by Cara Albany
Taliq was surprised by the question and fought hard to mask his reaction. "She's just visiting."
Aisha groaned and Taliq saw Kamil frown slightly. Was that disappointment? Taliq wondered if he truly knew how daily life was for the children, even this long after the tragedy. Perhaps he'd have to spend more time with them. Maybe they needed a fresh presence in the palace to add a new excitement to their lives.
"Abby has to go back to America tomorrow," Taliq explained.
That drew more disappointed looks from them both. But then Aisha looked up at Taliq and asked. "Was she just a friend? Or did you and her date together."
Taliq knew that his eyes had widened in surprise at the probing to which he was being subjected by these two very wise young children. Had they seen something in the way that Taliq and Abby had looked at one another?
Taliq had been told that children couldn't be fooled easily when it came to things like that. His inexperience as a new parent meant he still obviously had plenty to learn.
Taliq ruffled Aisha's dark hair. "Let's just say Abby and I were very good friends, shall we?"
Aisha turned to Kamil. "See. I told you, didn't I?"
Taliq frowned. "What have you two been saying about me behind my back?"
"Nothing," they both said in unison. Apparently there was a conspiracy. Perhaps to persuade Abby to stay a while longer than one day.
Thoughts stirred in Taliq's mind.
Possibilities.
He pushed Aisha gently toward Kamil. Now, get along and prepare for dinner. Abby will be down soon. I want you both to be very nice to her."
Aisha smiled. "We will. Won't we, Kamil."
Kamil merely nodded and then the children headed back into the palace.
Taliq paused for a while on the terrace, thinking over what had been said. The children had taken an instant like to Abby.
That didn't surprise Taliq in the slightest. But, perhaps it had been more than that. Since the children had moved in, Taliq had had no time for his old life. He had formed no new attachments to any women.
So, apart from the nannies, and some staff, the palace had lacked any significant female presence. Someone to whom the children could truly relate. Maybe the children were missing that, he reflected.
An idea floated into Taliq's mind. It was a tempting idea, and one he knew would probably be impossible, but he entertained it for a few moments nonetheless. Played with it in his mind.
What if he could persuade Abby to stay longer. The children would enjoy it, obviously. Abby might object because she had to get back to the States to attend to her parents.
But, Taliq already knew what would happen in that regard. Once he had told Abby he would take care of the situation, she might just agree to remain a while longer.
Just thinking about that prospect caused anticipation to well up inside him.
Abby back in the palace.
And, perhaps, back in his bed.
But for how long would she remain?
And to what purpose?
He already knew the answer to that question. The vaguest thought had drifted into his mind as he'd sat next to her in the limo. It had floated into his mind when he had seen her with the children. And it had taken root in his thoughts as he'd stood on the terrace talking with the children.
It was an impossible idea. He knew that, and that was why he had dismissed it previously, this evening.
But the notion would not let go of him.
Whether it would be possible, he did not know.
But, he knew that, if he could make it happen, it would transform the lives of all of them.
For the better.
Because, Taliq was thinking about doing the impossible.
Making Abby his wife.
CHAPTER FIVE
The dinner had been delicious, Abby reflected, as she sat at the table listening to Taliq and the children talking excitedly. There had been laughter and the kind of special enjoyment to be had whenever family gets together over a meal.
Abby had enjoyed the whole meal and also take pleasure watching how Taliq and the children had gotten on so well together. She had joined in as much as she could, but she was still an outsider.
Abby was aware that perhaps Taliq might be putting on a bit of a show for her benefit. Just in case she had any lingering doubts that he was, in fact, capable of being a good father to the children.
Maybe he was, she reflected. But, she would only be here a short time, so she joined in as politely as she could. And there was still the issue that she and Taliq had not discussed what to do about the situation which had drawn her back here.
Her parents.
Eventually, the dinner table was cleared, and the children sent off to their rooms. There was obvious disappointment on their faces as they said goodnight to Abby.
Then Abby and Taliq were alone. He asked her to come with him out onto the terrace. There was a table there and two chairs set alongside each other. The evening was cool. She felt slightly tired, although she had slept on the jet coming to Qazhar.
Abby leaned back in the chair and gazed out across the garden. "The kids are wonderful," she said.
Taliq nodded. "They are."
"They seem to really feel at home here," she said.
"I think they do. At least, as much as I can provide a home."
Abby gazed at the palace. "You don't think this is a home?"
Taliq looked at her. "Sometimes a home needs more than just four walls."
She snorted. "These are more than just four walls, Taliq. There can't be many kids who grow up in a palace."
"I did."
"It clearly didn't do you any harm," she said.
Taliq gazed at her a long moment. "That's not what you told me the last time we were together."
Abby frowned. "I don't even want to go there," she snapped.
He was silent for a few moments, as if he'd realized he'd started into dangerous territory. She didn't want to waste time talking about the past when there was so much wrong with the present.
"Have you thought about what I told you earlier?" she asked.
