The Djinn's Dilemma Read Online Free Page A

ran down her hips and legs. Sarah bent down and soaped each of her long legs—from the pelvic crease to the tips of the toes and back. A yearning ache pulsed at her center. Her right hand slipped between her legs, soapy fingers rubbed the entire length of her slit. Her pulse quickened as she played with the sensitive folds of skin. In her mind, Rukh did the spreading and probing and touching. She refused to open her eyes and risk reality.
    Her hand moved faster and harder between her legs. Her breath came in ragged sobs. Soon she was trembling and riding her hand. Intense pleasure burst inside her. With a raw cry, she dropped to her knees and tumbled onto her side. A warm flush spread from her center. She melted and sighed, grateful for the release.
    Sarah lay limp and spent in the cool bathtub. She took deep breaths. The water pelted her relentlessly, rolling down her head and side, rivulets of water rushing down her skin. At last, she opened her eyes. Of course, he wasn’t there. Emptiness pooled inside like chilly mist.
    What the hell, she wondered. Where did that come from? First, she’d jumped down the throat of a total stranger, now this. Maybe she needed a man. Oh well, she’d done pretty good on her own. Not that that could ever replace the loneliness or the spontaneity and delicious exploration of a partner…of a lover.
    Sarah slowly rose and turned off the water. She rubbed herself down with a soft, fluffy towel, basking in its softness. Then she walked naked to her bedroom and slid between the sheets.
    Her hair fanned out, wet and cool around her head, on the pillow. Sarah lay there, tired, warm and content. She hadn’t thought she’d be able to fall asleep, but sleep cocooned her in its honeyed embrace. Her gaze drifted back to the steamy bathroom.
    She thought she saw a man’s face peering out, almost lost in the shadows, like a ghost. Her heart stuttered. She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound emerged. The face became more defined. Rukh . Cold shiver and hot desire tangled and spilled through her body.
    Jasmine. Jasmine. Jasmine. Go to sleep . Waves of sleep washed over her. Her head, heavy and full of cotton, lolled back as her eyelids fluttered closed.

 

    Chapter Three
     
    Early the next day, 6:30 a.m. according to the rooster clock in the window, Sarah floated into the Sunshine Bakery riding on the aroma of freshly baked bread and rich roasted coffee.
    The door chime brought her friend Amy running from the kitchen. A smile of relief broke across her round, flour-smudged face. “Wow, you made good time.”
    “You did say emergency,” Sarah said, hanging up her jacket on the stand by the door. Actually, Amy had sounded almost in tears when she’d called thirty minutes earlier.
    After enveloping her in a warm hug, the baker handed her a fresh black apron. “I really appreciate your help in the front. Breakfast’s on the house.”
    “Better be, you tore me away from the hottest dream evah,” Sarah said, tying on the apron and following her friend behind the counter. “Sorry to hear Mimi’s sick.”
    “Morning sickness.” Amy made a face. “James said he’d come in early.”
    “I have to be at the paper by 9:00 a.m., but until then I’m all yours,” Sarah said, getting coffee started. “Now, shoo! I’ll manage here.” She’d helped out enough times to know what needed to be done and where everything was kept.
    “Cool. The regulars should start coming in any minute.” With a wave, Amy disappeared into the kitchen.
    By the time she’d placed condiments at every table, the first customers walked in and Sarah got busy taking orders and passing them on to the kitchen, handing out silverware and napkins, and pouring everyone hot cups of coffee or cold glasses of water. Delivering food, cleaning up. It reminded her of the first college job she’d had when she met Amy.
    During a lull, Sarah decided she needed a cup of coffee. She’d just stepped behind the counter and selected a