Wild Desert Princess

by Deering, Debbie

  “A son, hm. You seem very sure of that.” Anya watched the love on Chia’s face and a sharp stab of envy surged through her.

  “It is a feeling I have. Somehow I just know it is a boy.” Chia couldn’t say why she was so sure, a mother’s instinct perhaps.

  “Well, if he takes after his mother and father, I’d say his chances are pretty good. Both of you are fighters. “Seeing the weariness Chia couldn’t hide, Anya turned to leave. “I’ll have some food sent to you. Would you like some water so you can wash up? It might help refresh you.”

  “I can’t seem to get enough rest. Please give my apologies to Miri and her family.” Chia tried to fight back the yawn to no avail.

  “It is your pregnancy that is sapping your energy. Don’t worry. Miriam and her family will understand. Perhaps tomorrow you will feel more like visiting with them.” Anya stepped out of the tent, her dark chocolate eyes worried.

  Miri met her and pulled her away from the tent so Chia would not hear them talking. “She is very ill, isn’t she?” Her own worry for her friend had her nearly in tears. Chia was just a shadow of herself.

  She is stressed and she is pregnant. The biggest worry is keeping her blood pressure stable and keeping her calm. If not, we will have to get her back to the hospital where she can be monitored twenty-four hours a day.” Anya would not hide the worry from Miriam. Chia’s welfare was the most important thing now.

  “If she goes back now and Jahan pressures her, I think it might do more harm to her and her baby.” Miri feared for her friend and hoped they were doing the right thing.

  “I agree. This is the perfect place for her to rest. All we have to do is keep her from brooding about Jahan. Do you think he can trace her here?” Anya didn’t want to anger her prince, but as had Dr. Khan, she would do whatever she felt was necessary for the health of her patient. Sometimes men were so arrogant, especially men in her country.

  A deep sadness pulled at her heart. Her own fiancé had been furious at her decision to become a doctor and had given her an ultimatum, him or her career. The choice had nearly broken her heart. She had chosen her profession. Sometimes the pain was nearly unbearable. She had thought she had found the right man for her.

  “His people have already contacted my father’s secretary and since he knew nothing of Chia’s arrival, he did not have to lie.” An impish grin twitched at Miri’s full lips. A little suffering would be good for Jahan. He was far too demanding. He was used to issuing orders and having them blindly followed.

  “What has your fiancé to say about this?” Anya watched Miri’s face blanch. “He doesn’t know yet,” she surmised.

  “No. I’m going to keep it from him as long as possible. He’s involved with Prince Jahan’s negotiations and will be away for at least a month, maybe two. When he gets back, we will see how things are with Chia and I will decide then if I have to tell him.”

  “Miri, please don’t cause yourself problems over this. Chia would hate it if you did.”

  “Don’t worry, Anya. I won’t lie to Ben. If necessary, I will tell him. By the time I have to make the decision, Chia will hopefully be feeling better and will want to deal with Jahan.” Miri flashed Anya a cheeky grin and led her to the large tent for their evening meal. She caught her older brother staring at the beautiful young woman and wondered if he was attracted to her.

  Anya felt the heat from Jamal’s steady gaze and felt a flush sting her cheeks. “Why does your brother watch me all the time? Is it because I am a woman physician?” Anya refused to admit how drawn she was to the dark, handsome man. He made her feel again. Something she hadn’t done since her fiancé had dumped her. She forced herself to stare back at him, her chin automatically tilted at a defiant angle.

  Miri watched the two with interest.

  Jamal inclined his head in acknowledgement of Anya’s unconscious challenge, a tiny grin tipping his lips.

  “He likes you, Anya.” She giggled at the stunned look that suddenly lit up Anya’s beautiful face.

  “Why would he be interested in me when he can have his choice of beautiful women all over the world?”

  “Perhaps because the most beautiful one is within his grasp,” Miri teased relentlessly.

  Anya’s flush deepened as she watched Jamal head their way. “Sh, Miri, he will hear you.”

  “I’ll hear what?” Jamal’s deep voice whispered against Anya’s ear.

