His Reluctant Bride (5 page)

Two days later Katie began to feel more herself. It felt like the wedding was just a distant nightmare and she had actually convinced herself that everything would be alright now. She had contacted Gareth and Dave only minutes after landing begging for their help and they had naturally been only too eager to help. They had sent money that Katie had promised to repay and it had been enough to rent her a cheap hotel room in Paris though she made sure to move far away from the airport, just in case. It was also enough to buy a couple of pairs of cheap jeans and tops and a pair of trainers. The last of the money bought groceries and she was confident enough that she would be able to find a job in order to keep renting the room and affording to pay back Gareth and Dave.

It was such a relief to be free of her duty for the first time in her life and Katie enjoyed spending the day exploring Paris while making sure that she was suitably disguised with a hat and glasses on. Who would have thought that the dowdy tourist was actually royalty? Paris was amazing and Katie went back to her hotel suitably happy and excited to see more over the next few days. After taking off her shoes she sank exhaustedly on to the small bed and turned on the tiny TV becoming instantly immersed in a romantic movie that made her smile yet also made her wish that she could find such an amazing guy as the heroine. 

It made her jump when there was a sudden knock at the door and she clutched at her racing heart as she stumbled to the door hesitating as she reached for the handle.

"Who is it?" she called looking through the tiny peep-hole at a strange man in a waiter’s uniform who was holding a small tray.

"Room Service," he called and she frowned still hesitating.

"I didn't order anything," she informed him certain he had got the wrong room.

"Compliments of the manager," he offered and she frowned wondering if it was somehow a trick.

"Why?" she asked suspiciously and the man seemed surprised though it was hard to tell.

"The manager, he say you save his son," the man offered as an explanation and Katie gave a relieved sigh. It was true that she had pulled a young boy from the road that morning narrowly avoiding a car although she hadn't realised he was the manager's son.

"Oh, thank you," she said as she finally unlocked the door and opened it only to regret it two minutes later as Tariq appeared in her doorway with a dark thundering look on his face that made Katie attempt to slam the door in his face but she wasn't quick enough and before she could stop him Tariq was standing before her glaring down like a forbidding god intent on destruction.

"Monsieur, Madame!" The waiter offered as he deposited the tray on the one small table before silently departing closing the door quietly behind him.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Katie demanded though it lost most of its fierceness as her voice quivered with fear at the retribution that she knew would soon occur.

"The question Catherine, is not what I am doing here but what the hell you are doing here!" he demanded softly with his voice full of unspoken threats.

"The real question is where is your mistress?" Katie responded instead as she tilted her head slightly as though searching the empty room for Amber's presence.

"What nonsense is this?" he asked furiously as he observed her pale features.

"Don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about. We both know that I only fill the time until you can be with the one you really want," she said bitterly and Tariq looked stunned by this announcement.

"You are being ridiculous!" he told her and she gave a harsh laugh.

"Am I?" she asked mockingly and he sighed.

"Enough of this nonsense. You leave me on our wedding night and then expect me to believe your lies?" he asked and she gasped in shock.

"Lies? They are not lies!" she hissed not that Tariq paid the slightest bit of notice for he was too busy examining the tiny room and the few items of clothing that she had resting on the one small chair in her room.

"You left me so you could stay here?" he asked incredulously and Katie glared at him as she folded her arms defensively across her stomach.

"It's charming," she offered but even she didn't really believe that.

"It's a dump!" he declared as he picked up a pair of jeans examining them with a curl of his lip that showed how distasteful he found them.

"What are you doing?" she snapped snatching them out of his hands.

"We're leaving!" he announced suddenly as he grasped hold of her wrist and began pulling her towards the door but Katie dug her heels in refusing to be dragged back in to his life.

"No! I'm not going anywhere!" Katie told him furiously as she yanked her arm from his grip and Tariq turned stormy eyes on her.

"You dare to argue?" he asked incredulously and Katie threw her hands in the air.

"God no, who would dare to argue with the Darlayan Sheikh, God of all he surveys?" she mocked and his eyes narrowed.

"You are my wife and your place is at my side. Not in some hell-hole in Paris!" he snapped and Katie glared right back at him.

