He turned and stood up, being careful not to show his face – half of which was covered by his beard anyway. He was shirtless and the sight of his toned torso – combined with this heat – sent desperate arousal between her thighs. He was so muscular, with strong shoulders and bulging biceps – a lifetime of working with his hands had clearly helped to sculpt him into the epitome of masculine perfection.
Samira looked up from his gorgeous body and realized that he was blatantly staring at her curvy waist and ample cleavage, covered by her satin slip. She felt self-conscious – knowing she didn’t look her best after being dragged out of the creek – but he’d already undressed her, so why be modest in this stifling heat?
He hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. “You want some coffee? Or maybe a cold drink?”
She stared at him. “Why won’t you let me see your face?”
He paused for a beat. “You should sit by the window. There’s a breeze.”
Samira glanced at the open window in its rickety frame. She had an overpowering need to know who this guy was and why he’d been tailing her, but she was feeling hot and dazed. She forced herself to relax and stepped over to the chair, appreciating the cooler air on her skin. She could feel his silent eyes all over her as the ceiling fan clicked above them. She tried to focus on the golden fields outside, but the sparks of sexual arousal that vibrated between them made her look back at him.
“Just some cold water, please.”
“Sure,” he said in his husky voice. He chuckled under his breath. “You haven’t had enough water for one day, huh?”
She laughed shyly. “You’d think so, wouldn’t you?”
They shared a smile, then he strode off toward the kitchen. Samira glanced at his toned butt and long legs as he left, then she turned and gazed out the window at the beautiful scenery. She listened as the squeaky kitchen faucet chugged water into a glass.
“The clouds are gathering overhead,” she called out. “Perhaps the rain they forecast will come early.”
He strolled back into the room. “Let’s hope so. We sure could do with some rain to clear this heat. Here.”
“Thank you.”
He sat down at the table and drummed his fingers on the wood. “Feeling better?”
“Yes.” She held the cool glass against her warm neck. “I guess I should thank you for saving my life.”
“Oh… anyone would’ve. Especially after you helped me with my horse.”
His lips curled into a cute smile. Samira wished she could see his eyes. He seemed attentive; familiar. But she couldn’t place that voice – it was husky and deeper than seemed natural. His hat and his thick dark beard obscured his features. The mystery of him excited her.
“So why have you been following me around for three weeks? Did Mr. Langdon put you up to it? Spying on me, is he?”
“Three weeks? Not me, ma’am. I only arrived yesterday.”
She frowned. “Really? Well, someone who looks like you has been following me.”
“It wasn’t me, Samira, I swear.”
She jolted with shock and almost spat out her water. “Alright, who the hell are you? No one here knows me by that name apart from Mr. Langdon.”
The man studied her from under his hat for a moment, then he inhaled to speak. “I don’t want to freak you out, but I… there’s no easy way to say this…”
She watched – captivated – as he reached up and to remove his hat, then – as her eyes fell on his face – reality warped like a crumpled tin can. Her jaw dropped, but no words came out. Her heart thrashed desperately in her chest, pinning her to the chair with terror and delight.
Ivan gazed into her eyes, saying nothing. His face was more rugged than before and he looked tired; his beard was scruffy and unkempt, but there was no doubt about it…
“Ivan?” she whispered. “It can’t be… you’re dead.”
His serious expression morphed into a grin, but he quickly suppressed his simmering elation, knowing she needed an explanation. “I’m so sorry, Samira. I faked my death to protect you and my family. Just like Tariq did. Didn’t you suspect?”
Samira’s skin tingled with confusion. Ivan was alive. She yearned to embrace him, but she feared he’d disappear – just as he had done so many times in her dreams, come morning.
He gazed at her. “Say something, baby.”
“I… I can’t believe this. Ivan… you’re...”