His Defiant Desert Queen(77)

                “Oh, I think it can. You’ve already made me half mad.” She sat up, and pulled him forward to kiss him deeply, drawing his breath into her, opening her mouth to him, welcoming the tip of his tongue, sucking on the tip even as he thrust his fingers into her. She was so close to shattering, so close that she was afraid he’d stop, and walk away, and leave her aching. “I need you,” she whispered against his mouth, frantic for him, frantic for release.

                “You have me,” he answered, his hands where she needed them, his mouth on hers, his tongue answering hers.

                Her fingers curled into his crisp hair. Her nails pressed against his scalp. She leaned into him, pressing her breasts to his chest, letting her hips move, grinding against his hand. She was wanton but he felt good and tasted good and right now, she felt alive, and hungry for life, which was so different from how she’d felt this past year.

                To go from dead to life...

                To feel beautiful, and powerful...

                He brought her to a climax, and she cried out as she shattered against him. She tipped her head against his, panting in release.

                She should be horrified. Instead she felt strong. Hopeful. Jemma opened her eyes, looked into his. “What have you done to me?” she whispered.

                “I’m just making sure you’re satisfied,” he said, kissing her.

                “I’m satisfied,” she said, still breathless. “But what about you?”

                “I’m good.”

                “Yes,” she agreed. “You are.” And he did feel good. He felt solid and real and permanent in the best sort of way. “Can we now go to the bedroom?”

                He kissed her again, and smoothed her hair back from her face. “I wish I could. Unfortunately, I have another conference call and this one is going to take a while. The staff knows to serve you dinner when you’re hungry. Don’t wait for me.”

                “Not again!”

                “I know it’s frustrating but it’s important. Trust me.” His dark eyes held hers, searching hers. “Do you believe me?”

                She sighed, and nodded, because she did believe him. She couldn’t imagine him lying to her. Not now. Not ever. “Yes.”

                “Just know that I will come to you tonight in the Amethyst Chamber, as soon as I can.”

                “I don’t want to go there without you.”

                “But I will be there, laeela. I promise. Soon.”

                * * *

                She ate dinner alone in the Amethyst Chamber, the walls painted a deep plum, and then stenciled in gold. The low wooden bed was framed with long embroidered silk curtains in shades of purple and plum, with violet hued pillows and a silk coverlet decorating the bed.

                She didn’t belong here, she thought, finishing her dinner, and returning the dishes to the tray by the door.

                She didn’t belong in Saidia and she didn’t belong in Mikael’s life. When she was with him, he distracted her from reality, making her forget what was true and important.

                Like her work, and her family.

                Like getting back to London and to those who did love her.