The Sheikh's Lost Bride - completed

Chapter Eighteen

She swung around. "They were there, four in all," she began to sway. "We went in the wrong directions I told them...." Tahir tore across, grabbing her before she passed out, swinging her up into his arms.

Abdul opened the door. "We will catch up tomorrow over breakfast. I will organise a villa for you."

"I have one already booked." Tahir frowned. "Under a different name," he nodded.

"I think I will also retire," Anastasia began to follow behind Tahir.

Hashim reached out towards her. She shook her head and walked out. Casey's arm went around Tahir's neck, she hadn't actually passed out, only felt lightheaded, resting her head on his shoulder.

"They need time," she whispered in Tahir's ear. "Please talk to Anastasia."

"I will later. I am seeing to you first."

"I'm alright, I have you, and she isn't."

"Precious, it is something they have to sort out themselves."

"I don't want her running away before it is. How do we know her life isn't in danger also? I feel like they are out to get us all. The four of us." She closed her eyes, eyes burning. "My heard hurts."

"Because you need rest, as you would say....."

"Drama, drama, drama!" She laughed, kissing his neck. "I hope they work it out," she sighed. "They've got to work it out" He cradled her closer to him.

"Let it go Casey." He walked her through the resort towards the villa on the other side. It wasn't like last time. The resort was full of people that were thinning out as they got closer and closer to the villas. Her fingers curled around his neckline of his robe.

"Hon, you need to put me down," she suggested.

"You do not like being in my arms," he asked astonished.

"I do, you know that, but I'm not sure this is a good look for the resort."

"Then stop passing out on me, and we will discuss it."

"I'd try. Hon, I think I can walk," she stated as another couple gave them a strange look.

"My bride," he stated. Casey moaned.

"Um, seven years ago," she pointed out.

"Not quite." Her eyes lowered to her hand, where her wedding ring was, yet no engagement ring, bringing tears to her eyes. "Casey?" He asked as she fell quiet.

"Your beautiful ring, gone for good. I have no idea what happened to it. It was your mother's ring," she wailed in distress.

"Who would have been more worried about the lost bride than the ring."

"But it was...."

"No buts, my love, I can have another one made if you want. I have all documentation, so a copy can be made."

He carried her into their villa, closing the world out.

Arm behind his head, the other around Casey, who was sound asleep, up against him, a leg across his, while Tahir was wide awake, tossing everything around in his mind. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble. Dread filled his belly at the thought it was someone he knew. They had to know the working of the palace. Also had to know the intimated details of the wedding day. Also had their own team of men to pull it off. Had his own men turned that he didn't know about? It was treason and would be dealt with as such.

His arm tightened around his beloved Casey, shuddering at the thought of her in any danger. How? Where? Did she run herself, or taken? How did she leave the palace without being seen? When? Twisting onto his side, he placed his other arm around her, cocooning her with his body and arms, burying her face into her hair, breathing her in, eyes closing.