Carefully, she walked over to the rack, letting her fingers skim down over the elegant dresses. “This is…” She stopped, overwhelmed and speechless. That seemed to be happening to her a lot today. Normally, Maya considered herself to be a rather articulate person. But when Jahlil was involved, her brain literally fizzled and, too often, she found herself stammering out replies that didn’t always make sense.

  This was one of those situations. Admiring the beautiful wedding dresses, she wasn’t sure what to say or think.

  “When is the wedding going to take place?” she asked, pulling her hand away.

  Ormond glanced at his tablet. “His Highness has a break between meetings at five thirty, Ms. Tisdale,” he recited easily.

  Okay, that really hurt. Jahlil was going to fit their wedding into a handy moment between his meetings. Obviously, the event wasn’t a huge concern for him. It was just another box to check on his list of activities for the day.

  With that thought in mind, she sifted through the dresses and found the least formal of the batch. It was a white satin design that was a hybrid of a sundress and a sexy negligee. The trim was a bit thicker than what would be on a nightdress, but that was the only concession to real life.

  As she picked it up, she surveyed the dress dispassionately. It would serve a dual purpose, she told herself. It was the most casual of the dresses, despite the satin, which subtly implied formality. But it was also decadently sexy. Not to mention, because of the low back, she couldn’t wear a bra.

  Hmm…maybe that was a mistake, she thought. Maya was just on the side of voluptuous where a dress like this, one that she couldn’t wear a bra, might be too sexy.

  And yet, maybe this dress was exactly what she needed! Perhaps the style of this dress, and her inability to wear a bra underneath, might stir Jahlil’s lust and transform their wedding from just another meeting on his daily agenda into something more significant.

  “I should probably try several of these on,” she said to Ormond, who stood back, patiently waiting for her to make a decision.

  “As you wish,” the man said, doing that annoying bow-thing again. She glanced at him, but pressed her lips together.

  He took the rack of dresses and pushed it into the bedroom she was using, Maya following behind. After he backed out of the room, pulling the door closed behind him, she banished him from her thoughts.

  “A wedding dress,” she muttered, running gentle fingers over the beautiful fabrics. “I’m to be married in a rushed ceremony that will be shoehorned between meetings.” She sighed heavily. “Every woman’s dream wedding.”

  With resignation, Maya turned to look through the other dresses. There were tea-length dresses and ball gowns, evening gowns and even one demure suit. She pulled that one out, thinking that she should probably wear it. And yet, her eyes kept returning to the satin shift.

  In the end, she lifted it off the rack and held it up to her figure, looking at herself in the mirror. “Do I dare?” she whispered to her reflection in the mirror. Biting her lip, she shifted to the right and left. “You’re always so cautious! Why not be daring?” she asked herself. “It’s about time that you reached out and grabbed your dreams!”

  And with that thought in mind, she made her decision!

  Laying the dress on the bed, she went into the bathroom to shower. She buffed and scrubbed, then used her vanilla body lotion to soften her skin. Afterwards, she curled her hair and pulled it up into a loose style on top of her head. The overall look was sexy and yet, somehow demure. “I like it!” she beamed at her reflection in the mirror.

  Afterwards, she slipped the dress over her head, letting it slide down her body. Sure enough, a bra wouldn’t work. So she reached behind her back and slipped the bra off. With relish, she noticed that her nipples were visible, pressing against the white satin. “Perfect!” she decided. If she was going to get married, then she wanted Jahlil to notice her. Plus, she wanted a wedding night!

  She didn’t have shoes, she realized. Looking at the rack again, she discovered that there were shoes on a hidden lower shelf and she found a pair of strappy sandals that were pretty painful to wear, but as soon as she slipped them onto her feet, Maya knew that they were perfect! First of all, they gave her an extra three inches of height. Plus, they made her legs look awesome!

  “Are you ready, Ms. Tisdale?” Ormond asked after knocking on the door.

