The Sheikh's Virgin Bride - A Sweet Bought By The Sheikh Romance Page 7

  We only had five more days together. Five more days to decide if we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with each other.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lacie

  I woke up surrounded by black. A black that wouldn’t disappear when I reached out my hand, that only laughed when I cried out. A black that was cloth, fabric. A black of voices and camels’ brays. I was being carried.

  “Help—help!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.

  “Shut up,” one of the voices grunted.

  “Please, whoever you are—this has to be some kind of mistake!”

  “It’s not, so shut up!” the voice growled back.

  So, I did. Feverishly, I tried to go over last night, what had happened and what could possibly be happening now. Rashid and I had been so close, it had all been so perfect…and now, this.

  Rashid couldn’t be involved; I knew that for certain. But what could have happened to him—and what was happening to me now? Some random kidnappers, eager for a ransom from my family or Rashid? Well, if it was my family they were hoping to get money from, they were going to be sorely disappointed.

  I woke up to light. More voices. I was in some beautiful temple, laying before a group of people on a platform, all of them lounging on orange pillows.

  “Nawfal, Sidqi, you fools. What did I say about taking her nicely?”

  “But you—”

  “Be gone with you, idiots!”

  I turned to see two burly, bald men hustling away.

  “Are you hurt, poor girl?”

  I turned to the speaker. He was a tall man with a long, braided beard and glinting black eyes. When he crouched down beside me, I flinched. He tut-tutted and sat beside me.

  “I truly am sorry. Nawfal and Sidqi have never been good at following orders, or doing things gently. That must have been horrible, being tied up in the cloth bag like that, traveling strapped to the camel for hours.”

  I turned to see a dark cloth bag flung off to the side.

  “You poor thing, are you all right?”

  There actually looked to be something like pity on his swarthy face.

  “Who are you?” I asked, my voice shaking.

  He smiled, showcasing wolf-like, yellow teeth. “I am Idris, son of Mubarak. Surely Rashid has told you about me.”

  When I shook my head, his smile grew.

  “Oh, no?” Another tut-tut, and he shook his head. “Ah, I guess it’s not so surprising. I mean, my family and I are the main reason he’s so desperate for a bride, after all.”

  At my surprise, he chuckled. “Really, he told you nothing? Our families have been enemies for decades, ever since his father wrongly wrested power from mine. If Rashid doesn’t get the throne, it goes to me.”

  The longer his black, beady eyes darted over my face, the happier they looked about what they saw.

  “You poor woman—were you actually starting to think that he really cared about you? I suppose he did, in a way. No woman in his own country would have him, after all. His family’s exploits were known all too well, despite their futile attempts at propaganda. So, I guess, in a way, he was grateful for that—for you making things…easier on him.”

  He smiled menacingly at me, grinning like the cat who’d eaten the canary.

  “Because, you are a virgin, are you not?”

  I turned my head away from his probing eyes, but I couldn’t hide the giveaway blush I could feel burning on my face.

  “Ah, so it’s really true, then?”

  As laughter from all sides rang throughout the room and my cheeks burned with the humiliation of it, I dared to sweep my gaze over my surroundings. Those on the platform were clad in the same gauzy material that the man sitting beside me was wearing, and had the same high cheekbones, proud noses, and cruel mouths.

  I flinched when he patted my head.

  “No need to be ashamed. Back in your country, that must be an accomplishment. At any rate, we aren’t here to laugh at you. Everyone shut up.”

  And, just like that, the room went deadly quiet. Still, he continued his rhythmic, patronizing head pats, while I wanted to shrink away more with each one.

  “Yes, I wanted to warn you about what you were getting into. Before it was too late.”

  “Prevent me from marrying Rashid so that you can get the crown for yourself, is what you really mean.”

  Angry surprise flashed in his eyes, then he let one final pat fall.

  “I won’t deny that you being out of the picture would make things easier for my family and me—not to mention, better for the country as a whole. But it is also in your best interests to listen to me. Rashid is a cunning, manipulative man, but not a kind one. Even if you change your mind or want to see your family again, he won’t let you. I thought I’d give you that chance.”

  “Why should I believe you?”

  He shrugged. “Can you afford not to? If you don’t heed my warning, you’ll be married to the cruelest man my country has ever known.”

  His face looked so certain, his pockmarked skin tensed so emphatically, that I felt a wave of uncertainty go through me.

  “So, you’re offering me a free ride home?”

  He nodded. “Yes. I’m offering you a ticket out of this situation: a get-out-of-jail-free card.”

  “Then why not just tell me? Why kidnap me like that?”

  “You were never alone, and while my men are very skilled, they can’t sneak into a palace that’s crawling with Rashid’s men. This was our only choice.”

  “And if I refuse your offer?”

  Irritation flickered in his eyes a moment before being replaced by more amusement.

  “There could be other incentives. Money, for instance…”

  When I said nothing, he continued.

  “Whatever he’s paying you, I can double it. Two hundred thousand, two million—I don’t care.”

