by Leslie North
Serving him a plate, she grabbed one for herself and joined him. “There’s enough left for Melka too, if he gets back in time. Maybe it’ll make him like me more.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them, and Samir gave her a quizzical look. “All set. Dig in.”
He took a few bites and smiled. “Poppy, this is amazing. Thank you.”
Popping a forkful of turkey and gravy into her mouth, Poppy sent up a quiet thanks to her grandmother’s spirit. “I think this is the most intimate Christmas dinner I’ve ever had.” He smiled at her appreciatively.
“My grandmother taught me to cook, but I wasn’t exactly a quick study. Recipes are no experience for raw talent, but I did the best I could after she passed away.”
“No mother?”
Poppy tried to shrug as if it didn’t bother her. “My mother left not long after I was born. I had two older brothers who were four and five years older than me, and my grandmother helped my father raise us. She passed away when I was thirteen, and I tried to take over. Then my father remarried, and his new wife took over the holiday cooking.”
“That sounds like a nice family tradition,” Samir said carefully. “Do you wish you were with them right now?”
“No.” Her voice was clipped, and she could see the question on Samir’s face, but she didn’t bother answering it. This was supposed to cheer Samir up, and delving into her family history was not on the menu.
After dinner, Poppy cleared the table and put everything away. Samir tried to help, but she ordered him to stay in his chair and finish his glass of wine. Finally, she straddled him and kissed him deeply. “I have one last surprise for you tonight.”
His hands slipped under her shirt. “I think I’m going to like this surprise.”
“You are, but it’s not what you think,” she laughed. Reaching over, she plucked her scarf from the hook by the door. “I’d tell you to close your eyes, but I don’t trust you.”
“Don’t trust me?” Samir asked as he grabbed her wrists. “Why?”
“You are enjoying this too much,” she grinned. “It’d be like trying to hide a Christmas present from a kid. Now, hold still.” Pulling out of his grasp, she covered his eyes with the scarf and kissed him slowly.
When she pressed her lips to the side of his neck, he moaned. “Habibti, you can blindfold me any day,” he said huskily.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Now. Don’t move.” Smiling, she slid off his lap and opened the closet door. He made a few sounds of protest, but he didn’t move. She pulled the small Christmas tree from the closet and set it up in the living room. Next, she grabbed the bag of decorations.
“What is that?”
“No peeking!” she called out moving the bags. Finally, she returned to Samir. He grabbed her hands and pulled her back in his lap with a lusty growl, and she laughed.
“I’m not the surprise!” she giggled. Reaching up, she removed the scarf. “Come on. It’s in the living room.”
“I don’t suppose you bought massage oils and edible panties?” he asked as he let her pull him up.
“You have a one-track mind.” Leading him to the living room, she stepped away and watched him anxiously. “It’s not your mother’s decorations and really, the choices weren’t all that great. It’s probably going to look tacky, but I thought that it might take your mind off things. We could decorate it together.”
“Poppy,” he whispered and drew her into his arms. “This is absolutely perfect.”
Sighing, she rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat as he held her. In that moment, she knew that Samir wasn’t just using her for random entertainment. No matter what the future held, at least she would have this moment and know that it was real.
“I used to love Christmas,” she admitted. “When my grandmother got too old, I started doing more to help out around the house. My father and my brothers were close, but they were gone a lot on hunting trips. I cooked and helped keep the house clean. Christmas was the one time where we would all be together, and I could feel special.
“When my grandmother passed away, I did my best to duplicate her recipes, but I was not a fantastic cook. Still, my family pretended it was the best food they ever had. Then, one year, I knew that everything was perfect. It was a big deal too because my father was bringing over his girlfriend to meet us all. I couldn’t wait to impress everyone. Instead, she’d taken one taste of the food and given me the most patronizing look. She told my family that the lamb was dry, but we shouldn’t expect anything more from a child. She said that it was lucky that she came along when she did.”
“Oh, Poppy,” Samir said as he tightened his hold on her. “That must have hurt.”
“My father married her a few months later, and she took over everything. My brothers loved her, and I should have felt happy since I had less to do, but I felt pushed aside. When I went away to college, my family actually seemed surprised that I had returned that first year for Christmas. When I didn’t come back for Christmas the next year, no one even acknowledged it. I left to study abroad the year after that. I occasionally get an email, but I didn’t even get an acknowledgement of my last birthday. Sometimes I think that they blame me for my mother leaving us, and now that they have a stepmother, I don’t matter anymore.”
Pulling back, she gave him a stiff smile. “That’s why I don’t love Christmas.”
“Tonight, we’ll change that,” Samir promised her. “I’m going to give you one good Christmas memory.”
“Even though you have no idea where your brothers are and someone is trying to kill you?”
“I’m not going to think about that right now. I’m going to decorate this tree with you. We’re going to finish that bottle of wine. And then I’m going to make love to you all night long. Slow and sweet. I’m going to love every inch of your body the way it’s meant to be loved.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “And here I was trying to cheer you up.”
