Khaled responded with a sound that was something like a growl. He reached suddenly for her wrists and pinned her down. Dark eyes flashed with fire inches above hers. She waited expectantly.
“Damn you,” he said. “I didn’t mean to do this.” And then he kissed her.
At first the kiss was hard, deep, and intense, his lips in complete possession of her mouth. He thrust his tongue inside, heedless of her response. His hands came up to hold her head steady, giving her no room for escape.
Not that she wanted to escape. She had worked hard at seducing him out here on the boat and now she was happy to lie back and let him do whatever he wanted. When he relaxed for an instant, she took her chance and rolled over so that she straddled him. Khaled’s arms were still strong around her back, pressing her body close against his.
The evening sun was warm against her back, and Khaled’s body was warm under her front. Olivia gave herself over to the heat deep within her. She reached back to undo her bikini top, but Khaled’s fingers were there before her. She shimmied the bottoms off and sighed in deep satisfaction. The world was a glorious place. In that moment, there was nothing but Khaled. Even the deep turquoise waters of the Gulf and the warm azure sky disappeared into oblivion when faced with the man she loved, and the brief moment of freedom she had to enjoy him.
Olivia watched with pleasure as Khaled pulled his polo shirt over his head and disposed of his shorts equally swiftly. Dalneith House in the firelight had been incredible, but the deck of the boat with the water beneath them and the sun above was sensational. His hands reached for her again, sending sparks across her warm skin with every touch. She pressed herself against him, giving him everything, taking everything, making this the only thing that mattered. He responded with an urgency that told her just how much he had been holding back. He still wanted her, despite it all. There was no tenderness in the kisses that marked her skin using teeth and tongue to claim her for himself. Weeks of frustration bubbled over into a few moments of untrammeled passion as Olivia was carried away by Khaled’s desire.
Afterward, she lay contentedly with her head resting on Khaled’s shoulder and his arm around her waist.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Really?” Khaled sounded skeptical.
Olivia laughed. “Not really. We both needed that.”
“Perhaps.”
He was thinking of Saqat again. Olivia didn’t let herself wonder whether he was thinking of Aliya.
A loud rumble broke the tension. Khaled sat up. “I believe I mentioned drinks an hour ago.”
Olivia grinned. “Sorry I distracted you.”
He quirked an eyebrow at her. “I’ll forgive you this once.”
He put on his shorts and started the engine again. “You need to put some clothes on. You’ll burn.”
“You were pretty thorough with the sunblock.”
“Even so. Have some water.”
Olivia was surprised at how endearing she found his protectiveness. She took two bottles of water, opened both, and handed one to Khaled.
“So…”
Khaled’s look was hardly encouraging, but Olivia smiled sunnily and continued.
“You’re not going to sign the contract.”
His eyes narrowed. “We agreed to this two days ago. You’re going to draw it up with the suggested amendments, and then I am going to sign.”
“No, you’re not. I won’t let you.”
“Livvy,” he said, and her heart leapt at his use of her nickname. “You’ve seen my country. You see how the people here live. How can I deny them the chance of a better life?”
Olivia shook her head. “I’m not asking you to. I’m asking you to find a better way. For your people and your country. For this!” She waved her arm expansively.
Khaled stared at her incredulously. “A better way? Who do you imagine I am—Superman?”
She reached to touch his hand. “Not Superman, but I have confidence in you, Khaled.”
He covered her hand with his. “I’ve tried. Ever since our first meeting, I’ve thought of everything I can. There isn’t a better way. The MCI contract is more than fair. We’ve talked through the amendments I want, and I’m going to sign. I’ve spoken with my father and he agrees.”
“But I don’t.”
Khaled turned away. “Don’t make this any more difficult than it has to be, Olivia.”
“I think it has to be difficult. The whole situation is difficult.”
He shrugged helplessly.
“You were right the first time we met. This—” She flung her hand wide again to encompass the vast beauty before them. “This is important. You’ve worked to protect it, and even if your people don’t appreciate it now, their grandchildren surely will.”
“Their grandchildren will appreciate good education, good jobs, and good health care.”
“Of course they will. You can still provide those things.”
Khaled shifted slightly so that his face was hidden from Olivia. He stared out to sea in silence for a long time.