Taken by the Sheikh by Mel Teshco & Christina Phillips & Cathleen Ross

Author:Mel Teshco & Christina Phillips & Cathleen Ross [Teshco, Mel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-06-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Triumph seared through Khalid’s chest at Sanura’s acceptance. She had given her word, and while she might have run from her father’s edict, he knew she would honor her own freely given promise.

Why wouldn’t she? He had shown her the man he was. The respect and devotion she would receive from him as his wife. There was no reason for her to run from her destiny now.

He turned and picked up a velvet box from the bottom tier of the trolley. It contained the official engagement ring that had been selected for his future bride twenty years ago, on the occasion of their formal betrothal. It was a Salah al Din heirloom, a priceless work of art, and had been worn by many brides in the past.

Sanura stared at the box as though she couldn’t believe her eyes. He opened the lid. The massive ruby glinted in the morning sun. As soon as they returned to Omana he would give her the matching necklace and bracelet. The rubies would look magnificent on her.

“It’s beautiful.” She didn’t sound too sure, and she continued to stare at the jewel as though it was a snake poised to strike. He plucked the ring from its bed of velvet and lifted Sanura’s hand.

“With your acceptance of my ring you belong to me irrevocably.” He slid the ring on her finger. It was a little large but that was of no consequence. It would be altered to fit her perfectly as soon as they returned to Omana.

She curled her fingers into a fist and examined the ring with a bemused frown. He smothered a smile. He had never imagined he would enjoy this moment when he officially claimed his royal wife-to-be, but it had turned into one of the most enchanting moments of his life.

“Well.” She looked up at him. “I don’t know about belonging to you, Andre, but…” Her words tailed off as she once again gave his ring another uncertain glance.

He liked the way she called him Andre. He wanted her to continue to call him that when they were alone together, but it was time she faced the truth. He was sure that, in her heart, she already knew the truth but the words needed to be said aloud.

“You know who I truly am, don’t you?” When she didn’t appear to immediately grasp his meaning he pressed her clenched hand over his heart. “I am Khalid, your betrothed.”

For a heartbeat he thought she hadn’t understood. And then her eyes widened in what could only be utter horror and the blood drained from her face. She looked stricken, in a way she hadn’t yesterday when she’d opened the door to him, and something twisted deep inside his chest.

Why was she still so afraid of a future with him?

“No.” Her denial was little more than a whisper and she tried to pull her hand free. He gripped her tighter. He would not release her hand, and he would not release her from her promise.

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