He started to say he loved his sister and only wanted her happiness, but Crystal turned her back to him and walked out of the room. Perhaps that was just as well. He did not wish to argue.
No. That wasn’t entirely true. When he sparred verbally with her, he found the experience invigorating. Trying but definitely exhilarating. He recalled admiring her because she was a woman who could think for herself. The scene they’d just shared proved that she was not afraid to tell him what she was thinking. But that particular trait in a female most definitely did not make her trouble-free. Meaning, the requirements his father had set forth for the new nanny certainly hadn’t worked, because Fariq was quite distracted by her.
Next time he hired a nanny, he would remember to insert an age requirement to ensure that applicants fell into the crone category. He couldn’t help being grateful that Crystal didn’t. The thought unsettled him.
But just now he had a more pressing problem—the necessity of informing the king that Johara, his youngest child, his only daughter, his brilliant jewel, had breached the royal standards of modesty and decorum.
When it came out, he had a feeling Crystal would have a thing or two, or two thousand, to say on the subject. The idea made him smile. After the night he’d had, he wouldn’t have thought anything or anyone could do that.
Crystal put down the eyebrow pencil and critically eyed her handiwork on Penny Doyle, Rafiq’s assistant. It had been several weeks since she and Fariq had disagreed about Johara’s behavior. He’d also revealed his beautiful wife had been unfaithful. They’d not spoken of it again, but she remembered now because she wondered whether or not he would approve of Penny’s glamorous appearance.
The young woman had also applied for the nanny position, but she’d arrived in New York after Crystal had already been hired. Apparently, Princess Farrah had taken a liking to the blond, blue-eyed, cute-as-a-button kid from Texas and hired her as Prince Rafiq’s assistant.
Tonight El Zafir in general, and Rafiq in particular, were hosting an international charity event to benefit hungry children all over the world. Penny was required to attend and was unaccustomed to doing hair and makeup of that magnitude. Since they’d become friends—their rooms in the palace were quite close and as Americans they’d bonded—she’d asked for Crystal’s help.
Penny’s high-necked, long-sleeved, full-length silver gown had been purchased on a trip to Paris. It looked smashing on her, and Crystal took mental notes for her next update to her mother. How cool was this? The country bumpkin from the Lone Star State was gussied up and going to the ball.
“You look fabulous,” Crystal said, sighing with envy. “Has anyone ever told you you’re like a shiny copper penny?”
“No. But tonight I’ll take all the positive reinforcement I can get. You really think I look all right?”
“Better than all right,” Crystal assured her. “I’m pea green with envy.” She’d give anything to be able to wear a pretty dress, put on makeup and do her hair in a style that didn’t put a permanent arch in her eyebrows.
“Aren’t you going?” Penny asked.
“I’ll be with the children. Besides, you should know the answer to that. You’ve been intimately involved with all the details of the event, including the guest list. And the way you look, you’re going to knock Rafiq right out of his royal socks.”
“Really?”
Uh-oh, she thought. Merely the mention of his name put stars in her eyes and pink in her cheeks. Penny had it bad.
Crystal sighed. “Just remember, Cinderella. Life isn’t a fairy tale. When the clock strikes midnight, nothing changes, not even the pumpkin. You come back to your room, take off your makeup and go to sleep so you can get up for work in the morning. Girls like us don’t marry the handsome prince and live happily ever after.”
“I know.” Penny stood up and twisted in front of the mirror, trying to see herself from every angle. “But for tonight, I’m going to forget about all that.”
“Just don’t forget to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
“Okay. Anything else?”
“Yes. Remember every single detail so you can tell me all about it later. I want to pass it on to my mom. She would have loved seeing this. She always wanted to travel, but she’s recovering from a horrible car accident.”
Penny’s expression was sympathetic. “I’m sorry to hear that. My mother would have loved this, too. She passed away when I was just a kid,” she said a little sadly.
Instantly Crystal felt awful. She was so terribly grateful to still have her mom and didn’t know what she would have done if she hadn’t pulled through.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to be insensitive.”
“No problem. Besides, I’m grateful to you for turning the ugly duckling into a swan. Now I’ve got to fly or I’ll be late,” she finished with a grin.
“And I’ve got to get back to the children. Break a leg,” she said. “I’ve always hated that expression. Just have a wonderful time.”
Crystal gave her friend a quick hug, grabbed the cosmetics bag she’d brought with her, then let herself out into the hall. She felt the way Cinderella must have when she figured she wasn’t going to the ball, just before the fairy godmother appeared and waved her magic wand. Crystal had no illusions about that. No fairy godmother, no wand and definitely no ball.
Still, she would love to wear something besides the frumpy clothes her disguise required. She’d bonded with the children. Everything was running smoothly on that score. Maybe it was time to show Fariq that she normally wore contacts, more flattering clothes and a different hair style.
She walked the short distance to Fariq’s suite and let herself in. “I’m back,” she said.
“We’re in the living room,” Fariq called.
She crossed the marble tile and entered the room, stopping short at the sight of him.
“Wow.”
