THE royal reception ran smoothly: the hum of conversation was steady, guests were smiling as they enjoyed the honour of being in the gilded audience rooms.
Tahir nodded to an ambassador.
Strange how easily he fitted this role. He worked long hours. But his talents for turning a deal, weighing situations and acting decisively were assets that made his royal role easier.
Except with Annalisa.
She’d managed to avoid him for days. Frustration gnawed at his belly.
He wanted this settled. Not because he wanted Annalisa, he assured himself, ignoring the nightly erotic dreams that kept him sleepless.
He stared past a cluster of businessmen and found her instantly. He’d been attuned to her presence since she’d entered the reception with his mother.
One look at Annalisa in shimmering amber silk and he couldn’t concentrate on anything else. He imagined he heard her soft laughter over the noise of the exquisitely dressed throng.
She was smiling.
The sort of smile she hadn’t given him since their night together. The sight punched a hole through his gut.
She smiled at a man: young and good-looking.
Tahir stiffened.
She tilted her head, as if to hear what her companion said. The man moved closer, cutting her off from the crowd.
Like a man with a woman he wanted, separating her so she could concentrate on him. Tahir knew the manoeuvre, the subtle shift of posture, the intimate tone, the extended arm gesture that made it seem they were alone.
He’d used that tactic himself, countless times.
Fury vibrated along every nerve. A proprietorial anger that demanded instant action.
‘Pardon me.’ He bowed to his companions with rigid decorum. ‘I’ll look forward to exploring this project in more detail with you. My staff will arrange a meeting.’
His companions murmured their thanks, and then he was striding across the room, deliberately not meeting the looks of those trying to catch his eye.
His attention was riveted on the woman in amber. Her gown was demure, yet the tracery of gold embroidery at its neckline drew the eye to the sweet swell of her breasts. When she moved the fine silk slithered over luscious curves that made his mouth water.
His fingers curled possessively.
She was his. No matter how she denied it.
The knowledge beat a primitive tattoo in his blood.
For hours he’d done his duty. It was time to act as a man, not a king.
‘Really? That’s fascinating,’ Annalisa murmured, surreptitiously shifting back half a pace.
She’d enjoyed this conversation until her companion had closed the distance between them and the atmosphere had suddenly become intimate. Had she unwittingly encouraged him to think she was interested in him, not in his plans for dry land farming?
Annalisa was so used to sharing her father’s discussions with visiting experts she’d responded openly and enthusiastically when Rihana had introduced them.
She should have followed her instinct and stayed away tonight, despite Rihana’s persuasion. Circumstances were different now. She didn’t have the freedom of her father’s protection to chat with strangers like an equal.
The scene with Saleem had reinforced that. She had to fit Qusani expectations. Something she’d never been able to do.
Distress and regret stifled her. She turned her head, seeking Rihana’s reassuring presence. Instead she discovered searing blue eyes staring at her from under disapproving dark brows.
Annalisa caught her breath on a gasp and her companion swivelled, stammering, ‘Your—your Majesty.’
Tahir inclined his head briefly. ‘I’m not interrupting?’
The look in his eyes said he didn’t give a damn if he was.
‘Of course not, sire,’ the young man replied hurriedly. He looked from Annalisa to the Sheikh looming beside them, then scuttled away, murmuring excuses.
At Tahir’s blatantly disapproving look Annalisa felt a surge of anger rise. She hadn’t done anything wrong.
Demurely she bowed her head. ‘Your Highness.’ She let her tone tell him what she thought of his attitude.
For one heady moment she’d thought he’d searched her out because he wanted her company. How pathetic could she be? The reception included plenty of sophisticated, beautiful women and Tahir had talked with all of them.
‘Don’t Highness me, Annalisa. It’s too late for that.’
The acid in his voice jerked her head up. Thank goodness he was speaking so softly no one else could hear.
‘And don’t look for anyone else to rescue you.’ He bit the words out through gritted teeth. ‘No one will interrupt.’ His mouth twisted wryly. ‘That’s one of the perks of being King.’
‘I wasn’t looking for rescue.’ She tried to still her galloping pulse and slow her breathing. Her weakness for him horrified her. ‘Why would I need rescuing?’
