Wild Desert Princess (11 page)

Miri watched the two with interest.

Jamal inclined his head in acknowledgement of Anya’s unconscious challenge, a tiny grin tipping his lips.

“He likes you, Anya.” She giggled at the stunned look that suddenly lit up Anya’s beautiful face.

“Why would he be interested in me when he can have his choice of beautiful women all over the world?”

“Perhaps because the most beautiful one is within his grasp,” Miri teased relentlessly.

Anya’s flush deepened as she watched Jamal head their way. “Sh, Miri, he will hear you.”

“I’ll hear what?” Jamal’s deep voice whispered against Anya’s ear.

“That Anya is beautiful.” Miri interjected, with a wicked smile, then spun and left her brother and Anya to speak alone.

“Your sister has a strange sense of humor,” Anya muttered and tried to step away from Jamal’s intimidating presence. Not a small woman, Anya found it disconcerting to have to tip her head to look up into Jamal’s deep ebony eyes. The heat she saw there made her gasp and heat to pool in her core.

A satisfied look settled over Jamal’s face. “Good, you felt it too, little dove.” He ran one finger down the smooth line of her cheek and turned and walked away. Anya stumbled to her place and Miri’s side and tried to put her scattered emotions together.

Miri’s delighted laugh tinkled. “My brother is making his move, Anya. He wants you.”

“For what?” Dazed, Anya could only gape at her.

“For his wife, silly.” Miri tried to hide her elation and failed, instead hugging Anya. “I will love having you for my sister.”

Anya sat frozen, unable to believe Miriam was serious. Jamal was a powerful, handsome man. She could not understand what he saw in her. “I don’t have time for romance now. Chiandra has to be my main concern. Isn’t your brother friends with Prince Jahan? How will you get him to keep silent?”

“My parents have made the decision. He will not go against their wishes. He may not like it or approve of it, but he also knows what Chia did for me. Don’t worry, he won’t betray Chia.” For a moment Miri was lost in her memories of that long ago evening and then with a tiny shudder, she forced it to the back of her mind.
It did no good for her to dwell on that painful time.

“You are very fortunate to have such friends. As I am lucky you are mine. I will admit to you that I find Jamal very attractive.” Anya dared a peek at him and ducked her head when he winked at her.

“Very good. I’m going to check on Chia.” Miri stood gracefully and left the tent.

Jamal watched his sister leave and considered moving to Anya’s side. He planned on making her his wife. He decided he would woo her slowly and gently. He was well aware of her painful rejection by her former fiancé and privately thought the man was a fool, much to his good fortune. He would not make the same mistake. Anya would be his and soon.

Jamal was deeply concerned about Princess Chiandra. It went against all his instincts as a man to interfere between a man and his woman. He would be furious if someone interfered between Anya and himself. His honor was torn between duty to his prince and his family.

Chapter Fifteen

Chia rested quietly for the first time in days. Eventually she knew she would have to deal with Jahan and her parents. For now she was so grateful to Miri and her family for giving her refuge and a chance to find her way. She supposed it was her hormones going crazy that was making her so emotional.

The young servant entered the tent quietly and set up the tray of food. Seeing that Chiandra was awake, she left again and motioned for two young men to bring in a small tub of water. “This if for your bath. In the morning, Miss Miri will show you a place she likes to go bathe.”

“Thank you,” Chia murmured and slipped from the bed as they left. The water was just warm enough. In moments Chia was stripped and sponging away the sweat and grime from her trip. She saved enough water to wash her hair. When she was finished she felt so much better. Almost like a new woman. Miri had left an emerald caftan. When Chia pulled it on, it caressed her flesh like a lover’s touch.

“I knew it would be perfect with your eyes and your hair.” Miri sighed from just inside the tent.

“Miri, you nearly frightened me to death,” Chia scolded gently, her hand at her throat.

“Sorry. I just wa
nted to check on you.” Miri ran a sharp eye over Chia, relieved to see how much better her friend was looking. “Your rest seems to have done you a world of good. Maybe that is all you need is a little peace and quiet, some place to rest without all the hassles.”

“I think you are you might be right. I feel much better and I can’t tell you the last time I rested so well.
”

An impish grin lit Miri’s elfin face. “If you are feeling up to it, why don’t you tell me what having sex is like?”

