by Cara Albany
"You always said you wanted to be involved in this line of work, didn't you?"
Erin stood and folded her arms. "Not if it means being forced to spend time with people like Sheikh Karim."
Louise came around the table and laid a gentle hand on Erin's shoulder. "You never know, Erin. Once you get to know him better, you might like him."
Erin scowled. "No way," she exclaimed. "That's never going to happen."
When she saw the patient way her mother smiled at her, Erin knew that Louise simply didn't buy her daughter's angry act. Did her mother seriously believe that Erin had a crush on Sheikh Karim? How had that happened? What had her mother and Karim talked about last night? In fact, now that she came to think about it, how long had her mother and Karim been talking about Erin?
Her mother glanced at her watch. "The Sheikh will be here soon. I best get ready."
Louise glanced up and down at Erin. "Maybe something a little less casual might be in order, Erin," she said.
"What's wrong with jeans and T shirt?" Erin demanded.
Louise waved a hand casually and smiled. "Make a good impression, dear," she said, and then walked off leaving Erin lost for words.
What was going on? Her mother had never done anything like this before. Normally, she left her three daughters to their own devices, especially when it came to dating.
Dating! Was that what she was up to? Had her mother decided that Sheikh Karim was a suitable match for Erin?
Erin flopped down on the seat at the breakfast table and felt the sensation drain away from her legs. Surely her mother hadn't filled Karim's head with the notion that he could call on Erin with any hope that she would consider dating him? At twenty-five, Erin was the oldest of the three sisters, with Nicole younger at twenty-four and Belle the baby of the trio at twenty-two. Still, her mother didn't have any right to try and arrange some kind of hook up with the Sheikh.
Erin recalled what Karim had said to her the previous night on the balcony. He'd hinted at something more serious without going into details. But how did Erin fit into all that? She wasn't in any way involved in diplomatic affairs. She was merely the daughter of the ambassador. Diplomacy was none of her business. Of course, she'd had discussions with her mother about getting involved after she'd completed college a few years before. But that was all in the past. Until her mother had reminded her, Erin had almost completely forgotten about those conversations.
Erin banged her hand down on the table. It was going to be a difficult morning, but she knew what she'd have to do.
Make it absolutely clear to Sheikh Karim Al Rasareh that any involvement they might have would be entirely and solely diplomatic. And completely Platonic.
CHAPTER FOUR
The pressure was on, Karim told himself. The meeting he'd had last night had made it abundantly clear what was going to happen if he didn't take action. Drastic action. Forces were building and if Karim didn't take immediate action he knew trouble would break out within days.
He gripped the steering wheel of the car and gazed ahead. In the near distance he saw the walls of the embassy. He had to clear his mind before the meeting at the embassy, especially since he knew that time was running out.
A gesture had to be made. Something that would show those powerful influences that they were wrong, that the course of action they were contemplating was utterly unreasonable.
His mind replayed the conversation he'd had the previous night. During the reception at the embassy, he'd received word that the group of men who represented the dissenting voices he'd been arguing with for months were demanding a meeting. One last chance to come around to their way of thinking. One last chance to betray his country, as far as Karim was concerned.
Karim scowled as he thought about the treachery they'd tried to tempt him into. Didn't they know who he was? Had they forgotten the family he came from and its loyalty to the kingdom? How could they think he would be enticed into such a betrayal of everything he held dear, everything he held sacred.
And all for something as ephemeral as power; as fleeting as more wealth. As if he needed any of that!
Karim gritted his teeth and grunted.
If he'd had his way he would have had the five men arrested and thrown into jail. Especially Sheikh Abdullah. He would have delighted in seeing them before the courts and charged with sedition, trying to undermine everything all the decent families of Qazhar had been working so hard to achieve.
But he knew that wasn't an option; he recognized the connections the men had into the deepest, darkest parts of Qazhar society. Parts of Qazhar society which wanted to reject progress.
Even if Karim had succeeded in having the traitors arrested and charged with threatening to overthrow the legitimate government of Qazhar, he knew nothing would come of it.
No. That avenue was closed off to him. In defeating enemies, surprise was often the greatest weapon. Karim had to do something which would prove to everyone that all the arguments against openness as the way forward for Qazhar were false.
And last night, after his encounter with Erin, an idea had eased its way into his awareness. A ridiculous, extreme idea. But, one that might just work. The thought of what he might have to go through to win over the cooperation of Erin and her mother had made him break out in a cold sweat this morning. But, he knew he'd been pushed into a tight corner.
He drove his car through the gates of the diplomatic compound and parked up in front of the doors. He saw Louise Summers standing at the top of the steps. Karim felt an instant sinking sensation. Erin wasn't standing by her mother's side. She was nowhere to be seen. He drew in a deep breath and tried to contain his disappointment. He'd hoped Erin would be involved in the meeting this morning. It would make what he had to do so much simpler, so much easier, even if the chances of him being persuasive were almost slim to none.
Karim got out of the car and closed the door. He strode up the steps and shook Louise's hand. "Good morning, madam ambassador," he said.
