They had vowed to bring Jahan and his government down by any means necessary. He had no choice but to give the order to start hunting them and bringing them in. They would get a trial. They were fortunate he was such a liberated ruler. Fifty years ago, hell twenty-five years ago they would have been hunted down, tortured and summarily executed. At least now they would have the opportunity to defend their actions. It was far more than he presently thought they deserved. As the leader of his country he had to treat everyone fairly. There could be no hint of corruption during his leadership.
He also did not want to do anything to make his children ashamed of him. Doing things for his country and having his family was very important to him.
Slowly, Jahan led Chia along the hallway. She was still a bit wobbly. Her strength seemed to be returning if the grip on his arm was any indication. His attention locked completely on Chia and he didn’t notice the man walking towards him until her was nearly upon them and lunging towards Chia with a long lethal looking knife.
“Guards!” he yelled and pushed Chia behind him, barely turning back in time to throw his arm up to block the downward thrust of the knife. He wrestled with the man until the guard could pull him away. Jahan was shaken. The attack had been directed at Chia, not him.
He moved in front of the assailant, his face set in lines of barely restrained fury. “Why go after my wife? Why not me?” Jahan stared at the other man’s eyes, alarmed at the light of nearly insane fanaticism burning there.
“We kill her, we kill your evil spawn. Then we will deal with you. You are a traitor to the old ways.”
“You are mad. I warn you. If you seek to harm my woman, I will hunt all of you down,” Jahan snarled furiously.
“We will be victorious. Or way is right.”
The absolute surety in his voice rocked Jahan. He had not realized how much of a threat the Aldinin’s were.
“You shall not succeed. If you refuse to halt your present course, you will surely be destroyed. This I promise you.”
Seeing no change in the man’s expression, Jahan motioned for the guards to take him away. He spun to Chia, grateful Dr. Khan had come to her and pushed her into a wheel chair. She looked shaken, but unharmed.
“They are truly insane. How do they justify murdering innocents?”
“They think anything they do is justified if it keeps things the same. They cannot handle change and actually do not want to even try.” Jahan paced the narrow confines of the hospital hallway, his agitation growing. He would allow no one to harm his family and ruin the progress of his country. It was time to move forward.
“Can you stop them?” Chia’s emerald eyes watched with concern as he paced. She’d seen Jahan in many moods, but she had never seen him so shaken.
“Absolutely! Don’t worry, baby. I won’t let then near you again.” He moved in front of her and knelt, holding her tenderly in his arms.
“It’s not me I’m worried about. Well, some. I don’t want them to destroy everything you have worked so hard for.”
“Thank you, honey. I already have men on the move to stop them.”
“Good, now I want to go home this afternoon. I’ll be safer there,” she informed Jahan and the doctor at the same time, her chin raised stubbornly.
“Chia…” Jahan began.
“I think it is a great idea,” Dr. Khan interrupted at the same time.
Stunned, Jahan swiveled his head staring at Dr. Khan. “What?”
“She was going to home in the morning anyway. The attack hasn’t caused her a setback. You have much more security at your home than we have here. She will be much safer.”
Jahan leapt up and wheeled Chia back in his home. “Wonderful!” He watched silently as Dr. Khan removed her IV and then left them alone, his parting words causing Chia to blush. “Slow and careful.”
“It is so embarrassing that he can read us so well.” She stood and allowed Jahan to help her dress in loose fitting trousers and a short sleeve blouse. They didn’t bother with under garments and she wore comfortable leather sandals on her feet.
“He just knows how long it has been and he is a man.” Jahan eased her back in the chair and wheeled her out. New guards had arrived and escorted them out.
Dr. Khan gave Chia a few instructions as they left. “I will be by tomorrow afternoon to check on you. Remember to eat every two hours and get lots of rest.”
“I’ll remember,” she assured him and leaned back to let Jahan push her to the elevator. She was surprised when she saw the limo waiting for them in the parking garage. Raising her brow, she gaped at the luxurious sedan and saw about twenty soldiers as she turned. There were several cars, almost like a cavalcade. “What’s this?”
