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“No,” Sayed and Yusuf said in unison.
“What? Why not?” How else were they going to get it?
“Too risky,” Yusuf said baldly.
“In what way?” she asked, again feeling like she was missing something.
Sayed grimaced. “We cannot afford for word of this situation to leak to the press, particularly in the wake of the scandal Tahira’s defection has caused.”
Liyah wanted to protest at being labeled a situation, but understood Sayed’s viewpoint. He was already facing major public scandal; she had no desire to add to it.
“Stealth mode. I’ve got it.”
Sayed sighed. “If destiny has ordained you carry my child, then we will do our best to face that fate with courage and honor, but we will proceed with caution in the interim.”
“You make it sound like we’re going to war.”
He smiled and shook his head, dropping his hands. “Life is a war of choices, Aaliyah. Last night, neither of us made the best
ones, but that does not mean we rush headlong into rash decisions this morning.”
She missed the touch of his hands, but told herself not to be a fool. “We look at our options and take responsibility.”
Something Liyah believed in very strongly and couldn’t help being glad he did, too.
Sayed was no Gene Chatsfield.
“Exactly.” Sayed’s tone was laced with satisfied approval, his gaze almost warm before he turned very serious. “However, some responsibilities carry greater weight than others.”
“What do you mean?”
“I need to return to Zeena Sahra. Tahira’s actions will have long-reaching consequences for our country.”
Feeling unaccountably bereft at the thought of his abandonment, Liyah nevertheless nodded. “I understand.”
“Good. It is unfortunate you will not be able to work out your notice, but it is fortuitous that you already made your plans to leave.”
“What? Why won’t I work out my notice?”
“I’ve told you, we must leave for Zeena Sahra immediately.”
“You said you had to leave.”
He gave her a look that said she wasn’t following him. “Naturally you must come with me.”
“Why?”
“You may carry my child.”
“But we don’t know.”
“And until we do, you will be under my protection and care.”
“But—”
“Come, do not tell me you would not love to visit the country of your mother’s birth.”
“I would, very much, but under different circumstances than these.”
