Chia opened her eyes at her mother’s gentle touch. Tears welled in her large green eyes and ran down the sides of her face. “Oh, mama, what shall I do? Jahan will never release me now that I carry his son.”
Amanda’s heart nearly broke in two at the desolation in her baby’s face. “I wish I could reassure you, honey. I’m sorry I can’t. Jahan will force you to wed him and your father will help him. Now it is a matter of honor for them.”
“How could papa break his word? He promised me I could choose my husband, and that I could marry for love.” She raised her hands weakly as they slid one of her night gowns over her head. Dizziness swept through her and she fought the nausea roiling in her stomach. “I think I am going to be sick,” she wailed.
The servant brought a basin and held it while Chia emptied her stomach. Shaken, she lay back against the pillows and allowed her mother to wash her face.
“How far along are you Chia?”
Embarrassment spread through Chia, bringing a hectic flush to her cheeks. “Probably about four weeks or so.”
“Mm, well, there will be some talk I am sure, when the babe is born a month early.” Amanda knew she had to be matter of fact about the wedding. Chia had no choice now. Their men were all about honor.
“My wishes matter not at all.” She sobbed.
“Chia, baby.” Her mother soothed. “You know I love you, but you must think of your child now. His father’s a powerful ruler and he must bear his name.”
Chia began to sob, the helplessness of her situation pushing her too near hysteria.
Dr. Ahmed Ali Khan knocked lightly on the closed door and then walked in. You took one look at Chia’s shaking body and drew out a syringe.
“Doctor she’s pregnant,” Amanda informed him softly.
“So I was informed by your husband. Do not fear this is a mild sedative and won’t harm either her or the child.”
Chia barely felt the needle prick her arm. She was withdrawing deep into her mind, no longer able to cope with the stress.
Dr. Khan recognized the signs and hurriedly sewed the gash on her head. His hands were gentle but thorough as he examined her and confirmed her pregnancy. “She’s pretty close, she’s probably about three and a half to four weeks along.”
Amanda moved nearer to the doctor and seeing Chia was asleep she whispered “How is she? Is the baby all right? How can we pull her out of this depression she’s slipped into?”
“Considering that nasty gash on her head, she’s quite all right. Jahan will have to restrain his passions now and allow her time to heal,” he said referring delicately to the marks he’d seen on Chia.
“Yes, I agree. I don’t think she’s capable of handling any more right now. Will she be able to attend her wedding next week?”
Dr. Kahn’s brows raised, but he was also well aware of the political need for Jahan’s heir to be born legitimately. “She may be in a daze for most of the next couple of weeks. Her mind is trying to find a way to deal with all that has happened to her in the past month. She must be kept as calm as possible for the sake of the child.”
“Very well, doctor. Do you think she needs to go to the hospital?” Amanda fought to remain strong. She could barely stand to see Chia so hurt. Even as a child, she’d been fearless, her spirit wild and untamed. In just one short month Jahan had robbed her of her vitality, the spark that made her so unique. He had dimmed the spirit that had drawn him to her from the beginning.
“If she can stay here in her own bed, surrounded by familiar things. I will allow her to stay here. If not, I’ll admit her to the hospital where I can control her visitors and her stress level.”
“She’ll be fine here. I will make sure she’s allowed to rest and recover.” A thin thread of steel hardened Amanda’s normally soft voice. She was done letting those two arrogant men have their way. This was her child and she would protect her, whatever it took.
“Good. Here’s some prenatal vitamins, I want her to start taking them when she awakens and has her meal. Tomorrow I’ll stop by and see how she’s faring.”
Amanda led him down the steps and bid him a goodnight. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the door to Malek’s study and walked in. She spared Jahan a brief, cold glare and turned her attention to her husband. Lord, he was still so handsome, still able to make her melt with just one slow burning look. Taking a deep breath, she spoke, “Dr. Khan has just left.”