  “That Anya is beautiful.” Miri interjected, with a wicked smile, then spun and left her brother and Anya to speak alone.

  “Your sister has a strange sense of humor,” Anya muttered and tried to step away from Jamal’s intimidating presence. Not a small woman, Anya found it disconcerting to have to tip her head to look up into Jamal’s deep ebony eyes. The heat she saw there made her gasp and heat to pool in her core.

  A satisfied look settled over Jamal’s face. “Good, you felt it too, little dove.” He ran one finger down the smooth line of her cheek and turned and walked away. Anya stumbled to her place and Miri’s side and tried to put her scattered emotions together.

  Miri’s delighted laugh tinkled. “My brother is making his move, Anya. He wants you.”

  “For what?” Dazed, Anya could only gape at her.

  “For his wife, silly.” Miri tried to hide her elation and failed, instead hugging Anya. “I will love having you for my sister.”

  Anya sat frozen, unable to believe Miriam was serious. Jamal was a powerful, handsome man. She could not understand what he saw in her. “I don’t have time for romance now. Chiandra has to be my main concern. Isn’t your brother friends with Prince Jahan? How will you get him to keep silent?”

  “My parents have made the decision. He will not go against their wishes. He may not like it or approve of it, but he also knows what Chia did for me. Don’t worry, he won’t betray Chia.” For a moment Miri was lost in her memories of that long ago evening and then with a tiny shudder, she forced it to the back of her mind. It did no good for her to dwell on that painful time.

  “You are very fortunate to have such friends. As I am lucky you are mine. I will admit to you that I find Jamal very attractive.” Anya dared a peek at him and ducked her head when he winked at her.

  “Very good. I’m going to check on Chia.” Miri stood gracefully and left the tent.

  Jamal watched his sister leave and considered moving to Anya’s side. He planned on making her his wife. He decided he would woo her slowly and gently. He was well aware of her painful rejection by her former fiancé and privately thought the man was a fool, much to his good fortune. He would not make the same mistake. Anya would be his and soon.

  Jamal was deeply concerned about Princess Chiandra. It went against all his instincts as a man to interfere between a man and his woman. He would be furious if someone interfered between Anya and himself. His honor was torn between duty to his prince and his family.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chia rested quietly for the first time in days. Eventually she knew she would have to deal with Jahan and her parents. For now she was so grateful to Miri and her family for giving her refuge and a chance to find her way. She supposed it was her hormones going crazy that was making her so emotional.

  The young servant entered the tent quietly and set up the tray of food. Seeing that Chiandra was awake, she left again and motioned for two young men to bring in a small tub of water. “This if for your bath. In the morning, Miss Miri will show you a place she likes to go bathe.”

  “Thank you,” Chia murmured and slipped from the bed as they left. The water was just warm enough. In moments Chia was stripped and sponging away the sweat and grime from her trip. She saved enough water to wash her hair. When she was finished she felt so much better. Almost like a new woman. Miri had left an emerald caftan. When Chia pulled it on, it caressed her flesh like a lover’s touch.

  “I knew it would be perfect with your eyes and your hair.” Miri sighed from just inside the tent.

  “Miri, you nearly frightened me
to death,” Chia scolded gently, her hand at her throat.

  “Sorry. I just wanted to check on you.” Miri ran a sharp eye over Chia, relieved to see how much better her friend was looking. “Your rest seems to have done you a world of good. Maybe that is all you need is a little peace and quiet, some place to rest without all the hassles.”

  “I think you are you might be right. I feel much better and I can’t tell you the last time I rested so well.”

  An impish grin lit Miri’s elfin face. “If you are feeling up to it, why don’t you tell me what having sex is like?”

  Chia laughed at the avid curiosity on her friend’s face. “You took the same anatomy classes I did. You know how it works.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Miri fluttered her hands impatiently. “I know how it is done. I just want to know how it feels.” She plopped herself down on Chia’s bed and pulled her down to sit beside her. “Tell me,” she begged, a tiny hint of fear in her eyes.