“This, love, is our protection. I’m afraid we will have to live under guard indefinitely.” Easing Chia into the back seat, he waited for her to protest.
“All right. I can live with that if it’s temporary.” She loved it when she was able to surprise Jahan. He was always in control.
“Only until we can deal with the Aldinin. Then hopefully we will be able to go back to a more normal life.” Jahan climbed in beside her and pulled her close against his side. It was only a short distance to the palace, and they were there in a few minutes.
Chia found herself a bit awestruck as she stared at the beautiful, imposing building. “It’s been a long time since I was in your home. I guess I’m really a princess now.”
“You’re not just a princess, baby, you’re my princess.” Grinning, he swept her off her feet and carried her inside, amid cheers of welcome from the staff. David waited in the hall, his face more relaxed than Chia could ever remember.
He bowed slightly. “Welcome home, Princess Chiandra.”
“Thank you, David. I’m happy to be here,” she grinned back and snuggled deeper in Jahan’s embrace.
Jahan didn’t slow as he moved up the stairs. “I’ll be down in a few minutes and we’ll have a meeting, David, have the cook prepare a meal for two. We will take our meal in our room.”
“Very well.” David hurried to the kitchen, humming as he went.
Jahan nudged the door to his rooms open with the toe of his shoe. “Welcome home, Chia.” Jahan watched her a little nervously as her gaze roamed his private domain. What if she didn’t like it? He should have it redecorated.
“It’s wonderful, Jahan. I love it!” Chia was not surprised at the raw masculinity of the suite. It fit him perfectly and she wouldn’t change one thing about it.
His teeth flashed in a wide grin as he spun her around.
Chia gasped and clutched him tighter around his neck. “Jahan, stop, please,” she giggled.
He stopped, slowly lowering her to the bed, his arms braced on either side of her head. Bending his head, he nipped at the full curve of her lower lip.
Chia threaded her fingers through the dark silken strands of his hair and pulled him closer. Her tongue swept into his mouth and mated with his. Jahan groaned and lowered his body until his chest barely grazed the full globes of her breast. His flat belly rubbed the mound where his children lay.
Pulling away, he glanced at her stomach. “Looks like I’m going to need to get creative with our lovemaking in the next few months.”
“I have a few ideas myself,” Chia admitted with a heated glance at his swollen groin.
“Wench, I’d better go have my meeting before can’t control myself and take you here and now.”
“I like the sound of that,” she purred and stretched her arms over her head. The motion lifting her breasts.
Jahan’s eyes were riveted on the tight tips of her breasts. Her closed his eyes with a low groan and moved to the door. “Rest, love. You are going to need your energy for later,” he warned softly, his eyes darkened with passion.
“Mm, I’m counting on it.” She felt her body heat at the way his dark gaze lingered on her body.
Casting a last wolfish look at her, he reluctantly left her and strode briskly down to the first floor
to his office. David was waiting, a satisfied grin on his face. Jahan moved to his desk and sank wearily into his chair. “I hope we don’t have anything too important to deal with tonight. I’d like to spend a nice quiet evening with my wife.”
“Not to worry, boss. Except for the attempt at the hospital. Everything is on track. The last agreement for the treaty has been put forth and awaits your signature.”
“What about the Aldinin? What do we know about their plans other than to destroy my family?” Jahan waited impatiently, his face set in harsh lines of implacable resolution. He would never tolerate terrorism in his country. It was a method used by cowards. If they could not deal with them rationally, he would put an end to their attacks by whatever means necessary.
“Your troops are searching for the leader now. Pretty much all we’ve learned has been from the two would-be assassins. As you know, Chia was their target. They do not wish for you to have an heir.”
Jahan leaned back in his chair, his long, tanned fingers steeple over his broad chest. “You’ve made arrangements to increase the guards around the palace?”