  The figures rotated in my mind stupidly. The numbers were so big, they seemed nonsensical, as if the man was offering me my very own unicorn. I closed my eyes. I saw myself, throwing my arms around Mom and Dad, all of us rejoicing on a beach somewhere, both of them in good health.

  And then, I saw Rashid, his face crumpled as he stood at the altar on our wedding day, alone.

  “The only requirement would be that you leave now and never return. And never contact Rashid ever again.”

  The image of Rashid disappeared and was replaced by one of me, looking up at the stars, alone. Tormented by what I’d lost, what I’d given up.

  My eyes snapped open.

  “And if I still refuse?”

  A growing anger burned in his eyes. “I wouldn’t, if I were you.”

  My eyes were narrowed with a fierceness of their own. “I’m not going anywhere. Rashid is a good man; I know that for a fact. You’re not fooling anyone here.”

  “Nawfal, Sidqi. Take Lacie away. We’ll give her time to think, to decide whether she wants to go home safe and sound, or stay here…as otherwise.”

  The two men lumbered up to me, sneering, ready to grab me again.

  “Rashid will come looking for me. You’re not going to get away with this! I mean it—he’s going to find me!”

  Idris gave me another horrible smile, as if I’d said something cute, something adorably stupid.

  “I’ll give you a day to decide. One day, then, whatever happens is on you.”

  And then, I was wrenched from the room, half-carried down a dimly lit hallway, through a door, and thrown into a stony room of blackness again. I cried, but only soundless tears. I didn’t want to give whoever was guarding me the satisfaction of hearing me cry.

  What was I going to do now?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Rashid

  When I woke up, she was gone. At first, I wandered in all directions, my feet sinking into the smooth sand, my hoarse voice calling out her name. But she was nowhere to be found. When I returned to wait on the blanket, I sat there for what must have been hours. And yet, she never came back, whil
e her camel smiled benignly at my search efforts, as if it knew exactly what had happened to Lacie, what I desperately needed to know, too.

  All there was left to do was to ride back to the palace, avoiding a sandstorm, while my mind swirled with an inner storm of questions.

  Could Lacie have left, just like that? Could she have been taken? If she had been, why was there no sign of a struggle, nothing?

  I sighed. Last night’s winds had blown away any sign of tracks that could have given me an idea of what had happened.

  Once I got home, asking around only made things worse. No one had seen her, while my mother immediately voiced what I had been fearing most.

  “Do you think she left?”

  I shook my head. “No. She wouldn’t have left without telling me. Not in the middle of the night. Not like that.”

  My mother’s aged face still wore a grim expression. “Rashid, my dear son, do you think that maybe she was just afraid to face telling you?”

  “No. I know Lacie. She wouldn’t have left without telling me. Not after…”

  I didn’t say “the best night we’ve ever had together.” Instead, I stormed off and called the airport. There was no sign of her there, either, nor at any of the major hotels. I sent a few attendants off to search the city, then retired to my room to think.

  Seated at my large, wooden desk, I raged silently at myself. For falling asleep in the middle of the desert, where anything could have happened to her. If she had walked off, it would have been a long walk, but it would’ve been possible if she’d been determined to leave.

  And yet, why would she have been so determined to leave at all? Hadn’t we just shared the most incredible night? And why would she leave her luggage, all her possessions? It didn’t make any sense.

  Outside, the sky was murky, foreshadowing either rain or another sandstorm.

  Had I been kidding myself this whole time—that she could develop any real feelings for me in this short time, that her motivation could have been anything but money?

  I sank further into the chair, and as I closed my eyes, I saw her beaming face, her star-struck eyes, closing as I leaned in to kiss her. My eyes snapped open. No, Lacie wouldn’t have just left after that night. I had seen it in her eyes, then. She cared; I knew she did. Whatever had happened, it was not Lacie’s choice.

  When I got downstairs, my mother was at the bottom of the stairs, her phone in hand, her face tense.

  “Mother, what is it?”

  She looked up at me. “That was the airport. A person matching Lacie’s description was seen boarding a plane to New York city an hour ago.”

  I stared at her, at her lips as they moved.

  “…She just happened to be staying here. She comes from a good family and is the epitome of decorum.”

  I followed her gaze to a beautiful woman who had entered the room behind her.

  “Alma has not only agreed to be your wife; her family has pledged that the wedding can happen immediately. Today, if you so choose.”

  My mother’s words crashed down on me like a wave. My gaze was plastered on the strange woman who did not know me but would marry me. The strange woman who could save my family, my dynasty.

  I closed my eyes and saw her. Lacie, with her sweet, big lower-lipped smile.

  I opened my eyes and turned away. I knew what I had to do.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Rashid

  The palace was even more intimidating than I’d expected. It was one thing to hear about the “Black Palace”, but another thing to see the dark structure in person.

  I strode up to the towering building, and as soon as I pushed the front doors open, swords were at my throat.

  “I am Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Qarani. I’m here to see Idris.”

