The Sheikh’s Secret Heir(37)

He sent her a knockout grin before he kissed her senseless, using his wicked tongue in some very suggestive ways. “I suppose we could utilize the kitchen countertops here,” he began after breaking the kiss, “but unfortunately dinner preparation has begun.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled at his sudden show of humor. “Honestly, I like being on a comfy mattress.”

“I was actually suggesting a new position we have not tried before.” He rolled her to her side and whispered, “One that will only enhance your climax.”

When he pressed his erection against her bottom, she looked back with him over one shoulder. “I’m going to trust you on this.”

He draped her leg over his thigh. “You may trust that you will feel sensations you have never felt before.”

When Tarek slipped inside her, Kira wholeheartedly agreed with his assessment. She keenly experienced every nuance of his body as he began to move in a steady rhythm, felt every gentle caress with heightened awareness as he delved between her legs with skilled fingers. She did miss seeing his face so she could witness that instant when he achieved his release, but his nearness almost made up for that piece of the sensual Tarek puzzle.

When he picked up the tempo, with both his thrusts and touches, Kira quit thinking about anything as her orgasm began to arrive with the speed of a runaway locomotive. The first strong spasm hit, but Tarek didn’t let up, bringing their lovemaking to new, wild heights. She felt the tension in his frame and heard the sound of his harsh breathing as he tightened his hold on her. By the time he climaxed with a shudder and a groan, Kira was as spent as she’d ever been in his arms, and more satisfied than she ever thought possible.

In the quiet aftermath, she realized all too well that this would soon be coming to an end, something she had known all along but hadn’t wanted to accept. Even if Tarek opted to be a part of his child’s life, he would never forgive her for not telling him sooner. He would probably want nothing to do with her after they left Cyprus. Only one way to find out, as painful as it might be.

After Tarek laid back and took her into his arms, Kira rested her cheek on his chest, her favorite place to be. A brief span of silence passed before she decided it might be best to lead into the disclosure with casual conversation. “I talked with Elena right before you came in.”

He began rubbing the side of her thigh with slow, even strokes, refueling her hormones and hindering her concentration. “I hope all is well with the palace and you are not being summoned back to Bajul.”

“Everything’s fine,” she said as she listened to the steady beat of his heart. “I do have a message for you from Elena, though. She wants you to stop by when we’re back in Bajul and meet with her.”

“For what reason?”

“Something about a Moroccan woman with your last name that a friend of hers once knew. She thinks you might have a mutual connection.”

He suddenly stopped caressing her altogether. “I would be surprised if that were the case. There are several Moroccan citizens with my surname.”

“That’s what I told her, but I promised I’d pass the message on to you.”

“I will see her if I can find the time when I return.” His tone sounded strangely irritable, as if he found the request unpalatable. She couldn’t imagine anyone not liking the former governess. Nevertheless, a subject change seemed to be in order. One that would aid in the transition to baby news.

“Have you spoken with Yasmin lately?” she asked.

“Earlier this morning,” he said. “She is very pleased over the puppy I gave her, though he is a mixed breed that one of my staff found wandering the streets.”

“Those are the best kind of dogs.”

“Yasmin seems to believe that to be the case. She called to tell me she has named him after me.”

He had given a child a dog, and that indicated he had good paternal instincts. The fact that the child had given the dog his name spoke to her fondness for her reluctant replacement patriarch. “I’m sure there aren’t too many Tareks running around in the canine world.”

“Not Tarek. She calls him Poppy, which she has called me when she’s attempting to persuade me into allowing her to have a treat or stay up past her bedtime.”

Just a few more indicators that he must be closer to the little girl than he’d previously led on. “Sounds to me like she’s quite smitten with you, too.”

“She is a good-natured child.”

She could be his real child if he’d only give fatherhood a chance. Maybe knowing he would soon have a baby of his own would prompt him to change his mind.