Khalid knew that kind of attachment, that kind of love, was rare and special. Her husband had been dead for more than a year. Ella should have moved on. But the strength of her sobs told him she still mourned with an intensity that was amazing. The emotions told of a strong bond, a love that was deeply felt.
He had never known that kind of love. And never would.
Finally she began to subside. He didn’t know what to do but hold her. He’d caused this outburst by his demand to know more. Had the man at Bashiri Oil been clumsy in his research? Or was the family on alert for information about their daughter? Was her brother’s involvement the cause of the estrangement, or did it go deeper? Khalid wanted answers to all the questions swirling around in his mind.
But now, his first priority was to make things right with Ella.
Slowly he felt her hands ease on the clutching of his shirt. A moment later she pushed against his chest. He let her go, catching her face in his palms and brushing away the lingering tears with his thumbs. Her skin was warm and flushed. He registered the softness and the vulnerability she had with her sorrowful eyes, red and puffy.
“I did not know making an inquiry would cause all this,” he said. “You are safe here. I will not let anyone kidnap you. Tell me what happened.”
She pushed away and stepped back. “I’m not telling you anything. You tell my brother when he contacts you again that you have no idea where I’m living. Make him go away. Make sure he never finds me.”
“You think he’ll come again?” Khalid asked.
“Of course. He’s tenacious.”
“Why should he come for you?”
“My family wants me home. I want to stay here. If you can’t guarantee I can stay, I’ll have to disappear and won’t tell you where I go.”
Two weeks ago Khalid would have jumped at the offer. He wanted his tenant gone so he could put the estate up for sale. But two weeks changed a lot. He wasn’t as anxious to sell as he had once been. He liked living near the sea. He liked the after dark walks along the shore. He did not want his tenant to leave and not give a forwarding address.
More importantly, he wanted to know the full story of what was going on. How could she be so afraid of her family?
“How old are you?” he asked, stepping back to give her more space.
“Twenty-nine. You know that. What does that have to do with anything?”
“As far as I understand the laws in most countries, that makes you an adult, capable of making your own decisions on where to live.”
“You’d think so,” she said bitterly, brushing the last of the tears from her face. She walked to the window and peered out, but Khalid didn’t think she saw the colorful blossoms.
She rubbed her chest, as if pressing against pain. “Alexander and I were childhood sweethearts. My parents thought we’d outgrow that foolishness. Their words. They had a marriage in mind for me that would probably rival what your mother had for Rashid. Combining two old Italian families, and merging two fortunes that would only grow even larger over the years.”
Khalid frowned. He made a mental note to get in touch with the man at the company who had been doing the research for him. What had he discovered?
“So you and Alexander married against parental wishes. It happens.”
“When they discovered where we were living, Antonio came and said I had to return home. There would be an annulment and the arranged marriage would go forth. I laughed at him, but he was stronger than I was and soon I was in a car heading for the airport. The rest you know. I managed to dodge him at the police station and then hid until I thought he’d left Quishari. Mutual friends contacted your grandmother who offered me a place to live. I’m forever grateful to her. I miss her a lot. She really liked my work, and I think she liked me. But more importantly—she gave me a safe haven. I’ll never forget that.”
“I’m sure she did,” Khalid said, stunned to learn this. Had his actions threatened the haven Ella clung to? He would have to take steps to remedy the situation.
Ella turned and looked at him.
“If my actions caused this, I will fix it,” he said.
“If? Of course they did. No one has ever come here before. Why did you have to ask about me. I told you about me.”
“I wanted to know more. My grandmother never mentioned you. My family doesn’t know about you. What you told me was limited.”
“You’re my landlord—you know all you need to know about me. I pay my rent on time and I have a lease. I don’t trash the place. End of story.”
“I want more.”
“Well, we don’t always get what we want in life,” she snapped.
Khalid stared at her, seeing an unhappy, sad woman. One to whom he’d brought more pain and suffering. It didn’t come easy, but he had to apologize. “I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “Sorry doesn’t change anything.”
“It lets you know I didn’t deliberately cause you this grief. I said I’d fix it and I shall.”
“How? Erase my brother’s memory? Put up guards so no one can get on the estate? Wouldn’t that also mean no one goes off, either? I had things going just fine until you showed up.”
“Sit down and we’ll get to the bottom of this.” He went around the desk and called Bashiri Oil. In less than a minute he was speaking to the researcher in the office who had been asked to find out more about Ella Ponti. He listened for a solid five minutes, his expression impassive as the man recited what he’d discovered, ending with…
“One of her brothers was in the office yesterday, trying his best to get more information. We know better than to give that kind of information. He accosted people in the halls and in the parking area. Finally we had security remove him from the premises. But I’d watch out—he’s looking for his sister and seems most determined.”
“I, also, can be determined,” Khalid said softly.
“True, Excellency. And I’d put my money on you.”
