When they finally stepped through the door and it closed behind them, Chia slumped in relief. “Whew! I was sure they would catch us.”
“They still might. We must hurry, Chia.” He gently grasped her elbow when the elevator stopped and led her down to the garage. After helping into his car, he drove quickly to her apartment.
“I’ve been thinking, Dr. Khan. It won’t take long for Jahan to come after me at my apartment. How do you feel about me going to visit a friend in the desert? Her family is nomadic and she is home for the summer. She is engaged to Sheikh Ben Assaud. My parents would never think to look for me there. Jahan is not aware of my friendship with the family. I met her at University and we became very good friends.
“As long as you can rest and get a physician for periodic exams. I see no problem. In fact I would suggest you leave immediately otherwise Jahan will blockade any way out of the city.”
“May I use your phone, please?” Chia was a bit fearful of Jahan’s anger. It didn’t matter. She knew she had to have some rest or she would lose the baby. After all women had been giving birth in the desert for centuries. She would be no different.
“Of course, help yourself.” Dr. Khan handed her the phone.
“Miriam, this is Chiandra. I have a huge favor to ask of you and your family.” Chia quickly explained all that had happened to her. Miriam was horrified. She’d been pledged to Ben since she had been a child. Fortunately, both their parents had decided to break it with tradition and allow them to see each other over the years. They had found their long friendship had evolved into love and passion. Now they were eagerly awaiting their wedding in a few months. Chia was to be her maid of honor. Now she would be her matron of honor.
Miriam instructed Chia to go directly to the airstrip and she would have her family’s private jet waiting. She told Dr. Khan what Miriam had said and he swung his sedan around and headed for the strip. As Chia strode into the plane she waved to her doctor and her friend. She worried that he would be in serious trouble once Jahan found out, but Dr. Khan had assured her that he would keep her secret no matter the cost. She would find a way that he would not be penalized by her husband. It was so strange to think of Jahan as her husband.
Sitting down and buckling in, she suddenly found she was exhausted. She closed her eyes and dozed. She kept the scrubs on. She didn’t think she was easily recognizable. She been away and out of the public eye for a few years. She woke as the plane began to land. Not once did she see the pilot.
Once they were safely on the ground, she rose and left the plane. Miriam met her in her Jeep. Her ready smile flashed at Chia’s garb. “Good disguise. I would never have recognized you.”
“I figured if your pilot saw me he would not know who I was.”
I informed the pilot and co-pilot not to look at you. I told them an old friend was coming to see me and was very shy.” She giggled at the absurdity of anyone thinking Chia was shy.
Chia hugged Miriam tightly. “You don’t know how good it is to see you, Miri. I really need a friend I can trust.”
Miriam led her to the Jeep and helped her in. “No one will tell Jahan and your parents where you have gone until you are ready to go back. As you know we travel a bit. It will be difficult to track you down.”
“Will I be able to visit a physician? I don’t want anything to happen to the babe.” Chia’s hand went protectively to her stomach.
“We have a doctor who travels with us. As you know, my family is tied in with all the modern technology. So I don’t see a problem.”
“I can’t tell you what this means to me, Miri. I’ve felt so betrayed lately. I can’t trust my father, or mother and Jahan has manipulated me to get what he wants.” Tears sparkled in her eyes as she stared out the tinted glass.
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. I know your parents love you and Jahan has always been possessive of you. I can’t believe they have done this to you. Didn’t they always say you’d be allowed to marry for love?”
“Sure, but in their minds, it was perfect since they knew I loved Jahan. They just never bothered to tell me of their plans and the contract.” Hurt rasped at Chia’s throat.
“So you do love him.” Miri slid a concerned glance at Chia’s pale face.
“Yes, but I can’t trust him. He kidnapped me and then he seduced me. He actually thought I’d dishonor our ways by giving myself to someone other than my husband.”
“God, what a pig. Forced seduction, for pity’s sake. How barbaric!” Miri was horrified. The passion she had shared with Ben had been hot and wild. They had just barely managed to stop before they made love. Both wanted to wait until they were man and wife.
“He dishonored me. I was a month pregnant before we wed. The truly sad thing in all this is that I still love him and we’d have been happy if I hadn’t found out about the contract. Now I don’t trust anything.”
“Well, you can trust me and you can stay as long as you wish. Our wedding is in five months and I still want you to be a part of it. If you are still here then. You will have to decide for all the rulers will be invited,” she warned softly. “Jahan will be here as our prince.”
“I will just take it a day at a time, Miri. That is all the energy I have.” Wearily, she closed her eyes. All she wanted to do was sleep.
Miri was worried about Chia. She had lost that sparkle that was so uniquely hers. Jahan and her parents had done a real number on her. Never had Miri seen her friend so despondent.
Miri was thankful for her parents. Once she had told them Chia’s story, they had been sympathetic, offering their hospitality for as long as she needed it. They had promised not to inform Chia’s parents or Jahan of her whereabouts until she was ready. They knew Chiandra had been a great friend to their daughter when she had been mugged and nearly raped during her first year of University, by a drunken football player who would not take no for an answer.
