Falling for the Sheikh She Shouldn't

by Fiona McArthur

  There was no doubt Zafar had changed since they’d left the hotel and not only into flowing white robes. He’d distanced himself from her, created a barrier through which he didn’t see or hear little people like her.

  She wondered if there’d been more to the Tom saga than she’d been told. Big surprise there she hadn’t been included. She was really having difficulty with this servant attitude she needed to get. Since they’d left it was more obvious she had slid down the totem pole.

  His persona of Prince who travelled with entourage, immersed in business documents at the front of the plane, was daunting even for her. It seemed obvious his plan was that she’d take the whole problem of Fadia and her sons off his hands until the girl settled into Zandorron life.

  Then again, who was she to complain of that because he’d paid handsomely for just such a purpose? And she’d sold her soul to clear her debts and start a new life. As long as she didn’t throw her body—or her heart—into the bargain, it was worth it.

  Carmen wished she didn’t feel so unsettled by the man underneath the trappings yet that attraction seemed to grow insidiously despite her reluctance. Those wild unplanned moments in the storm were hard to banish, especially when she could see him up at the front of the plane.

  Her gaze strayed to the back of his head, the glimpse of his aristocratic profile as he turned to speak to the stewardess, the distant deep timbre of his voice. She felt herself warm at the memory of the way he’d kissed her, held her in his arms. Was she mad? What possessed her to have followed him to a land where his power was absolute? She breathed in and out slowly, three times, and reminded herself to relax. Calm. She was still in control and would just have to be careful. She was just feeling a little overwhelmed.

  It was all such a surreal experience, travelling with Zafar. Her father had been worldly but Zafar was princely and there was a huge difference. She suspected that clothed even in rags he would still be commanding, and she couldn’t deny she felt drawn to the man regardless of his station. She dragged her eyes away from him again. Drawn but immune.

  She’d be totally professional, cool and collected. And she was not going to think about the way he had kissed her or why.

  * * *

  Zafar put down the papers he’d been battling to concentrate on and tried not to think about kissing Carmen. Or summoning the midwife to his on-board bedroom and seeing just what could happen. As if stepping onto the plane meant the time of pretending he was not fiercely attracted to her was past.

  While most of his attendants had dozed during the long flight he’d prowled the cabin, had looked down at her as she’d slept in her pod, realised it was the first time he was privy to that view and vowed to himself he would have at least one night where he could drink his fill of the sight.

  He could picture her now, her thick lashes curled on her cheek, that beautiful mouth soft in repose instead of militant the way he often saw it. The blanket, fallen to her waist, had left her vulnerable, but that strangely only made him lift it to cover her. Not like him at all.

  He smiled at the memory and then other memories flickered like an old-fashioned movie. That first drift of orange blossom from her skin in the lift. They said that scent was the only true memory. He could very easily remember that first glance of hers, a basic recognition he hadn’t been able to deny, and that wild kiss in the storm had rocked him. He remembered that with clarity.

  Then the cameo moment she’d hugged the woman in the park—imparting her strength to her like she had to him during his weakness in the elevator, a moment he still didn’t understand.

  Interesting, phobia-wise, this morning when he’d unconsciously pressed the button and descended to check out of his suite. It seemed that his aversion to lifts had been put to rest. Because of her? Or because he was moving on and creating new moments of life instead of dwelling on death? Even his fear of heights had receded a little.

  Not huge events but remarkable and requiring thought.

  Still, there remained a lot on his mind. Fadia’s ability to settle in Zandorro, the kidnap attempt Yusuf had discovered with Fadia’s ‘friend’ just a weakling pawn in a larger plan. He’d quashed that risk but information had been gained that put his grandfather—in fact, his entire family—at risk as well.

  Yet a corner of his mind had been building with anticipation for the moment he had Carmen in his country, his palace, the chance to show her the sights and sounds and scents of Zandorro. To see her smile.

  Normally he worked right through these flights.

