Scandal: His Majesty's Love-Child (9 page)

‘Would you like a seat?’ She gestured towards a group of elegant couches around a low table groaning with delicacies.

‘You make yourself at home here, miss. As if you have every right to do so.’

‘I’m a guest of the Sheikha Rihana. This is her hospitality and I—’

‘Don’t give me that! I wasn’t born yesterday.’

He strode across to loom over her, eyes flashing.

Clasping her hands before her, Annalisa stood her ground. She’d seen him bully her aunt and refused to be cowed. Yet her pulse raced at how vulnerable she felt in face of his fury.

‘You may put that story out for the gullible public but I know
why you’re here. You’re
his
guest, aren’t you? His mistress. His whore!’

Despite her resolve, Annalisa stumbled back, frightened by the violence in his snapping dark eyes and his bunched fists. Her heart thrashed against her ribs and the oxygen rushed from her lungs.

‘I wonder he’s got the gall to install you in the palace for all to see—but then, with his reputation, nothing should surprise me. A fine man you’ve chosen to give yourself to!’

Spittle flecked her cheek as he ranted and Annalisa cringed, the blood draining from her face. This was worse than anything she’d expected. Horror froze her to the spot.

‘I’m nobody’s whore,’ she said breathlessly when she found her voice. ‘You have no right—’

‘I have
every
right. You’re my responsibility now your father and grandfather are dead.’

Annalisa shook her head. ‘No! I’m responsible for myself.’

‘Not when you bring shame on the family.’ His jaw thrust forward aggressively. ‘I should have expected something like this, considering the freedoms you were given growing up. That father of yours—’

‘Don’t you
dare
say a word against my father.’ It was Annalisa’s turn to step forward and she saw surprise flash in Saleem’s eyes. ‘He was worth ten of you.’

For a moment there was silence. Blood pounded so hard in her ears she felt light-headed with the force of it. Distress, fear and fury were a sour mix on her tongue.

And guilt. Guilt at the way she’d fallen so easily for Tahir’s facile charm.

‘What would your precious father say if he could see you now?’

Annalisa swayed as if from a body-blow. Her father would be on her side. But how disappointed he’d be. He’d taught her the value of love. She’d fallen for its pale shadow.

‘Don’t you realise what you’ve done?’ Saleem pressed on. ‘The gossip about you and the King alone together in the desert for days?’

‘What was I supposed to do? Ignore him when he stumbled into camp and leave him to die?’ Annalisa planted her hands on her hips, finding relief in anger. She glared. ‘If there’s gossip, I don’t have far to look for the source, do I?’

She guessed any such news hadn’t come from the palace. The Queen didn’t need to give reasons for inviting a guest to stay. Nor would it be from her other relatives, or the camel driver, who was an old friend of her father’s.

Her suspicions were confirmed when Saleem spluttered, his gaze sliding from hers.

‘You never liked me and you wanted an excuse to blacken my name.’

‘Excuse?’ he bellowed. ‘What need for an excuse when you’re pregnant? Ah, you didn’t know I knew, did you?’

A sneer distorted his face and he grabbed her elbow in a merciless grip. Annalisa felt the walls close around her as shock and fear crowded close.

‘You little slut. You were so caught up in your affair you didn’t even have the sense to hide the evidence. Your aunt found the pregnancy test, clearing out your belongings when your lover sent his servants for them.’

Annalisa shrank from the hatred in his face.

‘She was so upset I knew something was wrong. It didn’t take much to get the truth out of her.’

Annalisa closed her eyes, praying fervently he hadn’t used violence on her poor aunt.

A savage wrench of her arm made her flop like a rag doll. ‘Now what have you got to say for yourself?’

‘She’ll say nothing to the likes of you.’ The deep voice came from somewhere behind Annalisa, penetrating the haze of shock. ‘Let her go.
Now
.’ Tahir’s voice dropped to a lethal rumble, like thunder on the horizon.

Instantly Saleem released her arm and she staggered a couple of steps away.

He’d heard the threat in Tahir’s voice, for all the newcomer hadn’t raised his voice. The air thickened, heavy with a menace more powerful than any of her uncle’s taunts.

Swiftly she turned. Tahir stood feet wide, fists clenched. The sheer aggressive energy radiating from his tall frame was at odds with the urbane sophistication of his tailor-made suit. Never had she seen him so forbidding. His jaw was razor-sharp, his sensuous mouth firm. Tahir’s face was austerely calm, but the light in his eyes was bloodthirsty. As if he wanted to tear her uncle limb from limb.

Relief swelled, buckling Annalisa’s knees so she sagged against the back of a couch. She slid a shaking hand protectively across her abdomen.

‘Your Majesty.’ Her uncle bowed stiffly.

