Read The Djinn's Dilemma Online

Authors: Mina Khan

Tags: #Fiction, #Romance, #Paranormal, #General, #Fantasy, #Horror

The Djinn's Dilemma (3 page)

BOOK: The Djinn's Dilemma
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Or had the guy meant they’d been paid to attack her? To…to hurt her and…worse. Why? Who could hate her so much? Could it be the secret project? She dismissed the idea. Papers published controversial stories all the time. And those generated angry letters and threats of lawsuits, but not physical attacks…at least not in the gold old U.S.A. A shudder ripped through her. She cradled a pillow tight and closed her eyes. Tears leaked out at the corners.

Once again the grating voice rasped inside her mind: “I like to chase pussy.” The vision of his fingers twisting open the top button of his jeans looped through her head. Sarah’s eyes flew open and breath came in ragged sobs.

She needed a shower. A hot shower to wash away all reminders of the encounter, rid her of her fears of what could have happened. With a groan, she pushed to her feet and headed towards the bedroom. On the way she made sure all the doors and windows were locked and the curtains drawn. She stripped off her clothes and threw them into the laundry basket, then turned on the shower as hot as she could bear.

With a sigh of relief, Sarah stood under the pelting water. The trickle of tears turned into a deluge. She half raised her face to the water and let herself cry.

 

Oh heaven and hell, stop with the tears
. Given the day Sarah had just had, the tears were logical. But watching her face crumple, hearing the gut-deep harsh sobs, filled Rukh with an irrational need to pull her into his arms, wrap her in a hug.

As soon as the urge had gelled into conscious thought, his essence hardened into visibility and his arms slid up around her shivering, wet body.

Sarah’s eyes popped open and she staggered back with a yell.

His arms tightened around her, steadying her, keeping her close. Well, shit. At least, she’d stopped crying.

Fear-bright green eyes stared at him instead.

Given he was an assassin, sent to kill her, her response was natural, even intelligent. Yet, bitterness churned in his gut at the thought of her fearing him.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “You’re safe.”

“Am I hallucinating?” Her question came out as a croak.

“Yes, yes you are.” That seemed a much better answer than the truth.

She pinned him with her dark, direct gaze. “You’re just a figment of my imagination. A fantasy?”

“Yes.” He didn’t dare move.

“Then why are you still wearing clothes?”

He made the clothes disappear and stood there as naked as her. Skin against skin, the heat from her body melted into his. Warm water washed over them like rain.

“Much better.” A smile twitched her lips. “I’ll take hot fantasy over crappy reality any day.”

Rukh’s pulse skipped a beat, then broke into a run. Naked and wet she pushed him to the very edge of his control. He winced as his manhood throbbed and hardened, stretched to readiness against her. He wanted to shove her up against the cool tile wall, grasp those luscious hips and take her hard. No hesitation, no consideration. His desperate need shook him to the core, and Rukh was afraid. Afraid that once again his body would betray him. He dropped his arms from her, stepped back. She needed comfort, not mauling.

“We need soap.”

Her voice stopped him from moving further away, made him look at her again. Big mistake. His gaze followed a rivulet of water down the side of her face, along her graceful neck, to her full caramel breasts capped with whorls of sateen mahogany. The woman, all warm amber and lush curves, left his mouth dry. His gaze swept over her shapely legs and returned to the tight bud of her left breast. She took a step forward, out from under the showerhead, and a bead of water dangled like a jewel. He trembled to touch it.

“So, how does this fantasy thing work?”

Hell if he knew. “Any which way you want it.”

She grabbed a washcloth and pumped some soap onto it. Within moments she’d got it covered in lather. The sweet smell of cinnamon and vanilla soaked into the warm air. “It’ll be easier if I close my eyes.” The tremor in her voice made something inside of him clench. “I guess I’ll start soaping myself and imagine it’s you.”

Sarah soaped her body, starting with her neck and working her way down. The water beat a rhythmic tattoo on her back. She felt languorous.

She could feel his large hand over hers, guiding her. “Rukh,” she whispered. Obviously her subconscious had labeled him her hero. Well, he definitely made for a pleasant fantasy. Nervous breakdowns were way underrated. She moved the soapy washcloth in slow circles down her exposed throat and between her breasts. Its roughness on her areolas shot flashes of desire to her melting core.

