention on her soft, warm belly, and was impatient to discover if this cushioned perfection extended to every part of her.
While they were kissing he removed his shirt, and the sensation of naked flesh on flesh hit him like an electric shock. The one thing he hadn't bargained for was Beth releasing the fastening on his jeans while he was recovering. It made him laugh at her audacity, it made him hold her in his arms and transmit all that he was feeling into her eyes. It felt so right, so good to him, and as they wrestled playfully he discovered they fit together perfectly, even though he was so much bigger than she was. She was like a tiny, tender kernel at the heart of a ripe fruit and as she strained towards him, drawing her legs back in anticipation of even more pleasure, he teased her with the tip. Almost at once the pleasure waves threatened, and as she bucked towards him, exclaiming in excitement, he drew back. 'Not yet … '
'Why not?' she demanded, eyes wide as she struggled to understand the complexities of love-making.
'Because I enjoy teasing you.'
'Then I'll have to take matters into my own hands,' she threatened, though he knew she would wait for him to set the pace. Escaping her grasp, he moved down, tasting and teasing her, preparing her and laving her with his tongue until she rolled her head from side to side, gasping with excitement. There was no awkwardness between them now, just hot, hungry need, and as he eased her legs apart even more she gripped his shoulders and stared into his eyes, showing him how much she trusted him. Pouting, silky warmth greeted him, a playground in which to lose himself, a welcoming cushion where he could sink.
'Now,' she begged him. 'Now!' she cried out more insistently. 'I want more of you … I want all of you … '
He sank into her like coming home, wondering if he had the willpower to endure such pleasure. Beth's fingers bit into his shoulders while he moved carefully at first, and then firmly and rhythmically to give her the satisfaction she craved. He plunged deep and then withdrew, so that it was like taking her for the first time over and over again, and she cried out with increasing pleasure at each stroke. He was sorry when it was over for her too soon, and realised it was a measure of her inexperience, but as she cried out his name he used all his wiles to prolong the pleasure for her. He wanted her to enjoy every moment. And when she quietened he continued to move gently and insistently, kissing her all the while until he felt her respond.
'You're amazing,' she whispered, starting to work her hips against him. How could she be ready for more? But she was. Incredibly, she was. He had awoken something in Beth that matched his own hunger, and it touched him to see her blossoming into a woman in his arms.
Khal never tired. How could that be? He was at her service, pleasuring her until she couldn't stop herself, and until all thoughts of control had vanished from her mind. She was greedy for him, and he was offering her a feast. When he withdrew briefly one time she weighed him in her hands, marvelling at his size, and wondering at the pleasure he could give her. She was on the point of asking him directly where his stamina came from when he moved behind her, bringing his leg over hers, and trapping her in the most deliciously receptive position imaginable, telling her, 'I think you'll enjoy the Q'Adaran way now … '
'I'm sure I will,' she agreed, gasping a little when Khal pressed her forward and took her again. He moved so deeply he stretched her, and, at the same time as setting up a regular rhythm, the hand that wasn't pressing her forward was playing a delicate game with fingertips that brought such extremes of pleasure she could only moan her appreciation in time to each stroke and thrust.
'Yes?' Khal husked against her back.
Did he expect her to speak? She could only make a sound like an animal urging him on. How many times was it now? So many times. And this time was so powerful she must have passed out for a moment-because the next thing she knew she was safely nestled in Khal's arms, and he was stroking her and kissing her, lulling her to sleep.
'Can't we stay here for ever?' Beth asked Khal later, impulsively, when they emerged hand in hand from the sea. They had made love again beneath the stars and the moon, and with the ocean bathing their limbs in warm, limpid water.
'For ever is a long time.'
His words sent a shiver down her back. Only minutes before she had been resting on a pillow of undulating water with her legs locked round Khal's waist. His feet had been firmly planted on the sea bed, while she gazed at the stars and dreamed of 'for ever'. Now it seemed her cries of release had mingled with the surf and carried those dreams away. She had spoken carelessly. It sounded foolish and childish to her now, and as Khal let go of her hand Beth felt he must think so too. Returning to dry land was a return to reality for both of them. The sheikh and the shop girl's relative positions in life had been firmly re-established. Making love with Khal had been the most extraordinary experience of her life, as well as the most deeply moving … for her. But for him … Was it over now?
'I'll take you back when you're dressed,' Khal said.
'I'd like to go straight back to my room, if you don't mind?' Beth said, proud of herself when her voice remained as steady as his. She still had her pride. 'I need to shower all this salt off me.'
'Of course.'
Khal's matter-of-fact tone spoke more clearly than any words could about the wedge between them, and it was growing wider all the time. The fairy-tale was over, Beth thought, casting a wistful glance behind them at the ocean.
The clock struck as they arrived back in the courtyard outside Beth's room. Was it possible she had only been with Khal so short a time? It had felt like a lifetime of growing closer and learning to trust, until the doubt had set in. Beth paused with her hand resting on the rough stone archway, watching Khal stride away. He was purposeful now, moving on to the next part of his life. They had parted with the briefest of caresses-just a touch of his hand on her face. If she closed her eyes she could still feel it …
'Ms Torrance.'
Beth gasped guiltily and swung around to see the Dowager Sheikha approaching. 'I'm sorry, Your Majesty, have you been looking for me?'
The Dowager Sheikha took a step back, and her gaze swept over Beth. 'I missed you in the ballroom. They told me you had left the palace, and I wanted to be sure you were safe. I want you to leave Q'Adar with happy memories. You have enjoyed your stay, Ms Torrance?'
'Oh, yes, Your Majesty!' Beth exclaimed, her honesty bursting through the need for caution. Beth blushed deep red, realising she had almost betrayed herself. Had the Dowager Sheikha seen her son leave the courtyard?
'You're a sweet child, and I can tell that my son is very much taken with you.'
'Oh?' Beth bit down on her lip, acutely conscious of how tender and swollen it was after all Khal's kisses, and she knew that her cheeks must still be red from the rasp of his stubble.
'You don't have to pretend with me, Ms Torrance. Hard as it may be for you to believe, I was young once, and I too met a sheikh under unusual circumstances … '
Beth wished she could think of something to say to allay the Dowager Sheikha's fears. Having seen the beautiful princesses, she knew Khal's mother had high hopes for her son's marriage. But what could she say? It wasn't her way to lie or fudge an issue, and she could hardly confess the truth. The truth. The truth was burning its way through her heart. She dipped into another curtsey. 'I'm sorry if I disturbed you, Your Majesty, it's very late, and I'm sure you must be tired.'