“Drilled? Interesting choice of words,” Fariq commented.
“I have four brothers who followed my parents’ example and married young, then started families right away. I’m the only one who hasn’t and my mother’s last hope to do as she said not as she did. I’m hoping to make her proud.”
The first man to tempt her into overlooking her mother’s tenet had only been interested in her as a tool to advance his career. There wouldn’t be a second temptation. That game needed two players. Without warning, her thoughts fixed on Fariq. Silly. Because he wasn’t likely to participate. Especially with a plain woman.
“So your mother’s advice is our gain,” Fariq commented.
“I hope you continue to feel that way.” She removed her glasses for a moment and rubbed just above the bridge of her nose where the eye pads chafed. She missed her contacts—
Princess Farrah leaned toward her. “Crystal, do you really need your glasses to correct your vision?”
The question stunned her. Just when she’d thought it was safe to let her guard down, there was an unexpected zinger. Hurriedly she put her glasses back on and nearly poked herself in the eye.
“Why d-do you ask?”
“Because your eyes are quite lovely. And your skin is absolutely flawless—from what I can tell you aren’t wearing cosmetics of any kind.”
“I’m not.” She sighed, deciding to leave it at that. “I’m blind as a bat without corrective lenses. Near sightedness combined with astigmatism distorts my vision terribly.” At least that much was the honest truth. “Without my glasses I wouldn’t be able to see across the table.” She met Fariq’s penetrating gaze and decided maybe that wouldn’t be so bad. “Although in my own defense I’d like to point out it’s quite a large table.”
“Yes it is,” the princess answered. “But how unfortunate. Without such eyewear, I believe you have the potential to be quite pretty. Have you ever considered looking into contacts?”
Crystal grinned. “Good one, Your Highness.”
“What?” The woman’s brow furrowed as she thought.
“Your pun—looking into contacts—”
“What does it matter?” Fariq’s voice was edged with annoyance. “She’s fine as she is. Beauty is a highly overrated quality.”
Rafiq leaned his forearms against the table. “So, my brother, you would prefer a woman with a face that would stop a clock?”
“I didn’t say that—”
“If beauty does not move you, what female attributes do you find enticing?” Kamal asked, the corners of his mouth curving up slightly.
“Honesty,” Fariq said without hesitation.
Of all the attributes he could have named, that was the one Crystal could have done without. Not only that, this man had a high profile all over the world. His name had been linked with some of the world’s most stunning women. But he was more interested in candor than comeliness. That pretty much shocked her right out of her support stockings.
So she said the only thing she could think of. “My mother always says beauty is as beauty does.”
After several moments of silence the king asked, “What does that mean?”
“I’m not sure.” Crystal shook her head. “I think it has something to do with using genetic gifts only for good.”
Everyone laughed, including Fariq, and she was glad to have lightened a moment quickly becoming awkward and tense. With luck, Princess Farrah would stop trying to make her over. And what was that all about anyhow? What about the whole “plain” nanny scenario? It didn’t take a billboard ad on the interstate for her to get the message that the king frowned on his sons pursuing anything of a personal nature with the hired help.
Crystal finally chalked it up to a chick thing. Women couldn’t resist make-overs. She could only hope the matter would be dropped. Because she wasn’t a superhero. She had no tricks up her cape to preserve her alter ego. And she didn’t want to think about what would happen if Fariq found out she could look better if she wanted.
Chapter Three
Fariq tossed the file he’d been reading onto the coffee table in his suite. The more he tried to concentrate on work, the more his thoughts turned to his children’s new nanny. At dinner several hours before, he’d found her to be a curious yet intriguing mixture of spirit and intelligence.
He had sworn on the honor of his ancestors not to be taken in by a beautiful face ever again. Was it breaking his promise to think about this woman? She was certainly not the stunning sort with whom he was constantly and erroneously linked. But he’d found her pleasant and surprising.
He looked at the open French doors leading onto the balcony as a noise from outside drifted to him. After rising from the sofa, he walked to the doorway and glanced out. The night was dark as clouds covered the moon. But in the shadows to his right, he saw a figure leaning on the balcony railing outside the rooms where his children slept.
“Hello,” he said.
Crystal whirled at the sound of his voice. Dim light from inside the suite illuminated her as she pressed a hand to her chest. “Good grief,” she gasped, “I thought I was alone.”
“And so you were until I came outside. This balcony runs the length of my suite. All the rooms are connected by it, and from here we can see the ocean. My bedroom is there,” he said pointing to the room past the living area.
“Oh. I didn’t actually understand the layout. I just came out for some air. I’m sorry if I disturbed you.”
“You didn’t,” he lied.
She’d disturbed him even before he’d discovered her outside his window, a wraith in the night. He noticed that her hair was no longer pulled away from her forehead in the excruciatingly severe style she favored. A breeze from the Arabian Sea blew the strands across her face. Although the exact shade was still hidden by the shadows, he could tell that the length hung down her back and the ends caressed her waist.
