Wild Desert Princess (10 page)

“I will find her. She won’t be able to hide from me for long.”

“Long enough to rest and build up some reserves.”

“You are very sure of that.” Jahan glared at Khan’s calm assurance and bolted to his feet. “Do not interfere between my wife and me again, Doctor. I won’t be so forgiving next time.”

Khan smiled as he watched Jahan stomp out of his office.

Jahan was furious. He had to leave before he lost his temper and physically attacked Dr. Khan. For all his bold words, he had no idea where Chia had run to. The image of her pale face and haunted green eyes was burned in his memory. He could find her and force her to stay with him. He knew she would wither and die without her freedom. He could not do that to her. He might have destroyed her love for him with his silence as it was. For just a moment after the ceremony he had been the happiest man alive.

Slamming into the backseat of his limo, he instructed his driver to take him to his office. He still had the conference to attend and could not spend as much time as he wished on the search for his missing bride. Everything had to be handled with discreet secrecy before the opposing faction found her first. Jahan would be forced to choose between his duty and his love.

David was waiting for him as he stepped out of the car, rattling off things to be done at an alarming rate. Jahan ruthlessly pushed all thoughts of Chiandra to the back of his mind, dealing quickly and efficiently with his tasks. In two days they would be journeying to the mountain region of his country along with Malek. They would try to bring the leaders of those tribes together to make their county stronger. Not a large oil producing country, they none-the-less had enough to aid their people. Jahan wanted to distribute some of the wealth to the poorer tribes, to bring them into the new century. Unfortunately, he had to continuously battle the ancient ideas and traditions. He couldn’t help but think about the ancient practice of arranged marriages that had made his personal life such a mess.

Hindsight was always 20/20 and he knew no child of his would ever be put through such a practice and suffer as had he and Chia. He should have spoken with Chia years ago, he should have brought it all out in the open. She deserved to be courted. Instead he had been arrogant and had acted like a complete ass. If he lost her or their child, he
would never forgive himself.

Malek
was waiting for him in his office. Seeing the blank look on Jahan’s face he slumped. “You have not found her.”

“No. I have people looking, but she has disappeared this time. She might already be out of the country by now.” For a moment Jahan allowed the bleakness of his wo
rld to show. Then he closed his expression. He had no time for weakness.

“Her mother and I have contacted all of her friends. No one knows where she is or if they do, they are not telling. My daughter inspires fierce loyalty in her friends,” he murmured somewhat proudly.

“I will find her and when I do, I may chain her to my bed. I definitely might paddle her bottom.” A tiny smile tipped Jahan’s lips at both images. Perhaps they could play with the ideas when he found her and they got their lives back on track.

“Just don’t hurt her anymore
, Jahan. The three of us have done enough harm to last a life time. I’m not sure my own marriage will survive it.” For just a moment the two men shared their desolation and then set briskly about finishing up the last of their plans.

“I want to finish these talks as soon as possible. Then I can devote my self to hunting for Chia. Once everything is set in place and running smoothly, I wish to take her on a belated honeymoon. Just the two of us to work on our relationship before the baby is born.”

A cunning gleam entered Malek’s eyes. “That’s a wonderful idea. I think I will plan for that with Amanda. Take her to some deserted island and keep her there until we work all this out.”

For the first time in two days Jahan laughed. He liked the way
Malek thought. Perhaps he would follow his example and use the same island, depending on how far along she was in her pregnancy by the time he found her. “Saucy wench,” he grinned.

“Yes. Both of them are just alike. Lucky men aren’t we?”
Malek shared Jahan’s laughter, suddenly feeling far more hopeful for the future.

David stepped inside. Soon the three of them were absorbed in their last minute plans. Jahan and
Malek would leave in a few days. It would take them a couple more days to arrive at their destination. They were traveling the traditional way on horseback. Jahan found himself eagerly anticipating the trip. It had been too long since he had taken his stallion out. Cabel had been exercised, but not pushed. He had grown lazy. It would do them both good to race through the desert.

If only he knew where Chia was and that she was safe, then his joy would be complete.

“I think we have everything accounted for, David. I’ll leave you to finish the last of the paperwork. I wish to check on the progress of Chia’s search.” When Jahan stepped outside he was surprised to note is was dark. They day had flown by. He had only thought about Chia a couple of times an hour.