“Yes, and I have a team ready to be body guards for the princess.” David knew Jahan was going to balk at his next words and braced himself for the worst. “There will also be two more in your personal guard.” He winced and waited for the explosion.
Jahan chuckled at David’s put upon demeanor. “Don’t worry, David. I agree we need more guards. We must be extra vigilant now. I will allow no fanatics to ruin our progress or to destroy my family. If that means I must be surrounded by more guards, then let it be so.”
“Whew, I thought for sure I’d have a real battle convincing you.” David slumped back in his chair.
“I’m not that difficult that I won’t accept suggestions for my own safety, surely.” Jahan quirked on midnight brow.
“You know you’re stubborn beyond belief, your highness,” David retorted.
Jahan’s eyes twinkled as he stood once more. Have our meal brought upstairs in a few minutes,” he requested and hurried back to Chia.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chia waited until Jahan left and rolled slowly off his large bed. If she was going to spend the night in his arms, she was going to shower first. The only clothing she had brought with her was what she brought home from the hospital. She opened his dresser drawers and found one of his t-shirts. Although, too large, she knew I would fit her chest snugly. From the look in Jahan’s eyes as he left her, she figured she only had a few minutes before he returned. She stared longingly at the large tub and opted for a quick shower. A bit wobbly, she walked slowly and leaned against the bathroom wall as she undressed.
The hot water felt like sheer heaven coursing over her body. It took a bit to wash the heavy length of her hair and she wrinkled her nose at the spicy scent Jahan used. She would definitely smell like his woman. She quickly washed her body and stepped from the shower. She glanced in the full length mirror and cringed. Her breasts were so heavy and full, her stomach already looked like she had swallowed a basketball. She feared she would have terrible stretch marks. Tomorrow she would call her mother and ask her what she had used to keep her skin supple.
Turning slightly, she stared at her hips and butt. She had lost too much weight. She really preferred her fuller curves. She hoped Jahan didn’t get too attached to her smaller size.
Her hair took a few minutes to dry. She had barely made it back to the bedroom when Jahan walked in, his gaze locked on his shirt stretched tightly across her breasts and stomach. His immediate erection caused her to break out laughing. “I don’t know how you can be so turned on by my breasts and belly.”
Gliding towards her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. “You excite me, because you are my woman and you carry my children.” He breathed in the scent of his soap and grinned. “Guess I have put my scent on you now.”
Chia wrinkled her nose. “I had to make do with what you had. Tomorrow I’ll have my mother bring some of my things by.
“Oh, I’m not complaining, honey. I like my smell on you.” Angling his head down, he brushed a gentle kiss over her lips and lifted her back on the bed. “I’ll be right back. I just want a quick shower. By the time I finish, our dinner should be here.” Jahan stepped into the bathroom, aware of Chia’s close scrutiny as he stripped off his clothing.
She smothered a groan at the quick glimpse she got of his engorged cock. “I should have waited and we could have showered together,” she murmured softly.
“What was that, Chia? I couldn’t quite hear you,” he snickered at the flush of passion staining her pale cheeks. He was thankful she still wanted him to make love with her.
“Nothing,” she grumbled and moved to answer the light rap at the door. She waited until Jahan shut the bathroom door and grabbed his robe to put over his t-shirt. It wouldn’t do to shock the servants on her first night in her new home.
A middle aged woman stood at the door, a heavy tray balanced in her hands. “Your dinner, Princess.” She bowed her head and entered the room, setting the tray on a table in front of the large window. “If you need anything else, just call.”
“I think we’ll be fine. What is your name?” Chia’s stomach rumbled as the succulent aromas rose in the room.
“Madeline, ma’am.” She bowed her head in deference and left.
Jahan stepped into the room a towel wrapped precariously about his lean hips, another draped around his neck as he toweled his long hair. “It smells wonderful,” he sniffed appreciatively.
