by Cara Albany
"How do we get there?" she asked.
"There's a private landing strip,"he explained.
"Of course there is," she said acidly, regretting instantly how sarcastic that must have sounded.
Noticing that, Zaheer turned in his seat. "Of course, if you'd prefer not to go there, I can arrange for the pilot to land at Qazhar airport."
Becca shook her head. "No, Zaheer. It's fine." She smiled at him. "I'm sure the island is beautiful. As you say, it'll give us some time to ourselves. It'll be lovely."
Even as she said those words she could feel the doubt clutching at her, the unease creating a knot in her middle. Gone was the heat she'd felt while in his arms a few moments before.
Now she was about to face a whole new challenge.
Being completely alone with Zaheer.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The sun was dipping toward the horizon when the plane landed. Becca had gazed at the island as they'd prepared to land on the small, narrow strip of runway. It was a small island, maybe less than a couple of miles long. The entire coastline was ringed with a golden sandy beach.
Inland was a low range of sparsely forested hills. It looked like every fantasy she'd ever had of living on a desert island. Perfect. As the plane started to descend, Becca felt like she was about to land in some kind of paradise.
To the north of the island, she saw the cliff-top palace Zaheer had told her about. It perched on the edge of a high outcrop of cliffs, and Becca saw waves crashing against the rocks far below a wide terrace.
The palace looked substantial, its white walls glowing in the early evening light. The plane zoomed over the rooftop of the palace on its way toward the distant airstrip. Up close, she could that the palace was indeed a huge residence. Anticipation rose within her at the thought that this was the place she was going to spend some time with Zaheer.
The landing was gentle and as the plane taxied to a halt on the runway, Becca was surprised to see another small jet parked on the side of the runway.
"Who does that belong to?" she asked pointing at the jet.
Zaheer's brows furrowed. "I guess it must be Karim's," he said.
"Your friend?"
Zaheer nodded, and he still looked slightly puzzled as he peered through the window at the small jet, similar to his own. "I didn't expect him to still be here."
"So, you've spoken to him?" she asked.
"Yesterday," Zaheer replied. "But, I thought he said he was going to be back in Qazhar. Maybe this is some kind of surprise."
Zaheer looked at Becca and smiled. "Maybe he wants to meet the woman I've been telling him so much about."
Becca squinted at him. "Just how much have you been telling this friend of yours?"
Zaheer grinned. "What do think I've been saying?" He leaned closer. "Only that you are the most incredible woman in the world." Seeing her disbelieving reaction, he added: "What's wrong with that?"
Becca felt her face flush. She sighed, shook her head and turned away from Zaheer. Becca was unsure how to react to the knowledge that she was about to meet one of Zaheer's sheikh friends. Had Zaheer, in fact, planned all of this down to the last detail without even asking her?
She was tired after the journey, and the last thing she felt like was dealing with new people. Not when she was still trying to come to terms with being here with Zaheer. Not when she was till trying to get used to the fact that this sheikh had brought her to a paradise island, just to be alone with her.
"I don't remember meeting Karim," Becca said.
"You didn't meet him last time you were in Qazhar," Zaheer said. "Karim's involved in diplomatic circles. That keeps him pretty busy. Not too busy though. He wound up marrying the US ambassador's daughter, Erin Summers." Zaheer smiled.
"One of those American wives you keep on telling me about?" Becca asked wryly and lifting a brow.
Zaheer nodded.
"How many of these wives are there?" Becca asked sharply.
Zaheer smiled. "A lot."
"What is it with Qazhar sheikhs and American women?" she asked.
Zaheer didn't reply to that. He merely gave her one of his looks, the kind that made her mind go blank and triggered a warm sensation in her middle. She shook her head and unbuckled her seatbelt, trying to ignore him.
Did he have any idea how he made her feel when he gave her own of those looks? Of course he did, she told herself. It was all part of the continuos game he was determined to play with Becca. He didn't miss even the slightest opportunity to send her the signal that he wanted her.
