by Cara Albany
"You're getting married?" Karim's mother, Ayesha said.
"Who have you chosen?" his father, Abdul asked, his brows furrowing suddenly. Karim didn't like that look one bit.
To say that his parents were surprised would have been an understatement. The three of them were sitting in the white, pillared reception room of his parents' palace. Dark, sweet coffee had been brought, and they'd drank it in awkward silence.
Karim had spent the last half hour trying to find the words to describe what he'd decided to do. During the entire drive from Qazhar city to his parents' palace on the outskirts, Karim had asked himself over and over how he was going to break the news to them. No matter how he said the words to himself, they still sounded faintly unreal.
Would Erin really go ahead with this? After they'd talked in the garden, Erin's mother had gone to great lengths to appear happy that Karim and Erin were determined to sacrifice something as important as their independence.
It was all for a bigger cause, Karim had told himself repeatedly during the drive to the palace. He had considered asking Erin to come with him, so that his parents could meet with her. But that just seemed too much, given the speed with which everything had been agreed.
So, here he was, alone and feeling the intense scrutiny of his parents in every quivering nerve in his body.
His mother seemed more excited by the news than his father, who just looked as if he'd been told something truly horrible. Was it as Karim had suspected? Had his father other plans for Karim?
"Isn't that wonderful?" Ayesha said excitedly. She grasped her husband's arm. "Karim is going to take a bride. At last!"
Karim squinted at his mother. "You make it sound as if I never intended to marry," he observed.
"It's not that, Karim," his mother replied. "I know you've had many female friends. I was just beginning to think you were trying to avoid settling down."
Abdul grunted. "It's about time," he said firmly.
Karim peered at his father. "I assumed you'd be pleased, father."
"I will be once I've had a chance to get to know your choice of wife," Abdul replied acidly.
"Abdul, don't be like that," Ayesha exclaimed."This is wonderful news." She peered at Karim. "Now, tell us all about this American woman from the embassy who's to be your wife."
Karim was shocked. "How do you know who she is?" he asked.
"I've heard rumors," his mother replied.
"What kind of rumors?"
"You know. The usual kind," his mother said. "You've been seen at parties with a beautiful American." Ayesha smiled at Abdul. "Although, I heard that all you two were seen to be doing was arguing." She smiled. "But, that's the way of love, isn't it, Abdul?"
Ayesha tugged on the sleeve of Abdul's traditional white robe.
Abdul frowned and sighed heavily. "When are we to meet this young woman?"
"I can arrange a visit tomorrow, if you like," Karim replied.
"We'll have to arrange something special," Ayesha said brightly.
"Please, mother. Don't fuss too much. Erin's excited enough as it is," Karim said.
"Nonsense. This is the biggest day of a young woman's life," Ayesha said. She quirked a brow at Karim. "And for her husband-to be," she added.
Karim felt a stab of nervousness at hearing himself described in those terms. He was going to be a husband. And, he was going to be living day by day with a beautiful woman who possibly hated him. Now that was one thing he didn't have the courage to tell his parents. Once the wedding was over and he and Erin had settled in together, then Karim might try and explain his decision to his parents. Arranged marriages were common in Qazhar. He hoped they'd understand.
"Now, tell us all about the woman you're going to take as your wife," Ayesha said gazing straight at Karim.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The cameras clicked, and the crowd of well-wishers gathered on the palace steps cheered. Erin felt Karim's arm around her waist and did nothing that would reveal even the slightest hint of the unease she was feeling.
She was married. She was Karim's wife.
By the golden glow of the light from the sun settling down toward the horizon, Erin saw her mother standing on the steps with her father. Belle and Nicole were standing next to her parents. They were both smiling broadly at their sister who had just married a sheikh, she told herself. Her mother, Louise was wiping a tear away even as she was smiling proudly at her daughter.
Next to her parents, stood Karim's mother and father, who Erin had gotten to know really well during the frantic days of preparation for the wedding. They were both sweet people, generous and kind. On more than one occasion in the last few days, Erin had wanted to tell the lovely couple that the whole wedding was a sham, that it was designed to make as big a splash in Qazhar society as possible; that the reason there were so many TV news crews crowded around the dark limousine parked at the foot of the palace steps was to make sure that a signal was sent out to the people who were watching. Qazhar was an open kingdom that embraced the outside world. And this joining of two cultures was a symbolic act that showed that love could bring two worlds together.
"We best turn around and let the cameras get their pictures," Karin said smiling at Erin. Once again that feeling of unease clutched at her middle as she spun around and smiled at the huge gathering of media people who were busy taking pictures and pointing TV cameras at them.
"Look at me," she heard Karim say softly. She gazed up at him and saw that he was smiling at her. Was that supposed to be a look of love in his eyes? If so, it wasn't much of an attempt, she told herself.
One of the reporters called out to the couple. "How do you feel now that you are married to the Sheikh?" he asked.
How did she feel? What should she say? That all of this was some fabulous, desperate hoax? That the truth was she wished her new husband would take his arm away from around her waist?
