The Sheikh's Ransomed Bride (22 page)

She gazed at him, almost fearing to believe her ears.

`Belle!’ His grip tightened and she saw a shadow cross his face, betraying a pain she’d never guessed at. `Say that you understand!

That you know how I feel.’

She’d never thought to hear him sound desperate. It ravaged her heart to recognize such pain in him. `Rafiq, I-‘

`You must, Belle. I cannot hear anything else from you. I’ve wrestled with my conscience, but I cannot give you up.’

His eyes blazed fire, his brows furrowed, and the pulse at the base of his throat betrayed the extremity of his emotions.

She slipped her hand from his death grip and lifted it, trembling, to his face. His jaw clenched hard under her touch, and his nostrils flared as she settled her palm on his warm skin.

`Just as well,’ she whispered brokenly. `Because I never want to leave you, Rafiq.’

For one long, glorious moment his gaze held hers, and she felt as if she really could do anything in the world-even fly. For nothing, ever, in the history of all the ages, could surpass this wondrous delight.

`You love me?’ His voice was raw.

Ì love you.’ To admit it out loud was bliss, almost as perfect as hearing him say it. She leaned towards him, but he was too quick.

It was his mouth swooping down on hers, his arms cradling her tenderly against him. And she fell into him gratefully, knowing she was coming home.

Time stood still as they found solace and peace in each other’s arms. They were one at last, and it was perfect.

Finally, reluctantly, Belle opened her eyes as he drew back a fraction. There was open adoration in Rafiq’s gaze. Her heart skipped a beat and she knew that, however many years they’d share, she’d always melt when he looked at her like that.

`Your shoulder,’ he murmured.

Ìt’s fine,’ she said. `What about your ribs?’

À scratch.’ He grinned. `Right now I feel as if I could take on the world and win.’

`Then you can help me face those crowds outside.’

`You’ve no need to worry,
habibti
. They’re halfway to adoring you already. I told you my people, our people, are romantics at heart.’

Belle hoped he was right. She had so much to learn about her new home. She wanted to make Rafiq proud of her.

Àfter all, they must know by now that I’m besotted with you. I’ve made my feelings all too obvious to everyone except, it seems, the woman I love.’

She smiled, secure now in the knowledge that her dream really had come true.

Èven Dawud knew,’ Rafiq said, as he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss against each finger.

`Sorry?’ She couldn’t think when he touched her like that.

`That old devil Dawud,’ Rafiq explained. Ì didn’t ask him to get out the Peacock’s Eye today. He took it upon himself. He’d never do that unless he was absolutely sure of my love for you.’

`Does it matter so much?’ she teased.

He shook his head and swept her up for another kiss. All that matters is that you’re mine, of your own free will.’

And when they eventually appeared on the balcony, much, much later, the patient crowd could see beyond question that tradition had been upheld. The Peacock’s Eye had been bestowed upon the woman who held their prince’s heart.