The Tarnished Jewel of Jazaar

Nadir deepened their kiss and cupped her breast. Zoe was surprised by his possessive touch. It felt good. It felt right. It was all she could do not to arch into his hand. Her nipple tightened under his attention, her breasts full and heavy.

She shouldn’t allow this, Zoe thought dazedly. But she was still partly clothed. She wasn’t too close to the point of no return, but she was far away from her original plan. She should stop this now, no matter how much she wanted it.

Zoe gasped, the sound ringing out into the room, as he pinched her nipple between his fingers. Intense pleasure spread under her skin like wildfire. She wiggled under his body and demanded more from his kiss.

Nadir didn’t follow her insistent silent command. He pulled away and she whimpered. His gaze focused on her shoulder as he pushed down the chemise strap. She felt the tremor in his hand as he peeled the fabric from her small breast. She thought she heard a purr of satisfaction before he lowered his head and took her breast into his mouth.

Zoe’s moan staggered from her throat. It didn’t sound virginal at all. She tilted her head back as hot pleasure poured through her. She closed her eyes, unwilling to reveal how weak and needy she felt. Nadir seemed to know exactly what she wanted. She felt the strong pull all the way to her core.

She instinctively wrapped her legs around his lean waist and drew him closer. When she felt his rock-hard erection against her flesh she realized she was in the danger zone. She wanted him inside her so much, but he would find out the truth about her.

She quickly dropped her legs as panic swelled in her chest. She grabbed his wide shoulders and tried to push him away, but he was too strong. “We’ve gone far enough,” she blurted out. “I am not sleeping with you!”

She clapped her hand over her mouth. Taut silence pulsated in the room. Nadir didn’t move, but she felt the ripple of tension in his body.

Now she’d done it. Zoe hunched her shoulders and waited for the explosion that was sure to follow. There was virginal reluctance and then there was outright refusal. The Sheikh was going to cast her back to her family before the night was over.

Nadir shuddered as he tried to hold back. He wanted Zoe badly. He was willing to change her mind. Lie. Cajole. Beg. He needed to taste her, sink into her wet heat and make her his in the most basic, primitive way.

He didn’t understand this white-hot instant attraction, but he wasn’t going to question it. It was an unexpected bonus to be attracted to his arranged bride, and he was willing to make the most of his good fortune for a few nights before he sent her away.

But Zoe didn’t see it that way. Was she frightened by the unfamiliar sexual feelings or was it something else? He wondered if she had heard the rumors about him. They would send any bride into a panic.

“Zoe.” He reached out for her but stopped when she flinched. Did she think he was going to hit her?

“I’m sorry,” she said behind her splayed hand. “I didn’t mean to say that.”

“Yes, you did.” He watched her expression closely. She was thinking fast, as if considering her best option.

“Okay, I did,” she admitted as she dropped her hand. “But … But … you have to understand. I don’t know you.”

He braced his arms on the mattress and met her gaze. He sensed that wasn’t her main concern. There was something false about her behavior. “I’m your husband. That’s all you need to know.”

Her mouth drew into a firm line and he knew she was choosing her next words carefully. “I don’t know anything about you,” she clarified.

That wasn’t what she really wanted to say. Her eyes were very expressive. She had already made up her mind about him and it wasn’t favorable. “I don’t know anything about you, either,” he said, “but I’m okay with that.”

Zoe’s eyes narrowed. “Women are different that way.”

Nadir exhaled sharply. It was true. Sex wasn’t just sex with women. It was a connection. It was about intimacy. And with a virgin it was supposed to be a magical experience. A sacred rite of passage.

Damn these virgins. They had to make a simple pleasure so complicated.

“In all honesty,” she continued softly as she looked away, “I don’t know anything about you other than your name.”

Which she hadn’t used yet, he noted. He’d had visions of her crying out his name over and over, but that wasn’t going to happen tonight. Nadir reluctantly slid the delicate strap of her chemise up her arm and settled it securely on her shoulder.

“I don’t know your favorite color or your favorite drink.”

The words rushed past her reddened lips as she tried desperately to explain herself. But he didn’t believe a word of it. Zoe was trying to build barriers.

