Читать онлайн книгу «The Sheik′s Secret» автора Judith McWilliams
The Sheik's Secret
Judith McWilliams
Table of Contents
Cover Page (#u2039d682-a243-5ef6-b4fb-8e671c737f7b)
Excerpt (#u4239ea16-1031-57e9-9e5c-d8dd31e5113a)
Dear Reader (#u658e5a66-e6c5-51a5-a18e-79f2acf876f4)
Title Page (#uad895a02-b4d9-5e4f-a7de-e43e2a912220)
About the Author (#u1cb8f3aa-9100-5bc3-8761-25d899ddaf00)
Chapter One (#u4804727c-0b5f-544c-8fb3-9852e6aec4e3)
Chapter Two (#uccf7d487-ce1c-545c-8905-23b90515744d)
Chapter Three (#u80f13079-a952-581f-b4a2-a2dfecf0437c)
Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Close your eyes.
There was a rustle of movement as she walked around Hassan. Okay, you can open them now.
Hassan opened his eyes and then immediately closed them again, unable to believe what he was seeing. He felt as if hed been catapulted into a fantasy.
Cautiously he opened his eyes again. Nothing had changed. Kali was still wearing a provocative costume consisting of long filmy blue scarves and glittering silver sequins.
Isnt this outfit spectacular? I bought it from the woman who gave the belly dancing demonstration. Belly dancing raises the heart rate very satisfactorily, she murmured, leaning toward him.
Heart rate? he repeated distractedly as she began to move her hips in an undulating movement.
Oh, yes. Belly dancing is marvelous for your heart. The husky whisper rasped over his nerve endings. Hassan felt as if he were about to plunge into an abyss of sexual desire that would wholly consume him.
Dear Reader,
The joys of summer are upon usalong with some July fireworks from Silhouette Desire!
The always wonderful Jennifer Greene presents our July MAN OF THE MONTH in Prince Charmings Child. A contemporary romance version of Sleeping Beauty, this title also launches the authors new miniseries, HAPPILY EVER AFTER, inspired by those magical fairy tales we loved in childhood. And ever-talented Anne Marie Winston is back with a highly emotional reunion romance in Lovers Reunion. The popular miniseries TEXAS BRIDES by Peggy Moreland continues with the provocative story of That McCloud Woman. Sheiks abound in Judith McWilliamss The Sheiks Secret, while a plain Jane is wooed by a millionaire in Jan Hudsons Plain Janes Texan. And Barbara McCauleys new dramatic miniseries, SECRETS!, debuts this month with Blackhawks Sweet Revenge.
Weve got more excitement for you next monthwatch for the premiere of the compelling new Desire miniseries THE TEXAS CATTLEMANS CLUB. Some of the sexiest, most powerful men in the Lone Star State are members of this prestigious club, and they all find love when they least expect it! Youll learn more about THE TEXAS CATTLEMANS CLUB in our August Dear Reader letter, along with an update on Silhouettes new continuity, THE FORTUNES OF TEXAS, debuting next month.
And this month, join in the celebrations by treating yourself to all six passionate Silhouette Desire titles.
Enjoy!
Joan Marlow Golan
Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire
Please address questions and book requests to:
Silhouette Reader Service
U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3
The Sheiks Secret
Judith McWilliams
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
JUDITH McWILLIAMS
began to enjoy romances while in search of the proverbial happily-ever-after. But she always found herself rewriting the endings, and eventually the beginnings, of the books she read. Then her husband finally suggested that she write novels of her own, and shes been doing so ever since. An ex-teacher with four children, Judith has traveled the country extensively with her husband and has been greatly influenced by those experiences. But while not tending the garden or caring for family, Judith does what she enjoys mostwriting. She has also written under the name Charlotte Hines.
One (#ulink_f656d4ef-357f-5fa8-b790-2c0095e593d7)
Hassan Rashid reluctantly crossed the small lobby of Kali Whitmans apartment building, double-checked the apartment which Karim had given him, then slowly pushed the call button beside the elevator.
Maybe his brother would be right for once in his life, Hassan thought, encouraging himself. Maybe this Kali Whitman really wouldnt care when he told her that Karim was breaking their engagement.
Yes?
The musical lilt of the softly feminine voice that emerged from the call box poured through Hassan, raising both his body temperature and his doubts about the whole situation. That voice certainly didnt sound as if it belonged to a cold woman who had agreed to trade romance for a marriage of convenience.
But then, who better than he knew that appearances were quite often deceptive. Physically he was the mirror image of Karim and yet, mentally, they were poles apart. Karim was an extrovert, the life and soul of every social gathering, while he was far more reserved. Social chitchat did not come easily to him.
Is anyone there? Kalis voice sharpened slightly, and Hassan hurriedly cut off his thoughts. He didnt want her annoyed to start with. She was going to be upset enough once he broke the news of Karims perfidy to her.
Sorry, he began.
Karim! Thank heavens youre back. Come on up. I need to talk to you.
Damn! Hassan thought. Karim was wrong. Again.
Kalis welcome hadnt been that of a woman who didnt care one way or the other about her engagement. She was clearly ecstatic to hear her fiancs voice. As if shed been counting the days until Karim returned to New York.
But why? Hassan wondered uncertainly. According to Karim, their engagement was an arranged affair based on their mutual respect for each others work with emotionally troubled children rather than any personal feelings they had for each other. Hed said that they had met during the course of their work and had never actually dated.
Karim had told him that hed felt it was time he married and had children, and hed decided that hed have a better chance of making a success of marriage if he chose a woman who shared his interests and goals. That, when hed made a list of the women he knew, hed realized that Kali Whitman fit all his requirements for a wife. So hed written her a letter explaining his position and asking her to marry him. Karim had said that she had considered his proposal for almost a week before finally accepting it the day before hed had to fly to Australia for a conference.
Hassan frowned. Of course Karims assumption that her acceptance meant that she agreed with his practical approach to marriage didnt mean it was true. Kali Whitman could have agreed to marry his brother because she was in love with him.
He had no way of knowing what her original motivation had been, and he hated walking into a situation blind.
Hassan forced himself to enter the elevator when his every instinct was urging him to run from what threatened to be a very unpleasant interview. But he couldnt. He was the responsible twin, he reminded himself. The twin who had always tried to make amends for Karims thoughtless behavior. But this was the last time! From now on, Karim could clean up his own messes.
The elevator slid to a smooth stop on the sixth floor.
Hassan stepped out and headed toward 6C, still undecided as to how to tell her what Karim had done.
Stopping in front of Kalis apartment, he stared blindly at the oak door. Maybe the best way to break the news would be a blunt, unemotional statement of the facts. But the problem was it wouldnt stay unemotional for long. Shed probably burst into tears and then what was he supposed to do?