Jahan jumped to his feet, pacing restlessly over the following carpet, his handed raking his long hair impatiently away from his face. “How is she?” he demanded gruffly.
“She’s sedated and resting right now.” Amanda warily watched Jahan. He reminded her of a caged lion and a hungry one at that.
“Sedated! She shouldn’t have drugs if she’s pregnant!” he snarled.
“Do you wish to hear what I have to say?” she admonished frostily.
Jahan controlled himself with great effort. His fear for Chandra’s safety was nearly tearing him apart. He couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t loved the red haired firebrand. “Forgive me.”
“I’m not sure I’m the one you should be asking forgiveness from. Dr. Khan will allow Chia to stay here in familiar surroundings as long as she can rest without stress. If not, he will admit her to the hospital. He fears for her emotional wellbeing and the health of the child.” She watched Jahan as paled beneath his tan and realized he did truly love Chia.
“My god,” he groaned and fell into the nearest chair, his dark head in his hands.
Malek watched Amanda, his keen gaze riveted on her nearly imperceptible trembling. His wife was nearly at her breaking point and he had no idea how to breach the gulf between them and offer her his strength. “Go on, ‘Manda. What else did he say?”
“He stitched up the cut on her head and gave her an exam. He feels she’s probably about three and a half to four weeks pregnant and he left some vitamins for her.” Turning, she speared Jahan once more with one of her no nonsense looks, “he also said that you must control your passion.”
Jahan blushed under her scrutiny. “Of course, what did he say about the wedding?” He’d been stunned to hear she was so far along. She must’ve conceived the first night he was with her. Jahan winced at the memory of the brutal way he’d stolen her innocence. She had not deserved such an initiation into making love.
“He also realized the need for your heir to carry your name. Although he said she would be in a daze for the next few weeks, he did not forbid it. It will be a quiet affair.” She insisted calmly.
“I agree, a simple wedding. Chia’s health is the most important consideration.” Having something concrete to focus on, Jahan grabbed a notepad and made a few quick notes.
Amanda hesitated for a moment and then related the rest. “Jahan,” she said quietly. “You must know that Chia has closed her mind. She’s retreated inside herself to try to heal from all the trauma.”
“Oh god!” Jahan’s heart cracked at her words.
“’Manda, no!” Malek stepped forward, pulling her shaking form to rest against his chest. He breathed in the subtle scent of her jasmine perfume.
“Yes,” she whispered miserably, her tears ran in silent rivulets down her face.
“She’s strong, ‘Manda. She’ll recover,” Malek tried to reassure her.
Amanda jerked away from him and slapped him across the face. “How dare you! Because of the both of you arrogant asses my daughter has been kidnapped, forced into doing things she didn’t want to do, and nearly killed. She may be forced to marry you Jahan, but I’m warning you now, harm her again and I will take her away someplace where neither of you will ever find us.”
Jahan’s face hardened at her words. “She will be my wife, and I will protect her. She will not leave me.”
“We’ll see,” she spat and spun and walked out of the room leaving both men to their thoughts.
Ruefully, Jahan stared at Malek, “I see where Chiandra gets her willfulness.”
Malek fo
rced a grin. “I’ve never been bored. She’s right though, we have done Chia grave harm and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to forgive myself. Amanda may never forgive me.”
Jahan watched the other man’s bleak features. “You are right, Chia has suffered terribly and I promise I will devote the rest of my life to making it up to her. I love her!”
“If I didn’t believe that, Jahan. I would take her somewhere safe, myself.” Malek informed the younger man matter-of-factly.
“Will you be able to make it right with Amanda? She seems to be very angry at the both of us.” Jahan’s stood and stretched. He was still dressed in his sodden clothing. He glanced ruefully at the soaked upholstery on the chair.
Malek waved a hand. “Tis of no importance. The chair can be replaced. Go home and change, I will have a room prepared close to Chia’s for you.”
“Thank you Malek. I shall return shortly.” Jahan rushed out of the home. He did not want to leave Chia any longer than necessary.
