by Allen, Jewel
“Just a week.” Mother’s expression softened. “What’s a week compared to forever?”
Each day dragged.
Samir shouldn’t have agreed to it. All it amounted to was the parading of women—potential sheikhas—for Samir. A dinner here, a trip to the dunes there. Tea in the afternoon. A gallery showing.
Only three days in, and he was already exhausted. None of the women had clicked with him.
He missed Reese.
He thought of her at night when he lay in bed, the breeze coming in through his windows and bringing in the potent scent of jasmine. He thought of the compassion in her eyes for the passing of his father and her company the night he died. He craved comfort from her as he sat through yet another stolid meeting discussing plans for the kingdom, making sure they were on track with their diplomatic initiatives.
Mother came to him, her mouth once again a thin line. “You walked away from your last appointment!”
“I couldn’t bear the inanity of it all,” Samir said, leaning against a chair.
“I raised you to be a gentleman, son, and that is unpardonable.”
“Mother,” he said, “please calm yourself. I cannot do it anymore. I need to move on.”
“You need that American, you mean?”
“Maybe so.”
Mother sat on the chair, her expression wilting. “You have always been stubborn. I thought you would be your father’s death during your teen years.”
Samir knelt beside her. “But I wasn’t, was I?”
Mother shook her head and gave him a subdued smile. “You will unleash the Parliament like a lion.”
“Or maybe I will subdue them like a kitten.”
She shook her head. “Go then. Go.”
15
Reese looked around her Airbnb one more time, making sure she hadn’t missed anything.
Her suitcase wheels squeaked as she made her way through the cool and simple unit she’d called home the past few days.
Where she’d nursed her broken heart.
The headlines had been relentless. This time, they featured Samir with various princesses from the region, all vying to be the next bride. He denied all the reports that he was looking for a potential wife, but everyone knew he was.
Someone else could help herself to his family’s jewels.
Quinn, on the other hand, wasn’t as resigned to the situation. He wanted Reese to continue trying to bait the prince. Reese had told him she’d done her best. When Quinn started to reason with her to “try” again, she’d hung up on him. He continued to call, but she ignored him.
Just as she reached the door, someone knocked.
Odd. Maybe the housekeeper was anxious to clean. She let go of her suitcase and walked to the peephole.
Her heart thudded in her chest.
Samir was standing just outside her door.
She shouldn’t answer it.
She should.
In the end, she compromised and said through the door, “Yes?”
“It’s me, Samir.” His voice was low, full of longing. Piercing her to the heart.
Collecting herself, she unlatched the door slowly, as though not wanting to let Pandora’s Box open.
Because that’s what this was. A box that most likely she could not so easily close.
The door swung open. He was standing on the porch looking forlorn, his eyes cast down. They flicked up to meet hers, and her heart melted at the emotions she saw in them.
Elation. Gladness. Pure joy.
And a hunger to match hers.
She leaned against the edge of the door, not revealing herself completely, using the door to shield her from whatever he could possibly do. Not that she trusted herself any better.
“Heaven knows I tried to stay away,” he said.
She lowered her lashes to hide the turmoil his husky voice wreaked within her. “It’s mutual,” she confessed.
Past him, standing on the curb, was his bodyguard Axel. No one could miss that disapproving scowl.
“May I come in?” Samir asked.
“Do you have your bodyguard’s permission?” she teased.
He glanced over his shoulder and back to her. “I don’t need his permission.”
“Then why is he scowling?”
“Wipe that frown from your face, Axel,” Samir said without turning.
Axel blinked, and his face rearranged itself as ordered.
Reese giggled. “Good job.” She stepped aside and let him in. She shut the door, her heart pounding at his closeness. She walked past him to the balcony door.
“We can talk out here,” she said.
The surf was strong that time of day. Reese felt tossed around like the shells she imagined rolling on the sand.
Confused.
Excited.
Why was he there?
“You were leaving,” he said. It was not a question.
“I’m returning to Italy.”
He raised a brow. “I thought America was home.”
“My brother lives in Italy.”
“Ah, yes. Are you flying out?”
She nodded. “I need to go soon if I’m to catch my flight.”
“I can take you there.”
“Yes, I suppose you could. In your helicopter?”
“No, my private jet.”
He was as rich as Croesus. She could be his real wife. What a lifestyle she could have. Or she could simply be engaged to him, get the jewels, and break off their engagement.
He couldn’t possibly be entangled in her own web of deceits. In Quinn’s.
This wasn’t going to work.
Just as she was drawn to him, she was compelled to push him away.
She felt his eyes on her profile.
“I’ve missed you,” he said.
She counted to three before turning to him and gazing into his eyes. “You’ve had a rough go of it,” she said.
“That too. I craved your company.”
She turned back to the ocean, unsure of how to respond. If she encouraged him, he would be toast. If she discouraged him, she would hurt him.