Chia laughed at the avid curiosity on her friend’s face. “You took the same anatomy classes I did. You know how it works.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Miri fluttered her hands impatiently. “I know how it is done. I just want to know how it feels.” She plopped herself down on Chia’s bed and pulled her down to sit beside her. “Tell me,” she begged, a tiny hint of fear in her eyes.

“Miri, you know the first time Jahan took me was more of a forced seduction. I was a virgin, he thought I had taken lovers. Had he known or even asked me I would have told him. He is a man. He has a big penis. It hurt the first time.” Seeing the fear on her friend’s face, she hurried on. She didn’t want to cause Miri to fear Ben’s touch. “Afterwards, Jahan gave me incredible pleasure. It is amazing the things he can do with his hands and mouth to bring me such pleasure.” Chia’s eyes glinted with remembrance.

Miri’s eyes widened with interest. “His tongue?”

“Yes. Honey, there are many ways to make love. Once my body became accustomed to Jahan’s big cock, the physical act of joining was beyond amazing.” Chia felt her breasts tighten and her feminine lips flood with moisture. Lord, just talking about making love with Jahan aroused her.

“I can’t wait until Ben and I are married. He has the strongest will power I have ever seen. He absolutely refuses to make love until we are wed.
A disappointed pout pulled at Miri’s bottom lip.

“A little sexually frustrated are you?” Well Chia recognized
the flushed face and shortness of breath. “Join the group, Miri.”

“You mean you still want Jahan after all the things that have happened
?” Miri wondered if she would want Ben if he had treated her as Jahan had treated Chia.

“Of course, I love him and he is my husband. I’m not sure I can trust or forgive him, but I’m definitely still in lust with him. That is probably going to the hardest on me. The not being able to make love.”

“Mm, I can’t wait. I think Ben is pretty big. I suppose it will be painful the first time. Maybe he will do the mouth and tongue thing first.” Her eyes glazed as she dreamed of Ben’s sensuous lips on her body. “Oh my goodness.” She fanned herself with her hand.

Laughing, Chia hugged her friend. “You are so good for me. I haven’t laughed so much in ages. I think your Ben is in for quite a wedding night. You do know that you can use your mouth and hands on him as well.”

“If I have my way it is going to be a night to remember for both of us.” Miri grinned back and scooted off the bed. “Rest now Chia. In the morning when you wake, I will take you to a place where we can shower under a waterfall. It is not far, but it is a very well-kept secret. We won’t be bothered. I’ll ask Anya if she wishes to go with us.”

“Sounds like heaven to me. I’ll see you in the morning.” Chia smothered a yawn and finished her meal. Once the tray was removed along with the tub of water, she crawled back in bed and closed her eyes. She slept surprisingly well, she dreamed hot steamy thoughts of Jahan’s hands and mouth possessing her with practiced mastery.

Chapter Sixteen

Across the sands, Jahan tossed in his bed, his dreams of Chia’s full curves pressed tightly beneath him as he possessed her, his lips and tongue bringing her to a shattering release. As her body pulsed against him, he slid up and thrust his hard cock deep inside her molten heat. In the middle of his orgasm, he woke, his body shaking with his need for her. It had been years since he had woken to such a dream. He feared if he didn’t find his run-away bride soon, he would be having many more.

He hadn’t had any luck in finding her. Frustration tore at him. For all the advances his country had made, he could not find his own bride. When he found her, he might lock her away to keep her safe. Fear tore at him that she might be ill. He could not bear to lose her. Guilt ate at him that he didn’t not have time to search for her. The negotiations were at a critical point and he could not be absent from all the meetings.

Although he was well aware of the mistakes he had made with her. He had no regrets over trying to see to her safety. Those who opposed his plans would have no compunction about using her against him. At the most delicate stage of their negotiations, he could ill afford to have his concentration divided. His anger at Chia warred with his fear for her safety.

Rising from his bed, he strode into his bathroom and stepped into the shower, adjusting the spray to cold. It didn’t help his body was still hot and aroused, even the release he had experienced in his sleep. Changing the water to warm, he leaned against the tiled wall and quickly brought himself to another release, his thoughts once more on Chia’s voluptuous body, thrashing wildly beneath him.

