| The Sheiks Of Kumar - Part II The Warrior By CJ |
| Chapter 13 Eleven adults, five children and two teenagers were present at the dinner the night before Nik’s and Tara’s wedding. The dinning room was both immense and formal and Shawna shifted uneasily in her seat as she tried to watch her manners and not spill anything on the tight daisy colored off the shoulder dress Aria had loaned her for the occasion. The Armanjani family had been gracious in allowing Tara and Nik to hold an American style wedding, right down to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Nik had insisted that since Tara was marrying him in Kumar, away from her friends and homeland, that they must hold a traditional American ceremony. He assured all that once the trouble with the threats was settled, they would hold a traditional celebration in Kumar for the entire municipality. Until then, however, their ceremony would be only for immediate family. Kareem sat next to Shawna and tugged on her arm often during dinner to grab her attention. He would show her something he was doing, but rarely said anything. She noticed he wasn’t much of a talker and his uncle was following suit. Rafee was sitting directly across from her and he had been more than quiet this evening. His eyes would stray to her on occasion, and he would smile her way when she caught his stare. Perhaps it was just the formal atmosphere that had changed his mood. He was dressed in a crisp tan suit with a dark blue dress shirt and silk tie. He filled out a suit better than he did a T-shirt and jeans and when she thought about the body that suit was covering, she felt a chill pass down her spine. When the dinner was finally drawing to a close, Sheik Aarif made a short toast introducing Tara and Jenny to the family. Then he handed the floor over to Nik who looked upon his bride to be with such love and admiration that Shawna was certain she would cry from the emotion. But she held it together and watched as Nik presented both Tara and Jenny with exquisite gifts for the wedding and something else that they both cherished. “I know you are not a woman who begs for gifts, Tara,” Nik said. “But I want you to have this gift of jewelry to remember our wedding day by. I also want to hand over what is rightfully yours and that is Villa Serena.” Nik handed her a stuffed envelope. “You and Jenny are the rightful owners and I want you to have it back in your family name because it is what is right.” “But Nik…” Tara began to argue. Nik had then placed a finger upon her lips to quiet her protest saying, “Do not argue, my love, it is yours.” He then hugged and kissed both Tara and Jenny with endearment before straitening and looking with mischief across the table to his brother. “Rafee, did you not also have a brief presentation to make?” Nik asked. Rafee’s eyes narrowed on his brother and Shawna was waiting for a retort to fly from his mouth. Instead, all he said was, “Perhaps later.” “Later? Rafee, come now, there is no time like the present,” Nik insisted. Rafee visibly hesitated for several moments, before standing slowly. Nik rounded the table and sat, his eyes expectantly upon his brother. “I do not know if this is the custom in an American wedding, but since I will be standing up for my brother and Shawna for Tara, I felt compelled to see to it that the maid of honor had all she needed for the wedding,” he said. “It is my duty to see to it, Shawna.” Rafee looked around and every person in the room was smiling at him as though they knew his secret feelings for Shawna. He felt like he was on display and wanted to turn and exit the room. But this was his family and Shawna was more than just his friend. If he couldn’t step out from behind the shield of his pride in front of them, then he could do so in front of no one. “I know that Shawna is much like Tara when it comes to accepting generosity,” he continued, “but I hope she will make an exception for me tonight.” He rounded the table and stopped next to Shawna. She gazed up at him with both worried and curious eyes. He almost laughed at the anxiety written upon her face, but he kept it in check and pulled the velvet box from his inside coat pocket. “For the most beautiful maid of honor I have yet to see,” he said softly and handed her the box. Shawna gasped when she opened the box and saw the eloquent diamond necklace she had tried on with the wedding gown along with matching earrings. She had never owned such a piece of jewelry and never imagined she would. It was the most generous of gifts and had Rafee not handed it to her in front of the entire Armanjani household, she would have immediately closed the box and handed it back as quickly as possible without staring at its stunning beauty. “Rafee, its lovely. But…I mean, I could never…” “You certainly can accept it and you will accept it,” he ordered gently, taking her hand in his and kissing it. “It is not only fitting for you, it is also a good start at bribing you to sell me your classic car.” Shawna was glad for his humor. It broke the incredibly serious and awestricken stares that