‘If you flirted with me the way you did with him, I’d be tempted to flirt back. And, believe me, I wouldn’t be as easy to shake off.’ His lips drew wide in a feral smile.
Something fluttered deep inside her. Excitement.
‘I wasn’t flirting.’ Annalisa lifted her chin, but she couldn’t prevent a guilty flush staining her face. It wasn’t her fault her companion had misunderstood. Was it?
One step brought Tahir close. His warmth enveloped her. If she moved a fraction they’d be touching.
Around them she heard a ripple of speculation sharpen voices, then an expectant lull as conversation ebbed.
Her heart thudded against her ribs and she felt again that curious tightening in her womb. Her body recalled too well the delights they’d shared, no matter how she tried to forget.
She sucked in a deep breath, then wished she hadn’t as the movement brought her breasts close to his torso. Heat zapped between them and the air crackled.
Annalisa stepped back, pulse skittering.
He followed, closer than ever.
‘Don’t,’ she whispered.
‘Why not?’ One eyebrow arched.
‘Everyone is looking.’ She felt the stares, heard the whispered speculation.
‘So?’ His mouth twisted in a cruel smile. ‘Shouldn’t you get used to it? If you’re going to bear my bastard you’ll always be the focus of gossip.’
Annalisa gasped, her body stiffening as if under a blow. She shuffled back another step, hand spread over her juddering heart. How could he be so…merciless? There was no sympathy in that proud, powerful face. Just disdain and a shadow of anger.
‘Don’t speak of it that way,’ she whispered.
‘Can’t face the truth, Annalisa?’
Pain sheared through her. It would be the truth. Because she’d been foolish enough to give herself to him. Because, despite the threat of scandal, she was scared to marry Tahir. Such a union would stifle her. She and her baby needed love. Could they get that from a convenient marriage?
‘This isn’t the place to discuss it.’ She dredged up her battered self-respect and met him stare for stare.
‘Then we’ll go elsewhere.’ He paused. ‘I warn you, if you’re thinking of staying to snare another man it won’t work. I’ll make sure of it.’
Outrage doused her pain. ‘Don’t be absurd,’ she hissed. ‘You’re mistaking me for someone else. I have no interest in snaring any man.’
‘Not even to find a gullible, alternative father for—?’
‘Not even for that!’
How could he think it? Had he no notion how momentous their short relationship had been for her? Did he really think she’d scheme to marry another man?
That she’d give herself so easily to another?
Annalisa’s anger grew white-hot, and with it a hurt that stabbed her to the core. Tears burned her eyes and she turned to stare, blinking, across the room as if absorbed in the colourful scene. The depth of her pain appalled her.
‘I wasn’t flirting.’ She drew a shuddering breath. ‘I was just…talking. He was interesting, okay? And I’ve missed…’
‘What have you missed, Annalisa?’ His voice had lost its accusatory edge. It sounded almost regretful.
She shook her head. Tahir wouldn’t understand. The man she’d shared so much with in the desert was no more. She couldn’t bring him back, no matter how she wished it.
‘Annalisa.’ He moved close, stepping into her line of sight. ‘I’m—’
‘There you are, my dears.’ At the sound of Rihana’s voice Annalisa blinked furiously and pasted on a shaky smile. She turned to find her hostess bearing down upon them. The dowager Queen smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Annalisa’s heart sank. Did Rihana think she’d caused the disturbance?
‘You mustn’t monopolise our guest,’ she scolded.
To Annalisa’s surprise the older woman slipped her hand through Annalisa’s arm and turned to face Tahir. A look passed between mother and son that she couldn’t decipher, but she felt tension hum in the air.
‘Especially,’ Rihana continued, ‘when you’re the centre of attention. Whatever you have to say can be said in private. Our family has already provided enough gossip.’ Her smile belied the steel in her tone.
Astonished, Annalisa realised the Queen was warning her son off. She was protecting Annalisa from Tahir.
Annalisa felt a surge of gratitude. How would she react when she realised the true situation between Annalisa and Tahir? Annalisa dreaded to think.
‘As always, Mother, you’re right.’ Tahir sketched an elegant bow, then turned to Annalisa. ‘As you said, this is neither the time nor the place.’ He paused. ‘We’ll finish our conversation later.’
