Continental Divide Read online

  Tanya had to admit it was much better than what she’d done. She’d merely wanted him and had taken him. This kiss was so sensual that she was melting. She wondered what the protocol would be for them and where, if they did, would they make love. She was a full grown woman with needs and her body was telling her that she needed Imran. When he pulled away she was pure liquid wanting the kiss to last, but she sighed and leaned back into the leather seat of his SUV. “That was nice,” she murmured.

  “I like the way you taste,” Imran said looking at her. “I’ve never tasted another woman who tasted quite like you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Tanya snapped. “Are you saying you thought the kiss would be different because I’m a sister?”

  “You’re a silly woman. Every woman tastes different and it’s never been because of their race, far from it. I’ve been with many women of all races but there is always something about each one that is the same, mixed in with their difference.”

  “You’re confusing.”

  “Sorry,” Imran said. “I wasn’t trying to confuse you. I’m just telling you that I have never kissed a woman with your taste. There is something about you.”

  “Good or bad?”

  “Very good. I like it.” He lowered his eyes and ran a finger over her lips. “I like it so much that I’d very much like to kiss you again.” This time he didn’t ask permission just leaned down and kissed her applying a bit more pressure this time suckling her tongue caressing her jaw line as he did so. He heard her soft moan and continued, only stopping when he remembered they’d been parked under the trees long enough. He didn’t want to expose Tanya to more prying eyes and the wagging tongue of gossips. She was going to be someone very special in his life, and he wanted to make sure that she was welcomed in his family and his country. He ran a hand down her spine allowing the tips of his fingers to briefly come in contact with the firm globes of her encased behind. He heard her moan and barely suppressed a moan himself. He swallowed determined to bring his desire under control. He pulled away, giving a lazy smile and a small kiss on her lips, nibbling a little, at last sighing since neither the desire nor erection would be tamed.” I think we need to go.”

  Was he crazy? Tanya tried to adjust to the loss of his kisses. She glanced out the window over Imran’s shoulder reminding herself that she was not in America. She didn’t know everything there was to know about Pakistan, but she sure hadn’t come to the country to get arrested in a Moslem nation for kissing. Imran was right. It was time for them to drive. There would be more kisses later, a lot more kisses. Now was the time for talk, anything to get them away from the talk of kissing.

  “Where are we going today? We’ve been to the nuclear power plant, the army college and the McDonald’s with Heaven and Hamid."

  “To the city of Lahore. I want to show you the contrast in things. First I will take you to the Badshahi Mosque and Herra Mandi. I thought you’d like to see it.”

  “Heaven and Hamid already took me to the mosque.”

  “I know but this trip will be different. We are going for a very different reason. Tell me, Tanya, what did you think of the mosque?”

  “I thought it was very beautiful, it looked like a palace with the beautiful pink tiles all over it. I guess I can see why Heaven has fallen in love with your country.”

  “It’s not the country Heaven loves, it’s Hamid. Her love for him is truly powerful. I want one day to have that same kind of love. It’s hard to find a woman who will honor your dreams, especially a woman who’s determined to have her own, one who never wants to be school girl goofy over a man.” He moved his hand to the right in order to touch her. Then he ran a finger down her hand and scraped the palm lightly.

  “I believe I want a woman to be school-girl-goofy over me. I have never envied my cousins anything until now. I envy the love Heaven and Hamid have for each other. I want that. I want it very much.” His words caught and his voice had grown husky with his wants and desires. He was pushing much too hard and too soon. They had time. They had five weeks.

  “What are you thinking,” he whispered softly.

  “That you are indeed a writer. You’re writing this beautiful fairytale in your mind. Is your book going to include a fairytale, Imran?”

  “Only if the things I now want come true. I do not write fiction.”

  “So how long have you wanted what Heaven and Hamid have?” Tanya tried to ignore the way her heart was pounding, the way his fingers entwined with hers. And she definitely tried to ignore that she wanted to rip her clothing from her body, make Imran stop the car and rip his away also, and have her way with him.