were being thrown their way by shocked family members and provided her an easy way to accept the gift. “With these types of bribes, I might just reconsider selling you my Mustang,” she replied. “Thank you. Its lovely.” Rafee could have easily left it on that note and his family would have thought it nothing more than a generous gift for the maid of honor. But it was more than that and he didn’t want to end with such a light tone. Kissing her hand again and holding it hostage against his chest, he declared for all to hear, “Yes, it is lovely, but not nearly as lovely as you. And when I saw that necklace upon your neck I knew no other woman could wear it but you, my darling.” A heat filled her cheeks and Shawna swallowed down a lump of emotion. Never had a man said words to her endearing enough to cause her to almost cry. It was the same emotion that Nik’s words to Tara had caused for her and she suddenly wondered if Rafee felt something for her. He was looking at her with such tenderness and for the first time, he had made a declaration for all to hear that wasn’t a dispute of his intimate connection with her. But her musings were disrupted by the sheik’s voice. “With that note,” Sheik Aarif said standing, “my wife and I will retire for the evening.” It was the beginning of the end of dinner and soon everyone was filtering out with congratulations for Tara and Nik and conspiratorial smiles for Rafee and Shawna. Not much later, Rafee returned to Shawna’s side after bidding his sisters goodnight and held out his arm for escort. “May I walk you back to your room?” he asked her with a politeness he had kept hidden from her for the past two weeks. “I would like that,” she said smiling. Just the touch of his arm was bringing back memories of the night before and as Shawna clasped the velvet box in her hand, a plan was evolving in her mind. They reached her bedroom door with little conversation and when she released Rafee’s arm and stood in front of him, she kissed his cheek platonically and said, “Thank you again for the necklace and earrings. I almost feel bad accepting them.” “Why? I wanted you to have them,” he said. “I know and that is why I am accepting them. But I don’t want you to think all us American women are after your status and title and fine gifts,” she teased. Rafee touched her cheek and leaned closer. “You? Never.” He kissed her lips and he hoped it was enough of a kiss to telegraph to her that he wanted her in his bed tonight. He would not ask her directly, for it would appear as if he were begging for retribution for the jewelry and one had nothing to do with the other. He had given her the diamonds to prove he cared, but he wanted her in his bed to prove she drove him mad with desire. Breaking the kiss off with a hand to his chest, Shawna kept him at bay and said, “I’d better get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow.” Rafee frowned, though he tried not to look too displeased and took a reluctant step back. “Yes, we do. Sleep well, Shawna. I will see you tomorrow then,” he replied and slowly walked the hall to his room. Shawna giggled as she stepped into her room. Rafee had so easily backed away, granting her her wishes, but looking as though he disliked doing so. He was a man of honor and though she knew he expected nothing in return for the gift he had bestowed upon her, she would give him something anyway. She took a few minutes to undress, freshen up and put the jewelry on before she padded back down the hall barefoot. She knocked gently on Rafee’s door and heard the command to enter. Trying to keep a straight face, Shawna entered his room and closed the door behind her. “Shawna. Is something the matter?” Rafee asked as his eyes fell upon her. He was standing at his closet, his shoes, jacket and tie put away and his blue dress shirt unbuttoned and hanging on his shoulders. Just the sight of his bare chest drove spirals of desire down her body and she pulled the white robe she wore tighter about her body, being sure to keep it clasped at the neck to hide the diamonds. “Nothing’s the matter,” she answered. “I just wanted your opinion about something before I went to sleep.” He appeared slightly disappointed as he inquired, “My opinion on what?” Shawna untied the sash of her robe and allowed the robe’s satiny material to slowly slide down her naked body. When the white material was at a heap on the floor, she smiled at Rafee with what she hoped was a seductive look and answered, “I wanted your opinion on the jewelry. Does it look all right?” She watched as Rafee stood, dumbstruck, his eyes glued to her naked form. Then a tomcat grin filled his face and he asked back, “You’re wearing jewelry?” “That’s about the only thing I’m wearing,” she drawled. “How does the entire ensemble look?” Rafee’s eyes raked over her face and naked body before he answered, “Perfect. Absolutely perfect.” He moved to her, swiftly and kissed her lips. It took much willpower to step back from her to catch his breath, for he knew he could not rush things. Just as he’d kept events slow the night before, he would