  ‘Can I get you anything, Excellency?’ Yusuf hovered.

  ‘No. Rest yourself.’ Yusuf nodded and subsided but when Zafar glanced once more at Carmen he noticed his manservant’s eyes follow his.

  Another memory clicked. She was right. She was not a favourite with his man. He would need to watch that. He fixed his gaze on Yusuf’s face and spoke softly and clearly. ‘But I will hold you personally responsible if she is not happy in the palace.’

  Inscrutable, Yusuf nodded. His man had allies in the palace but Zafar had many more.

  * * *

  They landed not long before the sun set above the surrounding mountains outside the main city. The waiting limousines, complete with baby capsules, whisked them through several miles of desert hills to the massive gates and into the turreted city tucked behind a towering stone wall.

  Dark faces peered at them from doorways as the vehicles climbed curved alleys and Carmen acknowledged with a sinking heart it would be difficult to find the way out again. She turned away from the window. That was okay. Really it was. She would be fine. She’d be able to leave any time she wanted. Zafar had promised.

  Thankfully she was distracted as they rounded a bend and there ahead of them shone the palace as if positioned to receive the final light in the country through a break in the mountains. She couldn’t help her indrawn breath.

  Rooftops shimmered in a blanket of precious metal vying for space in the skyline with domes, towers and minarets reflecting the sun. Golden turrets glistened and one soaring tower in the middle with arched windows and a spire that reached for the sky watched over all.

  ‘It’s beautiful. Look at that tower.’

  Fadia actually smiled at her enthusiasm. ‘Yes, it is lovely.’ They both glanced again at the magnificent building.

  Harrison stirred and yawned and Bailey opened his eyes and blinked. Even Fadia’s tiny sons seemed touched by the moment.

  ‘Your babies sense something’s happening.’ Carmen leant over and patted their blankets but it was unnecessary. The boys didn’t cry. Just lay in their capsules awake and alert as their car pulled up behind Prince Zafar’s and a solemn manservant, accompanied by two older men, opened their door.

  Two older women stood behind the men and Carmen could only guess they were there to help with the babies. The castle steps loomed away to the huge front door at the top and a long line of servants stood waiting to catch a glimpse of the royal heirs.

  ‘You take Bailey, I’m taking Harrison.’ Fadia had decided no stranger would carry her boys and Carmen was glad to see her eyes brighten with intent. ‘They can take the bags.’

  Carmen obligingly leaned across and extricated Harrison from his capsule and handed him to his mother then lifted Bailey for herself. ‘No problem.’

  ‘How did my cousins and their mother travel?’ More softly. ‘And you?’ Zafar stood outside the car, waiting for them to alight. He was looking at her, not the others, and she could feel her cheeks warm.

  Had he grown taller again or was it just the backdrop of the palace that made him seem larger than life? He was waiting.

  ‘We travelled well.’ He didn’t look convinced. ‘We were very comfortable.

  ‘I am sorry I did not speak to you.’ His cynical smile lifted the hair on her arms. ‘I h
ad things on my mind.’

  His scrutiny pinked her cheeks more. Maybe she was wrong and she wasn’t invisible. She felt herself blush and frowned at him.

  He nodded. ‘We will discuss this later. Rest today. We visit the King tomorrow.’ He moved away to be greeted by the dignitaries lined above them.

  Carmen looked across at Fadia, who was only now alighting, and the young mum’s wary mood seemed improved by the excitement of their arrival. Perhaps she’d have a chance to talk to Zafar about that later. For the moment it seemed they had to run the gauntlet of the stares.

  To Carmen’s relief they were whisked in a huddle past the greeting party and into the palace while Zafar remained behind. Carmen wondered just how powerful this man was.

  Carmen, Fadia and the boys were shown to a whole wing of the palace that had been turned over to them. Carmen’s room was sumptuously decorated, pleasantly cool, and looked out over a tiled courtyard graced by a tinkling fountain. It was much grander than she had anticipated and with a sinking feeling she realised how small her voice would be amongst these people who didn’t have to speak in her language if they didn’t want to. Just what had she got herself into?

