Page 49 of Sheikh's Unexpected Triplet Babies

Bedelia was so tired that she didn't even jump. Instead, she only turned to see Jahin stepping out of the shadows. She realized he had entered the apartment while she was speaking, without her being aware of him at all.

"I don't know," she said softly. Her gaze met his in the dark, and if her heart could have broken any more, it would have. "I hope it works."

For a moment, it looked as if Jahin was going to speak, but then he only sighed.

"Come on, storyteller," he said softly. "You can't sleep there."

She didn't protest as he lifted her in his arms. There was simply something so very right about being held close to him, about hearing his heart beat in time with hers, that she relaxed instantly. She had been so tense, and this was what she had needed to make it stop.

Bedelia was vaguely aware that he carried her to his bedroom. She remembered the feel of the mattress, the singular scent of his fresh sheets. She murmured with pleasure as he drew the blankets over her shoulders, but when he tried to pull away, she grasped at his sleeve.

"Stay," she said imploringly. "Please. Just for tonight, I don't want to be without you."

He was still a long moment, and then with a sigh, he kissed her forehead.

"All right," he whispered, and a sleepy smile crossed her face.

She fell asleep listening to the familiar sounds of Jahin stripping to the skin before coming to lie behind her in the bed. His long, lean form cupped hers perfectly, and finally, finally, she was able to fall into a deep and dreamless sleep.

***

Bedelia woke up feeling whole and healthy, and at first she was confused. She hadn't slept well in days, and to wake up feeling so alert and cheerful now was almost strange.

Then the memories of the night before came rushing back to her, and her eyes widened.

The bed next to her was empty and cold, but she could hear someone moving around in the main part of the penthouse. She bit her lip, wondering what she should do.

Finally, she took a quick shower and dressed herself. She thought about putting on an outfit that was alluring and designed to catch the eye, but regretfully, she put the thought aside. It seemed silly and cheap now by the light of the morning. Instead, she pulled out a gray-green dress that made her eyes glow bright, and she took a deep breath.

"Wish me luck, kiddos," she said softly, stroking her belly, and then she walked into the living room.

Jahin wore a pair of black silk boxers and a silk robe. Despite its already being mid-morning, he was obviously not going to work, and she felt a small hint of hope.

Instead, he was seated at the breakfast nook, and there was a full breakfast of bread, fruit and coffee in front of him.

"Is this a private breakfast, or can anyone sit down?" she asked.

"Well, I'm afraid that I have a guest coming," he said politely, and at her crestfallen look, he laughed ruefully. "I'm sorry, I think I'm still getting used to...well, never mind. It was a joke, and a bad one. Of course the other seat is set for you, Bedelia. Please, sit down."

She smiled a little at her own foolishness and took her seat. A brave woman might have simply launched into a new attack, but right now, it felt too good to be doing something as normal as having breakfast with Jahin that she couldn't interrupt it just yet.

"This looks amazing. I can't have the coffee, but the rest of this is perfect."

"Ah, I had forgotten about the coffee. What would be better for you?"

"Anything that doesn't have caffeine, really," she said with a shrug. "Not a big deal. Most of the eating changes I have to make are ones that I should be making anyway. I like my junk food way too much."

"Ah, so no more spicy kebabs?" he asked teasingly, and she groaned.

"Don't even mention them. I can have them after the kids are born, but until then, I should really be eating better than that."

There was a pause while she ate some delicate melon and a croissant, and when Jahin spoke again, there was a thoughtful tone to his voice.

"There is so much that I never knew about pregnancy. I suppose a part of me always thought it was woman's work, that I would not have to know at all..."

"Well, that's terrible," she said tartly, but he continued.

"But now that this has happened, now that you are carrying my child, my children...I want to know all about it."

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