In a few minutes Miri had pulled up in front of a large group of tents. She had already had one set up for Chia close to hers. Although she would like to share with her friend, she sensed Chia needed to be alone to try to heal her wounds. Sometimes you just had to be alone to work through your problems.
“Miri, it’s wonderful.” Chia stepped out of the cooler interior of the Jeep and felt the waves of heat roll over her.
“I love it out here. Everyone once in awhile I just like to connect with the land.” Miri led Chia to her tent. “This is yours, Chia. Rest and when you feel like it, I will bring the physician to you. You’ll will find clothing and some water inside.
“Thank you.” Chia fought tears as she hugged her friend. Stepping into the interior of the tent, she sighed. Miri had thought of everything. She even had a cooler full of bottled water. She quickly stripped off her scrubs and wiped away some of the sweat and sand. She needed to go greet Miri’s parents. Her eyes refused to stay open and the soft pillows on her bed were just too inviting.
Chapter Thirteen
Jahan stormed into Dr. Khan’s office. His guards had contacted him fifteen minutes ago, informing him of Chia’s disappearance, as well of the fact that the doctor had helped her escape.
“What have you to say for yourself?” he bellowed, his temper nearly out of control. Chia had managed to slip out of his grasp once more.
“What do you wish me to say? I’m helping a patient get the peace and quiet she needs in order to recover and not lose her child,” he informed Jahan quietly.
“She’s my wife, Dr. Khan. I have a right to know where she is.” Frustrated, Jahan fell into the chair across from Khan’s desk.
“She’s my patient and I have a responsibility for her welfare,” Khan shot back.
“You are not going to tell me where she went, are you?” Jahan stared coldly at the doctor. The thwarted part of him was ready to rip Khan apart, the rational part admired the man’s dedication to his patient, to the point he’d actually risk his career to do what he felt was best for her and the baby.
“No, I’m n
ot. When she is ready she will come back.” Khan could see the worry and anger on Jahan’s face and felt just a little bit of remorse.
“I will find her. She won’t be able to hide from me for long.”
“Long enough to rest and build up some reserves.”
“You are very sure of that.” Jahan glared at Khan’s calm assurance and bolted to his feet. “Do not interfere between my wife and me again, Doctor. I won’t be so forgiving next time.”
Khan smiled as he watched Jahan stomp out of his office.
Jahan was furious. He had to leave before he lost his temper and physically attacked Dr. Khan. For all his bold words, he had no idea where Chia had run to. The image of her pale face and haunted green eyes was burned in his memory. He could find her and force her to stay with him. He knew she would wither and die without her freedom. He could not do that to her. He might have destroyed her love for him with his silence as it was. For just a moment after the ceremony he had been the happiest man alive.
Slamming into the backseat of his limo, he instructed his driver to take him to his office. He still had the conference to attend and could not spend as much time as he wished on the search for his missing bride. Everything had to be handled with discreet secrecy before the opposing faction found her first. Jahan would be forced to choose between his duty and his love.
David was waiting for him as he stepped out of the car, rattling off things to be done at an alarming rate. Jahan ruthlessly pushed all thoughts of Chiandra to the back of his mind, dealing quickly and efficiently with his tasks. In two days they would be journeying to the mountain region of his country along with Malek. They would try to bring the leaders of those tribes together to make their county stronger. Not a large oil producing country, they none-the-less had enough to aid their people. Jahan wanted to distribute some of the wealth to the poorer tribes, to bring them into the new century. Unfortunately, he had to continuously battle the ancient ideas and traditions. He couldn’t help but think about the ancient practice of arranged marriages that had made his personal life such a mess.
Hindsight was always 20/20 and he knew no child of his would ever be put through such a practice and suffer as had he and Chia. He should have spoken with Chia years ago, he should have brought it all out in the open. She deserved to be courted. Instead he had been arrogant and had acted like a complete ass. If he lost her or their child, he would never forgive himself.
Malek was waiting for him in his office. Seeing the blank look on Jahan’s face he slumped. “You have not found her.”
“No. I have people looking, but she has disappeared this time. She might already be out of the country by now.” For a moment Jahan allowed the bleakness of his world to show. Then he closed his expression. He had no time for weakness.
“Her mother and I have contacted all of her friends. No one knows where she is or if they do, they are not telling. My daughter inspires fierce loyalty in her friends,” he murmured somewhat proudly.
“I will find her and when I do, I may chain her to my bed. I definitely might paddle her bottom.” A tiny smile tipped Jahan’s lips at both images. Perhaps they could play with the ideas when he found her and they got their lives back on track.
“Just don’t hurt her anymore, Jahan. The three of us have done enough harm to last a life time. I’m not sure my own marriage will survive it.” For just a moment the two men shared their desolation and then set briskly about finishing up the last of their plans.
“I want to finish these talks as soon as possible. Then I can devote my self to hunting for Chia. Once everything is set in place and running smoothly, I wish to take her on a belated honeymoon. Just the two of us to work on our relationship before the baby is born.”
A cunning gleam entered Malek’s eyes. “That’s a wonderful idea. I think I will plan for that with Amanda. Take her to some deserted island and keep her there until we work all this out.”