  “How long have I wanted these things?” Imran repeated the question she’d asked. “How many days have you been here?” he smiled. “That’s how long I’ve wanted them.”

  It was high time to steer the conversation to safer ground, Tanya thought as she decided to ask Imran again where he was taking her. “I hope you’re taking me to a mall. I wouldn’t mind doing some shopping. I have to buy gifts for my friends back in Chicago.”

  “Where we’re going is not exactly a mall. But there are many things there for sale.”

  Tanya was giving him a look like she knew exactly what he was up to. He couldn’t help but laugh. It seemed that since he’d met her he’d done nothing but laugh. “Herra Mandi is a bazaar of diamonds.”

  “We’re going to buy diamonds?”

  Imran frowned at the glitter in Tanya’s eyes. The mention of diamonds had intrigued her and brought out that greedy gold-digging side of her. The look annoyed him and he decided to tell her in a different playful manner than he’d intended. Herra Mandi doesn’t sell diamonds. It’s Pakistan’s oldest red light district.” He watched as Tanya's mouth fell open.

  “Prostitution. Are you kidding me? I thought things like that weren’t allowed in Pakistan. I don’t believe it.”

  “Believe it,” Imran said still feeling annoyed with her. “Officially you’re right. Pakistan is an Islamic republic.”

  “I’ve studied some about your country and I read that prostitution is punishable by death.”

  “That is true.”

  “Then how the heck can you have a red light district?”

  “We do, Tanya. Have you ever visited a red light district?”

  “Yes, I went once to Holland with Heaven and we went to the red light district. We watched as the women dressed in skimpy negligees, danced in the window. The windows were lit by a reddish pink glow. When a man was interested he entered the door and the woman left the window.” At the look on Imran’s face Tanya rushed to explain. “We were on a tour. Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “You just told me my cousin’s wife visited a red light district and you don’t think I should look at you strangely?”

  “You’re taking me to a right light district, yet you think Heaven is too good to go to one.” This couldn’t be the man who’d just made her melt from his kisses. The stupid jerk.

  “From what you say it sounds as if you and Heaven went on this excursion without any male protection. You’re with me, Tanya. You’re safe. I will keep you safe. I will protect you with my life.”

  A catch fluttered at the base of her throat and she couldn’t stop the smile at his words. He was good.

  “Imran, tell me how it is that prostitution can be practiced, but a good many of the women still cover their faces?”

  To that he shrugged. “Yes, a good many of the women still refuse to show their uncovered faces to any male except their closet relatives. But a lot of that is changing also. Pakistan is changing.”

  “Still, I want to know why you’re bringing me to see a red light district. I remember what you said a couple of days ago about me selling myself. You thought I should see the place where it’s done. Is that the reason you’re bringing me here?”

  “I really am doing research for a book I’m writing. Herra Mandi is starting to decay, but once upon a time that was not that case. Ther
e was a time when the ladies that plied their trade there were well respected. The noblemen sent there sons there to learn etiquette. A lot of the women sang and danced and aspired to be in film. In the bygone days the women that worked there were thought to be more sophisticated that many women in the most respected and rich families.”

  “You know an awfully lot about the place.”

  “I’m a writer.”

  “I think it’s more than that. I think it’s personal. Have you been here before…? I mean to use the service?”

  Imran looked at Tanya and smiled. “Like you, I also am not a virgin. I went many times to be trained in the art of lovemaking.”

  Tanya couldn’t believe it. Imran was too darn honest for her. She thought of him lying naked on a bed surrounded by prostitutes who patiently taught him the secrets to loving a woman, pleasing her, making her moan with desire.

  “Imran, why are you telling this to me?”

  “Because I want you to know I am a man who can fulfill your wildest sexual fantasy.”

  Mercy, Tanya thought and fanned herself.