"I'm your convenient wife and my place is wherever the hell I want to be. Your mistress can be the one by your side. I have it on good authority that she's an expert in bed," Katie confided while Tariq's anger became palpable.

"Enough!" he ground out and she placed a hand over her heart.

"What's the matter Tariq? Too honest for you?" she asked and he gritted his teeth furiously.

"You have two options Catherine. You either walk out of here at my side or I carry you over my shoulder. Choose!" he offered and Katie glared at him having no intention of doing either.

"Go to hell!" she flung at him instead and he raised a brow at her vehemence,

"You have two seconds to choose," he offered and when she still refused to move he stepped closer.

"You wouldn't dare!" she spat.

"Try me," he replied and in one quick move he swept her off her feet and threw her over his shoulders ignoring her screams of frustration.

"Put me down, dammit!" she yelled trying to hit him anywhere she could reach but Tariq ignored her and instead he strode from the room taking her down to where his car was waiting. He placed her in the car then followed clamping his arm firmly around her waist so it offered her no escape. After instructing his driver he sank back in the seat and observed her flushed face as he realised that his wife needed taking to task. He could have forgiven a foolish mistake on her part but she wasn't even sorry and seemed determined to thwart him at every opportunity. It was high time he taught her just what was expected of her as his wife and ensured that her extensive education was put to the test.

"We're here!" he commented moments later as the car came to a stop and Katie glared mutinously up at him as he slid from the car and offered her his hand which she studiously ignored. He waited a few moments before reaching in to grab her and Katie cursed as he picked her up and once more threw her over his shoulder. 

"Put me down dammit!" Katie cursed for the hundredth time as he entered their spacious suite and he strode through to the bedroom before he complied. Lowering her gently to the bed he placed his arms either side of her effectively caging her in.

"Do not move!" he ordered his eyes warning her against defying him. And then he was gone and Katie breathed a sigh of relief as she heard the shower run. Getting to her feet she raced for the door only to come to an abrupt halt as she opened it to find a large man guarding it and he did not seem happy to see her. Slamming the door she cursed furiously and wondered if there was any other way out of the damn place but before she had chance to look Tariq was back and wearing nothing but a towel hitched at his waist giving her an extensive view of his glorious body that even now had her breathing growing quicker.

"I warned you not to move!" he hissed and suddenly she found herself being tugged in to his strong arms as he dispensed with her jeans and shoe then carefully discarded her top before placing a possessive kiss on her lips. Then he picked her up once again and placed her carefully beneath the covers before following and then ridding himself of the towel Tariq pulled his wife in close against him and turned out the light. 

"What are you doing?" Katie demanded a few moments later when it became apparent that Tariq was not trying to seduce her but was instead holding her against him, his arm curled over her hip like he owned her.

"Trying to sleep," he replied and she frowned.

"Sleep?" she repeated and he sighed.

"Yes sleep. I have spent two day flying across the world trying to track down my wayward wife, certain that something must have happened to her because she could not have left me on my wedding night. And now that I've found you I have no intention of letting you go again," he replied as she settled down and his breathing became steady but all Katie could do was lay awake as his last words echoed in her mind. He would never let her go again! Even if it was the last thing he did.

Katie had no idea how long she laid there staring in to the darkness but minutes dragged in to hours and eventually she must have slept for she awoke suddenly.

For a moment she lay there with her eyes closed feeling warm and secure before she shifted slowly and froze at the feel of an arm grazing her thigh.

Katie’s eyes flew open as it all came rushing back and she cursed beneath her breath. Dammit! How could she have forgotten for even a second that she was in bed with the enemy? And how could she have felt secure lying next to the one man who offered no safety whatsoever?

Holding her breath she risked a glance at her husband’s sleeping form and slowly began edging her way towards the side of the bed praying that she would make it before he awoke.

Her prayers went unanswered as she prepared to swing her legs out of bed only to cry out in shock as firm hands clasped her waist and rolled her over so she found herself laying beneath a hard male body.

“Get off me, you fiend!” she shouted aiming her fists at his shoulders, to no avail for he simply caught them in one of his hands and gave a husky chuckle that feathered its way down her spine making her shiver at the sound.