He shifted uncomfortably at the thought of trying to deal with a hysterical woman.
He lifted his hand to knock, but before he could, the door swung open.
Hassan blinked, his hand suspended in midair as he stared at the unexpected vision in front of him. Small and slender, Kali barely reached his chin. He swallowed uneasily as he noticed the thrust of her full breasts against the rust-colored sweater she was wearing. Hastily wrenching his gaze upward, he turned his attention to the cloud of reddish-brown hair that framed the creamy perfection of her ivory skin and the delicacy of her perfectly formed features.
The strangest sense of disorientation filled him when his eyes met hers. They were the most gorgeous color, like the chestnuts that grew on his mothers estate in England.
Chestnuts were good luck, his nanny had told him. As a boy hed gathered them by the pocketfuls and hidden them in his room against future need. Which is what he would like to do with this woman. Secrete her away somewhere for his own personal enjoyment.
Karim?
Dimly, as if from a distance, Hassan heard the melodic sound of her voice, and his eyes dropped to her lips. A sudden tightness encircled his chest as he studied their delectable curve. They looked so soft. Soft and mobile and made to be kissed.
Karim was out of his tiny little mind, Hassan thought as he remembered his brothers description of her. Calling her kind of attractive was like calling their father kind of richthe understatement of the year. Kali Whitman was the most sensually alluring woman he had ever seen.
He froze as she unexpectedly leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. His guts clenched painfully at the feel of her lips against his skin, and it was all he could do not to grab her and capture her mouth with his own. He wanted
His head examined, he thought uneasily. Kali Whitman had been taken advantage of enough by his brother without him compounding the sin by kissing her.
Kali stared up into his face, instinctively shaking her head in an attempt to banish the surge of desire that had so unexpectedly engulfed her when shed kissed him. What was the matter with her? she wondered uncertainly. Shed kissed Karim when shed accepted his proposal. Or rather hed kissed her. A rather restrained touching of their lips that she found vaguely pleasant. So why was it different this time?
And it was different. For a timeless moment shed completely lost track of what shed wanted to say to him. All shed been able to think about was how shed felt. Excited and full of anticipation. As if he really were a beloved fianc whod just returned from an interminable absence.
Troubled, Kali studied his face, looking for a clue to explain her strange reaction. She couldnt find one. Except for appearing slightly paler, as if hed spent the entire two weeks of his conference in Australia inside, he looked exactly the same as she remembered. Her inexplicable sense of disorientation grew as she suddenly noticed the silvery sparks that seemed to swirl through his night-dark eyes. Funny, shed never noticed them before. She blinked, and they were gone, making her wonder if she really had seen them.
Um, I Hassan said, and Kali winced at the uncertain note in his voice. Poor Karim, hed asked her to marry him because she was a levelheaded, intelligent woman not given to romantic excesses, and here she was staring at him like a teenager unexpectedly faced with her favorite rock star.
Feeling gauche, Kali rushed to say, I cant tell you how glad I am to see you. I was afraid you wouldnt get back in time.
In time? Hassan repeated, looking for an opening to break his news.
Kali stepped back. The added distance helped her to think a little more clearly. From here she couldnt smell the delicious scent that clung to him. It reminded her of woodlands and sunshine and crisp autumn air. And it wasnt the one hed been wearing the night hed taken her out to celebrate their engagement. Perhaps it was something hed picked up in Australia? If so, she hoped hed brought plenty of it back with him because it was
A distraction, she hurriedly cut off the thought. She needed to concentrate on her problem, not on how she was finding Karim so inexplicably attractive.
Karim
Hassan, he corrected her.
Kali blinked in confusion, wondering why hed suddenly decided he wanted to be called by a nickname. Worry about it later, she told herself. For now she needed to focus on a more urgent problem.
My mother called last night to warn me that my nephews christening is tomorrow, she said.
Warn? Hassan picked up on the odd word. Hed been to a couple of christenings, and he couldnt remember anything about the ceremony that would necessitate a warning.
Kali grimaced. You remember when I accepted your proposal I said that a marriage based on friendship and shared interests was what I wanted, too?
Hassan frowned, taken aback. She still thought he was his brother, but why? Hed told her his name was Hassan. Unless Karim hadnt bothered to tell her that he had a twin brother? Or even a brother named Hassan.
He opened his mouth to explain who he really was, but before he could get the words out she continued.
You see, I didnt mention it at the time, but the reason I feel that way is because I had an experience with the falling-madly-in-love bit. And it was a disaster.
Hassan was appalled at the echo of remembered pain and humiliation he could see shimmering in the depths of her gorgeous eyes. He wanted to thump the lout who was responsible for that look.
I take it he turned out to be a jerk?
Kali sighed. No, it would have been a whole lot easier to deal with if he had been. To make a long, sad story short, a month before the wedding Bart met my younger sister, Annette, for the first time. It was a classic case of love at first sight for them both. Bart married her instead of me.
Driven by a need to console her, Hassan reached out and pulled Kalis slender body against his, holding her comfortingly close.
That must have been rough, he finally said.
Kali closed her eyes as she savored the feel of his hard body pressing into her much-softer curves. He felt so good. So solidly reassuring, and he was showing far more empathy than her short acquaintance with him would have led her to believe he possessed. A fact that pleased her since it argued well for the success of their marriage.
Stepping out of his arms, she said, I was pretty upset about Barts defection at the time, but that was almost two years ago. Ive long since gotten over him. In fact, these days I find him a bit of a bore. The problem is that my family thinks Im harboring this great unrequited love for him. When I try to tell them that I could care less, they just smile and tell me that Im being so brave.
Hassan chuckled at her indignant expression, and the warm sound rolled through Kali, drowning her annoyance. Shed never heard Hassan chuckle before. It was the most sexually enticing sound shed ever experienced. And the most distracting. She fought to keep her focus on what she wanted to say and not on how she felt.
So I thought that if I were to take you with me to the christening of Bart and Annettes baby tomorrow and introduce you to my family, theyll realize that Im not still hankering after Bart.
And you did say that wed go out and meet them when you got back, she added when he didnt respond.
Now what? Hassan wondered in dismay. This was hardly the time to tell her that not only wasnt he Karim, but Karim had changed his mind about marrying her. Shed be humiliated when she had to go home and tell her family that shed been rejected by yet another fianc.
Hassan stared down into her soft, brown eyes and felt a surge of tenderness at the uncertainty he could see there. He couldnt do it to her. Not without some warning. And his bad news could easily wait until after the christening. In fact, it would probably be better to tell her then. That way shed have some time to figure out the best way to tell her family about Karims defection.
And he did have the weekend free. He didnt have to be back in Boston until Monday morning.