  Maya looked at her image in the mirror. Her makeup was soft and subtle, her hair looked amazing on top of her head with light tendrils gracing her neck. She wasn’t wearing earrings, because she didn’t have anything that would work with something this dramatic.

  Stepping out into the great room, she looked around. “Where is Jahlil?” The air conditioning made her shiver. Or perhaps it was the anticipation of seeing Jahlil.

  “He will meet you at the ceremony,” Ormond replied, not looking up from his tablet. “If you are ready,” he prompted, waving towards the doorway.

  “Of course,” Maya replied, reaching behind her and lifting the small train of her dress so it didn’t drag along the floor.

  As soon as she stepped into the elevator, Maya found herself surrounded by bodyguards. This was very odd, she thought. But again, it wasn’t all that different from what Jahlil endured every day. Still, she glanced up at the men out of the corner of her eye, warily wondering how long this level of protection would last.

  Thankfully, the elevator doors opened and Maya literally burst through them, feeling a bit claustrophobic in the very full elevator.

  “This way, Ms. Tisdale,” Ormond explained, gesturing towards a sidewalk of the resort she hadn’t noticed before.

  “What’s this way?”

  Ormond did his little bowing gesture as he explained, “His Highness is waiting for you on the beach for the ceremony.”

  Beach? How…romantic! But Jahlil wasn’t a romantic sort of guy! He was sensible and responsible. He was unbelievably patient, but also demanding. He demanded results from his staff and got it. At least, that’s what Sandoor had always said. She’d seen Jahlil in action many times over the years, despite Jahlil’s efforts to keep business to a minimum during their sporadic dinners together.

  Still, she walked down the sidewalk, wondering what she would find.

  As she rounded the corner, Maya stopped and gasped. A beautiful, flowered archway had been placed in the sand. Standing just behind the archway was a minister, waiting patiently. And to the right was Jahlil. He looked…magnificent! His white linen shirt and tan linen slacks billowed in the soft breeze coming off of the ocean. And yet, despite his casual clothes, he looked elegant and powerful. He literally took her breath away as he stood waiting for her to arrive. Impatiently, she realized, as he glanced at his watch.

  And yet, in that same moment, he looked up and froze when he spotted her.

  That movement, plus the look in his eyes, gave her the boost of confidence that she desperately needed.

  “Ms. Tisdale?” a female voice interrupted her moment.

  Maya looked around to find a pretty woman with a gamin smile. “Yes?”

  The woman’s smile widened. “Flowers for you,” she said, handing Maya a beautiful bouquet of tropical flowers surrounded by dark, green leaves and wrapped with a silk ribbon. The flowers perfectly matched the flowers on the archway.

  The ocean, the sand, the flowers, and…and Jahlil. Each part came together to make this moment perfect. Stepping down the stone steps, she felt her heart swell.

  At least, she hoped that she was special to him. She wanted to be special to him.

  His eyes glowed as he watched her walk down the aisle to his side. Taking the bouquet from her, he tossed the flowers to someone off to the side, then took both of her hands in his, lifting them to his lips. Gently, he kissed each one and, in that moment, she felt as if he were promising her something much more precious than any vows.

  The minister began to speak but Maya was only vaguely aware of him. She was focused on Jahlil. The skin over his cheekbones was tight, as if he were clenching his teeth. Because he didn’t want this? Just as that thought flashed through her, his fingers tightened around hers. It was as if he were sending her a silent signal, a message that he wanted more.

  This was so confusing. But, she stopped trying to figure it out, and simply enjoyed the fact that she was marrying Jahlil, the man she’d loved for so long! She didn’t care if she was pregnant. She was marrying Jahlil. The marriage might only last for a couple of weeks, but it would be the best two weeks of her life, Maya vowed!

  And then he kissed her! Had they said their vows? Maya didn’t remember. But she’d remember his kiss forever! The sensation of his lips on hers, his hands pulling her in close as his hard muscles pressed against her, was like a clap of thunder – startling and unnerving. Maya didn’t pull away though. She pressed even closer. She remembered the previous night and wanted that. She wanted it all, but she’d settle for these shockingly beautiful moments.