“I don’t know your pet peeves or your goals. It’s kind of hard to sleep with a stranger even if you are married to him.”

“Women have been in arranged marriages for centuries,” he argued as lust continued to scorch through his veins. “It’s normal. It’s natural.”

“Not for me!”

Nadir gritted his teeth. An American virgin was probably the worst of the lot.

In fact his bride was very American. How long would it take for her to see the same Western sensibilities and spirit in him? If she suspected that he wasn’t as conservative as he pretended she could use that against him. He needed to stay on guard around Zoe.

“Now I’ve made you angry,” she said as her bottom lip wobbled.

Was she going to cry? Nadir rubbed his face with his hand. He hadn’t even raised his voice. How would she react when he wasn’t on his best behavior?

He knew she wasn’t just a virgin whose expectations were different. He understood this was an emotional day for her. She was obviously coming to terms with the fact that she was married and in bed with The Beast.

That wasn’t good. She was too nervous to be seduced into a sensual honeymoon, and despite what she thought he wasn’t going to force her.

The last thing he needed was a bride who was scared of him. That would encourage more questions and rumors. He needed to show the tribe that he could tame this American wildcat into a traditional Jazaari woman. Once they left the village he would send her away. But for now it meant he had to be more attentive. Patient.

But he was not a patient man. He had got where he was today by being merciless, intimidating and unyielding. That strategy wouldn’t work on his trembling wife. He needed to romance her. Show his tender side.

If only he had a tender side.

“Zoe, I’m not angry. Just stop cowering.”

She inhaled sharply. “I don’t cower,” she shot back.

Ah, those tears were fake. She wasn’t above using that age-old feminine technique, Nadir realized as he rose to his knees. That was good to know.

“You make a valid point about how we are strangers. We need to learn about each other more.”

She nodded fiercely and relief shone brightly in her eyes. “Exactly.”

“But you’re still sharing a bed with me,” he announced. He saw the hunted look on her face as he settled onto the other side of the bed. “How else will we know each other more?”

“I—I—”

Her gaze shifted from one point of the room to another. He knew she was trying to come up with an argument.

They had to sleep in the same bed. All it would take was one servant to notice their separate sleeping arrangements for gossip to spread like wildfire. That was the last thing he needed the tribe elders to discover.

“I won’t touch you until you’re ready,” Nadir said.

Zoe’s jaw shut with a snap. She narrowed her eyes as if she was trying to find some hidden loophole in his words. That offended him. Why should she question his word? He was a sheikh. He was her husband.

“I don’t need to force myself on a woman,” he said with lethal softness.

Her face paled. “I n-never said …”

“I know.” She didn’t have to. The look in her eyes indicated that she thought he was the fabled beast who would devour her in her sleep. Nadir swallowed back another deep sigh and turned off the lamp. “Go to sleep, Zoe.”

She gave a huff, as if to say that it would be impossible. Nadir watched as she scooted off to the far edge of the bed. She lay on her side, facing him, as if she had to keep an eye on him.

“You flatter yourself,” he muttered, and reached for her. She protested with a squawk, her muscles locking as he curled her against his side. He tried to ignore how well she fit against him.

“You said you wouldn’t touch me until I was ready,” she said stiffly.

“I won’t have sex with you until you’re ready,” he amended. And they would have sex very soon. He would make certain. “But you’re not going to get to know me, be comfortable with me, if you’re hanging on the edge of the mattress.”

She didn’t fight out of his loose embrace, but he could tell she wanted to. Zoe would probably leave the bed the moment he fell asleep. He had to build a quicker rapport between them, but how could he do that without sex?

He looked up at the ceiling as he considered possible alternatives. He remembered what Zoe had said and he rolled his eyes. It was ridiculous, but he might as well give it a shot. “And it’s blue.”

“What is?” she asked.

“My favorite color,” he answered gruffly. “A deep sapphire-blue. The color of the desert sky right before night falls.”

The silence stretched between them. “Blue is my favorite color, too,” she reluctantly admitted.

“Imagine that.” Nadir didn’t know if she was saying it to please him or if it was the truth. It didn’t matter as long as she’d learned a little bit more about him. Tomorrow she would accept—no, welcome him in her bed. And then he would tame his wife with one night of exquisite pleasure before sending her away.