“Oh, Poppy. You have no idea how much brighter you make everything.” He leaned down and kissed her seductively. Afterward, he did everything that he promised to do.
13
Despite his body being sated, Samir still couldn’t sleep. Poppy’s naked body looked inviting under the moonlight, but he knew that she was sleeping soundly. Even though his body stirred at the swell of her bottom under the sheets, he pushed the thoughts away and slipped quietly from the bed.
The night had been wonderful, and Samir knew he’d never forget it, but he couldn’t stop worrying about his brothers. Despite their differences, he loved his brothers, and he couldn’t stop fearing that they were dead.
He no doubt had a string of women who wanted him dead, Jarik had a few secrets that he was tight lipped about, and Kashif had some political enemies, but as a family, they were beloved by the country. Samir couldn’t think of a single person who would want them all dead.
Hearing the unmistakable sound of the front door opening and closing, Samir tensed. Opening the bedroom door a crack, he sighed with relief when he saw Melka glaring at the Christmas tree.
“What did you find?” Samir whispered when he stepped through the door and closed it carefully behind him. Melka whirled around.
“When I sent her out for errands, this is not what I had in mind,” he growled.
Samir smiled. “She wanted to cheer me up. There are leftovers for you if you’re in the mood for a midnight dinner.”
“Cheer you up, huh?” Melka sighed and shook his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so blind before.”
“I’m not blind.” Samir sighed. “I think I might be falling for her. I haven’t felt this way about anyone since…well, I’m sure you know. Anyway, we can talk about that when I’m sure she’s not going to get hit by shrapnel aimed at me. What did you discover?”
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. I’ve got some bad news, Samir.”
He felt a hand close around his fist. “Did someone die in the explosi
on?” he whispered.
“No,” Melka shook his head and crossed the room. “It was a cabin about six miles south of the safe house at the far end of the property. Thankfully, the cabin was empty because nothing would have survived the blast.”
Feeling queasy, Samir reached out to brace himself against the wall. “Maybe it has nothing to do with us. After all, it’s not our cabin.”
“It has everything to do with you, but the bomber wasn’t after your cabin. Does it seem odd that Poppy would keep you at arm’s length only to let you seduce her? That she would put all this together to make you feel better when she barely knows you?”
Samir looked up sharply. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Why are you falling for her?”
Frustrated, he ran his hands through his hair. “I’m able to open up to her. I’m comfortable with her. She sees straight through my bullshit, and she genuinely seems to like me. I didn’t need to shower her with gifts, and she doesn’t think she has a future with me. Tonight, she opened up with me and made me realize how much we need each other. How is any of this relevant?”
“The reason that Poppy Milenne can’t return to America is because she’s wanted for grifting. She’s not running from whatever sad story she gave you. She deliberately put herself in a place to meet someone of power. I think she orchestrated the floor collapse at the palace in order to get one of you to the safe house. But you’re jaded, and she found it hard to reach you. She needed to up her game. I found a signal jammer in the safe house, Samir. Poppy was keeping us from talking to your brothers. After, she orchestrated the bomb to increase your fear. She planned on being there to comfort you in your time of need so that you’d think you’re falling in love with her. Once you’re married, she can clean out your bank account and disappear again.”
Samir stared at his old friend before he burst out laughing. “That’s an excellent story, but if you only have a cellphone jammer to back up your story, then you’re out of luck. Any of the employees could have planted it there.”
Sighing, Melka reached into his jacket and pulled out another one. “I found this under the couch before I left. I wish I had another explanation for it. I’m sorry, Samir but it’s possible she engineered the explosion. Maybe she had help and paid someone off to help her blow up that cabin.”
The world stopped spinning. Samir reached out to brace himself against the wall. She’d admitted to doing her research. She had to have known that he had a reputation for seducing women. As a professional grifter, she would have known every button to push to draw him closer and closer. It all made sense.
It was happening all over again. He was falling in love with another woman who only wanted to use him. But why did it feel so much worse this time?
“Samir, you can fall apart later. I need to get you away before she escalates her actions. I’ll call the authorities.”
His stomach rolled. “No,” he said weakly. “No police. I don’t want this to get out. I can’t…I can’t have people thinking that I was easily played again. Give me a minute to get my things, and we’ll leave.” Shaking his head, he stared at Melka. The man had a guarded expression on his face that he couldn’t identify. He hoped it wasn’t pity. He couldn’t handle that right now.
As he opened the door to the bedroom, he stared at her sleeping form. He intended to get his things and go, but when he thought of what he’d shared with her, he was filled with ice-cold rage.
Flipping on the lights, he glared as she shifted and opened her eyes. “Samir?” she asked as she blinked. “Are you okay? Did something happen?”
“You could say that,” he snarled. “Did you really think that someone like me would fall in love with someone like you?”
Clutching the sheets up against her bare breasts, she stared at him. “What?”
