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Jamal managed a tight smile. “Good.” Then he turned to his future wife, reached for her hand, and raised it to his lips. “I’ll see you soon, angel.”
Chapter Four
Yasmine was left speechless as her future husband kissed her knuckles, electricity zinging through her while his dark eyes held hers. She swallowed hard. She’d never expected him to be gallant. That he’d protected her from any further punishment from her father left her reeling.
She’d expected nothing less than Jamal’s scorn.
A shiver went through her. That this kind, perhaps even devoted man would soon be her husband, made hope beat wildly in her chest.
She managed to smile at him before she scooped up her abaya and wrapped the blanket tighter around her. Then she climbed the steps and disappeared into the bathroom to get dressed.
She closed the door behind her and took a deep breath of the sandalwood soap scent that still lingered in the air. Jamal had obviously taken a shower, and her mind immediately conjured up visions of his nude, wet and lathered body. A deep quiver started in her belly as she recalled his hard body, his even harder cock.
The quiver took on a life of its own at the realization he really was going to be her husband, and that all her planning had come to fruition.
That she was no longer a virgin meant little to her. Yes, he’d penetrated her and caused her hymen to break, but they hadn’t really had sex and she was yet to know the full effects of how her body reacted to his. Even if he’d only be with her to create children, she was glad the pain of being a virgin was behind her now and that the next time she might fully enjoy sex with him.
She pulled the abaya over her head and allowed the loose, dark fabric to fall to her ankles, effectively covering her up. How would Sheikh Arif react when he heard the news she was no longer going to be his wife? She bit her bottom lip. She only hoped he didn’t start a war with Jamal.
Doubtful.Not only was Jamal powerful and rich, with powerful and rich allies, he had a half-brother whose wealth was considered excessive, even by Arab standards.
Her dad was waiting for her—of course he was, she was priceless to him now—and after he nodded at Jamal, he escorted her out of the guest room and into the corridor.
Yasmine felt Jamal’s gaze on her the whole way but refused to look at him. She was still digesting the fact her plan had worked. Was still figuring out how she felt about that—about Jamal!
Her dad walked beside her without a word, his face hiding his thoughts. Despite her rocky relationship with her father, guilt for a moment surged. “Dad, I know you might not approve of what I did, but—“
“Approve?” he chuckled hoarsely. “You’ve become more like me than I realized. You got Jamal good, didn’t you?”
Her breath caught in her too-thick throat. “It wasn’t like that, Dad. I didn’t have a choice.”
“You looked for another solution. I couldn’t have planned it better myself! I’d never even considered Jamal as I didn’t for a second imagine he’d be the type to want marriage.”
If she was meant to feel proud because of her dad’s praise, she felt anything but. She felt…sick. Like she was becoming her father. Like his dirty laundry had stained hers.
“I only hope Jamal will forgive me.”
“Forgive you?” He snorted. “He’s besotted by you. If you play your cards right he’ll give you the world.” His glinting eyes swept over her. “Just don’t forget where you came from and that your people here need you.”
A kick in the face couldn’t have hurt more. Her father was using her as a cash cow, even before the marriage certificate had been signed. That he was already getting a substantial dowry from Jamal was clearly not enough.
“Do it for your mother, at the very least,” her father added in a tone laced with intimidation. She knew her father well enough. He’d humiliate his wife even more if their daughter didn’t cooperate.
“You know I’d do anything for her.”
He smiled at her with something close to warmth. “You’re a smart girl, I’ll give you that.” His gaze brushed over her plain abaya. “And pleasant enough to look at, even with your western appearance.”
“Does it bother you that I look like my mother and not you?”
His jaw tightened fractionally. “Looks fade, Yasmine. Your mother is proof of that.”
Yasmine was so stunned by his insult she didn’t even have the ability to counter one better. Her mother was still a gorgeous woman, despite her forty-five years. Her fifty-nine year old father was blessed to have her.
A guard was already standing at Yasmine’s bedroom suite door, and her father took hold of her arm as the guard opened the door. “Don’t do anything to stuff this up, Yasmine. Too many are depending on this marriage now.”
She managed a smile. “Oh, I won’t. I’m all too aware I dodged a bullet.” She stepped inside, then turned around to his frowning, and perhaps guilty countenance, and added, “Please give my regards to the old goat, Arif. I’m sure he can’t wait to hear about the change of plans.”
Chapter Five