But to impersonate his brotherThat was the kind of impulsive behavior that had always characterized Karim, not him. He was the cautious twin. The one who could always be counted on to do the right thing.
But wasnt minimizing the impact Karims defection had on Kali the right thing to do? Or was he simply rationalizing his inexplicable desire to see more of her even though he knew perfectly well that nothing could ever come of it.
His motives were irrelevant, he finally decided. His family owed Kali a fianc for the weekend. Since he was the only one in America at the moment, it was up to him to pay the debt.
Ill go, Hassan blurted out and then winced at the curt sound of his acceptance. Hed sounded as if he were agreeing to something he didnt want to do, and it wasnt like that at all.
Thanks, Karim. UmHassan. Why do you want to be called Hassan all of a sudden? she asked.
Its my nickname in the family, he lied. And I much prefer it to Karim.
Oh, Kali muttered, wondering why he hadnt mentioned his preference of names when shed accepted his proposal. Although there hadnt been much opportunity for him to tell her anything so far, she reminded herself. The only time theyd had together was that one rushed evening before hed had to fly to Australia. This really was the first chance hed had.
Hassan shifted from one handmade shoe to the other as he quickly sifted through his mind, looking for another topic of conversation. One that didnt have any hidden dangers to it. Not only did the thoughtful expression on her face make him very uneasy, but he didnt want to leave. He didnt want to go back to Karims empty apartment. He wanted to stay here and listen to the seductive sound of Kalis voice.
He wanted to do a whole lot more than talk to her, he admitted. His eyes instinctively homed in on her luscious lips. He wanted to pull her back into his arms and cover her mouth with his. He wanted to taste the essence of her. He wanted to breathe in the luxuriant floral scent that clung to her. She was like an erotic gift that a benevolent deity had packaged for some lucky man.
A gift! He suddenly remembered that one took a present to christenings.
What did you buy for the baby?
Nothing yet, Kali said. I was going to pick something up during my lunch hour yesterday, but like most Fridays I wound up running late and never got around to it.
Why dont we go and buy something now?
The sudden spurt of pleasure that shot through Kali at the thought of spending the afternoon with him caught her by surprise. But why shouldnt she find pleasure in his company? She was going to marry the man. It was probably just the thought of spending tomorrow, with her sister giving her guilty looks, that had unsettled her. Once the christening was over, things would return to normal.
Id love to. I Kali paused as she suddenly remembered something. Did you bring my boomerang?
Boomerang? he asked cautiously.
You forgot to get it. She gave him a ruefully exasperated look that made him want to kiss it off her lipsand then to keep on kissing her until she couldnt remember the first thing about boomerangs.
I just forgot to bring it with me, Hassan said, hastily improvising. Ill give it to you tomorrow.
Would you mind if I used your bathroom before we go shopping? As soon as he asked, he wished he hadnt. He had no idea where her bathroom was, and his brother would surely have known.
Help yourself. Kali made a faint gesture toward the hallway at the back of the living room.
Hassan walked toward it, trying to look more sure of himself than he felt. To his relief, the bathroom door was ajar.
Slipping inside, he hastily closed the door behind him. He turned the water on full force to hide the sound of his voice, hurriedly dialed his fathers consulate on his cell phone and asked for the consul, Mohammed. A minute later, Hassan had arranged for a boomerang to be delivered the following morning to Karims apartment.
Deep in thought, Hassan left the bathroom. Now, if he were buying Kali a gift it certainly wouldnt be an oddly shaped piece of wood. It would be something very personal and highly feminine. Something like jewelry. Maybe emeralds to highlight the tawny tints in her hair. Yes, that was it. Hed buy her a necklace with an emerald suspended from a long golden chain. Long enough so that the jewel would rest in the cleft between her breasts. He felt his guts clench as his mind pictured her wearing such a necklace and nothing else.
Ready to go? Kalis voice dragged him out of his delightful daydream.
What was the matter with him? he wondered uneasily as he walked toward the front door with Kali. He hadnt fantasized this much about a woman since hed been an adolescent and his every second thought had been of sex. Now he was a grown man, a highly trained pediatrician, who knew that sex without commitment had no place in his life. And who also knew that he couldnt make a commitment to any Western woman. For her sake.
He tried to ignore the sense of loss that filled him at the thought of never making love to Kali.
What are we going to buy the child? Hassan asked, once they were in the elevator.
WellIm not sure. I doubt that Eddie needs anything. My mother started buying things when she found out my sister was pregnant, and she hasnt stopped since.
How about the traditional silver porringer?
Whats a porringer?
I think its a bowl that you put cereal in, but I wouldnt give you odds on it.
She grinned at him. How can I ask to see something when Im not even sure what it is?
Easy. You simply walk into a jewelry store, stare down the length of your nose at the clerk and demand to see a silver porringer. He mimicked one of his fathers imperious looks to demonstrate.
Kali felt a chill sweep through her as her gaze moved up over his clenched jaw and tightly compressed lips, but her sense of apprehension dissolved when she reached his eyes and saw the devilment dancing in their dark depths. It totally dispelled the autocratic expression he was trying to create.
Smiling she reached up and ran her fingertips along his jawline. No one who looks into your eyes is ever going to buy your impersonation of a despot.
Hassan felt a tiny muscle beneath his left eye twitch at the tantalizing sensation of her fingertips moving over his skin. Instinctively he captured her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.
Her skin felt warm and infinitely intriguing. His tongue darted out to taste it, and a sense of satisfaction filled him as he saw her eyes widen in reaction. Whatever it was that he felt when he was around her, she obviously felt something, too. Or was it that she was reacting to him because she thought he was Karim? The appalling thought effectively doused his ardor, and he dropped her hand as if burned.
Are you the babys godmother? Hassan clung to the relatively safe subject of the christening like a lifeline.
Kali gulped in air, trying to get enough breath to answer him. She felt as if his kiss had seared her, leaving a permanent imprint of his lips on her skin. Despite the fact that she knew her reaction was highly illogical, it didnt change the way she felt.
Worry about your strange reaction later, she told herself. For now she needed to concentrate on treating him as she always had. As a mildly sexy, highly intelligent, very likable man. Whom she was going to marry. The tantalizing thought did nothing for her already-shaky composure.
Im not the godmother, Kali finally answered him. If you can believe it, my mother told me that Bart feels it would be too painful for me. I swear, sometimes I want to grab Bart by one of his appalling ties and shake him until his sense of overweening importance falls out!
Are they?
Kali blinked in confusion. What?
Are his ties appalling?
Yes. Clashing splotches of color, not tastefully modern like Her voice faded away when she noticed the somber magnificence of his navy-and-green striped silk tie.
Uh-oh, Hassan thought. Hed completely forgotten Karims penchant for avant-garde neckwear. This is my old school tie, he hurriedly offered an explanation, hoping she wouldnt know what the Eton tie really looked like.