Minutes later they were out of the plane. Even this late in the day, Becca couldn't help noticing the heat. It was like a comforting, soft wall which hit her the moment she stepped out onto the tarmac. She dragged in a breath, taking a moment to get used to the sensation.
She was in a whole new world. It felt different. She felt a glow of anticipation. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad, after all.
A limo drew up, smaller than the one in New York, and a driver got out. He was a small, dark haired man.
"Can't we just walk?" she asked.
Zaheer looked at her as if he couldn't believe what she'd just asked. "No," he said, looking incredulous.
Becca glanced at Zaheer. Didn't these people walk anywhere?
The driver greeted Zaheer and the two men exchanged some words. Bags were loaded into the trunk and then they got inside the limo. The drive along the single track road to the palace took only a few minutes.
The road led eventually through a gate and into a broad courtyard at the rear of the palace. The limo eased to a halt at the base of marble steps which led up to high doors which were already open. Becca got out and gazed at the exterior of the palace she would be staying in for the next couple of days.
It was beautiful. Up close now, she realized it wasn't quite a palace, more like a grand villa constructed almost in a mixture of Italian Mediterranean style and traditional Qazhar architecture. It had white walls and high, arched windows and a red tile roof. The touches of Qazhar style consisted of delicate mosaic decorations on the walls, latticed archways, as well as other features typical of the region. The whole building was a tasteful mix of Qazhar tradition and Mediterranean elegance.
Becca took her bag from the driver. Zaheer eased an arm around her back and followed the direction of her gaze. "It's nice isn't it?"
Becca nodded and then she saw two figures emerge through the open doors. A tall, dark-haired man of around thirty held the arm of a bright-eyed blonde woman who looked lightly younger than the man.
"I guess that must be Karim and Erin," Becca suggested to Zaheer. He nodded and led her up the steps toward the couple.
Must all Qazhar sheikhs look like the sexiest men alive? Becca couldn't help asking herself that as she made her way up the steps. Karim was dressed casually in white open-necked shirt and dark blue pants. Erin wore a light blue dress, the pale skin of her bare shoulders exposed.
Karim extended a hand. "Zaheer," he exclaimed. "Punctual as usual," he added with a laugh.
"I try my best, Karim," Zaheer responded.
Both men shook hands and Becca's gaze met Erin's pretty blue eyes.
"And you must be Becca," Erin said, smiling brightly. "It's so nice to see an American face," she added leaning forward and hugging Becca. Erin's accent sounded East coast, Becca thought.
Erin peered at Becca. "I see you weren't exaggerating, Zaheer," Erin said glancing at Zaheer.
Becca wondered, again, what Zaheer could have been saying about her. Had there been so much going on behind her back?
Karim stepped forward and bowed. The gesture took Becca by surprise. She'd forgotten that Qazhar men tended to follow rules which must seem strange, even quaint, to outsiders.
Karim looked at Becca. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Becca," Karim said formally. "Welcome to our humble abode," he said gesturing toward the building behind him. Humble wasn't exactly the first word that came to Becca's mind when she gazed up at the build
ing.
"Karim!" Erin snapped. "You're going to make Becca feel like this is some kind of royal visit," she exclaimed, smiling at her husband. Karim lifted a brow and looked at Zaheer who was already smiling.
Erin hooked an arm inside Becca's and started up the steps. "Never mind, Becca. You and I have plenty to chat about before dinner. You must tell me all about back home. I haven't been there for ages."
Becca glanced at Zaheer, who just smiled and shook his head. Zaheer and Karim followed behind Erin and Becca.
"Dinner will be ready soon," Erin said.
"Dinner?" Becca exclaimed.
Erin nodded. "We knew you were arriving on time, so the staff have it all prepared. I hope you're hungry." Erin glanced at Zaheer. "Don't tell me you've both had dinner, already," she stated.
Zaheer shook his head. "No. We haven't eaten since we were halfway over the Atlantic," he said.
Erin sighed. "Thank goodness for that."
