The Desert King's Captive Bride

‘Are you sure you can stand?’

Of all the complacent, self-satisfied...

Ghizlan’s knee-jerk reaction, straight for the soft spot where that monumental male ego was centred, should have crippled him. But his reactions were faster than hers. Her knee grazed his cotton trousers but he’d already whipped back out of reach with the lightning reflexes of a man used to fighting. And fighting dirty.

His hands dropped, leaving her free, panting for breath and propped against the desk.

At least that wiped the grin off his insufferable face.

Ghizlan summoned her strength, standing tall, her hands going automatically to her hair and swiftly pinning what he’d turned into a mare’s nest. Fortunately she could tidy her hair without thinking about it, like she could descend a grand staircase in a full-length dress without looking down or tripping. Or converse with ambassadors in several languages at the same time. Years of practice made some things easy.

What she found difficult was the realisation her own body had betrayed her.

‘You’ve had your fun at my expense.’ She kept her voice even, only because letting him glimpse the depth of her despair at her weakness was untenable. ‘Now, I’d like the see the Captain of the Guard, and my bodyguards and then my sister.’

‘After we’ve concluded our business.’

Ghizlan shook her head. ‘That can wait.’ She hefted a breath, waiting for some tiny sign he relented but none came. He remained immovable, implacable.

She sighed and fought the desire to rub her aching head. ‘Surely you understand I must see them. They’re my responsibility. With my father...gone, it’s my duty to see to their welfare.’ She swallowed, hating the salty tangle of tiredness and emotion blocking her throat. She couldn’t afford to be weak now. ‘You’d feel the same way about the soldiers you command.’

* * *

He’d give her points for perceptiveness. Ghizlan understood him better than he’d expected. Appealing to his sense of duty to his men was the approach he’d expect of an honourable adversary, a general he could respect, even if they were on opposite sides.

He hadn’t thought a pretty princess, spoiled from birth and raised in luxury, would understand that overriding sense of responsibility. Much less share it!

His gaze raked her. This time he tried to take in more than the mutinous, deliciously kiss-swollen mouth, the delectable figure, flawless skin and glossy ebony hair that had run like silk in his hands.

Huseyn discovered an unwavering dark gaze, shoulders as straight as any guard on patrol, and an expression as cool as the snow on the topmost peaks of Jeirut’s highest mountain range. Only the throbbing pulse hammering at her throat belied her calm façade. It ignited a flare of satisfaction that he’d got to her as she had him.

Admiration vied with impatience and lust. He wanted her mouth beneath his, eager and generous, that bountiful body crushed against his still painfully hard arousal.

He shook his head, appalled. This was no time to indulge himself. The future of his province and his country hung in the balance.

‘What do you want? For me to beg? Is that what it will take to satisfy you?’

‘You’d do that?’ Huseyn imagined her on her knees before him, head bent. But the vision swimming before his eyes didn’t involve her begging. With a roaring rush of arousal he realised it was something more satisfying, more earthy, that he desired from this proud princess.

She opened those reddened lips, now devoid of lipstick, and abruptly Huseyn had had enough. He’d have her in his bed soon enough, as his wife. Because he must and because he’d do what was necessary to make that happen. In the meantime he refused to toy with her. Her instincts were honourable and he respected that.

‘No.’ His voice was harsh. ‘No, I don’t expect you to beg.’ He sucked air into constricted lungs and watched as her attention dropped to the rise of his chest, her eyes rounding infinitesimally. As if she liked what she saw.

She’d certainly enjoyed that kiss. She’d been so enthusiastic he’d actually begun to forget why he’d kissed her. To show who had the upper hand, and more, to puncture that haughty air of hers.

Realisation slammed into Huseyn and with it distaste. He’d let her distract him from his purpose. From the vital work that needed to be done.

‘Wait here. I’ll have them each brought to you so you can satisfy yourself that they’re unharmed.’

‘It would be easier if I went—’

‘No.’ A slashing gesture stopped her mid-sentence. There was no way he’d allow her to wander the palace. Not till everything was settled. ‘Give me your phone and I’ll arrange for them to see you here.’

‘My phone?’ She looked puzzled.

Huseyn folded his arms over his chest. ‘I don’t want you contacting people outside the palace till we’ve concluded our business.’ Her gaze sliced to the phone on the desk.

He shook his head. ‘The landlines have been temporarily disconnected. All electronic devices have been confiscated.’

‘While you stage your coup.’

For a minute, caught up in appreciation of her bravery, he’d almost forgotten his dislike of the pampered elite who sucked the country dry with their demands.

‘While I save the nation.’

Her snort of derision was anything but regal and Huseyn found himself suppressing a smile. Despite everything, he warmed to this blue-blooded daughter of privilege.

She swung round, treating Huseyn to a view of her peach-perfect bottom as she leaned over to grab her purse.

‘Here.’ She extended her phone. ‘But I expect it back intact. I’m in the middle of important negotiations and I want my contacts and messages untouched.’

Negotiations? With her hairstylist? Boyfriends? Huseyn didn’t care. She’d be incommunicado till he said so.

His fingers closed around the phone, his big hand scraping her smaller one, and heat shot up his arm. He frowned, lips flattening at that unwanted response.

She pulled her hand back, her face smoothing into the mask of calm he’d learned she wore when something disturbed her. Good. He liked the idea that he disturbed her. For she sure as hell disturbed him!

‘The phone will be returned undamaged.’ He paused. ‘As long as you obey orders.’

Ebony eyebrows arched but she said nothing. She was learning.

‘After you’ve assured yourself no one has been harmed, we’ll talk.’ With that he turned and left. He had business to attend to. He’d deal with his recalcitrant bride later.

* * *

‘Truly, I’m fine.’ Mina squeezed Ghizlan’s hand. ‘But I’m glad you’re here. It’s been pretty grim.’

Ghizlan nodded, the banked embers of fury glowing brighter. Mina was just seventeen. Losing her father was bad enough without being held prisoner in her own home.

‘You’re sure they didn’t hurt you? You’d tell me, wouldn’t you?’

‘Of course. But they didn’t hurt me. Just took my phone and laptop and told me I couldn’t leave the palace.’ Her mouth set in a distressed line. ‘But I need to access the net, Ghizlan. It’s vital.’

‘Vital?’ It was such a relief seeing her sister okay. First the Captain of the Palace Guard then her own protection staff. Now Mina. It seemed Huseyn al Rasheed was as good as his word. No one had been harmed. The takeover had been accomplished with the ease and precision of a consummate professional.

A professional coup leader, she reminded herself. And a thug. Look at the way he’d groped her.

‘Are you listening, Ghizlan?’