Kali nodded, although the thoughtful look in her eyes made him uneasy.
Just how smart was she? he wondered, trying to remember what Karim had said about her. It hadnt been much. Just that she was a psychologist, which meant she was used to looking beneath the surface of things. And if she were to look at him too closely.
It wouldnt matter, he assured himself as he followed her out of the building. His impersonation wouldnt last long enough for her to figure out that he wasnt Karim. By tomorrow evening hed have told her the truth and. His mind shied away from the thought of what would follow.
Theres a taxi. Kali waved madly to attract its attention, and Hassan determinedly banished his worries.
Where to? the driver demanded, when they were in the taxi.
Blackwells over by Times Square. Hassan gave him the name of his mothers favorite jewelry store. If anyone in New York City has a porringer itll be Blackwells, Hassan told Kali.
When they reached the jewelers, Kali climbed out of the cab and examined the display windows while Hassan paid the fare. The elaborate ruby-and-diamond necklace casually draped across a piece of black velvet gave her doubts about the wisdom of going inside. That necklace looked as if it had come from the Hermitages collection of the Russian royal familys jewelry.
Hassan, she said when he joined her, I dont know what the Institute pays you, but I get the impression I dont make enough to shop in this place. She glanced down again at the beautiful necklace. In fact, I could get an inferiority complex just window shopping here.
Hassan studied her uncertainly, wondering if she were serious. She seemed like such a self-possessed woman. So sure of herself and her place in the world that it was hard for him to believe she could suffer from some of the same social insecurities that he did.
He frowned as he suddenly realized the full implication of her words. She thought Karim was dependent on what he earned as a research scientist. Obviously Karim hadnt told her that their father ruled a very oil-rich country in the Middle East. So rich that Saad Devas citizens enjoyed one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Why hadnt Karim told her? Hassan wondered. Because he hadnt wanted Kalis decision to marry him to be based on his wealth? Or had he been afraid that Kali might turn him down if she realized just how different their backgrounds were?
Hassan didnt know, but he did know that Karim knew women far better than he could ever hope to. If Karim hadnt wanted Kali to know his financial worth, then hed keep it a secret, too.
I have a thrifty nature, he finally said. So that when I do want to splurge a little, I can afford to.
But I cant let you pay for Eddies gift.
Oh, yes, you can. Were engaged, remember.
Yes, but
But nothing, Hassan pulled open the door. Come on.
Reluctantly Kali followed Hassan into the elegant store.
Good afternoon. The middle-aged clerk gave Kali a practiced smile before his gaze moved to Hassan. He instantly priced the hand-tailored perfection of Hassans suit, and his smile widened. Sir. How may I be of service to you this afternoon?
We would like to see a christening gift, Hassan said.
Certainly. If you and, the clerks eyes dropped to Kalis ringless fingers, the lady will sit down, I will be glad to show you some appropriate gifts. Or did you already have something in mind?
Hassan waited until Kali sat in one of the chairs the clerk had pointed to before he sat down beside her.
We want a silver porringer, Hassan said.
Ah! A traditionalist after my own heart. The clerk beamed at him. Just a moment while I check our stock. Ill be right back.
Kali watched the man disappear into the back and then whispered, I dont believe it. He really does have a porringer.
True to his word, the man was back almost immediately carrying a black lacquered tray holding three dark blue velvet bags. We have several porringers in stock. These he pulled two of them out of their protective bags and set them on the counter in front of Kali are strictly traditional.
This one, he pointed to the fairly plain one, is a copy of one that George IV of England gave to the Marquis of Londonderry at his christening in 1821. While this one He held up an ornately cast one is a copy of one from an earlier period. As you can see, it has a more baroque feel to it.
Theyre beautiful, Kali said, wondering if the unknown Marquis had really eaten his cereal out of anything that valuable.
Nice, but we wanted something a little more ostentatious, Hassan said, and Kali suppressed a groan. Much more ostentatious and between them they wouldnt be able to pay for it.
The clerk unexpectedly grinned, looking far more human. In that case, I have exactly the thing for you. It was a special order that was unfortunately canceled. It is most definitely impressive.
He picked up the last velvet sack and pulled out a small gold bowl which he set reverently in front of Kali. As you can see from the luster, it is almost pure gold. Which of course means that it is nowhere near as sturdy as the silver ones. It is meant strictly for display.
Its beautiful, Kali breathed, but far too impractical, she hurriedly added at Hassans speculative expression.
Well take it, Hassan said, ignoring Kalis indrawn hiss. He was determined she was going to have a gift to take that would impress the hell out of her ex-fianc.
And a ring. Hassan remembered how the clerk had automatically checked Kalis hand for an engagement ring. Bart would be bound to do the same thing.
While were here, would you show us some engagement rings? Hassan said.
Certainly, sir. The man rubbed his hands together, and Kali could almost see him mentally calculating his commission. Does the lady have a choice of stone?
Does the lady have a choice at all, Kali thought with an uncertain look at Hassan. What was he up to? When shed accepted his proposal, hed asked her if shed wanted a ring, and shed said no, seeing no reason for him to go to the expense for what was to be merely a merger of friends. Hed agreed with her then, so why had he changed his mind now?
An emerald, Hassan said, remembering his earlier fantasy.
An excellent choice with the ladys coloring, the man approved. We have several fine stones in stock at the moment. Ill just get them out of the safe.
He hurried toward the back of the store, almost as if he were afraid they might change their minds and leave before he could clinch a sale.
Kali barely waited until the man was out of hearing before she turned to Hassan. We decided against a ring.
You need one for tomorrow, Hassan insisted. Your family isnt going to believe that youre really engaged if you dont have a ring. Bart gave you one when you got engaged, didnt he?
Yes, a diamond. Kalis eyes automatically dropped to her left hand, remembering the ring hed given her. It had been small, but shed loved it out of all proportion to its size, seeing it as confirmation of Barts love.
You dont still have it, do you? Hassan asked, shocked at the anger filling him at her faraway expression. He was angry on her behalf, he assured himself. Angry that she had been so badly used. It didnt matter to him personally. It couldnt. Hed only known her a few hours.
Certainly not. I gave it back to him. I have no idea what happened to it.
The clerk emerged from the back room and set a small tray of rings down in front of them with a flourish.
Kali looked down at them, trying to keep her appreciation of their beauty out of her face. They looked frightfully expensive. But maybe Hassan was looking on the ring as an investment? That was probably it, she decided, feeling fractionally better. While she preferred to invest in stocks and bonds, she knew lots of people bought gold and precious gems as a hedge against inflation.
What about this one? Hassan picked up a large, square-cut stone set in yellow gold and handed it to her.