With a smile that would have fooled most people into believing he was in high good humour, Tahir left them.
Annalisa exhaled shakily, torn between relief and regret that they parted on such terms.
Rihana patted her hand. ‘I hope you can forgive Tahir. He hasn’t yet learned patience. He’s been getting his own way for too long.’ She turned, and Annalisa was struck by the sadness in her eyes. ‘But it wasn’t always that way. And the shame of it is he never got the one thing he wanted above all. The one thing that really counted. All the rest meant nothing.’
What was it? That one thing Tahir wanted most? Annalisa needed to know—to understand the man who stirred such strong, conflicting emotions in her.
For a moment she thought she saw a glimmer of tears in the other woman’s eyes. But it must have been an illusion, for now Rihana was perfectly poised. She patted Annalisa’s hand again.
‘If you give him time I know you’ll find him…’ she paused ‘…worth the effort.’
When Annalisa went to her room later a tall shadow detached itself from an alcove near her door.
Though she’d expected him, her pulse jittered nervously as she followed Tahir. His silence in the empty passageways and the set of his broad shoulders increased her awareness of him as a man, powerful and potentially dangerous.
They emerged into the garden where he’d announced they’d marry. Had he chosen it deliberately? She twisted her hands together, her nerves close to shredding. Moonlight on the bay gave the scene a romantic feel. Or would have if she didn’t recall Tahir’s words stripping her to the bone.
She ignored his invitation to sit.
Silvery light threw one side of his face into shadow, emphasising the strong lines and aristocratic planes of his face. And the grim set of his mouth.
Annalisa stood straight, ready to counter more accusations.
‘Your mother thought I’d enjoy meeting your guests tonight, and I did.’ She refused to apologise. It wasn’t she who’d created a scene.
‘As for the gown…’ She plucked nervously at the exquisite outfit she’d adored from the moment Rihana had produced it. ‘Your mother kindly provided it because I didn’t have anything suitable. Of course I won’t keep it.’ She refused to be accused of mercenary ways.
‘My mother has taken a shine to you.’ His voice revealed nothing.
Annalisa shrugged. ‘She’s lovely. And so lively, so interesting.’ She watched one sleek black eyebrow climb. Did he doubt her sincerity?
‘She’s been very kind to me.’ It emerged as a challenge.
‘I can see that.’ He surveyed her from head to toe and heat sizzled through her at his leisurely inspection. He had the lazy air of a pasha inspecting a new slave.
She stiffened, crossing her arms.
‘There’s no need to justify yourself,’ he murmured. ‘Of course you’ll keep the dress.’ He raised a silencing hand when she opened her mouth to protest. ‘And you were welcome at the reception.’
His mouth quirked in a shadow of the lopsided smile she knew so well and her stomach gave a disturbing little jiggle. ‘I’ve had two diplomats, the Chair of the Literacy Commission and countless others remarking how they enjoyed your company.’
‘Really?’
Then what was his problem? She hadn’t pushed herself forward, trying to embarrass him. Why had he been angry?
‘Really.’ Tahir lifted a hand, then paused, before spearing his dark locks in a gesture of frustration. Abruptly he turned and paced away, then back again.
‘I’m sorry for my behaviour tonight,’ he said finally, his voice a low rumble. ‘It was inexcusable, especially in public. I saw you with him and I…’ Tahir made a slashing, violent gesture.
Clearly he wasn’t used to apologising. But Annalisa sensed there was more. She stared. If it weren’t so preposterous she’d think Tahir was jealous.
Impossible! To be jealous Tahir would need to care. He didn’t.
‘You don’t accept my apology?’
Surprised, she noticed his indignant expression. Clearly humbling himself was a new experience.
‘No, I— That is, yes. Of course.’
‘Good.’ He met her eyes with a seriousness that reminded her of the man she’d known at the oasis.
The man she’d fallen for.
Annalisa drew a sustaining breath and told herself to stop fantasising. But she couldn’t prevent the spark of warmth that look had engendered. She’d felt it when he’d protected her from Saleem too.
‘You’ve had days to think, Annalisa. Days since I said I’d marry you. I’ve been more than patient.’