Sarah recalled him standing in the billowing steam, naked and wet. Drops of water caught in the swirls of his chest hair and glistened like diamonds. His gaze, dark and stormy, raked over her. She’d had to close her eyes to hide from his intensity.

Now she wallowed in his warmth cocooning her back, shivered as his large, calloused hands ran all over her body, taking liberties wherever they pleased. Caressing, teasing, squeezing. She imagined kisses on her neck and shoulder. Soft, light kisses; sharp, playful nips. Damn. Her imagination came in high-definition.

He nuzzled her in the soft bend between her neck and shoulder. “Oh God, I’ve wanted to taste you ever since I laid eyes on you,” he whispered against her skin. Her heartbeat did a drunken dance. His mouth locked onto her skin, and sucked in sharp and hard. She gasped, giving herself over to the twin assault of teeth and breath.

Rukh gentled into a kiss. His tongue swirled over the spot, soothing and stroking. A low moan of pleasure rumbled through her. Oh, that felt so good.

She squeezed the washcloth until soapy rivulets ran down her hips and legs. Sarah bent down and soaped each of her long legs—from the pelvic crease to the tips of the toes and back. A yearning ache pulsed at her center. Her right hand slipped between her legs, soapy fingers rubbed the entire length of her slit. Her pulse quickened as she played with the sensitive folds of skin. In her mind, Rukh did the spreading and probing and touching. She refused to open her eyes and risk reality.

Her hand moved faster and harder between her legs. Her breath came in ragged sobs. Soon she was trembling and riding her hand. Intense pleasure burst inside her. With a raw cry, she dropped to her knees and tumbled onto her side. A warm flush spread from her center. She melted and sighed, grateful for the release.

Sarah lay limp and spent in the cool bathtub. She took deep breaths. The water pelted her relentlessly, rolling down her head and side, rivulets of water rushing down her skin. At last, she opened her eyes. Of course, he wasn’t there. Emptiness pooled inside like chilly mist.

What the hell, she wondered. Where did that come from? First, she’d jumped down the throat of a total stranger, now this. Maybe she needed a man. Oh well, she’d done pretty good on her own. Not that that could ever replace the loneliness or the spontaneity and delicious exploration of a partner…of a lover.

Sarah slowly rose and turned off the water. She rubbed herself down with a soft, fluffy towel, basking in its softness. Then she walked naked to her bedroom and slid between the sheets.

Her hair fanned out, wet and cool around her head, on the pillow. Sarah lay there, tired, warm and content. She hadn’t thought she’d be able to fall asleep, but sleep cocooned her in its honeyed embrace. Her gaze drifted back to the steamy bathroom.

She thought she saw a man’s face peering out, almost lost in the shadows, like a ghost. Her heart stuttered. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound emerged. The face became more defined.
Rukh
. Cold shiver and hot desire tangled and spilled through her body.

Jasmine. Jasmine. Jasmine. Go to sleep
. Waves of sleep washed over her. Her head, heavy and full of cotton, lolled back as her eyelids fluttered closed.

 

Chapter Three

 

Early the next day, 6:30 a.m. according to the rooster clock in the window, Sarah floated into the Sunshine Bakery riding on the aroma of freshly baked bread and rich roasted coffee.

The door chime brought her friend Amy running from the kitchen. A smile of relief broke across her round, flour-smudged face. “Wow, you made good time.”

“You did say emergency,” Sarah said, hanging up her jacket on the stand by the door. Actually, Amy had sounded almost in tears when she’d called thirty minutes earlier.

After enveloping her in a warm hug, the baker handed her a fresh black apron. “I really appreciate your help in the front. Breakfast’s on the house.”

“Better be, you tore me away from the hottest dream evah,” Sarah said, tying on the apron and following her friend behind the counter. “Sorry to hear Mimi’s sick.”

“Morning sickness.” Amy made a face. “James said he’d come in early.”

“I have to be at the paper by 9:00 a.m., but until then I’m all yours,” Sarah said, getting coffee started. “Now, shoo! I’ll manage here.” She’d helped out enough times to know what needed to be done and where everything was kept.

“Cool. The regulars should start coming in any minute.” With a wave, Amy disappeared into the kitchen.

By the time she’d placed condiments at every table, the first customers walked in and Sarah got busy taking orders and passing them on to the kitchen, handing out silverware and napkins, and pouring everyone hot cups of coffee or cold glasses of water. Delivering food, cleaning up. It reminded her of the first college job she’d had when she met Amy.