“I may not be Crowned Sheikh, but I am royalty. You’re my employee. It’s been fun to watch you spread your legs for me, but funs over. Melka found the cell-phone jammers. Tell me. Did you have a male accomplice? Were you fucking him as well? You played the prude princess so well.”
“Samir!” she cried out. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”
“Sheikh Shadid,” he growled. “You will address me by my title. You’re fired, Poppy. Be glad I’m not having you arrested, but you have forty-eight hours to get your things and get the hell out of my country.”
“Oh God, Samir, I have no idea what’s going on. Talk to me. We’ll figure it out together.” The sheet dropped from her body as she scrambled to the edge of the bed and reached for him. His heart broke when he saw the desperate fear in her eyes, and God help him, she genuinely seemed confused.
She was good.
“Still trying to use your naked body to sway me? It’s cute. Take the car, and get your shit out of my house.” Grabbing his jacket, he slammed the door. Her sobs echoed off the walls, and for a moment, his will wavered and he froze outside the door.
“Come on, Samir. We need to leave,” Melka reminded him.
Shaking his head, Samir walked away. He knew without a doubt that he was leaving his heart behind, and it disgusted him to know how easily he’d fallen for her.
Before he walked out the door, he looked at the Christmas tree. Where before, it was beautiful, now he saw it for what it was; an attempt to play on his emotions. Swinging his arm out, he knocked the tree to the floor. He heard the sound of glass breaking and he wondered if that’s what his heart sounded like. Thanks to Poppy, he would remember this Christmas forever. He’d remember never to trust a woman ever again.
14
Poppy ran to the window and watched as Melka and Samir climbed into a waiting taxi. Shuddering, she tried to hold in the tears as she processed what had happened.
The problem was that she had no idea what had happened except that the man that she loved had cut her until she was on her knees, stripped her of her job, and walked away as if she were trash.
Her hands shook as she tried to catch her breath. Her heart had been ripped to shreds, but she was strong. She’d pick up her life and move on. It wasn’t the first time that she’d had to start over. At this point, she was a pro.
The dream job was gone. She’d been exiled, but at least she had enough money to travel, so she wouldn’t be completely destitute. Moving to one of the neighboring countries until she could figure out what happened wasn’t an option. After the things that Samir had said to her, she wasn’t sure she could ever see him again. Maybe it was time to visit China. She always wanted to see China.
Hot tears slid down her cheeks. If there were ever a time to be able to go home, this would be it. Pulling out her cellphone, she checked her email and desperately hoped that someone had wished her a Merry Christmas.
No such luck.
Slowly, she returned to the bedroom to gather her clothes and get dressed. Poppy felt like she was moving in slow motion. The keys were on the side table. There was no note. What did she expect? An apology? There was nothing apologetic in Samir’s eyes.
Did you really think that someone like me would fall in love with someone like you?
Maybe not, but someone like her had certainly fallen in love with him. That’s what made it so much harder.
Looking over her shoulder, she stared at the Christmas tree lying on the floor. It had barely stood five-feet tall, and it was skinnier than she was. Most of the branches were broken off, but it had been the nicest tree she could find this close to Christmas. The multi-colored lights reflected off the cheap silver balls, as it lay there on the floor looking like a victim of a late night car crash. The blinking lights reminded her of the lights from the vehicles of emergency responders. The angel topper was lying on her side, staring sightlessly at her.
It had been the most beautiful tree she’d ever seen because she and Samir had decorated it. Now, it looked as dead as she wanted to feel inside.
Closing her eyes, she steadied herself. When she felt stronger, she grabbed the keys and yanked the doo
r open. Welcoming the cold blast of air, she stepped out into the snow.
Christmas could go straight to hell.
Knocking his head against the window, Samir stared outside as the lights of the city blurred together. The city was lit up with Christmas lights and decorations, and it made everything worse.
“Be glad that you found out when you did,” Melka said gently. “At least it can all be dealt with quietly.”
“That’s hardly the point,” Samir snarled. “She used me. I actually thought…never mind.”
His bodyguard shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “She’s a professional. I’m sure there were many powerful men that fell under her charm. I could see that she was a snake from the very beginning.”
“You did, didn’t you?” Samir said quietly as he returned his attention back to the window. “How did you know?”
“I didn’t like the way you looked at her.”
Confused, Samir turned and stared at him. “You mean the way that she looked at me?”
“Yeah. Sorry. I’m tired.”
“But she barely looked at me at all in the beginning,” Samir pushed. He wanted to know how his bodyguard had seen what he could not. “She was determined not to fall for my seduction.”
Melka shrugged. “Yes, well, women usually fall all over you, don’t they? It only stood to reason that she had an agenda.” He leaned forward and tapped the taxi driver on the shoulder. “Can you hurry it up? I’d like to make it to the airport before this next snow storm hits.”
“I’m sorry, sir. The roads are icy,” the driver apologized.
Samir frowned. “You correctly judged the entire woman simply because she didn’t want to sleep with me? I admit that I have a track record, but I was bound to face rejection sooner or later. There had to have been some other reason.”