  Jahlil pulled away, aware of the fact that he was starting to lose control.

  He swallowed a chuckle at the thought. Starting? He’d lost control long ago when it came to Maya. With the culmination of that loss of control last night and continuing when he’d seen her in this dress. The satin shimmered over her soft, beautiful curves, showing him everything! As soon as he’d seen her, Jahlil was glad that this was a private ceremony. Now, he wanted a private dinner. Correction, he wanted a private bedroom, where he could let his hands explore every inch of her body in that stunning, shimmering gown that was the epitome of sin laced with beautiful sensuality.

  “Are we married?” she whispered, her lips swollen from the power of that kiss.

  He laughed softly, his fingers caressing her trim waist. “Yes. We’re married.”

  “Good,” she whispered back, licking her lips, which caused his lust to explode into an inferno!

  “Are you hungry?”

  She beamed. “Famished!”

  The look in her eyes warned him that it wasn’t food she wanted. She wanted…him! Damn, he couldn’t believe this was happening!

  He took her hand and led her back up the beach and the stairs. When she moved too slowly, he bent and scooped her up. He needed her. And he really couldn’t wait much longer!

  The guards had the elevator doors open and he stepped in, growling with impatience.

  “You can put me down now,” she whispered in his ear as her fingers moved into his hair and he almost dropped her.

  “Only for a moment,” he replied, releasing her legs, but keeping an arm around her. When she stood again, he pulled her close, but didn’t kiss her. Not in front of his guards. He knew that Maya was shy around others and he didn’t want to embarrass her.

  Thankfully, the elevator doors opened and he took her hand, pausing only long enough to allow her to gather the bottom of her dress before he almost dragged her into the suite.

  “Now, about this dress,” he murmured as he pulled her into his bedroom. He spun her around and she landed against his chest.

  Laughing, she leaned into him. “I thought you’d like this dress,” she replied, her voice huskier than normal.

  He cupped her bottom, before letting his hands slide upwards. “I love the dress,” he murmured, lowering his head to kiss her softly. But as his hands slid over her body, he couldn’t slow down. Not with her looking like this and feeling so soft and perfect against him! His kiss deepened and he lifted her up, laying her down on the bed. He pulled her dress straps down, revealing what he’d already suspected. She wasn’t wearing a bra! Damn, but he loved the way she looked right at this moment!

  “I need you now, Jahlil!” she whispered, fumbling with the buttons on his shirt.

  With a frustrated growl, he stood up and literally ripped his clothes off, tossing them away. He didn’t want anything between himself and Maya!

  When he was naked, he moved back to the bed. She’d watched him the whole time, her mouth slightly open. That was a heady sensation. After years of trying to view her as a younger sister, it was shocking how badly he needed to treat her as he really viewed her; as a lover.

  “You’re not naked,” he commented, and was proud that his voice didn’t sound as raw as he felt.

  “I just…” she trailed off, her eyes drifting closed as his hands slid up her calves, shifting the satin out of the way. He stared down at his hands as they revealed her delicate, pale skin. She was so damn beautiful! Her legs were strong and muscular because she loved to run in the mornings. And her skin was so soft and beautiful, he wanted to touch and feel and taste every inch of her!

  “This is even better,” he told her, his eyes following the path of his hands as he revealed more of her lovely skin. “I’ll treat you like a present, mine to unwrap.”

  She smiled and his hands moved higher. The smile disappeared, replaced with that soft, melting need in her eyes. He liked that look. It turned him on, made him hotter. He ached with the desperate need to bury himself in her heat. He should slow down, he thought. Maya might be tender from their first night together, so he was determined to take it slow this time. And he’d use protection. They hadn’t talked about the consequences of last night since this morning, except for the fact that they were now married. He had to take this slow and protect her, just in case she wasn’t pregnant.