  “Miri, you know the first time Jahan took me was more of a forced seduction. I was a virgin, he thought I had taken lovers. Had he known or even asked me I would have told him. He is a man. He has a big penis. It hurt the first time.” Seeing the fear on her friend’s face, she hurried on. She didn’t want to cause Miri to fear Ben’s touch. “Afterwards, Jahan gave me incredible pleasure. It is amazing the things he can do with his hands and mouth to bring me such pleasure.” Chia’s eyes glinted with remembrance.

  Miri’s eyes widened with interest. “His tongue?”

  “Yes. Honey, there are many ways to make love. Once my body became accustomed to Jahan’s big cock, the physical act of joining was beyond amazing.” Chia felt her breasts tighten and her feminine lips flood with moisture. Lord, just talking about making love with Jahan aroused her.

  “I can’t wait until Ben and I are married. He has the strongest will power I have ever seen. He absolutely refuses to make love until we are wed. A disappointed pout pulled at Miri’s bottom lip.

  “A little sexually frustrated are you?” Well Chia recognized the flushed face and shortness of breath. “Join the group, Miri.”

  “You mean you still want Jahan after all the things that have happened?” Miri wondered if she would want Ben if he had treated her as Jahan had treated Chia.

  “Of course, I love him and he is my husband. I’m not sure I can trust or forgive him, but I’m definitely still in lust with him. That is probably going to the hardest on me. The not being able to make love.”

  “Mm, I can’t wait. I think Ben is pretty big. I suppose it will be painful the first time. Maybe he will do the mouth and tongue thing first.” Her eyes glazed as she dreamed of Ben’s sensuous lips on her body. “Oh my goodness.” She fanned herself with her hand.

  Laughing, Chia hugged her friend. “You are so good for me. I haven’t laughed so much in ages. I think your Ben is in for quite a wedding night. You do know that you can use your mouth and hands on him as well.”

  “If I have my way it is going to be a night to remember for both of us.” Miri grinned back and scooted off the bed. “Rest now Chia. In the morning when you wake, I will take you to a place where we can shower under a waterfall. It is not far, but it is a very well-kept secret. We won’t be bothered. I’ll ask Anya if she wishes to go with us.”

  “Sounds like heaven to me. I’ll see you in the morning.” Chia smothered a yawn and finished her meal. Once the tray was removed along with the tub of water, she crawled back in bed and closed her eyes. She slept surprisingly well, she dreamed hot steamy thoughts of Jahan’s hands and mouth possessing her with practiced mastery.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Across the sands, Jahan tossed in his bed, his dreams of Chia’s full curves pressed tightly beneath him as he possessed her, his lips and tongue bringing her to a shattering release. As her body pulsed against him, he slid up and thrust his hard cock deep inside her molten heat. In the middle of his orgasm, he woke, his body shaking with his need for her. It had been years since he had woken to such a dream. He feared if he didn’t find his run-away bride soon, he would be having many more.

  He hadn’t had any luck in finding her. Frustration tore at him. For all the advances his country had made, he could not find his own bride. When he found her, he might lock her away to keep her safe. Fear tore at him that she might be ill. He could not bear to lose her. Guilt ate at him that he didn’t not have time to search for her. The negotiations were at a critical point and he could not be absent from all the meetings.

  Although he was well aware of the mistakes he had made with her. He had no regrets over trying to see to her safety. Those who opposed his plans would have no compunction about using her against him. At the most delicate stage of their negotiations, he could ill afford to have his concentration divided. His anger at Chia warred with his fear for her safety.

  Rising from his bed, he strode into his bathroom and stepped into the shower, adjusting the spray to cold. It didn’t help his body was still hot and aroused, even the release he had experienced in his sleep. Changing the water to warm, he leaned against the tiled wall and quickly brought himself to another release, his thoughts once more on Chia’s voluptuous body, thrashing wildly beneath him.

  Unable to sleep, he settled down at his desk and made some calls, checking his sources. His frustration mounted at each dead end. Somehow Chia had managed to disappear without a trace. The only explanation he could come up with was one of her friends was hiding her somewhere. He prayed she was safe and had access to a physician. He trusted her to care for his child, probably much more than she trusted him.

