The Sheikh's Amulet (Sheikh's Wedding Bet Series Book 3) Read online

  “I slept late, but your kitchen staff kept breakfast warm for me. That’s really nice of them,” she said with a smile. Instead of her brightly colored attire, she was dressed in jeans and a tank top.

  Relieved to see that she wasn’t unhappy, he walked around the desk and hooked an arm around her waist. Her body immediately stiffened, and when he went to kiss her, she provided him with her cheek instead.

  “You’re still upset,” he said as he pulled away. “How can I make this right, Tamrin?”

  “I’m not upset,” she responded with a frown. Tentatively, she put a hand on his chest. “I understand your actions last night, and I’m sorry if my reaction upset you. I was actually here to see if I could get into your study. My dad said that it was kept locked unless someone was in there.”

  “You came here for book access?” Jaymin asked slowly as he stared at her. “Are you sure you’re not mad at me?”

  Biting her lower lip, she stepped away from him. “You’re a busy man, Sheikh. I’m trying to stay out of your way while you do your work.”

  “I have a mandatory conference this weekend on the coast, but it’ll only take a couple hours of my time. Come with me. We’ll stay the weekend. Maybe getting away and relaxing will help loosen your memory a little,” he said as he reached for her again.

  Tamrin stiffened but didn’t pull away. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said with a forced smile. “Really, I’m not here to distract you.”

  “Fine.” Jaymin released her and walked back around his desk. “I’ll get someone to meet you outside the study. Borrow whatever you like.”

  “Now you’re upset,” she said softly.

  “I’m not upset, Tamrin. You’re right. I’m busy, and I should focus on finding your necklace.” Jaymin relaxed his shoulders and smiled at her. “I don’t want you to worry about anything.”

  She nodded and moved toward the door. “Maybe we can have dinner tonight.”

  Wearily, he eyed her. “Sure,” he said slowly. “I’ll make sure to invite your father as well. No distractions, remember?”

  A streak of annoyance crossed her face, but she quickly hid it. “That’s a great idea. Thank you for letting me into your study.” She slipped out the door, and Jaymin made the phone call to have someone meet her. That family really did like to read.

  Running a hand through his hair, he sat back at his desk and exited the video. This time, he pulled up pictures from the party and stared. There had to be something he’d missed. No thief should have been good enough to steal right out from under him. If he didn’t catch the person and return the necklace, he would feel obligated to pay Sean back. It wasn’t that his family didn’t have the money to pay him, but his pride was wounded.

  He wanted that thief.

  A few hours later, his stomach grumbled. Glancing at the clock, he realized that he’d missed lunch. The staff usually knew better than to interrupt him while he was working, so it wasn’t rare that he missed a meal.

  It was too late to eat a full lunch, but he could still grab a quick snack before dinner. Shrugging off his jacket, he rolled up his sleeves and headed to the dining room.

  His shadow wasn’t far behind, but this time it was a new guard. At least Kaz was smart enough to switch them out so they’d be refreshed. Snagging an apple from the fruit basket, Jaymin leaned against the counter and bit into it.

  “Skip lunch?”

  Jaymin looked over his shoulder and the guard tensed, but it was only Tamrin who walked through the door. She’d changed her clothes and wore a pair of tight black pants and a loose yellow blouse.

  “I did,” he said cautiously as he stared at her.

  “I know you’re mad that I turned you down when you asked me to go to the coast, but I was surprised at the offer.” She smiled shyly at him and tapped her fingers nervously on the counter. “I’ve given it some thought, and I’d like to join you if the offer still stands.”

  Confused, he stared at her. “I know that women are supposed to be confusing, but I’m starting to think that you take the cake.”

  Chuckling, she ducked her head sheepishly. “I know. I’m so sorry. Jaymin, you have to understand that I’m not sure about this. About any of this. You’re this incredibly sexy and powerful man, and I’m just me. Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed by everything.”

  “Are you sure you want to go to the weekend retreat?”

