Why did the idea of Laurel leaving before she had given them time to get acquainted make his gut clench? He should concentrate on something besides her. “We are passing the state entrance, where we were earlier. It is only used for visiting dignitaries.”
“And, apparently, weddings,” Laurel murmured.
“The main family entrance is on the west side of the palace. The King and his family have one on the east.”
She craned her neck to look up. “How many people live here?”
“There are over a hundred staff members. Each member of the royal family has their own apartments.”
Nasser turned under an archway into a courtyard and pulled to a stop in front of the door. Tariq helped Laurel out of the car. “Welcome, Princess.”
The shocked look on her face made him chuckle. “I see you had not thought of that. Yes, you are considered a princess now.” He cupped her cheek briefly. “I think you will make a lovely one.”
Stunned, Laurel walked into the cool of the palace entrance. The tingle of Tariq’s caress still lingered. Her fingertips brushed briefly over the spot he had touched. What was this reaction she was having to him? It needed to go away.
Her heart had broken for Tariq earlier when she had discovered what he hadn’t wanted to reveal—his guilt. What an unnecessary weight he carried. The self-contained man didn’t want her sympathy, hadn’t intended her to see what he considered his weakness. Did his family know?
An opportunity like the one the royal family offered didn’t come around often in medicine. Laurel tingled at the thought of the advances that might be gained from her research. Maybe through her work she could ease Tariq’s pain, whether or not her work was done in America or here.
Laurel looked down the long passage of whitewashed walls and dark wood flooring. She stood in a palace. A palace. She was a princess. Her siblings would laugh themselves silly at the idea. Although she had never been overly impressed with splendor and wealth, the grandeur of the place awed her. It was so unlike anything she had ever seen before. Just the age and design alone was fascinating. Laurel couldn’t shake the silly notion she was Cinderella and something special was happening to her. She pushed that notion away. Wasn’t she here to do a job? Not pretend she was someone she wasn’t.
“This way, Princess.” Tariq indicted with a hand.
“Please just make it Laurel. I don’t think I’m princess material.”
“I believe you might find differently.”
Tariq escorted her through a network of hallways until they came to wide arching double doors with a pointed flourish at the top. He opened them, revealing a jewel-blue-toned room. A huge canopy bed set in the center of the room, covered with a dark blue spread laced with silver threads. The drapery above and around the bed was also silver. Windows echoing the door design flanked the bed. The bedside tables were laden with lamps, the shades of which were trimmed with beaded braid.
A couch and two chairs created a sitting area on one side of the space. A blue oriental rug covered the white marble floor beneath the furniture, including a cabinet she suspected concealed a TV behind its ornate doors. On the other side was a large cream-colored desk complete with lamp and visitor chairs before it. Laurel couldn’t believe all of this splendor was hers.
The room was the most luxurious she’d ever been in. Her father worked in a manufacturing plant in a small town. He could never have afforded anything like what she was seeing. Even with her medical degree she didn’t make enough money to have the funds for such a fine living space. “This is wonderful.”
Going to one window, she looked out. Below was a lush green paradise. This place she could learn to like, if she planned to stay, which she didn’t. This wasn’t her world. Outside her research this was all make-believe, storybook stuff.
“Your bath is through here.” Tariq indicated a smaller door on the same side of the room as the desk.
Laurel entered to find a gleaming gold-plated, freestanding footed tub with a white plush mat in front of it. The vanity was white marble with gold hardware. Behind a silk screen with an outsized blue bird embroidered on it was the commode. Laurel had never been in a more luxurious bathroom. She had to remind herself she was in a palace.
“I hope you will be comfortable here.”
She turned to Tariq in amazement. “I can’t imagine why I wouldn’t be.”
He nodded. “Now I will show you how to get to the garden. The pool is at your disposal. Also, you are free to have your meals here or come to the dining room where something is always available.”
“I don’t imagine I’ll spend much time here. I’ll probably eat most of my meals at the lab.” She was uncomfortable with the idea of people waiting on her.
“If not, all you have to do is pick up the phone and let whoever answers know you wish for food and tell them what you want.”
Just like that. There was a short-order cook always on call?
“Now let me show you the garden.”
They exited the suite, going along the hallway and down a few steps. From there they came to a door that opened to the outside. She could only describe what she saw as an oasis of lush green leaves, chirping birds and bright flowering plants. A heavenly scent filled the air. It was the most divine place she had ever been in. She followed Tariq along a stone walk around a curve to an oval pool sparkling in the late afternoon sunlight.
“This is amazing.” She didn’t try to keep her awe out of her voice.
“The family uses the pool and you’re free to as well, of course.”
She was considered part of the royal family? Unbelievable. When had her life turned into a fairy tale? The minute Tariq had walked into her lab.
Nasser approached. “Sir, they are ready for you.”
“I am on my way. You have my papers?”
Nasser handed him a folder.
To her Tariq said, “Can you find your way back to your room?”
She gazed around at the lovely place, hating to leave it so soon. “I can, but I think I will stay here for a while.”
