FF-Saving Grace!!! COMPLETED!! Ch 18 to20 PG 93-94 - Page 49

Originally posted by: starslinedup

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😳Awww HUn...u r just a peach...🤗

U n ur just ridicilious ways of making me feel so so so on top of the world and so so so happy...everytime I read ur comments...or have a lil interaction with ya...such a sweetheart ur ...gal...🤗

Thank u so very much for coming on here...n taking time out to comment...n woh bhi koi choti si comment nahi...full on...Boss sahi hai😉

N ya...a lotta layers to this story for sure...u just sit back n unwrap each layer as ur keep reading ...

Asad I just loved the charater in the book...one of my favs...n yiee ure liking it as well...

n Ayaan hmmm...ur answer is yup!!! kinda...but nothing intrusive...

n big Asad Small Zoya😆..cute...naa

n gal...I tried to change things around to suit the now...so yiee that the golf course scene and the scenes that followed...fell into place..without any issues...so m a happy camper..

n lastly...its for sure..a read for u all...n I hope u'll like it all along...

Thank u once again gal..for a wonderful comment!!! 🤗

WOW 3 hugs for ya..😉

yeah I know im too good na 😆

Big asad and small zoya are cute!:)

I will like the story all along I know that 😃

I love it...😛

Amazing updates...I'm loving this story...haven't read the original one but this is so wonderful🤗...Asad is so arrogant and dominating yet loving and caring...waiting to know the women staff's reaction to what Zoya did for Midas😳...does Ali make any appearance soon?...update soon😃

a fabulous update...

Here you go peeps...as promised...another update

Chapter 7

Asad knew, before he'd even opened his eyes the following morning, that his wife wasn't in bed with him.

Hell, it was just a little past dawn, and should have been the first to leave the bed. His irritation softened, however, with the thought that she was probably downstairs waiting for him in the living room. She had looked worried about Midas the night before, he remembered, and she was no doubt still fretting over the animal.

Both Keith and Calum were already waiting for him in the hall. They wished Mr Khan when he appeared at the entrance.

"Where's my wife?"

Calum and Keith exchanged a worried look, then Calum stepped forward to answer. "We thought she was with you, Sir

"She isn't."

"Then where is she?" Calum asked.

Asad glared at him. " I just asked you that," he snapped.

Midas lifted his head at the sound of his master's voice. His tail thumped against the rushes. Asad went over to the hound, bent down on one knee, and pounded the side of the dog's neck.

"Do I have to carry you outside, Midas?"

"Zoya maam has already taken your pet outside, Mr Khan."

Leila called out the news from the entrance. She hurried down the steps, smiled at Calum and Keith, and then turned to Mr Khan. "She gave him food and water, too. She declared your pet's feeling much better today."

"How would she know so soon he's better?" Keith asked.

Leila smiled. "I asked her the very same question, and she told me his growl is a little stronger today. That was how she knew he had improved."

"Where is she?" Asad demanded.

"She went riding," Leila answered. "She declared it was too fine a day to stay inside."

"My wife went riding alone?"

Asad didn't wait for an answer. He muttered a dark blasphemy as he left the hall. Keith and Calum started after him.

"I take full responsibility should anything happen to her," Keith announced. "I should have gotten here sooner. Today's my day to protect her," he added as explanation. "Damn but I wish she'd stay where she's put."

Calum scratched his jaw. "She's starting to rebel," he decided aloud. He winked at Leila when he passed her, then increased his stride to catch up with Keith.

Asad controlled his worry by getting angry. He'd been most specific with his wife during the past several weeks. She was to rest, damn it. Riding out alone in the hills infested with wolves wasn't his idea of a rest. Did he have to keep her under lock and key? By God, he'd ask her that question just as soon as he found her.

Sean, the stable master, spotted his Mr Khan coming his way and immediately prepared his stallion He was just leading the black beauty out when Asad reached him. He snapped the reins out of Sean's hands, grunted a response to the stable master's greeting, and gained his stallion's back in one fluid motion. The horse was in a full gallop by the time he'd crossed the meadow. Auggie heard the pounding of hooves and lifted his head. He was down on his knees measuring the distance from one hole he'd just dug to the next. He hurried to stand up and bowed when his Mr Khan stopped his mount a scant foot away.

"Good day to you, Mr Khan "

"Good day to you, Auggie," Asad responded. He scanned the meadow, then turned his gaze back to the old warrior. "Have you seen my wife?"

"I'm seeing her now, Mr Khan" Auggie motioned with his hand. Asad turned in his saddle and looked up. He spotted Zoya immediately. She was on the north ridge, seated atop her mount. "What the hell is she doing?" he muttered to himself. "Contemplating her circumstances," Auggie answered. "What in God's name does that mean?"

"I wouldn't be knowing, Mr Khan I'm just repeating her words to me. She's been up there over an hour. I'd wager she's worked it all out in her mind by now."

Asad nodded. He goaded his mount into a full run. "It's a fine day to ride," Auggie shouted.

"It's a finer day to stay inside," Asad muttered in reply.

Zoya was just about to ride back down to the meadow when she noticed her husband coming up the ridge. She waved in greeting, then folded her hands together on top of the reins and waited for him to come to her.

