| The Sheiks Of Kumar - Part II The Warrior By CJ |
| Chapter 14 The ceremony took place in the late afternoon. A ballroom had been set up for the ceremony and the reception spilled out onto the patio and pool area. There were several people there, but only family members, equaling nearly seventy-five guests. It was a very small wedding for the Crown Prince of Kumar, but its sophistication and romance could not be denied. Shawna found herself wiping at the corners of her eyes during the ceremony as she watched Tara and Nik declare their love for one another. She didn’t want to smear her make-up, so she tried to force the tears back. She even glanced across the aisle at Rafee and he seemed to smile mischievously at her for her emotions. But the wedding ended before she found herself incapacitated by tears and as she handed the bride back her bouquet of white roses, and followed the couple down the aisle on Rafee’s arm, she was able to quell all that had been causing the tears. She was ecstatic for her friend and suddenly, as she clung to Rafee’s arm, found herself wishing she too could have such a wedding. She looked up at the man escorting her. He had been nothing but polite and very cordial to her all day. Granted, she had barely seen him since this morning in Nik’s room, but still his manner did not suggest to her that anything had passed between them the night before. He was behaving as though it was another normal day around the palace and that they were simply friends attending his brother’s wedding. As they exited the ballroom for the patio being followed by guests, she nearly tripped over her long dress. She and Jenny had selected dresses that complimented Tara’s white silk sheath wedding dress. Their dresses were golden sand in color with criss-crossing straps in the back and a clinging a-line princess cut. Though they were elegant, if Shawna didn’t pay attention to where she was walking, she would trip all over the hem. Forcing her eyes away from Rafee’s serious profile in his black tuxedo, Shawna refocused on the events around them trying to keep her dress away from her feet. They were the subjects of many pictures and one very insistent professional photographer. Shawna was certain her face would crack as she smiled for the pictures. Jenny, however, appeared to be smiling both brightly and easily as she hung on Devesh’s arm for the photos, enjoying the day almost as much as Tara. After the photographs and congratulations, where she met nearly every relative but remembered very few by name, she found herself on the dancefloor in Rafee’s arms. She was already drained completely from the activities thus far and feeling him hold her securely, she let out a sigh of relief. “Tired?” he asked. Shawna nodded and said, “My shoes are killing me, my face hurts from smiling and I’m certain I’m going to step all over your feet during this dance.” He smiled at her and returned, “You have my permission to step all over my feet. I will not mind.” Shawna laughed, glad for his light words, though she was still feeling rather confused over his attitude. She expected some indication from him about how he felt over their night together. But she had been given no sign, no hint that what had passed between them would happen again. Just when she was convinced that Rafee would keep up his shield of propriety all evening, his hold tightened on her waist. Leaning his head near hers, he whispered in her ear, “I want you.” Shawna’s smile widened. “I was wondering if you remembered last night.” “It is burned into my memory,” he said. “I’m sorry we hardly saw each other earlier or I would have invited you for more this morning.” “Really?” Shawna asked. “Because you’ve been scarce all day.” “Not by choice,” he insisted. “Do not think I was avoiding you.” Shawna tilted her head and looked at his eyes. The evening sun was reflecting off of them just so, making them look like the golden sands of the desert, and Shawna smiled. He had not been avoiding her and the look his eyes were throwing her now showed more passion than they had the night before. “I won’t think that then,” she said. “Good, because I desire you again and I do not want you to think otherwise.” Shawna stepped even closer to him. She could feel his body pressing against hers and the fit was perfect. “Later then,” she declared. “I’ll meet you in my room tonight after the wedding.” “No. Now,” he demanded. Shawna glanced around. The song had not yet ended and all eyes were on the three couples dancing. If they left now, in the midst of the dance for the wedding party, everyone would see. “Rafee,” Shawna