The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

07. A Taste Of Paradise

Chanteel woke disoriented, didn't know how long she'd been out. A look at the windows proved that it was night and they were somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean.

She sighed staring at the flawlessly polished gold ceiling. She was nervous with all this. Going to a new place and being at the mercy of a man who only saw her as a liability. And maybe not even that, more like an inconvenience.

Never has she been this uncertain in all her thirty-four years. She cursed Murat for f*****g up her life.

And he'd the audacity to be angry because she was smart enough to turn the tables on him. As of now, she was Beau's council until he was 21. His own laws had played against him. He couldn't take Beau from her, nor could he get rid of her.

Unless he killed her.....

But she didn't feel threatened by Murat in that way. But who really knows anyway?

Damn man!

Selfish ass.

Too beautiful for his own good.

Arrogant dickhead

6'4 of s*x.

Ruthless muthaf....

Beau!

He should be up by now. She hurried across the room and entered the adjoining but it was empty.

Getting dressed in a loose pair of black pants, a blouse, and sandals. In the main room, a large flat screen TV was mutely showing news, Zazaar's which Ahsaif watched. He ignored her. Haleem typed away on an Ipad, he looked up and gave her a smile as she walked passed. Guards played chess, read paperbacks or were asleep as the majority was. Entering the second lounge she drew up short when she saw them.

Father and son were eating. Or at least the father was. Son kept spitting out the food and while trying to break out of his father's hold. Murat had food in his thick black hair, and his shirt was nearly soaked through.

Somehow he appeared sexier than ever.

"I usually put him in his high chair. He is a little hyperactive" she said walking to them.

"I wish someone would've told me sooner "Murat tried to take the fork from his son, instead a tiny fist clutched tighter. He looked up at her pleadingly.

Chanteel laughed." You have to be firm with him." she lowered herself onto the seat and pried the fork away. Beau began to cry. She took him and sat him down onto the thick plush carpet. He soon started to creep before stumbling to his short chubby feet.

" He is adorable. " Murat said almost to himself. Chanteel agreed.

An awkward silence descends in the room. Chanteel kept her eyes on her son, suddenly feeling trapped. Man, why did this man affect her like this? She didn't even like him. Tell that to her body, it came alive with heat and flowing blood.

Shit!

Murat couldn't take his eyes off her. He'd spend a good five minutes watching her sleep until Beau woke. Seeing her so completely at ease and vulnerable made him want her more than just the physical.

He didn't want this anger between them. He wanted her to smile for him, laugh. Wanted her in his bed. The sooner she realizes that they were on the same side, the sooner he can have her.

"We have to talk," he said.

"I guess "

" I'll go change into something dry. Meet me in the office " he walked out. Chanteel scooped Beau up and fed him. After changing his clothes one of the robed and veiled stewardess come to take him.

Mentally preparing herself she walked into the office. Murat was already there standing before a large mural that took up one of the dark wood paneled wall. Gazing around she had to admit being a king was a luxury. There was an impressive set up of a state of the art computer system. A wide oak desk and black leather seating arrangements. Thick carpets, and that mural. She saw that it was a depiction of a desert. Without realizing it, she crossed the room for a closer look. She gasped at the rare beauty of it.

The desert seemed an endless, wasteland of sunburnt golden Sand, clear blue skies and an oasis farm. It looked so real that if she just reached out her fingers would feel heat and perfection.

"Beautiful isn't it " he didn't have to ask. It was.

" Yes, it is. Who painted it? "

" Ahsaif" now that was unexpected. She couldn't see that hard domineering man painting something this beautiful. Maybe she'd judged him too harsh.

Clearly, he loved Zazaar.

" This is how he sees life. Simple, but beautiful. None love Zazaar as he does with the exception of myself. "

" Why are telling me this? "

He faced her. His golden eyes digging deep into her soul. Damn his eyes. Damn him for making her like the way he looked at her.

" He may seem harsh and unwelcoming and maybe he is. With you, however, he seems to dislike "

" Well the feeling is mutual"

"And hence the reason why. "she shrugged." If you're to survive in Zazaar you need Ahsaif guidance. No one understands my people as he does. "

" Just get to the point! "

" You're a bold intelligent woman Chanteel. You have achieved a great many things that frankly would make my female population gasp in awe. The male Zazaari, however, will resent and envy you. And now I will get to the point. You can make this work to your advantage. I have no need to restrict you in any way or try to oppress you. I am no dictator against woman suffrage. In fact, I find you alluring

Okay. Now she was blushing.

"Why do I sense a but somewhere? "

He nodded." But you are no longer in America. Zazaar is unlike any place on earth and there are rules and protocol to follow."

" I never follow rules if I ever had I wouldn't be in this position I am now "

" Do you regret it? "he voice was low.

