by Leslie North
Laughter bubbled up inside Rehaj before he could stop it. Ani really was incredible. Here she was, in a foreign country, splashed all over the media and in a spot where most women would turn tail and run, and what did she ask of him? Dinner. He grinned at her then pulled her in for a quick kiss. “Have I told you lately how very glad I am that you’re here with me now?”
Ani made a show of thinking about it. “Can’t say that you have, no.”
“Then let me say it now.” He kissed her again, deeply this time, then pulled back to cup her cheeks. “Now, let’s see about satisfying this craving for food of yours, so that we can come back here and satisfy our other cravings later.”
9
Over the next several days, Ani felt pretty good about most of the things happening between her and Rehaj. And yes, he was more closed-off then he had been with her at the island, at least emotionally, but then that was understandable, right? After all, he was a prince and a government official. He had an image to maintain. And she was still helping him with his speeches. They spent at least two hours every night going over them. The rest of the time in the evenings, though, was just for them. Talking, laughing, making love or just holding each other. She just enjoyed spending time with him. They’d fallen into a somewhat predictable pattern since coming to the palace—not boring at all, just comfortable.
Of course, the leaked footage of their departure caused some tension. And the new rumors swirling that Rehaj had found himself a new girlfriend put a bit of a strain on things too. The media were speculating on how long it would be before the Nazrani royal family announced an engagement of their second son to an American and rather than just brushing them off as she did, Rehaj seemed increasingly unnerved.
A strange bubble of hope fluttered inside Ani before she quashed it. Could Rehaj be thinking about a long-term future with her? It seemed remote at best. Even with all the time they’d spent together the last few weeks, there was still so much they didn’t know about each other. Important things like birthdays and religious preferences and kids. Did he want them? How many? Was she prepared to give up her life in the States to join him here in Djeva? Because no way could he leave his homeland and his family obligations behind for her. It was a lot to think about and a lot to take in.
Then there was the problem of her appearance. Never exactly confident about her looks, Ani had started to realize just how out of place she really was here in Djeva’s royal palace. And while Rehaj and his brothers were working to Westernize the country, there were still areas where progress was lagging behind for the locals—and dress was one of them. Ani had stuck mostly to her private rooms since her arrival, mainly because she didn’t really know anyone other that Rehaj and he’d been too busy to really show her around or introduce her to anyone else. But she’d gotten word through the servant who’d been taking care of her suite that today she was to dine with Rehaj and his sisters for breakfast.
The thought of meeting them both thrilled and terrified her.
She and Gwen, her younger sister, had a great relationship—open, trusting, respectful. Well, except for the whole sending Ani to the island of no technology. But Ani knew Gwen had only had her best interests at heart and, in the end, it had turned out great because she’d met Rehaj.
But would Rehaj’s sisters be as wonderful as Gwen?
Ani wasn’t so sure. She’d had a friend once in school who’d married into some obscure European royal family and they’d promptly set about making her change pretty much everything about herself to fit in with their strict rules and lifestyle. Ani might not be the most confident person in the world, but she kind of liked who she was and didn’t want to change that drastically.
An hour later, she’d dressed in her most demure white pantsuit and applied her armor of makeup and hair products and was ready to face whatever battle might greet her in the dining room. If only Rehaj were there with her, she’d feel more secure. But he’d sent word that he wouldn’t be able to join her today. More meetings with his brothers and the cabinet advisors. More meetings she wasn’t invited to observe, even though she’d been helping him with his speeches.
Sighing, Ani followed the servant through the maze of hallways and back into the grand foyer she remembered from the first day she’d arrived here at the palace. Still impressive. Her heels clacked on the marble floor as they walked across the foyer and down the hall opposite them. Soon, the smells of freshly baked bread and fried foods had her stomach rumbling. Ani wouldn’t necessarily call herself a morning person, but man she was hungry.
The servant left her at the open entrance to a stately-looking dining room with a long table stretching through the center. From inside the sounds of animated female chatter echoed and Ani swallowed hard. She could do this. Would do this. Because these people were important to Rehaj and Rehaj was the man she cared for. A lot. More than a lot.
Ani plastered on her best smile and stepped inside. All four women at the table stopped talking immediately and stared at her, making Ani’s face heat and her hands shake. Oh, Lord. It was like being on a stage alone under a hot spotlight. Inside her head, she ran through her mother’s mantras for self-confidence—you’re good enough; you’re strong enough; people like you.
At last, one of the women rose and came around the table, hand extended, and smiled. The family resemblance was there. She had the same dark eyes as Rehaj, with the same smooth honey-brown skin, though she stood several inches shorter than Ani.
“Hello, you must be Anastasia Brightbridge. I’m Cala. So pleased to meet you. Rehaj has told us so much about you.” She gestured toward an open chair at the table, her English impeccable. “Please help yourself to the buffet, then have a seat. We have so much to talk about.”
