Brides & Bargains

“Sebastian gave it to me.” She pointed behind her. “We bought it at a booth not far from here.”

“I might want to get one of those for my...” He lowered his eyes and kicked a pebble into the street. “Mom.”

After exchanging a knowing look with Sebastian, Nasira offered him the flower. “I am certain my husband would not mind if you give her this one.”

“Not at all.” He did mind that the description of the missing parent didn’t provide much hope of immediately finding him. “Is your father tall like me?”

He nodded. “Uh huh. But he doesn’t talk funny like you. Are you from Dallas?”

Nasira laughed. “We are from London, far across the ocean.”

The child’s expression brightened. “We learned about that place in school. I’m in the second grade and I like to ride horses and... Dad!”

Clutching the rose, the boy ran straight into the arms of a man sporting a suspicious look as he headed toward them. As soon as he arrived, Sebastian thought it best to offer an explanation before the presumed father jumped to the wrong conclusion. “We found your son quite distressed and lost. It seems you’ve arrived just in the nick of time.”

“Looks that way,” the cowboy said as he eyed the flower before regarding his child. “You know better than to run off without me, Brady. Your mother’s going to skin my hide for not watching you better.”

“I didn’t mean to do it,” Brady said. “Angie was chasing me and I ran too far, I guess. And then this man picked me up before I got run over by kids and the lady gave me her flower so I could give it to Mom.”

“Mom, huh?” the father asked.

Brady shrugged and muttered, “Maybe Angie,” then turned his attention back to Nasira and Sebastian. “They’re from London. Do you know about London, Dad?”

“Yep, I do,” he replied. “I also know that I told you to stay away from people you don’t know.”

Sebastian offered his hand for a shake in an effort to reassure the man. “I’m Sebastian Edwards.”

The cowboy hesitantly accepted the gesture. “I’m Gavin McNeal, former sheriff.”

No wonder he had looked at Sebastian as if he were a deviant. “You’re no longer in law enforcement?”

His features went from rock hard to only slightly stony. “I gave that up to spend more time with this kiddo, and the one we have on the way. I’m a full-time rancher now, although I do pull deputy duty now and again if the department’s shorthanded.”

A clear message to Sebastian the cowboy could still hold his own around unwelcome strangers. “I’m certain your service to the community is very much appreciated. And to put your mind at ease, Brady did mention he wasn’t allowed to talk to strangers. Of course, I assure you our intentions were perfectly honorable.”

“Yes, they were.” Nasira moved to Sebastian’s side. “However, my husband has forgotten his manners as he has failed to introduce me.”

That could be a rather large strike against him. “My apologies. This is my wife, Nasira.”

“I am Rafiq bin Saleed’s sister,” Nasira added. “You might know him.”

“Only by reputation,” Gavin said. “I did hear something about some folks from England staying at the Shakirs’ place, so I assume that’s you. My ranch isn’t too far from there and my wife, Valerie, and Fiona are fairly good friends.”

Apparently news traveled at warp speed in this dusty Texas town. “We’re only going to be here for a few weeks. Do you have any suggestions on sights we should see while we’re here?”

“You should have dinner at the Texas Cattleman’s Club,” he said. “And when you do, be sure to check out the statue of Jessamine Golden. That’s my wife’s great-great-grandmother.”

“I have seen the statue,” Nasira said. “But I am sure my husband will find it quite interesting.”

Brady began tugging on his father’s hand to garner his attention. “Can we go ride the roller coaster now?”

“Sure thing, bud, as soon as I find your mama, who was hanging out near the arts and crafts last time I looked.” Gavin regarded them again. “Nice to meet you folks, and thanks for corralling the kid. What do you say to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Brady?”

“Thank you for getting me not lost and for giving me the flower.”

“You are quite welcome,” Sebastian said.

“Goodbye, Brady,” Nasira added. “I hope you have a wonderful time this evening, and I am certain Angie will appreciate the rose.”

Gavin took Brady’s hand and touched the brim of his hat. “Have a good night, folks.”

