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Kadeem sighed. It looked like he was going to be on show, this evening. He was to be the prize on display for all to examine. At least that was how it felt, right now, as he waited to go downstairs.
He thought about earlier in the day. He'd loved every moment of being with Eliana. Discovering the place where she'd grown up. Where she'd become the beautiful princess who'd burrowed her way into his heart. It had been fascinating listening to her telling him of her time as a child.He'd learned so much about her during that simple walk through the palace.
And then they'd gone out to the garden. And, to his shock, something had come between them. Some unspoken barrier had appeared, just as he'd held her in his arms. He'd felt her body tighten, and he'd seen the sudden distance in her eyes. He wondered if he'd said something to offend her. Maybe his declaration had been too bold. Too decisive.
Part of him understood how that might have troubled her. But, he'd had no choice but to speak with absolute sincerity. He wanted her to understand that, as far as he was concerned, this was no game.
But, the way she'd looked at him had truly shocked him. He'd seen her soft gaze become suddenly cold and distant.
He sighed heavily as he made his way back into the room. He examined himself in the mirror. He wore his traditional white robe and headdress. He had to admit to himself that it did look striking. As if he'd just emerged out of the desert on a wild, black stallion.
He smiled sardonically. He looked like a fantasy version of what a sheikh should look like. It bordered on the undignified, he told himself. But he'd decided it was important to show people who he really was.
Kadeem wasn't planning on leaving any time soon. It was important he make a bold, decisive gesture. And he could think of nothing more bold than walking into the reception hall, dressed in his finest robe and with the woman he intended to take as his wife.
Kadeem glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly time for him to leave the room.
Eliana would be waiting for him.
They'd arranged to meet at the top of the stairs. He wasn't sure where her rooms were, but he guessed they couldn't be far from his.
Once they met at the head of the stairs, then they would walk down together. He considered it an appropriate way for them both to show themselves off to the guests. He didn't plan to let Eliana out of his sight for the entire evening.
There was a knock at the door. He frowned, wondering if it could be one of the servants. They seemed comfortable coming to him, attending to his every need. There was hardly anything he'd been allowed to do for himself since arriving. They'd even offered to help him dress, but he'd politely and firmly declined.
Kadeem opened the door and breathed in sharply. Eliana was standing at the door. She looked incredible, dressed like a true princess, in a stunning white gown, decorated with pearls. On her head she wore a very small, delicately fashioned tiara.
He felt his heartbeat quicken at the sight of her.
"Ellie," he gasped.
Her eyes brightened. She took hold of the gown's edge and flicked it outwards, showing herself to him, seeking approval. He didn't hesitate. "You look stunning," he murmured.
Her features lit up as she beamed at him. "You like it?"
"Like it? I love it," he exclaimed. "You're not supposed to be here," he added.
She tilted her head and smiled. "Who says? This is my home. I can do what I like."
"Weren't we supposed to meet at the head of the steps?"
She shook her head. "I didn't want to wait."
He smiled at that comment, because it had been exactly what he'd been thinking earlier as he'd been preparing himself.
Eliana ran her gaze down the length of his white robe. "You look different," she observed with a sly grin.
"This is who I really am."
She nodded approvingly. "I like it. You look like you just stepped out of the desert."
He heard distant footsteps and glanced down the length of the corridor. Quickly, he reached out and seized her by the arm, drawing her quickly into his room. She giggled as she stumbled into his arms. He kicked the door shut and wrapped his arms around her.
Immediately his lips crashed down upon hers. Her lips were sweet and warm and moist. He savored the tender sensations of the kiss, probing her mouth gently with his tongue. She responded immediately, moaning quietly and shifting her curves against him. He ran his hand down the length of her slim body, feeling the silk dress against his fingers. Her scent was intoxicating, filling his senses, triggering instant need.
Their lips parted and he looked at her. He saw how much the kiss had affected her. As much as it had done him, he reflected.
Pure, mutual desire.