  Then she straightened her shoulders. Not the right attitude if she wanted to help Fadia keep control of her boys and her life. And that was why she was there.

  She thought wryly that she’d never had a room so huge or opulent. The boys’ room took up almost a quarter of their floor, nestled as it was between those of the two women.

  A maidservant dressed in flowing chiffon pants and overshirt bowed and offered to put away her clothes. Carmen glanced down at the one small case she’d brought and shook her head with a smile. ‘I think I’ll manage, thank you.’

  She knew her few toiletries would be lost in the marble bathroom and her clothes would hang pitifully in the cavernous walk-in closet. She needed to remember they’d all fit back perfectly into her one-bedroom flat when she went home. A much-needed dose of reality.

  When she crossed the expanse of the room to peer into the closet there were half a dozen silk camisoles in varying lengths, sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-, all loose with matching trousers in soft shades of blue and green and lemon, and even a longer black version.

  ‘His Excellency said you may wish for more comfortable clothes. Until the palace seamstress has your measurements she has sent up these.’ The girl cast an expert eye over Carmen. ‘I’m sure they will look very pretty.’

  ‘I’ll probably wear my own clothes.’

  The young girl smiled and bowed her head. ‘As madam wishes. Excellency said it is the young nursemaids who will help so it is I and my sister who will be your assistants whenever you wish for the young princes.’

  ‘Thank you. I will tell Princess Fadia.’

  When the girl left Carmen peered through the open door to the boys’ room where Harrison was yawning and Bailey lay wide awake in his huge cot. Her feet sank into the luxurious carpets that overlaid each other like pools of shimmering colour. It seemed sacrilegious to walk on them.

  ‘At least you boys can spend a bit of time lying next to each other. Your beds are huge.’

  Deftly she undid Bailey’s nappy and popped him in Harry’s bed unwrapped and legs kicking while she did the same for his brother. Then she laid them side by side and watched them turn their heads towards each other. Harry touched Bailey’s face and Bailey seemed to smile as Harry kicked him.

  Fadia’s room door opened and the new mum came in. She looked tired but a small smile lit her face as she saw her boys together.

  Carmen gently drew her over to the boys. ‘Look. I swear your sons are more handsome every day. And there’s only us here and two young girls who will do as you wish. Everything will work out perfectly.’

  ‘I hope so. I’m glad you’re here but when you go I will be alone. I hope they won’t marry me off like a parcel.’ She clutched Carmen’s sleeve. ‘I miss my husband. I miss my life.’

  So Fadia was feeling the weight of the palace too. ‘Of course you do. But perhaps for now this is better than being alone on the other side of the world. Anything could happen to you there.’

  The girl nodded. ‘My boys are safe. That is good.’

  ‘Zafar promised you would have choice in your future. I believe him.’ He hugged her. ‘You’re a wonderful mother. Your husband must be smiling at your beautiful boys.’

  ‘I agree.’

  They both turned at the unexpected empathy from Zafar as he entered the boys’ room and crossed to Fadia. Kiri, the maid, followed him with a tray of light refreshments. ‘I am sorry for your loss, Fadia, and know it is hard for you to come back here.’

  Fadia turned tear-filled eyes towards him and nodded. ‘We will see how good your word is.’

  Carmen winced and glanced at him, not sure what he would do. She couldn’t help feeling uneasy. It was blatant disrespect for his authority—in public—and the maid’s gasp ensured that more than those in the room would hear of it.

  Since her arrival she’d become more aware by the hour of the difference in power in the palace. From what the maid had said, Zafar’s authority seemed almost as great as his grandfather’s and at this moment his face seemed chiselled from the same stone as the mountains she’d seen on the way in. His eyes narrowed as he watched his cousin escape.