During a lull, Sarah decided she needed a cup of coffee. She’d just stepped behind the counter and selected a clean mug for herself when the door chimed. She looked up and almost dropped the mug. Dream guy. Rukh, in the flesh, strode into the bakery.

What was the likelihood of running into the man two days in a row? As a journalist, she didn’t believe in coincidences. Last night’s suspicions swamped her. Was he in cahoots with the others? Was he stalking her? Her heart beat out a nervous SOS.

Today, he’d slicked back his hair and tied it into a neat ponytail. So much the better to show off his handsome, harsh features: the dark winged brows, sharp cheekbones, strong jaw. Her gaze lingered over his sensuous unsmiling lips. Memories of kissing him with a lot of tongue flamed through her. Oh God, she’d molested the poor guy yesterday. No wonder he didn’t look happy to see her. Good thing he had no clue about the fantasies. Heat sizzled through her in a slow burn as she recalled every intimate detail.

Sarah threw a desperate glance over her shoulder at the kitchen. Maybe she could get Amy to take his order. The clang of pots and pans emanating from behind the curtain dissuaded her.

Squaring her shoulders, she faced him again.

A tailored gray jacket and slacks revealed the tempting line of his body wrapped in a blue silk shirt, from wide shoulders to tapering waist to the flare of his hips. He held himself tall and proud, and moved with barely-disguised menace. Rukh sauntered up to the counter and gave her a curt nod.

So close she could smell his aftershave or cologne or whatever. Warm with hints of spice and musk. Every breath left her tingling. “A-are you following me?” she managed to ask.

“Shouldn’t that be, ‘Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine?’”


Casablanca
. Clever,” she said. “Though I’d change the she to he.”

“How are you?” His low-voiced question seemed to be for her ears alone.

She’d been fine. Actually, great. She’d woken up relaxed and satiated from the hottest wet dreams she’d ever had. Dreams he’d starred in. Heat rushed to her face, and she thanked the powers that be for her mocha coloring. Her gaze slipped to the knot in the wood by the register. “Good. What can I get you?”

He leaned back his head and read the menu behind her.

She seized the chance to study him again. Just a hint of his tattoos, a few blue-black tendrils, peeked from the collar of his periwinkle blue shirt. The darker gray silk tie, neatly knotted at his tawny throat, was the straw that broke her.

The mix of cool refinement and dangerous wildness left Sarah’s heart beating in her throat, turned her knees weak. She grasped the counter edge for support.

He glanced down at her. “A blueberry yogurt smoothie and a rum-butter muffin please.”

She jotted down the order, then forced herself to meet his gaze. “It’s going to be a bit of a wait, we’re short-staffed this morning.” The next words rushed out of her. “And breakfast’s on me.”

“Normally I wouldn’t protest,” he said, leaning closer. “But in public, I’d prefer a plate.”

An image of Rukh, hair untied, licking whipped cream off her navel flashed through her mind, left her staring. “I-I meant—”

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” The twinkle in his eyes belied his apology.

Sarah glanced down at her shoes as she wiped her hands on her apron. “Ha, ha.” For a wordsmith, her comeback was lame. “Anyhow, I meant I’ll buy your breakfast.”

“Why?” He studied her with a cool level gaze.

She shrugged. “As a thank-you for coming to help me.”

“I thought I’d already been rewarded.” A hint of a smile graced his face. His gaze dipped to her lips. “Or is there some other explanation for that kiss?”

Okay, she wanted the earth to swallow her. Now.

“Miss, can we get a refill here?”

Sarah leaned to the left and peered out from behind his solidness.

A table of six old men—Amy’s regulars—waved empty mugs at her. She blessed their hearts. “Be there in a minute.”

She righted herself. “Have a seat, I’ll bring your breakfast to you.” Sarah turned away before Rukh could respond. Man oh man. Not too many things left her tongue-tied and stammering like a crushing schoolgirl. He did. The only man she’d found intriguing—who could turn her on with a glance—in a long, long time. Maybe she was just out of practice. She needed to get her head out of work more.

Conversation at the men’s table ceased as Sarah approached.

“My kingdom for a cup of coffee, por favor,” one gent said, pushing his mug forward.

“Ah, a large tipper. This must be my lucky day.” She poured coffee all around.

BOOK: The Djinn's Dilemma
12.89Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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