Most contemporary women of fashion did not wear such a long style. Clearly, Crystal was not a woman of fashion. Her long hair was lovely. But the temptation to run his fingers through the glossy length annoyed him.
As his eyes adjusted from the light inside to the darkness of night, he noted further details about her. His pulse jumped when he realized she was dressed for bed. Her sleeping attire was high-necked and demure. Looking more closely, he saw that her nightgown was white, fashioned from satin and lace. Somehow that made it more erotic.
She wasn’t wearing a robe—because she’d thought she was alone? Life with his wife had taught him to question everything, and he wondered if Crystal truly hadn’t known of his presence. Or if she had another agenda. But the manner in which she clung to the shadows hinted of a guileless quality that complemented the virginal image she portrayed in her innocent, high-necked nightgown. He swallowed hard, telling himself it was past time to go back inside. But he found that to do so required more energetic determination than he possessed just now.
Moving closer, he stopped just close enough to inhale the seductive scent of her skin.
“It’s late,” she said. “I’d better go in.”
Her voice held a breathy, husky quality that he found pleasing and far too appealing. “Of course. You are still adjusting to the time difference. You must be tired.”
“Oddly enough, I couldn’t sleep.”
“Then please stay,” he said. “Keep me company.”
What had made him ask that? It was unwise and foolhardy to voluntarily seek out a woman’s company—any woman. What was it about this one that dissolved his common sense?
“Okay.”
The single word spoken in her soft tone chafed his nerve endings. He shook his head. Enough of this nonsense. She was nanny to his children. He would discuss them with her.
“Hana and Nuri—are they asleep?”
She nodded. “Like little angels.”
“I wish to thank you for taking their part tonight—with the king.”
“You needn’t thank me. They were behaving exac
tly like average five-year-olds and doing nothing wrong. Your father has four children. He should understand that.”
“It has been many years since my brothers and sister and I were small. As my aunt said, he left our care to others.”
“Of course. Because he was busy running the country.” She folded her arms over her bosom and leaned back against the wrought-iron railing.
“I am their father and protector. I should have intervened on their behalf.”
“It’s difficult to know what behaviors are age appropriate when you’re not trained in the care of children.”
“Miss Rawlins, is that an attempt to cut me some slack, as you Americans say?”
Her teeth flashed white when she smiled. “It’s just the truth. Most fathers work and only see their children in the evening. It’s the primary caregiver who knows them and can make a judgment about whether or not they’re trying to pull a fast one.”
“Not my children,” he said wryly.
“Of course not,” she agreed. “It’s a parent’s job to think their children are perfect and work twenty-four/ seven to make it so. It will take me some time to get to know them. To interpret what they know and what they’re capable of understanding. I don’t believe it’s right to hold them accountable for something if they can’t comprehend what’s expected of them.”
“They will be held to standards beyond those of the average child.”
“But they are still children,” she protested.
“Royal children. Hana and Nuri will have many more pressures just because of who they are. More will be expected of them because of their high-born status.”
“Too much pressure will crush them if they’re not prepared.”
“It is your job to make certain that doesn’t happen,” he said.
“And I will do my best. But they will also need the influence and guidance of someone who’s been where they are and knows how it feels.”
“Someone like their father?”
“Yes,” she agreed. “And their uncles. And aunt. Johara really has a way with children, an instinctive understanding and empathy.”
“As do you.” He slipped his hands into the pockets of his slacks. Her sensible approach and protectiveness toward his children pleased him.
“Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “I was wondering why—”
“Yes?”
“They say curiosity killed the cat. But I can’t help wondering what happened to the other nannies. Why five in a year?”
“It is wise to know the blunders of those who have gone before in order to avoid the same mistakes.”
“I’ll make new ones,” she teased.
“Let us hope they are not beheading offenses.”
“Let us hope you’re kidding.”
“I am.” He laughed. “Let me see. The last nanny you already know about.”
“I do. Rest assured I won’t be showing up in anyone’s bed unannounced.”
“I’m relieved to hear it.” Although a part of him wasn’t so comforted. “One was homesick. Another the children disliked and the one after I disliked. And the last—” He thought, but the way Crystal’s long hair blew across her face distracted him.
“Yes?”
“The last one ran off with the chauffeur,” he finally said.
“So palace life is very much like a soap opera.” She shook her head. “I can see why the king doesn’t want another disruption.”
“Speaking of disruptions, there is something else I wish to thank you for.”
“Really? What?”
“Beauty is as beauty does,” he said.
She nodded. “Vicki Rawlins’s words of wisdom and useless advice.”
“Vicki Rawlins?”
“My mother.”
“Ah. Not so useless,” he said. “If not for your mother’s words, tonight blood would surely have been spilled. My brothers’ to be exact.”
She laughed and the sound was so pleasant it was impossible for him to keep from smiling with her.
“So, you think you could take both your brothers?”
“Undoubtedly. With one hand tied behind my back.”