scolded, “everyone’s watching us.” He glanced up and appeared to only then notice the eyes of the guests. “After this dance then.” His hand tightened on hers and with that touch, waves of desire washed through Shawna. “I have not yet had my fill of you, sweetheart, and I fear I may never.” His request was not granted for immediately following that dance, Rana’s husband insisted on a dance. Then Sheik Aarif danced with Shawna, then Devesh, then Aria’s husband. And of course, little Kareem wanted his turn with her and then the groom. As she danced with Nik and saw Rafee standing near a doorway, his arms crossed and mouth frowning, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Is my dancing that humorous?” Nik inquired. “No, but the look upon your brother’s face is,” Shawna explained. Nik glanced at his brother then turned his attention back to Shawna. “Rafee has not gotten his way, I see. Tell me, Shawna, what was it that he wanted?” “Just a few minutes of privacy,” Shawna disclosed. “Ah, and that he has not gotten. Then I feel selfish dancing with you now. But if my brother wishes to have you to himself, he needs to come and claim you.” Nik threw a challenging stare his brother’s way and Shawna saw Rafee immediately straighten. A new determination entered Rafee’s face and he boldly strode to the dancefloor and tapped Nik on the shoulder. “Would you mind, Nikash, if I cut in?” Rafee asked. “Of course not,” Nik answered handing Shawna off. “But may I suggest you hurry away quickly. I think Uncle Laxman has his eye on Shawna for a dance next.” With a sharp nod of his head, Rafee took Shawna’s hand in his and tugged her past all the guests and into the palace hall. He walked swiftly and Shawna was certain she would not be able to keep up. “Rafee, slow down,” Shawna said as she laughed. They were behaving like teens, slipping away to fool around while everyone was occupied. He turned and looked down at her. She pulled off her strappy golden heals and held them up. “Can’t run in these.” He smiled, touched her face then yanked her into the nearest room. It was one of the parlor rooms off the main hall and he immediately kissed her lips as he closed the door behind them. “I have hated waiting for you all day,” he mumbled against her lips as he hurriedly kissed her as though they had but two minutes to satisfy their passion. “Me too,” Shawna echoed, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their desire was hot and thick between them and each kiss and caress drove their inner needs to the breaking point. Shawna was certain that if they didn’t have each other right then and there, that they would both die from the need. But something caught her attention and she halted their lovemaking. Turning her face from Rafee, Shawna looked to the far corner of the room and saw Jenny sitting on a pillow in front of an open window, crying softly. The girl had not yet seen them, and Shawna nodded her head in the girl’s direction. “Rafee, look,” Shawna said. He stopped, reluctantly, and followed her line of sight. When he saw Jenny, he frowned. “We should check on her,” Shawna suggested. Though there was heat blazing like the summer sun in his eyes, Rafee released her and said, “Of course.” Shawna respected him more in that moment than she had in anything else he had done. It was a purely selfless act to put his needs on hold to check on a crying thirteen-year-old girl. And when he approached Jenny and casually laid down on the pillow next to her, Shawna smiled brightly. “Jenny, what is the matter?” he asked the girl softly. Jenny sniffled and looked down at Rafee as she sat cross-legged on the pillow next to him. “Everything.” “Are you upset about the wedding?” he inquired. Jenny shook her head and Shawna moved to sit next to her. She placed her arm around Jenny’s shoulders and the girl immediately leaned against her body. Jenny was an affectionate child and she would snuggle next to anyone who offered her a gentle touch. “No, I’m glad Tara and Nik are getting married. But…well, something happened that really sucks,” she declared. “What’s that?” Shawna asked. “Well, I had this great idea that since Tara was marrying Nik and you and Rafee were sort of together, that I should find myself someone too. So, I fell in love with Devesh,” she explained. “You did?” Shawna asked. “When did this happen?” “I’ve always liked him. He’s so cute and really nice. We talked all the time at Villa Serena. And today, he was like my date and all.” “Yes, in a manner of speaking,” Shawna agreed. “But Jenny, Devesh is much older than you. He’s at least twice your age.” Rafee reached out and