He stood by the glass-topped coffee table looking more handsome than any man had a right to look. He was wearing a traditional black tuxedo with satin trim, white pleated dress shirt with black, silver-trimmed buttons marching down the front, and black bow tie. Big bad wolf.
Just when she’d thought she was safe, he managed to roll her socks up and down yet again. Would she ever be truly prepared for the sheer male beauty of him? Probably not.
“Wow? This means you approve?” he asked, sliding one hand into his slacks pocket.
“I think you’ll meet tonight’s dress code.”
The sound of sniffling brought her back to earth with a thud. Feeling guilty, she noticed for the first time that Hana was sitting on the sofa.
“What’s wrong?” she said, instantly going to the little girl and pulling her onto her lap.
Hana snuggled against her. “Papa says I must take off my nail polish.”
Crystal noticed makeup from the child’s face left brown and pink streaks across her own white blouse. Her hair was curled and piled on top of her head with ringlets cascading down. Crystal lifted one small hand and saw the bright, hot-pink color on the tiny nails. “I see.”
“I won’t do it,” the child said petulantly. “And I’m never combing my hair out. Aunt Johara made me look pretty.”
Fariq went down on one knee beside them and reached a hand out to his daughter. The child ducked away.
He sighed. “You are beautiful on the inside, little one. You do not need paint and adornments to make you that way on the outside.”
“No,” she said. “Nanny, tell him to let me keep it.”
Crystal met his gaze and saw fear mixed with pain and anger in his dark expression. Hana wasn’t her child and she hadn’t gone through something so painful she’d vowed never to marry again. Until she knew his story, she was reluctant to interfere.
She wrapped her arms protectively around the little girl. “You know what? It’s bath time. I’ll give you extra play time in the tub if you run in there like a good girl.”
“How much
more time?” she asked, her voice muffled.
“How much do you want?”
“An hour.”
Crystal laughed. “You’ll turn into a prune. How about eight minutes.”
The small, curl-covered head moved in a negative motion. “Ten.”
“Done,” she agreed, laughing as she met Fariq’s relieved gaze.
“I love you, Nanny.” Hana sniffled as she slid down and touched her feet on the carpet. She glanced at her father from beneath her thick black eyelashes, but she wouldn’t look directly at him. “I don’t like you, Papa.”
When they were alone, Crystal stood, trying to think of something to say to lighten the mood. “An hour down to ten minutes. That negotiating went better than I thought. It won’t when she’s a little older.”
“I wish I could keep her a small child forever.”
“She didn’t mean what she said.”
“No?” His eyes were bleak.
“In a little while she’ll have forgotten all about it. But she was only playing dress-up.”
“The habits of a lifetime are rooted in childhood,” he said.
“I agree. But it’s harmless fun. We’re talking about playing dress-up. Little girls love to put on their mother’s clothes and pretend.”
“Hana’s mother is not someone I want her ever pretending to be.”
“Maybe you’re overreacting about this just a little. My mother always said flexibility is the cornerstone of parenting.”
“I have never heard that expression.”
She sighed. “And you’re so flexible. Who’d have thought? Look, Fariq. Parenting is like a giant negotiation. Kids will try to find your weakness, then go for the jugular. Your best strategy is to not let them back you into a corner. If you forbid them to do something, it’s best to make sure you really want it off the table. Because as surely as you tell them no, it becomes what they want more than anything. I know it’s easier for me to be objective. Hana is not my child but—”
“No. She is my child. And this is not negotiable.” His black eyes flashed. “I must go now, but I will be back to say good-night to the children.”
Crystal watched his broad back as he left the suite. Apparently tonight was not the night for her to lose the frumpy clothes.
Releasing a long breath, she thought about what had just happened. Hana’s play was completely innocent. For some reason, Fariq couldn’t see that. She sensed his prejudice was rooted in pain and he was headed for an explosion. But she couldn’t help him if she didn’t know what had happened to him.
Tonight she’d been able to defuse the situation, but the time would come when that wasn’t possible. She would go to the mat for Hana if necessary, as she had for Johara. But not without all the facts. And she knew just the person who could give them to her.
Chapter Eight
Crystal answered the knock on the door, not surprised to see Princess Farrah, dazzling in a black-sequined designer evening gown.
“Your Highness,” she said. “You look fabulous.”
The other woman smiled graciously. “The children phoned me and asked me to stop by.”
“I know.” It had been her suggestion. And she had an ulterior motive. Obviously, there was more to the stipulation of a “plain” nanny than she’d realized. She hoped Fariq’s aunt knew his story and could answer her questions.
“Is there a problem?”
“Only that Hana and Nuri desperately wanted to go to the party. I couldn’t quite make them understand that even though the fund-raiser is for hungry children, tonight’s event is only for adults. I thought it might help if the party came to them. Or at least some of the prestigious guests. You’re the last of the royal parade. You just missed Johara.” Crystal heard the sound of running feet behind her.
“Aunt,” Hana said, throwing her arms around the older woman. “You look beautiful.”
Nuri stopped in front of her and checked out her resplendent appearance. “I like your dress.”
“Thank you, children.” She hugged each of them.
