Arabian Nights with a Rake by Bronwyn Scott Read Free Book Online

other’s.”
    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.
    Â 
    You’re mine and no other’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.
    â€œSoon, Susannah, we’ll be away from here, free to make our own plans.” Alex promised, settling her robes about her.
    Our own plans. How nice that sounded. But she had to be fair. “You are not obligated, Alex, just because you’re the one who found me.”
    Alex tipped her chin up so her eyes met his. “Finders, keepers, isn’t that how it goes?” 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. She’d felt cared for, cherished in his arms. She knew enough now to confirm what she’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. “Thank you for everything, Alex.” It was as close as she dared come to saying “I love you.” Then she was gone, slipping out into the camp, hugging her hope as she went, Alex’s words a mantra in her mind. You are mine and no other’s.

Chapter VIII
    â€œHe covets her, Muhsin. And I think she is not indifferent to the Christian dog.” Bassam took a sloppy sip of wine and reclined against the pillows in his brother-in-law’s tent. They were alone in the quiet part of the afternoon and he was free to speak his mind at last. “You have lost your prized horse to the one. If you are not careful, you will lose your houri too.”
    The sheikh shrugged his shoulders in a gesture of nonchalance. “The blond one is cognizant of our ways. He would not dare to intrude in that domain.”
    Bassam narrowed his eyes in thoughtful contemplation. “Beneath his robes, behind his flawless command of the language, he is an Englishman. That is a fact best not forgotten.” He studied Muhsin. His brother-in-law was much taken with the blond newcomer and with his dark-haired companion. It was making him careless.
    â€œThe moussem will be over soon and they will go their way.” Muhsin reasoned.
    â€œWith your favorite horse.”
    Muhsin laughed. “Do you think I’d be sitting here so calmly if I meant to let them actually take the horse?”
    Bassam relaxed slightly. That sounded more like the brother-in-law he knew. “And your English houri? Will she stay behind too?”
    Muhsin’s eyes darkened at the mention of his latest acquisition. “I have told her my patience is up. After the moussem she is to be mine in truth. She is an untouched gem, all that a virile man desires.”
    â€œLike the houris promised by the Koran in the after-life.” Bassam mused, “Modest, voluptuous and untouched by another, her body without the blemishes of childbirth.” He eyed Muhsin speculatively. “What if she’s been touched by another after all?”
    â€œShe has not. My physician has vouched for her chastity.” Muhsin contested.
    â€œThat was months ago.” Bassam played idly with a cluster of grapes. “I did not exaggerate when I said you stood to lose your horse and your houri. Last night, she went to