Louise smiled at him. "Let's keep things informal, Karim."
He bowed. "As you wish, Louise." He glanced over her shoulder. "I thought Erin would be with you."
Louise led him through the open doors and into the cool of the embassy hallway. "She'll join us. I think she's just getting herself ready. She knows you're coming."
Karim felt relief at that news and followed Louise into the sitting room. They sat on opposite sofas, a small table between them. Tea was brought and laid out on the table. Karim chatted idly with Louise, but all he could think of was how he was going to bring up the most important subject. But, that would have to wait until Erin arrived.
Louise placed her cup down and peered directly at Karim. The pleasantries had been dispensed with and he could see the resolve in her gaze. It was time for the real business of the morning.
"I have to admit you have me intrigued, Karim," Louise said.
"Really. In what way?"
"Last night you told me something which I have to admit causes me great concern," Louise continued. "And obviously it will be of concern to those folks back home to whom I answer. I've already had discussions with certain agencies and they confirm what you hinted to me last night."
Karim felt a tightening in his gut. He was pleased she had taken him seriously. He was even pleased that she had sought outside confirmation of his suspicions. The situation was serious, after all.
"I'm glad you don't think I was being overdramatic."
"Not at all, Karim. I have great faith in your commitment to your kingdom. We've known each other for a year now, and you've always impressed me with the seriousness with which you wish to protect Qazhar's interests."
Karim smiled. "Thank you, Louise. I was brought up to believe this is the greatest country in the region. And our ruling families have devoted themselves to opening up Qazhar to the wider world."
"And it has paid off. Qazhar is a great ally. Probably the best we have in the entire region," Louise said.
"Unfo
rtunately the individuals who are of concern to us do not share that opinion," Karim said. "If they have their way, Qazhar will be isolated from the world community and all our achievements will have been for nothing."
Louise frowned. Karim was gratified that she had agreed with his assessment of the situation.
"So let me get this straight, Karim. You believe that a faction within the government is planning some kind of takeover. And they believe they have the support of the people of Qazhar for their actions?"
Karim sighed heavily. "They misjudge the people, if that is what they think," he said sharply.
"Nevertheless, their intention is to cut off ties to the global community if they succeed in seizing power?" Louise asked.
Karim nodded. "It is that simple." He felt a surge of rage just thinking about what could happen.
"But you believe their support is small, even if it is influential."
Karim nodded. "I do. Almost all the ruling families do not support their belief. My country has changed so much in recent years. Many of those families have accepted the presence of foreign influence." Karim gazed directly at Louise anxious to emphasize his next point. "Some have gone so far as taking foreign women as wives."
"I've met some of those American wives," Louise admitted. "They all seem to have settled well into Qazhar life." She smiled. "And there are even Qazhar babies in those families."
Karim nodded. "It's proof, if it were even needed, that Qazhar is open to the world. And judging by the reaction of the people to those weddings, everyone seems happy to accept the progress those wives represent."
Louise shrugged. "I suppose that is one way of looking at it. Provided they're happy, I guess."
"I don't think there is much doubt about that. I have close friends who have taken American wives. The Al Kharif family for example."
Louise smiled. "They're wonderful people. They were at the reception, last night. Do they know what is happening?"
"They do, and they agree with my assessment, that something needs to be done to prevent anything disruptive from taking place."
Louise's brows narrowed. "What do you have in mind?"
The question almost stopped Karim in his tracks. Did he have the courage to even suggest what had been on his mind since last night? How would this elegant, street-smart woman take such a proposal? Erin was her daughter, after all. Karim was certain that Louise Summers would be as fiercely protective of her daughter as any Qazhar family would be toward one of their own.
Louise raised a brow. "Well?"
Karim cleared his throat, still struggling to find the words. Eventually, he firmed his resolve and spoke. "I'm not sure how I can even begin to talk about the idea that I have," he said.
The ambassador squinted at him. Had she guessed where he was going with this? "Perhaps if you just speak bluntly, that might be the best. The truth usually wins out, Sheikh Al Rasareh," she said.
Now she had adopted a more formal tone, as if sensing the need for the conversation to be more business-like.
"The truth, in this case, might be a little challenging, madam ambassador," he said.
Louise narrowed her eyes. "How so?"
Karim drew in a deep breath. "It involves someone very precious to you."
"Who?" the ambassador asked sharply.
"One of your daughters," Karim said evenly. He was committed now. There was no going back.
Louise's eyes widened. "My daughters? What have they got to do with this situation?"
Karim nodded. "It may be the only way to peacefully resolve this situation." He could hardly believe he was saying those words.
"I'm not sure I understand, Sheikh Al Rasareh," Louise stated leaning forward. "Perhaps you can explain what you mean."
Karim nodded. "It goes back to the point we made about the Qazhar families who have welcomed American wives into their household. With open arms and with the obvious joy of the rest of the population. It seems that every time there is a wedding involving an American woman, there has been a huge upsurge in approval for the whole idea of Qazhar being a part of the global community."
Karim saw Louise nodded patiently, and he could see the dawning understanding in her eyes. She was already many steps ahead of him. He'd have expected nothing less from someone so accomplished in diplomatic matters, he told himself.