do so now. His hands cradled her face and he stared at her sparkling green eyes and radiant skin. The jewels around her neck shimmered in the light of his room and the only image that could compete with the one of her in that wedding dress was this sight now. “I have never seen someone so beautiful,” he said aloud in his native language. “And I have never desired another as I do you, Shawna.” Her fingers glided along his bare chest and the words he spoke to her sounded heavenly, though she could not understand their meaning. “What did you say?” she inquired. It took him a moment to realize he had not spoken to her in English, but he was in no mood to repeat himself for he wanted to move on to other activities. Shaking his head, he told her, “Nothing too important. Certainly nothing as important as making love to you.” “I wanted to surprise you, Rafee,” she said as his lips trailed hot kisses down her neck. “I wanted to look beautiful and sophisticated.” “You have surprised me. I did not expect you tonight. Nor was I going to ask. I wanted to let you come to me when you were ready,” he said. “I was ready last night,” she declared. “I’ve been thinking about holding you like this all day.” “As have I. Only,” he pulled back and looked her over again, “I never expected this.” “I figured you were a man of the world,” she said with a small smile. “I thought my showing up in nothing but diamonds would entice you.” “You entice me,” he said resolutely. “And I only notice the jewelry because it is on you.” She remembered the night before he had insisted that she was enough to excite him. She felt confident enough that if she had shown up without the grand entrance, he’d still be ravishing her with kisses. But she had wanted to give him something he would never forget and after tonight, she hoped he would always remember her. “Then make love to me. Now,” she demanded. “Now, later, tomorrow. Anytime you desire, my love,” he whispered and gathered her in his arms as his lips and tongue teased her breasts. Shawna moaned from the sheer pleasure he brought her and closed her eyes as her hands landed in his hair. She urged him on with touches and small gasps and he teased her breasts until her head was spinning out of control with desire. When he straightened and captured her lips again, Shawna pushed his shirt from his shoulders and broke away to taste the flavor of his chest. Again, she discovered that she had a power over him for he responded to her teasing with urgent caresses and stifled groans. When her hands landed upon his leather belt, Rafee felt something snap inside him and he urgently rushed them to the bed. Throwing the comforter back with one hand, his other held Shawna to him so he could ravish her lips. Then with a devious and quite confident glint in her eye, Shawna sat in front of him and slowly unzipped his slacks, sliding them down his legs. She ran her hands over his torso, down his thighs and then straight up the front of him, pausing on the waistband of his underwear. Pressing her lips to his abdomen and teasing his control, she leisurely guided his white boxer-briefs down his legs. He stood before her, naked and more masculine than she had ever imagined in her dreams. Rafee was powerful in every way a man could be powerful and Shawna realized the instant she saw him in his aroused state that making love with him would be the ultimate pleasure. Feeling wanton and in command, Shawna gently stroked him and watched as he closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. Then she took him in her mouth and heard a choked groan force its way out of his throat. After only a few moments of pleasuring him, Rafee’s hand landed on her face and he gently urged her away from him. She looked up at him with wonder and saw a passionate fire about ready to explode in his eyes. She had unleashed something amazing within him and she knew then that he was going to take over the control of the lovemaking. “Enough of that, sweetheart,” he said almost in a growl. “Or we’ll be finished too quickly. And I plan on loving you for the rest of the night.” Scooting back on the bed and leaning on her elbows, Shawna gazed up at Rafee with a seductive look. But he needed no more seducing for the expression on his face told her nothing would stop him from having her tonight. “Do you?” she inquired. He pushed her legs apart and knelt on the bed between them. Placing his hands on either side of her he leaned toward her. His arousal barely teased her at the sensitive area between her legs, and Shawna shuddered. “Yes, I do. Because you see, hell has frozen over tonight and I don’t think it will be thawing out for a very long while.” Such light words coming from a man who was overflowing with passion! But Shawna knew he was just trying to keep her feeling comfortable. However, it was no longer necessary. She felt comfortable with Rafee and though she enjoyed his humor, she only needed his touch tonight. “Then if that’s the case,” Shawna said placing her hand on his face and rising to meet his lips, “what are you waiting for?” A crooked