“Thank you.” Ani filled a plate with fresh fruit and some homemade naan bread, then took the chair Cala had indicated across from the sisters. Her fingers still trembled slightly as she placed her napkin across her lap then picked up her fork. “I think I’m at a disadvantage. Rehaj told me he had four sisters, but I’m afraid that’s about all he said.”
The youngest girl, sitting at the end of the table rolled her eyes and snorted. “Figures. Rehaj isn’t much of a talker. I’m Razi. Youngest kid. And that’s Najma,” she pointed to the girl next to her. “Good luck trying to talk to her too, she’s always got her nose stuck in a book or a device.”
Najma gave her sister a disparaging stare then shook her head, not glancing up from her phone once, her thumbs flying across the screen like lightning. “Shut up, Raz. We can’t all be a spoiled brat like you. Some of us have work to do.”
“Whatever.” Razi grinned. “Oh, and the one down there on the other end is Jessenia. She’s the oldest and thinks she’s the boss of everyone. But she’s as bad as Naj these days, with that stupid phone practically glued to her hand. Thinks she’s got an excuse because she’s helping out our brother, Raheem, promote his animal preserve. Isn’t that right, Jess?”
Jess glanced up briefly from her device to give Ani a genuine smile. She too had that perfect honey-brown skin, but her eyes were a light green. Strikingly beautiful. “Very glad to meet you, Anastasia. I’m so glad Rehaj met someone on the island. It’s why we sent him, you know.”
Ani paused mid-bite of a chunk of melon. “Wait a minute, you guys sent Rehaj to the love retreat?” She bit back a laugh. “He did mention his sisters had been involved. That’s too funny. Now I know why a buttoned-up guy like him was there. My sister did the same thing to me, after a bad breakup.”
“Ouch, I’m sorry,” Cala said, her expression understanding. “Losing someone is never fun. Our father passed away last year, so we understand that feeling.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Rehaj never said anything.”
“He wouldn’t.” Cala frowned. “He’s so private. Hard to break through that shell of his. I suppose it’s good he turned down the head advisor position, after all. Though he’d seemed so much more open after arriving back from the island with you.”
“But now you’re back,” Raz said, far too astute for her age. She looked about thirteen. Ani couldn’t remember ever being that worldly so young, but then she’d never been royal either.
“Yes, we are.” She speared another chunk of melon and chewed it slowly before swallowing. “I was disappointed for Rehaj that the job fell through with the cabinet. I know it meant a lot to him. I helped him get ready for his speech. Lots of speeches, actually.”
“Really?” The sisters said in unison, their gazes darting from Ani to each other before they began chattering again in rapid-fire Arabic.
At last, Naj looked over at Ani, her gaze narrowed. “How long are you planning to stay here in Djeva?”
“Oh, well. Rehaj had invited me for two weeks, but now that things have changed with his advisor positon, I’m not sure. I should really get back to Texas soon. My parents run a large charity there, and I have duties of my own to attend to, so…”
“But you surely will stay through the end of the week at least, right?” Cala asked, her dark eyes sparkling with something akin to mischief, if Ani had to identify it, though she didn’t know the woman well enough to say for sure. “Rehaj has another speech then, perhaps you have helped him with it. A press conference, late Friday afternoon. I’m sure he’d love to have you around for that.”
“Gosh, I don’t know.” Ani sat back as a server took away her empty plate. She sipped her strong Turkish coffee and considered the possibility. She could text Gwen, she supposed and let her know she’d be staying in Djeva for the rest of the week instead of coming home early as she’d planned. It would give her a chance to perhaps see more of Rehaj’s beautiful country and also to spend more time with him. Her heart warmed at the thought of more time in his arms, more kisses shared, more sweet nothings whispered in his ear. Honestly, despite the short time she’d known him and all the reasons why she shouldn’t, Ani had fallen hard for her beautiful, distant desert sheikh. He was wise and good and kind and smart and she wasn’t sure how she’d go back to her boring, humdrum life without him. Plus, maybe she could get some more scoop on him from his sisters. An idea formed. “I’d need to get some new clothes to last me. Would any of you like to take me shopping later, show me around Al-Qustra? Maybe help me learn to be a proper woman of Djeva?”
Three hands shot in the air, all the sisters except Jess.
“I would love to help, but unfortunately I’ve got my hands full with this wildlife conservation marketing,” Jess said, her smile wide. “But I’m sure Cala and the others will help you fit right in here in our family.” She gave the other three sisters a knowing look. “Isn’t that right, ladies?”
“Of course.” Cala said, standing. “Rehaj won’t want to let you go once we’re done with you. Shall we begin?”
* * *
“What the hell do you mean it was leaked?” Feraz demanded across the conference table. “There was supposed to be no technology allowed on that island. It was one of the reasons I allowed Jess and the others to send you there, knowing your privacy would be safe. And there you are, intoxicated, breaking Muslim dietary laws without concern. It’s shameful.”