  ***

  The day was going as he’d planned. Imran found a private spot near the water and stopped. It was a place he and Ali had brought girls to many times. It was secluded, just the place for a man and woman to become better acquainted away from the prying eyes of aunties and uncles and gossipmongers. It was midway between Lahore and Defense. Now it was time to broach the subject of them spending the night in Lahore. He’d made arrangements for their stay at the Mirage, two rooms.

  Lifting the basket of food Imran smiled as Tanya’s eyes went to the basket and the grin broke out on her face. She was different in every way from the women he’d known and that pleased him. She was a woman who loved life. She had a good appetite for food and Imran suspected she had a healthy sexual appetite as well. If they would be together that was a good thing.

  Once the blanket had been spread and the food arranged Tanya dug in before Imran had a chance to blink. He laughed. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hungry when we stopped at the McDonald’s to take pictures?”

  “I didn’t know that I was until I saw the food.” She smacked her lips together licking the curry from her fingers. “How much farther?” she asked as she stuffed her mouth with grapes.

  “Not far, an hour or so.” Imran hesitated. “I was wondering though if you’d like to do a bit more exploring, you know take our time, take it slow. I thought maybe you’d like to spend the night in Lahore. They have a very nice hotel there. The Mirage is only a couple of years old and offers many amenities.”

  On no he didn’t just go there. Damn. And she’d been having such a nice time. She stood abruptly knocking over several containers as she did so, not caring that Imran was scrambling to secure them.

  “Listen, Imran, I don’t know what the hell you think you’re doing, but I will drop kick your ass and leave you here. Is that clear?”

  When he merely stared at her Tanya put her hands on her hips and got ready. So be it. If she had to take him down she would. Thanks to Heaven she’d started taking karate and was damn good at it. Just let Imran try something and she’d toast him.

  Imran studied her for a moment. He’d known his proposition would be met with suspicion. But threats? He looked her over, wondering if she really thought she could best him in a physical fight. Then he became offended that she’d think he’d try to take her by force.

  “Tanya, tell me what it is you think I’m trying to do.”

  “I think it’s pretty clear. You’re taking me to a place that freely indulges in prostitution. You tell me how good you are and that you can take care of any of my sexual desires. And now you’re asking me if I want to stay in a hotel. Duhh. You do the math. I know what’s on your mind.”

  “Do you now? Do you know that I’ve been enjoying your company tremendously and that I didn’t want it to end so quickly? You’ve let down your guard since we left my cousin’s home. I think now we can be friends.”

  “Is it friends you want to be, Imran, or lovers?” She waited taping her foot on the ground.

  “I want to be both for you.” He paused for the space of a heartbeat before continuing. “Lahore is a beautiful city, maybe not as beautiful as it once was, but you’re not going to get a feel for the culture, or the city if we only go in for a few hours. Besides, the things I want to see don’t start until after dark.”

  “What? The prostitution?”

  “That among other things.”

  “You’re pretty straightforward aren’t you?”

  Imran thought about it for a moment. He’d never been one to lie easily, but he did know how to practice diplomacy. He’d done it enough times with the women Ali discarded. But for some reason he found himself answering every question that Tanya asked without hesitation. He felt the now familiar flutter in his chest and knew the reason for it. Her anger had diminished and she was smiling at him and her smile was lighting a fire in his heart. Fate may have chosen this woman for him, but he wanted her. It wasn’t love yet… but…well there was definitely something that could very well develop into love. Imagining stretching Tanya’s beautiful body out on a bed and making love to her was the easy part. He smiled at her. Yes, loving her would be easy but he was imagining them walking together, cooking together in the kitchen, taking long baths in a huge tub and family dinners. As he looked at Tanya, he imagined a baby in her arms, their son or daughter. He held her gaze, wondering if he should tell her his thoughts knowing he would. She was the other part of himself that he’d not known he was searching for.

  “Would you like it if I didn’t give you straightforward answers, if I gave you veiled answers instead?”

  “No, I wouldn’t like that, but you puzzle me, Imran. You have done nothing but fight with me since I came to Pakistan. Well that and you’ve done everything in your power to make your entire family hate me.”