tugged on a curling strand of Jenny’s brunette hair. “Yes, I would think you deserved a much younger man.” Jenny giggled and wiped at her tears. “Maybe. But I really, really liked Dev. And it would have worked out so perfectly--Tara and Nik, you and Rafee, me and Dev.” Tenderly, Rafee explained, “Things don’t always work out the way you plan, Jenny. And so far, only one of your predictions has come true and that is Tara and Nikash.” “But what about you and Shawna?” Jenny asked. “Shawna and I are…” “Friends,” Shawna finished for him. “Really? That’s not what I think,” she insisted. “’Cause if you two are friends, that must mean Dev and that other girl are practically married.” “What other girl?” Rafee inquired, though he already knew the answer. “The real pretty tall girl who was kissing him upstairs in the hall. They were whispering to each other and all that mushy stuff. I saw that and I ran here. I just wanted to cry.” A fresh bunch of tears filled her eyes and she leaned against Shawna and cried again. After a few moments, Rafee handed Jenny the handkerchief from his jacket pocket. Jenny dabbed at her eyes and said, “I guess I’m just not as pretty as that other girl, huh? Because I don’t think Dev knows I like him at all.” Sitting up and placing his hand on Jenny’s face, Rafee declared, “You, my dear sister, are very beautiful. I’m sure Devesh would agree with me on that too. But you must understand that Devesh has known Anika all his life and they share something very deep. And you, well, you are like family to Dev. He loves you, but in the same way Nikash and myself love you. Do you understand?” Jenny nodded, her tears drying up instantly. “Yeah. I guess its better to have a big family than a boyfriend right now anyhow.” “That’s right,” Shawna agreed. Jenny leaned down and hugged Rafee. “Thanks, Rafee. I’m really glad I have you and Nik now. I love you both a lot.” “And we love you, Jenny,” he said. “Now, run upstairs and fix your make-up. We’ll wait here. I would be a very lucky man to be able to escort both you and the maid of honor for the rest of the evening.” “All right. I’ll hurry,” Jenny said brightly and ran out of the room. Shawna stared at Rafee’s face with awe. If it were possible for her love to grow with each new amazing feat he accomplished, it just had. She smiled at him and caressed his cheek. Then leaned forward and touched her lips to his for an instant. When she straightened, his eyes held a look of wonder. “You amaze me everyday, Rafee,” she told him. “And if it weren’t for the fact that we now have Jenny as our date for the evening, I’d drag you back to my room and do all sorts of things to you.” He kissed her lips, teasing her with his tongue, then pulled away and touched his forehead to hers. “And if I didn’t have two gorgeous women to escort tonight, I’d allow you to.” His hands burned as they dragged across her bare shoulders. “What I want to do to you right now! I am sure it will kill me tonight, waiting to have you again. I have never desired another as I do you. I could devour you now and it would not satisfy me. What is this that you have done?” He kissed her again then asked forcefully, “Tell me! Because I feel as though I cannot breathe without you.” His hand shook upon her face and his mouth kissed her hard, wantonly. Shawna moaned and pushed his jacket from his shoulders. She needed him desperately, yet she could not have him. At least not yet. “Please, let me take you now,” Rafee begged her. Shawna felt such a sense of empowerment. Never would she have guessed Rafee would be begging for her with such a frantic tone. Yet he was, and she was close to doing the same in return. “So, this is where the maid of honor and the best man have disappeared to,” came a taunting male voice from the doorway. Instead of pulling away, Rafee pushed his cheek against Shawna’s brow. He had to touch her, he had to still hold her despite the interruption. “Go away, Dev,” Rafee pleaded, his eyes closed, his breathing rapid. “Sorry, I can’t,” he insisted. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave this minute,” Rafee growled. He opened his eyes. Shawna was clutching his black vest, her head bowed and he gently kissed her brow. Devesh and Anika were standing in the doorway, smiling broadly and if Rafee had not been so drunk with desire he would have stood and chased them away. “I wish I could,” Devesh replied, holding up a cellular phone. “But there is a phone call for Ms. Patrick.” Devesh and Anika walked boldly into the room, handing Shawna the phone. Rafee released her and fell to his back on the soft throw pillows while she stood. Immediately, his cousin, dressed in a royal blue velvet dress, dropped beside him. Touching his forehead, Anika asked in their native tongue, “Are we feeling rather hot this evening, dear Rafee?” “Leave,” Rafee said back. “I am in no mood to be bothered.” “Obviously not,” she replied. “But now you know how I feel every waking day when I am not with Devesh.” She poked his chest. “It hurts right there every moment. Does it not?” “No, it does not,” he insisted stubbornly. “Really?” Anika asked in a taunt. “Because I could have sworn I just witness my brave cousin out of his mind over a woman he loves. You cannot even make it through one wedding ceremony without having to feel her. Just think how it must be for Dev and I when we are separated by oceans for months at a time. Just think…” She brushed a lock of hair off his forehead and stared intently at his face. “Fine, Anika, what do you want from me?” Rafee finally asked, hoping to quickly end the conversation so he could resume his passion with Shawna. “My father respects you, Rafee. He finds your judgement to be most impeccable. Convince him that Dev and I should be together. Convince him that I can continue my schooling in America, but on the West Coast. Perhaps Stanford. I have applied and already been accepted. But since father spent a year at Yale when he was young, he is insistent I go there. Convince him otherwise, please.” Anika laid her head on his chest and hugged him. Rafee was a pushover for his family. Anything they needed, he found a way to provide it. And Anika was very dear to his heart. She had a way of worming her way into his good graces and always bending him in her direction. And this instance was no different. “I will try,” Rafee agreed. “Now, get off me so I may go find my date.” Anika sat up but saw that Shawna was still on the phone, writing something down on a piece of paper. “You know,” she told Rafee, “I saw that you and she had something going on when I first laid eyes on you together.” He glared at his cousin as he sat up next to her. “You imagine too much,” he said. Anika frowned her red painted lips. “And you are too stubborn for your own good. Do not let that get in the way, Rafee. I would hate for anyone to feel like I do when Dev is away. It tortures your soul like nothing else. Do not let Shawna leave this place and return home unless you are certain you can live without her.” With those words in parting, Anika ruffled his hair and stood. “Well,” Shawna said with a sigh, “that was interesting.” “What is it?” Rafee inquired, seeing that Shawna’s passion had disappeared with the phone call. “That was Joseph. He said while sorting through Rodney Banks’ forgery records, he discovered something that may help us.” “What?” Rafee asked standing and moving beside her. “That man, Taamir al Rashid. Well, that’s a false name. Rodney Banks created a fake passport for him. I guess Gabe assisted with that.” “What is Rashid’s real name?” Shawna shrugged. “That’s the mystery. But Joseph is going on work on it for us. He’s going to ask Gabe about it.” That new information was certainly worth exploring, but Rafee had duties as the best man tonight at Nikash’s wedding and all contemplation would have to be put on hold until later. Holding out his arm to Shawna and seeing Jenny enter the room, Rafee asked, “Shall we?” Shawna threw him a smile that said, “Do we have any other choice?” and then followed along, holding his arm. He spent the rest of the evening in the company of Shawna and Jenny. They chatted with relatives and danced some more with Nik and Tara. Rafee found it difficult to keep his hands off Shawna and he kept thinking about the fire he’d felt for her in the parlor before Devesh and Anika’s interruption. It had stirred his soul and he wondered how much longer he would be able to hide behind his pride until he broke apart from his feelings. Shawna was again dancing with Kareem and Jenny was occupied with Kaia. Taking advantage of his independence from his dates, he approached his Uncle Laxman and began conversation. Laxman was much more traditional in his ways than was his father. Aarif had spent much more time abroad in his younger years, while Laxman had been more like himself in keeping closer to Kumar. Of course, Laxman and Aarif had grown up in a much different Kumar. They had lived in the palace during the days of the kingdom, when the Sheik of Kumar had been a ruler, not a figurehead and advisor as it was today. He began asking Laxman about the wedding and the man responded that he had enjoyed it immensely. “Although,” he added, “it was not traditional.” “Traditional