‘Are you all right?’ Tahir ignored him, turning to look at her. Even the concern in his tone didn’t obliterate his distant, inflexible expression.

She wished he’d sweep her into his arms and hold her tight, till the trembling and the sick distress passed.

‘I’m all right.’ Annalisa was so shaken she didn’t care that her voice wobbled with relief.

He swung round to her uncle, closing the space between them in a few strides. ‘If I ever hear you’ve used violence on a woman, any woman, I’ll make you wish you’d never been born.’ The softly spoken words had the force of a cracking whip. ‘And I’ll know. I’ll make it my business to know.’

‘It wasn’t violence, sire.’ Saleem cowered back. ‘It’s a matter of honour.’

‘You have a quaint understanding of honour.’ Tahir’s scorn was knife-edged. He turned his head again, looking over his shoulder at her. ‘Can you walk?’

‘Of course I can!’ She stood up, away from the couch.

‘Then go now. The footman outside will see you to your rooms.’

A cowardly part of her wanted to do as he said, escape from her uncle’s ugly accusations. But she stood her ground. ‘This is my business.’

For long seconds his deep blue gaze held hers, till tendrils of heat curled inside her, warming the chilled numbness. Finally he nodded.

‘It is. Do you trust me to deal with it?’

Deal with Saleem? She had no doubts Tahir could do that more effectively than she.

Instinct overrode every doubt she had about his character.

He hadn’t even acknowledged the baby was his, yet in this moment she knew no one could be a stronger champion for herself and her child.

‘I trust you,’ she murmured.

A
NNALISA
breathed deep of fresh, salty air, her hands twining restlessly. After that appalling scene she’d sought the garden overlooking the King’s private beach. A quiet place to think.

But she hadn’t been able to decide what to do. She’d been too caught up in reliving the horror of her uncle’s accusations, and her overwhelming relief when Tahir had appeared. Just his presence had steadied her nerves.

Should she leave? Where would she go? To the village that had been her home? Could she expect the same treatment from the rest of her family?

Salty tears clogged her throat. Surely not. Surely they’d be more charitable. But right now she didn’t want to test that.

She had to find a safe home, where her child would be welcomed, not scorned. She hugged her arms around herself, feeling more alone than ever.

Tahir had asked her to trust him, at least with Saleem. It confused her that she had. Shouldn’t she be wary of the man who’d been shallow and callous? Yet now he’d stood up for her so forcefully.

‘Annalisa?’ A deep voice spoke as gravel crunched underfoot. She sat straighter and turned.

Her breath escaped in a sigh of appreciation as she devoured the sight of Tahir. Commanding nose, chiselled jaw and sapphire eyes that glittered under heavy lids. Sensation flared inside her. Desperately she told herself it was from gratitude that he’d dealt with Saleem.

Long legs ate up the distance separating them and she stood, feeling at a disadvantage sitting.

Besides, he was her king. She had to remember that.

‘Thank you for dealing with…’ she swept her arm wide ‘…with him. If you hadn’t come—’

‘Don’t think about that.’ He reached out, enclosing her hand in his. Heat engulfed her fingers and spread wondrously. ‘It’s over. He’s gone.’

Was that satisfaction she heard in Tahir’s voice? Surely he hadn’t strong-armed Saleem into leaving?

‘I’m sorry.’ She shook her head miserably. ‘You shouldn’t have had to witness that.’ Embarrassment fired her cheeks as she recalled all Saleem had said. Her skin crawled at his filthy outpouring of venom.

‘Look at me!’

Tahir’s abrupt tone jerked her head up. She met his bright, unblinking eyes. Somehow that steady regard strengthened her still-trembling body.

‘You have nothing to apologise for. I’m just sorry I didn’t arrive early enough to deal with him before you were called.’ His lips curled in a tiny piratical smile. ‘He won’t bother you again. Ever.’

Annalisa didn’t care how Tahir had done it; she simply basked in the knowledge.

‘Thank you.’ Profound relief coloured her voice and he inclined his head.

‘How are you?’ His grip tightened. ‘Do you need a doctor?’

‘Of course not.’

‘You’ve been unwell.’ His expression was sombre. Her pulse gave a shaky little jerk at his concern. ‘The obstetrician was at pains to stress you need rest.’

She frowned. ‘How do you know what she said?’ At Tahir’s bland expression futile anger spiked. ‘So doctor-patient confidentiality doesn’t apply at the palace?’ She pulled her hand free and paced, restless at the discovery her privacy had been overridden.

Annalisa had never felt more powerless than in these last days, when her life had been turned upside down.

She was used to making decisions, being useful and active. Now she was in limbo, unsettled and unsure of herself. She’d thought today’s interview with Saleem the final straw. Now she discovered she didn’t even have exclusive rights to information about her own body.