They made their way through the open doors and into a high-ceilinged entrance hall. There was a wide flight of stairs leading to the upper level. On either side of the hallway Becca saw open doors which led into sumptuously furnished, white-walled rooms. The air was cooler in here now, and Becca felt relieved to be out of the dry heat of the early evening.
Becca saw three servants standing in a line, obviously there to welcome the visitors. Becca couldn't help asking herself if those people were going to be around for her stay on the island. When Zaheer had said he and Becca were going to be alone, he'd forgotten to mention the presence of staff. Maybe Zaheer was just so used to servants being a part of the life of the palaces he lived in that he'd taken them for granted.
"Let me show you up to your room," Erin said eagerly. She glanced at Karim. "Maybe you can do the same for Zaheer," she said to her husband.
Becca was getting the distinct impression that there was really only one person in charge of organizing affairs in the house. And that person was the confident, cheerful American woman who was now starting to lead Becca upstairs.
Upstairs, Becca let herself be led by Erin along the high, vaulted corridor. Behind her, Becca could hear the footsteps of the two men echoing away in the opposite direction. It looked like Becca and Zaheer wouldn't be having adjoining rooms. Was she disappointed about that? Or was she just relieved? Before she could finish that thought Erin leaned closer and whispered.
"Don't worry, Becca. Karim and I will be leaving tonight," she said.
Becca tried not to look too surprised, but the truth was she was momentarily taken aback by Erin's statement.
"You will?" Becca asked, wide-eyed.
Erin nodded. "We just wanted to make sure you both got here safely. Get settled in. Make you feel at home. I know how strange this whole place must seem to you," Erin said.
"It's so beautiful here," Becca said. "I can't imagine owning a desert island with your own private palace."
Erin shrugged. "Karim is the only Qazhar sheikh who owns an island off the coast of the country. This is the only one," Erin explained. "It's our little retreat. Sometimes life in Qazhar can get hectic."
Becca was stunned into silence by the casual way Erin described her life. Was this what Becca had to look forward to with Zaheer? In fact, was this the real reason he'd brought her to the island?
Erin smiled. "The good news is that we have a wonderful chef here. He'll be staying with you both. And the servants will be on hand, as well."
"Really?" Becca said. "That's nice," she added hesitantly.
"You'll soon get used to being waited on hand and foot," Erin said with obvious relish.
Was that the kind of life Erin had become accustomed to, now that she was married to a sheikh? Maybe Becca was about to get a glimpse of what it would be like to live in Qazhar. Perhaps Zaheer wanted to show Becca the contrast between being a mere visitor, as she'd been three years before, and being a wife. Was that why he'd arranged this?
Erin halted in front of a high, ornately decorated door and pushed it open. "This is your room. I know it isn't much, but it is just about the largest room in the palace. Apart from the one Karim and I use."
Becca gasped as she stepped inside the room. It was huge room, high-ceilinged and exquisitely furnished. Above her head, fans spun lazily, cooling the room. It was like a five-star hotel suite, Becca told herself. The floor was marble and the pale blue walls were hung with a variety of paintings of sea scenes and desert landscapes.
Over to her right, Becca saw open doors leading into the bedroom. The sight of the huge bed made Becca realize she was desperate to stretch out after the long flight. Her muscles ached. Maybe she'd get a chance to shower before dinner, she told herself. The whole room made Becca feel instantly calm. The nerves she'd felt on arriving had just evaporated in an instant.
Becca dropped her bag down on the marble floor and gazed around the room. "It's beautiful, Erin," she said.
Erin nodded. "And let me show you the best part," she said leading Becca toward the open French doors beyond which Becca could see a wide terrace and marble balustrade. The sound of the sea became louder as Becca walked across the length of the suite's main room.
Stepping out onto the terrace, Becca breathed in the sweet, cool air subtly scented by the sea. Resting against the balustrade, Becca gazed out across the wide expanse of the sea. She leaned forward and saw the waves crashing against the cliff-face below. An amazing sense of peace flooded through Becca's body.