She looked at the painting saw the simplicity of it and knew she could never live a life like that. What was the point? Where was the excitement and thrill of the challenge?

She met those familiar remarkable golden eyes. " He is my life." was all she needed to say in answer.

" And he is mine "

He held out his hand for her to take.

She knew there was no turning back. Swallowing her fears she placed her hand in his.

" You may not trust me, but I will never hurt you Chanteel nor take Beau from you. You are both safe with me. "

Forever.

But he didn't say that aloud.

*************

It was the second night since leaving America. After refueling and having breakfast in Paris, they continued on to Zazaar. The pilot announcing that they should arrive by noon the next day. Chanteel kept busy playing with Beau who had become instant popular among the guards. It was intimidating to watch how they treated him as if he was a precious piece of glass to be handled with care and caution. They would bow to him and hover around like a protective shield.

Which was foolish cause Beau wasn't even year old yet and had no understanding of it. It had been Haleem that explained. "He is our future King. It's his right to be treated as one" during the flight they had gotten close. Or as close as it was possible. Haleem who was 27 was Murat legal advisor in Zazaar. When she wasn't busy with Beau or reading on her Ebook, Haleem told her what to expect once landing in Zazaar. It was intimidating to hear it.

And the reality of the situation was beginning to dawn on her.

Murat was completely absent. Since that talk, she hasn't seen him. He hadn't accompanied them in Paris just remain in the plane locket away in his office with his Chief Counsel. Apparently, there was an issue in Zazaar that needed his attention. Haleem had gotten closed mouth and tensed when she'd inquired. She let it be.

Now she walked into the private lounge eager to get to reading. Beau had been fed, bathe and put to bed, if she was lucky that's how he will remain for till morning. Aamir, the stewardess assigned to her placed a tray of refreshments on the side table before walking out. Plugging up her iPod, Chanteel sat down and got comfortable. Soon she was caught up in her murder mystery.

Murat wasn't having such a peaceful time. Word had somehow gotten out that he was returning to Zazaar with his heir and Queen. The Council of Elders were in an uproar. All hell it seems has broken loose.

To make matters worse Sheikh Faris bint Jupur, Talia's father had arrived at the palace in time to hear the rumors. Apparently, the man expected a wedding to take place.

Murat wanted to know how the news got leaked. Ahasif was currently trying to stem the tension in the council with very little results. Murat knew it was useless. His Council was set in the old ways and traditions.

How many times in the last day as he heard the words "Can't?" Much more than he liked and he was a king.

Even Ahasif tried to reason with him. He can't marry an outsider. It was the law. He can't make his Queen.

" Enough Ahasif, I have heard it said before '

"The council is right. She can't be Queen. Princess Talia was chosen from a dozen other worthy candidates. Relations with Jupur has deteriorated over the years. Sheikh Faris wants to unite his name to Zazaar and the council has accepted "

" I have made no promises. The contracts were never signed"

"Your Council spoke on your behave. Words were spoken. An understanding was reached. Will you back out now? "

" I think I rather do so than let my son be proclaimed a bastard" Murat snapped.

"Marry the American. You can have a second wife. Allow Talia to be Queen. It's the only way to appease the council"

"It seems that I am the one doing the bowing down to them when it should be the other way around "

Ahasif sighed heavily.

" Have I ever guided you wrong, my King? " Murat was silent." I have your only interest at heart. For you are Zazaar"

" It's your only solution ".

" Leave me" Ahasif bowed and retreated.

Murat trusted Ahasif. The older man was like a father to him. A Council, a friend. Yet why did this feel wrong?

And how was he to explain it to Chanteel? He knew he just had to find a way. That he had no choice.

Besides he never made any promises to her. And she had refused his proposal, didn't she? Was there any chance of her hoping to become his queen?

He was frustrated and angry. He wanted to blame her. Had she simply handed over his son none of it would've mattered.

Murat walked into his suite and showered. He was too worked up to sleep and decided to relax in the lounge. He walked in and froze. Chanteel was there reading. Seeing her brought all his troubles to the fo.

He wanted to turn around and flee but instead walked in. She saw him and smiled. Blood pumped harder and his heart felt heavy. "You look like s**t," she said and he couldn't help but laugh. She was something.

"I feel like it".

He sat across from her. He sighed feeling more exhausted than ever.

"Is everything alright? , Haleem mentioned there's a problem in Zazaar ".

" It's being handled ". He looked downright uncomfortable. She thought.

" Maybe I can help. I am a good negotiator".She smiled teasingly and he returned it.

" Maybe if I reach a point where no solutions are available"

She shrugged. "Your loss".

"Is everything a constant competition with you? ".He asked annoyed.

She ignored him continued reading her book. Murat grew incensed." You behave like a child ".

