“I couldn’t believe it when Rashid told me,” Bethanne said, glancing around. She hugged Ella, and said in English. “I think it’s fabulous.”
Ella giggled a little. “Outlandish, I thought,” she replied, one arm still looped with Khalid’s.
Antonio came over, bowing stiffly.
“I thought you went home,” Ella said when he stopped beside them.
“There were one or two things to deal with before I left. I spoke to our parents. They wish you both happiness in your marriage,” he said. “If I had left, I would have missed this.”
“And wouldn’t that have been too bad,” she murmured in Arabic.
“Come,” Khalid said, “let me introduce you to some friends.”
As they stepped away from the entry, they were surrounded by people who were mostly strangers to Ella. However one or two familiar faces had her smiling in delight to see again, though inside she felt guilty to be deceiving everyone.
Conscious she needed to convince her brother nothing would deter her from marrying Khalid, she stayed within touching distance all evening, reaching out sometimes to touch his arm as if to ground herself. Once when she did, he clasped her hand, lacing their fingers together and holding it all the while he carried on a conversation with a friend.
The finance minister saw Khalid with Ella and broke away from the small group he was talking with and came over to them.
“Your mother must be so pleased, both her sons are taking the next step to insure the family continues.”
“There’s more to marriage than having children,” Khalid said dryly.
“Ah, but nothing like small ones around to keep you young.”
“Do you have children?” Ella asked.
“Not yet.”
“Yet you and your wife have been married for many years,” Khalid said.
For a moment the minister looked uncomfortable, then he changed the subject. “So are you and your brother marrying at the same time? Or as Rashid is the elder, will you defer to him?”
“Our plans are not yet firm,” Khalid responded. “Excuse us, please, I see some friends of Ella’s have arrived.” Khalid moved them toward the door where two couples were standing, looking around in bewilderment.
“How do you know they are my friends?” she asked recognizing her friends.
“They look out of place. They obviously don’t know anyone else here.”
Greetings were soon exchanged. Though Ella’s university friends were startled by the scar on Khalid’s face, they quickly hid it and greeted him as warmly as they did her.
“I had no idea,” Jannine said. “Though we haven’t seen much of you this last year. I guess a lot has happened that I don’t know about.”
“It has been a hectic and busy year,” Ella said vaguely. If this had been a true engagement, she would have shared the news with her friends immediately. She knew they’d wish only happiness for her.
“So, how are you doing with your glassmaking?” Joseph asked. He looked at Khalid. “You’ve seen her work, of course.”
“Yes. Exquisite. She’s planning a showing before too much longer. I predict a spectacular future for our artist.”
“Do tell us all,” Monique said.
Ella was pleased her friends had come on such short notice and silently vowed to keep in touch better. They’d been part of her life for several years and were each interesting people. She talked about the tentative plans for getting into a gallery someplace. They listened attentively, only now and again darting a glance at Khalid.
A moment later, he touched Ella’s shoulder.
“Someone I must speak to. I’ll leave you with your friends.” He left and she watched as he crossed over to an elderly man. Turning back to her friends, she found all eyes on her.
“He’s one of the richest men in the country, you know,” Jannine said. “How in the world did you land him?”
“Good grief, Jannine, is that how you refer to me? I feel like a large-mouth bass,” her husband said.
Everyone laughed.
“Okay, maybe that was not quite what I meant.”
“So did you mean how did Ella attract him? She’s pretty, young and talented. What’s not to like?” Monique said.
“You all are twisting my words and you know it. Tell all, Ella.”
She glossed over details mentioning simply that she had been renting a cottage on a family estate and they met that way. The rest they knew. “Tell me what’s going on at the university. I’ve been so out of touch.”
Joseph began telling her about professors and students she might remember. She enjoyed catching up on the news, but felt distant, as if that part of her life was over and she was no longer connected as she once had been. It felt a bit lonely.
Glancing around at one point, she saw Khalid and Rashid both talking with the elderly man. They were in profile, left sides showing. Stunning men, she thought. Then Khalid turned and caught her eye. Once again the ruined side of his face showed. She swallowed a pang of regret for the damage and smiled. That was easily overlooked when his dark eyes focused on her. Then she felt as if everything else faded away and left only the two of them in a world of their own.
“She’s got it bad,” Jannine said, laughing.
“What?” Ella asked, turning back to her friend.
“He’s gone five minutes and you’re already looking for him. How long until the wedding?”
“I’m not sure. We haven’t made plans yet.”
Antonio came over at that point. Ella made introductions and the group began talking in English, a common language for them all.
“This is a night of firsts,” Jannine said. “I didn’t even know Ella had family. She never spoke of you.”
Her husband nudged her.
“Oh, sorry. Was that not the thing to say?”
Antonio looked at her. “You never spoke of us? Ella, we are your family.”
“Who wouldn’t accept my husband,” she replied.
As the others looked on, she wished she could march her brother away and find Khalid. She was tired of the pretense, tired of trying to smile all the time when she wanted to rail against Antonio for getting her into this mess.