Unable to sleep, he settled
down at his desk and made some calls, checking his sources. His frustration mounted at each dead end. Somehow Chia had managed to disappear without a trace. The only explanation he could come up with was one of her friends was hiding her somewhere. He prayed she was safe and had access to a physician. He trusted her to care for his child, probably much more than she trusted him.

Jahan finally gave up and crawled back in bed in the middle of the night. He had to get some rest if he was going to be at his best for the conference. The trek into the mountains would be long and arduous. He had to have his total attention on the negotiations. They had worked too hard and too long to have it all fall apart now. I
f all went well he would hopefully bring the meetings to a close early. Then he could devote his entire attention to finding Chia. Bleak desperation settled over him. Hell, he wasn’t sure if she was still in his country. Never-the-less, he would find her. They belonged together. She was his. But even more important, he was hers, heart and soul.

Chapter Seventeen

Chia giggled as Miri splashed Anya. They had tried to get her to strip down to her underwear to no avail. Anya had insisted she was just there as Chia’s doctor. Undaunted, Miri had drenched her until she had no choice but to remove her clothing.

Shy, Anya, stood in front of the two. Chia stared at the gorgeous woman in awe. “Anya, you are beautiful.”

“I’m too thin and my breasts are too large,” she insisted.

“Oh, no! You look great.” Chia was envious of the other woman’s slender, long legs, her taut bottom and her high firm breasts. They were large, but not overly so. She had always hated her heavier curves and her breasts had never been that firm. Not ever. “I’m jealous!” she teased, only half joking.

“Jealous, why in the world would you be jealous. You are so womanly. Your curves are so voluptuous. A man can tell you are a woman with one glance.” Anya thought Chia had a very fine figure.

“Well, I’m envious of you both.” Miri pouted, pointing to her own slender
body and smaller breasts. “I have no chest.”

“Oh, bull, Miri. You are just a little bit of nothing. Your chest fits perfectly with your frame. Besides, I will just bet Ben likes you just the way you are,” Chia teased, enjoying the deep flush on her friend’s face.

“Well, I bet Jahan likes you and Jamal likes Anya too.” She insisted with a giggle, effectively turning the tables on her two friends.

Anya stared at her, her mouth agape. “Jamal has never seen me unclothed, Miri. How do you know he likes my body?”

“Because I have seen how he stares at you and how he has to adjust a certain part of his body in his pants when you walk by.”

“Miri, you are just awful.” Chia slumped in the water, her laughter causing her eyes to tear.

“He does?” Anya looked disbelieving for just a moment then a shy, womanly smile spread across her face.

“Honey, you have just got to forget that pompous jerk you were engage
d to. You are a beautiful, sexy woman. I will bet you Jamal shows you pretty soon what you do to him.” Miri hoped Jamal didn’t wait too long. Anya needed her self-confidence back and they made a perfect couple.

“I agree, Anya. Jamal could not take his eyes off of you all morning. Although all I got from him were some pretty dark frowns. Do you think he will change his mind and tell Jahan I am
here?” Chia worried her bottom lip with her teeth.

“Stop worrying, girl. He won’t, no matter how torn he is. It’s one of those man things.” Miri stood and grabbed a towel.

Chia and Anya followed her, sitting on some of the larger rocks until their underwear dried somewhat. “We really should get back,” Anya insisted. “You need to rest before lunch, Chia.”

“You are right. I am tired,” she agreed, determined to keep to herself just how weak she felt. As long as her blood pressure remained stable, she didn’t want to give Anya a reason to send her back to the city. Mornings were still such a misery for her. Then by then time she felt like eating, she ate everything in sight. She feared she would gain too much weight. When she had spoken with Anya about it, she had urged her to eat as much as she wanted. She just wanted her to watch how much salt she consumed.

When they got back to camp, Chia watched with glee as Jamal moved to the Jeep and helped Anya get out, his darkened gaze locked on the damp blouse and the way her dusky nipples pressed against the thin material.

“You should not show yourself so,” he chided angrily. He did not want others to see her charms
. He wanted to be the only one who saw such beauty.

Startled, Anya jerked away from him and snapped. “You have no right to speak to me like
that. I do not belong to you!” Hurt knifed through her. She had thought Jamal was different, more liberated. It appeared she was still a bad judge of men. She spun away blindly and felt Chia’s hand on her arm, leading her to her tent.

“
Come with me, Anya. I have need of your advice.” Chia cast Jamal a fulminating glare and led Anya away.