  Then he caught sight of her panties. What little there was of them. His mind blanked and, with a tug, they were gone, revealing the lush pink folds that so entranced him.

  “Jahlil,” she whispered as he spread her legs wider. He paused, taking in the whole picture. Her legs looked longer than ever in her pretty heels. The satin dress bunched around her waist, her breasts free with their pink tips hard and waiting for him. Every part of her seemed to glisten with arousal and passion. Bending, he lowered his head to lap at that sensitive nub. But that small taste wasn’t enough! He needed more. One finger slid into her soft, tight sheath as his mouth closed over that sensitive nub. Sucking and teasing, he felt her body moving in time with his mouth. It wasn’t enough. He needed her complete and total surrender as well as more of those soft, sweet sounds that she made in the back of her throat!

  It didn’t take long before she cried out, her body shimmering with her exultant release and he laughed, feeling more powerful with that small cry than he’d ever felt in his life!

  But then he looked up the line of her body and saw her back arching, it was just too much for him. He lifted himself higher and pressed into her heat, grabbing her hands so that he could pull them over her head. Thrusting slowly, he drove into her again and again, feeling her body arch into his, feeling her shivers from that first orgasm start to fade, just as her body tightened, ready for more.

  Moving faster, he pressed into her, shifting his body the way he remembered she’d liked last night. Over and over, he thrust into her, her cries of delight making his mind spin out of control. Gritting his teeth, he held on until…she screamed his name. Then he let go, pressing into her heat again and again as his own climax nearly blinded him. The pleasure was so intense, he was lost in it, and he prayed that he didn’t hurt Maya with the overwhelming lust as his body drained into hers.

  Chapter 13

  Maya’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled as the watery, morning sunshine filtered into the room. Unlike yesterday morning, Jahlil was still with her. His muscular arms surrounded her and he held her tightly against him. For a moment, she snuggled up against him, absorbing the warmth from his body and hearing his heart beat.

  Last night, her wedding night, had been amazing. Over and over again, Jahlil had made love to her. She’d been so overwhelmed with passion that she hadn’t been able to move when he’d finally turned out the light. They’d slept in each other’s arms for a while, but one of them would wake up and start it all over again. She’d loved every moment of it, wishing that she could love Jahlil like that forever.

  They hadn’t had dinner last night, she realized as her stomach growled. Turning her head, she gazed up at Jahlil’s sleeping face. His jawline was dark from the night’s growth of his beard. In the dim light, she noticed his lashes were longer than she’d realized, like lace across his cheekbones. And in sleep, he was just as ruggedly handsome as he was during his waking hours. There was no relaxation of his features. It was almost as if he was still going through all of the weighty issues that he faced during the day, even in his sleep.

  Maya couldn’t help but smile. He was so strong, so responsible, and…and they hadn’t used protection during that first round last night. He’d apologized again, but Maya had only smiled, kissed his chest, and the whole whirlwind had started all over again.

  She loved him. It was an almost overwhelming feeling, loving Jahlil. It was going to be painful to leave him. But she knew this marriage was only temporary. He’d said so himself. If she wasn’t pregnant, then they’d divorce.

  With that in mind, she slipped out of bed and into her own bedroom. There, she showered and pulled on a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt. She knew what she had to do. Leave. She had to get back to her life. Back to the real world and her routines. If she found that she was pregnant, then she’d let Jahlil know immediately. Pulling out her phone, she searched through the flight information until she came up with a plan. Because of the remoteness of the island, there wasn’t a direct flight to Boston. It would take a while to get home, since she’d need to get a short flight from here to Belize, then another flight from Belize to Houston. From Houston, she could catch a flight to Boston. Good grief, that was going to be a long day of traveling, but she’d get there. Eventually.

  Sitting down at the small, hotel desk, she wrote him a note. And this time, she didn’t leave anything out. She told him everything, wiping away tears as she wrote. After the past two nights, she couldn’t hold anything back. He’d given her so much. Jahlil deserved to know why she was leaving and why she couldn’t stay with him.