Obediently Kali tried it on, her eyes widening in appreciation at the way the magnificent gem caught the light.
Do you like it? Hassan asked.
It is the most beautiful ring Ive ever seen, she said, instinctively blurting out the truth.
Well take it, Hassan said in satisfaction. Hed been right. Emeralds were the perfect choice for Kali.
Urn, Hassan. Kali shot him a warning look. Investment or not, they ought to at least ask how much it was before they committed themselves.
Its too loose. She grabbed the first excuse she could think of.
No problem at all, the clerk said cheerfully. I can have it resized within the hour.
Whats going to be resized is both our bank accounts, Kali thought, but somehow she just couldnt refuse to accept it. Not with Hassan looking so pleased with himself. But why was he so pleased with himself? She had absolutely no idea, and that bothered her. Shed thought she had a pretty good understanding of both his personality and what motivated him.
But his insistence on buying her a ring seemed completely out of character for himor else shed misread his character in the first place. She didnt find either possibility reassuring.
Uneasily she watched as Hassan followed the clerk over to the counter to pay for their purchases. What other surprises did Hassan have in store for her? The idea both worried and exhilarated her.
Two (#ulink_42032741-126f-5d25-95d0-5e5cd38553ce)
Hassan shifted the brightly painted boomerang from his right hand to his left, patted his suit jacket pocket to make sure Kalis ring was still there and then rapped sharply on her apartment door. Giving her that ring had become very important to him. He wanted her to have a memento of him that had nothing to do with his brother. And tonight, after he told her the truth, hed insist she keep it.
Kali flung the door open. Youre early.
Traffic was light, he improvised, suddenly remembering that Karim was perpetually late to everything.
Come in. Kali stepped back, when what she wanted to do was put her arms around him and kiss him. To breathe in the cold tang of the outdoors that he brought with him and then to snuggle even closer to savor the scent of his new cologne. A compulsion she was at a total loss to explain. It made no sense that a two-week absence should have intensified her previously tepid sexual curiosity about him to the point where it was in imminent danger of becoming an obsession.
One thing was certain, she thought as she surreptitiously studied him, her newfound fascination was not reciprocated or he would have kissed her when hed arrived. But maybe he was waiting for a sign from her that she would welcome a kiss? But what if he wasnt and she gave him a sign. What would he think then?
Heres your boomerang. Hassan handed it to her, giving her hopelessly tangled thoughts a safer direction.
Thank you. I always wanted a real Australian boomerang. The ones I had as a kid never worked, and I always wondered if it was because I simply didnt have the knack for throwing them or if it was because they werent authentic.
What are all these figures painted on it? she asked.
Aborigine pictographs, Hassan quoted what Mohammed had told him. Theyre supposed to make game susceptible to it.
I see. Kali glanced speculatively around the living room. If she didnt throw it very hard, there was just room enough to see if there was any curve in its trajectory.
You cant throw that inside. Hassan correctly interpreted her look.
She gave him an impish grin that inexplicably made him feel ten years old again. But not quite, he realized. Now the feeling had sexual overtones that he hadnt even been aware had existed at that age.
Of course I can, Kali said. Whether I should or not is entirely another matter.
He was about to point out the danger of shattering a window on the sixth floor when he remembered that he was supposed to be Karim. His twin certainly would see nothing wrong with playing with a boomerang indoors. In fact, Karim would probably be demanding the first turn.
Im not going to throw it hard, Kali explained as she tested the boomerangs balance on her fingertips. I just want to see if it curves.
To Hassans relief, she turned toward the kitchen, away from the windows, and gave it a restrained toss. It flew ten feet straight ahead before dropping like a stone.
I dont think boomerangs ever work! Kali complained Ill bet its all just a lie put out by the Australian Tourist Board to sell the blasted things.
Maybe you simply havent said the proper incantations.
Incantations? Kali looked up, her attention caught by the odd note in his voice. What kind of incantations?
Boomerangs are hunting weapons and as such exclusively the property of men. Youre a woman.
And what a woman, he thought, allowing his gaze to linger on the swell of her breasts beneath her cream silk blouse.
Maybe what I need is some woman magic to counter the masculine pictographs, she said, trying to keep the conversation lighthearted, so that if he withdrew from her it wouldnt embarrass either of them. And if he didnt withdraw
She took a deep breath. She might be able to finagle a kiss out of this.
Woman magic? Hassan asked.
Uh-huh, woman magic is a very potent force in all primitive societies. Kali slowly ran the tip of her tongue over her dry lips as she scrambled for a way to move things out of the realm of spoken language and into that of body language.
Her confidence level soared when she noticed his eyes following her tongues movement.
Slowly Kali advanced toward him, drawing pictures in the air with her fingers as she came.
I am woman. I am all-powerful. She sing-songed the words, not stopping until she was almost touching him.
To her surprise and delight, Hassan suddenly reached out and pulled her up against him. She landed against his hard chest with a bump that momentarily dislodged rational thought. Automatically she put out her hands to steady herself, grasping his arms. She could feel his hard biceps through the sleek wool material of his gray suit. It was an intriguing combination. Much like Hassan himself was turning out to be.
Women are many things, but powerful isnt one of them. Hassan couldnt seem to drag his gaze away from her lips. She had the most alluring mouth hed ever seen.
You mean this isnt the time to tell you that I was the best student in my self-defense class at the Y? Kali tilted her head back, and the movement pushed her breasts into his chest, sending a wave of desire spiraling through her.
Really? Hassans arms tightened, lifting her off her feet and holding her securely against him. Try to get free.
Now why would she want to do a dumb thing like that? Kali wondered, when he felt like the embodiment of every sexual fantasy shed ever had as well as a few she hadnt gotten around to yet.
But its woman magic I control, she murmured, nuzzling her face against his neck. And woman magic is a little different from brute strength. For example, she trailed her lips along his jawline and began to nuzzle the skin behind his ear. She could feel his bodys instant response, and it fed her self-confidence.
She took a deep, indulgent breath of the delicious aroma that clung to him, allowing it to fill her lungs. Savoring the sensations unfurling in her, Kali licked the spot shed been caressing, smiling happily when he gasped.
Emboldened she traced back over his jawline with her lips, exploring the exact texture of his skin. It had a faintly raspy feel to it as if he had a very heavy beard.
Her speculation was cut short as Hassan suddenly turned his head and captured her mouth with his. His lips pressed forcefully against hers, demanding that she open her mouth to his exploration. Instinctively she obeyed, and he shoved his tongue inside with a rough hunger Kali found incredibly sexy.
Reaction poured over her in waves, raising goose bumps on her flesh. Her arms tightened around his shoulders, trying to bind him closer. She hadnt realized that a simple kiss could feel like this. She could even hear bells.
