to your child. I want you to stay because we belong together. Be my wife.”
The words were magic but a little surprising. “Have you had a recent head injury?”
Qadir laughed, then pulled her close and kissed her. “I have been a fool. Many years ago, I gave my heart. When it was broken, I vowed to never love again. I did not recognize what had happened until it was almost too late.”
Joy filled her until she thought she might float. She flung herself at him and held on as hard as she could. Qadir squeezed her tight until she shoved him away.
“I can’t,” she told him. “This will never work.”
“Why not?”
“I’m a mechanic. I can’t go from that to being a princess.”
“Why not?”
“You need someone else. Someone more in keeping with your place in society.”
“I want you. Only you. I want to make you so happy, you feel pity for all other women.”
A great goal. She was so tempted. She loved him. This was her dream come true.
“I’m scared,” she admitted.
“Of me?”
“Of how much I love you.”
“We can face our fears together, sweet Maggie. I love you.”
She went to him then, because she didn’t have a choice. He already had possession of her heart. He might as well take the rest of her, too.
“Forever,” he promised before he kissed her. “Now will you stay?”
She smiled. “Just try to get rid of me.”
SUSAN MALLERY
