Chapter 14
Ann watched Tazim’s surprised expression and couldn’t contain the amusement. He wasn’t used to anyone, much less a doctor, treating him or anyone around him with such casual indifference. Or perhaps he was taken aback by the doctor’s reference to payment for a hospital stay.
“Welcome to the United States’ health care system,” she told him, then ruffled Archer’s hair again. “Any chance you brought me some clothes from home?”
Archer eyed her hospital gown as if he didn’t understand why she would want new clothes.
She sighed and looked at Tazim. “This little guy loves running around naked after his bath. If it were up to him, he’d never wear clothing.”
Archer grinned at Tazim, confirming her statement. “Do you like being naked?” he asked,
Tazim, startled by the question, wasn’t sure how to respond. Finally, he said, “Under the right circumstances, yes. Being naked is highly preferable to being dressed.” He glanced at Ann and, shocking her, lifted an eyebrow as if daring her to disagree.
Ann blushed but her son lifted little fists into the air in victory. “See, Momma? It’s okay!”
Tazim chuckled. “The key words in my answer were ‘under the right circumstances’,” he clarified. “I don’t run around naked when there are strangers around.” Again, he glanced over Archer’s shoulders at Ann. “I’m only naked when I’m around people who will appreciate my lack of clothing.”
Archer’s features twisted into confusion. “What’s ‘circumstances’?” he asked, completely mispronouncing the word.
“It means, when the time is right, and not when other people are around.”
The little guy considered that explanation for a moment, his little mouth twisting as he concentrated, then nodded as if he’d come to some sort of agreement. “Okay,” Archer replied, his tone defeated, but accepting. But as with all four year olds, he rallied immediately, standing up on the bed and, with hands swinging at his sides, jumped off to land on the floor. Without hesitation, he reached up and laced his fingers through Tazim’s. “Since you’re my dad, can I have some hot chocolate?”
Ann watched, completely charmed by Tazim’s stunned expression. She suddenly realized that as the ruler of a powerful, wealthy country, he’d probably never experienced another person’s natural acceptance of him simply as a human being. Everyone in his world wanted something from him.
It took Tazim a moment to respond, and he had to clear his throat first. Ann felt her heart melt just a little at the adoration in Tazim’s face as he gazed down at his son. She knew that feeling. She’d experienced the sensation of absolute adoration from the moment Archer had been put into her arms after giving birth. There had been so many instances of that sensation over the past four years. But it still startled her every time.
“Yes,” Tazim finally replied, looking around as if searching for something, but he nodded. “Yes. Hot chocolate. Of course.”
Archer beamed, then started tugging at his hand. “If momma is going to get dressed, she needs privacy. We aren’t allowed to be there when she’s dressing.”
Tazim allowed himself to be led out of the room, but he couldn’t stop a stunned glance back at her as he was pulled away. Ann pressed her lips together, fighting to hide her amusement, then waved at them as they disappeared.
A nurse walked into the room, chuckling at Tazim and Archer. “They are so adorable!” she exclaimed, moving around the room. “Doctor Antin told me that you’ve been released.” She checked the monitors, then nodded with satisfaction. “I don’t know why you’re in such a rush to get away from us. That gown does wonders for your complexion.” Gently, the woman extracted the IV and covered the small wound with a bandage. “But I guess if I had a man like that to go home to, I’d be in a hurry as well.”
She moved around the room, turning off machines and helping Ann stand up. “You’re going to be in a lot of pain over the next few days. Keep up with the pain meds. Don’t wait until you are in pain before taking another.” She put a clean set of scrubs on the bed. “The emergency nurses had to cut your shirt off of you, and your jeans were soaked in blood and thrown out. But we have some lovely scrubs for you to wear home.” She winked at Ann. “I saw that you were jealous of my outfit earlier.”
Ann laughed, delighted with the nurse. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” She wrote something on the chart. “Be sure to check in with your personal doctor so that she can examine your bullet wound. And if you have any concerns, see your doctor or come back here. Don’t hesitate.” She tsked, shaking her head. “I can’t believe that you were shot yesterday and are being released today. In my opinion, you should be here another two or three days.”
“I’m eager to get home,” Ann countered.
“They always say that!” the nurse teased in a mock-insulted tone. “I just don’t understand why!”
Ann laughed, grateful for the pain medication that allowed her to do so. “How long until I’m completely healed?”
“Completely?” the nurse replied, tilting her head slightly. “I’d say several weeks before you’re healed. But as long as your body fights off infections, you will start feeling better tomorrow. Every day afterwards, you’ll feel even better, but don’t push it too hard. You can still pull your stitches out and that will set your recovery back.”
“Got it. Thanks,” she replied, smiling as the nurse helped her dress and she slid a sling in place to hold her arm still.
It was an interesting drive back to her house. The limousine was bigger than anything she’d ever ridden in before. Archer was thrilled to be riding in such luxury and asked Tazim if he could drive over to his school to show his friends.
