by Ella Brooke
Brenda could only keep the tempo long and languid for a bit, then her right hand met the fevered pitch of her left as she pressed more fiercely against her rose bud. But it wasn’t her hands pleasuring her, drawing her close to climax. No. It was Jamsheed’s rough fingers she felt against her, the force of him as sensitive bundle of nerves pulsed in her grasp. It wasn’t the same, of course, but it would have to do. Her own fingers could only pale in comparison to the real thing, but it was all she had for now.
Her heels dug more deeply into the mattress as she rolled back her head.
She came like a freight train, with the heat over taking her body in a swift punch of power that made her scream out her relief. Brenda shook under the onslaught and the novelty of it. She hadn’t orgasmed like that in years. The very thought of Jamsheed, the anticipation of him, made it the best climax she ever had.
It could have been hours or days until she finished. Time held little meaning when she was caught up in that much ecstasy. Still, Brenda let her boneless limbs lie heavily on the bed beneath her as she drifted off into an arousing sleep filled with amber eyes and a devilish goatee.
Chapter Five
“You didn’t have to rush over here to the other side of the city from Westminster for some tea and biscuits, love,” Anne said, raising one perfectly quaffed eyebrow back at her. “But I appreciate you returning my dress and necklace. It’s one of my favorite outfits.”
“I can see why,” Brenda replied, smiling broadly at her friend as she sat across from her at the modest café. “I think it always does its job.”
“Did you and Sheikh Rahal...?” Anne began to ask, leaning further across the table with a devilish smirk.
Brenda winked. “First, a lady never kisses and tells. Second, Jamsheed and I talked, too. He’s going through a lot with his sick father back home. It was not just making out.”
“Ooh, but there was some rough-and-tumble? I wasn’t wrong in my suspicions, was I darling?”
She shook her head. “We kissed… A few times, and it was amazing. I won’t say the earth moved because I’m too old for cheesy lines like that, but I will say that it was one of the best nights of my life.”
Anne’s grin widened like a she-wolf ready to pounce. Brenda owed the other woman a lot. Her new found boldness, in part, was based around the philosophy she was trying to adopt, or “WWAD” (What would Anne do). Anne was the brave one, but now Brenda could feel courage steeling her limbs and her heart.
“That sounds like my girl, finally! See? That dress always helps make life worth living. I knew you could do it. Wait, the elder Sheikh Rahal is ill? How sick?”
“He’ll be traveling home for a while.”
“And won’t need maids?” Anne asked, then she cursed. “Bloody hell. What am I supposed to do?”
“He’s going to make some alternate arrangements for the staff, and I’ll see to it you have something.”
Anne frowned. “What do you mean you will?”
“I…” she pulled at her napkin. “He’s asked me to come back to Zomelia. I know it’s rushed, but he didn’t want to give up what we’re exploring early because of distance. He even offered to cover all of Haley’s legal fees from the suit so that I could be free to come.”
Anne’s eyes went wide and she whistled shrilly enough to cause a dog to bark from across the promenade. “I definitely need to wear that dress more.”
She blushed, feeling the scrutiny from her friend. If Anne thought that Brenda really had become a gold-digger, then everyone else would too. “It’s sudden, but you can’t control when your father is sick. You’re the one who said that maybe this was my Cinderella moment and that this could help Haley. I didn’t expect that at all, but it’s an adventure. My whole life, all I’ve done is clean and work and be the responsible one. Now, I can be a little bit more.”
Anne stood up as quick as lightening and walked around the table to sweep Brenda up into a killer hug. “Darling, you misunderstand me completely. I couldn’t be happier for you. I was thinking of taking work in Nottingham and closer to my sister anyway. But you go on and become that queen you were always meant to be.”
Brenda laughed and rubbed at the corners of her eyes. Surely she hadn’t teared up. It wasn’t that she was that worried that Anne would be angry with her. Or jealous. Okay, maybe a little. “I’m not a queen, and it’s just to explore more. It’s not about pressure right now. He needs support while his father’s probably dying.”
