by Holly Rayner
“What does he have on you? Jasmina, if you have baggage in your past, it’s important that you tell us, so we can protect you. Don’t let an American steal our throne by blackmailing you.”
“I assure you, he is not,” she said, trying to sound convincing. “It is as I said: the heart wants what it wants, and I believe that my father intended for me to be happy above all else.”
She could have cried, then. In her heart, Jasmina knew she would never know happiness again, and she was putting her own reputation at stake by picking such a man to be her husband.
A heavy silence weighed down upon the chamber as she gave the men some time to come to terms with her decision.
“And will this man have the power to rule, if anything were to happen to you?”
“No,” Jasmina said firmly. “We will set up our marriage contract in such a way that he will never have claim to the throne of El Jayiah, and while I am alive I will remain the sole ruler. He will be Sheikh in name only, and has no desire to work in politics as it is. He enjoys what he does.”
She was making assumptions, but she had plans to speak with Jenson in the near future about how they would move forward. Somehow, she knew that he would rather be out making money than managing trifling affairs of state. He was certainly shallow like that.
Her statement seemed to calm her council, and by the end of the meeting she was certain that they would allow her to proceed unhindered. As the meeting adjourned, Javir cleared his throat.
“One last question, Jasmina, if you don’t mind?”
She lifted an eyebrow, waiting for him to proceed.
“Were you to have any children with this man, what are your plans for them?”
The thought of bearing Jenson’s children was a less than pleasing one. She hadn’t thought that far ahead, mostly because she didn’t want to. It was her duty to continue the royal line if she could, but she had cousins—there were others that could take the throne of El Jayiah when her time had come and gone.
“Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it, shall we? Until then, I will prepare to announce our engagement to the public, likely later today, she said.
Javir looked as though he wanted to press the issue. Instead, he nodded respectfully, and they all left the room. Asha was waiting just outside the door, a gleam in her eye.
“What are you up to?” Jasmina asked, her dress swishing along the floor as she walked.
“Your contractor is here. He said he has a meeting with you this morning.”
“And so he does. Can you send him out to the gardens? I will meet him there.”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
Jasmina braced herself for another meeting with Jenson. She dreaded them every time, even knowing just how necessary they were. She took a deep breath of warm, sweet air as she stepped out into the gardens, where a silver teapot and matching cups were placed on her table beneath the tent. She thought about the last time she had met Jenson there, how angry she had been. Perhaps she should have chosen another location, though she realized that if she were to avoid every place he angered her, she would have no safe harbor left.
Taking a seat, she helped herself to a hot mint tea with plenty of sugar. She heard footsteps approaching, and continued sipping, not bothering to turn and look behind her. Jenson appeared before her a moment later.
“Good morning,” he said, cheerful.
Jasmina looked up at him, then. He was dressed in dark denim jeans and a gray T-shirt, and the outfit had a way of making him appear even more handsome than usual—the rat. She nodded, gesturing to the seat across from her.
“Cat got your tongue?” he asked, reaching for a pastry and smothering it with cream before taking a bite.
“I assure you, no cat has ever had possession of my tongue. I just got out of a meeting with my council. They informed me that your company has arrived and things are going as planned. The payment has been received.”
“Oh I’m fully aware of that,” he said, pouring himself a cup of tea. “I always know the exact moment that a large sum of cash leaves my pockets. Still, you have to spend money to make money, unfortunately.”
“What is your obsession with money, anyway? Do you have a desire for nothing else?”
Jenson shrugged, unperturbed.
“You seemed pretty into it when you agreed to marry me, so perhaps you can answer your own question. Now, why is it that we’re always talking about business? You’re going to marry me soon, why not be pleasant for one moment of your life?”
“I am perfectly pleasant to people who have manners. Since you do not fall into that category, I’m afraid I have no choice but you treat you as a foreign dignitary that I don’t particularly enjoy, but must deal with if I am to do my job.”
Jenson laughed.
“Cold, Jasmina. That was real cold. So what business do we have to go over today?”
“We must begin the discussion of how we fell in love.”
“So soon? And here I thought you just told me you hated me.”
“I do, but the public doesn’t need to know that. Tonight I have scheduled a meeting with several members of the press, where I am going to announce our engagement. I would like you to be with me when I do. There will be follow-up questions after, and we need to be prepared to have our stories straight if we’re going to pull this charade off.”
“Fair enough. What’s our story, then? Since you’ve thought this all out already, I imagine you’ve managed to daydream something sappy enough even for the press to believe.”
“Mr. Black, I just spent the last four years at university in New York. I believe you have an office there.”
Jenson nodded.
“I spend a good chunk of my time there, yes.”
“Good. That is where we met. Perhaps we were attending a charity gala and ran into one another there. The rest, as they say, is history.”
“You think they won’t be begging for details?”
Jasmina shrugged, taking another sip of her tea.
“If they do I will read about it and know what story you have told them.”
Jenson sat quietly for a moment, staring out at the gardens.