A monumental sense of loss filled her as Hassan suddenly dropped his arms and stepped back.
Kali gulped in air, struggling to get control of her turbulent emotions. It wasnt easy. She felt shaken to the very core of her being. Totally unlike herself. And totally unlike the sensible, competent woman Hassan had proposed to. The fear that he might notice her unprecedented reaction and wonder about it was like a shower of cold water on her overheated emotions.
Kali ran her fingers down over the smooth line of her green tweed skirt willing them to stop trembling.
Here, I almost forgot, Hassan said.
Kali looked up to find him holding out the engagement ring hed bought her yesterday.
Kali stared down at the exquisite thing, wondering how anyone could ever forget something so beautifuleven for a moment. The huge emerald seemed to glow as if lit from within.
Its even more gorgeous than I remember, she said, uncertain as to whether she should put it on or let him, as a couple would do in a normal engagement.
But she didnt want a normal engagement. Shed already tried falling in love, and it had been a complete disaster. Her cool, considered arrangement with Hassan was much better.
She looked up into Hassans dark eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. At least it had been cool and considered, she amended. But for some reason, ever since Hassan had gotten back from Australia, hed been different.
No, she corrected herself as she studied his familiar features. Hassan wasnt different. What was different was how she was reacting to him. And she had no idea why.
Hassan answered her unspoken question by taking her hand and slipping the ring on her finger.
A perfect fit, Hassan announced, wanting to kiss her again. He wanted to see if it felt the same or if his explosive reaction to their earlier kiss had been a fluke. He wanted.some common sense. He choked off his desire with monumental effort. He had absolutely no business kissing her, because tonight he was going to tell her the truth.
But until then he was playing the part of her fianc and if he didnt play the part convincingly, he wouldnt fool her family. And this whole exercise would have been a waste.
Kali watched the emotions flitting across his face, wondering what he was thinking. She didnt have a clue. Hassan was turning out to be a lot more complicated than shed originally thought.
But this wasnt the time to worry about it, she told herself as the cuckoo clock shed lugged home from Germany four years ago suddenly chimed the half hour.
Hurriedly she got her tan dress coat out of the closet and shrugged into it.
I told Mom Id call her from the train station when we get in, Kali told Hassan as she carefully locked her apartment door behind them. Someone will collect us.
Ive got a car.
But you hate to drive. She frowned uncertainly at him.
Damn! Hassan mentally cursed his slip. How could he have forgotten the car accident that had killed his uncle and led to the breakup of his parents happy marriage? Six-year-old Karim had been severely injured. The whole family had spent the next fifteen years catering to his every whim. The accident had also left Karim with a horror of driving. But maybe Karim hadnt told Kali the reason he didnt drive. He didnt seem to have told her anything else about his background.
I wouldnt exactly say that I hate to drive, Hassan carefully felt his way. Its more that I find it a nuisance in New York City. But I thought that it would be better not to be tied to the Long Island Railroads schedule. Especially on a Sunday. So I borrowed a car from a friend at the consulate.
Kali chuckled. You sound like youre anticipating a quick getaway. Not that I blame you. The best of families can be pretty heavy going at times.
Ill say!
Kali blinked at his heartfelt tone, wondering what he was thinking of. His own family? She frowned when she realized that she knew almost nothing about them. Just a couple of chance comments that added up to the fact that his mother was English and his parents were divorced.
Hassan, do you have any brothers and sisters?
No sisters, but two brothers. Im parked right out in front of your building. He deliberately changed the subject, hoping he hadnt sounded as abrupt to her as he did to himself. He could hardly give her any specifics about his brothers without lying, and he didnt want to tell any more lies than he absolutely had to.
He held the lobby door open for her and then led her over to the large black Mercedes that Mohammed had loaned him.
Very impressive. Kali studied the leather interior as Hassan started the car. I dont think Ive ever driven in anything this luxurious before.
Hmm Hassan murmured, his mind completely taken up with the sound of her voice. She had the most intriguing voice hed ever heard in a woman. Low and husky, full of feminine promise. And that was just in a normal, everyday setting. What would her voice sound like if he were to make love to her? Soft and dreamy? A sudden shaft of desire pierced his composure, making him grip the steering wheel tightly. Not now, he thought, forcing himself to concentrate on driving. There were enough distractions on the road without his adding the most dangerous one of allsexual desire.
* * *
The trip out to Long Island took almost an hour. An hour during which Kali had become increasingly aware of Hassans physical presence: the way his long fingers competently gripped the wheel; the way his broad shoulders shifted as he steered the car; the length of his long legs so near to her own.
By the time they reached her home, she was beginning to feel rattled. As if she were a music box which had been wound too tightly and now couldnt quite perform the way it was supposed to. But why? The question nagged at her. Why was she responding so strongly to him now, when she never had before?
Could it be because he was being more open with her than he had in the past? Like sharing his family nickname and taking her shopping? But it couldnt be just that. She remembered the unprecedented surge of desire shed felt when shed opened the door yesterday afternoon and had seen him standing there. Shed experienced the attraction before hed even said a word.
Maybe she shouldnt try to figure it out, she considered. Maybe she should simply accept it as a good thing that she was so sexually attracted to the man she was going to marry.
But was it a good thing? she wondered uneasily.
She stole a quick glance at Hassan as he pulled into her parents driveway. Would Hassan think so? Hed been crystal clear about only wanting a wife who liked him. A wife who wouldnt interfere with his work or make emotional demands on him. What would he say if she were to suddenly tell him that she was fast becoming obsessed with his body?
She sighed. Put like that, it sounded sojuvenile. Adult women of thirty who had agreed to what was essentially a marriage of convenience should be able to control their sexual desires. So why couldnt she?
Dont worry. Hassan misunderstood the reason for her sigh. Ill protect you from Bart.
An image of Barts slightly overweight, definitely outof-condition body flitted through her mind. Bart wouldnt stand a chance against Hassan. Not that she needed protecting from Bart or anyone else for that matter. She was a modern woman who was the graduate of a self-defense class. She could protect herself.
Come on. Lets get this show on the road. Kali determinedly shoved open the car door, hoping that Annette and Bart hadnt arrived yet. It would be easier if she could introduce Hassan to her parents first.
Fate turned a deaf ear to her hopes. The first person she saw when she opened the front door was Bart.
Kali, glad you could make it, he said, sounding to Kalis critical ears just a shade too expansive.
Bart Kali nodded. Id like you to meet my flanc, Hassan Rashid.
Glad to meet you, Bart shook the hand Hassan held out. I guess you and I have something in common. Or didnt Kali tell you about us? Bart gave her a conspiratorial look that made Kali want to smack him. Hard. Why did he persist in referring to the past?
