The Sheikh and the Servant (16 page)

Noori’s eyes closed, and he dipped his head once in assent.

Heart pounding, Shahin pressed his lips to Noori’s forehead, his temple, his closed eyes, his cheekbone. “You hold my heart,” he whispered achingly.

Noori lifted a hand to Shahin’s cheek, following every movement as he was kissed over and over again. “I have loved you for a long while now, Shahin.”

With a shuddering breath, Shahin laid his forehead against Noori’s chest. “Truly, the heavens have blessed me.”

“I am the fortunate one,” Noori countered. “A kind and benevolent lord purchased me from the depths of hell. Not only has he given me a home I love, but he has given me the freedom I crave. By that gift, I am indentured even further, because I am a slave to his heart now.”

“Then we are slaves to each other,” Shahin said softly.

Chapter 17

“Noori
, would you mind too terribly making an emergency errand for me?” Karam asked, stepping into the tent, clutching at a messy stack of papers.

Looking up from where he worked on tallying candle stores, Noori answered. “I do not mind. Simply tell me what I must do, and I will do it.” He stood from his perch on an upturned cask, wiping the nib of his quill on a rag. “What needs done?”

“You know I am courting? Well, she asked for oranges today, and the only store is at the oasis,” Karam explained. “It would be a great favor to me if you would fetch a bag. I must finish these reports that are already overdue,” he said, hanging his head as if ashamed.

An indulgent smile crossed Noori’s face, and he laid a gentle hand upon Karam’s arm, hoping to calm the nervous man. “Of course I will retrieve the oranges for you. I would not impede my dear friend’s efforts to find a wife.”

Karam looked pathetically relieved. “Noori, you are such a friend to me. Rami said he would prepare a horse that knows the way to the oasis for you. Thank you, my friend, thank you!” he said as he escaped from the tent.

Putting his figures away, Noori tidied the area before heading out into the late-afternoon heat. True to Karam’s word, he found Rami waiting with a mount. “Many blessings, friend Rami. I would tarry with you, but I fear Karam will have my head if I am late in my return from the oasis.”

Rami’s lips twitched. “I think Karam worries too much,” he said drolly. “This mount will take you safely across the sands. Fear not; he is well trained.”

“’Tis not an issue of training,” Noori countered. “Merely that his subjects love the sheikh so much that they all strive to do his will in all things. Would you agree with that statement?” He mounted the horse, smiling down at Rami. “’Twill be a speedy journey.”

Not even trying to hide his chuckle, Rami nodded. “I would agree, friend Noori. May the heavens smile upon you on your journey.”

Noori nodded in answer, urging the horse forward. As they left the fringes of the small city, the mount broke into a fast trot, sending him through the cooling evening air. After some time had passed, the horse slowed once more, and Noori found himself near the edge of the oasis.

Familiar with the path, the horse picked its way down the trail into the cleft between the cliffs, the sand and stone giving way to show the small, shadowy green grotto transformed. A large tent stood to one side, marked with torches. Hanging torches ringed the oasis, and more floated upon the water itself, safely away from the waterfall.

A small frown knit Noori’s brows at the sight of the tent. He wondered if Shahin knew that someone had made camp at this favored area of his kingdom. Halting the horse, he slid from the animal’s back and tied the tether loosely to a nearby palm. He picked his way silently and tentatively into the encampment, unsure of what he would find.

Shahin stepped out of the tent, and Noori’s attention flew from all the torches. “I apologize, Shahin. I was sent to retrieve a bag of oranges in order to further Karam’s prospects with his lady.” His head tilted as he tried to understand why Shahin would be here at this time of night. “I was not aware that you would not be in Meda’in Saleh tonight.”

Shahin’s lips curved up, and he slowly stalked his prey, unfolding his arms to allow the dying sun to glint off his bare chest. “You will not be in Meda’in Saleh tonight either,” he murmured as he stopped a few feet away, eyes dark and focused.

Noori’s breath quickened, and his eyes widened as he focused unintentionally on the lines of Shahin’s body. His hands clenched into fists even as his fingers itched to touch the skin that gleamed in the low light of the clearing. “I will not?” he stammered, meeting Shahin’s dark eyes.

