Desert Nights and Burning Desire

Zaya Nurai Island was a private jewel of powdery white sands, turquoise lagoons, and secluded beachfront villas floating in the Arabian Gulf, twenty minutes by speedboat from the bustle of Abu Dhabi. The private pavilion Liam had reserved sat perched on timber stilts directly over the tranquil waters of the lagoon. Torches of fragrant sandalwood flickered along the wooden boardwalk, while sheer white linen drapes billowed gently in the warm…