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.
He was tempted simply to organise the wedding despite her protests. He wasn’t used to waiting. Yet he’d seen how shaken she was. She really did need time. He’d make one more attempt to make her see reason.
Heat kindled in his belly and he smiled at the thought of persuading her.
CHAPTER TEN
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.