Watching father and son walked away, Sebastian experienced a good deal of regret as he remembered a time in the distant past when he’d had the same relationship with his own father. The relationship that at one time he’d hoped to have with his own son, until he realized the lack of wisdom in that. He was amused as Brady started chattering about the funny-talking man being a superhero, and did they have those in London?

The comment caused Sebastian to chuckle. “From shipping magnate to superhero. Quite a leap.”

Nasira tucked her arm into his again as they started down the sidewalk. “I would thoroughly disagree. You are a natural-born rescuer.”

He frowned. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

She tipped her head against his shoulder. “I would. In a sense you rescued me.”

He had never looked at his marriage offer in that way, but he understood why she might. “Perhaps I saved you from a life of misery with a forced marriage to a man chosen for you, but you would have found a way out of the predicament without my assistance.”

“I suppose that is possible,” she said. “But I am glad that I met you that night at the gala.”

“I’m grateful you gave me a second glance considering all those potential suitors surrounding you.”

“Yes, but not one offered to whisk me away in their Bentley.”

They exchanged a smile and walked on in silence, but one question nagged at Sebastian. “Have you enjoyed our life together, Sira?”

She paused a moment before answering. “We have had wonderful adventures and amazing travel. You have introduced me to many new experiences.”

“No regrets?”

“Only one.”

“What would that be?” he asked though he already knew the answer.

“We have no children.”

He had strolled right into that one. “I understand you’re still mourning the loss, yet I can’t understand why you would want to risk your health after you had such a difficult pregnancy.”

She stopped and faced him. “Life is not without risk, Sebastian. And at times risk comes with precious rewards.”

He didn’t know how to answer to satisfy her needs. He didn’t know if he would ever want to enter that territory again. “Speaking of risks, would you care to climb on that giant Ferris wheel and take it for a spin?”

Nasira glanced over her shoulder then regarded him with a frown. “You know I am afraid of heights.”

“You have no need to be afraid while in the presence of a superhero.”

She smiled. “This is true. If I agree, will you promise to hold on to me?”

“You may count on my undivided attention.”

“Then yes, I will join you on that contraption, and hope I do live long enough to regret it.”

Sebastian led Nasira to the line of people awaiting their turn on the ride. When their time came, he approached the elderly gentleman in charge of the ride and withdrew his wallet. “How much, kind sir?”

“Three tickets.”

Tickets? “I wasn’t aware we needed those.” He pulled a twenty out of his pocket. “Will this do?”

“I don’t make change, mister.”

“No change necessary.”

The attendant grinned, displaying a remarkable lack of teeth. “I guess it’ll do at that.”

“Amazing how money opens doors,” Sebastian said as they climbed into the car.

Nasira grabbed the railing and sat, looking somewhat fearful. “Amazing how rickety this ride seems.”

He lowered next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Just hold tight to your knight.”

She surprised him with a soft kiss. “Happily, kind sir.”

When the wheel began to move, sending them up toward the night sky, Nasira closed her eyes and tensed against him. He held her tighter, stroked her arm and rested his lips against her temple. He experienced such a fierce need to keep her sheltered from harm, and a secret fear that he could not be the man she would want in the future if he couldn’t give her the child she desired.

But tonight, he could give her all his consideration and forget the chasm that still existed between them.

When they reached the top, the ride jolted to a stop, causing the car to slightly sway and his wife to clutch his thigh in a death grip. Stifling a wince, Sebastian lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “Open your eyes, sweetheart.”

“Must I?”

“No, but you’re missing an extraordinary view.”

After a few seconds ticked off, she finally lifted her lids and looked around. “I must admit, all the lights are beautiful. They remind me of our holiday together two years ago.”

While she must have been struck by sentimentality, he was hit by some rather sexual memories. “Ah, yes. Rome. We barely left the room.”

“That is not true. We had several meals on the veranda.”

He brushed a kiss across her lips. “That’s not all we did on that veranda.”

Her smile arrived slowly. “True. You have always been quite devilish when we travel.”

“And you are always quite willing to dance with the devil.”

