Taming of the beast - Completed.

Chapter Thirty-Three

"Calysta," he laughed, grabbing her hand and pulled her towards him. They were having one of their walks, having a break from their duties and chores of her making. She could be a lady of leisure if she wanted to be.

"I've told you before not to call me that," Callie protested, though not too loudly, especially since she was standing in his arms. He dipped in and softly brushed her lips with his own.

"I happen to like Calysta," he whispered against her parted lips.

Stroking his neck with fingertips, Callie leaned in for another kiss. "Only you would get away with that, and only in private." Her fingers brushed the corner of his mouth, his breath warm against hers.

"My beautiful Calysta."

"Now you're just pushing it," she murmured, slipping her arm around his neck, rising on her toes, pressing her lips harder against his, crushed against his body as they kissed hungrily, enjoying each other.

"I have a surprise for you," he whispered against her softened lips.

She repelled back, startling him. "I don't like surprises!"

He placed his forehead on hers. "Sorry. Not that kind of surprise," he promised.

"Oh," eyeing him closely. "One I would enjoy?" she dared.

"I think so. I need you to pack a bag, we are going on a brief trip. And no, not back to the Middle East, but you need to go back soon. They miss you." Callie nodded, feeling more comfortable about going.

Her sister left after staying a few days, where they talked, and still didn't know any more than they weren't actually sisters, that was all Susan had been informed, not why. Just handed over to the Carsons when she was born. Only leaving more questions. Susan promised to keep in contact, joining her friends in London, also making enquires about working in London.

Distancing herself from her family. A clean break. It was her decision and didn't want Callie to feel guilty about the fallout of what happened, because it wasn't her fault. Needing time away from her family, finding her own feet again. The revelation hadn't just affected her, also Susan. When was it going to end?

At least she was safe here, with Riyad and their small group. Running hands down his shirted chest, following with her eyes, she can never get enough of him. His arms tightened around her, guiding her up against his chest, hands pressed between them, peering up. "What is it, my love?"

"I love you. Maybe, it is time for us."

"Us? How so?"

"That family you were talking about."

He brushed soft hair from her face, making her look up at him. "We will discuss it when we get to where we are going." Interest sparked in her eyes, heart beating that little be faster. "No, I am going to tell you." He tapped her nose, dropping to follow the curve of her lips, pressing hard and slipped into her mouth that she savoured as he watched, gaze heated, the core of her clenching in apprehension, his name on her lips, as he eased his thumb free.

Shaking his head, he stepped back. "You will stop distracting me until we leave," his eyes danced. She wiggled up against him.

"Like now?"

"Pack first," he turned her around and headed back towards the mansion. "However," his head dipped, placing kisses on her neck, warming her all over. "Might need to have a shower before we leave."

"Shower? What happened to my bath?" They had spent many leisurely bath times together, reaching behind her, clutching at his hips.

"I do plan to leave at a decent time."