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  “Good evening, Your Majesty. Please, make yourself at home,” Rick Tompkins said, shaking the hand of the leader of Jawhara as he was escorted into the grand foyer of the Whittemore. “It’s a pleasure to have you join us this evening.”

  Kamal Mehalel El-Jawhara, Sheik of Jawhara, and CEO of Jewel Oil, shook the hand of the man who was going to bring his country’s reputation a much needed boost. He nodded his head and spoke to the two men standing behind him briefly in Arabic.

  As they moved off to do his bidding, he spoke to Rick, one of the Addams Group owners, “Your company put together an impressive presentation today. It was a pleasure to see their enthusiasm for this project. I have spoken with my brother, and we both agree that sometime in the near future, your team should visit Jawhara. That way they can see for themselves what is needed going forward.”

  Rick nodded, “I think that would definitely be of benefit. I’ll speak with Damon about setting something up.”

  “Fine.” Kamal looked around at the numerous people gathered to celebrate. There were a number of people in attendance that he recognized from the photos his secretary had shown him earlier this evening. Being prepared was something Kamal insisted upon. He prided himself on knowing both his friends and his adversaries before entering into any type of social gathering. With his connections, he often knew more about people he had never met, than long term friends knew about each other after years of interaction.

  Kamal didn’t feel that he was prying into people’s private lives; quite the opposite, he was educating himself as to their strengths and weaknesses. This kept him from being taken advantage of and had often provided information, which helped his security team, perform their duties in keeping him safe.

  Seeing his brother across the room speaking with a beautiful young woman, he headed in that direction. He watched the woman giggle just a little too much, obviously trying very hard to keep his brother’s attention solely focused on her. Looking at the expression on his brother’s face, he could have told her she could stop trying so hard. Khalil was already hooked and seemed content to stay that way.

  As he stepped around a small group standing between his brother and himself, he caught site of the dark red hair of a woman standing in his brother’s group. Kamal stopped shortly, stunned by how alluring her hair color was. It was definitely natural, but the way the light shone on the varying colors of red made her hair almost seem alive.

  Taking another step forward, he was stunned speechless when she turned slightly, giving him his first glimpse of her profile. Alabaster skin, a slightly turned up nose and a mouth made for kissing greeted him. Continuing to turn, he watched as her lids lifted and her eyes captured his attention. They were the most startlingly shade of green he had ever seen. Deep, dark, mysterious, and warm. Those words describe the feelings he had as he watched her eyes land on him, skitter away, and then return.

  He continued his forward progress, greeting his brother briefly in Arabic before returning his attention to the beautiful woman standing directly in front of him. Offering his hand, he spoke to her, “Good evening.”

  Seeing her eyes light with interest, the husky quality of her voice as she replied, “Good evening,” had his body standing at attention and demanding he learn more about her.

  Kale watched the interaction between his brother and Shira’s cousin. Mentally smiling to himself, he had never been so happy to see his brother. Maybe now he would finally be able to get Shira alone and calm her nervousness. It was obvious that she was attracted to him, and while he had enjoyed their flirtations these lasts few months, he wanted more. He had held himself tightly in check during the contract negotiations, putting the country’s needs before his own, but that was done now. Tonight there was only his own needs to worry about; he hoped to add Shira’s needs to his list of duties tonight as well.

  Making the introductions, he said, “Kam, may I introduce Shira and her cousin Erin. Shira, this is my brother Kam.”

  Erin watched as the newcomer briefly shook her cousins’ hand before turning the full weight of his dark gaze in her direction once again. The magnetism she felt between herself and the stranger was as foreign as the words he spoke in reply to Kale’s introduction. When Kale ushered her cousin off in another direction, she turned to follow them only to be stopped by a hand upon her arm. “Don’t go.”

  Turning her head, she looked first at the hand holding her arm before letting her eyes make a leisurely travel up to the face that was attached to it. He was a very handsome man. Standing more than six inches above her 5’7” height, his trim body, and the way he held himself was very alluring. This man was used to being in charge. Erin briefly wandered what his occupation was. She still hadn’t figured out what connection Kale had to the leadership of Jawhara, but he appeared to have quite a bit of authority there. Did his brother also have a position of authority in Jawhara?

  “Would you care to join me for a walk? I understand there is a formal garden through those doors,” Kamal suggested, pointing towards the double French door leading to the yard beyond.

  Erin took one last look at where her cousin had disappeared and then slowly nodded her head, “I would love to get some fresh air. So, yes. I would love a walk in the garden.”

  Waiting for her to precede in front of him, he let his eyes drift down over her figure, stopping briefly as his eyes devoured the lush curves her form fitting dress revealed. The black fabric molded itself to her lush breasts, before dropping down to hug her hips – hips that were made to hold onto as....

  Pulling his thoughts back, Kamal followed her outside, placing a hand low on her back, and feeling the shiver of reaction as it coursed through her body. Good. She feels the attraction too.

