Chapter VII
a€?Is it always like this?a€? Susannaha€?s question was whispered in awe, an eternity later, once their bodies had settled and she lay securely in his arms.
How was he to answer that? It had never been quite like this for him either. a€?It can be. Sometimes it is less.a€? Much less, Alex thought to himself. He was beginning to see how his prior encounters had been limited, nothing more than a physical function of the body that brought temporary satisfaction. This was something else entirely. But he could hardly explain that to Susannah when he could barely explain this new wondrous thing to himself.
Susannah nodded against his shoulder, her hair tickling his nose. a€?I didna€?t think it would be like this. I didna€?t think lovemaking could be for me. I thought it was really only for the man. The sheikha€|a€? Her voice broke off and she squirmed uncomfortably against him.
a€?The sheikh what?a€? Alex probed softly, his prior fears of what she might have endured in captivity rising to the fore. She might have come to him a virgin, but there were other waysa€| a€?Tell me, Susannah.a€?
a€?It is nothing, now. Youa€?ve proven it can be otherwise and thata€?s all that matters. I wona€?t have you doing anything rash. Whata€?s done cana€?t be undone.a€?
a€?Thata€?s not the most compelling argument, Susannah.a€? Alex said grimly. a€?If anything, it makes me even angrier. Tell me. I am not prone to rash behavior, I can give you my word on it.a€?
She drew a deep breath and slowly began to spill her tale, the tale she had not shared with him last night when hea€?d asked: how shea€?d been brought before the sheikh, spared in the ambush because the captain of the raiders thought Bitar would fancy her gold hair. Bitar had indeed fancied her. Hea€?d cleared the tent of all but his physic and ordered her to strip. It had been the last shea€?d seen of her clothing, and Bitar had gazed upon her naked form, lust evident in his eyes for what seemed an age. a€?Let us see if shea€?s a houri in truth,a€? hea€?d said, submitting her to the most personal and invasive of examinations, his delight bordering on ecstasy when the physic confirmed her purity.
Alex breathed deeply beside her when she finished. a€?The sheikh has debased you and is responsible for the death of your father. I will kill him for you, if you like.a€? He would too. Life and death had different meanings in the desert, and there was a part of him that was far less English than the other parts. He had killed for honor before with just cause and was not afraid to do it again should right demand it, should this vibrant woman in his arms demand it.
a€?I want only to put all this behind me.a€? She answered.
His kiss was strong and firm on her neck. a€?Then let me love you tonight and erase those memories. The sheikh meant only to humiliate. I mean nothing of the sort.a€? He pulled her to him and whispered out loud the litany that had run through his mind all day. a€?Youa€?re mine, Susannah, and no othera€?s.a€?
As he joined with her for a second time that night, reaching once more for ecstasy, Alex knew he wanted her in ways that transcended this bed. He wanted Susannah for her passion, for her intelligence, for her courage and strength. He wanted her forever.
?
Youa€?re mine and no othera€?s. The words dared her to hope as Alex helped her into her clothing. Dawn was approaching and she could not risk staying a moment longer. The sheikh would be ending his night of cards.
a€?Soon, Susannah, wea€?ll be away from here, free to make our own plans.a€? Alex promised, settling her robes about her.
Our own plans. How nice that sounded. But she had to be fair. a€?You are not obligated, Alex, just because youa€?re the one who found me.a€?
Alex tipped her chin up so her eyes met his. a€?Finders, keepers, isna€?t that how it goes?a€? he teased lightly.
For how long? she wondered. He might keep her in Algiers as a mistress perhaps, visiting her when his work brought him in from the desert. Would that be enough for her? Surely, he would not offer her more. Once he saw how Society would treat her, he would understand he could not be so gallant with his intentions.
Still, the last two nights had proven how wonderful it was to be loved by Alex Grayfield. It was more than a physical experience. Shea€?d felt cared for, cherished in his arms. She knew enough now to confirm what shea€?d expected earlier. Her feelings for Alex had grown beyond the physical. For better or for worse, she had traveled far and fast down the path of love.
She reached up to his face and kissed him softly on the lips. a€?Thank you for everything, Alex.a€? It was as close as she dared come to saying a€?I love you.a€? Then she was gone, slipping out into the camp, hugging her hope as she went, Alexa€?s words a mantra in her mind. You are mine and no othera€?s.