“Apparently,” she drawled, “you’ve been able to move on. A different princess a day, according to the newspapers.”
“To appease my mother.”
“Did you find someone suitable?”
“Oh, they’re all suitable,” he said airily.
“Then why are we even talking?” she said.
“I think you know the answer to that.”
She gazed out at the water. “I wish I did.”
“What do you mean?”
She turned to him. “I’ve been fighting my attraction to you.”
His expression gentled. “Why?”
She couldn’t possibly tell him the truth. And yet she owed him the truth or a variation of it. “I didn’t gate-crash your party randomly. I knew who you were.”
He searched her eyes. “Why did you lie?”
“I didn’t want to appear too obvious.”
“So you knew who I was.” He sounded unsettled. “Why were you looking for me?”
“I wanted you to fall in love with me.”
He watched her with those dark eyes that could see into her soul.
“For what purpose?” he said.
“For the thrill of it.”
A nerve ticked on his jaw. “That sounds strange. I don’t like being someone’s prize.”
“You’re right. I found myself falling for you, so I pulled back, you can see.”
He turned toward the ocean.
“Samir,” she said, “you should go now while you have a chance.”
“A chance to what?” Again, his eyes were on her profile.
“To run.”
“Why should I?”
She swiveled then, upset with him and herself. He was stubborn and obtuse, and yet she didn’t feel like she owed him any explanation.
He grabbed her arm. “Where are you going?”
“I’m catching my f
light.”
“So that’s it?” He released his grip.
She nodded, swallowing. “Yes, that’s it.”
He sighed then, a deflated sound that tugged at her heart. “Bon voyage.”
“Goodbye.” Her voice sounded firm.
When he left, she locked the door carefully before calling for a cab.
She stared at herself in the mirror while waiting. Her reflection, beautiful but alone. As she always would be for the rest of her days. She could have had the real thing, but she held on to the tarnish.
Tears fell then. It was the first time she had cried in a long time. She brushed the tears off, hating herself for giving in to weakness. Why was she even crying over a prince, however handsome and generous he was? Even though he offered a love she could otherwise never have in her lifetime?
There was a knock on the door. She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and eyed her reflection. Her makeup was a bit faded, but it would have to do.
She opened the door and lifted her eyes, stopping short. Samir stood at the stoop.
“I don’t care,” Samir declared. “I don’t care if you wanted me to fall in love with you just for the thrill of it.”
“Don’t be foolish,” she said, but her head spun, her heart buoyed with joy.
She stepped aside, and he came in. Once the door was shut, her throat felt parched. She had been thirsting for so long, and here was Samir to quench it.
He walked up to her, and her body was afire. He hadn’t even touched her yet.
When he did, when he slid his hand under her short hair and grabbed her at the waist with the other, pulling her close, she fell against him easily, eagerly. Her heart thudded in painful strokes with a yearning that burned like a thousand fires.
His lips brushed against hers, and she sighed. When he pulled away, she felt a desperation to not be without him. But not for long.
With sure movements, he possessed her mouth, and she was lost…lost in the sensation of his kiss, in the haze of longing and wanting to be closer to him.
No matter what she thought, no matter what the outcome, she needed Samir.
He groaned and pulled her even closer, if that were possible. Their kiss deepened, and she was no longer standing of her own strength. He held and coaxed her to open up like a flower turned to the sun. She lived for him and his rays, and she would willingly follow his warmth.
In the haze, she heard something beep. Her phone? She stiffened, but he continued to hold her. She pulled back long enough to say, “The taxi—”
“Can go away,” came his low growl.
He pressed her against the wall, and she surrendered to his kiss. A delicious languor traveled through her body to her nerve endings. He was gentle and then passionate in turns, driving her wild.
He surfaced for a moment and murmured, “Marry me.”
After a few seconds, his words registered. “Samir,” she protested.
“Marry me.”
“But—”
“No buts. I will ask Parliament to grant us a special dispensation. You will be my princess at the earliest possible time.”
“This is insane. Samir.” Quinn’s face flashed in her mind.
“Reese,” Samir said, nuzzling her neck. “I want you beside me the rest of our lives.”
Her heart told her yes, but her mind told her no.
“Why can’t we just continue on for a while,” she asked, unable to think straight with his caress. “Just taking it easy?”
“The bald truth is, I need to marry you.”
“Oh, right.” She felt sucker-punched. Already, she could feel her ardor cool. “I’m flattered…not.” She pulled away, but he held on to her.
“Darling,” he said, “of course that’s not the only reason I want to marry you.”
“I find that hard to believe when you explained at the heels of your admission.”
“Sorry.” He reached up and touched her face. His finger traced her cheek, making her tingle all over. “I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. I want to marry you, if you will have me. And I need to marry, so…it’s the perfect combination. Say yes, darling.”
“Samir.”