grin filled his face as his lips met hers. As he kissed her, he slowly eased himself into her and Shawna gasped at the hard feel of him inside her. He took advantage of her gasp to deepen the kiss and Shawna was surrounded by his essence in nearly every way possible. Rafee moved slowly against her, allowing her to adjust to him inside her. His instinct was to move quickly and take her hard and fast. But this was Shawna, the woman he cared about, the woman who was his friend and partner, and he wanted to rush nothing with her. Though each movement was bringing him closer to losing his control, he held back with every bit of strength he had until Shawna began moving against him with a rhythm not indicative of a beginner. And when she shuddered and whispered his name urgently, he felt himself falling over the abyss of desire. Thrusting deep and hard he too whispered her name, and was aware of none of his surroundings, aside from the feel of the woman’s body beneath him. They remained in each other’s embrace for a long moment, breathing rapidly, their skin slick and hot next to one another. Then when Rafee began to roll off her, Shawna clung to him, pushing him to his back and straddling him. “I want you again already,” she declared, not wanting to break the intimate contact. “I knew you would test my endurance,” he returned with a smile. She kissed his face and stroked his cheek. “I never knew it could feel this wonderful. I felt like I was exploding inside.” Shawna rocked against him and Rafee immediately felt his desire rekindle. “And how did it feel for you?” she then inquired. “Was I satisfying enough?” “You are more than enough,” he said sweetly as he kissed her lips. “But I am not satisfied for I need you again too.” With that as permission, Shawna sat up and took him completely inside her. She rocked slowly knowing that nothing she would experience in her future with any other man would ever be this glorious. And she realized then that she never wanted another man. She only wanted Rafee. She only loved Rafee. Yet could it ever be? Did he want her in his life for longer than it took to solve this case? Or would she merely be a stop over on his way to visit Nik in California every few months? She prayed it was neither. She prayed he wanted her with him always, but given the type of man he was—driven, successful and irresistible—she doubted he would be with her much longer. ** They made love for several hours. Rafee used her body completely and by the time they lay quietly in the night wrapped in each other’s embrace, Shawna wasn’t sure whether to cry from the sheer emotion of the experience, or sigh heavily from her physical exhaustion. “Not bad for an over-inflated oil sheik,” Shawna drawled with humor. Rafee chuckled lowly and stroked her cheek with a finger. “And you were quite magnificent for a conceited American.” “And for so long I feared you would taunt me in the bedroom. I was so wrong,” Shawna commented. Rafee rolled to his back and pulled Shawna to his chest. She laid her head on his chest while he tenderly stroked her hair. “Perhaps your fears were founded upon some truth,” he admitted. “When we first met in California, I was not very civil toward you. And, I have not been very fair in judging your culture.” “Why?” she inquired. “You said so yourself that you spent very little time in America.” Rafee sighed, knowing he would have to swallow his pride to explain things to Shawna. He owed her an explanation. “I have spent very little time there. But I felt I was justified because I once knew an American in college. A girl I fell in love with.” He paused and reconsidered that. “At least, I thought I was in love.” Shawna pushed from his chest and gaped at him in disbelief. “Really? I never would have guessed.” “No, I doubt anyone would. I have kept it hidden well and allowed that relationship to greatly affect my attitude and me. Nikash thinks its silly, but then, he wasn’t the one who was used.” “You would never let anyone use you,” Shawna refuted. “Now. Then, however, I was only twenty. And she was very beautiful. We were at Oxford together. Nikash had already graduated and I felt as if I was on my own for the first time.” “And she broke your heart?” Shawna surmised. Rafee shook his head. “Not entirely. I thought then she had, but now I realize I had not cared for her deeply enough to cause that. But she did sour me on her culture. She was from old money on the East Coast. She was shallow and transparent, but I never saw that until much later. She cared for me because of my title, because of my money. And that impression of Americans has stuck with me ever since. I experienced America’s drive for status first hand and since then, I have continued to judge it harshly.” “And now?” Shawna asked, amazed that Rafee had so openly discussed his past with her. “What do you think now?” Gazing at her with kindness and reverence, Rafee answered, “Now, I think that I can stand America, though I do not wish to ever live there. And I realize that I wasted a lot of time arguing with you over silly stereotypes, when I