"Are you suggesting some course of action, Sheikh Al Rasareh?" Louise asked in an even voice. "Something that might stifle the current threat to Qazhar's independence?"
Of course he was, he told himself. She knew what he was hinting at. The ambassador had already guessed where this whole conversation was leading. He could see that now. She understood how serious this was; how much was at stake for his country.
And for him? What was at stake for him, he asked himself. His entire future. That was all.
The only question now was how Erin's mother would react when he made his plan entirely clear.
"I am indeed suggesting something, madam ambassador." Karim cleared his throat and shifted on the sofa. Nerves had taken hold of him, almost as if what he was about to propose promised to turn his life upside down. And it would, he told himself. If they went ahead with this, perhaps nothing would be the same again. Was that really why he felt every nerve quiver with sudden apprehension?
Karim glanced at the door. There was still no sign of Erin. Perhaps he should wait until she arrived before making his outrageous proposal. Because that was what it was. Absolutely outrageous, even if it promised to heal so much and resolve the crisis. But it was such a drastic measure, and he needed the ambassador to understand just how drastic it was.
"If it involves any of my daughters, then I'm eager to hear what you have to propose," Louise said. He could hear hesitation in her voice.
Karim nodded and gathered his resolve. "What I'm about to suggest may seem unusual. Perhaps even presumptuous, madam ambassador. But given the facts of the situation, it may be an unorthodox way to defuse the present crisis. Needless to say, if the crisis does get out of hand, the consequences for everyone involved in Qazhar politics might be unpredictable to say the least. What I'm about to suggest may prevent all that."
Karim paused.
"Go on, Sheikh. I'm listening," the ambassador said. Her expression was grave.
Karim nodded. Finally, he was at the point he'd rehearsed in his mind so many times during the last few hours.
"You know that your daughter, Erin and I have been acquainted for quite some time," he said.
"I do know that," Louise replied. "I also know that you and Erin don't always see eye to eye on everything."
Karim nodded and sighed. "That is the case. Our friendship has been turbulent in many respects. However, that is one reason why my proposal may actually be practical."
"How?"
Karim cleared his throat one final time. Now was the moment of truth. "To put it plainly, madam ambassador, I am proposing an arrangement."
The ambassador frowned, but he could see the clear understanding in her eyes. "Really?" she said quietly. "What exactly do you have in mind for yourself and my daughter, Sheikh Al Rasareh?"
Karim peered at Erin's mother. "I believe that a union between myself and your eldest daughter may be the only solution to the problem my country faces," Karim announced.
The silence immediately following his words seemed to stretch on forever. He saw the ambassador's mouth open to form a genuinely surprised O shape. She gazed at him, clearly taken aback. He'd thought she'd been well ahead of him; had guessed what he'd been about to say. Clearly, he'd misjudged the situation.
"Are you serious, Sheikh Al Rasareh?"
Karim nodded. "I am indeed, madam ambassador."
Karim watched the incredulity spread across the ambassador's features. He could see her weighing up what he'd said. He had to admit, it had sounded unbelievable. But, as incredible as it sounded, Karim knew that, provided it wasn't a permanent arrangement, it might achieve what was needed for his kingdom. The fact that it wo
uld mean he would spend every day with Erin was a bonus about which he had mixed feelings. How would Erin respond to such a proposal? He didn't know.
In fact, he had secretly feared Erin's reaction. That was one of the reasons he'd brought it first to Erin's mother. As if to emphasize that it was, indeed, merely an idea born out of necessity. Nothing personal.
Finally, the ambassador rolled her eyes and sighed. "I have to say this is most surprising, Sheikh," she said hesitantly.
"I thought it might be," he agreed.
She looked at him, an incredulous expression in her eyes. "I'd like to get this straight. Just to be sure we're both talking about the same thing. Are you seriously suggesting some kind of marriage of convenience with my daughter, Erin?" she asked.
Karim nodded emphatically, anxious to press his case. "I am."
Louise sighed heavily and frowned. "I thought that was what you were saying."
Louise's brows furrowed into deep ridges as she tried to come to terms with what he was suggesting. "Does Erin know about this?" Louise asked.
Then came a voice from the doorway and Karim knew that, indeed, the moment of truth had arrived.
"Do I know about what, mother?" Karim heard Erin asking.
Karim's gaze whirled toward the door. Erin was standing there, one hand on the door handle. Her gaze was fixed upon Karim. She was dressed in a plain white, cotton dress and flat shoes. Karim thought she looked beautiful standing there, framed in the doorway. She looked puzzled as her gaze shifted to her mother.
Erin obviously hadn't heard what he'd just said to her mother.
And, now that she'd arrived, there was nothing else for it.
Karim would just have to go ahead and ask for Erin's hand in marriage.
A marriage of convenience.
CHAPTER FIVE
Why did her mother look so uncomfortable, Erin asked herself as she moved toward the sofa? And why did Karim have that broad grin on his face as he watched make her way toward her mother? What had they been talking about that was so important?