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“I swear. I will spend every day of my life making up for this mistake and showing you just how much I love you.” Leaning down, he kissed her gently, and she could feel the truth in his words as he held her.
“I don’t need you to make up for this,” she whispered as she reached up and stroked his face. “I just need you to love me.”
“Habibti, I’m going to start doing that right now.” Pressing her down onto the rug, he covered her with his body and pressed his lips hotly to her neck.
He made love to her passionately and urgently. This time, she knew she wasn’t just a way for him to pass the time or a challenge. He loved her, and she could feel it with every touch and every kiss.
Later, as they huddled for warmth, she closed her eyes and almost drifted off to sleep.
“Poppy,” Samir whispered in her ear. “There’s something that I need to do before Christmas, and I’d like you to do it with me.”
“Lord, this isn’t another bet, is it?” she asked as she popped one eye open.
“No,” he grinned. “I think I need to go home. Come with me?”
The idea of going to the royal palace with him scared her to death, but she knew that she couldn’t deny him. Wordlessly, she nodded.
It looked like she was going to have to celebrate Christmas after all.
16
Jibreel wasn’t in the palace when Samir and Poppy arrived, but that just made Samir’s job easier. After calling in some extra help, he ordered all of his mother’s Christmas decorations returned to the palace. He knew that his father might very well disown him, but he didn’t care.
It was time that they honored his mother’s spirit, and this was the best way that he knew how.
It took a few hours of work, but the servants gleefully pitched in. Soon, garland swung from the bannister of the spiraling grand staircase, and there was a wreath on every door. Candles were lit in the windows and in the centerpieces of the tables. Huge white flowers lined in gold glitter graced the windowsills, and Poppy had even hung some mistletoe.
Samir couldn’t help but stop and stare at her as she worked. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was. Two weeks ago, he’d had nothing but parties on the mind, and now he shared the bed with someone he knew he would spend the rest of his life with. He didn’t even know how it was possible that she had found him worthy, especially after all the horrible things he’d said to her, but he knew he wouldn’t do anything to risk losing her again.
Melka had not returned to the palace, and for that, Samir was grateful. His father would not be happy when he found out what his most trusted guard had done, and if Melka ever did show up again, the consequences would be severe.
“You’re not working,” Poppy said as she turned around and put her hands on her hips. “And you’re staring.”
“That’s because you’re shining,” he said with a soft smile.
“Shining?” she asked as she laughed. “That’s an interesting compliment.”
Samir chuckled and reached over to gather her in his arms. “That’s because I meant it literally. You’re covered in gold glitter.” Brushing a finger along her nose, he held it up for her to see.
“It’s a good thing the decorations are up, or your father will think that I’m a stripper,” she laughed. “I can’t believe you decided to do this. I’m proud of you.”
“You are?”
“I can tell that things are probably a little rocky with your family, and this is the first step in mending things. I’m sure your mother would be pleased.”
“And what about your family?” he reminded her gently.
She wrinkled her nose. “Maybe next year,” she said softly.
He leaned down to kiss her. He was about to let her know that even if things didn’t work out with her family, he would give her a new family when someone cleared his throat.
Looking up, his jaw dropped open. “Jarik?” he asked in surprise.
His older brother stood in the doorframe with his arm around a gorgeous brunette. For a moment, the two of them stared at each other.
“You found Mom’s decorations?” Jarik asked tersely.