  Unable to stop herself, Carmen dived into the breach of protocol. ‘She’s been away from Zandorro a long time. Of course she is upset about being here.’

  He raised haughty eyebrows then clapped his hands and the maid ran from the room. He turned back to Carmen. ‘She does not need your championing. She is as royal as I.’ His brows dropped lower. ‘Why look at me like that? As if I would throw her in irons?’

  She couldn’t help being a little relieved that had been said out loud. ‘You should see your own face in the mirror. Pretty scary.’

  To her surprise he smiled, though grimly. ‘First I am a cowboy and now I have a scary face? You are the strangest woman.’

  ‘No. Just different.’

  ‘No doubt of that.’ Zafar strode to the window and then turned back to her, exasperated. ‘You of all people should realise I am a civilised man.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ She smiled. It had been a silly thought. ‘Thank you. It’s reassuring. But this place can be a little overpowering…’ she glanced around and then back at him ruefully ‘…and I don’t like the feeling of being overpowered.’

  He shook his head and the last of his anger faded from his face as he crossed the room until he stood a few feet in front of her. ‘I do not fully understand you, Carmen, but I doubt the strength of an empire could overpower you if you felt strongly enough.’

  Did this man really think that about her? It was a hefty compliment out of nowhere and she couldn’t help the glow it left her with.

  ‘Once I was overpowered, and I vowed I would not let that happen again.’

  He nodded and she felt he really did understand. ‘That has made you strong. I respect that.’ He went on. ‘Tomorrow, when we return from my grandfather’s audience, and after the boys are fed, Kiri can mind them for an hour or two while I take you both for a tour. It will be good to remind Fadia how beautiful Zandarro can be. Help her to settle in.’

  ‘That sounds sensible.’

  He didn’t look pleased at her response. ‘I had hoped it would be less sensible and more enjoyable?’

  Despite his flippant comment, he still seemed to be worried about something and she hoped it was nothing Fadia should know. ‘And when she has settled, you promise not to arrange a marriage for her.’

  He looked past her and his voice dropped. ‘You may not think so but I do feel her pain. The loss of loved ones.’

  He lifted his head and stared at her as if determined to say the words to her face
. ‘I buried my son. Prepared his body and laid him on his side with my own hands, facing Mecca in the warm earth. I knew then I could never face the fear of that loss again. Could not face the failure of keeping those I love safe. Who am I to ask another to do the same?’ His voice dropped. ‘Of course I understand.’

  She believed him. But it hurt, when it shouldn’t matter to her at all, to see him still so badly wounded by his past. ‘I’m glad.’

  ‘I will do what I can. But she should know I do not have the final say.’

  She let her breath out with relief. ‘She’s no girl now. She’s a widow with children. And a princess. Life has been hard on her but she is strong. She just needs time.’

  He sighed. ‘Again it is not I who has to give her time. Already there has been some talk of an alliance for her. Our grandfather believes the sooner she has a man to care for the better she will be. I have disagreed and believe I will prevail. He is not an unreasonable man. We are to discuss it again tomorrow morning before the audience.’

  Ouch, but still, Carmen thought, with Zafar on her side Fadia would have a strong champion. She had faith in him, unsure where such faith had come from, but didn’t doubt his intent to protect his cousin.

  She shook her head and crossed to the boys. ‘She says she feels safe here. I hope that’s true.’

  ‘As she should. We discovered her Tom had hoped to hide Fadia away while he bargained with me for her whereabouts. He was part of a cell that seeks to bring down our government.’

  She couldn’t say she was surprised but it gave her the shivers to hear it out loud. ‘He’s not my Tom. I barely met him.’

  He raised his brows at her. ‘But you would have hidden their plans from me.’

  ‘Not hidden.’ But perhaps she would not have tried to prevent Fadia if she had wanted to run away.

  He shook his head at her foolishness. ‘You do not understand. It is different here. Risks are greater. I believe Fadia’s husband’s death was no accident. What if she was expected to die with him?’