“Evidently I cannot resist your charms.”

He pushed her hair away from her shoulder. “Would you be willing to dance with me later tonight?”

Without giving him a verbal response, Nasira wrapped her hand around his nape and pulled his mouth to hers, taking Sebastian by surprise. As the ride began to move again, picking up speed, they continued to kiss as if they were youngsters in the throes of first love. But they weren’t youngsters. They were husband and wife in the midst of a troubled marriage, yet he felt as if this could be the path to healing.

When the ride bumped to a stop, they finally ended the kiss only to be met by applause, whistles and catcalls. Sebastian helped Nasira out of the car and they rushed away, then paused and shared in a few laughs.

Nasira wrapped her arms around his waist. “I do believe you have ruined my reputation.”

He pressed a kiss on her forehead. “If you agree to return to the ranch now, I will endeavor to ruin it more.”

She studied his eyes for a few moments, as if searching for something unknown there. “Sebastian, I....”

“What, sweetheart?”

“I think that is a marvelous idea.”

* * *

Saying what she had wanted to say would have been a horrible idea.

Still, Nasira had come very close to voicing an emotion she had never admitted to him, or to herself, during their decade together. She loved him, and most likely had for many years. Love had not been a goal in their marriage. A marriage based on convenience and mutual need. Yet somehow she had introduced the emotion into the union when she had allowed Sebastian into her life, and into her heart.

That did not change the fact that her husband might not feel more than fondness for her. That did not negate that they wanted to journey down different paths and if he had his way, their future would not include having a child.

Yet as she rode back to the ranch, her hand resting lightly in Sebastian’s, she did not care about compromise or doubts. She only wanted to enjoy this night with her husband in the event these memorable moments might be their last.

She leaned back against the headrest and sighed. “I realized something tonight that I have never considered before.”

“You are not so afraid of heights?”

“No. I enjoy country living.”

“That’s why we have the country home in Bath to escape the hectic pace in London proper.”

“I know, yet I feel a certain freedom here. It does sound odd, I suppose.”

He pulled beneath the portico and shut off the ignition. “This place does afford quite a bit of privacy, which reminds me.” He reached into the back of the car, retrieved a silver bag full of pink tissue and handed it to her.

“What is this?”

“Open it and you’ll see.”

She rummaged around and withdrew a bathing suit that was little more than a labyrinth of turquoise strings. “I have never flown a kite in the dark.”

“Very amusing. We both need to relax, and what better way to do that than to swim.”

“Isn’t it too cool to swim?”

“The spa and pool are both heated.”

She could imagine they would generate their own heat, yet she worried about the privacy issue. “I would still have to get out of the spa or pool.” She shook the swimsuit at him. “This barely covers anything at all. What if someone happens upon us?”

“You have a robe, do you not?”

“Yes.”

“Besides, you have a remarkable body. Why not show it off?”

“I do not think it is wise to show off my body this much when two other people reside on the property.”

“Two people who’ve been instructed to give us complete solitude.”

He had supported his arguments much too well, drat him. “All right. I will join you in a swim.” She pointed at him. “But only for a swim. Heaven knows I wouldn’t want to be caught doing anything else.”

He gave her a winning grin, the one that had always won her over. Patently sensual, and slightly wicked. “Yes, dear. Only a swim.”

As much as she would like to trust him, Nasira was not sure she should. Trouble was, could she trust herself?

Seven

The moment Nasira stepped onto the deck and slipped off the robe, swimming was the last thing on Sebastian’s mind. The suit fit her to perfection, from the low cut of the bodice to the bottoms secured by two ribbons at her rounded hips that accentuated her long torso. Her hair flowed freely, straight and sleek, begging for his touch. When he honed in on the diamond hoop at her navel, her attempt at rebellion during her brief university days, he had fond memories of playing with the bauble with his tongue...as well as other more intimate places now covered by a small fabric triangle. That alone caused him to move down one stair to conceal the result of his sinful thoughts.

He had to remember to take it slowly, let the evening progress with no expectations in terms of lovemaking. He needed to concentrate on making his wife feel appreciated and respected, even if it meant using his tongue solely to talk for the time being.

