Desert Rose

Breakfast

The morning sunlight filtered delicately through the silk drapes of my bedchamber, casting a soft glow across Amir’s handsome face. As if sensing my gaze, his eyes fluttered open, shifting from sleepy haze to sharp intensity in an instant.

He pulled me close, brushing his lips against mine in a searing kiss. The mere touch of his mouth sent tingles racing across my skin, a reminder of the incredible night of passion we had shared.

“You look beautiful this morning,” Amir murmured. “It must be the Saudi Arabian atmosphere that agrees with you.”

“There’s something in the air here,” I replied softly. “I don’t know what it is, but I can breathe easier…”

Amir tenderly caressed my cheek, and I smiled up at him, feeling safe in his powerful arms. For the first time in days, the stress I had been carrying seemed to dissolve. Amir had brought me peace — though at a price.

In the few short hours before the RCMP were due to make an arrest, I had made a quick decision. Out of all the options before me, it was Amir’s proposal that I couldn’t ignore. I convinced myself I was ready for marriage and texted him my acceptance. Seconds later, his reply came with directions to his helicopter. I ordered a car and made my way to his rooftop helipad.

Now, far from my Aunt Alma, I had time to reflect. I knew I was falling for Amir. His presence was magnetic, pulling me in like a moth to flame. No one had ever made me feel so cherished. Yet, even as I reveled in his love, doubts lingered — were we truly ready for marriage?

My stomach growled loudly, breaking my thoughts.

Amir chuckled at the sound. “What monster are you hiding under there?” he teased, tickling my belly.

“Hey! I haven’t eaten since our plane ride yesterday,” I laughed. “Where can we get breakfast?”

“This is your first lesson in palace living,” he said with a mischievous smile. “Here, we all must pitch in and use both hands.”

I raised an eyebrow, amused, but before I could respond he clapped his hands twice. Moments later, servants bustled in, setting breakfast in the sitting area.

I elbowed him playfully. “You really had me going. I thought I’d be making breakfast. But I love this.”

“One of the perks of being Sheikh,” he replied with a devastating smile.

The aroma of fresh pita bread and rich coffee filled the room. Wrapping a satin sheet around myself, I rushed to the sitting area and tore off a piece of bread, dipping it into bubbling shakshouka. The flavors were heavenly.

“I could get used to this,” I said between bites. “This food is amazing!”

Amir joined me, draped in a sheet, watching with amusement. “I’m surprised there’s any food left.”

“It’s your fault for taking too long,” I teased. “Leave me alone with delicious food and of course I’ll eat it.”

His laughter filled the room, warm and rich. “I love a woman with a big appetite.”

“For food? Or for something else?” I asked suggestively, raising an eyebrow.

His gaze darkened.

“For food, life, love… and for sex.” His gravelly voice made my breath catch.

The intensity in his eyes pulled me closer. Our lips met, igniting fire between us. I climbed onto his lap, tugging his hair to deepen the kiss. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me against him.

“Should we take this back to bed?” I whispered.

“No,” he murmured. “I’m comfortable with you right here, just as you are…”

With that last statement, he yanks off the bed sheet from my body. I gasp when the sudden rush of cool air touches my naked body.

I then hold onto his muscled shoulders as he guides himself inside me. We move together in perfect harmony, fueling the fires that blaze between us.

I close my eyes tight and throw my head back as I rhythmically rock against his hardness. I only focus on our pleasure. The fullness of Amir inside me is addicting and I can't stop myself from rocking back and forth, quickening the pace. Each movement causes tiny fissures of electricity to tremble down the length of my body as we get closer and closer.

“Zahra, look at me,” he urged.

My eyes snap open as I obey and stare down into the deep hazel pools of Amir's eyes. I love it. And Amir is as sexy as hell.

I can see everything in his eyes. Everything I could ever want.

"Oh... lord..." I feel myself reach the precipice.

I hiss as I feel my body buck and shudder violently as I reach my c****x.

Amir follows soon after with a loud grunt, spilling his seed inside me as I gasp for air.

I collapse into his strong arms, resting my head into the crook when his neck meets his shoulder. His head tilts towards mine. We feel comfortable like this for the time being as we definitely need some time to catch our breath.

He kissed my temple. “I hope this becomes part of our morning routine after we’re married.”

The word married made my stomach lurch, but his sweetness softened my nerves.

“Always,” I whispered with an obliging smile and then give him a kiss.

So what if I'm still a bit wary about getting married? That doesn't mean that I don't mind having such an activity added to my morning routine either.