Chanteel looked up slowly and met his gaze.

" And you need to grow a pair ". She retorted.

He was confused even as he asked.

" Grow a pair of what? ".

" Balls! Maybe you should buy some instead of being a coward, then you can beat your chest, My King".

"And enlighten me Ms. Banks on how I am a coward".

"You didn't even consider my offer, not because I am not good enough but due to the fact that I am a woman. Thus. You. Are. A. Coward " That's was partially the reason. How could she help when she was the problem.

"You are rude and so disrespectful".

"At least I am honest ".She sassed.

" Honest? Let's not talk about honesty here Ms. Banks. When you can't even be to your self. You're just a cold, frigid woman who has never been f****d hard enough to learn her place". Now just who was being disrespectful?

Still,

Chanteel cringed at the truth of those words. He didn't know how much hurt he had just delivered. But she was Chanteel Banks and never a weak woman. And she wanted to hurt him back. Petty yes but hell, it beats the other choices.

"Is that what it takes to prove your dominance, a hard f**k? And just where's my place. On my back, or bend over, or do you like the ass?

She had gone too far but it's too late now.

He was an upon her in a flash his face distorted with rage as he bore down on her. She could taste the liquor he had consumed during his dinner on his breath. He was that close.

"Never have I felt more disgusted by any woman until met you. And this is what my son has for a mother, I feel sorry for him. He's better without you". She gasped. "I promise I will break you. I will leave you gutted and ruined and weak'.

' Never. You don't scare me. I don't fear you. So what, you finally meet a woman, a real, who is not impressed by your wealth and power and whom you can't control. It takes a lot to be a man in my eyes Murat. Much more than just being an arrogant, self-absorbed King. So be disgusted all you like. My son will grow up understanding that he doesn't need to threaten, bully or intimidate anyone to be a man. "

" I am a man Chanteel" his words landed on her lips just as he spoke. Caught off guard she froze.

Only for a second.

His mouth was unrelenting and hard. She knew he was trying to prove his point. Her breath caught locked in her throat as he kissed her with such intensity she felt already gutted and weak.

So she turned the tables. Fisted her fingers in his hair she pulled, bringing him closer.

Then she reciprocated.

Yes!

Murat thought with a groan of delight.

She tasted as wild and hot as the sun-beaten deserts of Zazaar. Spiced. And succulent.

Chanteel moaned. His tongue was in her mouth and she was sucking. God! ... How could a tongue taste so good? He wasn't just kissing her. He was mastering her. She was moaning trying to get closer, as his tongue peppered licks in her mouth.

Murat knew kisses to be damaging. This, however, was earth-shattering.

Never has a woman been sweeter. More delicious. And he will have it all.

Tongues clashed with equal force. Delight, shock, and greed swept over them. Either wanted to lose but what they didn't realize was that they were both loosing. Murat trailed kisses over her throat when they parted. He couldn't get enough of her. He couldn't stop himself. Chanteel ached with need. She felt dizzy with desire and her woman's flesh throbbed with a beat of madness.

So this was what desire was? She was shaking with it. She had never felt anything like it before.

His mouth was skilled. His tongue knew to tame with every single stroke. His teeth nibbled her heated skin. Chanteel arched closer to his hard body. Needed to get closer, needed him to never stop.

"Murat"

She moaned pulling him so that his mouth was once on hers again.

With hunger, he plundered her mouth.

With greed, she open and accepted.

Maybe it was the still rage of the argument that drove them to devour one another. Whatever drove them there was no going back.

Murat eased her down onto the sofa, she parted her thighs for him. His hands roamed over her body, feeling heated skin through clothes. Immediately he grounded himself against her. Chanteel gasped feeling his hardness. Murat cupped her behind, yanking her into him.

Then Murat rode her.

Her moans grew louder and frequent.

Her fingers attacked all of him, landing on his jeans-clad buttocks and held on for dare life.

Harder.

Deeper

He pounded and she lifted to receive every last one. " I need you. Please. I ...." he began only to be cut off by the sound of a throat being cleared.

Chanteel gave a cry of alarm as Murat turned to face the intruder.

Ahsaif bin Carasi stood waiting to be acknowledged.

Chanteel drew away panting. Pushing away from Murat.

"What? " Murat snapped at his Chief Counsel.

Ahsaif bowed low in respect.

"Apologies. My King but there is a matter that needs your immediate attention"

Murat cursed. The older man flinched and reddened.

Chanteel watched as Murat stormed out without a glance or word to her.

She trembled pulling her self together but she felt eyes burning into her skin. Turning she met Ahsaif cold, accusing stare. He looked ready to say something but decided against it before walking out.

Chanteel didn't know which was worse his silence or if he had spoken up and rebuked her.

She was surprised to feel tears on her cheeks.