Page 64 of Her Irresistible Sheik

But just as her lips brushed his, she gasped and drew back slightly, a flash of discomfort tightening her features.“Well… that’s different.”

“What’s different?”he asked, instantly alert.

Another pain struck her lower back and wrapped around her belly.She gasped again.“Okay, that one was worse.”

“Talk to me, Nahla,” he said, holding her steady as she pressed both hands to her belly and breathed slowly.

“I don’t know,” she murmured, eyes wide but calm.“It’s gone now.Probably Braxton-Hicks.”

Ten minutes later, just as she was stepping out of his office, another pain hit.This one bent her forward and made her grab the doorframe.

And then her water broke.

Eighteen hours later, Nahla screamed.Her hand crushed Mikail’s fingers as she bore down again.

“Never again!”she yelled.“Do you hear me?!”

“Yes, my love,” Mikail managed, sweat breaking across his brow as he wondered if he’d ever use his hand again.She was squeezing with a force that defied logic.

“Don’t you dare think I’ll forget this pain—!”Another contraction ripped through her.She pushed, groaned, cried out again.

Four contractions later, a baby’s wail filled the room.Mikail’s hands trembled as he cut the cord.Moments later, Nahla cradled their tiny son to her chest, her face wet with tears and glowing with awe.

“Our son,” she whispered, staring at his wrinkled, furious expression and fluttering lashes.

Mikail could hardly breathe.Her hair was soaked with sweat, her lips chapped, her body spent—and she had never looked more beautiful.

“I love you,” he whispered, kissing her softly.His voice was hoarse.His fingers throbbed.Nothing else mattered.

They gazed down at their baby in silence, wrapped in a moment too big for words.

“Your Highness,” the doctor interrupted gently, “I hate to say this now, but your hand… two of your fingers look pretty swollen.You may want to have those checked.”

Mikail hid the hand behind Nahla’s shoulders.“Not yet.”

Nahla blinked up at him through tears, a faint smile playing at her lips.“I broke your fingers, didn’t I?”

“I love you so much,” he murmured, tracing their son’s soft cheek.

“That’s all I need to know,” she whispered.Then she smiled.“Now go fix your fingers.”