She was more than ready to take him on, she decided. She took a deep breath in anticipation. It was time for her to put her new plan into action. She was a little nervous, but that was to be expected. She wasn't used to taking charge. That wasn't going to stop her though. By God, she was responsible for her destiny, she thought to herself. She needed to explain that fact to her husband.

Zoya had awakened a full hour before dawn and had spent the time thinking about all the changes she wanted to make. Most involved her own behavior, but there were also a few changes she planned to help her husband make.

Asad's pet had actually started her thinking. Zoya had learned something very revealing when she'd taken care of the dog's injury. First came the observation that his growl was all bluster, a sign of affection really. Second came the realization she didn't need to fear the beast. A firm pat and a kind word had won her Midas's loyalty. This morning, when she'd fed the dog, he'd growled with affection while he licked her hand.

Not unlike his master.

Her husband's scowls no longer worried her. Zoya had to remind herself of that fact when he reached her side.

"You were ordered to rest," he snapped, his voice hard with anger.

She ignored his hostile greeting. "Good morning, husband. Did you sleep well?"

Asad was so close to her, his right leg pressed against her left thigh. Zoya couldn't suffer his frown long and turned her gaze to her lap. She didn't want his glare to bother her concentration. She had quite a bit to say to her husband, and it was important she remembered every one of her thoughts.

He noticed his wife had her bow and arrows in a leather carrier strapped to her back. Bringing the weapon along showed good sense, he decided, providing she was accurate in the event of an attack. Practicing with a target pinned to a tree was one thing, but the real proof in her ability would be shown on a moving target... such as a hungry wolf or an angered, charging boar. Those thoughts led to the reminder of the dangers lurking in the hills beyond. His scowl immediately intensified.

"You blatantly disregarded my instructions, Zoya. You are not allowed..."

She leaned to the side of her saddle, reached up, and gently stroked the side of his neck with her fingertips. The caress had been butterfly light, and over before he even had time to react, but it still managed to break his concentration.

Her touch stunned him. Zoya sat back, folded her hands together, and smiled up at him.

He had to shake his head to clear his thoughts. Then he started over again.

"You have no idea of the dangers..."

She did it again. Damned if she didn't deliberately break his concentration by stroking the side of his neck. He grabbed hold of her hand before she could pull away.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Patting you."

He started to say something, then changed his mind. He stared at her a long minute, trying to understand what had come over her.

"Why?" he finally demanded, his expression wary.

"I wanted to show you affection, Mr Khan. Do you not like it?"

"No," he growled.

He grabbed hold of her chin with his hand and leaned down. His mouth covered hers in a long, hard kiss.

She melted against his side, put her arms around his neck, and clung to him as the kiss deepened.

Zoya didn't know how it happened; but when her husband finally pulled back, she was seated on his lap.

He held her close. She collapsed against his chest, let out a little sigh, and smiled with satisfaction.

She wanted to laugh. Dear God, it really worked. She had just proven a most important theory. Asad and his hound were actually very much alike. Her husband liked to bluster as much as his pet did.

"It is allowed for a wife to show her husband affection."

He was giving her his approval, she supposed. And Lord, did he sound arrogant. She leaned

away from him so she could look up at him.

"Is it permitted for a husband to take his wife riding?"

"Of course. A husband can do anything he wishes to do."

So can a wife, she thought to herself. "Why are you always so serious, Mr Khan? It s the truth you don't smile enough

"I am what I am , Zoya."

From the look on his face she assumed he believed he'd given her a full and logical explanation.

He lifted her back on her mount. "You rarely smile," he remarked. "Why is that?"

"I'm what I am, Mr Khan."

She smiled after giving him her tart answer. He couldn't help but grin.

"You're very handsome when you smile, Mr Khan

"But you dislike handsome men, remember?"

"I remember. I was trying to compliment you, sir."

"Why?"

She didn't answer him. "What were you doing up here all by yourself?"

She answered his question with one of her own. "Could you spare an hour and ride with me? I'm on a hunt to find a cave Auggie told me about. There's a treasure inside."

"And what is this treasure?"

She shook her head. "You'll have to help me find the cave first. Then I'll tell you what's inside. I know how busy you are, but surely one hour won't matter, will it?"

He frowned while he considered her request. He did have important duties set aside for today and they should come first, of course. Riding for sheer pleasure didn't make any sense at all to him. It wasn't... productive.

Yet the idea of spending a few minutes, and that was surely all he could spare, with his beautiful wife did appeal to him.

"You may lead the way, Zoya. I'll follow."

"Thank you, Mr Khan."

She looked overwhelmed with gratitude. His gentle little wife derived such joy from little pleasures. Asad suddenly felt like an ogre because he had taken time to consider her request.

Zoya wasn't about to give him time to change his mind. She wanted to get him away from his wors... and his responsibilities so that she could have a long talk in private with him. She grabbed the reins and goaded her mount into a full run down the hill.

She was a skilled rider. The realization surprised him. She seemed too delicate for any outdoor skills.

Asad was content to stay behind her until they reached the forest. Then he took over the lead.

They criss-crossed back and forth while they looked for the entrance to the cave. After an hour's search, Zoya was ready to give up. "Next time we must ask Auggie to ride with us. He'll point the way."

They broke through the trees and stopped in a narrow clearing next to the stream overlooking the valley.

"Are you ready to go back?" Asad asked.