He kissed her. Her head reeled, intoxicated by his kiss. “I love you. Marry me?” he implored.
If she accepted, their marriage would be the real thing. The jewels no longer mattered. But Quinn…
Along with fear, she felt her world right itself. She would no longer hide in the shadows. She would no longer give Quinn power over her.
Easier said than done, she knew. She gazed at Samir looking at her with love and adoration. With him, she could turn her life around. She already felt stronger. And he loved her.
“I love you too,” she whispered. And then louder, as though to exorcise any doubts, she said, “Yes!”
16
Quinn answered on the first ring. “Hello, dear sister.”
Again, that queasiness assailed her. “Hello.”
“Do you have good news for me?”
“Yes. Yes, I do.” She closed her eyes. “He proposed today.”
She could hear the smile in his voice. “Excellent.”
Reese looked around, vaguely noting the opulent furnishings of her bedroom. The one she would be staying in until she and Samir were married.
“Where are the jewels?” Quinn asked.
“Not with me,” she said.
"When will you get them?”
“In forty days.”
“What?” The amused voice gave way to anger.
“That’s the proper mourning period after which we could marry. And only then could I get the jewels.”
He ranted and raved, and Reese held the phone to a plant. After the noise receded to silence, she talked with him again.
“Are you about done throwing a tantrum?” she asked.
“You don’t understand the gravity of the situation, sis,” he said. “Without the jewels in hand, I can’t pay off my shark. Would you want your dear brother to have two broken legs?”
“Quinn, you did this to yourself. You only have yourself to blame.”
“Have you forgotten…my future is intricately tied to yours?”
Her blood ran cold. “I’ve always tried to go aboveboard, and you know it.”
“Tried is the operative word. No one may be able to prove your actions were criminal, but there is such a thing as aiding and abetting…”
Reese could no longer listen to her brother. She had lost faith in him years ago. She’d been his pawn to do with as he needed to shore up his failing empire, and Reese no longer wanted to play that role.
“So, when will you get the jewels?” he asked.
“I’m telling you—"
“As soon as you get them,” he interrupted, “you know what to do.” And then he hung up.
He wouldn’t even listen to her. It was just as well. Then she didn’t have to explain.
Reese tossed her phone on the sofa as though it were contaminated. That’s how Quinn was in her life, an ulcer that wouldn’t go away. And yet she loved him, cared for him. She wished he could straighten out his life so they could have a normal relationship. No more using Reese as bait for his wealthy marks.
She walked to the window which looked out over the royal equestrian grounds. Samir had invited her to ride with him, but she had declined, pleading a headache. She needed to make the call to Quinn. And now that it was done, she truly had a headache.
A noise startled her. She looked toward the door and saw Axel standing there, his face inscrutable. At least he didn’t show an active scowl nowadays. She could even consider that expression on his face as somewhat respectful.
A cold sensation formed in the pit of her stomach. How long had he been standing there? Had he heard her conversation? Had she said anything incriminating?
“His Royal Highness requests your company at lunch,” he said.
“I’ll be down shortly.”
Axel’s eyes took her in. As though trying t
o rattle her. And then he was gone.
17
A month later
Samir didn’t think life could get any better. Not with Reese by his side. They’d practically been inseparable since he intercepted her departure to Italy.
With some wrangling from an unexpected ally—Mother—Samir received Parliament’s dispensation. And today, he was going to give Reese the royal jewels from the Alaouite dynasty. They’d been passed on from one generation of princess to the next, to be worn on the eve of her wedding.
As he made his way down from his bedroom to hers, his blood thrummed with excitement. The past forty days had been filled with grief but also happiness. He missed his father, but certainly, it was a blessing that he no longer suffered on this earth. Reese‘s love had been such a source of strength for him.
Mother still acted cool around Reese, but that would be a work in progress.
He knocked on Reese’s door and straightened his cuff, his tie, his hair…man, was he nervous.
The door was flung open, and Reese’s lovely face appeared. Her eyes lit up, and her smile widened.
He crossed the threshold, and she ran into his arms. He’d been impatient for her, and he kissed her with a wild fervor that had her trembling afterward.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured against her lips.
“Since lunch thirty minutes ago?” she said.
He nodded and kissed her again for good measure.
Glowing, she stepped back and pulled him into the room. He stopped her short.
“I have something for you,” he said.
She turned slowly, her eyes wide and almost fearful. Her expression struck him as odd. What could she possibly be scared of?
Dismissing the thought as perhaps a flight of fancy, he revealed the flat black velvet box and gestured for her to sit on the settee.
Reese sat down, tucking her skirt close to her so he could sit beside her. He presented the box and said, “Open it.”
She took the object and set it on her lap. Biting her lip, she paused.
“Go ahead,” he said.
“I know. I just…” She shook her head and opened it.
Rubies and diamonds set in gold earrings and a matching choker necklace sparkled in the light.