“There is another matter we need to discuss before this meeting is done.”
“Aw, so soon? And here we were just getting started on our whirlwind romance.”
Jasmina ignored him.
“I will be drawing up a marriage contract that ensures my throne is safe from your greed. You can have the status of Sheikh, you can have the Sheikha for a wife, but you will have no say in the running of this nation. All of that will fall to me, and if I die, your title will be revoked and the reign of this nation will pass to another one of my blood relatives.”
Jenson leaned in, his eyes narrowed.
“What makes you think I don’t want the power?”
“Because running a country isn’t like running a business. You can make money for yourself, while I will ensure that my people are safe. Seeing as how you care for no one outside of yourself, I imagine you wouldn’t actually want the welfare of three million people on your hands.”
“I already do, though my company. Still, you do have a point. I don’t need to be in all those boring diplomatic meetings about who gets what land or such nonsense. I’m here for the title and the connections. I suppose I can agree to your terms.”
“Good. When we announce our engagement this evening we will do it from the palace press room. I expect you to be ready to stand in front with me at six o’clock sharp, after which we will have dinner on the terrace to publicly show our affection for one another.”
“You’re very good at ordering people around. How do you know I don’t have plans at six tonight?”
“Do you want to be Sheikh or not? Like it or not, this life comes with obligations. If you don’t have what it takes to do that, you can take your money back and leave.”
“All right, all right, no need to get your claws out, Jasmina. I’ll be there. I’ve got some work to get do
ne before then, so if you’ll excuse me…”
“Gladly,” she mumbled.
“Until tonight, my dearest love,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
She couldn’t look at him, instead keeping her eyes on the gardens in the distance. It wasn’t until she heard the door close behind him that she let out an aggravated snarl.
Chapter Seven
“Where is he?”
Jasmina nearly growled as she paced behind the curtain. A huge press crowd was waiting outside, and it was minutes before they were scheduled to make an appearance together. Her gold-flecked gown was swirling around her as she strode from one end of the room to the other.
Jenson walked in then, dressed in yet another tailor-made suit, his hair perfectly styled. She caught a whiff of his cologne, and Jasmina’s body reacted to it traitorously, which only served to enrage her further.
“You’re late!” she hissed.
Jenson glanced at his watch.
“Actually, I’m two minutes early.”
“Because no prep work is necessary for a press conference? You have a lot to learn about royal life, Black.”
“Oh, it’s just Black now is it? I don’t even get a respectful Mister? My goodness, you must certainly be a stickler for time.”
“Your Highness, you’ve just been announced.”
Glaring at Jenson, Jasmina turned toward the stage and fixed her features into a neutral expression before stepping out before a sea of camera flashes. Voices rang out as members of the press began to ask questions all at once, and Jasmina held her hand out to quiet them. The room went silent almost instantly.
“My good citizens, I’m happy to meet with you today, as I have some very important news to share. Following the death of my father, I have taken on the role of leader of this nation, and I hope to do you proud. While I was away, I met a man that I soon hope to call my husband. I would like to introduce you all to Jenson Black.”
She glanced behind the curtain, where Jenson was gently nudged out onto the stage. He waved to the crowd, his smile bright as camera flashes bounced off his teeth. He wrapped an arm around Jasmina’s waist, still waving.
The crowd erupted, questions shooting at them so loud Jasmina could hardly hear herself think.
“Please, I know this is a lot to take in. Just know that I will be taking the proper steps to have an El Jayiah wedding, and the details of this development will soon be revealed. I would never do anything to harm El Jayiah or its people, so you must know that any decision I make, I keep you all in my mind and in my heart. That will be all for today, thank you.”
She reached for Jenson’s hand and forced a smile as she pulled him off the stage, her smile fading instantly as the curtain passed behind her. She released his hand and continued walking, intent on making her exit. She was stopped when her hand was grabbed, and she turned to see Jenson there, his eyes clouded.
“What you said out there, about doing anything for your country…you really meant that, didn’t you?”
She met his gaze head-on, wondering why he would even bother to ask.
“You’re here, aren’t you?” she asked.
There was something in his stare—was it doubt? Whatever it was, it was quickly masked by his façade of arrogance as he released her and stepped back.
“I suppose we’ll be moving forward on the wedding planning then, shall we?”
“We will begin making the necessary arrangements in a few days’ time, yes. As it is customary for you to have a say in these things, I will have a schedule sent to you so you can plan accordingly. Good day, Mr. Black.”
“Ah, well at least I get my Mister back. You’re forgetting something, though.”
Jasmina turned, her hands on her hips as she waited impatiently for him to continue.
“You said we have to share dinner on the terrace so everyone can see how in love we are. I take it that date hasn’t been cancelled.”
Jasmina cursed inwardly. She never forgot an obligation, but she had been so flustered having to go in front of her people to break the news that she had completely forgotten that she was obligated to spend at least another two hours with the man.
“He’s right, Your Highness.”