"I wanted to talk to you first, Mr Khan, and if I weren't so hungry, I would beg you to stay here the rest of the day. It's so lovely. Do you notice how green and lush your valley is?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief when she added, "And to think you have such a mild climate all year long. I count myself fortunate each and every day. Yes, I do."

Asad found her enthusiasm refreshing. He'd never seen her in such a lighthearted mood before. It warmed his heart. God's truth, he was reluctant to leave, too.

"I can take care of satisfying your hunger, wife."

She turned to look at him.

" I carry everything we'll need."

Asad dismounted, then assisted her to the ground. "You're too thin, Zoya.

She ignored his criticism. "Where is this food you boast of, husband? Will it appear like manna from the sky, do you suppose?"

He shook his head. She watched as he lifted the flap of his saddle and removed a lunch box.

He motioned her to walk over to trees. He tied the reins of both their mounts to one of the branches before he joined her.

Here take this sheet.He said passing a sheet to Zoya. Spread it on the ground near the trees."

"It probably isn't decent."

The sassy tone of her voice told him she didn't mind if she was decent or not. Her lighthearted mood puzzled him and made him determined to find out what had caused this change. Zoya was usually very reserved.

A few minutes later, she was seated on the sheet eating the dry fruits and crackers from the box.

"It was thoughtful of you to bring the food along," she remarked.

"I tend to go for long rides, Zoya." He sat down beside her, leaned back against the tree trunk, and added, "So I take with me all the required things along.

So tell me Zoya, why are you so adamant with me taking the right course of action with the undertaking of the company.

Because it's the right way to do things.My mom would always tell me when I was a kid that if we do right than we are rewared and if we do bad then we are punished...I might have done something wrong that's why I had to go thorugh all the trauma.But I don't want you to consciously invite problems in your life when ther's a better way of getting thigns done..

Asad could all but taste her fear. He leaned forward and put his hand on her shoulder. She flinched in reaction.

Expalin the truame you were talking about...he commanded

She shook her head. She was sorry she'd brought up the topic. "When will Ali come home?"

He knew she was deliberately changing the subject. He decided to let her have her way. His wife was full of strange worries; and from the way she was gripping her hands together now, he assumed she was reliving the moments in her head right now.

"Ali will come home when the year is done," he answered. "You asked me the very same question yesterday. Did you forget my answer?"

"I'll probably ask you again tomorrow."

"Why?"

"A son should live with his father. Is he content there? Is he happy staying away from you? Do you trust the people looking out for his welfare? A child as young as Ali needs his father's attention," she ended.

She was actually insulting him by asking such questions. Did she believe he would leave his son in the hands of infidels?

Asad didn't believe she was trying to be insolent. The worried look on her face showed how concerned she was about the boy.

"Ali would tell me if he was unhappy or unfairly treated."

She shook her head vehemently. "No, he might not tell you. He might be suffering in silence."

"And why would he suffer in silence?"

"Because he would be ashamed, of course. He'd believe he'd done something wrong to merit such cruel treatment. Bring him home, Asad. He belongs with us."

Asad hauled her onto his lap and nudged her chin up. He stared down at her a long minute, trying to understand what was going on inside her mind.

"I'll bring him home for a visitation."

"When?"

"Next week," he promised. "I'll ask him then if he's unhappy or mistreated."

His hand moved to cover her mouth so she wouldn't interrupt him. "And," he added in a firmer voice when she dared to shake her head, "he'll tell me the truth. Now I would like for you to answer a question for me, Zoya."

He pulled his hand away, waited for her nod, and then asked, "How long did you suffer in silence?"

"You misunderstand," she said. "I had a wonderful childhood and a wonderful college life. My parents were gentle, loving people. My mother passed 5 years ago and my father went downhill from then on.He as you already know passed away 3 years ago, and life was never the same..She said looking away not wanting to reveal more than that.

And now its just your sister and Jiji?

Yes,but I miss them so very much, talking on the phone is not enough, and I miss Ayaan and the people that worked in my house.Damn I miss NY.I wish I could go back.

"I would take you," he answered. "but I'll come along and it wont be all the time. You cant expect to go back at every whim you migh have.

She shook her head. "I don't want to see them... not now. Shouldn't we go back now? It's getting late, and I've kept you from your important duties long enough."

He frowned with irritation. Zoya wasn't making any sense at all to him. She'd looked elated when he told her she could visit NY, yet contradicted herself with the mention that she doesn't want to go see her family now.

Asad didn't like half answers. He was going to demand she give him a full explanation now.

"Zoya," he began, his voice a low growl. "You contradict yourself. I don't like puzzles..."

She unfolded her hands from her lap and reached up to stroke the side of his neck. Her action caught him by surprise, but he refused to be distracted. He took hold of her hand so she wouldn't interrupt him again and continued, "As I said, I don't like..." She patted the opposite side of his neck with her other hand.

Asad was distracted. He let out a sigh over his own lack of discipline, grabbed her other hand, pulled her close, and kissed her.

He thought only to taste her, but her enthusiastic response made him hungry for more. He became more demanding. His mouth slanted over hers, and his tongue warred with hers in mock loveplay.

She wanted more. She pulled her hands away from his grasp and wrapped them around his neck. Her fingers threaded through his hair, and she moved restlessly against him, trying to get closer.