Her pulse thrummed a heavy beat, quickening as she met his gaze. He reached out and clasped her hand, raising it between them. He held her lightly, yet instantly longing swamped her. Indignation and hurt were forgotten.
‘It’s not what either of us wants. But we’re trapped by circumstance.’ His voice deepened. ‘You know in that logical head of yours this is the only way.’
Before she could respond he lifted his other hand and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Her breathing faltered and her cheek tingled where his knuckles brushed.
Yearning rose, swift and undeniable. She shouldn’t respond. Yet her eyelids flickered, weighted under the impact of the glint in his eye.
There were times, like now, when she longed to trust Tahir. Forget her doubts and fears and accept his strength. Times when her dreams sank beneath the weight of what she felt for him. Because she was off-balance in this harsh new reality? Because she felt so alone and bereft of friends?
Tahir’s fingertips brushed her cheek again, swept to her chin and then her throat. Annalisa swallowed hard, remembering the sweet ecstasy he’d wrought with his touch once before.
She wanted Tahir so badly.
Feather-light, his fingers trailed to her neckline. Annalisa’s heart pounded a needy rhythm even as she tried to tug herself free of his sensual spell.
‘If we marry it will be all right.’ His deep voice soothed, almost as hypnotic as his touch. ‘Our child will have the protection of my family name.’ His thumb traced the line of her collarbone and she trembled. ‘You want to protect our child, don’t you?’
Annalisa nodded, her throat too dry for speech. The banked heat in his eyes mesmerised her. As did his hand, curling around her neck, fingers sliding into her hair and tugging it down. Her skin prickled deliciously at the sensuous caress against her scalp. She tipped back her head, unconsciously baring her throat. His fingers tightened in her hair and she caught the sultry spice scent of his skin.
That magical feeling was back. Wondrous sensations only Tahir could ignite. Tiny shudders of excitement and pleasure shook her.
‘Marriage will protect you both, Annalisa. You’ll be safe and cared for.’
She barely heard him over the clamour of her heartbeat. What she felt was so strong surely it was right.
‘You’ll be wealthy and respected, mother of a future monarch. There will be no public backlash or snide remarks about our child. It will be secure and accepted. And you needn’t worry I’ll interfere or take over your life, apart from the necessary royal obligations. You have everything to gain from our convenient marriage.’
It took an inordinate amount of time for his words to sink in. Annalisa looked up into that proud, stern face and wished she hadn’t heard.
She had been melting at his touch, seduced by his tenderness and her need into believing a future with Tahir mightn’t be the disaster she’d feared. That perhaps they had something to build on. Something that might flower one day into the sort of love her parents had shared.
Only to discover he wasn’t talking about a proper marriage. Her insides caved in as understanding hit. What a fool she’d been, deluding herself.
Convenience was the key word for him, not marriage.
Would they even live together? He’d have lovers; she had no doubt of that. How would she cope? Surely he wouldn’t install them in the palace!
Something twisted inside and she hunched reflexively, fearing she’d give in to nausea. She felt hollow, a fragile shell.
Even after Saleem had flayed her with his brutal prejudice, she’d been naïve enough to believe that between she and Tahir there was hope for something precious. Something more than simply escaping sordid scandal.
‘Annalisa!’ Tahir’s voice was sharp with concern.
She ignored him and stumbled to the garden seat, subsiding as the strength ebbed from her shaky legs.
‘I’ll get a doctor.’
‘No!’ She tried to gather her wits. ‘I’m okay.’
His look told her he didn’t believe her. He was poised for instant action.
Wearily she stared up at the man who offered support for her and their child for the sake of respectability. For safety. Possibly even because he feared a public backlash that might affect the monarchy.
But not because he felt anything for her personally.
Annalisa’s heart clenched.
Did she have any choice?
Stupid to wish for a real marriage, a loving union, when the only man she cared for wasn’t capable of love.
She ignored the pain piercing her. He offered security for her child.
His gaze held hers steadily. His look questioned.
‘Very well,’ she murmured, finally accepting the inevitable. This was the only option. Anything else was wishful thinking.
Yet still she hesitated, drawing a sustaining breath.
‘I’ll marry you.’ She almost choked on the words.