She turned to Erin. "You and Karim really don't mind us staying here?"
Erin squinted at Becca. "Of course not. We're delighted that Zaheer has finally found someone special."
Becca felt her face flush, but she said nothing.
Erin smiled. "I don't know the whole reason Zaheer brought you here, but I'm willing to bet it's important," she said.
Becca looked away abruptly. "I don't know about that," she said. "He just invited me, and I couldn't really say no," she said, realizing that it didn't sound at all convincing.
"Mmmm," Erin said softly.
Becca glanced at Erin and saw the other woman nodding slowly. Becca could tell Erin didn't buy what she'd just said.
Erin turned quickly to Becca. "Anyway. Tell me all about yourself. I'm dying to know how you two met."
Becca looked wide-eyed at Erin. "Hasn't Zaheer told you?"
Erin shook her head and lifted a brow. "Zaheer isn't exactly the most talkative when it comes to the women in his life," she said.
Suddenly realizing what she'd said could be misunderstood, Erin grasped Becca's arm. "I didn't mean that to sound the way it did." Erin slapped her forehead. "I can be such a klutz, sometimes," she exclaimed.
Becca smiled and patted Erin's hand. "It's okay. I know what you meant. He is a sheikh, after all."
Erin peered at Becca. "And we both know what they're like, don't we?"
Becca and Erin laughed together.
Becca went on to tell Erin about meeting Zaheer three years before; her whirlwind trip to Qazhar; how excited she'd been to be swept of her feet like that. But she carefully skipped over the part about why she'd left Zaheer behind and gone back to the States. She could tell by Erin's reaction that she wasn't about to pry into that any further.
"And you?" Becca asked. "How did you come to be married to Karim?"
Erin rolled her eyes and then shook her head. "It's awfully complicated."
"Zaheer told me your mother was the ambassador in Qazhar," Becca offered.
Erin nodded. "She was until recently. But, she's left now." Erin's features softened. "And I miss her terribly. She was offered the chance to be the ambassador in a tiny European kingdom somewhere in the French Alps. So she took the chance to leave all three of her daughters behind."
"What do you mean?" Becca asked.
Erin shrugged. "It wasn't just me that married a sheikh. All three of us wound up marrying and staying in Qazhar."
"Your sisters all married sheikhs?" Becca exclaimed.
Erin nodded. "I
know. It's a bit crazy when you think of it. But, I suppose when you take a look at our husbands, you can kinda understand it," she said.
Erin told Becca the details of how she'd married Karim, initially out of convenience for reasons too complicated to go into right now. It seemed that when Erin and Karim had decided to get together they'd done it in spite of the fact that they'd been almost sworn enemies, unable to stand being in each others' company. Becca thought it made her own situation with Zaheer look simple by comparison.
Eventually Erin and Karim's arranged marriage had turned into one of true love and devotion. It had been easy to see that in the way Erin and Karim looked at one another.
Becca laughed. "You make it all sound so easy." Becca paused, trying to find just the right words. "So inevitable. Like you were both destined to be together."
"Destiny's a big thing for sheikhs," Erin stated.
"What do you mean?" Becca asked.
Erin gazed out toward the horizon. "I guess it must be something about the way they're brought up. To believe that they've been placed in their position of tremendous privilege for a reason. Almost as if they've been put there by fate." Erin turned to Becca. "Do you understand?"
Becca frowned. "It must put a lot of pressure on them," she suggested.
Erin nodded. "It does. And some sheikhs just become real arrogant. Thinking that they have the right to be some kind of king of the world type," she said.
Becca could understand what Erin was saying. Could that partially explain why Zaheer had wound up being the way he was. At least when she'd first met him. The idea that he was entitled to take whatever he wanted. And that also applied to pleasure from the women in his life. Could it really be that simple?
Erin squinted at Becca. "Getting married was the easy part, I suppose." Erin lifted a brow and fixed Becca with a look. "Maybe my situation was a bit more complicated than most," she admitted.