Her sweet response to his touch made him want to forget himself. It took extreme strength of will to pull back. He closed his eyes so he wouldn't be tempted by her sexy mouth and let out a loud growl of frustration.

"Now is not the time, wife." His voice was hard.

"No, of course not." Her voice was whisper soft.

"The dangers here..."

"Yes, the dangers..."

"I have responsibilities."

"You must think me shameless to try to pull you away from your important responsibilities."

"Aye, you are," he agreed with a grin.

The man was driving her to distraction. His hand was caressing the side of her waist as he listed all the reasons why they should immediately return to the holding.

She was having difficulty paying attention to what he was saying to her. Little things kept getting in the way. His clean male scent for one. Asad smelled like the outdoors. It was most appealing.

So was his voice. It was deep and vibrant. She wasn't intimidated by the gruffness in his tone. ' the truth was she found it arousing.

"Asad?"

His hand moved up higher on her thigh. "What is it?"

"I wanted to talk to you about important decisions I'd made."

"You may tell me later, Zoya."

She nodded. "Are there wolves here?" she asked.

"Sometimes," he replied.

"You don't seem concerned."

"The horses will give us sufficient warning. Your skin feels like silk."

She leaned back just a little so she could kiss his chin. His hand moved to the junction of her thighs. She instinctively parted them. He cupped her softness and began to stroke her while his kiss turned wet and hot.

Undressing was awkward and frustrating as well because it took so long,. Asad took over the task. He was just as inept, but stronger. He just used his strength to undress, ripping some clothing while at it.

Asad suddenly became impatient. He couldn't wait any longer. He forced her to straddle his hips, lifted her up, and then made himself stop.

"Take me inside," he commanded, his voice a hoarse whisper. He wanted to shout now but said instead, "When you're ready, wife."

She gripped her husband's shoulders with her hands and slowly lowered herself on top of him. They stared into each other's eyes until Asad was fully imbedded inside her.

The pleasure was almost unbearable. She squeezed her eyes shut and let out a little whimper. When she moved forward to kiss him, she felt a hot rush of ecstasy. She deliberately moved again.

God, her slow, teasing motions drove him wild. He grabbed hold of her hips and showed her what he wanted her to do. Their lovemaking became frantic. Both lost control. Asad found fulfillment before she did but helped her gain her own when he slipped his hand down between their joined bodies and stroked her. She tightened all around him and buried her face in the crook of his neck. She whispered his name with a sob as her orgasm consumed her.

Asad held her close for several minutes, then nudged her chin up and kissed her hard. His tongue mated with hers in a lazy fashion. And then he pulled away.

He didn't give her much time to recover. He kissed her once again and told her to get dressed. The day, he declared, was wasting away.

She tried not to be hurt by his attitude. She wanted to linger but knew his work still waited for him.

They straightened up, dressed, and walked side by side to their mounts.

"You will not go out alone again, Zoya. I forbid it."

She didn't agree or disagree with that instruction. He gave her a hard look before lifting her onto her horse. Zoya adjusted the strap of her carrier on her shoulders, slipped the bow over her arm, and then took the reins from his hands.

"When we return to the house, you will rest."

"Why?"

"Because I have told you to," he countered.

She wasn't in the mood to argue with him. She wasn't about to let him leave in such a brittle mood either. "Asad?"

"Yes?"

"Did you enjoy our time together?"

"Why do you ask me such a question? It should be obvious to you I enjoyed touching you."

After giving her that backhanded bit of praise, he walked over to his mount and gained the saddle.

"It isn't obvious," she blurted out.

"It should be," he countered.

She wanted compliments, he supposed. His mind immediately went blank. He wasn't any good at small talk or wooing. Still, the forlorn look on her face told him she was in need of more praise. He didn't want their interlude to end with her looking dejected.

"You made me forget my work."

There, that statement of fact would surely convince her how tempting she was to him.

It sounded like an accusation to her. "I apologize, Asad. It won't happen again."

"I was giving you a compliment, you stupid woman."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You were?"

Apparently she didn't believe him. "Of course it was a compliment. I am not known to forget my duties. Such ill discipline would cause havoc, and so, you see, I was indeed giving you a compliment."

"Most compliments aren't given in a roar, Mr Khan. That may have been the reason I didn't understand."

He grunted. She didn't know what that rude sound was supposed to mean. The discussion was over, however. Asad slapped her horse's left flank to get her moving.

He didn't speak to her again until they reached the stables. Then he reminded her he wanted her to rest. "Why must I rest? I'm not decrepit, Mr Khan."

"I don't wish you to become ill." The set of his jaw told her it was pointless to argue with him. She was too irritated to let the topic go, however. "You're being unreasonable. I don't wish to stay in bed all day. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night."

Asad lifted her to the ground, then took hold of her hand and dragged her back toward the keep. "I would allow you to sit by the fire in the hall. You may even sew if you're so inclined."

The picture he painted in his mind appealed to him. He smiled just thinking about Zoya doing such feminine things.

She was glaring up at him. He was so surprised by her reaction to his suggestion, he laughed.

"You have very specific ideas about how I should spend my days, Mr Khan. I wonder where you came up with them. Did your mother often sit by the fire and sew?"

"No."

"Then how did she fill her days?"

"With backbreaking work. She died when I was very young."

