Desert Rogues Part 2 by Susan Mallery Page A

son.”
    She stretched back on the bed. “The baby could be a girl. You might want to consider that.”
    He ignored her…like that was a surprise. “My son. The first male grandchild of the king of Bahania.”
    â€œI’m done arguing about the baby’s gender,” she told him. “Just be prepared to be wrong.”
    His self-satisfied smile made her want to cuff him. “I am never wrong.”
    She started to respond but was distracted by fluttering in her belly. “It’s happening,” she said, knowing she was crazy for wanting to share this with him.
    But the baby’s tiny signs of life were precious to her, and there was no one else on the planet who would care as much, except for Sadik.
    â€œShow me,” he demanded.
    She took his hands and shifted them to the side. He pressed in slightly, then grinned when he felt the vibration.
    â€œHe is strong.”
    â€œApparently.”
    Sadik was still as the movements continued. His hands were warm and comforting. As she watched, his expression tightened. His eyes darkened with emotion. It took her a couple of seconds to figure out he felt love for their unborn child. Love and adoration.
    On the one hand Cleo knew she should be happy that he was so accepting of the baby’s presence. He could have been annoyed or denied that it was his. Then she reminded herself that if he were to have denied the child, she would have been free to leave. So that would have been a good thing.
    Or would it? Perversely, she was glad he wanted their baby, even though it completely messed up her life. She hadn’t allowed herself to think through all the ramifications of having to live here. She had no idea what she was going to do with herself or what her role would be.
    Now, seeing how much Sadik cared for his unborn child, she felt a dangerous stirring in her heart. She’d been doing her best to ignore her feelings for him ever since she’d run away, but if he kept up his adoration of the baby, she might not have a choice in the matter.
    The movements slowed, then stopped. Sadik kissed her belly, then climbed out of bed. He stood there naked, obviously unconcerned that she could look her fill. His body was darned impressive, she thought, studying the outline of muscles, his flat belly and long legs. Not that she was as old-fashioned as the prince, but she had to admit she’d hit the genetic jackpot with her baby’s father.
    â€œWe will be married,” Sadik announced.
    Cleo stared at him. Her brain absorbed the words and promptly rejected them. Her heart jumped, and she instantly felt way too undressed to be having this conversation.
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œYou are to be the mother of my child. It is right that we should be married.”
    A coldness settled in her bones. Cleo could barely breathe as she sat up, then slipped off the bed. She ignored Sadik as she collected her clothes.
    Married? He wasn’t serious. Yet she knew he was. He would marry her for the baby. Of course. Why hadn’t she realized that before? For the child all things were possible. A combination of rage and hurt flooded her, making her actions jerky.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” he asked as she pulled on her panties and reached for her bra.
    â€œI would think that is obvious,” she snapped. “I’m getting dressed, then I’m getting out of here. I should never have come. I’m sorry we made love.”
    It hurt to breathe. It hurt to keep moving. It was as if he’d attacked her with a club instead of with words. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
    Cleo couldn’t have said why she was so upset. She simply knew that she had to get alone and be by herself before she lost control.
    â€œYou are not going anywhere,” Sadik announced, still beautiful, still naked.
    She refused to look at him. “You would be wrong about that,” she said as she slipped into her dress. It took a shimmy