Wild Desert Princess (18 page)

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.

“Please, Jahan, it’s been too long. I need to feel you inside me now,” she whispered softly. Clutching his broad shoulders tightly with her nails.

Raw, deep groans slipped from Jahan’s throat as he lifted her thigh and place it over his hip, opening the tender folds of her sex to his touch. “You fell like hot satin. You are so wet for me. God, I have missed you.” Slowly, inch be incredible inch he slid into her hot channel until his groin rested firmly agai
nst the sleek globes of her ass.

“Ooh, don’t stop, love. Please.” She pressed her ass back against him and guided his fingers to her sensitive clit. All too soon her tremors arced through her, her release hard and swift.

Jahan’s masculine growl echoed in the room as he ground deeper inside her, his own orgasm so powerful, it was nearly painful. “Oh, baby,” he crooned, the tremors rocking the both of them for long minutes.

Chia panted, her heart pounding. It felt so right to be back in his arms. She’d felt so incomplete when they had been apart. She could not imagine being separated from him
again. “I’ve missed you so.” She carefully inched forward until they slid apart. Turning on her side, she pressed tiny kisses over the beard roughened shadow of his jaw.

Jahan caught her lips in a tender kiss and slid from the bed. He brought a warm, wet washcloth and gently parted her thighs, washing away the evidence of their passion. “You belong with me, love. I never want to go through the hell of the past few months without you near me.”

Chia smiled up at him, her heart soaring with love. “I will never willingly leave you.” Yawning, her eyes drifted shut as the last of her energy faded.

Jahan turned off the lamp and slid in beside her, curling his larger form protectively around her. It was still early. They both needed to recover from the past couple of trying days. They needed to rest and to reconnect with each other.
They needed to feel comfortable with each other.

Chapter
Twenty-Six

Chia woke slowly, her body aching slight
ly in certain areas. She turned her head, not surprised to see Jahan’s place empty. She remembered him taking her once more just before he rose, telling her to sleep as long as she wanted.

Stretching, she eased out of the bed, not dizzy and feeling no queasiness. The nearly decadent tub was just too tempting to res
ist. Filling it with warm water, she pinned her hair up and sank into the soothing depths, wishing she had a bubble bath.

By the time she crawled out of the tub, the water was cooling and her skin was starting to wrinkle. She knew she had a l
ong day in front of her and took her time. If not for the insistent rumbling of her stomach, she might have been tempted to crawl back into bed. Frowning, she searched Jahan’s closet for something to wear and spied the clothing she had worn from the hospital, clean and lying in a chair.

Taking her time, she dressed, her eyes hazing over as she glanced in the mirror and saw a tiny love mark in the hollow of her throat. Bemused, she sat down at the vanity and brushed her hair. Jahan had been such a gentle considerate lover all through the night. Even now, her heart raced and her blood heated as she remembered his tender mastery over her inflamed body. Good lord, she wanted him again.
He heated her blood with just a glance.

Her cheeks flushed a becoming shade of pink. She braided her hair swiftly and ste
pped out of the bedroom. She could hear the low hum of the staff as they went about their duties. She didn’t see a soul. Still a bit wobbly, she walked slowly down the stairs and made her way to the kitchen. It was only about ten according to her watch and she hoped the cook would take pity on her and feed her some breakfast. She felt hollow nearly all the way through.

As she entered the dining room, she heard voices and was surprised to see her mother and Dr. Khan. “You’re out and about early this morning,” she greeted them and brushed a light kiss over her mother’s satiny cheek.

Amanda felt tears sting her eyes and was so thankful that Chia was willing to try to forgive her. “I figured you could use a change of clothes sooner or later. Dr. Khan was kind enough to give me a ride.”

“Where is Father?” she asked idly. Chia filled her plate from the wonderful assortment of foods. She much preferred a western breakfast of toast with honey or a banana with a large glass of milk. Oh and bacon, can’t forget the bacon.

Dr. Khan watched her choice closely. “Good, the whole wheat is much better for you. Lots of fresh fruit. Excellent!” He beamed at her.

“You don’t have to worry, Doctor. I’m making sure I eat a good variety of foods. I just need to remember to eat more often.” She quickly finished and went back for seconds.

“You are looking so much better, Chiandra. I’d like to do a quick exam when you finish eating.” Khan heaved a sigh of relief. He had feared she would not be able to carry the babes to full term. From the glow on her face, she was well on the road to recovery.

Chia glanced ruefully down at the mound of her stomach stretching the material of her slacks. “I really hope you brought something with elastic waists. None of my old clothes will fit and I fear even the stretchy ones are very temporary at best.”

“Actually, I brought you some maternity outfits to get you by until we can go shopping.” She cast a glance at Dr. Khan raised brows and amended the statement with a grin. “When your doctor gives you the go ahead.”

“Not for a few days and then no prolonged standing.” He pronounced sternly, his dark eyes twinkling and belying his harsh words.