  My voice didn’t waver, although my thoughts were already urging me to leave. Now, however, it was too late. My arms were grabbed and I was yanked inside, the door slamming behind me. The stony-faced guards said nothing; the only sound was that of their heavy footsteps down the black marble hallway.

  Despite my fear, I couldn’t help a twinge of interest at what I was seeing. I had always heard of the dark splendor of this horrid place, and now, I was seeing it for myself. Stained glass lamps lit the darkness, while the guards were furnished with the most exquisite blades I had ever seen.

  Before I knew it, I was being thrown into a well-lit room, onto the floor.

  Angry voices sounded around us.

  “Why have you brought some thief here to us? We have dungeons that are more than adequate.”

  “This is Rashid, the future king.”

  “I’ll deal with this.”

  At the last voice, Idris’s, I scrambled up onto my feet, my chest moving right into the tip of a sword.

  “Careful, friend.”

  The next thing I knew, the sword was lifting, and I was staring into the sneering face of Idris, his fleshy lips twisted with mock surprise.

  “Rashid. What an unexpected pleasure.”

  “You know why I’m here, Idris. Let’s not waste time.”

  He gave an infuriating wiggle of his eyebrows.

  “Do I? I can’t say I have any idea why you’d come here, of all places, when your happy wedding and coronation are just days away.”

  “Return her to me, and you and your family will come to no harm.”

  “What do you mean?” His eyes glittered in comprehension. “Have you lost a bride?”

  As soon as I drew my sword, several sharp points were thrust into my back.

  “I’m not here to play games, Idris.”

  Still smiling, he drew his own sword.

  “Nor am I. Leave us, all of you.”

  “But, sir—”

  “I said go!”

  And then we were alone and his sword was flashing towards me. I parried it, the room filling with the clang of metal against metal. My next hit he parried, both of our arms shaking, our faces close together.

  “If I did have your bride-to-be, how do you know she didn’t come here of her own volition, didn’t come seeking out help to get home unscathed?”

  When I didn’t respond, his sneer deepened. “Even if I did have her, what makes you think that I’d give her back?”

  My next slice he ducked, so I stepped back. “Because you think you can win this fight.”

  Suddenly, Idris lunged, his blade slicing inches away from my face. “I don’t think; I know, pretty boy.”

  I slapped his sword away with my own. “So, it’s a deal, then?”

  At this, he put his sword on the ground and leaned on it.

  “What’s a deal?”

  “If I win, I get the girl.”

  A pensive look came over his face as he twirled the blade in his hand.

  “And if I win?”

  I drew my sword, lifted it away from my body and spread my arms. “You get me.”

  Idris studied me for a minute. Then, in a flash, he had slashed his blade towards my face, nicking my cheek while whispering “Deal” in my ear.

  When he came at me again, I was ready. The sound of our blades hitting each other echoed throughout the room with a sharp ringing, both of us holding our grips with all our might.

  My next hit he parried, but the following one connected, slicing his arm.

  “Not bad for an amateur,” he sneered.

  “You won’t win this, Idris. Give up now, and I’ll spare you.”

  He slashed at my throat, but I deflected it easily.

  “Ha, me? You’re the one who should be worried, Rashid.”

  Our swords met again; the blades were shaking, lowering. I was winning. Idris wasn’t in nearly as good of shape as me.

  “Give up,” I urged him. “Give up, and I’ll let you go unharmed.”

  Idris’s whole face was one tense mask of exertion. “Never.”

  When my sword reached his throat, however, he dropped his blade with a curse and held up both hands.

  I froze as I heard shouts up ahead, rai
sing my sword once again. Lacie appeared in front of me, the two guards holding her backing off once they saw the look on my face and the blade in my hand.

  “Lacie!”

  “Rashid!”

  I ran towards my wife-to-be, taking her in my arms and pressing kisses on her forehead, her nose. She was shaking, her face slowly changing from an expression of terror to relief as Idris and his guards began to bicker amongst themselves. I felt the urge to make Idris pay, but he wasn’t worth it. She was the only thing that mattered, my only priority.

  I wrapped one arm around her small, quaking body, and the two of us rushed out of there.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Lacie

  After a long, luxurious sleep, I spent the next morning recovering. After I’d made full use of the gorgeous bathtub and changed into some clean clothes, attendants were in and out of my room every five minutes, offering me massages, facials, pastries—you name it.

  Feeling restless, I told an especially eager young girl to fetch Rashid for me. Within a minute, he was at my door.

  “Lacie, what is it? What’s the matter?”

  I stared into his deep, warm eyes and my restlessness ceased. Suddenly, I knew just what I wanted.

  “Could we—get away from here for a little while?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Out of the palace. I just can’t stand being cooped up like this, with what happened swirling around me. I don’t want to be alone, and I don’t want to rest. I want to be with you, but I want to go out and do something.”

  Rashid grinned and took my hand. “Done.”

  The drive was vaguely familiar, although I only realized it when he mentioned it.

  “I’m taking us to the city we were supposed to go to. Where our camels were headed.”