Her Desert Protector, page 12
“Is something wrong? Umm, Sir.” Zoey stood with her clothes in her hands.
“No. You are perfect.” Khalid crossed to her, took her clothing and tossed it on the chair. He cupped her breasts. “If you forget to address me as Sir, it’s fine. We haven’t played together before, and I’m not that hard-core.”
Zoey let out a moan at his touch, and he hid a smile. Full, round, and all his. He toyed with her nipples until they were taut, and she shifted from one foot to the other.
“I want to bind your breasts. Is that okay?” He dropped a kiss on the curve of each luscious globe.
“All right.” Her voice was shaky, but her body was flushed and her eyes bright.
“Stay right there.” Khalid dropped to a knee, opened his bag, and began pulling out his rope and safety equipment. He rose with several different lengths of hemp rope in his hand.
He ran his fingers over the rope. His nerves instantly calmed, and he was centered. “Since this is our first time together. I won’t make it very complicated.”
Zoey nodded, her gaze on his hands as he uncoiled the rope and stepped towards her.
“Have you ever had an injury to your back? Arms? Chest?”
“No.”
“If you start to go numb anywhere let me know.”
“I will.”
Her voice was soft, but there was a slight tremble to it. Khalid cupped her chin with his free hand and lifted her face until he could see into her eyes. They were still bright but clear.
“It’s important, Zoey. I’m not going to tie anything too tight, but sometimes I can hit a pressure point or a nerve even when I try not to.”
“I understand.” She shifted from one foot to the other again.
“Good.” Khalid stepped in front of her and held up the rope. “This is hemp, it’s the best rope, and I like to use it for this. It might feel a little rough against your skin, but it won’t cause abrasions.”
Zoey nodded and took a deep breath as Khalid’s arms encircled her and the rope touched her back. Her nerves tingled when the rope made contact with her skin. Earlier, when he’d kissed her, her body had come alive. Now it was like every single nerve anticipated his touch.
His hands adjusted the rope before coming around to her front. He wound the rope over the top of her breasts, and then behind her, and over again. He was right. The rope wasn’t uncomfortable.
The way his fingers danced over her skin as he moved the rope into the position he wanted shot flames of desire through her. His concentration was on her and somehow that helped her relax and let go.
She’d never really given up full control in the bedroom before, but with Khalid it seemed to come naturally. Her breathing deepened as he continued his rope play. Round and round. Zoey kept her gaze straight ahead.
The pressure on her breasts increased. Not painfully, but her breasts felt fuller; compressed might be a better word. She fought not to look. Her nipples were standing at attention, and her clit pulsed.
This was way more sensual than she’d imagined. The sure touch of Khalid’s hands, the rope against her skin, and his calm breathing put her into a state of relaxation.
“Are you doing all right?” he asked.
“Yes, Sir. Fine.”
“Put your hands behind your back.”
A shiver went through her body at his words. She obeyed. His fingers encircled her left wrist.
“Relax and let me move your arm.”
She took a deep breath and made her arm go lax.
“Very good.” His warm breath brushed her shoulder as he bent her arm at the elbow. Rope encircled her wrist, before she could think about it, his fingers were at her right hand. This time she stayed relaxed.
Khalid stepped in front of her, and Zoey tugged at her hands. They were bound behind her. A sense of vulnerability flowed through her veins, then she looked at Khalid.
His dark eyes were filled with passion and need. Trust in him allowed her muscles to go lax, and she could only stare at him. “So beautiful.” He stripped off his shirt.
Zoey’s mouth went dry. Damn, this man was ripped. The muscles on his chest danced as he threw his shirt to the chair. His deep bronze skin made her think of soft desert sand at sunset. Her gaze continued down to where his pants rested low on his hips.
He had a smattering of dark hair peeking out and there was a distinct bulge behind the fabric. Her gaze traveled back up his body until she met his eyes. Fire and desire burned in those dark eyes of his.