  “They don’t hate you.” Imran smiled. “They’re just very wary of you.” He took in Tanya’s frown. “Okay, you’re not their favorite person. He reached out a hand to her. “Come on sit back down. I’ve done more than fight with you, Tanya. I’ve kissed you. Twice.” He saw her blush and pulled on her hand to urge her to sit. When she did he moved closer.

  “Seriously, I didn’t mean anything disrespectful about asking you if you’d like to stay at the Mirage.”

  “But you’ve booked a room right?”

  “I booked two,” Imran admitted. “But that means nothing if you don’t want to stay. I like this much better, our talking getting alone, not fighting.”

  “Tell me something, Imran, are you using me for a story? Do you think perhaps you can charm me and then you‘ll have a chapter about how you got into the American girl’s panties?” She waited while he frowned at her as she’d known he would do.

  “Do you think to shock me?”

  “What?”

  “The vulgar talk. You behave as though you have no class. Sometimes I wonder how Heaven could have ever been friends with you. The two of you are so different.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Heaven and Hamid have had a thousand fights, vicious fights. She’s even kicked his behind. When she wants, Heaven can have a tongue like a serpent and you’re calling me crass. Well, all I’m doing is telling it like I see it. You’re blunt, but you don’t think I should be. Why? Because you think women have to talk in a certain manner. You’re the one who invited me out. We’ve been together for a few days, so it should come as no surprise to you that I swear. You knew this about me when you invited me to come with you today. I think it’s just that you’re upset that I called you on what you want. Why don’t you just be a man and admit that you want me?”

  “Very well, if that’s the way you want it, then yes. I will admit to it. I want very much to make love to you.” When Tanya sat near him with her mouth slightly open in surprise he pulled her to his body hard, and then he plundered her mouth, kissi
ng her with every once of passion that was in him. When she struggled at first to pull away he slid his hand into the rims of her jeans moving it to the front unbuttoning it and caressing her smooth brown skin. He shivered as did she. Then he took her over the edge ravishing her, pressing his mouth against the clothed breast, bringing his hand from the silk that covered her secrets and caressing her breasts pulling on the nipples, tweaking them, enjoying the hard feel of them. She was panting so hard that Imran almost lost his sense of reason and the lesson he was trying to teach her was undoing him. Slowly he pulled away.

  “When I make love to you, Tanya, it will not be out in the open. I will not use trickery and you will be more than willing. That I promise you. Now back to my original question, would you like to spend the night in Lahore?”

  Tanya was shaking so hard that she had to clench her teeth to keep from crying out, from begging Imran to make love to her right there in the open. At that moment she didn’t care that he thought she was crass. She just knew that she wanted him. Still, they needed to settle one little matter between them.

  “I don’t like that you think I’m crass and that Heaven is what? An angel?”

  “You’re jealous of your friend?”

  “Not normally, but since you’re saying your attracted to me and you talk about my virtue as though it’s of no worth, and call me names, you make me want to slug you. Especially when you compare me to Heaven and behave as though she’d never do the things I’ve done. We’re friends remember.”

  “You’re getting angry at me for things you’ve done and said in the five days since you’ve been in Pakistan. I will continue to be truthful with you. No, normally you would not be my choice for a mate, not even a date,” Imran went on without pausing. “And if I didn’t know that there was something more to you, if I hadn’t seen it there in your eyes, I would not be telling you these things. I would escort you as my cousin asked me to do, but that would be that. I would not kiss you and I would not be dreaming of making love to you. But I have seen more. And I will tell you now, if a future with me is anywhere in your plans then you need to learn to behave. You say Heaven can also be crass and by that I assume you mean she like you, swears like a man. I say I’ve never heard it and I’ve known her for more than a year now. And might I remind you that it is you who keep bringing Heaven into the conversation and almost demanding the comparisons, not I. I have told you it is not Heaven that I desire. She is the wife of my cousin.”