“And possibly some orgasms too,” Anne replied, standing back up and scurrying to her seat.
“I’m trying to help him keep it together,” Brenda corrected. “I’m just… This is all so much, but it feels good.
My whole life I’ve never been that girl, and just when I was settling into the idea I’d always be alone, I have this shot to be more. And it’s the most wonderful chance, that feeling of hope.”
Anne grinned and sipped her water. “Then, love, I suggest you go out and snag it. All of it. Get that bloody brass ring and clutch it tight for those of us who want the same thing.”
***
Brenda’s phone blared to life as she pulled her suitcase out of the closet. She’d only just gotten back from breakfast with Anne, but now was as good a time as any to sort out everything she would need for Zomelia. Frankly, she’d have to get some new clothes once she got to the country. London had warm enough summers, but that would be nothing compared to a country that could sky rocket to almost one hundred and twenty degrees Fahrenheit in the highest heat of the sun. Still, she wrestled her largest monster of a valise to her bed when her phone rang. Clicking on the call, she brought the phone up to her hear, too breathless to check the I.D. but guessing who it was anyway.
“Jamsheed, it’s not even noon yet. I love that you’re calling to check on me. That’s the gentlemanly thing to do. Or is it the royal thing?”
“Mom?” Haley’s voice was clouded with confusion on the other line. “Who’s Jamsheed. Wait, royal like in sheikh royal? Are you dating your boss?”
“Technically,” Brenda replied calmly as she sat on the edge of her bed. “He’s not my boss anymore. His dad’s ill and he has to return to Zomelia. All the staff for his London apartment is being dismissed. We started dating last night after we didn’t have other ties between us.”
“Wow, I’ve seen pictures of him in tabloids and even GQ that one time. Go Mom!” Then Haley hesitated on the other end, her breath coming in slow, deliberate gulps.
“What?”
“Well,” Haley started. “He has kind of a reputation.”
“Wait, so now my own daughter is giving me dating advice?”
“London is far from Zomelia.”
“I’m going with him to stay at his palace. It practically has its own zip code so it’s not like we’ll necessarily be crammed together every minute. It’s not so crazy; we’ve known each other a while now,” she added, as if playing devil’s advocate quickly enough could allay all her daughter’s doubts and fears.
“But it’s different than being his servant, Mom. I just worry. I’m not an idiot. Even when I was eight and wondered why everyone else had a dad except for me, I didn’t care because you and Grandma were always there for me. But I know how badly my father hurt you. I just don’t want to see that happen to you again. Grandma says it took a long time after my dad split to glue yourself back together.”
Brenda was glad she was sitting. Thinking about how that asshole had torn her heart out long ago was too hard to do on her feet. “It did, but this feels so right.”
“I hope so, but let him know that no matter what kind of muckety-muck he is and how many guards he has, if he breaks your heart, I have a shovel and I will play dirty.”
“Thanks, sweetie. That’s one of the nicest things you’ve ever said to me,” Brenda answered, running her palms over the soft cotton of her comforter.
“Yup. Hey, so that actually maybe explains a lot. Did you know that the suit’s been dropped? Their lawyers
called me today to say they’d settled everything with my lawyers and since our offer was so generous, they saw no reason for more arbitration. Once I Googled some terms to translate that.” Haley was smart, but more of an art student and legal terms were out of her element. “I figured out that something had to be going on… You’re not dating Sheikh Rahal because of me, are you Mom?”
“I don’t think I like how that sounds.”
“That’s not what I meant, but if you don’t want to, we can find other ways to pay the debt.”
Oh good lord!
“Haley, honey, this is something I want to do. I mean… Oh dear, that came out wrong. I mean that he wanted to ease my situation and I’m traveling to Zomelia to help him with his father, too. It’s something I’m so excited about, but I am glad I could help you at the same time.”
“Me too, Mom, but just remember: I do have a shovel.”
