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

“Well, how else would I act? You're keeping me against my will and you make assumptions about my life,” Saja spoke through gritted teeth.

“Well if you had a better attitude then you would not be having such a hard time. This will be the last time I warn you. Do not disrespect me again.”

Saja felt his warm breath tickle her face. Strangely, it wasn't a bad feeling. She felt the hardness of his body against hers. His dark, intense stare made her feel both nervous and angry. Why is he making me feel like this?

Basil was uncomfortable so close to Saja. She made him angry. He was not used to a woman like her. He did not know how to deal with her and that bothered him. He did not like to be backed into a corner. He immediately moved away from her when he felt a familiar warm feeling in his groin and walked off. He didn't want to feel aroused around her. Saja placed her hand on her chest. She was confused. What had just happened?

***

A few days later, the King arrived at Basil's palace. Marina rushed to his office to announce his arrival to Basil. Moments later, the King walked in and smiled as he saw his younger brother. They immediately embraced before sitting down.

“It has been too long, little brother,” the King said.

“It has,” Basil smiled. Marina walked in with a range of refreshments and snacks. She placed the food on the table and poured drinks for the both of them. “How is the queen?” Basil asked. The King grunted with displeasure and took a sip of his drink.

“She is fine, cordial at the moment,” he replied. He had been having problems with his wife. Their marriage was political and beginning to affect them both.

“This is why I dislike the idea of marriage,” Basil said.

“Oh brother, you are too cynical.”

“Marriage is like life in prison.”

The King started laughing. His brother was impossible. “Hasn't your bride to be changed your views on marriage?” he asked. Basil grunted loudly and shook his head.

“If anything, she has really put me off.” Just as Basil finished saying that, Saja stormed into the room. She came to a halt when she saw the King. Basil rubbed the top of his nose. He did not want to see her, not when he was still welcoming his brother. He was relieved that she was dressed appropriately but there was no telling how long she was going to stay that way. Last time she ripped parts of her dress off in front of Badir. The King looked at Saja.

Saja stood there for a moment analysing him. She could see the resemblance between the two men, but she hadn’t met him before. Then she realised that he was the King. He was wearing a suit; she had thought that he would have been wearing something traditional.

“Can we help you?” Basil asked her. The King was still wondering who she was. Saja completely ignored Basil's question and smiled at the King. She bowed her head.

“You must be King Al-Qadir,” she said.

“I am, and who are you?” he answered. He was amused by the fact that she did not know who he was. Everyone he had ever come across knew him.

“I am Saja, your brother's betrothed,” Saja said the word betrothed with a slight frown on her face. The King's face lit up with amusement and fascination.

“Ah, please join us,” he said as he gestured towards the sofa. Basil looked at him as if he was crazy. He did not want Saja to join them. She could detonate at any moment, there was no telling.

“Err...” Saja was about to refuse but Mona shot her a warning look. No one could refuse the King. Saja quickly sat down. Mona's look was too intense; she had to sit down. Mona was standing beside Amber. The two of them shook their heads and looked at the ground.

“I hope she does not do anything in front of the King,” Mona whispered to Amber.

“There isn't a need for her to join us,” Basil said to his brother.

“Nonsense, I am intrigued to meet your future wife,” the King replied. Future wife, those two words made Saja shudder. She really did not want to be Basil's wife and there was no way she was going to let that happen.

King Al-Qadir turned his attention to Saja. He asked a few questions about her. She answered his questions politely. Basil could not believe it. This was a side of her that he had not seen and he did not trust. He felt like she was up to something.

“What is it that you do?” the King asked Saja.

“Well, your majesty, I just finished my first year of housemanship,” Saja replied. Basil's eyes flew open. That was one detail he did not know about her.

“You are a doctor? That is impressive,” the King replied with a big smile and nodded his head a few times. “I do not think my brother has been with a woman of your calibre,” he added and looked at Basil. Basil frowned and looked to the side. He had pegged Saja for an illiterate woman. It surprised him to know that she had a medical degree.

“Thank you,” Saja replied. It did not surprise her that Basil had never been with intelligent women. Of course, they had to match him. That arrogant, pretentious, insufferable jerk! He made her blood boil. She was surprised to see his brother being so polite to her. They were different and she was thankful for that. She did not think she could handle two of them.

“But aren't you a bit young to have completed your housemanship?” the King asked her.