could have been making love to you.” Shawna smiled and touched his face. “Just think of all that quarreling as foreplay, honey. Each argument developed our passions.” “Then we must quarrel often,” he teased, “to keep our passions alive.” “I doubt we’ll have a problem keeping our passions alive,” Shawna insisted, remembering how much passion had passed between them tonight. “And be sure we will clash in the future. It is inevitable. But I will never use you, Rafee. I don’t care what you own or what title you are, just what’s inside.” “I know that now, Shawna,” he returned. “You are a wonderful woman. There is nothing fake about you. And because of that, we will always be dear friends.” Dear friends? Shawna rolled that around in her mind for a while. She didn’t want to be just dear friends. But what other option did she have? It was obvious that Rafee was not a man who ever wanted to settle down. His early history had soured him not only on the American way of life, but more than likely also on commitment. Yet she would not push for a commitment from him because she loved him. And because she loved him, she would take what she could get and then return home when the time arrived. Until then, she was in his arms and next to his warm body. She would relish the nearness while it still existed. ** A light knock reverberated off the bedroom door and Shawna stirred from the noise. She lifted her head and glanced around the large room expecting to see Rafee on his way to answer the door. But he was nowhere in sight and the spot next to her where he had slept was cold. The person at the door knocked again and Shawna sat up and found her robe on the floor along with the pile she’d created with Rafee’s clothes. She picked up his clothes, threw them on the foot of the bed and was just about to answer the door when it opened on its own accord. Devesh stood in the doorway dressed casually. When his dark eyes landed on her they filled with shock for a moment. “Forgive the intrusion,” he said quickly. Then, seemed to relax and he smiled broadly and asked, “Where is Rafee?” Shawna again glanced around the room trying to find a clue as to where he might have gone. His watch and cellular phone were still on the nightstand so he must not have ventured far. With the recent crisis, he never walked two feet without his phone handy. Then she heard the faint sound of running water coming from the closed bathroom door at the right of the room. Pointing toward the closed door, she said, “He’s, uh, taking a shower.” “Very good. Nikash and I were wondering where he was. He was supposed to meet us a half hour ago,” Devesh said. “It is very unusual for him to be late. And I do believe the bride is looking for you.” “I suppose she is,” Shawna drawled and started for the door. “Uh, Ms. Patrick,” Devesh said, halting her. Shawna turned to face him. Devesh pointed to Rafee’s nightstand. “Do not forget those. Weren’t you suppose to wear them today for the wedding?” Her necklace and earrings sparkled on the nightstand and Shawna smiled sheepishly as she placed the jewelry in her robe pocket then exited out of the room. She made it to her room unnoticed and found her breakfast sitting on the table by the balcony. A night with Rafee had made her ravenous, and she sat down to eat before seeking out Tara. Just thinking about the incredible night of romance and passion with Rafee brought a heat to her skin. He had been both tender and sensual and she regretted nothing but the fact that she would not have him in her bed for the rest of her life. Yet today was Tara’s wedding day and was not a time for brooding over events that were out of her control. She would cherish the time she was given and enjoy the glorious sunny day that had presented itself for Nik’s and Tara’s wedding. It was only a few minutes later that Tara entered her room. She too was dressed in a robe and her long hair was mostly dry. She scowled at her friend and inquired immediately, “Where in the world have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you.” “I guess you just didn’t look in the right place,” Shawna said evasively. Tara eyed her suspiciously and said, “I guess I didn’t. Care to tell me where you were?” “Not really.” Shawna stood and stretched. Her body ached wonderfully from her exertions the night before and though she wanted to get Tara married, she wanted to return to Rafee’s bed as well. Tara glanced at Shawna critically, and then looked around the room. When her eyes landed on her perfectly made bed, Tara smiled widely. “You were up to something last night, weren’t you?” Tara asked. “And I bet I know what you were doing?” “Do you?” “Yes, you’re not the only detective around here,” she drawled pointing to the bed. “You were with Rafee last night.” Shawna maintained a serious expression, hoping she showed no surprise or embarrassment over Tara’s correct guess. Then slowly, she asked, “Is that what you think?” “Its what I suspect,” Tara agreed. “So? Are you going to tell me?” “Tell you what?” Shawna hedged. Placing a frustrated hand on her hip, Tara shot out, “Tell me