Unfortunately his randy libido seemed to be speaking much louder than his honor. He would simply have to quiet the urges and not appear as impatient as a lustful schoolboy.

Down, Henry.

When Nasira stuck her toe in the deep end of the pool to test the water, even that seemed overtly sexy to Sebastian. And when she executed a perfect dive, surfaced not far from him and slicked her hair back from her gorgeous face, he gritted his teeth to keep from going after her like a lion and a gazelle.

“Bravo,” he said as she waded toward him. “You’re a regular little mermaid.”

She lifted her hair to secure the tie at her neck. “I almost had equipment failure when I dove in. Could you have not found something a bit more modest?”

At the moment he realized that might have worked better in light of his burgeoning erection. But then again, probably not. She could be wearing a heavy trench coat and he would still want her, especially if she were nude beneath it. He would like very much for her to be nude beneath him. Or perhaps on top of him. Standing up against the deck would also work to his satisfaction...

“Have you been rendered mute, Sebastian?”

For the most part, yes. “I’m sorry. Did you ask me something?”

“Never mind.” She joined him on the step, keeping a relatively safe distance between them. “The housekeeper turned down my bed. Did you notice if she is still here?”

No, but he did notice that if the bikini were a bit lower, he could possibly see her nipples. “I’m almost certain she performed those tasks while we were away.”

Sira leaned forward, causing the top to gape and allowing him the view again. “It would probably behoove us to check.”

“That might be breast.” Dammit. “I mean best.”

She sent him a mock scolding look. “I have barely been in here five minutes and you are already misbehaving.”

Guilty. “It was only a verbal faux pas, Sira.”

“Then take care to mind your mouth.”

And he did...by planting it on her mouth, disregarding his earlier cautions about going slowly. He expected she might shove him away, or perhaps push him into the water, yet she joined in as if she needed this as badly as he did.

After they parted, she tipped her head against his forehead. “I hate that I am so helpless around you.”

He lifted her chin and forced her to look at him. “You are not helpless in the least, and you are not an innocent. You are as drawn to the devil in me as I am the vixen in you.”

“So you think.”

“So I know.”

He loosened the ties at her neck but paused before he went further. “Tell me you do not want me and I’ll stop.”

“I... cannot.”

Which was all the encouragement Sebastian needed to continue. He removed her top, tossed it aside and then toyed with the band riding low on her hips. “Stop now?”

She released a ragged sigh. “No.”

After he slid her bottoms away and draped them on the chrome railing, he led her into waist-deep water and kissed her, his hands roving over her breasts. She soon pulled away, moved back and smiled. “The vixen says take off your bathing suit.”

“Far be it for me to argue with her,” he said as he shoved down his trunks, stepped out of them with effort, and hurled them onto the deck.

She crooked her finger at him. “Come here, devil.”

They came together in another blast of heat, of that passion they’d known from the beginning. She scraped her nails down his back, while he attacked her neck with kisses and brought her legs up around his waist. It would be so easy to take her here, take her now, yet the nagging concerns over pregnancy prevented him from doing so. He should have brought the blasted condoms with him.

“Do it,” she whispered with desperation as she reached beneath the water, took his erection in hand, and guided it inside her.

Driven by pure lust and need, he thrust into her, twice, before he gathered every ounce of strength and pulled out. “The bedroom,” he managed around his labored respiration.

She looked at him and blinked twice. “Why?”

“More privacy.” A lame excuse but the only one he could provide without completely destroying the mood.

“All right,” she said as she lowered to her feet. “But hurry.”

That request he could categorically fulfill, and he did as he took her by the hand and led her to the chaise on the pool deck. They wrapped up in the towels he’d brought, periodically kissing and intimately touching as they headed into the house. Once they reached the corridor leading to the guest suite, he paused and backed her against the wall immediately outside the door to his quarters.

He wanted her to remember this, to know how badly he wanted her, to make her want him as much. He parted the towel and suckled her breasts, first one, then the other, before sliding his lips down her torso.