Rehaj exhaled slow, feeling the old weight of his responsibilities and guilt rest firmly on his shoulders once more. Gone was the carefree relaxation he’d experienced with Ani on the island. Reality had crashed back hard for him this morning and it had not been pretty. Not only had he lost his coveted head advisor position over a ridiculous tacked-on “transparency” rule, but now more footage was coming out about him and Ani.
First it had just been the yacht and them leaving the island. Now, today, there was video of the dinner they’d shared on the beach that night, of his drunken stumbling, and their subsequent night together in the villa. Nothing too graphic, thank Allah, but enough to be a public embarrassment. Already the traditionalist Arabic media was calling him a heretic for consuming alcohol. Never mind he’d been on vacation and that the Nazrani family weren’t exactly strict when it came to religious laws and observances.
“My apologies, brother. I was on vacation and relaxing.”
“Yes, I can see that.” Feraz scowled down at his phone for the umpteenth time since their private meeting had begun. His continuing issues with his jet-setting wife were the stuff of gossip and legend around the family dinner table. Feraz’s marriage was a long-suffering one, at least from his brother’s end of things. For Feraz’s wife, who knew? The woman hadn’t been around long enough for any of them to decide. Feraz cursed softly under his breath then looked back up at Rehaj. “What are you planning on doing about it?”
“About what?” Rehaj frowned. “Ani is staying here as my guest until such time as she needs to head home.”
The thought of Ani leaving him damn near gutted Rehaj, but she had her own life, her own responsibilities, and they didn’t include him. What they’d shared was passionate and fiery and all the more precious because it was fleeting. She’d been through enough in her life already without him adding his burden of public responsibility to it. She’d given him no sign that she wanted to stay and make things more permanent with him, and he wouldn’t ask that of her. Not without some indication that’s what her heart desired.
His own heart squeezed with guilt and sadness at the thought of saying goodbye. But that was his own fault. Feraz was right. He should have been more careful. He’d been wary that night she’d started filming, and then he’d gotten intoxicated by the dessert and her company and hadn’t thought twice about that stupid camera again. Served him right for being such an idiot.
“I believe that you need to address these issues publicly, my brother. Put an end to them once and for all. If these things are nothing but speculation on the media’s part regarding your relationship with Miss Brightbridge, then you need to say so. You have a press conference already scheduled on Friday, yes? Do it then and be done with it.”
“Fine.” Rehaj said, pushing to his feet. All he could think about right now was getting back to Ani. She’d been dining with his sisters this morning and should be back in her rooms by now. He wanted to talk to her about the footage, about where she saw them going forward and perhaps just hold her again. It felt so good with her in his arms.
He left Feraz fiddling with his phone once more and headed back to Ani’s suite across from his. Steps lighter than they’d been all day, he knocked on her door. No answer. Tried again, but still no luck.
At last he peeked inside to find a note on the nightstand in Ani’s loopy handwriting.
Gone shopping with your sisters. See you later.
Already she was leaving him behind. He sank down on the edge of her bed, shoulders slumping. He shouldn’t care. They weren’t in a relationship, weren’t committed to each other. And it was only shopping with his family. He should be happy.
So, why then did he feel so bereft?
10
By Friday afternoon, Ani looked like a different person on the outside, but she was no closer to making a decision about Rehaj on the inside. With her departure in just a few hours looming large, her sense of urgency about their relationship—or lack thereof—reached an all-time high. Between her staying busy with his sisters shopping or going to the salon, or out to lunch and dinner, and Rehaj spending most of his time working, they’d lost a few of those precious evening hours. She was feeling small and insecure and way more vulnerable than she liked. It was silly, she knew. She was strong, confident, had her own life and goals to get back to, but still. She missed Rehaj and wanted to get back to their cozy nights in bed together, just the two of them, for as long as he’d have her.
She feared letting her armor slip, even though her heart ached for him. He’d liked her because she’d been a confident woman, poised and smart. She didn’t want his last memories of her before she headed home to be of a lonely, miserable woman, crying and creatin
g a scene because she didn’t want to leave him behind.
Cala had mentioned to her that more footage from her time with Rehaj on the island had been leaked to the media and Ani could only imagine what that must feel like for a private guy like Rehaj. She’d long ago learned that being a public figure meant a constant risk of exposure. She'd hoped to share more of that wisdom with Rehaj during their time together, but now it wasn’t to be. Her chest squeezed anew at the thought of leaving.
Enough.
She squeezed her eyes shut and straightened her new deep purple silk dress she’d bought at one of the local shops. Not totally as restrictive as what some of the more traditional Muslim women wore in the stricter countries, but a far cry from the shorts and halter mini-dresses she’d packed to wear at the resort. The dress covered her from neck to ankles, with three-quarter length sleeves and a scoop neckline. Somehow, though, with the luxurious feel of the fabric against her skin and the gorgeous color, she felt just as beautiful in this simple garment as she ever had in all her designer duds. She’d even bought a pair of hand-embroidered satin flats in a matching hue to wear with the dress to the press conference later.