Goodness he was…Calista stared at the man speaking with her older brother, not sure if she had the words appropriate to describe the man. She’d seen him before, of course, but always from a distance or via a news report. Never in person, although she was fairly sure that the man must have visited before. As the ruler of Skyla, the country neighboring her own, there had to have been many times when he’d come for a meeting or just a friendly visit with her brother.
So why was she so startled now by his presence? Why did the man seem so much more…more! Sheik Goran el Istara was about the same height as her brother, Astir. But whereas Astir was brute strength, Sheik Goran was lithe and…terrifying…in a delicious sort of way.
At that same moment, his eyes swiveled towards her and Calista felt herself gasp! Thankfully, he was too far away to hear.
Or was he? The formal receiving room made up of polished marble and tall, ornately carved columns was meant to intimidate visiting dignitaries. Had the sound of her indrawn breath echoed over the hard stone walls and floor?
His eyes narrowed on her and she felt her heart pound against her ribs. Ridiculously, her knees trembled and she felt hot, then cold all over. What an absolutely silly reaction, she scolded herself.
And yet, as this man approached beside her brother, Calista couldn’t seem to look away. She wanted to run, but her feet were glued to the floor as her heartrate actually increased. Dark, intense eyes stared down at her and she tilted her head back, not wanting to release the man’s gaze.
“You know my sister, Princess Calista,” Astir explained.
The man bowed slightly, extending his hand. “We’ve never had the opportunity to meet in person,” he replied.
Calista extended her own hand, berating herself for the trembling of her fingers. But his warm fingers wrapped around her own as he held her gaze, his touch and his eyes promising her…what? What could this man offer? What could he say or do or…this was absolutely ridiculous! She was her brother’s hostess tonight! She didn’t have time for this kind of foolishness!
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Sheik Goran.”
“The pleasure is mine, Princess,” he replied.
The words were expected. She’d heard those words from hundreds of dignitaries and world leaders over the years. She’d traveled to almost every country in the world and met all of the world leaders. She’d met actors that caused other women’s hearts to swoon. She’d flirted with presidents and royalty, suave and sophisticated men of the world. And yet, none of them made her feel anything. It was just this man’s touch, the spicy, male scent of him that made her want to step closer, to feel his arms pull her against…!
Good grief! Calista blinked, looking over at her brother. Sure enough, Astir’s dark eyebrows were lifted in silent curiosity and…yes, there was a bit of anger in her brother’s gaze now.
Pulling herself together, she straightened, delicately pulling her hand away, then fisting her hands at her sides as the remnants of his touch remained, her skin feeling singed.
“Calista has organized a dinner for all of us tonight,” her brother was saying. “Zantar and Nasir are here as well.” “Zantar” was Sheik Zantar al Abouss, leader of Citran and “Nasir” was Sheik Nasir bin Zaminista, leader of Minar. All four of their countries shared borders and there was a slight uptick in issues in some of the border towns. The four men had gathered to discuss those increasing tensions. The other men were handsome, but they didn’t spark her interest the way this man did.
“That’s very kind of you,” Goran replied, his eyes once again focusing on her.
Calista nervously wiped her hands along her dress, then smiled at her brother. “I think that Ayla might join us as well,” she replied, desperately hoping that their youngest sister might be available to join them. As hostess, Calista was required to attend the dinner. But whereas Calista was serious and…well, some might say boring, Ayla was a delight! Calista knew how to keep a conversation going even among the most tedious group of guests. But Ayla could make them laugh! Ayla would ease the tension among the guests and have everyone walk away from the meal thinking that they were fast friends.
Astir’s eyes narrowed. “Ayla is in Berlin this weekend,” he reminded her.
The pink suddenly staining Calista’s cheeks was horrifying! Once again, she glanced over at the man, not surprised to find him still watching her intently.
Drat! Astir was right. Ayla wasn’t here! Darn it!
There was a noise behind them and the two other meeting guests walked into the room. Calista sighed with relief as she stepped forward, greeting Sheik Nasir first, then Sheik Zantar. With a polite smile, she turned to her brother. “I know that you gentlemen have issues to discuss. I’ll see all of you at dinner tonight.”
Without looking at any of the men, she walked away, her shoulders pulled back and her head held high. Thankfully, she didn’t trip on her own feet and she stepped out of the receiving room. Closing the door behind her, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Done!” she whispered.
Five hours later, Calista tried to shake off the tension. Dinner had been a resounding success. The men had come up with a plan to address the border issues and everyone would depart the next day feeling as if the trip had been worthwhile.
“You were a delight at dinner tonight.”
Calista swung about, searching for the deep, husky voice. A moment later, Goran turned the corner, approaching her with those intense, dark eyes watching her exactly as she had earlier today.
“Thank you,” she replied, praying that her voice sounded confident. “I appreciate the suggestions you offered for the border problems. They seemed very fair to everyone.”
He tilted her head in acknowledgement. “Thank you.”
He was close. So incredibly close. Calista suspected that she should back away. But…he smelled good. And she could feel the heat emanating from his body. Tilting her head back, she enjoyed the interest in his eyes. Perhaps the wine over dinner had relaxed her. Or maybe she was simply more prepared for the impact this man had on her system. But she wasn’t afraid of him this time.
“I want to kiss you,” he announced, his voice low, the sound reverberating along her tingling senses.
She swallowed, then slowly nodded. “I’d very much like for you to kiss me.”
He stepped closer, his hand lifting to curl around the back of her neck. Those fingers singed her, but instead of feeling nervous, his touch excited her and she moved closer. When he lowered his head, his lips hovered over hers for a brief moment. Then he was kissing her!
Explosions rocketed around in her mind. Unknowingly, her hands lifted, her fingers curling over his shoulders as the heat from his lips invaded every cell of her body. Startled, she moved closer, her mouth opening to invite a more intimate kiss. He didn’t hesitate. His mouth demanded and she replied. She pressed her body against his, then his free arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer, her breasts pressed against his. When his tongue invaded, she whimpered and lifted up onto her toes, wanting more, needing this man to…!
The sound of male laughter startled them and Calista jerked away. Quickly, she smoothed her hand down over her dress, another ensuring that her hair was still in place.
“Good night, Your Highness,” she whispered, then started walking away. Had her knees trembled earlier in the day? That reaction was nothing compared to what she was feeling now! Her knees felt as if they might give out on her and she fisted her hands, trying to steady herself until she could find a bit of privacy. And a chair! Yes, a chair would be very nice right now. She’d like to sink down onto something sturdier that her wobbly legs!