“Is that any way to greet your husband in a morning?” he asked mockingly and before she could utter a single word his dark head descended to capture her lips. She had been expecting a punishing kiss meant to teach her a lesson in subjugation but this kiss was the complete opposite.

His lips softened against her own, nipping and teasing until she gasped and parted her lips allowing him the access he craved. His tongue entwined with her own in a sensual dance as he deepened the kiss in to something softer and so magical that it made her lose herself in the moment.

When he finally pulled away they were both out of breath and Katie stared at him, her eyes as wide as saucers and filled with a deep uncertainty.

“Much better,” Tariq approved as he rolled over so he was no longer caging her with his body.

“Bastard!” Katie hissed as she dove from the bed and glared down at him, forgetting that all she wore was her underwear and that she presented quite an alluring picture for him.

“I will only wear so many insults!” Tariq warned in a deadly soft voice as he observed her from the bed and she glared at him once more before turning and storming in to the bathroom slamming the door firmly behind her.

Tariq couldn’t help being amused by his wife’s temper and for some reason she appeared even more beautiful with her eyes flashing green fire at him and her whole body projecting angry waves. It made absolutely no sense to him that he liked the fact his wife had a backbone and argued back rather than being submissive. If any other woman had dared to speak to him like she did they would never have made the mistake again. For that matter if anyone other than his parents had spoken to him like that they would have regretted it immediately. So, why did he allow her behaviour to continue? Why hadn’t he put a stop to it the moment it had started? Maybe because all of a sudden he wasn’t sure he wanted a dutiful wife who would be submissive for their entire marriage. Having his every word obeyed became boring after a while and he had even begun to grow bored of his mistress’s but for some reason he couldn’t see himself growing bored of Catherine. She would not meekly follow his orders without question. On the contrary she would challenge his every word, fight against his every request. He could see even now that they could have a good marriage. All they had to do was find a balance between his arrogance and her stubbornness.

All it would take was a little communication and some time to get to know each other, he acknowledged as he gazed thoughtfully at the bathroom door with plans already beginning to form in his head.

Katie escaped in to the bathroom and leaned back against the door, close to tears but refusing to let them fall. She would not show that sort of weakness in front of the enemy.

It seemed ridiculous that such a simple kiss had toyed with her emotions so much but it showed another side to her husband, a gentle, caring side that contradicted his arrogance and autocratic nature making her more confused than ever. How could he possibly be so gentle one minute yet so heartless the next?

She was supposed to hate this man who had forced her in to a marriage she didn’t want, a man who cheated on her at their own wedding. And yet despite his faults Katie sensed that beneath the surface lay a gentler man who could capture her heart if he chose to.

It scared her to think that any man could have that power over her and especially this man who would use any weakness against her.

With that thought he expression hardened and she tried to harden her heart against him in the same way. There was no conceivable way that she would ever fall for his tricks. He was a man used to getting his own way and all these small gestures were just an act, one that she refused to fall for.

All she had to do was summon Amber to mind and her anger resurfaced, along with revulsion at just what a fool she almost been for falling for his charms.

Of course the man was charming! He was royalty and a billionaire with women falling over themselves in an effort to be with him. He’d had practice at charming the birds from the trees and now he dared to use that experience on her?

Enough was enough!

Instead of thinking how charming he was, Katie was going to use her time to devise an escape plan. Her first attempt might have failed but she learned from her mistakes and she was a quick study. She would be more careful this time and already she could see a plan forming in her mind. She would slip away quietly while he was distracted and would take some of his money. She felt guilty about the last part but he’d left her no choice. She couldn’t access her own bank accounts without tipping him off so there were no other options than to use the sources available to her.

This time she would escaped for good and he would never take away her freedom again!

With that in mind she entered the shower and smiled to herself as a cunning plan began to form.

When Katie finally emerged dressed in a complimentary white towelling robe that buried her in its warm depths she was stunned to find breakfast waiting for her.

“I didn’t know what you fancied, “ Tariq explained as she glanced up and Katie stared at the spread in complete awe.

There was everything that anyone could possibly want. From cereals and toast to Bacon and Eggs, Croissants and pastries to yoghurts, fruit, pancakes and a hundred other things.