Asha appeared behind her, and Jasmina was grateful for her presence. She would have to be more careful how she spoke to Jenson, even in private. With her lie to the council still in place, she couldn’t risk losing their trust.
“Thank you, Asha. We will head to the terrace now.”
“Yes, thank you, Asha. You are a gem, as always.”
Jasmina’s gaze darted to Jenson. He sounded as though he was giving a genuine compliment, and a flush of annoyance coursed through her as she realized that Asha was blushing.
“Stop flirting with my staff,” she grumbled.
“Flirting? I’m simply giving this delightful woman a compliment. Someday someone needs to teach you how to not scowl.”
“Someday someone has to teach you how to be a decent human being.”
“Who says I’m not? After all, we did meet at a charity ball.”
“You are the worst.”
“You’re still marrying me.”
“Not by choice!” she hissed, turning back away from him and heading in the direction of the veranda.
After several steps, she felt his palm slide against hers, and it took everything in her not to tear her hand away.
“Appearances, my dear. Appearances,” he whispered against her ear.
His breath was warm and it ticked her skin. Jasmina gripped his hand so tight she hoped she could break it. As they approached the entryway to the veranda, she stopped.
“What gives? Shouldn’t we get out there?” Jenson asked.
“I’m simply bracing myself for the façade I have to put on.”
“Don’t forget to smile, nice and big,” he said, reaching for the door and pressing it open.
When they stepped outside, a massive crowd of people who had already gotten the news stood below, waving and calling up to the couple. Jenson pulled Jasmina close and waved to them again, his smile firmly in place. Jasmina did her best to not look extremely uncomfortable.
“Come on, let’s give them what they really want,” he said.
Without warning, he tilted her to the side, dipping her before he crashed his lips against hers. The crowd went wild, and so did Jasmina’s heart. Her mind reminded her that Jenson was a cad who apparently loved working a crowd into a frenzy. He thought of no one but himself.
When he finished kissing her, he lifted her back up, still beaming. Jasmina did her best to look demurely pleased before giving her people a small wave and sitting at the table. Jenson sat across from her, pouring two flutes of bubbling champagne.
“Well this is fun,” he said, taking a sip and waving to the crowd.
“Desperate for approval much?” she asked.
His eyes darkened for a millisecond, and Jasmina realized she might have hit a nerve. Interesting.
“You should be enjoying this,” Jenson murmured. “It’s not every day a monarch enjoys the love and approval of their people. I’ve seen that your own approval ratings are quite high already. That bit you did connecting farmers to businesses in the south was a great move.”
She stared at him, dumbfounded.
“Are you complimenting my leadership?”
“I might be. You’re clearly very passionate about running this country well. Sometimes I wish we had someone like you in charge back home. We might actually get some things done.”
Unsure how to respond, Jasmina took a sip of champagne, the bubbles tickling her tongue and warming her chest as she swallowed. She realized then that they would have to make conversation for at least an hour before she could make an excuse to leave.
“Your men have made quick work of getting the operation up and running,” she said.
Jenson nodded.
“Of course. I have an expectation for excellence, and I made a big investment with this
purchase. In order for it to be worth it, we need lithium, and I don’t want to wait to get our profit margins back up.”
“Out of curiosity, what do you think about when you’re not thinking about money?”
He leaned in, his grin wolf-like.
“Beautiful women. My future wife, in particular.”
Jasmina’s cheeks heated, and she tried to fight back the blush.
“What’s our deal with that, anyway?” he asked.
“With what?”
“Sex.”
Jasmina swallowed.
“I don’t think I understand you.”
“Oh, come now. I’m sure you’ve got some sort of stipulation around this topic. Might as well discuss it now, in front of an enormous crowd of your beloved subjects.”
“Or we could discuss it never.”
“So you’re saying sex is off the table.”
“I’m saying it’s something we don’t need to discuss at a table, yes. If you really want to know, I have done my absolute best not to think about it at all.”
“Well I haven’t. In fact, it’s something I’ve thought about a lot since meeting you.”
Jasmina shifted uncomfortably in her chair, remembering that she was being watched. She fixed a serene expression on her face as she gazed at Jenson with fake adoration.
“I wouldn’t sleep with you if you were the last man on earth,” she said, her tone syrupy sweet.
Jenson laughed.
“You put on a good show for the crowd. Keep it up, you’re really winning them over.”
He grabbed a piece of bread and slathered it with butter. Jasmina noticed he did that at every meal. He clearly had a ravenous appetite. For food, and apparently…other things.
“I’m a very generous lover,” he said, returning to the uncomfortable subject at hand.
Jasmina scoffed.
“I sincerely doubt that. From what I can tell you are the most selfish, self-centered man in the entire world. That doesn’t bode well for the bedroom.”
“You think you know everything about me from the few interactions we’ve had?” he asked, his voice serious.
“I think I’ve got you pretty well measured, yes. Your actions up to this point have been atrocious, and the thought of sharing a bed with you makes my skin crawl.”