“Now, I see things differently.”
His lips grazed her temple. “Why, kalila?”
The answers were on the tip of her tongue. Because now she rode with a man who was no longer a stranger. Because she was wrapped in the arms of her husband. Because he, and all he represented, were part of her.
Because Qasim had become her life.
“Kalila.” Caz spread his hand against her midriff, his thumb just under the rise of her breast. His voice was husky; his breath warmed her face. “Tell me what’s changed since we first came here.”
Megan turned her face to his. Tell him, she thought, oh, tell him…
A roar went up from the riders as they formed a circle around them. Caz muttered a curse and reined in the stallion. They’d reached the helicopter; Ahmet rode toward them, signaled for silence and began to speak.
Caz bent his head to Megan’s, translating softly.
“Ahmet says his timing is lousy.”
She laughed. This was far safer ground. “He does, huh?”
“No, but he should.” His arms tightened around her. “Actually, he says I am a lucky man to have won the heart of a woman more beautiful than the moon.”
“Translation: He was outmaneuvered.”
“Wonderful. The translator needs a translator.”
“Am I right?”
“Of course you’re right, but we don’t have to tell him that. He also says that it’s not too late to change my mind. He offers me a hundred horses for you.”
“Is that good?”
“It’s amazing,” Caz said, with a quick smile. “A man can buy twenty excellent wives for one hundred horses. Don’t poke your elbow in my ribs, kalila. It’s the truth. Go on. Smile at our friend. Let him know that you’re flattered.”
Megan smiled brightly as Caz rattled off a reply.
“What did you tell him?”
“I said he did honor to us both and that it was a tempting offer should I ever—oof!”
“Tempting, indeed.”
“Behave yourself, woman. A man doesn’t get an offer of one hundred horses every day.” Caz drew her more closely against him. “And I told him you were worth a thousand times a hundred horses, kalila. I’m a very lucky man.”
Megan’s heart thudded. She was lucky, too. Caz had changed her life. A week ago, she’d been working in an office, leading a quiet existence. Now, she was the wife of a man who fulfilled every fantasy she’d ever had and some she’d never dared imagine.
She’d almost been foolish enough to tell him so.
She had to remember that none of this was real. He’d made that clear and that was fine, wasn’t it? That was exactly the way she wanted things…Wasn’t it?
“Kalila? What’s wrong?”
Everything. Everything was wrong…
“Sweetheart? What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” Megan said brightly. “I’m just—I’m a little tired.”
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