Free Desert Rogues Part 2 by Susan Mallery

knew his plans, she could come up with her own ideas of how to escape, either before or after the child was born. Because no matter how he threatened her, she would never abandon her child.
    â€œIs that what you think?” he demanded. “That I would cast you into the streets?”
    â€œYou don’t care about me. Until now you only wanted me to warm your bed. Now that you know I’m pregnant, you’ll want me to carry the baby to term, but after that I’ll be of no use to you.”
    He released her as if she’d burned him. Sadik stalked to the entrance of the alcove and turned back to face her.
    â€œYou think so little of me,” he said.
    â€œI’m a realist. All I want to know are your plans.”
    â€œYou will be the mother of my son. As such, you are to be honored.”
    Her racing heart slowed slightly. “You wouldn’t expect me to leave my child and just disappear?”
    â€œI am not an animal.”
    She wasn’t sure she believed him, but his words gave her hope. If he was willing to say that, then maybe she could go to the king for assurances. The idea of making some kind of coparenting plan work seemed impossible, but she would do anything to stay with her baby.
    He glared at her. “I see the doubt in your eyes. How is that possible? In what way have I so betrayed you that you would not trust me now?”
    â€œHow much time do you have?” she asked, not caring that she continued to stir his temper. In truth she wanted him to—
    The sudden sensation of butterflies in her stomach surprised her into silence. She wasn’t nervous…she was furious that she’d been put into this situation, and relieved that at least for now she didn’t have to worry about losing her child. There was no reason she should be feeling a fluttering sensation.
    Cleo’s breath caught. Sadik was at her side in a second, putting his arm around her to support her weight. “What is wrong? Do you need to sit down? Should I call a doctor?”
    He was so solicitous and obviously worried that she nearly laughed out loud. Then she remembered that none of his attentions were about her.
    â€œI’m fine,” she said, as the fluttering continued. “I just felt the baby move.”
    He frowned. “Is that good? Are you supposed to?”
    She considered him the enemy in this situation. Worse, she had feelings for him she wasn’t willing to explore or define. The man tempted her beyond reason and made her forget herself. The safest course of action would be to get as far away as possible. But he was also the father of her child. While growing up she’d seen countless fathers who wanted nothing to do with their offspring. At least Sadik showed interest.
    So against her better judgment, she took his hand in hers and brought it to her belly, where the fluttering was the strongest. She pressed his fingers into her belly.
    â€œCan you feel that?” she asked in a whisper. “It’s the first time I’ve felt the baby move.”
    He was still, then his fingers moved slightly and he grinned at her. “My son is strong.”
    She pushed his hands away and rolled her eyes. “You make me crazy.”
    He ignored that and stared at her stomach. “You do not seem very large in the belly.”
    â€œI’m not showing a lot right now,” she agreed. “I’m a week into my fifth month so I would imagine I’m going to pop anytime now.”
    â€œPop?”
    â€œGet huge. I’m too short to carry the baby with any grace and style. Tall women can hide their pregnancy longer.”
    â€œWhy would you want to hide such a blessing?”
    For one thing she hadn’t wanted him to know. For another…She drew in a breath. “Sadik, you have to promise me something. We can’t let everyone know about this. Not until after Zara’s wedding. I don’t want her big day spoiled by