for America,” Rafee reminded him. “Yes. I’m afraid we are incorporating more and more of western culture into our own. Do you not see that, Rafee?” Rafee nodded. “Yes, uncle. But that is the way of the world today. If we are to compete economically, we must adjust.” “Of course, we must,” he said with a heavy sigh. “Yet it still seems strange…the Crown Prince of Kumar living in California.” Rafee chuckled, “I know. But that is where he is happy.” Laxman and Rafee watched the party for a few moments in silence, before Rafee said, “You should visit Nikash in California when our troubles are resolved. You would enjoy it.” “I will visit Anika when she is at Yale. That, I will enjoy. I do not think I will enjoy California. It is much too fast paced,” Laxman declared. “I used to think the same,” Rafee acknowledged. “Now, I find it not so strange anymore. In fact, I was talking with Anika earlier. She is interested in studying in California.” Laxman frowned. “I have heard her mention it. But she is young. What does she know?” “She is twenty-five and very intelligent,” Rafee argued. “She knows more than you think.” “Does she?” Laxman asked with a challenge. His gray bearded face held a resolute frown and Rafee knew he had to tread carefully. “I believe she does,” Rafee said respectfully. “She applied to Stanford on her own and got accepted on her own. It is not a school to scoff at.” “No, it is not.” “She would be close to Nikash and his new wife. They live nearby. She would have more family there than she would in Connecticut,” Rafee reasoned. Laxman’s dark eyes narrowed on Rafee’s face. “Rafee, are you trying to persuade me to allow Anika to move to California?” “I am only looking out for my cousin,” he insisted. “She should be near family. There will not only be Nikash, but also Taj and Devesh. She would be looked after closely.” Laxman nodded. “I suppose she would be.” Then his eyes caught Anika and Devesh dancing. Anyone who saw them together understood they were in love. It was impossible to miss. And finally, Laxman seemed to see that himself. “Devesh, you say? I suppose she would be looked after closely,” he drawled. “He is a good man, Laxman. I have known him his entire life. Dev is devoted to our family.” Laxman said nothing. He only stared at his daughter. “He will make Anika a wonderful husband,” Rafee added. Suddenly, Laxman turned away from the dancefloor and faced Rafee. His face held that royal stoic expression that even Rafee could not read. “Rafee, if you are willing to speak for Devesh, then I must listen. You are the last Armanjani who would ever bring hurt to this household. Do you honestly believe that Anika and Devesh should be together?” “I do, Laxman. But more than that, Anika wishes it.” “And you have known that they loved each other?” “I know everything that goes on in this family. Of course I knew. But it was not for me to disclose until now.” Laxman nodded and looked over his shoulder at the dancing couple. “If any other man had approached me, I would not agree to this. You know that, don’t you?” Laxman asked. Rafee nodded. “Very well. This is what I will agree to. Anika may attend Stanford as long as she keeps close ties with Nikash. She and Devesh may be together. But I will not approve of any marriage until she is finished her schooling. I do not want my daughter reliant upon anyone else to make her way in this world. She must be self-sufficient. When she has obtained her Master’s Degree they may marry then.” Rafee smiled at his uncle. “You are very generous, Laxman. I personally would have made Anika wait until she was thirty.” They laughed and Laxman patted him on the shoulder. “When are you going to settle down, Rafee? I have heard many rumors.” “As have I,” another voice interjected. Anika’s older brother, Zaki, joined them. He was dressed in a navy suit and his build was like that of his sister’s; tall and sinewy in definition. “Rumors? About me?” Rafee asked innocently. “Then you are denying them?” Zak inquired. He turned and his gaze caught Shawna on the dancefloor with Kareem in her arms. “Because if you are, I was thinking that your maid of honor there is quite a catch. In fact, I think she is very lovely.” Rafee frowned at his cousin. At thirty, Zaki, or Zak as he liked to be called, was gaining the reputation as a European playboy. He spent much of his time in France working in one of the company’s branch offices and the other time jet setting around the world to parties. Rafee had partaken in some of that in his youth as well, but he had always been more serious about his work. Zak was more serious about his