A tight smile curved Tariq’s mouth as he appreciated the view. From her casually upswept hair, to the swell of her hips and neatly rounded bottom, Samira was all woman.
All his.
She turned, surveying him from under the long fringe of her lashes. He felt that look right to the soles of his feet.
In a more reflective moment he might worry about her ability to reduce him to molten hunger. Right now he was too busy enjoying himself.
He stepped forward, then halted, puzzled by her expression. She looked... He couldn’t pin down her expression but sensed secret satisfaction. Her smile was pure Mona Lisa.
‘Samira, what is it?’
She opened her eyes wide as if surprised he’d sensed the energy radiating from her. Tariq wondered that he hadn’t noticed it sooner, but he’d been absorbed responding to other needs. Now he paused, surveying her face.
Her eyes glittered like faceted gems. He’d never seen them so bright. And there was something wistful about her smile that drew him on a level that had nothing to do with sex.
She was simply the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
His eyes traced the gentle curve of her mouth, the throb of her pulse at the base of her neck, and something punched hard and low in his belly. Something more than desire or possessiveness. Something he’d never known before.
‘Samira, talk to me.’
‘I have some news.’ Her gaze cut from his and he noticed her hands twisting together.
Instantly Tariq tensed. He stepped forward and took her hands. They trembled in his and he frowned. ‘Bad news?’
She shook her head, loose tendrils of ebony silk swirling around her throat. ‘Good news. Unbelievable news.’
Her eyes met his again and heat scudded down his spine to flare out into his belly. Her radiant smile pulled his own lips wide. Anything that made her happy was worth celebrating.
‘Don’t keep me in suspense.’
Her hands turned in his, fingers clasping tight.
‘The most wonderful news in the world. We’re going to have a baby.’
CHAPTER TEN
THROUGH A HAZE of elation Samira watched Tariq’s broad brow furrow in amazement. She nodded eagerly, urging him to accept it was true, though she found it hard to believe herself.
Time stood still on this moment of pure joy. The seconds slowed as he stared down at her, his features setting into lines of disbelief.
‘It’s true. Really.’ She felt like a giddy kid, excitement fizzing in her veins.
‘You told me you couldn’t have children.’ Tariq’s eyebrows arrowed down in a black line and his tone sounded almost accusing.
‘I did. That’s what I thought, what I’ve believed for years.’
‘You didn’t think to check?’
Samira started at his harsh tone. This wasn’t the reaction she’d expected. ‘You don’t sound happy.’
He shook his head as if to clear it, his expression surprisingly grim. ‘I sound like a man whose wife assured him children were an impossibility.’
She frowned. Surely she imagined his disapproval? ‘I was told by my specialist I couldn’t have children.’
Even now those words rang like a death knell, making her shiver. For they had been a death knell. He’d broken the news after she’d lost her precious child. It had been a double blow, to miscarry then learn there could be no other babies in future.
‘Here. You need to sit.’ Tariq took her by the elbow and led her to the seat beside the bath.
Immediately she felt better. For an inexplicable moment she’d worried he wasn’t pleased with her news. Samira sighed as she sat, her legs none too steady.
‘Thank you. It’s still a bit of a shock.’
‘But you’re absolutely sure?’ His look was intent.
‘The doctor just confirmed it.’ Not just any doctor, but the best obstetrician in the capital. She slipped her hand across her abdomen, reassuring herself. ‘He was just here. He assured me the earlier diagnosis was flawed. Obviously, since there’s a baby.’ She found her lips curving once more in a smile.
Tariq nodded. ‘I thought I recognised him in the distance.’
For a moment Samira wondered how Tariq knew him, till she realised the same doctor might have attended Jasmin. She blinked and looked quickly away.
In her excitement Samira hadn’t considered how her news would dredge up bittersweet memories for Tariq. No wonder he seemed a little...aloof. She’d been so wrapped up in excitement she hadn’t thought of anything else.