Chapter Six
Brenda’s eyes widened as the Land Rover pulled up in front of the turrets and the spires of the massive palace. It was like something she’d only seen on TV. There were football stadiums that were smaller than Jamsheed’s home. Her jaw dropped and she had to force it back to its proper positions.
“That’s… wow,” she said, frustrated that words escaped her.
Jamsheed laughed, a rich, throaty noise that made wetness pool over the cotton of her panties and heat flare through her belly. She knew that tone. It was the same unbridled joy he’d had on the London Eye and in his limo during their first date. It was a tone rife with mischief, which she longed to get into with him all over again.
“That’s the reaction many people have.” He shrugged and held his chin higher. “It’s where I grew up until Mother died, and I was sent to boarding school outside of London as a teenager. I know how impressive it is, what a source of pride it is for my people. My forefathers have ruled from its hallowed halls for over six centuries.”
She whistled. That was a kind of history that blew her mind. The United States wasn’t even three hundred years old. Her family wasn’t exactly the type to have antiques lying around, unless a fruitcake from her Aunt Bertie, still in the can from twenty years ago, counted. To grow up in six hundred years of history and tradition? How that must weigh on a child.
“It sounds lovely still.”
“Yes, but I know my responsibilities too, what I owe not only my great grandfathers but my father and mother. This is a palace, yes, but it’s a governmental estate too. What I’m trying to say is that it’s a trapping of my position, but it’s not all that I am. I hope this doesn’t change our relationship already.”
Brenda relaxed and squeezed his hand. “I’ve scrubbed your toilets in a penthouse most of London’s high society would kill for. I know you’re rich, but I know you’re here because you’re a good son and a noble ruler.”
“Then you definitely don’t read tabloids.”
She snorted. “They can get stuffed. I know who you are, and I’m sure your father is glad you’re home. I know he can’t be completely aware of it, but some part of him, somehow, he’ll feel you. It’s one of the best things that can help with his health right now. So,” she said opening her door and easing herself to the runners, being careful not to slip off into the swirling sands below. “Let’s get settled, shall we?”
Jamsheed nodded and followed out after her. “I think that’s one thing I’ve always loved about Americans. You all are so much more outspoken than anyone else. The English girls and even the Europeans… they hold their tongues, hide their real feelings. When I’m with you, I know that I’m not going to hear stories or be led around.”
“Not all Americans are alike, but I don’t want you to feel like you’re less than you are. We all know what Prince Harry has been up to in his life, and his dad before that, for example. You ‘dating’ a lot...” she blushed then, since it wasn’t just all about the dating, “...is far from a scandal.”
“I love that spirit even so,” he said, stroking his goatee and then groaning.
Confused, Brenda thought for a moment that the groan was about her until she looked out across the expanse of the drive way and up toward the main entrance to the palace. A man in the long, traditional robes of Zomelia and with a long, grey-streaked beard, strode toward both of them. The scowl on his face marred what might have been an otherwise attractive man, even with the beard, and left him seeming ugly and cold.
When he got to them. The stranger bowed as little as possible toward Jamsheed and completely ignored her presence. “Cousin, you’ve taken your time coming home for Uncle.”
Jamsheed stood up straighter, allowing him to loom over the newcomer, who, to be fair, was still very broad, built like a heavyweight boxer. “I got here as soon as I could. I had affairs that I had to close out in London, and I needed to make sure the petrol company we all profit from and that makes up the majority of our country’s GDP was in good hands. I wasn’t just fooling around and you know that.”
Finally, the other man eyed her and then chuckled. “I still have to wonder how much fooling around was actually involved. I didn’t expect you to bring back a girlfriend. How convenient. The rumor among the staff is that she was one of your maids. Really, Cousin, how desperate are you?”
Brenda’s heart fluttered against her chest and she had to remind herself to keep breathing. She wasn’t a kid anymore, and she wasn’t naïve. In her life, she’d had more than her share of tragedies and ups and downs. That came along with being insulted, too. If Jamsheed’s cousin wanted to imply that she shouldn’t be here because she was merely the maid, then he should hold his tongue. The ass didn’t know the first thing about her.