“I know. There is a cute little boutique for expectant mothers near Marie’s. I’ll call her and get their number, then have then send someone out to take your measurements and samples of what they have. That way you can reap the benefits with some new things and never have to step foot out of your home.”

“Perfect! Will that suffice, Doctor? Chia looked at him expectantly, hoping for his agreement.

“As long as you keep your feet up and don’t overdo. No more than a few hours today.”

“Fine by me. I doubt if I will have the energy for much more anyway. I’m still a little weak.” Finishing her breakfast, Chia leaned back in her chair, replete for the moment.

Amanda excused herself and stepped into the hallway to make her calls. When she returned, her face was creased with a large smile. “They will be here early this afternoon. I just need to inform your guards so they will let then through.”

“Great. Where is Jahan?” She asked as she rose, feeling almost too full.

Amanda and Dr. Khan shared a look. “There was some unexpected trouble. They had to make a quick trip out to the mountains with the new treaty. They have captured the leader of the Aldinins, Masad, and are holding him there for Jahan.” Amanda informed her daughter softly, afraid Chia would become upset.

Chia paled slightly and grabbed the back of the chair with white knuckled fingers. She was terrified for Jahan safety and though she realized he had responsibilities to his country, she was more hurt
than angry that he had not bothered to leave her a message telling her where he was or when he might be back. Knowing she could ill afford to raise her stress level, she took a couple of breaths. “When did they leave?”

“Dr. Khan wrapped an arm about her waist and led her into the den and settled her on the sofa, with pillows behind her
shoulders and head. He placed her feet up at the other end. “Rest,” he ordered softly.

“Honey, they left shortly after sunrise. Didn’t Jahan tell you?” Concern etched lines in Amanda’s otherwise smooth face. She couldn’t believe Jahan was jeopardizing the newly healed relationship with Chia. Their connection was still so incredibly fragile. It would take nothing to destroy it permanently.

“No, he just kissed me and told me to sleep in as long as possible. Damn, I can’t believe he is doing it again.” Chia’s eyes flashed as her anger rose. She had believed him when he had assured her there would be no more secrets between them. “So much for the trust he touted so strongly last night. I am such a fool for getting my hopes up.”

Dr. Khan took her blood pressure and checked her pulse. Slightly elevated. He was surprised it wasn’t much worse
. Sometimes he would like to shake some sense into his prince. By now he should realize his bride would not be content to sit idly by, ignorant of the workings of her country. “Deep and slow breaths, Chia. Try to remain calm.”

Chia lay back against the pillows and concentrated on her fleeing serenity. She would not allow her temper to get the better of her, not yet at any rate. Oh, no. she would save that for Jahan when he finally came home.

“Honey, maybe he didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily. Wait until you speak with him. Give him a chance to explain,” Amanda urged, seeing all too clearly the signs of Chia’s burgeoning temper. Once aroused, it was quite formidable.

“Oh, I am sure he will have some explanation he feels is quite reasonable. But I am not going to be kept ignorant. This over protective tendency of his will not work on me.” Chia forced herself to stay calm and kept her breathing regulated. Eventually her eyes drifted closed and she fell into a restless sleep.

Amanda saw Dr. Khan to the door, their words hushed as they spoke. “He should have at least left her a note,” she said worried for them.

“Yes, if he wishes to keep her trust and his marriage, he had better learn how to communicate with her. I fear these rocky times are not over. Call me if you need me, Amanda. It might be best to postpone the shopping.” He left quietly, praying he would
not be called back.

Amanda
returned to Chia’s side after she cancelled the fittings and sat down in the chair opposite her. Malek was very busy with the meetings. She decided that her daughter’s health and happiness were of more importance. They had failed her before. They would not again. Her decision made, she phoned Malek’s private line and waited impatiently for him to answer. At his terse, ‘hello’, she sniffed. “Malek, there is a problem,” she informed him just as shortly.

“Amanda, what is wrong? Is it Chia?” Worry softened his voice.

“In a matter of speaking. Jahan didn’t tell Chia where he was going this morning or when he expected to return. Malek, she had to hear it from me.”

“Oh Lord!” he groaned.

“Yes. She is very upset. He had better think of something pretty quick or their reunion is going to be one of the shortest in history.”

“I don’t believe he left her without a word.”
Malek wondered if he would ever understand younger men.

“Oh, he said a few inconsequential words. Sleep as late as you want. I’m assuming he thought he could take care of business, and be back before she woke.” Amanda saw Chia stir and lowered her voice.

“We are almost finished. Masad is in custody and we will be heading back in the next few hours.”

“Warn him,
Malek.”

“I will do my best, sweetheart. Take care of her.”

“Love you,” she whispered and ended the call.

Chapter
Twenty-Seven

Malek
waited until Jahan finished the last few discussions and everyone had signed the treaty. Masad was on his way to the city, extremely well-guarded. Sighing, he pulled Jahan aside and quickly informed him of the latest development.

“Damn!” his face set, he rushed through the formalities of farewell and rushed
Malek and the guards to his plane. Within minutes they were airborne and on their way to the palace.