  “Very sure,” she murmured as she reached for his hand. “I think you’re right. Getting away will be nice.”

  Before he could react, she reached out and snagged the apple from him. He stared as she sauntered out. Pausing at the door, she turned and bit into the apple. Giving him a small wink, she headed back down the hall.

  “Not one word,” he growled at the guard.

  “Yes, sir,” the man replied. He didn’t even twitch.

  It was nice to know that Kaz trained them well.

  Tamrin packed her bags nervously and looked back at her father. “Stop staring at me.”

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Your hands are shaking,” he growled. “Tell him you’re not feeling well.”

  “I’ve got this,” she snapped. “Besides, it’s a little late in the game for you to change the rules now. Lie low this weekend and enjoy your books.”

  Zipping up her bag, she slung it over her shoulder. Her father didn’t say a word as she headed for the door. Putting her hand on the doorknob, she stopped and took a deep breath. “You have to stop doubting, Dad. I need to be confident.”

  “I’m not the one doubting you.”

  Rolling her eyes, she yanked open the door and let it slam behind her. The palace had upped its security recently, and a man pretty much followed her around wherever she went. It would be nice to get away for a little bit.

  Jaymin was waiting for her at the car. He didn’t say a word as he opened the door and took her bag. His eyes said it all. If she wanted to change her mind, he wasn’t going to stop her.

  “Good morning,” she said with a smile as she slid inside. “I packed a couple swim suits. Can I go swimming while you’re at your conference?”

  “Yes,” he said cautiously as he slid in next to her. “What kind of swimsuits did you pack?”

  She waggled her eyebrows and smirked. “Since you’re in your boring suit, I’m going to imagine that you’re lecturing other men in their boring suits. I guess you’ll miss it.”

  He laughed and slung an arm around her shoulders. She nestled into him and rested her head. Thoughts of the weekend had kept her up all night, and his warmth made her want to close her eyes and nap.

  “Unfortunately, I’ll have to drop you off at the hotel and go straight to the conference or I’d ask for a quick show-and-tell. If you describe it to me, I’ll have something to look forward to while I give my boring lecture.”

  “Well, I have two. One of them is bright orange. The bottom piece ties on both sides and slings quite low on my hips. The top is mermaid style and manages to lift me quite nicely.”

  Jaymin moaned a little and looked down at her. “That one has my vote.”

  “The second one is a halter-style red top, and it ties in the front. The bottom piece…well, let’s just say that I can’t be too active in it.”

  “Jesus, are you trying to kill me?”

  Laughing, she wiggled until she could slide down the seat so that she was lying down. Resting her head in his lap, she looked up at him. “I’m sleepy,” she said softly.

  “It’s a two-hour trip. You can take a nap,” he said as he stroked her hair.

  “I can’t usually sleep in the car.” It felt good to have him touching her. It wasn’t sexual, but it was strangely intimate. She couldn’t remember the last time someone played with her hair.

  “I’ll practice my lecture. That should help you sleep.”

  She chuckled and turned so that she was more comfortable. Facing the front of the car, she closed her eyes and listened to his voice. Surprisingly, she once again
felt safe with him.

  Safe enough to fall asleep within a few minutes.

  9

  True to his word, Jaymin gave her a quick kiss on the lips before leaving her in the hotel room to sprint to his conference. Two guards followed him, leaving only one to watch her. She cocked her head and studied him. Although he didn’t make eye contact, she had a feeling that he was aware of her every mood.

  “I’m going to change into my bathing suit and sun by the pool. I have a feeling that you’re going to stand out if you follow me.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I guess that means you’re coming anyway. That’s fine. You could probably use some sun. You are, however, not allowed to watch me change. If you insist on staying in the room, you’re going to at least have to turn around. I’m about to get very naked.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He turned his back, and Tamrin smiled. Shimmying out of her dress, she quickly pulled on the red bathing suit. She had a feeling that would be Jaymin’s favorite. After slipping on her shimmery cover-up, she slid her cellphone into her pocket and looked over her shoulder.