The look on his face and his tone of voice told her he didn't want her to pursue the topic. He was obviously sensitive about his childhood. The simple comment had told her quite a bit about how his mind worked, however. Backbreaking work had killed his mother... and wasn't that the reason Asad wanted her to rest her days away?

She knew she shouldn't question him further, but curiosity overrode caution. "Did you love your mother?"

He didn't answer her. She tried a different question. "Who raised you after she died?"

"No one and everyone."

"I don't understand."

He'd increased his stride as though trying to run away from her inquisition. He stopped suddenly and turned to her.

"You don't need to understand. Go inside, Zoya."

Her husband could be very rude when he wanted to be. He dismissed her from his thoughts without a single glance back to see if she was going to obey his orders.

Zoya stood on the steps for several minutes thinking about her husband. She wanted to understand him. She was his wife now, and it was therefore important that she know what made him happy and what pricked his temper. Once she'd established those facts, she would know how to respond.

CONTINUED..in the next post!!

Part 2

"What has you frowning so, Maam?"

Zoya jumped a foot, then turned to smile at Keith. "You startled me," she admitted, stating the obvious.

"I didn't mean to' Keith replied. "I noticed you looked upset, and I wondered if I could do something to improve your mood."

"I was just thinking about your Mr Khan," she answered. "He's a complicated man."

"Yes, he is," Keith agreed.

"I would like to understand how his mind works."

"Why?"

She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. "Direct questions don't work," she remarked. "Still, there's more than one way into a house."

Keith misunderstood. "Yes, there are two entrances, three if you count the pathway through the cellar."

"I wasn't referring to this house," she explained. "I meant that there is always more than one way to get what you want. Do you see?"

"But there are still just two entrances to the house maam," Keith stubbornly insisted.

She let out a sigh. "Never mind, Keith."

Keith turned the topic. "Will you go walking with Auggie this afternoon?"

"Perhaps," she replied. She hurried up the steps to go inside. Keith rushed ahead of her to pull the doors open.

"Please excuse me. I want to check on Midas," she added when he stayed by her side. She assumed he wanted to know what her plans were. She really needed to find a way to convince Asad she didn't need an escort. Both Keith and Calum were driving her mad following her around. She'd had to resort to sneakery in order to go riding this morning, but she knew she wouldn't be able to pull that trick again. They were on to her now. Besides, using deceit to get what she wanted wasn't very honorable.

Zoya turned then and hurried down the steps and went over to the hearth where Midas was resting.

"Everyone here have peculiar notions about everything, Midas," she whispered. She knelt down and patted the dog. "Why would grown men care what their women wore? I can see you don't have any answers. Quit your growling. I'm going to look under your bandages to make certain you're healing properly. I won't hurt you. I promise."

The injury was healing nicely. Midas was thumping his tail by the time she'd finished readjusting his bandage and giving him a bit of praise.

Zoya went upstairs, changed into a saree, and then returned to the great hall to help with the preparations for dinner. Fortunately Leila and Megan were assigned the duty today. The other women wouldn't listen to her. Janice, a pretty woman with reddish blond hair, was the worst offender. She would turn her back on Zoya in the middle of her request and walk away. Kathleen was another with a negative attitude toward Zoya. Zoya wasn't certain how she was going to change the women's behavior, but she was determined to try.

Leila and Megan were exceptions to the united rule of ignoring her. They seemed eager to assist her. Their acceptance of her as their bosses wife made her like them all the more.

"What is it you wish done, maam?" Leila asked.

"I would like you to get some pretty flowers for the table," Zoya said. "Megan, you and I will change the linens on the tables and put the new cutlery out."

"The hall's looking fit, isn't it?" Megan remarked.

Zoya agreed. It smelled clean, too. The scent of pine mingled with the fresh outdoors aroma of the rushes on the floor. The hall was large enough to hold at least fifty people. It was sparsely furnished, though. She was just noticing that fact when two staff came down the stairs carrying two tall-backed chairs.

"Where do you think you'll be putting those?" Megan demanded.

"By the hearth," one of the men replied. "We're following our Mr Khan's directions."

Megan frowned. She flipped the white linen cloth over the table and bent to smooth the material. "I wonder why..."

Zoya interrupted. She took hold of the other end of the cloth and pulled it down to the opposite end of the long table. "He wants me to sew by the fire," she explained. She let out a sigh

then. The staff carried the chairs across the room. Midas started growling. The men were both young, and both were obviously a little intimidated by the hound's bluster. They altered their directions to make a wider path around the dog.

Zoya was sympathetic to their fear. She considered telling them Midas wouldn't hurt them, then changed her mind. The staff would be embarrassed if she let them know she was aware of their discomfort. She pretended to be too busy adjusting the cloth to notice.

The chairs were placed at an angle in front of the fireplace. The men nodded to Zoya after she'd thanked them and hurried out of the hall.

The chairs had plump seat and back cushions.

Zoya sighed and continues with her work She took half the stack from Megan and went to set the other side of the table.

"Wasn't it thoughtful of our Mr Khan to think about your comforts? As busy as he is, he still thought to have chairs carried in for you."

"Yes," Zoya hurriedly agreed, lest Megan think she wasn't appreciative of her husband's consideration. "I believe I'll work on some knitting tonight. That should please my husband."

"You're a good wife to want to please him."

"Nah, Megan, I'm not a very good wife."

"But of course you are," Megan countered.