that you’ve fallen in love with Rafee!” When Shawna failed to answer, Tara said sweetly, “Shawna, you and I have been friends since we were Jenny’s age. We learned about boys together, remember? And if you can’t tell me now about your feelings, whom else are you going to talk to? Your brothers?” Shawna laughed picturing that and shook her head. “No, I certainly could not relay any of last night to them,” she admitted. “And you’re right. I wasn’t in my room, I was with Rafee.” “And?” Tara probed. “What else?” “And though he and I hated the sight of one another when we first met, my feelings have definitely evolved. I do love him, but…well, you know how unsure everything is when you fall in love with one of the Armanjani sheiks.” Tara moved next to Shawna and hugged her tightly. “Yes, I do know how unsure everything seems, but look at Nik and I. His family has accepted me, he loves me and today I’m marrying the Crown Prince of Kumar. Don’t be so pessimistic about Rafee.” Pulling away, Shawna nodded then added, “I know. But our situation is different. Nik wants to stay at Villa Serena with you. Rafee wants to stay here and I have a career in California.” Reassuringly, Tara said, “You can always work something out.” “Perhaps I can…but Tara, he doesn’t love me.” The phrase “dear friends” again reverberated through her mind and Shawna felt a pang of hurt. Why couldn’t Rafee love her in return? Brushing her friend’s hair out of her eyes with tender concern, Tara refuted, “I wouldn’t necessarily say that. Did you see the look in his eyes last night when he gave you that gift?” Shawna shrugged. “Give it time, Shawna,” Tara suggested. “Rafee’s the kind of man who will take time to admit and realize what he’s feeling. Unlike his brother who knew he loved me the moment we met practically, Rafee is not a sappy romantic. He’s stubborn, like you. But he does love you, I’m sure of it.” ** Rafee stood in his shower, turning the water as hot as he could stand to wash away the soreness in his muscles. Steam billowed around him, fogging up the glass doors of his shower but the faint squeak of the door notified him of a visitor despite his impaired vision. “Why don’t you come join me, darling?” he asked over the spray of the shower. He had not wanted to wake Shawna this morning when he had gotten up, for her sleeping form was too angelic to disturb. So, he had left her in his bed while he went about getting ready for the day and planned on waking her with a warm hug and a long kiss as soon as he was finished. But, she was here now, so he may as well invite her into the shower. They could get ready together and perhaps extinguish more of those fires that were burning in his gut. Though they had spent hours in the throws of passion and his body was feeling its weary affects this morning because of that, Rafee still yearned for Shawna as if he had never had her the night before. “That certainly adds a new dimension to our relationship, Rafee,” a man answered back with humor. Rafee cursed and stuck his head out of the shower door. Devesh was standing in the doorway, leaning smugly against the doorjamb, his arms crossed and his eyes looking devious. Rafee cursed again and closed the shower door. “I thought you were the maid,” he drawled sarcastically. “Is that what you’re calling Ms. Patrick these days? The maid?” Devesh inquired. Not answering his question, Rafee asked back, “Is Uncle Laxman coming to the wedding today?” Rafee turned off the water and grabbed a towel. He stepped out of the shower and watched Devesh frown. “You wouldn’t dare,” Devesh said. “Oh, I would,” Rafee declared. “You know I would.” Devesh pushed away from the door and that smug look was now completely gone. “In that case, perhaps it was only the maid I saw leaving your room this morning,” Devesh said. Rafee laughed and said, “That’s right. Let’s keep the rumors down, shall we?” “Very well,” Devesh agreed. “But after last night’s dinner, its no secret that you have feelings for Shawna. Everyone heard what you said and everyone saw the way you looked at her.” “I admire her, yes,” Rafee admitted. “Admire? Is that what it’s called now-a-days?” Devesh inquired. “Then I suppose I merely admire your cousin too.” “If Laxman asks, yes, you only admire Anika. And if anyone asks about Shawna and I, we admire one another as well. Understand?” Though Rafee felt very close to Shawna and had opened the doors for speculation at last night’s dinner, he was not ready to admit that he was falling in love. No, that would take much longer, if ever, for him to admit. He may have begun to step out from behind the shield of his pride last night, but he had not yet exposed himself entirely. “Completely,” Devesh answered, then turned and left. ** Tara may be sure that Rafee loved her, but Shawna was not. Yes, Rafee had made exquisite love to her the night before bringing pleasure to her at every turn, but it did not mean he loved her. She thought about that while she showered and dried her hair. Rafee may not yet love her, but she knew she loved him. That realization had smacked her with such