  The guard was still facing the wall. “All done,” she called out. “And I’ll be happy to report that you were a gentleman the whole time.” Giving him a bright smile, she practically skipped out to the pool.

  The resort was absolutely stunning, and she’d never stayed in a place so nice before. The pool was a beautiful shimmering blue, but it had nothing on the view beyond it. White sandy beaches separated them from the expansive sea. Breathing in deeply, she settled in one of the chaise loungers and put her feet up.

  Bordering the pool were beautiful white columns holding up the pergola. Vines and brightly covered flowers hung from the sides, and she giggled. Only in her wildest dreams did she ever think that she would stay at a place like this.

  Opening one of the books that she’d borrowed from the palace, she settled back and tried to relax. Her phone vibrated every twenty minutes, and she soon switched it off without bothering to respond to any of the messages from her father. Despite what she’d told him, she really did want to treat this like a vacation.

  Her guard took a stance by her chaise, and for a full hour, he didn’t move. Frowning, she finally pushed her sunglasses up and stared at him. “I don’t think you have any relief here. You’re welcome to sit down. If I need you to protect me, I’d rather you not be tired from needlessly standing.”

  “Sorry, ma’am,” he said, but he didn’t move.

  Rolling her eyes, she returned her attentions back to her book.

  When a shadow fell over her, it scared her so much that she shrieked and jumped.

  “Whoa!” Jaymin said as he held his hands up. “It’s just me. Don’t be scared.”

  “Damn it,” she said as she picked up her book. “Someone in those shoes should not be able to sneak up on me.”

  “I have two younger brothers. I learned the art of sneaking a long time ago,” he said wryly.

  Intrigued, she looked up and smiled at him. “Oh really? So you weren’t always the uptight older brother?”

  “No,” he said with a chuckle as he took the chaise next to hers. “For a few years, I was just the older brother who took delight in tormenting Masoud and Adil. I suppose when my father told me that I should look out for them rather than tease them, I took it a little too seriously.”

  Tamrin swept her eyes critically over him. He was still dressed in his suit from the conference, and he sat up rather than lounged in the chair. Jaymin could not have looked more out of place in an environment where he was supposed to relax and enjoy himself.

  “I bet I could fix that,” she murmured to herself.

  “What was that?” he asked.

  Putting her book down, she swung her legs over the side and stood. Holding out her hand, she smiled seductively at him. “Come with me. And see if you can’t give us a little privacy in our room.”

  “Why is that?” The look of anticipation on his face told her that he knew very well what she had in mind.

  “Your conference is over, and I don’t see any family members here to remind you of all the responsibility on your shoulders. You have the whole weekend to relax.”

  He took her hand and stood. “And you don’t think I can relax right here by the pool?” he asked teasingly.

  Tamrin rolled her eyes. “Please. You hardly look relaxed. I think I know something that can help you with that.”

  He didn’t say anything as they walked down the brick steps to the villas. Through the green gardens, she stepped nimbly on the brick path until they ducked under the vines to the private entrance to their balcony. Jaymin stopped to murmur something in the guard’s ear and immediately the three guards inside came out to take positions outside the door.

  Feeling her heart beat against her chest, she pulled him inside and shut the door. Jaymin immediately framed her face with his hands and forced her head up to look at him. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” he said softly. “I asked you here to help you relax.”

  She reached for the belt over her cover up and slowly pulled the ties out of the loops. “So you didn’t bring me here to seduce me?” she asked with a smile.

  His eyes widened when the cover up dropped away. Standing in only her bikini, she pulled his hands away from her face and slid them over her shoulders. His thumbs brushed along the curves of her breasts, and once they skimmed along her bare abdomen, she reached up to tug on his tie.

  “I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the thought hadn’t crossed my mind,” he said in a thick voice.

  “Don’t think about what you thought we would do or what you wanted to do. Think only about this. We have to live in the moment. It’s all that we really have,” she whispered.