Asad walked inside in time to hear the woman's remark. He paused at the top step, waiting for his wife to turn around and notice him. She was busy placing mats on the table in front of each chair.

"A good wife I was told is a submissive wife."

"Is being submissive a bad thing?" Megan asked.

"It doesn't seem to agree with me," Zoya replied, trying to make light of the painful topic.

"You seem very submissive to me," Megan announced. "I haven't noticed you ever disagreeing with anyone, maam, especially your husband."

Zoya nodded. "I have tried to do his bidding because he has proven to be considerate of my feelings. It will please him to have me sit by the fire and work on my sewing, and since I do enjoy the task, I will accommodate him."

"That's good of you, wife."

Asad drawled out his opinion. Zoya turned around to look at her husband. She blushed with embarrassment. She felt as though she'd just been caught doing something sinful.

"I wasn't being disrespectful, Mr Khan."

"I didn't believe you were."

She stared at him a long minute trying to guess what he was thinking. His expression was contained, and she couldn't tell if he was angry or amused with her.

She was a fair sight to him with her face all flushed pink with her embarrassment. She looked worried. For that reason he didn't smile. It occurred to him that his wife had come a long way since they were married. In just a little under three months, she'd conquered her fear of him. She no longer trembled at the sight of him. She was still too damned timid to suit him, but he hoped, with time and patience, she'd outgrow that flaw.

"Was there something you wanted, husband?"

He nodded. "We don't have a any one one with first aid training here, Zoya. Since you've proven handy with with Midas's wounds, I want you to clean up Calum's wound, and then he will go to the doctor. He cut his hand real bad,while doing a chore.

Zoya was already hurrying toward the steps to fetch her supplies. "I would be happy to help. I'll just collect the things I'll need and come right back down. Poor Calum. He must be in terrible pain."

Her prediction proved false. When Zoya returned to the great hall, Calum was waiting for her. He was seated on one of the stools and was being bathed in attention by the women surrounding him.

Leila, Zoya noticed, was most upset by Calum's condition. She stood on the opposite side of the table pretending to be arranging the flowers she'd collected. Her eyes were misty, and she kept glancing over to look at him. Calum was ignoring her.

The woman obviously held affection for the man. She was trying hard not to let her feelings show. Zoya wondered if it was because Calum hadn't shown any interest in her or if Leila hid her true feelings because she was of another culture. One thing was certain. Leila was miserable. Zoya knew it wasn't her place to interfere; but Leila was such a dear woman, she really wanted to try to help.

Suddenly, another woman came rushing past Zoya.

"I'll be happy to sew you up, Calum," Linda called out. The woman who'd given Zoya the nickname Courageous was smiling at him. " I'll do a fair job all the same."

Zoya stiffened her spine and hurried across the room. "Please move aside," she ordered. "I'll take care of Calum. Leila? Bring me a stool."

Asad came back into the hall, saw the crowd, and immediately dismissed them.

Zoya studied the injury. It was a long, narrow cut that started at Calum's left shoulder and ended just above his elbow. It was deep enough to require threads to hold it together so it would heal.

"Does it pain you, Calum?" she asked, her voice filled with sympathy.

"No maam, not at all."

She didn't believe him. She put her supplies on the table and sat down on the stool next to him. "Then why are you grimacing, sir?"

"I have displeased my Mr Khan," Calum explained in a low whisper. "The paltry cut is proof to him I wasn't paying attention."

After giving her his explanation, he glanced back over his shoulder to frown at Leila. She immediately lowered her gaze. Zoya wondered if he held her responsible for his inattention.

Calum didn't even flinch while she worked on his injury. It took her a long time to clean the cut,. Leila assisted her by tearing long strips of white cotton material to use as a bandage.

"There," Zoya declared when she was finished. "You're as good as new, Calum. Now go to the doctor and get it checked up, I don't want you to get any sort of septic. she added with a nod.

"He can take care of that chore."

Asad walked over to the hearth. He knelt down on one knee to greet his pet.

"I would prefer to change the bandages, Mr Khan," Zoya called out. She moved back so Calum could stand up, then walked around to the other side of the table. Leila had left the flowers in a clutter on the tabletop. Zoya was going to put them in the porcelain vase of water before they started wilting.

"Don't contradict my orders, wife."

Asad stood up and turned to his soldier. His voice was filled with anger when he ordered him to leave the hall. "Get back to your duties, Calum. You've wasted enough time. Leila, stay put. I want to have a word with you before you leave."

The harshness in her husband's voice astonished Zoya. He was obviously furious with Calum, and some of his anger was spilling over to Leila. The woman looked stricken. Zoya's heart went out to the woman. She wanted to defend her. She decided she would have to find out what Leila had done to displease her Mr Khan first.

"I've just instructed Calum not to lift anything heavy, Mr Khan."

"He's going to be working

"Do you mean heavy work?" She sounded horrified.

"I do." He sounded mean.

"He can't."

"He will."

She picked up a flower and stuffed it into the vase. She wasn't paying any attention to what she was doing. She was fully occupied glaring at her husband.

She wasn't being fair, she decided. Her husband just didn't realize how severe Calum's injury was. "The cut was quite deep, Mr Khan. He shouldn't be doing any work at all."

"I don't care if he lost his arm, wife. He will work."