She felt caged, no longer in control of her life.

‘I was concerned for you.’

‘Really?’ She met his eyes. Fervently she wished she couldn’t remember how they’d glowed with approval as she’d climaxed beneath him. Such memories underscored a weakness she couldn’t conquer.

‘It was unpardonable to leave you at such a time. I’m sorry.’

Her surge of indignation deflated abruptly with his apology. He was the monarch. He had other responsibilities.

‘You were needed elsewhere. I understand.’ Suddenly she felt exhausted.

‘That’s no excuse. My presence at the negotiations was more or less symbolic.’

Why did he brush off his vital part in the treaty talks? She frowned. Surely a shallow man who revelled in his prestige would brag about his pivotal role?

‘You should rest.’ A hand at her elbow propelled her to the seat and she subsided, Tahir beside her. His body warmed her even where they didn’t touch.

It felt as if he drew her close with an unseen force field. Annalisa breathed deep and told herself she imagined the zap and crackle of electricity between them.

‘It’s time we resolved this,’ he said finally.

‘What?’ she said wearily. ‘You want a DNA test to prove the baby is yours?’

His fingers flexed and his hand dropped away.

‘I know it’s mine.’

Annalisa swung to meet his gaze head-on, plunging into clear depths that glinted with an expression she couldn’t name.

‘You’ve changed your tune.’ It didn’t matter that an hour ago he’d championed her against Saleem. It still rankled that Tahir had doubted her word.

His nostrils flared and he straightened, as if unaccustomed to being challenged. ‘The news came as a shock.’

‘You thought I was lying.’

‘It wasn’t the first time a woman had said she carried my child.’ His gaze bored into hers. ‘But it’s the first time it was true.’

Bile rose in Annalisa’s mouth. She was simply one in a long line of women. A notch in his belt. Only she hadn’t been sophisticated enough to prevent her pregnancy.

‘So you believe me now?’

‘I believe you. I know you.’

Fervently Annalisa wished she could say the same. Tahir confused her. Was he a careless, selfish hedonist, or a man of sense and compassion? He altered each time she saw him. No wonder she felt disorientated.

‘Unfortunately your uncle’s visit changes things. There’s no chance now of keeping our relationship private.’

Relationship? It was on the tip of her tongue to say they
had
no relationship. Just a one-night stand.

‘What do you suppose he’ll do?’ She felt sick, thinking of the vitriol he’d pour into waiting ears.

‘Nothing. He won’t say a word to anyone.’

Annalisa opened her mouth to protest that Saleem would surely continue gossiping. Then she saw Tahir’s expression and a chill pierced her. She wouldn’t like to be in Saleem’s shoes.

‘But he’s already said enough. When your pregnancy starts to show people will remember his words and put two and two together.’

Stupid, but she couldn’t prevent a fillip of pleasure that Tahir had accepted she’d have the baby. That he hadn’t tried to push for a termination.

‘They’ll know the baby is mine.’

‘If I’m in Qusay.’ Yet she couldn’t imagine raising her child anywhere else.

‘It doesn’t matter.’ His voice was terse. ‘The damage is done. Wherever you are this will catch up with you. There’s no escaping.’

His words carried the weight of a judge delivering sentence. The hairs on her nape stood up at his bleak tone.

‘There’s only one option.’ He drew in a slow breath, as if delaying the pronouncement. ‘We must marry.’

The words echoed in her disbelieving ears.

‘You’ve got to be kidding!’

‘You think I’d joke about this?’ He shot to his feet to pace before her. ‘You think I
desire
marriage? That I haven’t considered every alternative?’

Annalisa read disdain in the proud lines of his face. A bone-deep distaste that shrivelled something in the pit of her stomach.

What he meant was he had no desire to marry
her.

The fact that she wasn’t ready for marriage either didn’t ease the pain of his rejection.

Tahir’s eyes were glacier-cool and her heart plunged. Did he think she’d tricked him into this? What other reason for that terrible distant look?

‘I didn’t know Saleem would come here. I didn’t intend for anyone to know.’

He swatted aside her protestations with a slicing gesture. ‘I know. That’s immaterial. What matters is our solution to the problem.’

He didn’t sound like a man proposing marriage.

She pressed shaking hands together, painful memories resurfacing. Dreams she’d spun years ago when she’d begun to fall in love with Toby.

Annalisa had expected a marriage proposal then.

It had never eventuated. Toby had gone back to Canada, taking up a new job as a geologist. Instead of returning for her, as promised, news had arrived months later that he’d married someone else. Someone ‘from home’. Who fitted his world, his expectations.