“You are welcome to. I shall see you this evening.” He gave her one last unreadable look and swiftly walked away. His flowing robes made him look every bit the royal he was.
Nasser nodded and quietly disappeared behind him.
Half an hour later Laurel took one more longing look around the garden before going to her room. The walk convinced her that if she ever deviated from her original path she would surely be lost. Who would she call? Anyone who cared about her was thousands of miles away. Straightening her shoulders, she decided she wouldn’t think about that now. Soon funding would come through and she would be back where she belonged.
In her room she found that her bags had been unpacked and all of her clothes put away. Thankfully, there was a tray of food waiting. She freshened up and pulled on her nightgown and robe then settled on the sofa to make a few notes about what she wanted to accomplish the next day at the lab.
As the sunset turned rosy her eyelids drooped. Apparently the jet lag that Tariq anticipated had found her. She would just close her eyes for a few minutes and rest.
* * *
Tariq tapped on Laurel’s door. No answer. Was she exploring the palace? Nasser had not mentioned her requesting anything.
His meeting had gone longer than planned. Before he started on yet more work that evening, he wanted to assure himself Laurel was happy with her room and let her know he would be going with her to the clinic the next morning.
He knocked again. Still there was no answer. Now he became worried. After rapping a third time, he called her name. No response. What if something had happened to her? Had she fallen?
Tariq opened the door, Laurel’s name on his lips, to see her curled into a ball asleep on the sofa. Relieved, he should have backed out but went to her instead. After a hard day she would sleep better in
the bed.
As he drew near, he glimpsed a hint of her full breasts in the lace-lined V neckline of her pale teal, nylon gown. Although robed, most of her curled legs were exposed. They were beautiful. Temptation to run a finger along one silky-looking thigh and calf almost overrode common sense.
Tightening his lips, he scooped her into his arms, bringing her against his chest. Laurel weighed almost nothing. Murmuring something, she burrowed her cheek against him. He laid her on the turned-down bed, careful to nestle her head on a pillow, and pulled the covers over her enticing body.
Laurel’s eyes fluttered open. “Tariq?”
“Yes, habibti, it is I. I am putting you to bed.”
She muttered something incomprehensible and pulled a pillow close.
Tariq tucked her in and backed away. He would be a very lonely groom tonight. In no mood to face the stack of paperwork on his evening agenda, he decided an exhausting swim and then a cold shower was what he needed.
An hour later he made another turn in the pool and went into the breaststroke. He was punishing himself, but Laurel’s face, so sweet and innocent in sleep, he could not get out of his mind. Her slim body had fit so perfectly against his, it felt as if she were made for him. Which was impossible. He should not, did not, deserve a woman like Laurel. What he had learned about her upbringing and family made him believe she would want the same for her children. He could never offer her that. He needed to keep in the forefront of his mind why Laurel was in Zentar. She was here to do crucial medical research, which was far more important than his baser needs. He needed to focus on his job as Health Minister. His family’s future and that of his country depended on it.
Tomorrow the clinic would open for the first patient and Laurel’s work would begin again. He should prepare, ensure everything was in order. However, he needed to put distance between him and his wife. The wife he had never planned to have. Even now he was surprised he had insisted that he be the one she should marry.
But it was in name only. Otherwise he would be in bed with her right now, awaking the passion he was positive was just below her surface.
* * *
Laurel woke at sunrise in the luxurious bed with its deep mattress, plump pillows all around her. How had she gotten here? Tariq. She thought she had been dreaming of being in his arms. It had felt so good, so right. He had called her something. What was it? Hab...something? What did it mean?
All night she had relived that moment he’d kissed her after the ceremony. The instant his mouth had claimed hers, all else had faded away. It had only been the two of them in the world. She had seen the desire burning in his eyes. Felt the heat of him against her. Tasted his lips as his beard had brushed her cheek. The feel of being alive and wanted had swirled through her, tugging her into the vortex that was Tariq.
She longed for that whirlwind to sweep her away and for her to ride it to its natural conclusion, but she would never allow Tariq to know that. Instead she had spent her wedding night alone. She couldn’t risk giving in to her body’s reactions to Tariq’s virile attentions.
When Larry had shown her the same kind of interest, it had been so new and exciting she’d fallen hard, and had been sure she was in love...only to discover to her horrified humiliation that his interest had been a heartless act. He had felt nothing for her during their brief relationship and he had cruelly stated that moments after he’d gotten what he’d wanted from her.
She would never recover if she let her guard down and fell victim to Tariq’s wiles.
To be used and discarded, which Tariq would surely do, wasn’t something she could live through again. She would keep her mind clear, do her work and stay out of his way. He was busy enough with all his royal responsibilities that he wouldn’t have time for her if she kept out of his sight.
Laurel shook her head and threw the covers back before jumping out of bed. It was time to go to work. Tariq wouldn’t be kissing her again. She would see to that. Going to the phone, she picked it up. A heavily accented male voice answered in English, “How may I help you?” Embarrassment filled her at having to have someone wait on her. That was a foreign concept for her. “This is Dr. Martin. May I have a muffin and tea brought to my room? I promise to find the dining room this evening.”