force a few nights ago, as she’d lain in his arms. But she didn’t want to risk telling him how she felt for it might make him run. She remembered his story from the night before and what she had heard between the words was that because he had been burned once, he would not allow it to happen again. He didn’t want a commitment, and because of that, he had said they would always be “dear friends” but nothing more. She couldn’t tell him she loved him, but she did want to share something with him. He had been so kind to her these past couple days and those diamonds had been the most beautiful gift she had ever received. She wanted to give him something in return, something with which to always remember her by and an idea hit her completely. Slipping back into her robe, Shawna walked down the hall to Nik’s room and knocked. He told her to come in and she found him and Devesh hanging up their black tuxedos and laying out all their things for the wedding. Nik’s room was as large as Rafee’s, but not as dark. It was decorated in beiges and light browns and a cool breeze filtered through the open windows. Nik smiled at her and said in a light tone, “Shawna, what a surprise. Is everything going well down at the other end of the hall?” “I think so,” she said. “Tara seems fine so far.” “Good. I would hate for my bride to get cold feet before the wedding.” Shawna shook her head. “Tara? Never. Besides, she’s so head over heals right now, I don’t think she’s at all nervous.” “Neither am I,” Nik insisted. “Now, what can we do for you?” “I, uh, came to ask a favor,” she began. “I need some assistance figuring out how best to ship my Mustang over here.” Nik smiled widely and asked, “Has Rafee finally worn you down? How much did he offer you for that car?” “Nothing. I’m not selling him the car. I’m giving him the car,” Shawna said. It was the most appropriate token she could think of to show him her feelings. That car was a creation that signified so much about her and her family ties. Giving it to Rafee meant she cherished him as much as she cherished her family. If someone had told her two weeks ago that she would give up her Mustang, she would have had them committed. Now, it felt only natural to hand the keys over to Rafee. Nik and Devesh both looked at each other for a long moment with wonder, and then Devesh glanced away and seemed to smile knowingly to himself. “Give him the car?” Nik asked. “Really?” “Yes. I mean, look what he gave me last night…the jewelry was gorgeous. I just feel I owe him,” Shawna tried to explain. “Owe him?” Nik asked, aghast. “Shawna, my brother does not expect anything in return for his gift. He would never stand for that.” “I know,” Shawna quickly defended. “But I want him to have it. I want to give him something in return.” She saw a strange spark enter Devesh’s eyes. Shawna knew what he was thinking. He had found her in Rafee’s room this morning and was no doubt saying to himself that she had already given Rafee something in return! She blushed realizing that Devesh knew of her feelings for Rafee, yet giving Rafee her Mustang was going to tell the whole world how she felt anyhow, so she swallowed her pride and waited for Nik to answer. “You are sure about this?” Nik questioned. Shawna nodded her head vigorously. “Yes. Very sure.” Just then, Rafee entered the bedroom. He was shirtless and dressed only in black pants. When his eyes landed on Shawna, she was certain everyone could tell what they had done the night before. It was the first she’d seen of him this morning and her desire surged through her full force. She could make love with him again this morning and was certain it would feel as profound as it had the night before. “Shawna,” he said with a small smile. “How are you this morning?” “Uh, fine,” she said. His tone was so matter of fact, so…normal! “That’s good,” he said, then shifted his eyes to his brother. “Nikash, I was going to let you know that I want to run over a few security measures with the palace guards before the wedding. I’ll be back shortly to assist you with whatever you may need.” “That will be fine,” Nik answered. “Shawna?” Rafee then inquired. “Care to join me? You might be interested in some of the precautions we’re taking today.” “I would if I weren’t running way behind,” she said, sorry she couldn’t join him. “I have a lot to get ready for still.” “Very well,” he said and closed the door. Shawna steadied her breathing, for it had visibly quickened when he had entered the room with that gorgeous chest and handsome face, then turned back toward the other men. “It seems that you and Rafee…admire one another now,” Devesh said with a hint of uncharacteristic sarcasm. “We do get along well now,” Shawna said back. Nik chuckled but said nothing more than, “If you want to have your car sent here, Devesh will assist you.” “Thank you,” Shawna answered and backed away. “Oh, and please give the bride my love,” Nik requested with a smile. “Certainly,” Shawna said, and slipped out the door, closing it behind her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Warrior - Chapter 14 |