Erin forced herself to smile. "I'm very happy," she said.
From the crowded steps, she heard exclamations of approval. She averted her eyes from Karim, instead focusing her attention on the photographers. These pictures would be all over the media within minutes. Images of the wedding had been broadcast on the television. A great deal of effort had gone into making sure this whole affair was as convincing as possible.
"Where are you going for your honeymoon?" came a question from the reporters.
Erin felt Karim's grip tighten. "That's a secret," he said laughing. "You should know better than to ask that," he added.
Erin drew in a deep breath. She already knew the answer to that question. They were going to spend the honeymoon in absolute solitude in Karim's desert palace. The prospect of that already made her feel almost like a prisoner, and she hadn't even arrived there yet.
There was more frenzied activity, and then they were saying their goodbyes and getting into the limousine. Erin was smiling so much she thought her jaw was about to seize up. As the limo door closed, she leaned back against the leather seats and sighed. Karim sat back, and she could feel his body press against her side.
Erin and Karim waved to the guests and media as the driver moved the limo slowly off. Moments later they were heading out of the gates and out onto the road that stretched away from Qazhar city. It was an hours drive to where Karim's palace lay, deep in the desert.
Karim pressed a button, and a glass panel lifted ensuring the driver wouldn't be able to hear what they were saying.
"Thank goodness that's over," she muttered.
"Really? I thought it was all very nice," Karim replied.
Erin squinted at him. "Nice? Is that all?"
Karim nodded. "Everyone seemed to have a good time. And the media seemed happy with everything."
"You mean they bought it," Erin said in a flat voice.
Karim frowned. "I suppose you could put it that way."
"And that's all that matters, I suppose," Erin said.
Karim turned slightly to face her. "It's not the only thing that's
important, Erin. You're my wife now. That means something, doesn't it?"
"Really?" She narrowed her eyes at Karim. "What exactly does it mean, Karim?"
Karim peered at Erin. He paused as if he was measuring his response. Then she saw his gaze flicker to the small door below the glass panel. "Would you care for some champagne?" he asked.
Erin shook her head. "No thank you."
Karim opened the door and took out a bottle of champagne and two glasses. "I think I can tempt you," he said.
Erin peered at him and folded her arms. "Don't even try. I've done what you asked me to do. It was all very public and very visible. Just like you wanted it to be."
Karim ignored her and popped the cork on the champagne and poured two glasses. He offered one to Erin but she refused to take it. "Then, at least let us celebrate the successful completion of our little arrangement," he suggested.
Erin scowled at Karim. "I don't feel like drinking to that."
Karim's brows rose. "You don't think it's something worth celebrating?"
"It's not that," she replied. "It just doesn't feel right. We've lied to too many people about this."
Karim lowered the glasses and peered at Erin. "I admit we haven't been exactly truthful about this. But, I'm sure that everyone will understand once they realize what was at stake. In any case, it's already having the desired effect."
Erin stared at Karim. "What do you mean?"
Karim shrugged. "I heard this morning from someone who has a connection with the dissident faction that they were very unhappy about what was happening today. It seems the very public nature of the wedding has caused a few individuals to question what was being planned." Karim leaned back in the seat and sighed. "It seems as if they are pulling back from their intentions, even as we speak."
"I can't believe that," Erin exclaimed. "So quickly?"
"Public opinion is a very powerful thing. Excitement about this wedding has been considerable. Now, with all those beautiful images in the newspapers, on the websites and TV channels, all everyone wants to talk about is the beautiful American bride and her new life as the wife of the Qazhar sheikh."
Erin felt her face flush. It couldn't be true. She'd known the wedding would get publicity, but she'd had no idea it would be this big.
Karim leaned closer. "You have become quite a celebrity in Qazhar, Erin."
She peered at him in disbelief. "Me? A celebrity?"
Karim nodded. He held out the glass of champagne. Erin took it gratefully and sipped. The champagne tasted sharp and sweet, just what she needed right at this moment.
Erin glanced at Karim. His gaze was fixed intently on her, and she was sure he was waiting for her to say something. What could she say? Was Karim telling her that the job they had set out to do was already almost done? Did that mean they didn't have to stay married for as long as they'd originally agreed?
"So we're done, right?" she asked.
Karim's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"The wedding achieved what you wanted. So, we don't have to stay married."
Karim shook his head. "It's not like that, at all, Erin. We have an agreement."
"But, now that things are going the way you want them to, there's no need for us to keep that agreement."
Why was he looking at her like that? Was he toying with her?
Karim frowned. When he spoke, it was with a quiet voice filled with certainty. "We have to stay married, Erin. And you have to stay living with me. That's what we agreed. You're my wife. I am your husband. It is the way it is. For now." He took a sip of champagne and peered deep into her eyes. In spite of herself, she felt something shift inside herself. Every time he looked at her like that, she felt the same warm sensation in her middle. She knew it wasn't the champagne. Not this time.
"But, surely..." she started to say.
Karim reached the glass across and clinked it against hers. The sound of glass meeting was a soft sound inside the quiet of the limo's interior. Karim smiled at Erin. He leaned his head closer and murmured. "You gave me your word, Erin."