  “You are dangerous,” he said hoarsely as his hand roamed even lower. When he swept his fingers across the covered apex of her legs, her breath hitched, and she leaned into his touch.

  “More,” she demanded softly. Tugging on his shirt, she slipped the buttons out of their holes and spread the palms of her hands over his bare chest. Every fantasy that had been running in her dreams the past couple of nights was coming to life right before her. She’d never wanted another man as much as she wanted Jaymin.

  His thumb continued to caress her, and she pulled his head down for a deep kiss. Thrusting into his touch, she moaned and pushed at him until they were at the bed.

  As he fell down, she straddled him and leaned over. His hips moved up against her as she sucked on his lower lip. “Tell me that you’re mine for tonight,” she whispered.

  Jaymin reached for the tie on the front of her bikini top. As her breasts swung free, he cupped them with his hands and pinched her nipples lightly. Pleasure swept through her, and her arms shook. He seemed to understand. Grabbing her hips, he rolled her over on the bed until his weight settled on top of her.

  “You are absolutely stunning,” he murmured as he leaned down and took a nipple in his mouth. Tamrin closed her eyes and lost herself in the sensation. He seemed to know all her pleasure points, and while his tongue worked over her breast, his hands caressed the inside of her wrists.

  “Jaymin,” she moaned as she wrapped her legs around him. “Please. More.”

  “Patience,” he murmured as he released her breast. “I’ve been dreaming of this from the moment I laid eyes on you. I intend to take my time with you.”

  He slid down her body, and Tamrin gripped the sheets as his tongue delved in her belly button. Lower, he tugged on the ties of her bikini bottom with his teeth until they loosened. A sound of appreciation escaped him as she lifted her hips so he could slide the rest of the fabric away.

  Jaymin placed a kiss on the inside of her thigh as he slid a finger over the wet folds of her sex. Teasing her, he kept his touch just outside her hot zone, and she gripped the sheets and tried to move her hips, but he had an iron grip.

  “You’re killing me,” she gasped.

  “On the contrary,” he sai
d with a smile. “I want you screaming under me.”

  As he pressed his lips against her clit, she almost screamed right then and there. Waves of ecstasy rolled through her as he worked his tongue over her, and the tension inside her grew more and more taut. Arching her back, she pressed even harder against him and held her breath.

  “Oh God,” she screamed suddenly as her orgasm ripped through her. Tamrin’s whole body shuddered as she collapsed back on the mattress, but she wasn’t alone. When she opened her eyes, Jaymin cradled her head in his hands.

  “Are you okay?” he asked softly.

  Smiling, she reached down and undid the snap of his pants. “I’m more than okay.”

  When she wrapped her fingers around his hard length, he moaned and thrust gently. “I was going to ask if you needed more time, but I guess you don’t,” he managed.

  “I just need you.” Pushing his pants down, she waited until he slid them off completely and rejoined her. Wrapping her legs around him, she arched her hips. She didn’t need any more foreplay. After her shattering orgasm, she was very wet and ready for more.

  Planting a hot open-mouthed kiss on her, he widened his knees slightly and nudged at her entrance. “Are you sure, baby?”

  In answer, she sank her teeth in his shoulder. He growled and pushed himself home. Moaning, she widened her legs and took him. He felt different than anyone else she’d ever had. This was a man who knew exactly what he was doing.

  “Fuck, Jaymin,” she moaned as he began to thrust. “Right spot. That is definitely the right spot.”

  “Oh yeah?” he gasped. “What about this?” Moving, he rolled back so that he sat on the bed and she straddled him. Hovering over him, she moved so that he sank even deeper inside her. The pleasure was so intense that she couldn’t even respond to his question. There was nothing left to say and everything to feel.

  He gripped her hips and nuzzled the crook of her neck as she continued to rise and sink over him. Heat coiled inside her and threatened to strike, and she was helpless against him. Every touch, every moan, every hot breath against her skin drew her even closer to the fire, and soon she realized that she was shouting his name over and over again.