  Erin felt the touch of his hand all through her body. She questioned whether she should allow herself to be alone with this stranger, but the feelings he was creating in her body with just the touch of his hand were too tempting to ignore. She had seen several prospects this evening, but the man with her right now was the only one that had stirred her interest like this.

  Leading her towards a darkened path, he gestured with his hand informing his security detail to keep their distance. The path was lit only by small strands of lights scattered here and there amongst the vegetation, giving Kamal a perfect excuse to keep his hand upon her back as they walked. “Are you warm enough?”

  Erin nodded, “Yes. And you?”

  Kamal answered with a smile, “Of course. Your country is very different from my own during the day, but at night the temperatures are very similar.”

  Erin smiled at him, “In what way?”

  “Well. Bordering the sea, we enjoy a slight breeze off the water most of the time. This brings much needed humidity to our arid land. Once the sun goes down, the temperature drops dramatically, and one can almost taste the moisture in the air. It’s not so different than here.”

  Erin laughed, “I take it you’ve never been in D.C. during the winter months?”

  Kamal shook his head, “Sadly, no. I have been in Vermont during the winter months however. Is the weather here so different?”

  Erin laughed again, “Yeah, you could say that. They get tons of snow up there. Here, we get a little bit here and there, but normally we don’t get feet of the stuff like they do. I can’t imagine trying to move several feet of snow each morning.”

  Kamal was shocked, why would this beautiful young woman need to worry about moving snow? “You enjoy moving snow?”

  Erin huffed, “Really? Do you enjoy shoveling snow?”

  “I’ve never done it. But in my country it would be someone else’s job to remove snow.”

  Erin looked at him and
when she realized he was being serious, she asked, “Spoiled much?”

  “Never,” Kamal replied. Having servants see to his every need was not a matter of being spoiled; it was his due as the Sheikh of his people. It was his country’s privilege to take care of their ruler. They were compensated well for their service, and Kamal had his every need met. Well, almost every need.

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  Julia Thompson sat at the bar and watched the crowded dance floor, once again trying to find her best friend, Tonya, amidst the masses of writhing bodies. She pushed her glasses up on her nose, and her brown hair off her forehead, fanning herself to move the air around.

  It was Friday night and they were supposed to be celebrating Julia having won the coveted exchange position in her company. Every year, three employees from the American-based mining company traded placed with three employees from the Russian-based mining company. Prior to this year, all of the exchange positions had been filled with men, but Julia had proven that she could hold her own in the financial world. Much to her counter-part’s dismay, she had been given the chance to fill the position for the upcoming year. She would be leaving for Russia within the next few weeks and needed a break before the madness of preparing to leave the US for a year began.

  She had been ecstatic and she and Tonya had gone out to celebrate. The hottest nightclub in the city was DYSH and they had waited for thirty minutes to gain access to the inside. The crowd was to be expected so early on a Friday evening, and Julia hoped that as the night progressed, the people would begin to thin out.

  She loved to dance, but being pressed up against five other people while she did so was not her idea of a good time.

  While she waited for Tonya to return, she glanced around the large room once more, focusing once again on the group of good-looking men sitting at the corner table. They were all tall, with dark hair, and great physiques. The two younger men kept going out on the dance floor, but the third man simply watched.

  Feeling someone staring at him, Dmitry raised his head and once again caught the young woman sitting at the bar looking directly at him. He raised an eyebrow at her and then smiled when she held his gaze and didn’t look away.

  Julia wasn’t sure why she kept staring at him. He gave off an aura of power and danger, but she was feeling on top of the world at the moment, and the alcohol buzzing through her system helped her project a confidence she normally didn’t have.

  Dmitry motioned with his head for her to come to him, pleased when she slipped from the stool and sauntered over to him, a small smile upon her face. “Hi,” she said when she was standing next to his table.

  “Hello. Would you care to join me?”

  Julia nodded and slid into the booth, “How come you’re not joining your friends on the dance floor?” She tossed her head towards the throng of people and then looked back at him.

  “Too many people. What about you?”

  “Same. I love to dance, but getting trampled on isn’t my idea of fun.” Julia let her eyes roam over his face, loving what she saw. His gray eyes were striking and very intense. This man seemed like someone who had trouble relaxing. His accent was unusual, and she wondered where he was from, “You’re not from around here.”

  It wasn’t said as a question, but a statement of fact and Dmitry nodded, “No, I’m not. My brother and cousin are here with me on business.”

  Julia looked around the crowded bar, “You conduct business in a nightclub?”

  Dmitry looked at her, smiling at her jest, “No, we concluded our business earlier today. My brother and cousin wanted a chance to unwind before we returned home. Hence, the reason I am sitting here.”

  “Oh. You don’t sound like you’re having fun.”

  “Not at all. Now that you are here, the night is looking much better.”

  Julia blushed prettily and then lowered her eyes before replying, “So...”

  Before she could finish her statement, the two younger men returned, sliding into the booth and forcing her to press up against the third. “Hey, I’m Alexey. What’s your name?”