“Right away, Princess Laurel.”
Princess Laurel. She would never get used to that title. “Thank you.”
She hurried to take a quick shower. She was wrapping her hair in a towel when there was a knock on the door. Pulling on her robe, she called, “I’m coming.”
Fully expecting one of the staff with her breakfast, her jaw dropped and she stood speechless when she saw Tariq standing there. There was a small lift to the corner of his lips as he surveyed her from the top of her twisted towel to her red-painted toenails. Then he drawled, “Good morning, Laurel.”
Heat flashed through her and she didn’t need a mirror to know her cheeks were bright pink. She stammered, “Wh-what’re you d-doing here?”
He glanced down and her attention followed to the small tray in his hand. “I brought you breakfast.”
Why was he doing that? “Aw...thank you.”
“I was headed this way and I offered to bring it.”
“Oh.”
Tariq looked amused. “May I set this down or would you rather eat right here in the hallway?”
“Uh, yeah.” What had she just done? She’d invited Tariq into her bedroom. “Just put it on the table.”
Tariq wore a crisp white shirt, collar open, and light tan pants with a thin dark belt at his trim hips. His hair was combed back and his beard sculpted. He was as devastatingly handsome as ever, possibly even more so.
There she stood in a wet towel and no clothes beneath her robe. Laurel stayed by the door to keep as much space between them as possible. “Yes, thank you for thinking of me.”
“I’ve been doing too much of that lately.”
“Excuse me?” Was he blaming her for something? She hadn’t been the one to take their kiss to a place they shouldn’t have gone.
“For what?” He gave her a sly look as he came toward her.
Laurel had the urge to move out into the hallway but she wasn’t dressed to do so. What if someone saw her? She took two steps back, unsure if it was because she didn’t trust him or herself. These feelings weren’t something she had much experience with.
Moving did her no good. Tariq stopped in front of her. “By the way, you look quite lovely after a morning shower. I hope you slept well.”
“I did.” Laurel couldn’t meet his look. “Thanks for getting me to bed.”
“You are welcome. It was my pleasure.”
She dared to look at him. Had he added under his breath, “and pain”?
“I will be waiting in the car for you in thirty minutes. Nasser will take us to the clinic.”
He left, leaving Laurel with mouth gaping. He was flirting with her. She might be rusty in the relationship department but she did recognize that. But she must not fall for it. She had before, and she couldn’t survive it again.
Laurel left her tea to steep and went to dry her hair. She returned to eat. The fruit added to her order was delicious. Finished with her meal, she returned to dressing. With five minutes to spare she closed her bedroom door. She questioned locking it but that would be ridiculous because who would be interested in her belongings when they could have the...royal jewelry?
She giggled as she went down the hall, concentrating on remembering how she’d come the day before. Proud of herself, she opened the courtyard door to bright sunshine. It was early and already on its way to hot. Mercifully she had chosen a simple lightweight dress. Inside her bag she had stuffed a sweater. Sometimes it could be cool in an air-conditioned building.
The car was waiting just as Tariq had said it would be. Nasser stepped up beside her and opened the back door.
Laurel smile brightly at him. “Good morning and thank you, Nasser.”
He nodded. “Good morning, ma’am.”
She paused a second when she saw Tariq sitting there. He glanced up from the papers in his hand and smiled. “I like a woman who is punctual.”
“Good morning to you too, Your Highness.” She made the words sound syrupy sweet.
He gave her his full attention and lowered his chin. “I do not like that address coming from you.” His voice was tight with reproach. “You make it sound like it is something that tastes bad.”
Laurel smiled. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t meant that way.”
Tariq’s gaze locked on hers. “I wish I could believe that.”
She took her seat beside him, making sure they did not touch. Moments later Nasser was in the driver’s seat and they were leaving the courtyard.
“I am not going to jump you,” Tariq said, low enough for only her to hear. “So relax.”
“No, you are not.”
“You look ready to run for the mountains. I am sorry if I have made it uncomfortable between us. That was not my intent.”
“Just what was your intent? To play with me?”
A troubled look came over his face. “No. I do not play games.”
She studied him a moment. This man didn’t strike her as someone who ever took action without first understanding the motive behind it. He was deliberate about his decisions. So, was he saying he was genuinely attracted to her?
“Again, I apologize. I will honor our agreement. Our marriage is in name only.”
Laurel appreciated the sincerity of his words but couldn’t ignore the disappointment that came with them. The high from being in his arms wouldn’t happen again. It was just as well. Not to mention a relief. Even if he was truly attracted to her, which she seriously doubted, nowhere in her scenario of life did she see herself with Tariq forever.
Their bumpy conversation was effectively ended when Nasser pulled up to the same door of the clinic they had used the afternoon before.
The Sheikh Doc's Marriage Bargain Page 7