Page 36 of Sheikh's Pregnant Fiancée

“As long as everything is fine.” He draped his jacket on the back of the chair by the door and studied her in the dark. “If the pregnancy isn’t keeping you up, then what is?”

Everything, she wanted to scream. Everything.

“I was wondering how you would feel about letting me go home for a week or two. I still haven’t spoken to my grandmother since I left home. She doesn’t even know I’m pregnant. Your family has welcomed me as one of your own, but I really feel like I need her.”

She held her breath, knowing that she might be inviting a fight. He would probably want to come with her, and she just needed some space..

Not saying anything, he just continued to study her.

“I’m still early enough in my pregnancy that I can travel. I know you can’t get away, but I think my grandmother would like Rihamel. I could invite her to come back with me and meet everyone.”

“I understand the importance of family,” he said finally as he turned and continued to undress. Naked, he slid into the bed and held out his arms. Needing his comfort, even if they were at odds with each other, she slid into them and closed her eyes.

“Thank you,” she whispered and nearly wept. “Thank you. Your mother was talking about her home in Egypt, and I just realized how much I missed the vineyard. How much I missed my grandmother.”

Quietly, he stroked her hair. After a few minutes, she turned and stretched over him, kissing him almost desperately, Even though she’d never let Yusef touch her, she still felt dirty, and the three showers she’d taken today just hadn’t been enough.

She needed him to chase away horror.

There were no words as they came together, and afterward, he silently, tenderly cleaned her up. When she curled up on her side of the bed, he hauled her back into his arms, and she finally fell asleep.

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