by Mel Teshco
May squeezed Sanura’s hand. “It’s wonderful news. I’m so pleased for you. You’ve got a busy year ahead with a baby and all your commissions. And Khalid really doesn’t mind that you intend to keep on with your art?”
“No.” Sanura laughed. “He really doesn’t.”
Just at that moment the three brothers dressed in Omani robes walked in together. Shahzad was the tallest of the three and Lexi was all eyes at her handsome Sheikh. Next to him Khalid was animated as he spoke in his native tongue, but Lexi couldn't catch his drift. On seeing Sanura his tawny-colored eyes lit up.
Rafi broke away from his brothers and strode toward the women, his gait silent, his expression unreadable. Lexi shivered. She still didn't feel comfortable around her brother-in-law. There was something lethal about him, yet Maysarah jumped up and run to him, protesting at him for keeping a secret. He gathered her in his arms and she melted against him.
"This is the most auspicious news," Shahzad said. He bent and kissed Sanura on the cheek. "Congratulations. Your pregnancy will bring great happiness to all of us." He turned and his gaze settled on Lexi. "And you, habibi."
"I'm the only one not pregnant," Maysarah said, her expression bewildered.
Khalid nudged Shahzad. "Shall you explain to Rafi how it’s done or shall I?"
"He always was the slowest to learn amongst us," Shahzad quipped.
Rafi's dark eyes narrowed to slits and he wrapped his arms around May, glaring at his amused brothers.
Perhaps because his job of carrying out the sentences pronounced by Shahzad was such serious work he was more somber than his brothers. Recently Rafi had arrested their uncle Hashim who had been sentenced to death for his crimes of murdering the brothers' parents. It seemed to Lexi that a dark cloud hovered over the young prince and only his bride brought him joy.
She blinked. All three brothers carried emotional scars from a past that would have crippled most men. One thing was certain though, the undeniable love each of the women here had for her husband.
A servant entered and bowed carrying a tray of Omani bubbly and some soft drinks for the pregnant women. He set the tray on the nearby table and poured the bubbly into tall champagne flutes and the soft drink into crystal glasses.
Shahzad lifted his glass. “I’d like to propose a toast.” He turned to Rafi first, his smile proud. “To my little brother and May. Though you’ve chosen the life of a soldier, I believe you’ve been gifted with a wife who will love you forever and keep your heart safe from harm.”
He turned to his other brother. “And to Khalid and Sanura. May your lives be as rich and vibrant as the art I have no doubt will reach world acclaim.”
Finally his eyes rested on Lexi, his expression softening. “And to us, habibi. You complete me.”
“And you me,” she said in return, her vision blurring with tears. Happy tears.
The End
Thank you for reading Sold to the Sheikh. I hope you enjoyed it!
If you would like to know when my next book is available you can visit me at my website - www.cathleenross.com
You can friend me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cathleen.ross.3 or contact me: [email protected]
If you enjoy my books please consider leaving a review. This helps other readers find my books.
About the Author
Cathleen Ross’ first novel, Man Hunt sold to Black Lace/Random House in 2001. Man Hunt became the number one best selling erotic novel on the Publisher’s website in 2006. She is currently self-publishing her indie Forbidden Fantasy series. Two of her titles have hit the Amazon top 100 best-seller list for historical and paranormal novels. She also writes for Harlequin and Escape publishing. One of her Escape publishing novels, Lust, Lust and Lies hit the Amazon top 100 best-seller contemporary list. Her latest release is Base.