“But you like al Harum better, scar notwithstanding” Joseph muttered in Arabic.
Ella narrowed her eyes. “Khalid is a wonderful man. He puts out oil fires. Do you know how dangerous that is? He was injured trying to stop a conflagration. There are very few people in the world who can do something like that. And did you ever stop to think how much pain and agony he went through with such severe burns?”
Khalid put his hand on her shoulder. “Defending me?”
“There’s no need,” she said, glaring at Joseph.
Antonio watched, glancing between Joseph, Ella and Khalid.
“No offence meant, Ella,” Joseph said.
“None taken,” Khalid said. “Please, help yourselves to refreshments. I want to borrow Ella a moment to introduce her to an old friend.”
He took her hand in his and they moved toward the man she’d seen before. Rashid and Bethanne were talking with him.
“He was a friend of my grandparents, Hauk bin Arissi. Unfortunately he is thrilled with our engagement. It is awkward, to say the least. I do not like deceiving people.”
“You should have thought of that.”
“Or left you to your brother?”
Before Ella could respond, they were beside Hauk bin Arissi. Introductions were made.
“Ah, Khalid, you and your brother have once again surprised me. The antics you used to do. Your grandmother would be so happy today—both her precious grandsons embarking on a lifelong partnership with such beautiful women.”
“You are most kind,” Ella said.
“Ah, and you my dear, already speak our language.”
“I’ve lived in Alkaahdar for several years. Studied the language before that.”
“You speak it well.”
“Thank you. My reading is n
ot as proficient.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “Have Khalid read to you. The evenings my wife and I enjoyed reading from the classics. I do miss that.”
She glanced at Khalid, a question in her eyes.
“We all miss her, Hauk.”
“So how did you two meet. I’ve heard about Bethanne’s piloting.”
“She lives on Grandmother’s estate, the one I inherited.”
“So he inherited me,” Ella said.
“Are you the artist? The glassmaker? Alia told me about your excellent work. I saw the vase you made for her. It looks like captured sunshine.”
Ella smiled. “Thank you for telling me. I miss her so much.”
Hauk studied her a moment, then looked at Khalid. “You, also, have found a treasure. See you treat her appropriately.”
Khalid bowed slightly. Ella saw the amusement in his eyes. For a moment she wished this was real. That he would treasure her and treat her appropriately. The thought startled her. This was one evening to get through, not let their pretense slip. Soon things would go back to normal.
By the end of the evening, Khalid’s temper was held by a thread. His mother was pushing for a wedding date, pushing to learn more, pushing period. The minister watched Ella more than Khalid thought wise. His wife had been unable to attend, and Khalid did not like the way he eyed Ella. Rashid teased him, which normally he’d accept in good stead. But tonight, it rubbed him wrong.
He and Ella spent most of the evening together, except when she was visiting with her friends. It was growing late when she came over to him and smiled sweetly at the couple he was talking with.
“Will you please excuse us?” she asked, drawing Khalid away.
With the same smile on her face, she leaned closer, to speak only to him.
“My feet hurt, my cheeks hurt, I’m getting very cranky so suggest we leave very soon.”
He leaned forward, breathing in the scent of her perfume, something flowery that he had grown familiar with over the last few weeks.
“I was ready to leave about two hours ago.”
“I could have gone then. We’ve been here long enough, right? Your mother can’t complain.”
“She will, but that’s her way. Come, follow me.”
He led the way down a corridor and in moments they were in the primary hallway of the building. In seconds they descended in the elevator and were outside.
Ella leaned her head back and drew in a deep breath. It was all he could do to resist leaning over and kissing her. But standing in front of the building with the doorman and valet parking attendants standing mere feet away wasn’t conducive for such activities.
Ella was tired. The strain of pretending she was wildly happy with a new engagement, and the anxiety over her brother, was wearing on her. To make matters worse, she almost wished she and Khalid were engaged. He had been most attentive tonight, hovering over her like he couldn’t stay away. He even seemed the tiniest bit jealous when he spoke to the finance minister. He was so good in his role he almost had her convinced.
What would it be like to be engaged to him? Fabulous. She knew that without a doubt. He would lavish attention on the woman he chose for wife. She sighed softly, wishing she could imagine herself as his wife. To share their lives, to have his support of her art would be beyond wonderful.
Suddenly she was jealous of the unknown woman who would one day see past his own barriers and find a way into his heart. She would be the one to receive his kisses and caresses. She would be the one to share nights of passion and days of happiness. Ella could see them living on the estate his grandmother had left him—with a half dozen children running around, laughing and shouting with glee.
“Are you all right?” Khalid asked.
Ella hoped he couldn’t read minds. “Of course. Just tired.”
“So no walk along the beach tonight?”
Did he enjoy their shared time as much as she did? Unlikely. He probably liked walking and didn’t mind if she accompanied him. The darkness hid all things. Was that special for him?
“Not tonight.” She’d have to decide how to handle this. Everything was complicated. She was drawing closer and closer to Khalid and while he seemed to enjoy her company, she wasn’t sure he was seeing her as anything but the woman who leased his cottage. Who was an impediment to his selling the estate.