“I think we should get your mother home and comfortable first, don’t you?”
Archer looked at Ann, his eyes wide. Then her adorable son magnanimously nodded. “You’re right. Momma first,” and the little man nodded his head, those dark locks bouncing slightly with his enthusiasm.
They pulled up outside of her house and Ann couldn’t help laughing when Tazim helped her out with both hands. Archer, trying to mimic his father, came up behind Ann and pushed at her bottom. “I’m fine, honey,” she assured Archer, amused by how sincere he was in his efforts. But being pushed by her butt wasn’t particularly helpful.
Inside the house, Ann went directly to her bedroom, eager to find something other than the hospital clothes to wear. She heard Archer showing Tazim his toys and knew that she’d have a few minutes peace.
She decided on a cotton shirt and a pair of soft leggings. The combination seemed like the easiest outfit to put on over her bandage. Even though the shirt buttoned in the front, she still couldn’t get the shirt on with just one hand and her wounded arm wouldn’t cooperate. Even the smallest movement seemed to pull at the strained muscles and her stitches. Plus, getting a bra on was…impossible with just one hand.
After only a few moments of struggling to dress herself, Ann was flustered, blowing her hair out of her face when a knock sounded on the door.
Before she could call out that she was fine, Tazim poked his head in. “It occurred to me that you might need some help.”
Ann clutched the cotton shirt against her bare breasts. She hadn’t been able to put on a bra and the one she’d been wearing when she’d been shot was cut up and trashed.
He noticed her dilemma and stepped into the room, carefully closing the door behind him. “Why didn’t you ask for help?” he grumbled, moving towards her. He extended his hand, silently demanding the shirt.
“Because I was…” she stopped when he gently tugged the shirt over her wounded arm, then around her back and onto her other arm. Deftly, he buttoned up the front and Ann carefully avoided his eyes. She remembered the way he’d stripped off her clothes five years ago. He’d always been quick about taking her clothes off, but had lingered when putting them back on. His movements now told her that he was no longer interested in seeing her naked. He was quick and efficient, barely even noticing her body.
After her clothes, Tazim carefully slid the sling back over her arm and adjusted the straps so that it was over the cotton shirt and wouldn’t rub against her skin.
“Thank you,” she whispered as he stepped back, praying that her cheeks weren’t as hot as they felt right now.
“Pants?” he asked, looking over her shoulder and noticing the leggings on the bed. “Right,” he muttered.
When he stepped around her, Ann noticed that he wasn’t nearly as unaffected by his assistance as he seemed. He even grumbled slightly as he bent to help one foot into the legging opening. For some stupid, selfish, childish reason, that groan made her feel a little better, somehow.
She rested her non-wounded hand on his shoulder, putting one foot into the leggings, then the other. If her fingers moved over the muscles under her fingertips slightly…well, she was only human.
A moment later, he tugged the stretchy material up her bare legs. Ann fought not to gasp at the touch of his knuckles against her skin, but it was a struggle. When he was standing in front of her, his big, strong hands resting on her hips, she could still feel the heat of his touch burning her inner thigh.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, his voice just as soft and husky.
They stood like that for a long moment, staring into each other’s eyes.
Fortunately, Archer knocked on the door, the sound jerking them back to the present.
“I’m hungry, Momma,” Archer announced through the still-closed door. “Can I have some hot chocolate?”
Ann groaned and stepped backwards, adjusting the sling for her arm. “I think you’ve created a monster,” she teased.
But she walked to the door and opened it. “Nope. No more hot chocolate. How about some granola?”
The little boy considered for a moment, then nodded. “Will you read me a story after?”
Ann looked at Tazim, then back to her son. “Why don’t you show your father how well you read? Maybe he could help you with your math too.”
“Yes! I can show him how well I can make my bed, too!” Archer announced.
A moment later, he was sprinting down the hallway while Ann shook her head and whispered, “He’s horrible at making his bed! Lumps and wrinkles everywhere!”
Tazim chuckled, and followed his son into the small den.
While Tazim and Archer read stories, Ann grabbed the bin of granola she’d made last week out of the cupboard. She poured some into a bowl, then carried it into the den. Sitting down, she listened while father and son read stories and talked about the characters and animals in the book.
Ann noticed a growing ache in her arm and stood up to get more pain meds. Before she could reach for a glass, a strong arm reached past her, grabbing it and filling it with water.
“You’re going to have to learn to ask for help,” Tazim warned her, handing over the glass. He took the small container of pills and, needing both hands, twisted the top off and tapped two out into her palm. “I’ll organize a nurse to be here when I can’t.”
She almost choked on the pills with that bit of news. Shaking her head, she protested, “No! I don’t want a nurse here all the time.”
“But you need someone here to help you.”
She poked her finger at him. “I’ll be back at work in a week. So no, I don’t need…” she stopped when she noticed the look in his eyes. “I will be back at work, Tazim. Archer needs…well, things will get back to normal.”
