Chapter 26

Janna

I’m either getting used to flying in a helicopter, or it’s the calming presence of the man sitting beside me, but my stomach doesn’t dip and churn as we take off and start flying over the desert. Maybe it’s because all my senses were turned upside down last night. Just reminiscing makes me shiver. The things this man does to me, which I let him do to me. I had a safeword I could have used at any time. I just didn’t want to.

And now he’s gone and reminded me of that night in the desert, thoughts I really don’t need at this serious time. Am I always going to be in a constant state of arousal around him? Or will his effect on me eventually wear off? I hope that it does, and at the same time as his attraction to me. I have to keep reminding myself, I’m not really his wife. Only until we get Sally back, and a short period after that until we’ll part and go our different ways. It’s so easy to day, but as my gut clenches, it’s not because the helicopter is swooping over a dune, already, I’m fear I might never be ready to let him go.

Sally. Think of Sally. What is she going through? Is she harmed? Afraid? I turn to look out of the window, but don’t take any notice of the sand below us. She’d found the desert romantic, but her delight in it must surely have worn off now. I can’t see any pleasure in being held captive. A dreamy idea that must surely have been destroyed by reality.

Frowning, I think back. When Sally had been directing the filming, I don’t remember seeing Fadi. I hadn’t been introduced to any of the other riders, or taken much notice of the robed men. At the time, my main concern was that the horses they were riding weren’t going to run me down. And then, of course, Jasim had come and swept me up into his arms and we’d left everyone else behind.

What kind of man is Sally’s kidnapper? He can’t be particularly young or attractive, else why would he need to kidnap another woman so he could demand me in her place? My mind conjures up an overweight, heavily bearded, middle-aged man. My nose wrinkles, as I go on to imagine a sweaty, smelly man with a heavy paunch. Cunning and sly, with an unpleasant personality to go along with his looks. My thoughts make me shudder, Jasim squeezes my hand.

What if he doesn’t give Sally back? Would I be able I offer myself in exchange? Goosebumps appear just thinking about it and I dismiss the notion fast. Swap the man by my side with the unknown nightmare I’ve just conjured up in my head? No, I couldn’t do it. But how will I feel if he carries out his threat? Can I allow someone to be harmed just so I can enjoy my life? All at once I grow scared. If he’s not convinced by our marriage, what could we do then? And what exactly will be expected of me?

“Are you okay?”

I can’t lie so give a shake of my head. “I’m just thinking about what will happen. What if Fadi hurts Sally?”

Jasim growls, and his fingers tighten. “He’d be a fool to do that. He knows he’s committed a crime against his country by kidnapping a foreign citizen. He won’t compound his folly.”

“He is facing a prison sentence. We can bargain with that.” As Rais breaks in, I jump, having forgotten we were all on the same radio wavelength.

“You’d let him live if he lets Sally go?” Nijad asks.

“Kadar seemed adamant that incarceration would be the penalty. But for how long? The length of his sentence could be used as a starting point for any negotiation,” Jasim confirms.

“We’re coming up close,” Nijad advises. Straining my eyes, up ahead I can see lorries, men, and a corral. “We’ll be landing in a minute.”

As the helicopter gently settles down, the sound of the rotors makes the horses start. I notice a horse as black as midnight rearing, and Nijad gives a barked laugh of surprise as he shuts down the engine. While the rotors stop turning, Jasim helps me down.

Quickly leaving the pilot’s seat, Nijad walks smartly away in the direction of the horses’ corral. Jasim gives a little tug at my hand, and we follow behind. The black horse comes thundering over, Nijad stretches out his hand for it to nuzzle.

“Amal, my old friend. It’s a long time since I’ve seen you.” With an indulgent smile on his face, Nijad strokes the dark as night horse’s face.

Man and horse seem to recognise each other. “Is he yours?”

“Yes, Janna. This is my stallion. Rais, my friend. Thank you for bringing him here.”

I hadn’t heard Rais approaching, but see him grinning at Jasim’s brother. “I knew you’d welcome the chance to ride him. It brings back memories, my old friend, doesn’t it?”

As they reminisce, I notice another horse, one who’s colour looks familiar, his dark bay coat standing out from the rest. “Is that…?”

“Yes, habiti.” A simple confirmation that was the horse Jasim rode to take me to my special surprise night in the Arabian tent.

Rais signals to his men, and soon a pile of tack disappears as horses are bridled and saddled. To my astonishment, Nijad and Jasim jump the fence and start tacking up their own mounts. The ease with which they do so showing a familiarity bred from practice. In no time at all, they’re ready and men start to mount up.

Following his brother’s example, Jasim is soon astride the dark horse. He holds out his hand, and his strong arm pulls me up so I’m sitting sideways in front of him. My position should feel precarious, but he’s holding me tight and makes me feel safe. Nijad’s horse is rearing, but he only laughs, and I think, encourages him.