When they reached home, Ella dashed into the cottage even before Khalid got out of the car. She closed the door and hurried to her bedroom, already unfastening the necklace. She didn’t want to be thinking about kisses and caresses and dark nights alone with the man. He tantalized her with things she had thought lost forever.
Her life with Alexander had been all she ever expected. And when he died, she thought a part of her had, as well. But could she find another life, one unexpected but fulfilling nevertheless? Khalid was so different from Alexander it was amazing to her she could think of him in such terms. Alexander had been kind, gentle, thoughtful. Khalid was exciting, provocative, dynamic and intense. Yet she felt more alive around him than any other time in life. Colors seemed more vivid. Experiences savored longer. Nebulous longing rose, solidifying into a desire to be with him.
She put the pearls on the dresser and peeked out of her curtains. She could only see a small corner of the main villa from this room. Nothing to show Khalid had gone to the study or his bedroom. Or, would he take a walk on the beach tonight without her. That first night he’d not known she was there. Did he often swim alone after dark?
Suddenly she felt daring. Taking off her dress, she slipped on her bathing suit. Just maybe she’d go swimming in the dark. So much the better if he were there, as well.
Pulling on a cover-up, she hurried to the beach. The moon was waning, but still cast enough light over the beach to see a pile of material near the water. Scanning the sea, she thought she saw him swimming several yards offshore. Smiling at the thought of reading his mind, she dropped her own things by his and plunged into the warm water. It felt energizing and buoyant. Swimming toward him, she saw when he first realized she was there.
Treading water, he waited for her to get closer.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I didn’t want a walk. But a swim sounded nice,” she replied. When she drew closer, she also tread water. “Do you swim every night?”
“Not every night. But many. I like it.”
“Always after dark.”
“Easier that way.”
“How far do the scars go?”
Khalid stared at her for a long moment, then motioned her closer. When she paddled nearer, he reached out and caught one hand, drawing her up to him. Tracing the ruined skin down his right side, he tried to gauge her reaction in the dim light. Most women would be horrified. The scarring went across part of his chest and his upper arm. It no longer pained him, except to look at.
She kicked closer and brushed against him. Instant heat. It had been a long time since he’d slept with a woman. He was already attracted to Ella, but her touch sent him over the edge. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, kicking gently to keep them both above water. Then he forgot everything except the feel of her in his arms. Her silky skin was warm in the water. Her hair floated on the surface, tangling with one hand as he held her closer. Her kiss spiked desire for more—much more.
The water covering them both brought him back to sanity.
She broke away and laughed, shaking her head. Water flew from her hair, splashing against him.
“Romantic,” she said, pushing up against him again, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Unless you drown us.” Her lips were close, then she brushed against him, teasing, tantalizing. She trailed light kisses along his lips, across to his left cheek, then to his right one. He pulled away.
“Don’t,” she said softly, cupping his ruined cheek with her hand. “Khalid, you make me forget everything. Don’t pull away and bring reality back. This is a night just for us.” Again she kissed him and this
time he didn’t hold back. He relished the feel of her in his arms, the length of her petite body pressed against his, banishing the loneliness of the last few years. He felt more aware of every aspect of life than ever before. All because she kissed him.
They were both breathing hard when the kiss ended. Khalid wanted to sweep her ashore and make love to her on the sand. He even began swimming that way, but stopped when he realized she was swimming parallel to the shore.
“It’s a glorious night for a swim,” she called out, swimming away with each stroke.
He’d been fooling himself. He knew what women saw when they looked at him. The night hid the scars, but light would expose them for the awful things they were. He’d take what he could get and ignore the vague yearning for even more.
He swiftly caught up with her.
“I thought you said it was unsafe to swim after dark,” he said, keeping pace with her.
“If one is alone, it is. I’m not alone, I have you.”
Together they swam along the coast, only turning back when Khalid began to fear she would tire out before reaching their things. Ella seemed as full of energy at the end as when they started. And once their towels and clothes were in sight, she stopped and tread water again. Curious, he stopped, too, and was greeted with a wave of water. A tap on his shoulder as he shook his head to clear the water from his eyes was followed immediately by “You’re it!”
Ella dove under the water and for a moment he didn’t know which direction she’d gone. When she resurfaced some yards away, he struck out. She laughed and dove beneath the water again. This time she appeared near the shore. Khalid laughed and reversed direction. By the time he reached her, she was already standing and hurrying up the shallow shelf to reach the beach.
Snatching up her towel, she wrung out her hair and then dried herself, all the while moving back, watching him.
“Dangerous games you play, Ella,” he said, walking steadily toward her.
“It was fun.” She laughed, but kept backing away.
Khalid pursued, gaining ground with every step.
“It was. But you don’t play fair. Why leave the water?”
“I’m tired. That was a long swim.” She giggled and stepped back. “I’m leaving my cover-up behind,” she said.
Marrying the Scarred Sheikh Page 12