She laughed again. A lovely sound and one he seldom heard. At least not here on the balcony of his suite. He hadn’t spent time here with a woman since long before his wife left. Crystal’s present manner was also at odds with the paleness of her face when she’d agreed to have dinner with the royal family. Now he realized she’d found the prospect unnerving. But she’d managed to overlook her trepidation when she’d stood her ground to the king. And his brothers.
“I do hope dinner was not too great an ordeal for you,” he commented. “When Rafiq issued the invitation, you looked as if you were going to your execution.”
“It was fine. Easier than I’d expected,” she said carefully. There was a sudden tenseness in her voice.
“What do you think of my family?”
“They remind me of my own. In fact that’s one reason I jumped in to defend you. Memories of merciless piling on by my own brothers cranked up my sense of fair play. It surprised me because I thought—”
He leaned against the railing beside her, just far enough away to keep his arm from brushing hers. “What did you think?”
“It’s probably inappropriate for me to say.”
“Not if I wish you to. I promise not to hold your words against you.”
“Like I believe that.”
“You doubt me?”
“Of course.”
He straightened to his full height and stared down at her. “I am a royal prince of El Zafir and sworn to honor the name of Hassan. If I do not speak the truth, may the fury of a thousand sand storms descend upon me.”
“Wow. You certainly have a flair for the dramatic. Why shouldn’t I trust you?”
“Indeed.”
She sighed. “I was just going to say that I was nervous about meeting everyone in your family all at once because I thought wealth would make them different.”
“Snobs?”
“Your word, not mine,” she said cautiously. “But I was wrong. They’re like any family who loves, respects and teases one another.”
Pride and love for all of them expanded in his chest. “Position and wealth only change and enhance one’s circumstances. It should not alter a person’s basic nature, character and decency.”
“I agree. Everyone made me feel comfortable and welcome. Even Johara seems to be a typical teenager. Eager for adventure and a bit outspoken. Although compared to teens where I come from, she held her tongue when ordered to.”
“That is because in my country, not doing so could result in losing her tongue.”
She gasped, then stared at him. “You’re joking aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
She laughed. “I’m glad to hear it. But, seriously, Princess Johara is wonderful with your twins.”
“The children adore my little sister.”
“You’re lucky she could fill in between nannies.”
“Perhaps.” He met her gaze. “But she’s willful and rebellious.” Too much like the children’s mother for his peace of mind.
“She’ll outgrow it.”
“I hope you are right. But in the meantime, the children look up to her. She has a great deal of influence over them, and it concerns me that it could be unfavorable.”
“I’m sure you’re being overly anxious.”
“Perhaps. In any case, it’s fortunate that you have arrived to undertake their day to day care. Hana and Nuri took to you right away.”
“I’m glad. Of course it’s only a good thing if I’m a good role model,” she teased.
“My instincts tell me you are a steady, sensible and extremely honest role model.”
“I wouldn’t stuff the family silver in my handbag, if that’s what you mean.”
“I wasn’t implying that you would. In fact your background was thoroughly investigated.”
“Naturally.” Abruptly she straightened awa
y from the railing.
“As is anyone who works in the palace. Aunt Farrah informed me there was nothing unexpected in the final report.”
“Did she say anything else?”
“Only that you were perfect for me—that is, for the position.”
“Good to know.” She walked to the French doors, and light from inside highlighted the tension around her full lips. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s time for me to go inside. It’s been a long day. And tomorrow I’m taking over the children’s care full-time. Good night, Fariq.”
Suddenly she was gone. He wondered if he’d said anything to offend her. But that was impossible. He’d spoken nothing but the truth as he always did. Truth and honesty were the greatest of life’s prizes and beyond price.
This encounter with Crystal made him regret that he’d scheduled business meetings out of the country for the next several weeks. But he was pleased his children would be in the care of someone who was honest and steady.
For several seconds he stared at the spot where she’d stood just moments before. He’d enjoyed her companionship and suddenly felt very much alone. How could that be? Nothing of significance in his life had altered, yet he felt the solitude oppressive. Had it always been so? Or had he just never noticed until now?
Crystal cleared breakfast dishes from the table in Fariq’s suite, then started loading them in the dishwasher. Pretending this was a luxurious, state-of-the-art condo instead of one of many rooms in a palace made her feel more comfortable. The kitchen wasn’t so huge that walking it would give anyone a cardio workout, but the appliances had more bells and whistles than she’d ever seen. The granite countertops were basic brown with flecks of beige and black. In the center was an island with work space and a cooktop.
As she rinsed bowls and silverware, it occurred to her she’d passed the six-week mark in El Zafir and had loved every minute of it. The children seemed to thrive in the structured routine she’d set up for them.
Fariq had spent most of the time traveling, which puzzled her. The first of many business trips, interrupted by a night or two at home, had occurred the morning following their chance encounter on the balcony. His casual remark about her background investigation had sent her running like an evacuee from a forest fire. But when she’d calmed down, she’d realized if anything problematic had been discovered, she wouldn’t have been hired.
To Kiss a Sheik Page 4