“Still with me?”
Zoey blinked. Then realized what he was asking. “Yes, I’m fine, Sir.”
“Good.” Khalid stepped closer until his chest brushed against her nipples. She had barely processed the sensations when his warm fingers cupped her face as he lowered his lips to her.
She opened her mouth to his questing tongue. As they kissed he rubbed his chest against hers. Her nipples tightened further, and her pussy twitched. This man was just kissing and rubbing his body against hers, and yet, her body was on fire.
His lips left hers and trailed down her neck, past the rope to her nipples. He enveloped the first one in his hot mouth.
Zoey cried out, her head falling back at the sensation of his tongue flicking her nipple. She tugged at her hands, but they were bound well. When he moved to the other one, her knees wobbled. The sensations coursing through her body made her light-headed. Or maybe it was the man himself.
His arm slid around her waist, holding her up as he nipped and sucked her nipple. Heat spread through her body at an alarming rate. Her clit pulsed and her pussy clenched. His mouth was creating such delicious sensations.
“Zoey,” he whispered, his cool breath caressing her skin. “Look down, baby. See what I see.”
She lowered her head and let out a gasp. The rope was tied above and below her breasts, squeezing them, but also making them fuller. Her nipples were hard like little berries.
The heat and desire in his eyes made her skin tingle with pleasure and need. “I want you,” she whispered.
A grin blossomed over his lips. He stood and put his arms around her back. Within minutes her wrists were free, and then her breasts. His fingers massaged her arms before he picked her up and carried her to the bed.
He threw back the comforter and gently set her down. He took off her shoes and socks and unfastened her pants. “How did shibari make you feel?” His fingers slid beneath the fabric. She lifted her hips so he could strip off her pants.
“Hot,” she whispered.
Khalid laughed. “Your body is so pliant right now.” He tossed her pants and underwear aside.
Zoey shifted on the cool sheets. She was naked and he was still dressed, yet she wasn’t cold. No, the heat coming from his eyes was keeping her warm. She held her arms out to him. She wanted his skin against hers. His body on hers.
“Soon.” He skimmed his hands over her legs as he pushed them apart and knelt between them. “First I get to feast.”
Before she could react, his fingers were parting her nether lips and his mouth covered her mound. At the first flick of his tongue her hips bucked. “Khalid.” His tongue swept up and down over her clit, creating delicious sensations throughout her body.
“You taste like honey.” His voice was husky.
“I need you,” she whispered, as her fingers grasped at his shoulders.
He gave a sharp nod. Khalid stripped out of his pants and reached for the nightstand. Zoey grasped his hand in hers. “I’m safe, and I’m on the pill.” Her breath caught at her first sight of him. Damn, the man was built.
Khalid entwined his fingers with hers as he moved over her body. He took her hands over her head and pressed them against the mattress. He shifted his hips. The tip of his cock brushed her entrance.
He shifted his hips. “Yes,” she whispered, her fingers tightening on his as his cock pushed in. Her pussy stretched with his entrance.
“So tight.”
“It’s been a while.” Her breathing rushed out of her as he surged into her. “Damn.”
His lips brushed her forehead. “Zoey?”
“I’m good. You’re just so ... big.”
“I think you’re exaggerating.” He pulled back and then thrust back in.
“Right.” She panted as he began moving faster. “Oh, yes, Khalid.” Her toes began to tingle, and that feeling moved up her legs and spread through her body. She wasn’t going to last long; it had been too long.
He rotated his hips, and his cock rubbed her G-spot. “Fuck.” Her pussy tightened as her climax rolled through her.
“That’s it, baby. Come for me. Let me feel you.” He kept thrusting.
Zoey didn’t think she could take much more as she began to float down from her orgasm, but another started to build.
Khalid thrust hard, and he began to pulse inside her, trigging another climax.
He rolled them to their side, still connected as the aftershocks flowed through both of their bodies, their harsh breathing filling the room.
She tried to gather her scrambled thoughts, but instead, she kissed his cheek and whispered, “That was fantastic,” before her lashes fell.
Khalid grinned as Zoey fell asleep. He’d worn her out. That wasn’t a bad thing. He shifted, pulling himself from her willing body. Lord, this woman disarmed him like no other.
He went into the bathroom and cleaned up, then came back with a warm washcloth and cleaned Zoey up. Once that was done, he grabbed the comforter and climbed into bed.
When he put his arm around Zoey, she cuddled right up to him, and he pulled the comforter over both of them. She most definitely was getting under his skin, and he didn’t mind it at all. Now he just had to keep her safe.
9
Zoey found Catherine, Sara, and Bobbie in the dining room the next morning. Khalid had woken her with a kiss before leaving to meet with Ryan. She’d snuggled into his warm spot for a while, then got up. She had a long list of things to do today.
“Oh, good, Zoey, you’re here,” Catherine said. “Come sit down.”
She grabbed a cup of coffee and then took a seat next to Catherine. “What’s going on?”
“Here.” Sara handed her a piece of paper.
Zoey looked at it. “Ah, the top ten events for the anniversary party.”
“Yep,” Bobbie said. “We’re going to figure out which ones we’ll each attend.”
“I’m not part of the royal family.” She really wasn’t.
“Really?” Sara’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “You are as much family as the rest of us. Plus I noticed Khalid leading you into his room last night. Is it getting serious between you two?”
Zoey closed her eyes as her cheeks heated. Damn, she’d hoped no one had seen them. What could she say? It was the truth. Part of her wanted to be part of the family.
“Quit teasing. Good for the two of you,” Catherine said. “Besides, anyone can see you and Khalid are a couple, and therefore you are most definitely part of the family. So let’s go through this list.”
Zoey wanted to protest, but the happiness in Catherine’s eyes stopped her. Maybe being a part of the family, at least for a short time, wouldn’t be so bad. She hoped they’d understand when she left for her next job.
For the next two hours, the women ate, drank, and discussed the list until they’d figured out who would go to which events. “I’ll get this to Khalid, so he and the guys can go over all the security procedures.”
Zoey’s stomach fluttered. “Catherine, I’ll need to go shopping. I don’t travel with fancy clothes, so I don’t have anything with me.”
“Oh, that’s no problem. I’ll take you to the marketplace to see Ramala. She’ll get you fixed up in no time,” Catherine said.
“We should all go,” Sara said.
Bobbie groaned. “I guess so.” Bobbie grinned at Zoey. “I hate getting dressed up. I’m more a jeans and T-shirt kind of gal.”
“And I’m a khakis, T-shirt, and hiking boots type.” Zoey laughed.
“That’s settled. I’ll let Malik know we need to go see Ramala, so he can talk with Khalid and arrange it. This afternoon, if we can. The first event starts next Monday.”
Zoey fell onto her bed at six. Dinner was in an hour. She just wanted to curl up and go to sleep. Shopping with Catherine and Sara had been an experience. At least she hadn’t been alone in that. Even Bobbie seemed a little overwhelmed at times.
Rolling to her feet, Zoey went into the bathroom and turned on the shower, stripped out of her clothes, and got under the hot water. Oh, that felt so good. She’d been enfolded in material, measurements had been taken, colors had been discussed. Zoey had explained that she was more comfortable in pants than dresses, but Ramala had assured her anything that was made for her would be comfortable.
All of them were to return to Ramala’s in two days for a fitting so any adjustments could be made.
The shower door was pushed open, and Zoey opened her mouth to scream when Khalid stepped in.
“You scared me.” She slapped his shoulder.
“I knocked, but you didn’t answer.” He pulled her wet body against his. “I came in, heard the shower, and thought I’d join you.”
Her bones melted. “I’m glad you did. I missed you.” She wiggled against his growing erection.