Not someone like Annalisa, who straddled two cultures and was viewed as alien to both.

Was she doomed always to be an outsider, unworthy of love?

‘Marriage isn’t the only solution.’

When she married it would be for love. Like that her parents had shared. Her father had loved his wife till the end. His whole focus those last days had been surviving long enough to name the Asiya Comet for her.

A cold-hearted marriage to a cold-hearted man would be disaster. Even with her inexperience Annalisa knew that.

‘What else is there? For you to bring up my illegitimate child under my nose?’

She raised her chin. ‘Would it be the first?’

‘I’ve already told you.’ Tahir bit out the words with a restrained savagery that made her shrink back. ‘No other woman has carried my child.’

Spoken like a man with a soft spot for the woman he planned to marry!

‘It needn’t be under your nose.’

‘You intend to emigrate?’

Silently she shook her head, feeling harried. This was too much, too soon. What should she do for the best?

‘You
want
our child born illegitimate?’

‘No,’ she said miserably. ‘But I don’t want…’

‘What don’t you want, Annalisa?’

She bit her lip, not daring to voice the fears crowding close. How could she tie herself to a man she barely knew? A man she’d naïvely believed she…cared for, only to discover she didn’t know him at all.

Could she trust a man of his reputation? Give herself and her baby into his keeping? In Qusay a husband had real power over his wife. His word was law.

If that husband was also King…They were poles apart, separated by an unbreachable gulf.

‘Annalisa, look at me. Talk to me.’

Slowly she turned. He leaned close, broad shoulders blocking the view. His powerful presence pinioned her as if he held her in his arms.

If only he
would
hold her. Sweep her into his embrace as he had in the desert. She wanted to lean in and let him comfort
her, care for her. But allowing herself to trust him in such a way would pose a dangerous threat to her already vulnerable heart.

She looked up into eyes bright as gems, at a mouth firm and decisive, a chin that jutted just a little aggressively as he waited for her to speak.

‘Thank you for the offer,’ she said in a low voice. ‘No…’ She looked away. ‘I don’t know. I need time.’

She needed time!

How much time did she think there was before her pregnancy became obvious? Before she became the subject of cruel jibes? Before she was shunned for her liaison with him?

Did she want that for herself and her baby?

Guilt punched hard in his gut. This was his fault. He’d given in to temptation and she’d pay the price.

Annalisa was so proud, so obstinate, and she wouldn’t let him help her. Couldn’t see how much worse the scandal would be because of who he was and what he’d been. The memory of that scene with her uncle curdled his stomach. He couldn’t let her face such prejudice alone.

Or his child. Tahir had experience of being hated as a boy. He refused to give anyone the chance to hold
his
child in contempt.

He raked a hand through his hair as he paced his vast apartments, a sullen mix of emotions boiling over as he recalled her hesitation.

Since when had any woman said no to him? Women fell like ripe peaches into his open palm. Yet
this
woman hesitated. This little mouse, unsophisticated and innocent.

At least she had been till Tahir met her.

He had to make this right. Even if she didn’t want him to. Even if she didn’t want
him.

The absurdity was that, with beautiful women put forward daily for his approval by those hoping he’d marry, it was Annalisa he wanted.

He felt a stirring in his groin and pounded his fist against the wall. It didn’t matter what he
wanted.

This was about necessity.

The thought of becoming a husband and father made him break out in a cold sweat. As usual, his desires were less honourable. It was sexual gratification he dreamt of, night after night. He hungered for Annalisa as he hadn’t hungered for any woman.

Yet he couldn’t leave her to cope with pregnancy and child-rearing alone. Not with
his
child. He might have lived the life of a reprobate, but he wasn’t a complete moral vacuum.

Qusani society wasn’t designed for unmarried mothers. The scene with her uncle had reinforced that. She’d never fit in and nor would the child—especially when it became known that Tahir was the father. They needed protection, even if the idea of acquiring responsibility for a family left a chilled lump in the pit of his belly.

He remembered his father, presenting an acceptable face to the public. Yet in private he’d been a cruel brute. Such a man shouldn’t have children.

What if Tahir shared that same taint?

He didn’t have his father’s taste for violence. He didn’t get kicks from bullying those weaker than himself. Yet, with his family history, who knew what sort of husband and father he’d make?

Rafiq and Kareef were brave men, embarking on married life with enthusiasm. But the taints of character had been Tahir’s, not theirs. Their father’s rage had always been directed at him, not his brothers.

When Tahir had recently visited his brother, in his new kingdom of Qais, Kareef and Jasmine had been ecstatically happy. Marriage suited Kareef. But he and Tahir were poles apart.

Tahir’s lips flattened derisively at the notion of himself protecting Annalisa. Yet it had to be done.