You mean your engagement? Hassan gave Bart his best imitation of what he and Karim had always called their fathers long-suffering-aristocrat-faced-with-erringpeasant expression. Thats what youth is forto make mistakes. After all, if Kali hadnt experimented when she was young, how would she ever have realized what she really wanted in a man?
Kali wanted to fling her arms around Hassan and hug him. With just a few words hed relegated her engagement to Bart to the ranks of a youthful mistake and not a very important one at that.
Ill let your mother know youre here, Kali. Bart gave Hassan a sour look and escaped into the kitchen.
Youve got to show me how to do that, Kali said.
Do what?
That look you gave Bart. It was inspired. Where did you learn it?
Hassan chuckled, finding her humor infectious. From my father. He always used it on he hurriedly caught himself before he said Karim and substituted me, whenever Id done something that particularly annoyed him.
Oh? Kali felt a momentary flash of unease at the realization that she knew absolutely nothing about his father. What was he like? Would he dislike her? Did he even know that Hassan had proposed to her?
Hassan, she said slowly, what is your father going to say about you marrying an American woman?
Hell love you, Hassan said, knowing his father would have given his blessing to Karims marrying her because he intended to live and work in America.
Hassan also knew his father would be violently opposed to him marrying Kali because he was committed to returning to the Middle East once his course in hospital management was completed.
When his uncles death in the automobile accident had forced his fathers return to the kingdom, his parents marriage had faltered and eventually crumbled. His mother had been unable to adjust to life there. His father certainly wouldnt want that pain revisited on one of his sons.
And he was absolutely right, Hassan admitted. Western women did not belong in the narrow restrictive world of his country.
Darling, youre here! Mrs. Whitman rushed into the living room, forestalling any more questions on Kalis part for which Hassan was grateful.
And you must be Karim. Mrs. Whitman beamed at him. My goodness, youre tall. For an Arab, I mean.
Mom, his family calls him Hassan. Hassan, this tactful soul is my mother andWheres dad? Kali looked behind her mother.
Mrs. Whitman grimaced. One of his patients went into labor, and he had to leave. And, whats worse, since its her first, he has no idea how long itll be. So annoying when he was looking forward to meeting your fianc. She smiled at Hassan.
And I was looking forward to meeting him, Mrs. Whitman, Hassan said cautiously. It sounded as if Kalis father was an obstetrician, but he couldnt be sure. Nor could he ask, because he didnt know if Kali had already told Karim. Which meant his best bet would be to stick to social platitudes, he decided.
Oh, call me Mom, Mrs. Whitman said. After all, youll soon be one of the family. I mean, its not like last time whenumDo come in and meet Kalis sister, Mrs. Whitman said hurriedly.
Mom is not known for thinking before she speaks, Kali whispered to Hassan as they followed her mother into the family room. But she means well.
As he did with this impersonation, Hassan thought, having a great deal of empathy for Mrs. Whitman.
Kali, Im so glad you could make it. Annette looked up from the couch where she was giving her son a bottle of juice.
We wouldnt have missed it for the world. Kali put her arm through Hassans and drew him close to her, almost losing her train of thought when she felt the hard length of him pressing against her side.
Annette, this is Hassan Rashid, my fianc. Some of the excitement she was feeling colored her voice, giving it a sensual quality that sent a shiver of awareness through Hassan.
Responding to it, he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her even closer. She fit perfectly against his side. As if shed been created expressly for him, he thought fancifully.
Im glad to meet you, Hassan. Annette didnt sound any too sure of the fact.
And I you, Hassan said. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Annette blinked uncertainly. Me?
Yes, if you hadnt married her first fianc, I would have missed the love of my life. Hassan said smoothly.
Youre welcome. Dont you think Eddie has grown, Kali? Annette seemed eager to change the subject.
Definitely. Hes starting to look more like a person and less like a baby.
Eddie reacted to her pronouncement by bursting into tears.
Here, Hassan, you can hold him. Bart plucked his howling son out of Annettes arms and handed the baby to Hassan. Itll give you a chance to practice.
To Kalis surprise, Hassan not only took Eddie, but he also competently cradled him against his shoulder as if holding screaming children were something he did every day.
Hey there, sport, whats wrong? Hassan gently rubbed the babys back.
Eddie let out a tremendous belch, hiccuped once and then snuggled his small head against Hassans broad shoulder.
Kali felt her heart contract at the sight of the large man and the tiny baby. Someday that would be their child Hassan would be holding. A baby that they had made together. The very thought made her feel lightheaded.
Youre very good with children, Hassan, Mrs. Whitman said. Do you have any yourself?
No, Ive never been married, Hassan replied.
Marriage isnt what makes babies, Bart chortled.
Here, let me take him before he dribbles all over that nice suit of yours, Hassan. Annette hurriedly took her son. Kali, I think he needs changing. Want to come and help me?
Yes, dear. Go help your sister, Mrs. Whitman urged. Bart and I will entertain Hassan for you.
Entertain didnt describe Barts conversation so far, Kali thought as she reluctantly followed Annette. She had definite misgivings about leaving Hassan in Baits company. For some reason, Bart had taken a dislike to Hassan the moment hed set eyes on him.
Kali stifled a sigh. It promised to be a long day. Especially without her father there to keep the conversation on an even keel.
What time is the ceremony? Kali asked.
About three. Everyone else will meet us at the church. Were having the reception in the church basement so Mom doesnt have to clean up the mess.
Annette put the baby down on the changing table and picked up a clean diaper.
When she was finished, she turned to Kali and said, Kali, are you sure about
Annette gestured toward the door.
Yes, Kali said, rather surprised at the vehemence with which the word came out. But it was true. She really was sure. The doubts that had sprung up while Hassan had been in Australia had completely vanished now that he was back home. She was not only sure that she was doing the right thing by marrying him, she also could hardly wait.
Oh, I know hes handsome
Very handsome, Kali amended. Hes also sexy as hell.
That is obvious. He reminds me of that book we read when we were young. You remember the one about the sheik who kidnaps the English girl and winds up marrying her.
Sorry to deflate your fantasy, but Hassan is most definitely a man of the twentieth century, Kali said, ignoring her earlier doubts.
But hes foreign.
So am I, from his perspective.
Yes, but
But what?
Well, Bart thinks that Hassan is just marrying you to get his green card.
Annette was wrong. Bart didnt think! Kali held on to her temper with a real effort. Mainly because she knew that Annette loved her and really did worry about her. About Barts motives Kali wasnt so sure.
Annette, Hassan has been in this country since graduate school. He certainly doesnt need marriage to me to give him any legal standing. Now how about letting me hold my favorite nephew.
Annette giggled. Hes your only nephew. Are you and Hassan going to have any kids?
Scads, Kali said blithely.