Taking her hands, he stared into her eyes for a long, silent moment. “I’m not sure how I’m feeling about you keeping Archer’s existence from me, Ann. A part of me wants to hurt you, to take him far away so that you don’t get to see him for the same length of time.” He paused and Ann’s heart nearly exploded at the thought of not seeing her son. “But another part of me can’t do that. I don’t know him, but…,” he sighed, rubbing a hand across the back of his neck. “I can see how much he loves you. So it would hurt him to hurt you.” He stared out the small window of her bedroom and Ann fought back panic. Finally, he turned to face her. “Let’s talk about the future when you aren’t so tired, okay?”
She needed to have her life back to normal, but would that ever happen again? It wasn’t a perfect life, but it was hers and she loved it. She’d had her little son, her cozy house, and a good job, which allowed her to put money away for the future.
Now…what did she have? An ex-lover that she couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off of, the possibility of losing her son to a man who could offer her son a freaking plane, and…and what? What would happen to Ann if Tazim took Archer from her? She’d done it to him. Ann hadn’t ever told Tazim about her pregnancy or the existence of his son. If Tazim really did have a private plane, he could certainly afford excellent lawyers who would argue that Tazim would be a better parental figure than a waitress who’d just gotten shot!
“Stop!” he warned in a soft, but firm voice.
“Stop what?” she asked, mentally getting fired up for an argument.
“Stop building up scenarios in your head.” He kissed her forehead gently. “We’re going to work this out together, okay?”
That sounded really nice, but was he lying? Was he just telling her what she needed to hear? Was Tazim going to take Archer from her?
She stared into his eyes and she saw something there that she didn’t understand. “Who are you? Are you really a member of a royal family? Is that why everyone keeps saying ‘your highness’?”
He gazed back at her, a slight smile curling his lips. “You really don’t know?”
Ann was angry and confused and scared! She wanted, needed, straight answers from him. Not vague questions!
She felt tears well up behind her eyes. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t know, Tazim. Just…who are you?” She stepped away from him, glaring over her shoulder at him before turning to look back out through the window. “Obviously, I have no idea who you are because I never would have thought you could do…that…to me.” She sniffed, fighting back the sudden and unappreciated tears. Then she asked the real question. The question that had burned inside of her for five, long years. “And why the hell did you suddenly vanish five years ago after leaving that hateful note? I would never have thought you’d be so cruel.”
His eyes widened in surprise for a brief moment, then hardened into anger. “I wasn’t aware that offering myself to you was hateful,” he replied, his voice tight now. She watched the muscles flex on the side of his cheek. But he was still kind as he stepped back and announced, “I’ve asked my assistant to have dinner delivered.” He glanced down at her arm. “I doubt that you are capable of cooking tonight and I…” he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m afraid I’ve never seen the inside of a kitchen. So I won’t be much help in creating something edible.”
She was stunned by that comment. “You have a personal assistant? You’re really that wealthy?”
He stared at her for a long time. “Tomorrow, Ann. How about if we concentrate on getting some sleep tonight? Then I’ll ensure that Archer gets safely off to school in the morning. When we’re alone and you’re not about to fall on your face from exhaustion, we can talk privately without the risk of interruptions.”
That sounded reasonable, but Ann didn’t feel reasonable. She felt…tired and confused. And scared. Mostly scared. “You’ll answer all of my questions tomorrow?”
Tazim sighed, looking resigned now as he stroked her cheek softly and nodded. “Tomorrow, I will answer all of your questions. And perhaps you could answer mine as well?”
She thought about that for a moment, assuming that he wanted to know more about Archer.
“Yes,” she promised. “Tomorrow.”
“Good,” he replied, then turned and walked out of her bedroom.
The night was more relaxing than she would have anticipated. Tazim and Archer played together, then he gave their son his bath. Archer was extra careful that evening to not splash water out of the tub, which Ann appreciated since she doubted she’d be able to clean up in her current state. She needed more pain meds, but couldn’t open the damn pill bottle. By the time Tazim had read Archer’s final book and tucked him in, Ann was nearly in tears with the pain radiating out from her arm to her chest, neck, and back.
As soon as Tazim saw the tension in her face, he hurried over to open the pill bottle for her. “Why didn’t you ask for help, Ann?” he snapped, pouring two pills onto her palm. He stepped into the bathroom to get her some water.
When she’d taken the pills, Ann couldn’t stop the tears from pouring down her cheeks. Silently, Tazim took her hand and guided her into her bedroom, then proceeded to undress her. He got her re-dressed in an oversized tee-shirt, then helped her brush her teeth, and settled her into bed, tucking the blankets in around her so tenderly her tears threatened to return.
Ann closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As the pain medicine started to kick in, Ann heard Tazim moving quietly around the bedroom, but by that point, the easing of her pain as well as the roller coaster emotions had exhausted her. So when he slipped into the bed behind her, Ann wasn’t aware enough to notice.