Slowly shaking his head, Shahin stepped closer until their chests almost touched and raised a hand to tilt Noori’s eyes up to him. “No, you will not,” he rasped, leaning to capture the full, tantalizing lips.

Noori’s heart beat so hard he could not even hear the waterfall. “So where am I to go?”

Stopping a breath away from Noori’s lips, Shahin sighed and pulled Noori against him bodily. He rumbled, “You will stay here, with me,” only realizing what he had said afterward. He stiffened, concerned Noori could misinterpret his words.

Bracing himself by placing his hands on the sheikh’s hips, Noori looked up into the other man’s eyes. “With you.” The words from Shahin were all he had ever dreamed they would be. A small smile flitted across his lips before he asked, “And do you command it, my lord?”

Relaxing as Noori smiled, Shahin’s gaze turned soft and liquid as he looked over his love’s face. “No, I ask it, with all my heart,” he replied softly.

Lifting a hand, Noori cupped Shahin’s cheek. “It shall be granted, Shahin,” he whispered, thumb brushing over the soft hair of his beard.

Eyes closing in what looked like relief, Shahin turned his chin to press his lips against Noori’s thumb. “Noori,” he murmured, dark eyes seeking sparkling blue, “will you stay with me, as a freed man, as my consort, as long as the heavens may permit?” His words sounded almost formal, though his tone was nearly imploring.

Watching Shahin’s face for any signs of reconsideration, Noori nodded. Opening his mouth, he tried to speak, but his feelings overwhelmed him, only allowing a choked sob.

Blinking in surprise, Shahin cupped Noori’s face. “Noori?” he asked, brow furrowing. “What is it?”

“I… I have wished for this for so long,” Noori whispered, “and now that it has come to pass, I dare not believe it.”

Shahin’s face transformed into a pure, joyful smile, and he did not hesitate to lean and kiss Noori passionately, wrapping his arms around him as if he never wanted to let go.

Noori’s mouth opened beneath Shahin’s, tasting as he was tasted in turn. He tasted so good, of spice and citrus and…. Noori panicked. “Karam needs those oranges tonight!”

Catching Noori around the waist as he tried to move, Shahin dragged him back against him. “Karam needs no such thing,” he said in good humor.

Turning in Shahin’s arms, Noori stilled against the firm body. “He does not? But….” His cheeks flushed as Shahin nodded. “And Rami knew too?”

Shahin’s eyes danced as he smiled again, leaning to kiss the corner of Noori’s mouth. Noori turned toward the kiss, not wanting it to end. His lips searched Shahin’s, and he initiated a kiss for the first time with the man who’d held his heart for nearly a year. “You did this for me.” It was a soft statement, born of disbelief that he would be valued enough to merit such action.

Shahin nodded, tilting his head, waiting. Noori opened his mouth to speak several times, each time stopping with a sigh. After several long moments, he turned back to face Shahin. “Shall I dance for you tonight, master of my heart?”

Tongue darting out to moisten his lower lip, Shahin managed a jerky nod. “Without the robes,” he said hoarsely, pulling at the long sleeves that covered Noori’s skin.

Noori nodded, stepping toward the tent. “Will you follow me, Shahin?” The name rolled off of his tongue, filling his heart with anticipation and igniting the slow build of heat in his groin. Intent, Shahin nodded, desire flaring in his eyes. As he walked, the thin trousers did nothing to hide his arousal.

Taking a large hand, Noori pulled Shahin into the tent. He glanced around, approving of the dark, russet reds of the carpets, of the warm glow of flames. Leading Shahin to the pallet, Noori placed his hands on his shoulders, urging him to sit. His hands ran soothingly over gleaming flesh, daring to dip over a pectoral muscle to tease at the dark bud of a nipple.

Shahin sat as he was directed and inhaled sharply as the teasing touches fluttered across his skin. He reached to pull on Noori’s robe again, wordlessly demanding its removal. Noori’s exploring hand slid along Shahin’s arm and captured the tugging hand, holding it against his heart for several long moments before stepping just out of reach. He untied his sash, letting it slip through his fingers before folding the lapels of his robe back, letting it slip off of first one shoulder and then the next. It pooled on the carpeted floor at his feet with a dull thwump. The sleeveless vest beneath the robe went next, until he was dressed in only his trousers.