“Excuse me. Who are you?” she asked and then clutched Jamsheed’s hand tightly. “I know who the next sheikh is around here, but I don’t know who you are or why you matter.”
Jamsheed laughed. “See, now you can see why I’m dating her, Cousin. Abir, this is Brenda Mckann. Brenda, this is my cousin, Abir. He’s also in line for succession for the throne but behind me, and he picks a horrible time to even dig at these things. After all, I’m here to help my father improve in any way I can.”
Abir sneered and stroked his beard. “Yes, but you’re also here as I am, anticipating the day that the old man goes so there will be a new heir on the throne. Admit that I’m outclassed with you. I have my wife and my legitimate heirs. All you have is some American servant brought back here like the faithful pet she is.”
Jamsheed surged forward, his hands balled into fists at his side. “You say one more thing about Brenda and I’ll end you.”
“Then I’m surprised you brought home a bitch to whelp anything.”
The blow was fast, and she jumped back quickly as blood poured from Abir’s nose. Brenda couldn’t say she was sorry for the sight. In fact, she wished to God she’d been the one to slug that bastard. Still, as much as she was trying to stay strong and show Jamsheed that she belonged in his world, those words did cut her. It wasn’t about the out-of-place-American barbs she expected. No. It was about her right as a person at all. She’d felt the same vindictive spirit lace people’s words when Haley was young and she’d been an eyesore for her parents. Oh, not that her mother ever said that, but the town had been more than happy to gossip about it.
She wasn’t a bitch and she didn’t ‘whelp’ anything, or whatever nonsense Abir claimed.
But she was disgusted and overwhelmed in that moment, felt the dizziness spinning through her mind and the goosebumps spreading over her limbs. The vertigo of shame was back, and she needed a minute.
As the staff separated Abir and Jamsheed, she turned to the sheikh and worked hard to keep her voice steady as she spoke. “I think I need to lie down after such a crappy arrival. Where is my room?”
Jamsheed spun around to her and placed gentle hands on her shoulders. “My phoenix, I apologize. My cousin speaks out of turn, and I’ll be happy to beat him to a pulp even more.”
From across the driveway and while being loo
ked over by a few men in dark suits—security, she realized—Abir shook his head. “I have a right to be here. You know the laws. Now you do. I’m the rightful heir until something changes, so you can’t throw me in jail or escort me out.”
Jamsheed’s nostrils flared and he cracked his knuckles after removing his hands from her shoulders. “I can break more than your nose, Abir. You won’t insult Brenda again, or you won’t live to regret it.”
She sighed. “As much as I’d love to see that happen, I don’t want to be the starting point in an all-out cousin civil war tonight. I just… am I staying in your room?”
Eyes the color of amber regarded her gently. “I wasn’t sure you were up for that to start.” He turned his attention to the assembled servants and beckoned with one hand toward a plump, middle aged woman with long hair in a braid the color of coal. “Jazmina will show you to your quarters, but if you need anything, just let her know and I’ll drop everything for you.”
She squeezed his hand. “I know you need to see your father first. I think if you spoke to him, just let him hear you, well, I’ve heard it’s supposed to do miracles for people in comas. I don’t think it could hurt, and I don’t need to delay that. Don’t worry,” she added, forcing a smile to her face even if her mouth felt like it tasted of ash. “I think Jazmina and I will hit it off fine.” Then Brenda blinked as a thought came to her. “Wait, she does speak English, right?”
The older woman laughed, a rich sound that would have made any alto proud. “I do, my dear. Now, please, you must be exhausted. Come with me.”
Brenda gladly took the woman’s offered arm and let her lead her to the far wing of the palace. Still, she couldn’t help but glare back to Abir who met her gaze with an ugly, sneering look of his own. Things weren’t adding up, not completely. Abir had power here and some legitimacy, and she had a suspicion that the struggle between the cousins was just getting started.
***
“Father,” Jamsheed said, his voice thick with emotion.
