“That you will not leave my home without first discussing your departure with me.”
Emma considered before agreeing to Rajih’s request. She would not give her word lightly. Not when she expected others to fulfill their vows.
“I promise,” she at last agreed.
He brushed his lips over her forehead. “Thank you. I must go.”
“Wait.” She grasped his arm. “Have you heard nothing of my sister?”
“Not as yet,” he said, genuine sympathy in his dark eyes. “But hold on to hope, Emma. They will be found.”
She remained standing beside the fountain as Rajih bowed and turned to leave the garden.
Hold on to hope…
Such simple words, and yet they were increasingly difficult to cling to.
Lost in thoughts of her sister’s torment, Emma did not hear the sound of rustling among the mimosa, or the soft tread of footsteps on the paved pathway. It was not until a pair of arms circled her waist and hauled her back against a hard chest that she realized the dangers of her distraction.
Her heart lodged in her throat as she instantly recognized Dimitri’s warm scent. Not that she needed more than his touch to know who held her. There was no other man who could send thrilling quivers through her body at the mere brush of his hand.
It was wretchedly unfair.
No, there was no need to question that the man holding her captive was Dimitri. Nor to wonder how he had managed to enter the enclosed harem surrounded by guards. Dimitri could no doubt slip into the citadel and steal the pasha’s jewels if he desired.
Splaying his fingers against her stomach, Dimitri bent his head to whisper directly in her ear.
“You play a dangerous game, moya dusha,” he warned. “If I ever witness you in the arms of another man again I will kill him.”
Emma struggled to breath, telling herself it was anger, not desperate longing, that made her tremble.
“So Rajih was right.”
His arms tightened. “Do not speak his name.”
“I will speak whatever name I might choose. You have no authority over me.”
He tensed, then surprisingly, she felt his grip ease, his lips brushing the curve of her ear.
“Such courage, and yet you tremble,” he taunted. “Do I frighten you?”
Excitement fluttered in her stomach, her toes curling as heat flowed through her veins.
It had been so terribly long since she had allowed herself to enjoy Dimitri’s touch. Now her entire body ached with unfulfilled need.
Not that she was about to admit as much to the infuriating demon who was kissing a path of fire down the side of her neck.
“What woman would not be frightened when a man creeps into her private quarters and speaks of his intent to kill?” she accused.
“You must know I would never hurt you, Emma.”
“But you did hurt me, Dimitri.” The words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them.
Dimitri tensed, his warm breath teasing the delicate skin of her neck and sending jolts of pleasure down her spine.
“That was never my intention.”
Angered as much by her reaction to his touch as by his ridiculous words, she arched away from the potent heat of his caressing lips.