Malek watched the energy of the younger man and sighed. Right now he felt every one of his 50 years. He slowly made his way to Chia’s room.
Chapter Six
Amanda waited until she was out of the room before she let her control slip. Being held in Malek’s arms had felt so right. It had taken all of her willpower to step away. Her hands shook as she remembered she’d just slapped Malek’s face. It had been years since she’d done that. She raced up the stairs and hurried to the guest room she was using. She had to get herself under control before she went back to check on Chia. Opening the door she threw herself on the bed, letting her tears flow.
Malek sighed and walked slowly up the stairs, his heart heavy. He knocked softly at her door and stepped inside. Chia’s servant Mara sat in a chair near the bed, quietly watching her charge sleep. “How is she Mara?”
“She’s been resting since the doctor left.”
Malek stepped nearer and cupped Chia’s cheek. She stirred restlessly, her eyes opening slowly. She struggled to focus. “Daddy,” she mumbled.
“Baby.” Tears glistened in Malek’s eyes as he stared down at Chia’s pale features.
“I hurt, daddy.” Confusion crinkled her nose. “Jahan, Jahan hurt me. Oh, daddy don’t make me go with him,” she begged.
“I have no choice, now, honey. You’re going to have his child. You must marry him.” Malek’s heart shattered at the look of betrayal and despair that flashed over her face.
Chia turned away from her father, shutting her thoughts down again. It didn’t hurt as bad if she focused inward. “Go away,” she whispered brokenly. “You are my father. You are supposed to love and protect me.”
Malek turned away, his tears falling unnoticed. He walked blindly towards the guest room, hearing Mandy’s muffled sobs. He would not lose his wife as well as his daughter. “’Manda,” he called as he strode to the bed. He stripped off his clothes and climbed in beside her, pulling her resisting form on top of him. “No more. I will not let you drive me away.”
Amanda fought her traitorous body, as he kissed the tears from her face. He swiftly removed her clothes and positioned her over his straining shaft. He made love to her hard and fast forcing her to accept their connection. Afterwards, he held her close against his side.
Amanda resented his domination over her. She loved him, perhaps more than life itself, but she would not allow him to set the tone for the rest of their lives. “Physical release is just lust,” she sniffed.
“Then we shall share our lust.” He informed her, his patience thinning, as his guilt grew.
“Be very careful Malek that you don’t drive us both away,” she warned quietly as he rolled to cover her body with his.
Chapter Seven
Jahan sped through the streets. In minutes he’d reached his home. The servants bustled about, unsure of his mood. He tersely barked out orders. He called his office and informed David to forward all his calls to Malek’s and to deal with everything that was not an emergency.
His valet Josef, packed a couple of bags with everything Jahan might need in the next week while Jahan showered and changed. Jahan grabbed his laptop and hurried back to his car. Within moments he was on his way back to Chia. How could everything have gone so wrong so fast? He would never let her go. He’d try to give her some time, but she was his. He could not live without her.
Jahan’s parked his car in the underground garage and ran back up to Chia’s room. He entered quietly and motioned for Mara to go take a break. She nodded and left him alone with Chia. He pulled a chair close to the bed and settled down for the night. Clasping her hand in his, he was surprised to feel her trembling. “Chia, honey,” his barely audible words had no effect on Chia. He could see she was still asleep. Her face still bore the tracks of her tears. Shaken, he laid his head on her bed and wept. He had never seen her breakdown and cry. She’d always been able to take anything and give back as good as she got.
She’d been a part of his life for years. As a child, his parents had socialized closely with other political leaders in their country. He hadn’t admitted it to anyone, but the first time he seen her she’d been just a few weeks old. She’d gazed at him and he had felt the connection even then. Through the years he’d teased and taunted her, but as soon as another child had picked on her, he found himself in a brawl protecting her.