Taliq nodded slowly. "I have."
"And?"
He sighed and turned to face her. "You knew before you came here what my answer would be."
Abby shook her head. "No, I didn't."
He narrowed his eyes. "You must have known when you decided to call that I could not possibly refuse to help."
"I didn't take anything for granted, if that's what your suggesting," she retorted.
"I'm not suggesting you did. But, you know I haven't forgotten our friendship. How much we once meant to each other."
Why was he speaking in the past tense? Was it all in the past, now? Something to be swept away?
"I think it was more than just a friendship, Taliq," she said.
"Was it, Abby?"
Abby peered into his eyes, trying to fathom where he was going with all of this. She decided to draw it all back to her original question.
"Can you help?" she asked, boldly matching his steady gaze.
His features softened and he leaned back against the chair. He nodded. "Of course."
Abby felt relief course through her. It was as if someone had lifted a weight from her shoulders. He would give her a loan and she would help her parents over this difficult time. "You'll be paid back as soon as I can do it. It might take a while, but I'll manage it, eventually," she explained.
She saw him frown and then he looked at her, puzzlement in his gaze. He shook his head. "This isn't a loan I'm offering."
"Then what are you telling me?"
He leaned his elbow on the side of the chair. "I will provide your parents with sufficient capital so that they will be able to live with relative comfort from the interest."
Abby felt herself sink into the chair. "What are you taking about? That's not what I came here for. Not for a hand out."
"Isn't it? I thought you wanted to guarantee your parents' future."
Abby shifted in her seat and faced him. "Of course, that was what I wanted. But, not like this."
"What is wrong with my proposal?"
"I can't possibly accept this," she stated.
"Is that not for your parents to decide?"
Abby gasped. "Of course, but they'd want to know where the money was coming from. And they have their pride. I can't allow you to just hand over such a large sum of money. Not without any kind of repayment."
"Who said there wouldn't be any repayment?" Taliq asked.
Abby stared at him, saying nothing. For a moment, she was shocked at what he'd just said. Finally, she forced herself to speak. "What are you talking about?"
Taliq sighed and gazed out across the garden. "There are many paths to follow so that we can all get what we require. What we all need."
He stood and went to the marble balustrade and leaned his hands on it. She rose from her seat and followed him, taking a place alongside him. "What do you mean, Taliq? I don't understand."
"It is clear that I can help your parents," he said. He turned to Abby. "Would that not make you happy?"
She squinted at him. "Of course it would. You know that."
He seemed satisfied by her response.
Abby tilted her head. "What exactly are you trying to suggest, Taliq?"
He leaned against the balustrade and faced her. For a moment, she thought there was a familiar look in his eyes. A determined expression she'd seen many times. One that hinted at a powerful resolve. But, it wasn't a cold expression. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Abby felt something stir in her middle. A warm sensation that she remembered from a very long time ago.
She drew in a deep, calming breath and swallowed nervously. Hadn't he already agreed to help? So, what was bothering him? And why was he looking at her like that?
"We've been apart a long time, Abby," he said. "But, as far as I'm concerned, we still regard each other with favor. Am I not correct?"
Abby frowned. "We were together for about two weeks, Taliq."
He lifted his head and smiled. " But, what a two weeks it was, habibti," he said leaning closer.
Habibti? Beloved one? She knew that word, even if she didn't know the Qazhar language. She recalled him saying to her as they'd lain wrapped in each others arms. She remembered the way he'd murmured the word into her ear. How it had made her feel.
"Don't call me that, Taliq," she said sharply.
He took a step closer. "Why not? It is still the truth, is it not?"
Abby shook her head firmly. "No, it's not." She almost surprised herself with the firmness in her voice. He didn't react, but continued to gaze steadily at her.
She remembered that whenever he wanted something, there was almost no force on earth that would stop him. But where was he going with all of this?
"I believe we both know that is not the truth," he murmured. His voice had become a deep growl, filled with certainty.
Abby turned away from him, grasping hold of the balustrade with tense fingers. "That's all in the past, Taliq," she said. "There's nothing we can do to fix that."
"I believe there is a way," he said.
Abby glanced at him. "What?"
His eyes narrowed and she could see that he was reflecting carefully on his next words. Whatever he wanted to say to her, it was clear it was important.
His gaze settled upon her. For a moment he seemed to just examine her features, almost in the manner of someone seeing something in a new light.
"What is it you want to ask me, Taliq?" she said.
He moved his head slightly and drew in a deep breath. "I have been thinking since you arrived."
"I can see that," she said trying to sound flippant. But he didn't smile.
"It appears we both have problems which would be solved if we were to be honest with each other."
"How so?" she asked.
"Your family needs protecting and nurturing," he explained. "In fact, both of our families need that."
She wondered why he was referring to the children in those terms. Did he really think of him and the kids as a family? That was something else that took her aback as she thought about it. Taliq, the family man.
Abby nodded. "Of course. But, you said you'll help, right?"
