One Hot Desert Night by Kristi Gold Page A

quite as large,” Rayad said from behind her. “And it is virtually untouched by man.”
    She couldn’t seem to tear her gaze away from the remarkable sight. “It’s truly a desert oasis. Where does the water originate?”
    “From an aquifer fed by runoff from the mountains. Another of Bajul’s hidden treasures.”
    Amazing. “Water is definitely in short supply in the region.”
    “That is why Zain has begun the conservation efforts. Eventually, it will be exported and in turn, secure the country’s future, as well as save lives.”
    “Zain has seen what the lack of water can do to people. So have I.”
    She heard footsteps and sensed Rayad’s presence before he said, “Are you not curious about my personal quarters?”
    Sunny turned to find he was only a foot or so away. “Actually, I am.”
    “Then look behind me to my left.”
    Only then did she see the makeshift bedroom carved out of the rock. And on the raised ledge, a huge bed covered in dark blue satin and draped with a sheer canopy. A cave boudoir definitely fit for a prince. “Incredible. Do you have an en-suite bathroom? Maybe a steam shower and a whirlpool tub?”
    He smiled. “Who needs those accoutrements when you have your own pool?”
    “You bathe in the pool?”
    “At times I have.”
    That unearthed some fairly naughty images involving a very masculine, well-toned body wet and slick with soap... “I suppose that makes you a modern caveman.”
    His low, sexy laugh echoed off the walls of the cavern. “I suppose that would be accurate.”
    She crossed her arms beneath her breasts against the onslaught of shivers, resulting from the cool temperature and his overt sensuality. “Well, as long as you don’t beat me with a club and drag me by my hair, I can deal with that.”
    His expression went suddenly somber. “I would never do such a thing.”
    “It’s a joke, Rayad.”
    “My apologies, but I find no humor in abusive behavior toward women.”
    Evidently he didn’t bring his wit along with him. She also suspected a story existed behind his attitude. “I truly appreciate that. And in case I haven’t said it before, I feel very safe with you.”
    Rayad surprised her by drawing her into a light embrace then rubbed his palm gently up and down her back. Funny, she hadn’t even flinched, demonstrating how her trust in him had grown.
    A few moments later, he framed her face in his palms and kissed her forehead. “Your faith means a great deal to me.”
    She smiled. “You’re welcome. And now that you have me here, what’s next?”
    “We still have much to explore,” he said as he kept his arms around her.
    “Oh, really? What will we be exploring?”
    “The cavern, of course.”
    “Too bad.” Her face heated over her spontaneous comment. “I’m sorry. I meant I’m getting kind of hungry.”
    He stroked his knuckles softly up and down her cheek. “We will take a brief tour, then we will have lunch.”
    “Not that food in the supply room, I hope.”
    “No. I have brought something special from the palace.” He studied her eyes. “I am very glad you are here.”
    “So am I.”
    And she was. By day’s end, Sunny hoped that still remained true.

Six
    H e’d traveled through the tunnels many times before, yet seeing the cavern through Sunny’s eyes made the experience seem new to Rayad. But when they had ended up in tight quarters several times, she had inadvertently brushed against him, stirring his body and his fantasies.
    Even now, as he walked behind her and watched the gentle sway of her hips, he wanted her greatly. His fantasies took flight as he imagined Sunny naked, her long legs wrapped around his waist. He wanted to know how her bare flesh would feel against his palms, how she would feel surrounding him as he buried himself deep inside her.
    Shaking off the images, Rayad remembered his vow to move slowly. He must accept that quite possibly nothing would come of his desire for her.
    “Which way should I go?” she