He stiffened. ‘Does it offend you?’
She bit her lip but remained silent because, contrary to offence, every time he used that low, deep-voiced endearment, something decadent churned within her, something she didn’t want to fathom, never mind explain.
Everything about this man pushed her severely off kilter. But it was time for her to regain her balance.
Before she could speak, he rose to his full, imperious height.
Long, elegant strides brought him to where she sat, and he lowered himself into the seat next to her.
The virile force of his masculinity hit her square in the face. Niesha attempted to swallow, and realised that even that small action couldn’t be achieved with him so close.
‘Today my people confirmed what I have known for a while—that they need the stability of a king who is married and stable rather than one who is not. The economic potential of my marriage is immense. To upset that turn of events will be unfortunate and unacceptable. For your part, you have been accepted into their hearts. You, a nobody from nowhere. Even if I wanted to be the first in my family to divorce, which I do not, the reaction to our union has made me rethink my decision. You will stay married to me, and in return I will give you a better life.’
Her insides shook but Niesha forced herself to speak. ‘And what life is that, exactly?’ She wasn’t asking because she was about to accept his ludicrous proposal. She just wanted to buy herself a little time to come up with her own strategy to extricate herself from this situation.
‘Any life you wish for yourself.’
‘And what about Amira?’
His jaw grew rigid for one second. ‘You said she wasn’t coerced into leaving. Unless you were mistaken?’ he asked, one eyebrow lifted.
She bit her lip, recalling those moments in the room. As much as she wanted to deny it, the truth had been plain to see. ‘No, she wasn’t coerced. But don’t you want to find her?’
‘I know exactly who took her and why. It was meant to cause humiliation and chaos, and I’ve successfully averted that.’
She frowned. ‘But you’ll want her back, surely?’
His face shuttered. ‘I spoke to her father before the ceremony. Our arrangement is broken.’
‘Just like that?’
He gave a cold, firm nod. ‘Yes. Besides, I believe I’ve already said I’ve made my choice. Right now, I want to discuss us.’
Her heart shuddered once more. Us. When had they become us?
‘My people have been through enough,’ he continued forcefully. ‘I will not jeopardise the stability of this kingdom with another emotional spectacle like the one my father exhibited recently.’ The heat behind his words shocked her to the core. As if he hadn’t intended those words to slip out, his face tightened. ‘I need someone with a clear head and a strong work ethic by my side.’
‘But...you don’t even know me,’ she repeated.
‘I’ve seen your file. Spoken to those that matter. Your work in my palace has been exemplary.’
She stared at him, stunned. ‘And that’s it? That’s all it takes?’
‘No, that’s not all it takes. But it’s a good basis on which to start.’
Niesha shook her head, her racing heart seeming to have no intention of slowing down. ‘This can’t be happening,’ she said under her breath.
‘Reconcile yourself to it.’ The finality to the words frightened her.
‘I don’t want to,’ she whispered heatedly. ‘You said this was an interim solution,’ she reminded him.
Without warning, he reached out and brushed his knuckle down her cheek. The action, electrifying and unexpected, froze her in her seat.
Several minutes passed in silence. When she chanced a glance at him, his eyes were narrowed, the look in his eyes intently calculating.
Niesha was sure that whatever was going on behind his breathtaking face wouldn’t include setting her free.
‘My people need us to remain married, Niesha,’ he eventually said.