He nodded. "Of course. I have given you my word about that."
She knew exactly what that meant, she reflected. His words was sacred. He'd already made that clear. As far as Abby was concerned, all that remained to be worked out were the details. She'd have to try as hard as she could to make him come round to her way of thinking. She hadn't come here to get charity for her parents.
"We just have to come an agreement," she stated.
He lifted a brow. "An agreement?" His eyes narrowed. "A deal?"
Abby nodded. "You know I can't agree to what you've suggested. It wouldn't be right. It has to be a repayable loan."
"It would be right for your parents if all of their fears and suffering were to be swept away." He cocked his head to one side and peered at her. "If a deal could be struck."
Hearing him say it like that, it sounded so business-like. What kind of deal did he have in mind?
In that moment, she was sure she saw the corner of his mouth cult slightly. Did he think he'd won some sort of victory by her saying those words?
He moved closer to her. His gaze was intense now. There was that fierce need in his eyes, she told herself. She felt her throat tighten, sensed the quickening of her heart and the pounding of her pulse. It was almost as if she had been wired to respond to him and him alone. No-one else had ever been able to affect her like this. Her breath caught in her chest.
His gaze drifted down from her eyes to her lips. "There is an obvious way," he murmured.
Abby frowned. "How?"
He advanced toward her. Now, he was mere inches away from her. If he wanted he could reach out and touch her, she told herself. He could even dip his head and kiss her. But, he restrained himself. She wasn't sure whether to be relieved or disappointed.
Finally, he reached out and touched her beneath her chin, resting the tips of his fingers on her skin.
Then he dipped his head quickly, with obvious, impulsive hunger, and kissed her. Sensation swept through her, taking control of her body and her mind. All thought was banished in an instant. There was only pleasure. Perfect pleasure. His lips were hungry and his tongue probed her mouth gently.
Her senses came instantly to life in a way they hadn't done for such a long time.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the sensation was over. He lifted his head away from hers. His gaze was filled with desire and satisfaction. He smiled at her. "It's been too long," he announced.
She didn't know what to say. Part of her wanted to storm back into the house, and get away from him. A more powerful part of her forced her to stand right where she was, almost in his embrace.
"Why did you do that?" she demanded quietly.
"Because I wanted to," he replied. "And because I want you to know that what I have to ask you is spoken with absolute sincerity."
She backed away from him slightly, but he maintained the closeness to her. His gaze was unmoving. Single-minded.
"Abby, I have a proposal to make," he said.
"What kind of a proposal?" she asked.
"We mentioned a deal, earlier," he said. "What I have to offer is more than that. Much more."
A quiet voice whispered to her a hint of what was to come. Quiet thoughts that made her legs feel suddenly weak.
She felt the blood drain from her face. Sensed a tightening in her chest. He had been leading up to this the whole time.
No.
It was more than that. Fate had brought her to this moment and she wondered if there was anything she could do to avert it. Because, if she was right about what he was going to say, then everything was going to change.
Forever.
"You refused my original offer," he said.
She gasped. "I didn't
refuse, Taliq. It was just that I was hoping for something different."
He nodded and seemed to gather his thoughts one last time. He looked at her. "Abby. I want you to become my wife."
CHAPTER SIX
Taliq's words rang in her ears and this time her legs did weaken. She felt butterflies tumbling in her stomach. She grabbed hold of the balustrade, curling her fingers against the hard stone.
She'd been right. Her suspicions had been correct. This was what he wanted from her in exchange for helping. This was why he'd allowed her to come to Qazhar. Why he'd sent his jet for her. Brought her to the palace to meet the children.
Taliq wanted a wife. For himself.
And he wanted a mother for the children.
And the person he had chosen to carry out those roles was her.
Disbelief swept over her, and she was sure her face had contorted into a mask of shock.
Abby gasped. "What!"
He took her elbow gently, cupping it in his hand, and gazed into her eyes. "Marry me," he said softly.
The words seemed unreal, like something out of a dream. But he had said them.
"Marry you?"
Taliq nodded. "Become my wife," he said. Even although the words were different, the effect on her was as dramatic as his first declaration. Now, though, indignation was added to the mix.
"I can't do that!" Abby snapped. "You are joking, right?"
He shook his head. "I'm perfectly serious." His steady, dark gaze confirmed that he was deadly serious.
"You actually want me to marry you. And, in return, you'll provide the money for my parents? Do you know how crazy that sounds?"
"There is no other way," he replied. "You said so yourself. You will not accept the help on any other terms. That's not a deal you are willing to accept."
"Don't twist my words, Taliq," she declared. "No-one was talking about deals."
"We are, Abby. And I'm offering you a different deal, Abby," he said. "One that's on my terms."
"I'm to become your wife, and in return you'll do what?"
"I would have thought it would be obvious. Since we will be man and wife, it will only be natural that our family would wish to help your parents. Who will, of course, be my in-laws." He paused and then added. "And the children's."