Katie found that she was both touched by his consideration yet offended by his wastefulness. There were millions of people all over the world dying from hunger and yet he bought up a feast just for her that would end up mostly wasted.

“I won’t be long. Help yourself to breakfast,” Tariq instructed as he placed a gentle kiss on her temple before he strode to the bathroom only to pause in the doorway as something occurred to him and he turned back to face her with eyes hard as granite.

“Don’t even think of leaving!” was his parting shot as he finally entered the bathroom.

Katie didn’t just think about leaving, she jumped up and raced to the door peeking through the peep hole hoping that his goon was gone. Her heart leapt at the sight of the empty corridor and she was about to throw open the door and leave when a dark shadow strode up the corridor and took the shape of a well-muscled, intimidating man who took his place outside the door and made Katie’s shoulders slump in dismay.

“Dammit!” she swore at the realisation that she had missed an opportunity to regain her freedom.

Crossing back to the small dining table she collected a plate and helped herself to some fresh fruit. She ate with obvious enjoyment relishing the taste of each juicy morsel until her plate stood clean. It was as she finished the last bite that Tariq appeared wearing a matching robe and he offered a dimpled smile her way.

“You are enjoying your breakfast?” he questioned as he seated himself opposite and poured them both a coffee before helping himself to some delectable pastries.

“It was delicious, thank you,” Katie responded and he frowned at the stiffness in her tone.

“Would you like something else?” he asked his eyes narrowing on her empty plate.

“No, thank you. I couldn’t possibly manage another mouthful, “Katie replied and he considered arguing but decided to let it go. His wife was certainly too thin and he wondered if perhaps she was suffering from a weight disorder but now did not seem the time to confront her. At least she had eaten something, which was progress.

Once they had finished eating Tariq summoned someone to take away their leftover food and Katie’s anger grew at the thought of that all that perfectly good food being thrown out so carelessly. Her anger disappeared in an instant however when she overheard Tariq instruct the young men to box up the leftovers and distribute them to the homeless shelters in the area.

Katie was stunned that he would have thought of something so kind and sensitive. It made her see him in a new light and she had to fight to hold on to that image of him as the billionaire playboy who was simply using her.

All too soon Tariq indicated it was time for them to leave and Katie panicked at the realisation that if she didn’t do something soon then she would be travelling back to Darlaya with him and then there would be no escape for her.

While Tariq was on the phone issuing instructions that would undoubtedly be followed immediately, for nobody ever said no to his highness, Katie snooped around until she found some cash which she shoved in to the jeans she had slipped on. She couldn’t help the feeling of guilt that swept through her for no matter how she justified it she knew that what she was doing was stealing.

“Ready?” came the deep voice from behind her and Katie jumped hoping that her guilt didn’t cross her face.

“Yes,” she said having no choice but to agree.

Without a word he slipped an arm around her waist and began leading her towards the door. He had not packed any of their discarded property for a man of his wealth did not concern himself with such things when he could easily buy more.

A luxury car swept them away to the airport and Katie waited until they were making their way towards his plane before she came to an abrupt halt and turned an imploring gaze upon her husband.

“I need the restroom,” she informed him quietly and his eyes narrowed as he took in her pale features and her too wide eyes.

“Can you not wait until we are on the plane?” he asked and Katie offered a weak smile.

“Not unless you want to have my breakfast all over your shoes for I suddenly feel very sick,” she informed him and Tariq became suspicious as he allowed her to step in to the main airport and use the restroom.

She waited only until the door had closed behind her before whirling round and searching for an escape. She had no hope of escaping by the door as Tariq was there along with his goons and there was no way she could sneak past them. There were however two small windows that led out on to the tarmac and she hesitated before she clambered on to one of the sinks and levered herself up so she could gain the ledge. Ignoring the mystified looks from the women present in the bathroom Katie forced open the window and took a deep breath before she slid herself through, grateful for the small amount of weight she had lost as she barely squeezed through as it was. Hanging from the window by her fingertips she took one last breath and then let go and dropped to the ground landing ungracefully but still on her feet.

Katie gave a smile as she realised that she had done it, she was free!