He closed his eyes, his body still hard, his blood racing as he inhaled Zoe’s scent. Her long hair spilled over his shoulder and her soft body pressed against his. They were skin to skin.

And he couldn’t do anything about it.

He hadn’t expected to suffer like this, but it was a hell of a lot better than his last wedding night.

CHAPTER THREE

ZOE woke up with a violent start. Her heart banged against her chest as her muscles locked so hard they ached. She tilted her head up like a small animal scenting danger. Sunlight streamed in the windows and she heard the muted chatter of people in the courtyard. She cautiously looked to her side, praying that Nadir hadn’t been watching her sleep, and found the bed blessedly empty.

She brushed her tangled hair from her eyes, finding it difficult to believe she had fallen asleep. She wanted to blame it on exhaustion and stress. It wasn’t because she’d started to take Nadir at his word! All night she had lain uncomfortably in Nadir’s arms. Not only had it felt strange to share her bed, but it had been a challenge to keep her hands to herself. She had been inexplicably tempted to explore Nadir’s muscular body.

Zoe bolted out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. She saw some of her clothes hanging in the closet and grabbed a mustard-yellow caftan. Passing by a mirror above the sink, she caught a glimpse of her reflection and stopped.

Oh, my goodness. She shoved her hands in her tousled and wild hair and stared at her smeared make-up. She saw the outline of her body through the thin chemise. She looked bold and sexy, as though she just returned from a night of debauchery. Considering Nadir’s legendary sex-drive, it was something of a surprise that he hadn’t bedded her last night.

Why hadn’t he? Nadir had to be up to something. Men were like that, she decided as she started the shower. They promised to love and take care of you, but really they were using you.

But this time she was using a man, she thought with dark satisfaction as she stepped into the shower stall. She was taking advantage of her husband.

As the hot water pounded against her tired body Zoe reviewed her plan. She wasn’t allowed to travel at all unless she was accompanied by a male relative. It didn’t matter that she was over eighteen, and it didn’t matter that she was an American citizen. The law here was the law. But once she got through the third day of wedding ceremonies she would go on her honeymoon with Nadir. The moment she passed the borders of Jazaar she could escape to Texas.

She needed to find out where they were going on their honeymoon, Zoe decided as she grabbed for a washcloth. She hoped it was somewhere close to America. Once she got home—her real home—she could complete her education and live her life on her terms.

Zoe looked at her hands, which were still decorated with henna. Of course she would still be married to the Sheikh when she arrived in America, but she could get that annulled if Nadir didn’t do it first. He wouldn’t come after her once she reached Texas. He had his choice of women. She was interchangeable to a man like Nadir.

After Zoe got dressed, she glanced in the mirror before stepping into the living area of the hotel suite. She had done everything she could to look plain and dowdy. Her brown hair was still damp and pulled back severely in a tight braid. Her face was free of make-up and she wore no jewelry. Her faded caftan did nothing for her figure, and the shade of yellow made her skin look sallow.

Nadir was going to be horrified—but that was a good thing, she reminded herself as she quietly entered the room. If he didn’t find her attractive he wouldn’t rush her into bed.

She saw two servants carrying trays of food and found Nadir sitting on the silk floor pillows near the low table. Her heart gave a flip when she saw he wore a gray short-sleeve shirt and dark trousers. He rose fluidly when he saw her. She didn’t realize he was speaking on a sleek cell phone until he swiftly disconnected the call.

Nadir frowned as he studied her appearance. She knew that look. Displeasure. Disapproval. Disappointment. Zoe wondered if he already had buyer’s remorse.

“I hope you slept well,” he finally said.

“I did,” she lied. “Thank you.”

His dark eyes gleamed and she assumed he knew the truth. He knew she had been on alert all night. Every time she had thought it safe to move away his hold had tightened.

“Please, have some breakfast.” He gestured at the low table that was laden with food. She inhaled the aroma of strong coffee and savory breakfast dishes.

But she wasn’t used to the luxury of eating first thing in the morning, and the idea of sharing a meal with Nadir felt too intimate. “No, thank you. I don’t eat breakfast.”