On the way to his home, he phoned his servants and requested a cold meal, nothing but a salad and a sandwich. There were a few people he wanted to call, allies who might know
where his wife had run to.

Josef met him at his bedroom door, his meal on a tray. “I took the liberty of bringing it up here, sir.”

“Thank you, Josef. I shall be busy for the rest of the evening. You may go home. Tomorrow I am beginning my journey to my meetings.”

“Do you wish for me to go with you, sir?”

“Not this time, Josef. It is pretty rough living and I will be able to take care of myself. In fact, why don’t you take some time and enjoy your family. It has been some time since you have taken a vacation.”

“Thank you, sir. I shall enjoy my time. Have David contact me as soon as you have need of me.” Josef bowed slightly and left the room quietly.

Jahan watched Josef leave and realized he knew very little about his personal servants’ lives and their families.  Suddenly family was very important to him.

After he finished his meal, he sat down at his laptop and fi
nished a few last minute notations on his plans. He had been working with Malek for years, trying to bring his country together. His plans were finally nearing fruition and if all went as he planned, and the opposing tribes didn’t interfere, it would be finished.

Only a few people wanted to stop the progress. Fanatics, men who twisted things to suit their own purposes. Men who were willing to kill and destroy to make sure things stayed the way they wanted it. Those men were truly dangerous. For they would die willingly for their cause, taking as many innocents with them as possible.

Chia’s face haunted him as he finished his work. They’d had fights and problems before, but she had looked so lost and fragile the last time he had seen her. He could hope she was someplace safe until he could find the time to find her. If she delivered safely, he vowed she would not become pregnant again. He would not chance her life and if they wanted other children, they could adopt. He would love to have a little red haired girl just like her mother, perhaps a bit sweeter tempered. He prayed the child was a son, for he needed a male heir.

Chapter Fourteen

Chia woke, surprisingly refreshed after her short nap. As soon as she stirred, a servant entered and informed her the physician was waiting to see her. Chia hoped he was as nice as Dr. Khan. Chia felt her mouth gape open as a tall, slender woman entered her tent.

“You’re the doctor?”

“Yes. I am Dr. Anya Masani. I can tell you haven’t seen very many female physicians in our country. She smiled slightly at the surprise on Chiandra’s face.

“No, but I am so happy. Sometimes it is so hard to tell a male doctor everything.” Chia grinned back, her spirits lighter than they had been for a while.

“I know Dr. Khan. He is a very good doctor.” Slowly, with sure movements, Dr. Masani gave Chia an exam. “You’re a month along. What kind of problems have you been experiencing?” Anya was deeply concerned at the dark circles lining Chiandra’s eyes. Her blood pressure was a little high.

Chia quickly explained everything to her new doctor, glossing over the part where Jahan had used forced seduction on her. Her face flamed with embarrassment as she recounted her flight from Jahan and her fall. It made her seem like such a coward, running away instead of fighting for her right as a woman and his wife.

“Chia, what are you thinking about? Your heart rate just escalated.”

“I feel like I am out of control with everything in my life. I keep running from Jahan instead of having it out with him.” Chia sighed, fighting tears again.
“I never was a coward. Now I just don’t have the energy to fight with him.”

“Relax, Chia. You are doing what you must to ensure the safety of the child you carry. When you are stronger, you can confron
t Jahan. By then he will be so worried about you he will either strangle you or agree to anything you demand. Anya stayed calm, not letting Chia see her concern. If she couldn’t get her calm and her blood pressure lowered, she would have to insist on Chia’s return to the hospital in the city. She would not risk her life or the baby’s.

“You’ve met my husband?” Chia relaxed back on her bed, soothed by Anya’s gentle touch and calm manner.

“I’ve seen him at a couple of functions. He is a very forceful man. I understand your battle for independence. For now we are going to forget all about that until you are out of danger. Try to focus on the positive, your love for your child, for your husband. Before you know it, you will be better.”

Chia finally calmed and Anya took a deep breath.

“It is so peaceful here. You’re right. I can’t let this eat at me. I’m responsible for Jahan’s son.” A dreamy smile crossed Chia’s face.

“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 i
t 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.