“I like it better than Aunt Johara’s,” Hana said. “But Papa doesn’t like me to play dress-up.”
The older woman frowned as she studied the little girl. “Your papa has his reasons for not wanting you to grow up too fast. Never forget he loves you both more than his own life.”
Crystal put a hand on each of their shoulders. “Okay, you’ve seen everyone in the family who’s going to the party. Now it’s time for bed. Run in and brush your teeth, then each of you pick out a book.”
“Two books,” Nuri said.
“Yes,” his sister agreed. “Since we can’t go to the party.”
“All right,” Crystal sighed. “Two books.”
“Ya-ay!” they both said. Then they raced from the room.
The older woman was still frowning when Crystal looked back. “Do you think I’m too lenient with them?” she asked. “It’s just I know how disappointed they are about being left out of all the excitement.”
“Because you, too, are left out?” the princess said, her expression shrewd.
Crystal shook her head. “It’s not in my job description.”
“You cannot live in the palace and not feel the bustle of preparation and sense of anticipation for tonight’s gala. Surely that is difficult for a young woman to resist.”
“I’d be lying if I said no. But there’s something else on my mind.” She nudged her glasses farther up on her nose.
“What is that?” The princess met her gaze.
“It’s about Fariq. Something happened tonight and—” The overhead chandelier in the foyer caught the flash of sequins on the princess’ gown and reminded Crystal that she was all dressed, duds and jewels, for an international event. Maybe this wasn’t the best time to talk. “I’m sorry. You have someplace more important to be. We can discuss this another time.”
“Nonsense.” The princess waved her hand. “Let’s sit for a moment. I’ll be on my feet for a good long time tonight and no one will miss me for a little while.”
“If you’re sure.” Crystal led the way into the living room, and the princess sat on the sofa.
“I am. What did Fariq do? It has something to do with Hana playing dress-up, does it not?”
“Yes,” she confirmed. Farrah was a most perceptive princess. “She was playing with Johara while I helped Penny get ready for the gala. When I got back, he was quarreling with Hana about her nail polish, hair and dress-up clothes. She’s a little girl. It’s what they do. I can’t help feeling he was overreacting, but I don’t understand why. I know he was married and his wife hurt him deeply. But he refused to discuss it, Your Highness.” She linked her fingers in her lap.
“You’re asking me what happened to him?”
“Yes. It’s not curiosity, although I admit I am. But his attitude will forever affect his relationship with his children if he doesn’t work through the feelings.”
“I agree.” The princess took a deep breath. There was a faraway expression in her dark eyes, then she frowned as she seemed to be forming her thoughts. “Fariq was married to a stunningly beautiful woman who didn’t know the meaning of the word faithful. Her exceptional loveliness garnered her attention from many men in addition to my nephew, but she agreed to his proposal. He believed she loved him, but after she performed her wifely duty and bore his children, she gave in to the attentiveness of the others. Always powerful men who were untouchable.”
“Did Fariq know?”
“Not at first, but eventually he discovered the truth.”
“So she left and he kept the children. That would explain her absence,” Crystal said.
“If only it were that simple.” The princess shook her head. “In El Zafir, when a prince marries, it is for life. He did his best to overlook his injured pride and go on normally for the sake of his children. She was not of royal blood and had no such restriction.”
“She stayed and continued to be unfaithful?”
“Ye
s. It was obvious to all of us, even before they married, that she didn’t love him. She was merely interested in wealth and position.”
“What happened? Did he throw her out?”
“It was as if she was daring him to. But, alas, no. King Gamil and his brothers tried to persuade him to settle a sum of money on her and sever his relationship even if he could not sever the legal bonds. No matter what their living arrangement, he would be obligated to support her for the rest of her life. And he would not turn his back on the mother of his children.”
“Then I don’t understand why I’ve never met her. Surely she cares about Hana and Nuri. Obviously Fariq knows how important a mother is to a child.” She missed her own terribly. If not for frequent phone calls and e-mail, the separation would be so much more difficult to bear. “He hasn’t forbidden her to see them, has he?”
The princess sighed. “She is dead.”
“Oh, my.”
“She was killed in the crash of a plane piloted by her lover.”
“Oh.”
She sighed deeply, then stood and smoothed the creases from her gown. “So, you see, he has good reason to be concerned for Hana. He fears that she could take after her selfish mother. It concerns him that Johara’s influence, no matter how innocent, could trigger inappropriate behavior. If he errs with his daughter, it is on the side of caution.”
What a nightmare, Crystal thought. He was a man of deep pride and she could imagine what the ugly situation must have cost him. No wonder he didn’t want to marry ever again.
Crystal accompanied the other woman to the foyer. “I understand now, but Hana doesn’t. He still needs to balance his feelings about the past with letting her become her own person. If she’s forced to pay the price for her mother’s sins, she’ll grow to resent him and rebel.”
“I agree.” Farrah smiled. “It is good that you’re here. To help him see what he is doing.”
“It’s not my place to call him on it.”
“But I think you will not let a little thing like that stop you from speaking your mind.”
To Kiss a Sheik Page 10