Chia was torn with the need to run her hands over the golden expanse of his hard body or to devour the meal in front of her. Sighing she averted her eyes from Jahan’s raw masculinity and filled her plate. “I’m starved. I feel like I am hungry all the time and no matter how much I eat, I never get full.”
Jahan settled himself on the chair across from her, not bothering when the towel slid to the side and he flashed an expanse of long, lean thigh. He felt Chia’s hungry gaze on him and his body’s response to her.
Chia licked her lips as the towel lifted with his erection. “Oh, my,” she gasped.
“Eat first,” he growled and shifted to cover himself. He ate quickly, his other appetite increasing with each surreptitious glance she cast his way. He waited as long as his will power allowed in order that she could eat. Regardless of his desire for her, he would make sure she ate often to ensure her sustained health. She needed to gain some weight.
She was disappointed when he ignored her and finished his meal. Perhaps the pregnancy had stolen her appeal to him, even though he had assured her otherwise. She certainly didn’t think she was very sexy now. Shaken, she stopped leering at him and ate, managing to finish her share of the sumptuous meal. Feeling unaccountably hurt, she rose and moved back in the bathroom, to brush her teeth.
Jahan watched the light fade from Chia’s face and frowned. He could not fathom what she was thinking. He watched her ignore him and turn her attention to her food and finish everything left on the tray. He smothered a grin at the amount of food she consumed. Having twins definitely increased her appetite. Good, she needed to gain some of her weight back. He missed those luscious curves.
She had withdrawn from him and he didn’t understand why. Standing, he set the tray outside in the hallway and called for someone to pick it up. He waited until she came back into the bedroom, his arms crossed across his chest, as he leaned against the closed door.
Chia knew he was waiting and felt tears sting her eyes. She hated being so unsure of herself and so emotional all the time. Before she would have marched up to him and demanded to know why he had shut her out. Now all she wanted was to crawl away and have a good cry. She shuffled forward and stopped uncertainly. “Where is my bedroom? I think I will turn in now.” She kept her eyes down on the carpet, not wanting to see the pity or rejection in his eyes. Two large, well-shaped, tanned feet suddenly stepped into her line of vision.
“Chia, what’s wrong, baby? Wh
y are you acting like this?” Jahan tipped her chin up and stared into her emerald eyes that were awash with tears. “Oh, honey, tell me.” He lifted her into his arms and placed her carefully on the bed. Dropping his towel, he slid his robe off her and crawled in beside her, his hand smoothing her hair from her face.
Chia’s lips quivered as she fought not to break down completely. Her eyes were locked firmly on the sincerity in his dark eyes and swallowed the lump lodged painfully in her throat. “You didn’t have to pretend you want me or that you think I’m sexy, Jahan. I’ve looked in the mirror. I know what I look like now.” Silent tears made tracks down her cheeks.
Astounded, Jahan could only stare down into her pain ravaged face. “Chia, what brought this on?” he pulled her close and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
Chia sniffled and whispered, “It was so easy for you to ignore me while we were eating. I couldn’t keep my eyes away from you and it didn’t bother you.”
Jahan rested his forehead against hers and pulled one of her hands down to press against his throbbing arousal. “I ignored you so we could both finish eating. Believe me, I was all too aware of your hot looks and wanted nothing more than to throw you up on the table and claim you then and there.”
“Really?” Hope glittered in her eyes. She prayed he was sincere. She needed to believe so badly that he still found her desirable. Her self-confidence was at an all-time low.
“You are the only woman I have wanted and will ever want in my life and in my bed. Believe me, love.” He tenderly caressed her, sliding his shirt over her head, baring her full breasts to his avid gaze.
She could hear the truth in his words and feel it in the way he touched her so gently. Sighing, she surrendered to the heat he was building in her with his slow, sure touch. Arching her back, she offered her breast to his mouth. “I believe you, my love.”
Jahan closed his eyes in relief and caught the turgid tip of her heavy breast gently between his teeth. His blood began to boil at her low moan.
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