“Show off!” Jasim growls.

There’s an army behind us, fifty or so warriors astride their steeds. If I’d come to Amahad wanting adventure, I’d have certainly found it. The thought that Sally would be in her element flits through my head, a salient reminder of just why we’re here. Jasim turns the horse, facing it toward what looks like an impenetrable mountain in front of us, and high on the side, I can make out what looks like a fort.

“Is that where we’re going?” It looks high up; any path must be steep and dangerous.

“Yes.”

Rais, riding a grey, comes alongside us. “Ready?”

Jasim jerks his head, squeezes his legs, and the horse beneath us jumps forward. I clutch at Jasim’s arms to keep my balance.

“It’s alright, I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”

As the horses move off, thundering hoof beats sounding behind us, the sun blazes down, and I pull my hijab up over my face to keep the blowing sand out of my face, sparing a thought for the riders following in our wake. Jasim arranges his headdress so only his eyes are visible, transforming him into a dangerous warrior. As my bum slides back into him, I feel his hard cock press into my behind, and I’m glad he can’t see my face, and know how much, despite the seriousness of the situation, his closeness and touch is turning me on.

Then my thoughts turn to our destination, and what lies ahead. My brief enjoyment of being held by my man starts to fade, as the uncertainty of what we will find returns. What state will Sally be in? Has Fadi hurt her? How scared will she be, not knowing that help and rescue is on its way? Does she think she’s been abandoned? She must feel so alone. Does Fadi even speak English? And what does she know of his plans? Oh God, she must be terrified.

After the brief burst of speed, we slow to a walk, it’s the middle of the day, and both horses and men will be wilting. Jasim explains they’re conserving their energy in case they need to fight. Fadi must know we’re approaching, from his vantage point he won’t have missed the lorries and horses, and the small army that’s now approaching.

It isn’t long before we’re travelling over rocky ground, the sound of the hoofbeats echoing around. I start feeling nauseous, and it isn’t the rhythm of the horse affecting me. I’m scared.

Rais comes alongside, “He must know we’re on our way.”

Jasim pulls back on the reins, his horse stops. “Will he come out to meet us?”

Examining the path ahead, holding his hand over his eyes to shield them from sun’s rays, Rais studies the route ahead, “I doubt it. He’ll expect us to go to him.”

Nijad comes up to join us, “Rais. You and I will go ahead. Explain the position and that the woman, sorry,” he throws me an apologetic look, “Janna, is no longer available.”

“Leave your men here, Rais. I’ll go ahead with you. Your word may not be enough, Ni.”

“It should be.” Nijad’s snarl of disagreement reminds me he’s the ruling sheikh of the desert.

“Maybe I can convince him?” Tentatively, I offer my suggestion.

“I don’t like putting you in danger, habiti, but I don’t see any alternative but presenting our relationship to him together.”

Yes, our fake marriage. Which must appear anything but false.

Rais calls something out to his men, who start to dismount. He has a quick discussion with a man who seems to be his second-in-command, and they both take out their phones as if checking the batteries or signal.

At my look of confusion, Jasim explains, “The satellite phones should work in the desert.”

“Should?”

He waves at the rocky walls which seem to close in over the track. “Unless the signal is blocked.”

When Rais finishes his discussion, he’s back with us again. “Now, we proceed. Carefully, Sheikhs.” His glare suggests while Jasim and Nijad outrank him, here his knowledge of the desert means he rules.

It’s a single-track path. Rais takes the lead, Jasim and I behind him, and Nijad brings up the rear. The path is rocky and uneven, and I’m grateful for Jasim holding me tight. The horse stumbles and momentarily loses his footing, then regains it again. My heart’s in my mouth as we start up the steep incline.

“Move your weight forward, so we don’t overbalance him.” As well as I can, I lean down to the horse’s neck.

“Are we too heavy for him?”

“Don’t worry about that. He can carry both of us, no problem.”

But I start having doubts as the track steepens, and hold my breath for what seems like hours until it starts to level out. Up above us the fortress comes nearer, and at last we’re entering a plateau. And we’re no longer alone. Emerging from what looks like a solid stone rock face is a man dressed in black robes and headdress, with a dozen warriors behind him. Like their leader, they’re all on horseback, and heavily armed. We’re outnumbered.

Jasim doesn’t falter, he comes up next to Rais, with Nijad on his right. Our horses keep moving, only coming to a halt when we’re face to face with the leader.

The man, who I assume is Fadi, moves his horse forward and I notice he is nothing like my imagination had conjured up. He’s younger to start with, his features defined making him fairly handsome, intelligent eyes staring out from olive skin much darker than Jasim’s. His mouth is full, his chin sharp and clean-shaven. He holds himself regally, and although his robes hide his form, he looks fit like a fighter.