Shahin watched raptly, his attention unwavering as Noori slowly undressed. And then turning his back to him, Noori lifted his arms, arranging his body into the starting pose for the most seductive dance he would ever perform. His voice was low and shook at times as he started to hum, movement starting in his fingertips and traveling in waves through his body. Swaying his hips, he turned back toward Shahin. His movements were compact but powerful, hips rolling in the light trousers he wore.

Shahin’s fingers dug into the pallet as he watched the seductive movements, and Noori could see him swallow hard. A slow smile quirked the corner of Noori’s mouth as he glanced up from under his lashes, watching the effect his movements had on his love. His dance brought him closer and closer to the pallet, trousers dropped and left nimbly behind as he reached Shahin. The notes of his song faded as Noori leaned toward him, placing his hands on strong thighs. He shimmied lower, keeping Shahin’s gaze captive as the last notes faded, leaving him on his knees.

Shahin’s rigid control was obvious. He reached out to touch Noori’s cheek lightly. “I want you,” Shahin rasped.

Rising from the floor, Noori slid over Shahin’s thighs, settling onto his lap as he cradled his face. “And you will have me,” he whispered, bringing his lips close to Shahin’s, his tongue darting to tease the dimple above Shahin’s upper lip. “My body is yours to command. My soul is yours to savor. I am yours to love if you would but allow me to love you in return,” he murmured, voice low with a newfound shyness at being loved, for once and for all.

His eyes shuttering as he curled his arms around Noori’s waist, Shahin stretched to drag his lips across his lover’s. “You love me in every action, every choice,” he said raggedly. “How I did not see for so long, I do not know.”

“I do love you,” Noori confirmed with a soft kiss to Shahin’s chin, “and now I want you to love me in every sense of the word.” He rose from Shahin’s lap, sitting beside him on the pallet. His fingers ran soothingly over the silky fabric of Shahin’s trousers, moving the soft fabric against the wiry hair beneath.

Shivering, Shahin laid back on the bed as Noori’s hands slid over him, and he moaned aloud. “You are a blue-eyed demon,” he whispered, skin flushed.

Moving once more to his knees between Shahin’s thighs, Noori tugged at the ties of Shahin’s trousers, forearms brushing against the heated arousal beneath the fabric. When the ties were undone, he worked his long fingers beneath the loosened waistband to ease the soft cloth down. Shahin lifted his hips to accommodate the sliding cloth, and Noori let the fabric drag along the length of the sheikh’s arousal, not trying to hide his interest in the way the other man’s body clenched and stretched. Finally, the cloth slid free of the long shaft, allowing it to rise proudly, evidence of Shahin’s desire. Noori swallowed, overwhelmed that someone he desired actually wanted him this much.

Exhaling noisily as the cloth was finally pulled free of his legs, Shahin sat up and reached for Noori, pulling him bodily onto his lap and claiming his mouth, pouring his passion and wanting into the kiss. Noori sighed into Shahin’s mouth, very nearly climbing over him as he was dragged into Shahin’s lap. Soft whimpers and gasps escaped him as he settled, his arousal resting near the heat of Shahin’s.

Frantic need taking him over, Shahin clutched at his lover, kissing him as if to devour him, to memorize him, to absorb him into his skin. He rolled them easily, settling between Noori’s thighs, leaning on his elbows as he kissed him again and again. Hands grasping at the sheikh’s shoulders, Noori tried to get as close as possible to the man above him. His legs spread easily to surround his soon-to-be-lover.

“I want you,” Shahin murmured as he endeavored to taste every inch of Noori’s skin. “No one else. No one else,” he chanted lowly as he rocked against his lover, the pressure against his arousal edging him toward climax.

“Always yours,” Noori murmured, breath catching at the feel of their bodies rubbing together. He wasn’t sure if he was talking about the past, the present, or the future, or a combination of all three, and he no longer cared. There was only Shahin.