  Julia couldn’t help but smile at the enthusiasm on the younger man’s face, “I’m Julia.”

  Alexey took her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it before reluctantly letting her pull it from his grasp. “So, you want to dance?”

  Julia shook her head, “Not really.”

  Alexey looked disappointed, but then seeing Tonya heading towards their table, he brightened up, “Do you know that girl?”

  Julia had seen Tonya leave the dance floor and nodded her head for her to come over. “That’s my best friend, Tonya.”

  “Think she might dance with me?” Alexey asked, never taking his eyes off the gorgeous red-head coming towards them.

  “Probably. Why don’t you ask her?”

  Alexey didn’t even wait for to reach the table before he jumped from the booth and grabbed her hand, pulling her to the dance floor at her nod of acceptance.

  The other younger man excused himself and headed back to the dance floor, leaving Julia alone once again with the man whose name she didn’t even know. “I told you my name. Care to return the favor?”

  Dmitry smiled and then nodded, “Dmitry. Since you don’t want to dance, would you care to head over to the small diner next door and grab a coffee? The loud music is beginning to wear.”

  Julia had been thinking the same thing and nodded. Dmitry scooted from the booth and then pulled her from the booth. Her ankle twisted as she attempted to stand up and she fell against him, plastering herself across his entire front.

  Dmitry wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close enough that he could smell her perfume. She smelled delicious! It had been many weeks since he had last spent time with a female as beautiful as Julia and he found himself reluctant to loosen his hold.

  Julia looked up at him, knowing she should pull away, but somehow liking the feelings rushing through her body. He was hard in all the right places and she looked up into his face, wondering if his lips were as firm as they looked.

  Dmitry gazed down upon her face, leaning in slowly to place a chaste kiss upon her lips. A firestorm of desire rushed through his body at their contact and he found himself deepening the kiss, regardless of the fact that they were in a crowded nightclub.

  Finally regaining some self-control, he murmured, “Come, let’s get out of here.”

  “Wait! I need to text my friend and tell her where I’m going. We kind of have a system for keeping each other safe, you know?”

  No, he didn’t know, but if texting her girlfriend was some sort of ritual that allowed her to leave with him feeling safe, so be it. “Quickly.”

  Julia looked at him, and then grabbed her phone from her purse and quickly typed out a message.

  Dmitry escorted her from the crowded room, breathing a sigh of relief once they were outside in the cool night air and quiet. He placed his hand at the lowest part of her spine and felt the shiver that snaked up her vertebrae and the goose bumps that came out on her arms.

  Julia had never reacted so strongly to a man in her life. She’d dated plenty of guys, but this one was something special. Too bad he was only in town on business! Making a quick decision, she decided that since he wasn’t going to be around long-term, there was no reason she couldn’t indulge in a little making out before heading home for the night.

  She was too conservative to jump into bed with someone she just met, but making out with them, trading kisses and touches was just fine. She sensed him watching her as they stood on the sidewalk and glanced up at him, stepping in his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  Dmitry was taken aback at how forthright she was being, normally women waited until he made the first move and then they jumped in. Julia wrapped her arms around his neck like a practiced courtesan and when she pulled his head down
for a kiss, he was unable to resist.

  The kiss was explosive and went on until neither of them could breathe. Breaking apart, Dmitry took her hand and pulled her around the side of the building. He wasn’t sure where this was heading, but he knew that standing on the sidewalk for all to see was not where he wanted to be.

  He pushed her up against the brick building and then let his lips drift from her mouth to her ear and down her neck. “You smell so sweet,” he told her, using his hands to hold her hips still, lest she unknowingly unman him. She was moving around so much, his manhood was in danger of coming into forceful contact with her hipbones.

  “You’re a really good kisser,” she murmured, using her fingertips to play with the hair at the back of his neck.

  Dmitry let one of his hands wander up the side of her ribcage, stopping just below her breasts and rubbing his thumb back and forth beneath one several times. When he heard her moan and she arched into his touch, he brought his thumb up and over her distended nipple, loving the way she had already hardened for his touch. She was so responsive!

  Julia felt his touch and realized that things were quickly spiraling out of control. She leaned her head back against the building and struggled to catch her breath. When Dmitry tried to take possession of her mouth once again, she evaded him, whispering, “We have to stop.”

  Dmitry shook his head, “No, we don’t.”

  Julia became more insistent, pushing with both hands upon his chest to put some space between them, “I have to stop. I shouldn’t have let things get so out of control.”

  They were both gasping for breath and Dmitry was confused as to why she had allowed him to get so worked up if she wasn’t going to follow through. “So what was this?” he asked, gesturing between them with a hand.

  Julia shook her head, “I’m sorry. You’re such a good kisser, I just let things go too far.”

  Dmitry attempted to move back in, stopped when she pushed against his chest again, “There’s no reason we can’t continue this at my hotel. Let me call my driver. We can be there inside of ten minutes.”