Claimed by the Sheikh by Rachael Thomas Page B

he.
    â€˜That is a strange question when you are my wife.’ He treated her to one of his most charming smiles, the kind that had robbed her of her heart within seconds of seeing him for the first time.
    She’d been young and naïve then, swept up in the romance of being engaged to such a handsome man. She’d known of him long before she’d met him and had fallen in love with what she now knew was the fantasy conjured up by her imagination.
    â€˜For almost a year, Kazim, we have led completely separate lives. I am your wife in name only, nothing more.’
Because you refused me, turned me away in disgust.
The words were on the tip of her tongue and she pressed her lips firmly together to prevent them from leaving. He must never know how humiliated she’d been when he’d rejected her. A man legendary for his prowess as a lover, her mother had warned, would not be expecting a simpering girl. Heeding that warning had been her one mistake and one which ended her marriage before it had begun.
    â€˜I have been busy with many problems since our wedding. I hope now all those issues can finally be resolved. My father’s ill health worsened the situation, forcing me to return to the palace. On our return, all will be well.’ His words rushed her back to the present faster than the jet was flying. She mustn’t dwell on that night. She had to be as strong as he now was; it was her only defence.
    â€˜Our return?’
    â€˜Yes, Amber. You are Princess of Barazbin and you have a duty to your people, just as I do. Your return is expected in the current circumstances.’ Had she missed something when her mind had been back in the past? Had he told her just why he was demanding her return?
    â€˜What circumstances?’ She heard the slight tremor in her voice and hated herself for it.
    â€˜As I explained last night, my father is ill. He is a weakening man and, despite whatever else I think of him, he is a good ruler. He wants to secure the future for his people. A future both you and I are duty-bound to play a part in.’
    â€˜I am not returning to Barazbin with you out of any sense of loyalty or duty to your people...’
    His words cut across hers. ‘They are your people too.’
    She took a deep breath, composed herself and spoke with as much regal dignity as possible. ‘I am returning because you have blackmailed me, using a young boy who is in desperate need of help. That is the only reason I am going anywhere with you, Kazim. Don’t ever forget that.’
    Not because I am still in love with you.
    He rubbed his finger and thumb over his jawline as he took in her words, the shadow of stubble rasping, snagging her attention. His eyes narrowed with suspicion, irritation clear in his voice as he leant towards her. ‘It is not blackmail. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement. One we will both gain from.’
    How could he possibly believe that, when he’d plainly stated he would walk away from her and from Claude if she didn’t agree to return to Barazbin with him?
    She looked at him, aware of the hum of the jet’s engine, taking her on the first part of her journey back to his country, a place she didn’t want to go. And she was going because he held all the cards, wielded all the power.
    â€˜It’s blackmail, Kazim. And you know it.’

CHAPTER FOUR
    F ROM THE HOTEL WINDOW Amber studied the view of London, desperate to do anything other than face Kazim as he shut the door of their suite. The flight from Paris had been short, but she was so tired, so emotionally exhausted, she might as well have flown around the world. Not a word had been exchanged since she’d accused him of blackmail. He’d read over papers until they’d touched down in London, his silence brooding and ominous.
    â€˜We have a dinner engagement this evening. I trust you have something befitting your position to wear.’
    His voice held an irascible