The Sultan's Bed by Laura Wright Read Free Book Online Page B

heard her shuffle in, the roughness of the boot brace apparent on the wood floors.
    He sat up, turned to look at her. “Miss Kennedy?”
    She gasped. Her hand flew to her throat and she said a little too loudly, “You scared the life out of me.”
    â€œI apologize.”
    She gripped the window ledge to hold herself steady as she stared at him. She looked like a beautiful phantom in the pale yellow light of the street lamp outside, and Zayad had to force himself to stay on the couch instead of going to her and pulling her into his arms. “What are you doing out of bed?”
    She shook her head. “Nothing.”
    â€œThen let me help you back.” He knew it was a mistake to go to her, but there was nothing for it. She needed his help.
    She sagged against the window, her thin robe gaping at the chest, her eyes and head hanging down.
    â€œAre you all right?” he asked.
    â€œI don’t really know. I’m kinda out of it.”
    He tilted her chin up, made her gaze meet his. “Did you take more than one pain pill?”
    She shook her head vigorously. “Nope. But I did have your wine.”
    â€œThat was not a wise decision.”
    She gave him a mock frown, perhaps mimicking his own, then she pushed away from the window and leaned into him. “I wouldn’t normally say this, but I find you very attractive.”
    He smiled, could not help himself. “Thank you, Miss Kennedy. I find you very attractive, as well.”
    â€œNo ‘Miss Kennedy.’ I’m not a schoolteacher, for heaven’s sake.” She let her head fall against his chest. “But I think I’ve become a nun. Maybe you should call me Sister Mariah.”
    â€œI do not think so.”
    She looked up, her tiger’s eyes warm and vulnerable. “What would you call me, then?”
    He touched her face, his thumb moving over her cheekbone. “I would call you alive and desirable and filled with a hunger that needs to be satiated or—”
    â€œOr I’ll wilt.”
    â€œIt is possible.”
    She sighed. “I know. I know. I’ve been celibate for too long.”
    â€œYou need sleep, Mariah. Let me take you back to bed.”
    â€œNo.” Her eyes on his, she grazed her lower lip with her teeth and said, “I think I’m going to kiss you.”
    Zayad said nothing, just held her as she looked completely ready for his mouth on hers. He could not allow this, not in her state of mind. After all, he was no scoundrel. At least, he tried hard not to be.
    No, he should not allow this.
    But he did not have a choice as she fell against him, her arms wrapping around his neck, her fingers threading in his hair. With just a wisp of a smile she pressed his head down to hers and kissed him. It was unlike him, but he let her lead him, let her take the control and the pleasure that her body needed.
    She sighed and tilted her head to reach him better as her fingers fisted in his hair. Zayad tried to slow his heart, ease the tightness in his chest, but it was not easy. Her kiss was slow and sensual, wet lips and soft tongue. He could not restrain himself. He nipped at her bottom lip, pressed his groin into her belly.
    With great effort, Mariah eased back for a moment. Her eyes were liquid as she said, “I haven’t done that in years.”
    Zayad stilled, his arms around her. Years? That couldnot be true. It was not possible that this striking female could go years without being kissed by a man.
    Her eyes drifted closed, then opened, then closed, and Zayad knew she was starting to fade. Shifting his position, he gathered her in his arms and lifted her up.
    Her head promptly fell against his shoulder as he carried her into the bedroom. “You will sleep late tomorrow, Mariah.”
    â€œNo,” she murmured. “Tomorrow I have to visit Mama Tara.”
    â€œYour mother?” Zayad said, confused. “I thought you said you had no relatives to