The Sheikh's Furious Prisoner (The Quabeca Sheiks 1)

“What are you doing here?” Basil asked as he walked into the bedroom with nothing but a towel on. Saja turned around and saw his beautifully-sculpted, half-naked and wet body. Saja gasped and looked away but it was too late. The image of his ripped body was burned in her brain. Muscular pectorals and washboard abs. “Do not pretend like you have not seen an undressed man before,” he said.

“You don't know me, so stop making assumptions,” Saja replied. Basil grunted in response. He took another towel and dried himself.

“So, what do you want?” he asked her as he entered his walk-in closet.

“To go home.”

“You are like a dog with a bone.”

Saja wanted to throw something at him but there was nothing close by. “Don't compare me to a dog, you jerk! Just let me go home already,” she shouted with her hands on her hips. Basil walked out of the closet. She was still standing there with her back to him. He shook his head and started getting dressed.

“You aren't going home, so you might as well abandon those thoughts,” he said. Saja ran her hand through her curly hair. Frustration and anger rapidly built up inside of her.

“You are evil!” she shouted.

“You have to stop raising your voice at me,” Basil tilted his head to the side whilst looking at her. Even though she was wearing a loose fitting dress, he could still see her shape.

“Or what?” Saja spun round and faced him. She crossed her arms over her chest. Basil noticed her breasts heaved up when she crossed her arms like that. His eyebrows rose slightly. He walked over to her and stood right in front of her looking down at her.

“Recant your attitude,” he said. His voice had gone deeper. His tone was dangerous. Saja looked up at him. She was not going to let his large muscular presence looming over her intimidate her. She was going to stand her ground.

“Let me go home,” Saja said with a deeper voice. He was not the only who could deepen his voice. Basil shook his head. They stood there silently staring each other down until Basil's maid walked in.

“Oh, I am so sorry. I will come back later,” she said and turned to walk out.

“Marina, what is it?” he asked her without shifting his gaze from Saja's face.

“His majesty, the King, is on the phone and requesting to speak with you,” Marina said and bowed her head. Basil grabbed his shirt and headed out without saying a word to Saja. She ran her hand through her hair. That moment he was standing in front of her shirtless and staring at her, was intense and awkward. She was grateful for Marina’s interruption.

Chapter 8

News of the King's visit flooded the palace within the hour. The King was coming to visit his younger brother and the maids were quickly getting his quarters ready. Most of them were excited to see him. Saja too had to admit she was curious to meet him. Was he like his brother?

Saja stood out on the balcony gazing at the view. Green lawn stretched for miles. There was a beautiful stone pathway with

palm trees on both sides. The sky was clear, unlike Saja's mind. So many thoughts troubled her, but the main thing was whether she was going to return home. She couldn't leave, the place was heavily guarded and Basil was adamant that she stay.

“What is on your mind?” Saja heard Basil's voice from behind her.

“Home,” Saja replied. Basil joined her on the balcony. He stood next to her with his hands in his pockets.

“This is home now.”

Saja laughed sarcastically. “Clearly, I am not your type, so why would you want me as your wife?” she asked.

“Nobody said anything about that. You would be staying here as my bed-maid.”

“What the heck is that?” Saja turned to face him.

“A position that will require you to fulfil my needs,” Basil responded calmly. It was as if he was saying something polite and normal.

“What do you take me for?” Saja said and tried to slap him but he caught her hand. Basil pushed her against the wall and pinned her hands to her side.

“Do not act like you are not used to it,” Basil said

“Bastard! You know nothing about me,” Saja kept wiggling and squirming. She really wanted to slap him. Suddenly Basil moved closer to Saja and their bodies were touching. He looked her in the eye.

“Why must you behave like this all the time?” Basil asked. His voice was deeper and dangerous.