Such a little hellion, even then. As the years went by she began to develop early. At twelve to his seventeen she was a precocious bundle of feminine wiles and childlike innocence. It had taken every ounce of his will power to keep his raging hormones in check when he’d come across her sunbathing with her top unfastened. He had startled her, and she had spun around, her gorgeous breasts swaying in front of him.
At first, she’d covered her breasts with her hands or at least as much as she could. As she watched his passion flare she lowered her hands and had thrust those full luscious breasts at him. He could still feel the flash of lust as his body hardened, the swimming trunks he wore doing little to hide his state of arousal from her. Before he could stop himself he crossed to her and had cupped the full globes. God, when she closed her eyes and moaned he had nearly taken her then and there. Somehow he’d managed to quiet the roar of lust and had fastened her top. He had known she was too young and what he had done was wrong.
To hide his feelings from her, he’d been cruel, telling her if she wanted to be a slut he was sure someone would be more than willing to sample her charms it just wouldn’t be him. He cursed himself for a fool as he saw the hurt in her enormous emerald eyes. Even then she had not cried. She had pushed him in the pool and stomped off in a huff.
That had been the change in their relationship, she’d gone out of her way to avoid him. The next time he’d seen her had been at his parents’ funeral four years later. They’d been killed in a freak storm on their way home from the mountains and their plane had gone down with no survivors. He couldn’t remember much of that time only that Malek and Amanda had been there to offer their support and for a moment, Chiandra had been his old friend again. He hadn’t had time to pursue her. His duties as leader had kept him tied up for months until he’d learned what he must do. By then, she’d gone overseas to school and he’d only caught glimpses of her on the holidays.
On her eighteenth birthday he’d been invited to her parent’s and had decided then she would be his wife. They’d been promised as children and he saw no reason to break the contract. He had hired a private investigator to watch over her and had gone nearly insane when the reports had included photos of her at all the nightclub hotspots. His jealousy had nearly overwhelmed him over the current boyfriend of the month. She’d gone through several men by the time she reached her senior year. Or so he had thought at the time. Several had even spent the night. He’d been furious with her that she’d given away her innocence so casually. He should have gone to her. Tell her of his intentions. Wooing her instead of commanding her. He had been so very wrong. She had stayed pure. He wished he could be sure that s
he had done so in the hope that they would be together.
Guilt swept through him at the way he treated her each time he’d seen her. Now, knowing how innocent she’d been, he knew he’d been cruel and had baited her sexually. Each time she responded he called her a tramp and had stormed off, furious she wouldn’t be pure when he took her. There had never been any doubt in his mind that she would be his.
In his arrogance he forced instead of wooed and although her body had responded it had been a physical response. God, he wanted her love. He wanted her to love him as he loved her and had loved her for years. He didn’t know how to rectify the problem. He could never let her go. It would tear his heart out. He would be a part of his child’s life.
Chia woke slowly, her head pounding furiously with each beat of her heart. She carefully raised her hand and gasped as she found Jahan’s dark head laying near her hand. Lord, she needed to go to the bathroom. Her bladder was painfully full and the morning queasiness was back with a vengeance.
She slowly edged out of the bed, her need becoming an emergency. She’d just shifted one leg when a large hand caught hers and dark eyes roved over her face.
“Where are you going, Chiandra?” he rasped, sitting up slowly, trying to stretch the kinks out of his back.
Chia lifted her chin and winced at the renewed pain in her head. “I need to go to the bathroom,” she defiantly told him.
Jahan smothered a sigh of relief. Her fire was returning. He’d been terrified he’d crushed her spirit. Standing, he scooped her up and walked into the large bathroom. Chia didn’t bother struggling, he was just too strong and she hurt like the devil. She was amazed at the gentleness he showed her and wished he’d been that way before. When he set her on her feet, she was shocked at how weak she felt. She clutched at his arms to steady herself, reveling in the hard flex of his muscles against her fingers.
“Do you want me to stay?” He slowly slid his gaze over her face, lingering on the discolored skin around the bandage on her head and the dark circles under her eyes.
Wild Desert Princess Page 3