For the first time in two days Jahan laughed. He liked the way Malek thought. Perhaps he would follow his example and use the same island, depending on how far along she was in her pregnancy by the time he found her. “Saucy wench,” he grinned.
“Yes. Both of them are just alike. Lucky men aren’t we?” Malek shared Jahan’s laughter, suddenly feeling far more hopeful for the future.
David stepped inside. Soon the three of them were absorbed in their last minute plans. Jahan and Malek would leave in a few days. It would take them a couple more days to arrive at their destination. They were traveling the traditional way on horseback. Jahan found himself eagerly anticipating the trip. It had been too long since he had taken his stallion out. Cabel had been exercised, but not pushed. He had grown lazy. It would do them both good to race through the desert.
If only he knew where Chia was and that she was safe, then his joy would be complete.
“I think we have everything accounted for, David. I’ll leave you to finish the last of the paperwork. I wish to check on the progress of Chia’s search.” When Jahan stepped outside he was surprised to note is was dark. They day had flown by. He had only thought about Chia a couple of times an hour.
On the way to his home, he phoned his servants and requested a cold meal, nothing but a salad and a sandwich. There were a few people he wanted to call, allies who might know where his wife had run to.
Josef met him at his bedroom door, his meal on a tray. “I took the liberty of bringing it up here, sir.”
“Thank you, Josef. I shall be busy for the rest of the evening. You may go home. Tomorrow I am beginning my journey to my meetings.”
“Do you wish for me to go with you, sir?”
“Not this time, Josef. It is pretty rough living and I will be able to take care of myself. In fact, why don’t you take some time and enjoy your family. It has been some time since you have taken a vacation.”
“Thank you, sir. I shall enjoy my time. Have David contact me as soon as you have need of me.” Josef bowed slightly and left the room quietly.
Jahan watched Josef leave and realized he knew very little about his personal servants’ lives and their families. Suddenly family was very important to him.
After he finished his meal, he sat down at his laptop and finished a few last minute notations on his plans. He had been working with Malek for years, trying to bring his country together. His plans were finally nearing fruition and if all went as he planned, and the opposing tribes didn’t interfere, it would be finished.
Only a few people wanted to stop the progress. Fanatics, men who twisted things to suit their own purposes. Men who were willing to kill and destroy to make sure things stayed the way they wanted it. Those men were truly dangerous. For they would die willingly for their cause, taking as many innocents with them as possible.
Chia’s face haunted him as he finished his work. They’d had fights and problems before, but she had looked so lost and fragile the last time he had seen her. He could hope she was someplace safe until he could find the time to find her. If she delivered safely, he vowed she would not become pregnant again. He would not chance her life and if they wanted other children, they could adopt. He would love to have a little red haired girl just like her mother, perhaps a bit sweeter tempered. He prayed the child was a son, for he needed a male heir.
Chapter Fourteen
Chia woke, surprisingly refreshed after her short nap. As soon as she stirred, a servant entered and informed her the physician was waiting to see her. Chia hoped he was as nice as Dr. Khan. Chia felt her mouth gape open as a tall, slender woman entered her tent.
“You’re the doctor?”
“Yes. I am Dr. Anya Masani. I can tell you haven’t seen very many female physicians in our country. She smiled slightly at the surprise on Chiandra’s face.
“No, but I am so happy. Sometimes it is so hard to tell a male doctor everything.” Chia grinned back, her spirits lighter than they had been for a while.
“I know Dr. Khan. He is a very good doctor.” Slowly, with sure movements,
Dr. Masani gave Chia an exam. “You’re a month along. What kind of problems have you been experiencing?” Anya was deeply concerned at the dark circles lining Chiandra’s eyes. Her blood pressure was a little high.
Chia quickly explained everything to her new doctor, glossing over the part where Jahan had used forced seduction on her. Her face flamed with embarrassment as she recounted her flight from Jahan and her fall. It made her seem like such a coward, running away instead of fighting for her right as a woman and his wife.
“Chia, what are you thinking about? Your heart rate just escalated.”
“I feel like I am out of control with everything in my life. I keep running from Jahan instead of having it out with him.” Chia sighed, fighting tears again. “I never was a coward. Now I just don’t have the energy to fight with him.”
“Relax, Chia. You are doing what you must to ensure the safety of the child you carry. When you are stronger, you can confront Jahan. By then he will be so worried about you he will either strangle you or agree to anything you demand. Anya stayed calm, not letting Chia see her concern. If she couldn’t get her calm and her blood pressure lowered, she would have to insist on Chia’s return to the hospital in the city. She would not risk her life or the baby’s.
“You’ve met my husband?” Chia relaxed back on her bed, soothed by Anya’s gentle touch and calm manner.
“I’ve seen him at a couple of functions. He is a very forceful man. I understand your battle for independence. For now we are going to forget all about that until you are out of danger. Try to focus on the positive, your love for your child, for your husband. Before you know it, you will be better.”
Chia finally calmed and Anya took a deep breath.
“It is so peaceful here. You’re right. I can’t let this eat at me. I’m responsible for Jahan’s son.” A dreamy smile crossed Chia’s face.
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