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“You don’t want to kill your brother,” she said.
He took her chin in his hand, the hold possessive, his dark gaze intense. “I know that,habibti. I don’t intend to.” Then he turned back to Cairo, and she could feel his rage again. “The dungeon might be suitable.”
“The dungeon. Is that what you think?” she asked, her heart pounding wildly.
“And will you throw Ariel there as well?” Cairo asked.
“I am the Sheikh. I could marry her if I chose, regardless of whether or not she is bound to you.” He paused. “Or I could throw her in there with you. Or... Take two wives.”
“Two wives?” Cairo asked.
“Yes,” he said. “For I have already decided who I will marry.”
Brianna felt the tent tilt.
“You said that you wanted to marry her,” Cairo said, gesturing to Ariel.
“I said for you to bring her to me. I said it was what I required. I did not say why. I had thought that I might marry her. But I have decided on another course of action.”
“What is that?” Cairo asked.
“I’m marrying Brianna.”
And the world became nothing more than shattered glass.
“Riyaz...”
“It will be no argument,” he said. “You are mine. Or have I not made you so these last days?”
Brianna’s face went hot and she knew Cairo would know, immediately, what had happened between herself and Riyaz.
Their passion was incendiary, but marriage? He had never once acted like he wanted anything but sex from her.
“The situation is complicated, I see,” Cairo said. “How dare you burst into my wedding tent given that you already decided what you plan to do?”
“I have not said yes,” said Brianna, and then she rounded on Riyaz. “I’m not yours. I don’t live here. I’m not a citizen of this country I don’t...”
“You’re mine now,” he said. “Our bodies do not lie. You have lain with me, and you will be my wife.”
Brianna’s whole body felt like it was on fire. “Can you please not announce...?”
“You have stormed into the aftermath of my wedding night,” Cairo said directly to her. “Why should you be embarrassed to have your own activities commented upon?”
“Cairo,” she said. “I’m sorry. I...”
“You know, both of you could ask the women around you what they want,” Ariel said. “Just because a woman sleeps with you it does not mean she wishes to marry you. Just because she is born doesn’t mean she wishes to marry you. Just because her father says.”
“Yes,” said Brianna. “Exactly that.”
“It is done,” said Cairo. “You are my wife.”
“I’m nothiswife,” said Brianna.
Riyaz looked her up and down. “You will be. Perhaps we might find someone out here to do the deed.”
Panic rolled through her.
“You cannot get married in a desert,” said Cairo. “You must have a wedding that is symbolic for the people.”