He inclines his head in a polite bow, “Sheikhs. And Miss Stevens. Welcome. You’ll come take refreshment before you journey back?” Well, his perfectly spoken English shows he’s bilingual, at least.

“Cut the crap, Fadi,” Jasim snarls, “We’re not here as your guests. We’re here to take the Englishwoman home.”

“Ah, the lovely Miss Cartwell. I’ve been enjoying her company.” His face twists for a second. “If you come with me, we can make the exchange.”

“You do know you’re a dead man, don’t you?” Nijad’s leaning forward, his hands lazily holding loose reins, his stance belying the seriousness of his words.

Fadi laughs, “I’ve done nothing you haven’t done. Both of you,” he waves his hand at Jasim, and then toward Nijad, “were involved in a kidnapping. An Englishwoman who you, Nijad, forced to become your bride.”

“The circumstances were very different. And it was on the order of the emir. As well you know, Fadi. All the tribal leaders agreed with our actions.”

I throw a look toward Nijad, and then remember he’d said Jasim was involved too. But as Jasim’s arm tightens around me, I understand it’s not the time to ask questions. Feeling eyes burning into me, I stupidly look around and meet the stare of the errant sheikh. He’s watching me intently, believing he’s so close to his prize. I sink back into my lover’s arms.

Jasim must have noticed the direction of his eyes. Possessive arms hold me tight as he turns my head in toward his body, “I’ll thank you not to stare at my wife.”

Now I can’t see him, but I hear the growled exclamation. “What trick are you trying to pull?”

“No trick. We were married yesterday. You have no claim.”

There’s silence for a moment. Then a rattle of bridles, as summoned horses move closer. “A dead man can’t have a wife.”

“True words, Fadi,” Jasim answers his threat without missing a beat, “If you kill me…”

I gasp, interrupting him, realising what Fadi was suggesting.

“If you kill me,” Jasim continues, “You’ll be taking the life of a prince of Amahad. Emir Kadar is already insulted by what you’ve done. There will be no place you can hide if you take up arms against the throne. And your tribe will forfeit their lands.”

“Don’t be so stupid, man.” Rais snarls.

Wriggling in Jasim’s arms, I turn around so I can watch the man apparently deliberating on my new husband’s fate. I can stay silent no longer, “If you harm Jasim and think you can take me, be warned, I will kill you myself the first chance I get.”

Jasim hugs me to him, “I think you can believe my wife on that.”

Fadi taps his hand against his chin, after a moment he narrows his eyes, “Have you proof you are married?”

“You don’t take the word of your sheikh?” Nijad sounds outraged.

Rais reaches into his robes.

“Be very careful,” Fadi snarls. “If you kill me, my men’s instructions are clear. The woman you’ve come for will die.”

“You asked for proof. I’ve brought it with us.” Rais pulls out some papers, and lets them flutter to the ground.

Jerking his head and spitting out fast words in Arabic, Fadi then waits, as the man he’d addressed slides off his horse and fumbles for the documents lying on the ground. Once he’s bundled them up, he passes them into his leader’s hands. We all wait in silence as he reads the copies of the contracts, and then looks through the photos.

Finally, he nods, and looks at me. “You make a beautiful bride, but then I knew you would.”

“Only for my true husband,” I retort.

His head tilts to the side, “This is real? Not an elaborate story you’ve concocted?”

Jasim snorts, “You can see my signature. Would I have committed on paper had I not given my pledge to this woman?” As he speaks, his hand reaches up, and turns my head toward him. Before I realise what he’s doing, his mouth lowers on mine, and he ravishes my lips with a devastating kiss. Knowing we’re giving a demonstration, I show I’m a more than willing partner, and if the moan that escapes helps prove my infatuation, it’s not intentional.

When Jasim pulls away, my fingers trace the lingering essence of him he left on my lips. Almost forgetting where we are, I gaze into his eyes.

It’s only when Fadi speaks again that I return to my senses. “I don’t blame you, Sheikh Jasim. I only regret you got there first.”

Jasim sighs, “In that case, Sheikh Fadi, let us put an end to this farce. Bring out the woman and we’ll take her back. We’ll leave it to Emir Kadar to determine your fate.”

As a response, Fadi opens his hands and holds them palms up, then raises his chin, “I’m afraid it’s not as simple as that.”

“What the fuck do you mean?” Rais growls, kicking his horse forward until it’s right in the face of Fadi’s mount. “Get the woman and bring her here. And you’d better hope she’s unharmed.”

Now it’s Fadi’s turn to heave a deep breath, he shrugs, “She’s unharmed, I assure you. And I am more than willing to let her go. But she refuses to leave.”

What?