Kali! Annettes eyes widened as Kali settled the baby against her shoulder and Annette caught a glimpse of her engagement ring. Your ring! Let me see it.
Kali switched Eddie to her other shoulder and obligingly held out her left hand.
My God! Annette breathed. Its fantastic. Has Mom seen it?
No.
Then lets show her. Come on, she said, and Kali obediently trailed along behind her, happy to show off her gorgeous ring.
Mom, look at Kalis engagement ring, Annette said when they returned to the family room. Ive never seen anything so beautiful in my life.
Let me see, honey. Mrs. Whitman grabbed Kalis hand and held it up. The emerald caught the sunlight pouring in through the patio door and became a blaze of color.
Ive never seen an emerald that big, Hassan, Mrs. Whitman said. Wherever did you find it?
Blackwells, Hassan said.
Which reminds me, Annette, Kali hurriedly changed the subject before her forthright mother could ask him how much it had cost. Eddies christening gift is in my purse. Why dont you get it.
You didnt have to bring him a gift, Annette said as she delved into Kalis purse and pulled out the gaily wrapped package. I mean, its not like youre his godmother. Not that I didnt wanted you to be, but Bart thought. Annette ground to an embarrassed halt.
No matter. Hes still my nephew, Kali said. Open your gift.
Annette obediently ripped off the wrapping paper, gasping when she saw the golden gleam of the bowl. Its beautiful. Absolutely exquisite.
But what is it? Bart asked.
Its a porringer, Mrs. Whitman spoke up. I remember my great-grandmother had one from when her mother was christened back in the old country. I didnt even realize they still made them. Let alone in gold.
Kali chuckled. Neither did I. It was Hassans suggestion.
Thank you, Hassan. Annette gave him a wide smile. Its the nicest gift Ive gotten. It makes me feel like Im part of a long tradition. Youre going to be a very nice addition to the family.
No, Kali mentally corrected her sister. Hassan wasnt a nice addition to the family. He was the perfect addition.
Three (#ulink_2b5a37e9-560d-571a-9a01-ee4fc52b2f52)
Can I help you with anything, Mom? Kali asked when the timer sounded in the kitchen and Mrs. Whitman jumped to her feet as if eager to escape the stilted conversation in the family room.
As was Kali herself. If she had to listen to any more of Barts cracks about foreigners who were flooding America and grabbing up all the good jobs, shed forget the necessity of maintaining peace and say something very rude. The wonder was that Hassan hadnt already done so. Hed never been one to suffer fools gladly, and yet he hadnt retaliated once to Barts barbs.
Perhaps he was swallowing his anger for her sake just as she was doing for her sisters sake, Kali decided. Hassan did have beautiful manners.
No, dear. I have lunch under control. Although you could run down to the basement and bring me up some of those brandied peaches I put up last summer and maybe a jar of dilled green beans, too.
Sure. Come help me, Hassan, Kali said, wanting to give him a respite from Bart.
You need help to carry two jars up from the basement, Kali? Bart sniped.
Annette unexpectedly giggled. Oh, darling, dont be dense. Remember what it was like when we were engaged.
Kali ignored both of them.
I wouldnt blame you for canceling the engagement after today, Kali told Hassan once they were safely in the basement. I cant figure out what on earth is the matter with Bart. I mean Ive known he was a bore for years now, but hes always been a reasonably goodmannered bore. Today hes acting like
Like hes suffering from a terminal case of jealousy, Hassan said.
Kali turned from the shelves shed been perusing and looked back at Hassan. He appeared enormous in the low-ceilinged basement.
Of me? But why? It was my sister he wanted to marry. There hasnt been anything between us since he first saw her almost two years ago.
But during that time hes gotten into the habit of thinking of you as being in love with him. It strokes his ego to think that youre pining for him.
And my bringing you home has pretty effectively shattered his self-delusion, because there is no way anyone could compare the pair of you and think that I was still hankering after Bart. Kali followed Hassans logic a step further.
Hassan felt a quick surge of pleasure at her words that just as quickly faded. It didnt matter what she thought of him since nothing could come from their brief relationship.
Kali turned and began to check the shelves for the jars her mother wanted.
Fascinated, he watched the slight movement of her hips beneath her slim skirt as she moved jars around the shelf. She had the most fantastic figure. Softly feminine and gently rounded, hinting at all kinds of delights.
His breath caught as she twisted slightly, trying to reach something in the back, and he caught a glimpse of the shape of her breast beneath her cream silk blouse. What would her breasts look like? he wondered. Would they be as soft as her face? Or would they be softer? Would
Here. Hold this while I try and find those peaches she wants. Kali handed him a jar of green beans and then dragged an aluminum stepladder in front of the shelves.
Climbing to the top step, Kali began to absently move jars, her mind still taken up with what Hassan had said about Bart. It wasnt that she thought he was wrong, because she didnt. Once hed pointed it out, it was obvious. What bothered her was that Hassan had seen it in the first place. In all the time shed known him, hed never shown the slightest tendency to look beneath the surface of a situation. In fact, his sometimes maddening tendency to simply accept things at face value had been one of the negatives shed considered when shed weighed the pros and cons of marrying him. And yet, hed read the situation with Bart far more accurately than she had, and she was a trained psychologist.
So why hadnt he ever shown that skill before? Kali stared blankly at a jar of minted pears. Never once during any of the neurological tests hed performed on her patients had he shown the slightest insight into the kids actions.
Could it be because Bart was an adult and her patients had been kids?
Kali suddenly let out a horrified squeak and jerked backward when a huge, black spider ran across her hand. She teetered on the edge of the stepladder for a second, fighting for balance and then tipped over to land against Hassans chest.
His left arm closed around her rib cage, holding her crushed up against him, and she instinctively clutched his neck holding on for dear life.
Why are you taking dives off stepladders? He sounded no more than mildly curious.
There was a spider, and I touched it! A huge spider! Kali shuddered at the appalling memory of hairy legs running over her skin.
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Judith McWilliams
Table of Contents
Cover Page (#u2039d682-a243-5ef6-b4fb-8e671c737f7b)
Excerpt (#u4239ea16-1031-57e9-9e5c-d8dd31e5113a)
Dear Reader (#u658e5a66-e6c5-51a5-a18e-79f2acf876f4)
Title Page (#uad895a02-b4d9-5e4f-a7de-e43e2a912220)
About the Author (#u1cb8f3aa-9100-5bc3-8761-25d899ddaf00)
Chapter One (#u4804727c-0b5f-544c-8fb3-9852e6aec4e3)
Chapter Two (#uccf7d487-ce1c-545c-8905-23b90515744d)
Chapter Three (#u80f13079-a952-581f-b4a2-a2dfecf0437c)
Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Close your eyes.
There was a rustle of movement as she walked around Hassan. