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She blinked, then turned to him. “You built this resort?”
He grinned. “This one was a bit of a pet project. I had dredged sand brought in to make up most of the land the resort sits on.”
Holy crap.The resort would have cost him millions. Perhaps billions. Little wonder her father had been pleased she’d trapped Jamal into marriage. That her dear old dad expected her to extract even more money to continue helping to save her homeland from financial ruin made her stomach clench.
She wasn’t a gold digger, but that was what her dad was making her. Jamal’s dowry had no doubt only whetted her dad’s appetite for more.
Jamal followed the lead car past the security gates and down a smooth, tree-lined road, the ocean a sparkling azure blanket either side of them. Super yachts and speed boats were moored safely in the manmade harbor, revealing the exclusivity of the resort. A trio of men had fun riding big shiny jet skis on the water, with salty trails of white left in their wake.
The land widened and the road split left and right, a glorious garden in the center showcasing lacy plants and tall spiked flowers. On one side three tall, curved buildings with balconies revealed holiday apartments. To the right, the road Jamal and his security detail took, little villas with thatched roofs sat over the ocean, each one showcasing a deck with their own infinity pool.
Jamal smiled at her and reached over to clasp her hand. “We call these the honeymoon huts,” he said, then lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles. “I thought you might prefer being close to the ocean.”
She gaped. “They’re perfect!”
As a sheikha she’d lived a relatively isolated life and had never really been anywhere besides her father’s palace and heavily guarded trips to the city and the markets. She’d had more freedom in England where she’d attended university, and had regularly enjoyed lunch and dinner outings at a nearby coffee shop and bar, but mostly she’d kept her head down and studied hard.
Doing anything more risqué would have seen her opportunity to study overseas forfeited.
As it was her father had sent at least two bodyguards to keep an eye on her. When she’d gotten too close to one of them he’d left university without even a goodbye, vanishing as though he’d never been. She’d enjoyed his company while it’d lasted. But although he’d seemed normal enough, his easy smile and charm had overlaid an intrinsic caution that had aroused her suspicions of his true identity.
His so called best friend had been the same way, his eyes watchful and distrustful, as though awaiting attack. The only difference was that he’d stayed distant to her and therefore hadn’t needed to leave his “studies.”
Jamal nodded with a satisfied smile. “The huts are self-sufficient and come with a fully stocked fridge and pantry. And no television or internet. Just swimming, snorkeling, relaxing,” he chuckled, “and sex. These villas were designed for honeymooners without the outside world encroaching on them.”
“It sounds wonderful.”
Though her husband overwhelmed her with his experience and power, she was up for the challenge. She wanted to be his equal in every way. Well…perhaps noteveryway. She enjoyed his dominance even as she sensed he’d held back thanks to her inexperience.
Not for much longer. She wasn’t made of glass. She wanted to be claimed by him without reserve. She wanted to enjoy the full force of his possession.
His gaze glinted as he glanced at her, a possessive touch to his eyes. “What better way to fully get to know one another?”
She couldn’t argue there. Excitement and anticipation pulsed through her and she couldn’t help but clap her hands when he pulled in front of what must be their hut. Except this one was completely secluded, with potted greenery and a screen enclosing the deck and giving them added privacy from the nearest hut.
The other side of their hut had no one to encroach on their views or their isolation. What was left of the sand spit narrowed dramatically before giving away to the sea.
Not even the taller apartment buildings that sat farther back encroached on their privacy.
She didn’t wait for her husband to open her door. She clambered out of the car and put a hand over her eyes to shield against the bright, midmorning sun, taking in what was to be their dwelling for the next seven days. She shivered. This was just the start of her life changing journey.
“Are you okay?” Jamal asked, his stare all too perceptive as he came to stand beside her.
Damn he was big, she was lucky to reach his shoulder. That he was dressed in western pants and a white shirt only made him seem more impressively powerful.
She brushed at her goose-bumped arms. “I guess I’m just a little overwhelmed.”
“You married a stranger. You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t a little bit dazed by it all.”
“You’re probably right.” She bit her bottom lip. “How are you feeling about us?”
He grinned. “No regrets, remember. I know what I want, angel. And what I want is you.”
Another shiver slipped down her spine. Being wanted was flattering and scary all at once. He did seem into her. But what if he lost interest? What if his feelings died and he wished he’d never agreed to marry her?
Ugh.She had to stop looking for holes in their marriage and enjoy his interest and attention while it lasted. Nothing was forever but maybe, just maybe, their wedded bliss wouldn’t completely fade.
She dragged her gaze away from the intensity of his stare to again focus on their honeymoon villa. Its bamboo walls and thatched roof gave it a Bali vibe and she itched to see the inside. She’d bet it was the premium hut. Not only did it sit farther out on the ocean, where a boardwalk gave them access, but going by the size of the deck it also had a far bigger infinity pool.