Miri jumped out of the Jeep and stalked to her brother. “What do you think you are doing, Jamal? Do you want to ruin your chances with Anya and drive her away?” She poked him in the chest with her finger, furious at his autocratic behavior.

Somewhat sheepishly, Jamal stared down into Miri’s angry face. “I am a man, little one. Anya will be mine. I was jealous that another could see what only I shall be permitted to view. She is so beautiful. I do not wish another to steal her before she agrees to become my wife.”

Miri grinned at her brother and wrapped her arms around his lean waist for a hug. “Well, I don’t think that will further your case with her. Your sound too much like that arrogant jerk she was engaged too. Did you
know he gave her an ultimatum, either him or her career as a doctor?”

Jamal frowned, realizing the quick flash he had seen on Anya’s face had been hurt. “Damn, I didn’t think, I don’t suppose she will see me any time soon.”

“Nope, you had better give her a little time to cool off and I’ll have a word to see if I can smooth you way with her. I will tell her you want to apologize,” she teased him mercilessly.

Jamal grabbed Miri by the waist and tossed her in the air. “Minx.”

Miri squealed and convulsed into giggles. “Stop please. You’ll drop me.”

“I can’t leave you alone for a minute, Miriam, and you are in the middle of something.” A deep, warm voice purred.

“Ben,” she murmured and raced to him as soon as Jamal set her on the ground.

“Miri,” he whispered and captured her willing lips in a quick, hungry kiss, before he reluctantly pulled away, tucking her close against his side.

“What brings you here, Ben? I thought you were on your way with Prince Jahan to participate in the negotiations.” Jamal flicked a glance at Chia’s tent and prayed she stayed inside. He didn’t want to have to explain to Ben why she was there and no one had informed her husband. He knew it would cause a rift between Ben and Miri, for he would be honor bound to tell Jahan and Miri would be furious. She might never forgive him for the betrayal.

“I came to see my beautiful bride to be and I came to ask you to accompany me to the meetings. Jahan needs all the support he can muster and it will show your families’ support of him.”

Jamal inclined his head slightly. “I would be honored. When do you wish to leave?”

“If you can be ready in thirty minutes, I would like to leave immediately.”

“Of course. I’ll grab a few things and be right with you.” He hid a grin as Ben pulled Miri into the shade of the tent and fastened his mouth on hers again. His sister had found true love and he wanted that with Anya. One he decided he would have. Just as soon as he returned and spoke with her. He truly hoped it would not be required for him to stay the full length of the talks.

Miri kept Ben in the shadows, her lips locked firmly on his, her body pressed tightly to
the hard strength until Jamal interrupted them with a discreet cough. Her face flamed at Jamal’s knowing grin and Ben’s aroused body clung to hers for a moment longer. “Take care my love,” she choked and spun away, wishing they were already wed. Her body was screaming with need for him.

Reluctantly. Ben released Miri and walked stiffly back to his range rover. “Soon, my love.”

Miri waited until they were gone before she headed towards Chia’s tent, her lips swollen from Ben’s kisses.

“Come in,” Chia called to Miri’s query. “What happened to you, Miri? Your lips are puffy, your face is flushed and your eyes are glassy.”

Anya wiped away her tears and moved to Miri, concern in her eyes. “Are you ill?”

Miri threw herself down on Chia’s bed. “I’m lovesick. Ben was just here and took Jamal with him for the meetings. I can’t wait to get married and get him in my bed.”

Anya looked stricken. “Jamal is gone?”

“Oh, Anya, I am so sorry. He had to go. He wanted to come and apologize to you. He said he was jealous that some other man would see you. My brother is smitten.” Miri giggled, seeing the interest sparking in Anya’s eyes.

Chia felt a wave of dizziness sweep over her and sat down before the other two noticed. She couldn’t believe she was home sick. Her hormones were driving her crazy. “The thing is, are you interested in Jamal?” she asked quietly.

“Yes
, I believe I am,” Anya admitted shyly. “Only if I am sure he is not like my ex-fiancé.”

“Good, when he gets back we will work on him,” Miri decided. “I’m starved. How about you all?” She bounced off the bed and spirited Anya out of the tent. “You rest Chia. We will bring you some milk and something to eat.”