"He'll tear my dressing

"He can use one hand or kick the stones for all I care. Leila?"

"Yes, Mr Khan?"

"You will not distract my staff when they're at work. Do you understand me?"

Tears filled her eyes. "Yes, Mr Khan. I understand. It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't. You may leave now."

Leila made a quick curtsy and turned to leave. "Do you wish me to return tomorrow to help maam?"

Zoya was about to say yes. Asad beat her with his answer. "It isn't necessary. One of the other women will take over your chores.You can assist the guest house staff"

Leila went running out of the hall. Zoya was infuriated with her husband. She rammed another flower into the vase and shook her head at him.

"You've crushed her feelings, Mr Khan."

"Her feelings won't get her killed," he snapped.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Come, Midas. It's time to go outside."

Zoya shoved the rest of the flowers into the vase and then hurried over to block her husband's exit. She stopped just a foot away from him.

Her hands were settled on her hips and her head was tilted all the way back so she could look him in the eye.

His wife wasn't acting timid now. God's truth, there was fire in her eyes. Asad was so pleased by the gumption his wife was showing, he felt like grinning.

He scowled instead. "Are you questioning my motives?"

"I believe I am, Mr Khan."

"It isn't permitted."

She changed her approach. "Giving my opinion is permitted," she reminded him. "And it's my opinion you embarrassed Leila with your criticism."

"She'll survive," he snapped.

It was difficult but she didn't back away from his glare. "A good wife would probably let the matter drop," she whispered.

"Yup, she would."

She let out a sigh. "I don't suppose I'm a very good wife then, Asad. I still want to know what Leila did to make you angry."

"She damned near got Calum killed."

"She did?"

"Yup, she did."

"But surely not on purpose," she defended.

He leaned down until his face was just inches away from hers. "Calum is at fault. He seems to have caught your affliction, wife. He wasn't paying attention to what he was doing."

She straightened her spine. "Are you referring to that little incident I was involved in, husband, when I accidentally walked into the middle of your training session?"

"I was."

"It's rude of you to bring that up," she announced.

He didn't look like he cared if he was being rude or not. "Staying alive is more important than hurt feelings," he muttered.

"That is true," she conceded.

Midas interrupted with a loud bark. Asad turned, called to his pet, and left the room without sparing his wife a backward glance.

Zoya thought about the conversation the rest of the afternoon. She knew she probably shouldn't have interfered in her husband's decisions regarding his people. She hadn't been able to stop herself, though. In the few months she'd been married, she'd grown quite fond of both Calum and Leila.

In truth, she was surprised by her own behavior.

The normal conversations and chaos continued on the table.Conversations of New York and all that was happening in Zoya's company were discussed.Zoya tried to be as involved as she, not wanting to be a rude host,but by the time the conversation led up to Farhaan and his bail, Asad couldn't hel but notice the paleness on Zoya's face.

Zoya excused herself from the table. She went upstairs to collect her bag with her half-completed throw, needles, and wool and then returned to the hall. She sat down in one of the chairs and began to work.

Zoya looked by the dining table and shook her head.

Zoya found the entire situation ludicrous. She peeked around the staff to look at her husband, hoping for a bit of guidance. Asad was watching her, but he didn't show any outward reaction to what was going on. He was leaving the

Zoya just buried herself in her. She adjusted her saree, tucked in a loose pleat, and then picked up her throw again and went back to work.

Her head was bent to her task. She pretended intense concentration, trying to avoid the noise around her. When she heard several grunts that she assumed were rude noises of approval, she had to bite her lower lip so she wouldn't start laughing.

Charlie stayed by Asad's side throughout the rest of the evening. He was catching his Mr Khan up on all the latest happenings. Zoya found the discussion fascinating. The topic was feuding, and it seemed to her that every businessman in the country was currently involved in some sort of an argument.

Zoya was pleased to see the men leave. They were so loud and rambunctious, and it was difficult to discuss anything without shouting every word.

It was blissfully quiet once the men had taken their leave. None of them had bothered to acknowledge her when they left. She tried not to take offense, for at least they had given her husband that bit of respect.

Zoya missed a stitch, frowned, and set about righting the damage. She kept her gaze on her task

She shook her head so he'd know she wasn't believing any of the nonsense,they were talking about Charlie continued with his news. Asad was having difficulty paying attention. His gaze kept returning to his wife.

She enchanted him. Contentment such as he'd never known before swelled inside his chest. When he was very young and foolish and all alone, he would fall asleep each night thinking about his future. He made up dreams about the family he would have. His wife and his children would belong only to him, and they would, of course, live in his castle. Asad often pictured his wife sitting by the fire doing some feminine task... such as sewing.

The images he'd conjured up in his mind as a little boy kept the harsh reality of his stark life from overwhelming him. The fantasies helped him survive.

Yes, he'd been terribly young and tender back then. Time and training had toughened him, however, and he'd outgrown the need for such foolish dreams. He no longer felt the need to belong. He'd learned to depend solely upon himself. Dreams were for the weak. Aye, he thought to himself, he was strong now and his dreams were all but forgotten.

Until now. The memories came flooding back as he stared at his wife.

Reality was a hell of a lot better than fantasies, Asad decided. He'd never imagined having a wife as beautiful as Zoya. He hadn't known what contentment was or how he would feel or how fierce his need would become to protect her.

