Fed by an underground spring, its waters remained fresh throughout even the hottest summers, feeding lush greenery that protected it from the stares of passers-by. At this late hour, the hands who worked his spread were relaxing in the bunkhouse or had gone to town to have some fun. Only Rayhan, impelled by a restlessness he didn't understand, still roamed the Double Eagle.

Bands of pink and coral streaked the darkening sky. In a few minutes the heavens would transmute into a magical shade of blue that always reminded Rayhan of Cami's eyes.

Would he encounter her this evening? His pulse quickened at the thought.

Kalil poked his nose through the greenery surrounding the swimming hole and chuffed.

Rayhan, hearing a splash, dismounted to check the source of the sound.

Ah. Cami. He surmised she'd been riding hard, because Sugar stood hock-high in the water...and Cami was entirely submerged, but for her blond head. Then she rolled so she floated on the surface of the pond. Even in the dimming light, he could see the tops of her breasts above the water. Though covered with some flimsy fabric, they swayed with the slight current.

Rayhan walked toward the water's edge.

Cami rose, standing thigh-deep in the pond. The glowing sunset shimmered off the water sliding down the curves and planes of her body. She looked like a naiad emerging from an enchanted pool.

He couldn't speak, couldn't breathe, couldn't even think.

Even in the waning light, he could see she wore only a tiny pair of panties and a thin, cropped top. His gaze traveled down her tapering ribcage to her narrow waist. Crystalline drops nestled in her navel, inviting his tongue. Her torso flared to lovely, rounded hips and a wide pelvis, designed to carry a child.

His child. Rayhan drew a shuddering breath.

Her wet, pink panties couldn't conceal much, but the dimming light hid her secrets.

He stepped forward, deliberately crunching a branch underfoot to attract her attention. He wanted to give her the opportunity to come to him.

Cami's skin chilled. Who was there?

She scanned the bank of the pond, seeing nothing in the shadows. A nightbird flapped its wings, startling her.

A branch cracked. Then, a dark shape emerged from the shrubbery.

Dressed in swirling robes, he appeared a wild creature born of myth and legend. He seemed not to walk but to flow gracefully as he approached the riverbank, a fey spirit of the desert night.

Impelled by an instinct she couldn't control, Cami went to meet him at the water's edge. She was acutely aware of everything around her: the squish of mud beneath her bare feet; the buzzing of insects; the evening scents and smells of the foliage; her heartbeat, which had leaped to a frantic pace when she saw who stood by the stream.

Ray awaited her with the posture of a sultan who'd summoned his houri.

Yet he hadn't said a word. He didn't need to. Strong and tall, infinitely compelling and mysterious, he lured her to him without effort, the way man had drawn woman to his side since the dawn of history.

She couldn't see his expression in the dusk. Nervous, she guessed he'd dislike her spontaneous decision to strip to her undies and swim. Maybe this conduct wasn't what an Adnani male expected from a virtuous woman.

Now she stood before him. Her heart raced.

He reached forward to cup one breast in his palm. With dark, tapered fingers, he flicked her nipple through the damp silk of her camisole.

It puckered into a taut, needy point. She closed her eyes, focusing on the blissful ache. Her knees shook, and she concentrated on staying upright.

"Watch," he said, his voice soft with amazement. "See how your breast trembles in my hand."

Shy, Cami turned her face away.

He laughed.

Starch stiffened her spine, and she cut him a glare. How dare he laugh at her?

"Cami." But he didn't mock. Instead, he seduced. He bent her back over his arm to kiss her nipples, arousing first one, then the other. Excitement flared; she felt the tender flesh crinkle and tighten against the pressure of his tongue and teeth. Sucking in a breath, she pushed her breast into his mouth, chasing the pleasure.

He slipped his hand between her unresisting thighs, stoking the fire with clever, knowledgeable fingers.

Cami's moist, ready mouth, heavy-lidded eyes, her sweet gasps and pants told Rayhan she was ready for his love. Draped over his arm she lay, vibrating with need, offering herself to him, a sensual banquet.

He'd feast on her soon, but not tonight. He caressed her one last time. She writhed in his arms, his for the taking. Rather than have her on the riverbank, he set her on her feet, smoothing away tousled strands of hair from her flushed face.

She reached for him, tugging on his robes to draw him closer, molding her curves against his hardness beneath the loose folds of his thobe. His body jerked; he fought to master his urge to possess her immediately. When she tried to pull away he didn't let her go, palming her bottom to push her intimately against him.

"Did you think I remained unmoved?" He let his voice growl in her ear. Holding her close, he eased her along the evidence of his passion. He flicked his tongue over her quivering mouth, first testing the tender inner surface of her lip, where the flesh was so sensitive, then entering her deeper, in and out.

He licked the dainty whorl of her ear, then blew upon it.

She shivered, sinking into his embrace, as though she sought his warmth. He wrapped her in his arms, enfolding her in his robes.

With Ray, Cami felt utterly safe, swathed in his silky cocoon. But his demanding kisses and virile body reminded her of the threat he posed. The tension in his limbs signaled her that he was frighteningly close to losing control. If he succumbed to his instincts, she couldn't protect her innocence from him. He was too strong, too seductive, and too tempting.

"Soon," he purred in her ear.

She tugged away.

"Soon. Cami, I know how to treat a woman. I promise. I will show you."

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From the book In The Sheikh's Arms By Sue Swift
Imprint and series: Silhouette Romance Publication Date: March 2003
ISBN 0-373-19652-0 Copyright 2003 by Sue Swift
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