She was momentarily taken aback by the intimacy in his voice. "I know, but..." she began to say but her words were she cut off as he dipped his head toward her and kissed her.
At first, she felt the urge to resist, to push against his firm chest, to wrench her lips away from his. But, at almost the same instant, she was overtaken by something else. Treacherous, surprising sensation rippled throughout her body, and she groaned. His lips were sweet with the taste of champagne. The firmness of his mouth had an insistent, demanding edge to it. Erin felt heat at her core as one of his hands settled on her bare shoulder. The touch of his fingers was gentle, although the skin of his hand felt rough against her soft skin. She heard his breath quicken and her body softened against him.
This was madness, she told herself. Moments ago they'd almost been arguing, and now she was savoring this kiss as if they truly were true lovers who'd just been wed. One thing was certain, though. There was nothing of the lie about this kiss. Her mind went blank, and she gave herself over to the feeling, submitting utterly to his tender kiss.
She felt his tongue probe gently, seeking entry. At that moment she knew she couldn't carry on, knew that she had to make a stand. Otherwise, she could not imagine what awaited her once she reached his palace.
Erin leaned her head away from him, seeing the shock and disappointment crease his forehead. His eyes contained a hint of rebellion as if he was about to insist that the kiss resume. But, she lifted a hand to his chest and pushed him gently away from her.
Had that been their first true kiss? What could she say in response?
"Why did you do that?" she asked.
"Because it was what I wanted," he explained. The corner of his mouth creased with the hint of a smile. "And, I think it was what you wanted, Erin. Isn't that the case?"
Erin looked away from him and took a long sip of her champagne, finishing the glass. She handed the empty glass back to him. He took the glass. "More?" he asked giving her a grin that was now completely mischievous. She assumed he meant the champagne and not more of that fabulous kiss.
Erin stiffened and gave him a stern look. She shifted a few inches away from him on the seat. "I've had enough, for now, thank you," she said, trying to sound as prim as possible.
Karim quirked a brow at her, and she wondered if he was preparing to tease her even more.
Erin looked toward the driver. "In any case, your driver does have a rear view mirror, doesn't he?"
"He's very discreet."
Erin scowled at Karim. "So, you've been in this situation a few times before?"
Karim laughed quietly and shook his head. "I can see it's going to be a stormy night," he said.
"Well, have you?" Erin insisted.
"This isn't the time for that kind of discussion," he replied.
"It's funny you should say that. When you think of it, we don't really know a whole lot about each other, do we?" Erin declared.
"There will be plenty of time to get to know each other," he replied. Karim gazed at her. "Starting tonight."
Erin was sure she saw his nostrils flare in an almost primitive fashion as he uttered those words.
"I thought we had an agreement," she stated.
"About what?"
"The arrangements at your palace."
He lifted his head knowingly. "You mean, sleeping arrangements?"
Erin nodded firmly.
"I've put in place what we discussed," he admitted.
She had to hide the surprise that jolted her. "You have?"
Karim nodded. "I'm nothing if not a man of my word. I know you find that difficult to believe."
"It's not that at all," she said.
"Then what is it?" he said quickly.
Erin shook her head. "Nothing. Forget what I said."
She heard him sigh. "You'll have your own room. I've already allocated the best in the palace for you. And you'll have servants waiting on you hand
and foot. How does all that sound?" he said.
Was he annoyed now? It certainly sounded like it, she told herself. It didn't matter, because they'd already discussed the sleeping arrangements at the palace. This was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, wasn't it?
Karim turned away and placed the champagne bottle and the glasses back into the small fridge and closed the little door. He settled back against the leather seat and stretched his long legs out.
Outside she could see the desert stretching away for miles. The late evening orange sky cast an soft light upon the dunes. It was a beautiful sight. She felt as if she was entering a new world, one that was almost dreamlike. This was his world, and she was leaving her own life behind. For the moment, at least.
And what about her wedding night? It wasn't really a true wedding night because this wasn't a true wedding, was it?
She'd thought about the coming night so many times these last few days. She'd tried to push the thought of a wedding night out of her mind, realizing that was exactly the opposite of what a new bride would normally do on her wedding night.
Tonight they would sleep apart from each other.
That was what they had agreed. Wasn't it?
So why was it that the prospect of not being close to Karim tonight was making her, inexplicably, feel so bad?
CHAPTER NINE
The palace looked glorious in the twilight. Karim felt his chest fill with pride at the sight of his home.
Their home, now, he reminded himself, glancing across at Erin.
She was peering ahead, and he could see that she was impressed by the sight of the place where she would live for at least the next few months. That would only happen if he had his way, Karim told himself.
And he would have his way. It sounded arrogant to say it like that, but it was true. He was determined to make the most of the opportunity that being her husband provided. Having Erin living in his home would add a whole new aspect to his life. He pushed away thoughts of spending nights with Erin. Just the thought of what that would be like made something warm move deep inside himself. There were many barriers to overcome before that would happen. He was realistic about that.