Then he went to his knees, nudged her legs apart and sent his mouth on a mission between her thighs. He used his tongue to divide her warm flesh, tracing circles around and around that intimate spot, intent on driving her wild.

She bowed over him, running her hands over his scalp, her breaths coming in short pants. She dug her nails into his back so deeply, he thought she might have drawn blood. He didn’t care. Giving her pleasure was well worth the pain.

“Sebastian.” His name came out of her mouth in a harsh whisper as he stroked her with his tongue softly, then harder as he covered her completely with his mouth and suckled that sweet spot.

Her legs began to tremble and a low, sexual sound filtered out of her as she began to orgasm. He didn’t let up until he had ridden out every pulse of the climax, then he kissed his way back up her beautiful body.

She reached for him again and demanded, “Now.”

“Not yet,” he said as he clasped her wrist to still her hand. Otherwise the act would be over in short order.

Without protesting, Nasira followed him into his bedroom. While she turned down the comforter, he opened the nightstand drawer and retrieved the silver packets. He turned and found her stretched out on her back on the bed, her damp hair a sexy, tangled mess, her knees bent in preparation for him. Yet when she spied the condoms in his grasp, she suddenly sat up on the edge of the mattress and lowered her eyes.

After laying the packets on the side table, he claimed the space beside her and rested a hand on her bare leg. “I realize this isn’t what you want, but under the circumstance, it’s a necessity.”

Her gaze snapped to his, the haze of desire completely gone. “Is it?”

“We still have much to discuss in regard to that issue, by your own admission.”

She pushed her hair back from her face. “Yes, you’re right, but the reminder of our impasse took me aback for a moment. I suppose I simply wanted to forget our dilemma this evening. I wish you could have held off with the condoms a bit longer.”

Frustration brought him to his feet to face her. “This wouldn’t have been a bloody issue if you’d started taking the pill again.”

“As I’ve said, I had no reason to do that when you were so bent on ignoring me.” She pinched the bridge of her nose and momentarily closed her eyes. “I am so angry.”

“At me?”

“At myself. I have walked into the same trap, succumbing to your charisma and allowing you to lead me away from our problems.”

Now he was angry. “I did nothing of the sort. We are husband and wife and we should thank our lucky stars we still want each other so fiercely after ten years of marriage.”

She let loose with a cynical laugh. “Of course you would see it that way. But sex is not a cure-all for serious marital problems.”

If she only realized that was the only way he knew how to communicate his true feelings for her. The right words had never come easily for him. Neither had acknowledging his emotions. “Why can you not be happy with what we have? Why do you see the need to change everything?”

She pulled the sheet up to cover herself. “Because we cannot be truly happy unless we fix what is broken. Only until you open up to me completely can we move past our problems.”

He knew where she was going, and he didn’t want to bloody go there. “I’ve told you more about my mother’s death than I’ve ever told another soul.”

“Yet you have not told me everything, Sebastian. Aside from your father’s careless disregard and your guilt over your last moments with your mother, there is something else keeping you from committing to fatherhood.”

He clenched his jaw against the litany of curses threatening to spill out. “You have no idea what I went through.”

She stood and leveled her gaze on him. “Then tell me all of it. Make me understand.”

He didn’t dare. “I am going to take a shower.”

He turned to retire to the bath, only to have her call him back. “When will you stop running away, Sebastian?” she asked. “When it is too late for us?”

The words impaled him like a knife to his heart. “You’re asking too much of me tonight, Sira. If it’s too difficult for you to be intimate with me, then by all means, retire to your blessed bed and I’ll stay in mine alone. If you happen to change your mind, then it will be up to you to come to me. In the meantime, I’ll not bother you again.”

And this time, he vowed to stay true to his word.

* * *

He had not spoken to her for two days. In fact, Nasira had barely seen her husband except in passing. He had spent much of his time in his quarters, sequestered away with his laptop.

Today that would come to an end, if she had any say in the matter. She had given him a wide berth to think about what she had said, but they had come to a crossroads. His time was up.