parties. Reacting instinctively when he realized his cousin was serious about Shawna, Rafee warned lowly, “Go near her, and I will strangle you, Zak.” “I believe that is the first time you have ever defended a lady,” Zak declared with a light tone. “Surely you must be joking.” “If you question my resolve, cousin, by all means, take a shot. See how savagely I will defend her.” It was ’s Zak’s turn to frown for his cousin was quite serious. And he knew better than to question Rafee. No one in the family disputed Rafee, aside from Nikash and Aarif, or consequences were to be had. “Then I guess the rumors are true, Rafee,” Zak surmised. “You are next in line to fall.” “I have fallen nowhere,” Rafee said. “It would be wise not to start any further rumors.” To his uncle he said, “I will leave you now, Laxman. Thank you for your understanding.” Laxman bowed his head and with one last glare at Zak, Rafee walked away. He went directly to Shawna and took Kareem in his arms. Standing under the moonlight with the both of them he felt a strange peace. He thought nothing of their family troubles and nothing of how he was going to solve them. Instead, he wondered if this was what it felt like to have a family of his own creation. A wife, a son…perhaps a daughter. He had never considered that before for his duties had been to protect the family that existed around him. Could he have his own family? Could he be happy and content? He gazed down at Shawna and heard Kareem giggle in his arms. Yes, perhaps he could be content. “What’s wrong?” Shawna inquired of his strange stare. “Nothing aside from the fact that my nephew and cousin are trying to steal your attentions from me tonight and I have had none of them,” Rafee insisted. Shawna wrapped an arm around Rafee and leaned her head on his shoulder for all to witness. “You’ll have me all night, Rafee. Be patient,” she said. “I am not a patient man,” he argued. “You are,” she refuted. “You just pretend you aren’t.” When the party ended and every last guest was gone and the palace was once again secure, Rafee rushed to Shawna’s room proving to her he was not patient where she was concerned. Her computer sat on her bed, plugged in and running and she called to him from the bathroom saying she was changing. Not in the mood to wait and not in the mood for work, he boldly pushed open her bathroom door. Her dress was neatly hung on the door and she stood in front of the sink, wearing a white lace thong and topless. Having waited all day and fighting his desires within, the sight of her caused him to forget all protocol. He crossed the threshold and caught her from behind. “I think I will have you now,” he said to her as his hand covered her breasts and his other slid down to tease the sensitive nub between her legs. Shawna moaned with pleasure as he touched her and his lips trailed down her neck. He moved a hand to yank on the buttons to his shirt and then pressing his bare chest to her bare back, Shawna could feel the heat burning in their skin for one another. Rafee grabbed her breasts and kissed her neck again. He nuzzled her ear and licked her throat. All the while, his fingers teased her, hoping to bring her to the point of arousal he was already at. As she closed her eyes and said his name in a whisper, Rafee knew she was close to the edge just from his touch. Pulling her lace thong down, he turned her around, lifted her to the counter and unzipped his own pants. She obliged and spread her legs for him wrapping them around his waist. When he entered her in one hard thrust, she cried out and he paused to ensure she was not in pain or protesting. The look on her face, however, was not that of pain, but rather of sheer pleasure and the hot, wet feel of her told him she was more than ready. With those signs, he began to thrust inside her, hearing her gasp or moan with each movement. He kissed her cheek and neck, whispering words of pleasure she would not understand in his language. Then when she began pleading with him to satisfy her, he trust deeply and quickly until they both were crying out and she was clutching at his shoulders. And when the ecstasy subsided and he felt a satisfaction like none before, Rafee slowly pulled away from her, lifted her from the counter and held her tightly. Feeling his strength elude him, they sunk to the floor and she snuggled in his lap. Rafee stroked her hair and kissed her brow while he murmured to her in his native language that he loved her. She did not know that, however, and he wondered if he would ever tell her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Warrior - Chapter 15 |