“Behave, woman.” He pinched her nipple, making her squeal. “Dinner is soon, but I couldn’t wait another minute to have you in my arms.”
Zoey sighed and turned in his embrace. This strong, handsome man was doing things to her insides that no other had accomplished. She went up on her toes and brushed her lips against his. “Later, then,” she whispered before he captured her mouth in a deep, hard kiss. If she wasn’t careful she was going to fall in love with this man, and she couldn’t do that. She had her job and her freedom to consider. And soon. But not tonight. Not right now. She gave herself up to the sensations coursing through her.
The next few days passed in relative quiet. The outfits Ramala had made were fabulous. Even Zoey had to admit the long dresses she’d made were comfortable. Plus, Ramala had made some very light pant-slips that could be worn under the dresses after Zoey’s comment about being uncomfortable in that attire.
Each day, the brothers met with Khalid’s security team, going over the events, all the plans, etc. They included the women’s bodyguards, so during this time the women were confined to the palace. While they complained, they were good-natured about it.
Khalid had taken her aside and apologized about her having to curtail some of her time in town. Zoey told him she understood. He was trying to protect her and the others, but when they weren’t under house arrest, she wanted to go out.
Khalid grinned and told her, “Of course.” So Habib took her into Bashir City to work. And after she had requested it, with Khalid’s approval, she was taken to the villages just outside the city limits, so she could talk to the people about the anniversary and take pictures.
Zoey already had enough material for ten more articles. She was learning so much about what Bashir had to offer. While the country did have oil, it also had crops of wheat and cotton, fruit and nut trees, sheep and cattle. It was a very well-rounded country. It helped that each region was able to concentrate on a different product.
The people she’d met loved working the land, and skills were often passed from father to son and mother to daughter. She loved listening to them talk, telling stories about their families. There was obvious pride.
Occasionally she would ask one of the older men about Kalif and how he felt about what was happening. The men called Kalif a traitor and hoped he would be gone soon. Several of the men spoke with the security team that accompanied Zoey.
Zoey stood up from the makeshift workstation in her room and stretched. She’d just finished another article. Tomorrow, she’d sort out the pictures.
On Monday, the anniversary celebration would begin. Malik and Catherine were attending the first event that night, more or less like an opening ceremony. Khalid would be there with the security team.
A knock on her door brought her out of her musings. She opened the door to see Khalid standing there. “Hi, sweetheart.” He leaned down and kissed her.
Since the night they’d done shibari and first had sex, he’d been more open with her. Kissing her, sharing showers, sleeping together, and just being with each other.
“Hi, I wasn’t expecting to see you until later,” she said, closing the door after he entered her room.
“Everything is under control, and I was ordered to take some time off.”
Zoey laughed. “Like you follow orders.”
“In this case, yes. I’ve missed you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her again.
Zoey melted against him. “I’ve missed you too,” she said after he broke the kiss.
“I thought since all the craziness would start on Monday, maybe tonight we’d have dinner in my room and enjoy some private time together.”
She smiled. “I’d love that. What are you planning?”
“A surprise. Come to my room at six.” He brushed another kiss over her lips before releasing her. “Just wear the robe I put in your closet and nothing else.” With those words he opened the door and left.
Robe? What robe? Zoey walked over to the closet and looked inside. Yep, hanging there was a beautiful forest-green robe. With a giggle, Zoey went and shut down her computer.
She wanted to take a quick shower and shave her legs to get ready for her night with Khalid.
Khalid checked everything in his room once again. Why was he so nervous? They’d already done shibari together and made love, but tonight he wanted to take her higher.
His ropes were all laid out, along with several toys and something he’d made for her earlier. A knock on the door had him taking a deep breath before crossing the room to open the door.
Zoey stood there, her eyes bright. “Umm ... let me in.” She pushed at his chest, and he fell back a step as she swept past him. This wasn’t like her.
“Is everything all right?” he asked, closing the door.