  Jahan finally gave up and crawled back in bed in the middle of the night. He had to get some rest if he was going to be at his best for the conference. The trek into the mountains would be long and arduous. He had to have his total attention on the negotiations. They had worked too hard and too long to have it all fall apart now. If all went well he would hopefully bring the meetings to a close early. Then he could devote his entire attention to finding Chia. Bleak desperation settled over him. Hell, he wasn’t sure if she was still in his country. Never-the-less, he would find her. They belonged together. She was his. But even more important, he was hers, heart and soul.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chia giggled as Miri splashed Anya. They had tried to get her to strip down to her underwear to no avail. Anya had insisted she was just there as Chia’s doctor. Undaunted, Miri had drenched her until she had no choice but to remove her clothing.

  Shy, Anya, stood in front of the two. Chia stared at the gorgeous woman in awe. “Anya, you are beautiful.”

  “I’m too thin and my breasts are too large,” she insisted.

  “Oh, no! You look great.” Chia was envious of the other woman’s slender, long legs, her taut bottom and her high firm breasts. They were large, but not overly so. She had always hated her heavier curves and her breasts had never been that firm. Not ever. “I’m jealous!” she teased, only half joking.

  “Jealous, why in the world would you be jealous. You are so womanly. Your curves are so voluptuous. A man can tell you are a woman with one glance.” Anya thought Chia had a very fine figure.

  “Well, I’m envious of you both.” Miri pouted, pointing to her own slender body and smaller breasts. “I have no chest.”

  “Oh, bull, Miri. You are just a little bit of nothing. Your chest fits perfectly with your frame. Besides, I will just bet Ben likes you just the way you are,” Chia teased, enjoying the deep flush on her friend’s face.

  “Well, I bet Jahan likes you and Jamal likes Anya too.” She insisted with a giggle, effectively turning the tables on her two friends.

  Anya stared at her, her mouth agape. “Jamal has never seen me unclothed, Miri. How do you know he likes my body?”

  “Because I have seen how he stares at you and how he has to adjust a certain part of his body in his pants when you walk by.”

  “Miri, you are just awful.” Chia slumped in the water, her laughter causing her eyes to tear. />
  “He does?” Anya looked disbelieving for just a moment then a shy, womanly smile spread across her face.

  “Honey, you have just got to forget that pompous jerk you were engaged to. You are a beautiful, sexy woman. I will bet you Jamal shows you pretty soon what you do to him.” Miri hoped Jamal didn’t wait too long. Anya needed her self-confidence back and they made a perfect couple.

  “I agree, Anya. Jamal could not take his eyes off of you all morning. Although all I got from him were some pretty dark frowns. Do you think he will change his mind and tell Jahan I am here?” Chia worried her bottom lip with her teeth.

  “Stop worrying, girl. He won’t, no matter how torn he is. It’s one of those man things.” Miri stood and grabbed a towel.

  Chia and Anya followed her, sitting on some of the larger rocks until their underwear dried somewhat. “We really should get back,” Anya insisted. “You need to rest before lunch, Chia.”

  “You are right. I am tired,” she agreed, determined to keep to herself just how weak she felt. As long as her blood pressure remained stable, she didn’t want to give Anya a reason to send her back to the city. Mornings were still such a misery for her. Then by then time she felt like eating, she ate everything in sight. She feared she would gain too much weight. When she had spoken with Anya about it, she had urged her to eat as much as she wanted. She just wanted her to watch how much salt she consumed.

  When they got back to camp, Chia watched with glee as Jamal moved to the Jeep and helped Anya get out, his darkened gaze locked on the damp blouse and the way her dusky nipples pressed against the thin material.

  “You should not show yourself so,” he chided angrily. He did not want others to see her charms. He wanted to be the only one who saw such beauty.

  Startled, Anya jerked away from him and snapped. “You have no right to speak to me like that. I do not belong to you!” Hurt knifed through her. She had thought Jamal was different, more liberated. It appeared she was still a bad judge of men. She spun away blindly and felt Chia’s hand on her arm, leading her to her tent.