Now she allowed the tears to flow because of all the things she’d believed she would find when she’d gotten on that plane and changed her life, this love was beyond them all. They would walk away from wealth, privilege, and fame for her? She let her hands find Kade’s gorgeous face and silently thanked whatever being had blessed her. “I love you. I’ll take care of you, too.”
He shed his clothes after turning on the shower, leading her inside. As he gently washed her, she made a vow. She would take care of all her husbands. Even the stubborn one.
* * * *
“I have laid out your clothes for the evening, Your Highness.” His butler nodded toward the bedrooms, then took his leave as Dane entered the room.
“You called.”
He looked at his bodyguard and felt like shouting. “I thought someone was watching my concubine.”
Bile rose in his throat. God, he’d treated her like a whore when she was the sweetest thing he’d ever known. Her sensuality had been generously given, and he’d tossed her aside. And he’d left her alone to take care of herself. He’d realized his mistake and had almost returned to Piper when he’d noticed his brothers coming down the hallway. They would treat her better than he could.
Dane’s eyes were icy cold. “Cooper is on her.”
Thank god he had a place to put his rage. “Cooper is fired. He has neglected his duties. The bastard let her get away from him and she found the dungeon.”
Dane pulled his radio. “Coop, can I get an update on Her Highness?”
“The sweet one or the sour one?” Coop’s voice cracked over the radio. “Sorry. Had to do it. Her Highness is in the dungeon with Kadir. Rafe just left, and let me tell you, his panties were in a big old wad. I think you might be looking at a throw down. Whatever happened to the sheikh to make him storm out of the dungeon seems to have gotten Rafe as well.”
Dane pressed the talk button. “Thanks, buddy. Keep an eye out. The ambassador is bringing a whole crew in tonight, and Khalil is invited, naturally. I don’t like it. Something feels wrong.”
“Will do.”
The radio went silent, and Dane turned back. “She was never out of his sight until she entered that room. It has one exit, no windows, and no one has been in there for over a year. I scarcely think someone laid in wait all that time. She’s got to have privacy sometime.”
And he’d fucked up again. God. He felt like his whole fucking life was spiraling out of control. “See that you keep my bride safe.”
“Who should I protect her from? You?” Dane asked.
Tal turned.
Dane shrugged, a negligent gesture. “It was a good bet you would fuck up, Talib. You haven’t fixed anything inside you, just like Alea. Those fuckers who hurt you can only win if you let them. But you’re going to let them, aren’t you?”
The last thing he needed was homilies provided by his Southern guard. “You can go.”
Dane stood there. “I could.”
Dane needed to remember who was the boss here. “Goddamn it, Dane. Get the fuck out.”
“That would be convenient, wouldn’t it?” Dane’s posture relaxed, his feet spreading out. “Everyone just does what you say. Does anyone actually fight with you? Do you have a single fucking ally who’ll fight for you?”
He didn’t have anyone but his brothers who would say a damn thing against him. Not to his face. Well, Piper. Piper had always bitched at him. In the months they had worked together, she’d often initiated arguments when she thought he was wrong. She hadn’t known who he really was. He’d loved it. When they’d talked and she would throw down with him verbally, he would get such a thrill.
God, he’d been in love with her for months, and he hadn’t been able to admit it.
“Get out.”
Dane stood his ground. “I think not. I think you can fire my ass if you like, Sheikh, but I have a few things to say to you.”
Heat flashed through him. “Get out now or I’ll have you arrested.”
Dane huffed. “That’ll go over so well, Tal. Fine. Arrest me. It won’t be the worst shit that happened to me. I’m going to say this once. Grow the fuck up and grow a goddamn pair of balls, man. I know it was bad. I know some shit happened to you that no one can understand, but that’s the nature of your life. You’re a leader, Talib. You got the fucking hard road. I’m not joking about that. I wouldn’t trade for your gig, man. Everyone needs something from you, and not a single person will sacrifice for you. Except your brothers and that woman you married. And if you push her away, then everyone who has ever hurt you wins. And you lose.”