Khalid ended the call.
“It appears the inquiries I had made did cause your brother to return to Quishari. He is staying at the Imperial Hotel. He has made a pest of himself at the company headquarters, questioning everyone trying to locate you. Why is it so important that you marry the man your parents picked out? Surely that was years ago. You said you’d been married for four years, and Alexander has been dead for one. What is so compelling?”
“To further the dynasty, of course. And ensure the money doesn’t go outside the family or the family business—wine. I have a trust, that I can’t access for another couple of years. But my father was convinced Alexander wanted only my money. He was wrong. Alexander loved me. We lived modestly on his income from the university. We were so happy.”
Tears filled her eyes again, and Khalid quickly sought a way to divert them. He was not at all capable of dealing with a woman’s tears. He wished he’d never thought to find out more about the woman his grandmother had rented the cottage to.
“I’ll go see your brother and make sure he leaves you alone.”
She blinked away the tears, hope shining from her eyes.
“You will?”
Khalid nodded, loath to involve himself in her family dynamics, but he felt responsible for causing the problem. “I’ll shower, change and go to the hotel myself.”
Ella thought about it for a moment, then nodded once. “Fine, then. You take care of it.” She turned and went to the door, pausing a moment and looking back at him. “I’m glad you got home safely. The fire out?”
“Yes.”
“Did you find out what caused it?”
“I believe so. We have taken steps to make sure there won’t be another one at that rig.”
“Good.” She left.
Khalid rubbed the back of his neck. He had better get changed and to the hotel before her brother annoyed even more people. Or came back and found Ella.
Ella kept her house locked up all day. She knew her brother. He would not likely be sidetracked from his goa
l just on Khalid’s say-so. Not that she would buck the power of the sheikh. He could probably buy and sell her brother without batting an eye. And it was his country. His family was most prominent. Antonio would find no allies in Quishari. Served him right. She couldn’t forget the last time she’d seen him. If he had never come last year, Alexander would be alive today.
As the afternoon waned, Ella wondered if Khalid had truly gone to see her brother. She had not seen him return. What if he’d changed his mind? Upon further consideration, he had to know this would be the perfect way to rid himself of the tenant he didn’t want. The more Ella thought about it, the more certain she was that was what happened. It could not take Khalid hours to go tell Antonio to go home.
Restless, she set off for her walk when it was barely dark. She doubted she’d sleep tonight. In fact, she might best be served by packing essentials and contacting Bethanne to ask for a ride someplace. At this point, Ella would take anyplace away from Alkaahdar.
She walked farther than normal, still keyed up. When she came to a more populated area, she sat near the water. There were others still on the beach. A small party had a fire near the water, and were sitting around it, laughing and talking. She watched from the distance. How long had it been since she felt so carefree and happy?
When that party began breaking up, Ella realized how late it was—and she still had a very long walk home. She rose and walked along the water, the moon a bright disk in the sky. She was resigned to having to leave. There didn’t seem to be any choice unless she wanted her family to take over her life. And that she vowed would never happen. She was not some pawn for her father’s use. She liked being on her own. Loved living in Quishari. She’d have to find a way.
She slowed when she drew closer to the estate. Would Khalid be on the beach? She wasn’t up to dealing with him tonight. She’d made a fool of herself crying in his study. She didn’t want to deal with any more emotion. She was content with her decisions and her walk. A good night’s sleep was all she wanted now. Tomorrow she’d begin packing and slip away before Antonio found her. She’d contact her friend Marissa to come after she was gone to pack up her glass art. Once she was settled somewhere, she’d see about resuming the glassblowing.
Khalid saw Ella slip through the garden on her way to the cottage. He had tried her place earlier, but she was already gone. Now she was back. It was late, however. He needed to tell her how the meeting with her brother had gone, but maybe it would be best handled in the morning.
He sat in the dark on the veranda, watching her go to her home. A moment later the lights came on in one room, then another. Before a half hour passed, the cottage was dark again. He hoped she had a good night’s sleep, to better face tomorrow. He knew she would not be pleased with what he had to tell her.
The next day it rained. The dreary day seemed perfect to Ella as she packed her clothes in one large suitcase. She put her cosmetics in a smaller suitcase and stripped the bed, dumping the sheets into the washer behind the kitchen. She’d leave the place as immaculate as it had been when she moved in. The only part she couldn’t do much with would be her studio. She hoped Khalid would permit her friend to come to clear away her things. If not, so be it. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d started over. She was better equipped now than she had been a year ago.
The knock on the door put her on instant alert. She would not open to Antonio no matter what. Slowly she approached the door, looking through the glass, relieved to see it was Khalid.
Opening the door a crack, she stood, blocking the view into the living room. “Yes?” she said.
“I need to talk with you,” he said. Today he wore a white shirt opened at the throat. His dark pants were obviously part of a suit. Was he going somewhere for business later?