“Then I will just have a bit of rest until you get back.” She waited until they left and then she crawled onto her bed and collapsed. Even her prenatal vitamins weren’t helping a lot. Tears trickled out of her closed eyes. She hated feeling so helpless. It just wasn’t fair. Jahan wasn’t suffering a thing from her pregnancy. She just didn’t see why the woman had to be the miserable one, getting fat, being sick all the time, and Lord all the tears. Never in her life had she cried so much, not even when Jamal had humiliated her and broke her heart when she was twelve.

Sniffling, she lay against the pillow and slept fitfully.

Chapter Eighteen

Jahan stared into the burning brightness of the sun. He and forgotten the wonders of a long trip in the untamed beauty of his land. It was unbearably hot, much like his smoldering temper over his failure to find his recalcitrant bride. If he wasn’t so blasted worried about her…

Malek rode up beside him, his own face drawn with worry.

“You should have paddled her backside when she was a sassy child. I might not be going out of my mind worrying about her now,” Jahan growled fiercely.

“Then you’d not have wanted her, because she would not have had enough spirit to keep you interested,” Malek retorted sharply.

Jahan nodded ruefully. “You are quite right. Her spirit and fight draw me as a moth is drawn to flame.”

“Don’t worry, Jahan. I’m quite sure Chia is safe. One of her friends has no doubt spirited her away and she is probably being pampered as we speak.”

“By the way, is Amanda speaking to you yet?” Jahan fought his grin at
Malek’s dark scowl.

“No. the woman is too damned stubborn for her own good. She won’t take any of my calls. I’m not even sure if she is at our home. I may return to find she has left me”
Malek could not control the sudden bleakness that settled over his soul at the image of being without his beloved.

“Do not worry yourself, old friend. Your wife loves you. You will get past all this unpleasantness.” Jahan prayed it would be so for the both of them.

“Perhaps it is a good thing we shall be involved I our negotiations for the next few months. I fear we shall be so busy we won’t have time to worry about our wives.”

Jahan turned and watched as two riders intercepted them. He recognized
Sheikh Ben Assaud and Prince Jamal. Halting Cabal, he waited until they joined them. “Welcome, my friends. I am grateful for your support during this time.”

“It benefits everyone, Jahan. There are only a few who wish us to remain primitive.” Ben assured him.

“I am honored you have need of my support, my prince. However, I may serve you.” Jamal bowed from the waist, his conscience stung at the lie of omission he was forced to live for his families’ honor. He was not in a comfortable position and vowed to never be put in such a place again.

Jahan sensed that something was bothering the other man, but soon became engrossed in the discussions for the upcoming meetings as they continued their journey.

“Masad will not go down quietly. He enjoys his power as the head of the opposition. If we are successful, their fanatics will have no place to hide.” Jahan pondered the best way to proceed with the leaders of the mountain tribes. Although many did not adhere to their radical beliefs, they had none-the-less not forbidden them use of their territory. If Jahan was successful, he knew Masid would become desperate. And desperate men were very dangerous foes. Always unpredictable, Jahan knew without a doubt Masad would seek his revenge on those closest to him.

“Have you found Princess Chiandra?” Ben asked
, his brow furrowed with concern. If Miri was missing, he would be nearly insane with worry.

“No, she has chosen her refuge well. Where ever she has gone, her friends are keeping her whereabouts a closely guarded secret.”

“Aren’t you mad that your people are hiding your bride from you?” Jamal asked the question before he could halt the words.

“Somewhat. Truthfully, I am
grateful Chia has such loyal friends who consider her welfare above political correctness. That surety that she is being protected and cared for is all that keeps me sane,” Jahan admitted, a rough catch to his deep voice.

Jamal nodded, his choice eased by Jahan’s words. He felt the other man’s worry and hated being a part of it.

Malek watched the conflicting emotions on the younger man’s face and vowed to have a word with him when time permitted.

Jahan urged Cabal up the last one hundred feet of the rugged trail to the stronghold of their hosts. He held himself straight in the saddle, not showing his exhaustion by as much as a flicker of an eye lash. He calmly waited until the head man came down to meet him before he dismounted.

The rest of the men waited until Jahan greeted the elder before they left their saddles. A couple of young men took the horses away to care for them, leaving the men to enter the home.

“Prince Jahan, I welcome you to my home. Please come in. I will show you where you may rest for the afternoon. This evening I would be honored if you and your men would join us for our meal.”