“You didn’t eat much last night,” he said, and he placed his hand on the small of her back. The unexpected touch startled her and she flinched. Nadir frowned as she automatically stepped away. “I insist you have breakfast.”

She was surprised that he had noticed her lack of appetite. What else did this man see? She needed to stay on guard, Zoe decided as she reluctantly moved to the opposite side of the table.

“No, Zoe, sit next to me.” He pointed at the large silk pillow they would share.

Zoe’s gaze flew to his face. She saw a flicker in his eyes before he banked it. His expression was polite and innocent. She knew better. He was playing the role of besotted husband.

She glanced at the servants, who now stood several feet away from the table, ready to assist when needed. Zoe wondered if this display was for them. Did Nadir think the servants would gossip about their behavior? That the tribe would analyze everything including how close they sat during meals?

Or was this act simply for her? He had a reluctant bride on his hands. What better way to woo her into his bed than by playing the tender and thoughtful husband? She didn’t think the act would last long, but he was going to be on his best behavior and she needed to use it her advantage.

Zoe gritted her teeth. She should never have complained about how little they knew each other. Would she be expected to stay at his side for the next couple of days?

She knew this was not a battle she wanted to fight and quietly sat down. Nadir sat next to her, his arms and legs brushing hers. She didn’t like sitting this close to someone, especially a man. After years of dealing with her uncle’s temper she preferred to be more than an arm’s length away from any male.

She reached for the coffeepot like a drowning man would grab for a life preserver as Nadir tore off a piece of flatbread. He scooped up some mutton with the flatbread and held it out to her. Zoe gave him a questioning glance.

“Eat this,” he said.

“There’s plenty of food.” She motioned at the bowls and plates that covered every inch of the table. “I don’t need to eat yours.”

“I want to share this with you,” he explained softly as he grazed her lips with the bread. “Eat.”

It was not easy for her to comply. Eating from Nadir’s hand required a level of trust and acceptance from her. She opened her mouth slightly and he popped the morsel in.

Zoe closed her mouth too quickly and caught the edge of his thumb. Nadir took the opportunity to stroke her bottom lip with the side of his thumb as she struggled to swallow the food.

Was he doing all this as an excuse to touch her? Why would he when she looked jaundiced? She was suddenly glad there were servants in the room, knowing that any intimacy Nadir planned would be curtailed.

Or was he trying to get her to depend on him? Did he think that if he fed her she would develop the belief that he provided for her? She couldn’t figure it out, but she knew not to trust this attentive side of Nadir.

“It was a pleasure meeting your brother at the ceremony,” she lied with a smile. The man had made it clear she was unworthy to sit in the same room with him. “Will he visit us today?”

“No, Rashid has already returned to the palace. He sends his regrets.”

Sure he did. It was more likely that Rashid couldn’t stand the idea of her marrying into the family. “Do you have any more brothers and sisters?”

“No, my mother died while giving birth to Rashid. It’s just me, my brother and my father.”

“Will your father attend the last ceremony?”

Nadir shook his head. “My father is unable to make the journey.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. When will I meet him?” Zoe frowned when she saw Nadir hesitate.

“That’s hard to say,” Nadir didn’t meet her gaze. “The Sultan is unwell and is not receiving visitors at this time.”

Zoe’s eyes narrowed. She got the feeling that Nadir didn’t want her to meet his father. Was he ashamed of the match? The possibility stung.

“I forgot to ask you,” she said hurriedly, changing the subject as she grabbed her coffee cup. “Where are we going on our honeymoon?”

He paused and returned his attention to his plate. “To my home in the mountains.”

Her fingers clenched on the coffee cup. She was surprised it didn’t shatter in her hands. “Oh,” she said on strangled breath.

They weren’t leaving Jazaar? No, no, no! That wasn’t part of the plan.

He scooped up another chunk of mutton with a piece of flatbread. When he held it out to her his eyes narrowed on her face. “You’re disappointed?”

“I’m sure it’s a lovely home,” she said in a rush. She couldn’t afford to offend him. “I just assumed we would go overseas because you travel so much.”

“The traveling is part of my work, not my private life.” He held the bite of food against her lips. “I would never take my wife with me on business trips.”

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