“About?”
“Your brother, what do you think?”
“You saw him?’
“I did. Are you going to let me in or are we going to talk like this?”
She hesitated. “Is it going to take long? Either you got rid of him or you didn’t.”
He pushed against the door and she gave in, stepping back to allow him to enter.
She shut the door behind him and crossed to the small sofa, sitting on the edge. He took a chair near the sofa.
Wiping suddenly damp palms against her skirt, she waited with what patience she could muster.
“I saw your brother at the hotel. He is very anxious to talk with you. Seems there’s a problem with your family that you only can help with.”
“Sure, marry the man they picked out.”
Khalid nodded. “Apparently there have been some financial setbacks and your family needs an influx of cash that the wedding settlement would bring.”
She frowned. “What setbacks? The wine business is doing well. We’ve owned the land for generations, so there’s no danger from that aspect. I don’t understand.”
Khalid shrugged. “Apparently your younger brother has a gambling habit. He’s squandered money gambling, incurring steep debts which your father paid for. That didn’t stop him. Unless they get another influx of cash, and soon, they will have to sell some of the land. It’s mortgaged. They’ve been stringing creditors along, but it’s all coming due soon and they are desperate.”
“Giacomo has a gambling problem?” It was the first she’d heard about it. She frowned. For a moment she pictured her charming brother when she had last seen him. He had still been at university, wild and carefree and charming every girl in sight. They’d had fun as children. What had gone wrong?
“While I’m sorry to hear that, I don’t see myself as sacrificial lamb to his problem. Let my father get him to marry some wealthy woman and get the cash that way.” She could see her patriarchal father assuming she would be the sacrifice to restore the family fortunes.
“Both your brothers are already married.”
Ella was startled at the news. She realized cutting herself off from the family when she married Alexander had meant she wasn’t kept up-to-date on their activities. When had her brothers married? Recently? Obviously during the years she and Alexander had lived in Quishari.
“Apparently Antonio feels it is your duty to the family to help in this dire circumstance,” Khalid said dryly.
“He’s echoing my father. I have no desire to help them out. And I certainly am not going to be forced into marrying some man for his money to bail Giacomo out of a tight place.” Antonio had always looked out for her and Giacomo. Looks as if he was still looking out for their younger brother. What about her?
Khalid nodded. “I knew you would feel that way.”
“Does he know I live here?” she asked.
Khalid shook his head. “He could end up coming here to see me again and discover you around. But I did not tell him where you lived.”
“I’m leaving.”
He looked surprised at that.
“Going where?”
“I don’t know yet. But I’m not telling anyone. That way they can’t find me again.”
“Would it be so bad to be in touch with your family? I can’t imagine being cut off from Rashid.”
“That’s different. Your mother isn’t trying to marry you off to the woman she wants. Just listen to what Antonio said—I’m to come home and marry some man for his fortune. You don’t want to be married for money, why would you support that?”
“You know I wouldn’t. Would it hurt to listen to what he has to say?”
“I’m not going back to Italy.”
He shook his head. “I’m not suggesting that. Parents can’t arrange marriages for their offsprings.”
“Your mother tried with Rashid.”
“And it came to nought. I don’t see her doing anything now but eventually accepting Bethanne will be his wife.”
“She tried it, that’s the point. She may try with you.”
“I doubt it. She doesn’t like the scars any more than another woman would.”
“Honestly, I can’t believe you harp o
n that. So you have a scar. Try plastic surgery if you don’t like it. In truth, it makes you look more interesting than some rich playboy sheikh who rides by on his looks.”
“Playboy sheikh?” he said.
Ella leaned forward. “This is about my problem, not yours.”
“Of course.” The amusement in his eyes told her he was not taking this as seriously as she was. Why should he? He had power, prestige, money. She had nothing—not even a family to support her.
“So did Antonio leave?” she asked.
“Not yet. He wants to see you. Hear from you that everything is fine.”
“And try to kidnap me again to take me home.”
“No. I, uh, made it clear he could not do that.”
“How?”
Khalid looked uncomfortable. “Actually by the time the meeting was drawing to an end, I was a bit exasperated with your brother.”
Ella laughed shortly. “I can imagine. He’s like a bulldog when he’s after something. So what did you tell him?”
“That you and I were engaged.”
Ella stared at him for a long moment, certain she had misheard him. “Excuse me?” she said finally, not believing what echoed in her mind.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
“You told my brother we were engaged? You don’t even like me. We are not engaged. Not even friends, from what I can tell. Why in the world would you say such a thing?”
“To get him to back down.”
“I don’t believe this. You’re a sheikh in this kingdom. You could order people to escort him to the country borders and kick him out. You could get his visa denied, declare him persona non grata. You could have—”
“Well, I didn’t do any of that.”
She blinked. “So Antonio thinks we’re engaged.”
Marrying the Scarred Sheikh Page 9