Zoya happened to look up and caught her husband staring at her. His expression puzzled her.

He seemed to be staring through her as though he was lost in some important thought. Aye, he must be thinking about something troublesome, she guessed, because his frown had become ferocious.

"I could use glass of wine," Charlie announced. "Then I'll get going Damn I'm weary tonight."

Zoya immediately got up to serve him. She turned to serve her husband next. Asad declined the drink with a shake of his head.

Charlie took a long swallow and promptly grimaced. That was good

Asad smiled.

Zoya put the bottle down on the table. She stood next to her husband's side while she waited for Charlie to finish his drink.

She put her hand on Asad's shoulder. Her gaze was intent upon Charlie who was talking about something, and Asad doubted she was even aware she was touching him. The unconscious show of affection pleased him considerably, for it was proof to him that she'd completely conquered her fear of him. And that, he decided, was an important first step. He was out to gain her trust. Oh, he remembered demanding she give him her trust, but he'd realized right after giving her that high-handed order that trust would have to be earned. Asad believed he was a patient man. He would wait. In time she would realize her good fortune and value his protection. She would learn to trust him, and with that trust came loyalty.

A man couldn't ask for anything more from his wife.

Charlies good bye pulled him out of his thoughts

It's most hospitable of you to open your home to me."

Charlie stood up, nodded to Mr Khan, and then went to collect his things. Zoya walked back over to her chair, gathered her throwand needle and put them back inside her bag. Asad waited for her near the entrance.

"You may leave your sewing on the chair, wife. No one will bother it."

Midas came back into the hall, passed Zoya on her way to the stairs, and growled at her. She patted the hound before continuing on.

Asad followed Zoya up the stairs. She seemed preoccupied with her thoughts while she prepared for bed. He added a log to the fire, then stood up, leaned against the mantel, and watched her.

"What are you thinking about?"

"This and that."

"That isn't a proper answer, Zoya."

"I was thinking about my life here."

"You've made the transition without much difficulty," he remarked. "You should be happy."

Zoya tied the belt to her robe and turned to her husband. "I haven't made any transition, Asad. 'its the truth I've been living in limbo. I've been caught between two worlds," she added with a nod.

Her husband sat down on the side of the bed and pulled his boots off.

"I meant to talk to you about this topic earlier today," she said. "But there didn't seem to be enough time."

"Exactly what is it you're trying to tell me?"

"You and all the others have been treating me like a visitor, Asad. Worse, I've been acting like one."

"Zoya, you aren't making any sense. I don't take strangers to my bed. You're my wife, not a visitor."

She turned her gaze to the fire. She was thoroughly disgusted with herself. "Do you know what I've realized? In my bid to protect myself, I've become completely self-consumed.

"You have no need to worry about protecting yourself. It's my duty to take care of you."

She smiled in spite of her irritation. Asad sounded insulted.

"No, it is my duty to take care of myself."

He didn't like hearing her opinion. His scowl was as hot as the fire. "Do you deliberately try to rile me by suggesting I can't take care of you?"

She hurried to soothe him. "Of course not," she answered. "I'm pleased to have your protection."

"You contradict yourself, woman."

"I'm not trying to confuse you, Asad. I'm just trying to sort things out in my mind. When someone's hungry and there isn't any food, well then that someone is consumed day and night with the worry of finding something to eat. Isn't that true, husband?"

Asad shrugged. "I would imagine so."

"For a long time I've been consumed with fear. I lived with it for so long, it seemed to take control of me, but now that I'm safe, I've had time to think about other matters. Do you understand?"

He didn't understand. He didn't like seeing her frown either. "I've told you, you please me. You needn't be worried."

She was exasperated. Since she was turned away from her husband, she felt it safe to smile. "Asad, as surprising as this may be for you to hear, I'm not overly concerned about pleasing you."

He was surprised all right as well as irritated. "You're my wife," he reminded her. "It is therefore your duty to want to please me."

Zoya let out a sigh. She knew her husband didn't understand what she was trying to explain. She couldn't fault him. She barely understood herself.

"I meant no insult, Mr Khan."

She sounded sincere. Asad was appeased. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Then he leaned down to kiss the side of her neck.

"Come to bed now. I want you, Zoya."

"I want you, too, Asad."

She turned around and smiled at her husband. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed.

They made slow, sweet love to each other, and when they each had found their fulfillment, they held each other close.

"You do please me, woman." His voice was gruff with affection.

"Remember your praise, Mr Khan, for I'm certain there will be times in future when I don't please you."

"Is this a worry or a prophecy?"

She leaned up on her elbow and gently stroked the side of his neck. "Nay, I give you only the truth."

She turned his attention with her question about his intentions for tomorrow. He wasn't accustomed to discussing his plans with anyone, but he was in the mood to make her happy and so he went into detail about the what he planned to get done tomorrow.

She vowed not to lecture him. She couldn't keep silent more than a few minutes, though, and hurled herself into a speech about the merits of probity. Asad wasn't impressed with her speech about fire and brimstone. He yawned in the middle of it.

"Husband, it's my duty to help you lead a good, honest life."

"Why?"

"So you'll get to heaven, of course."

He laughed. She gave up. She fell asleep worrying about her husband's soul.

Hope you guys liked it...

And thank u for all the wonderful comments..I'll try to get to them..Cya soon!!!

RES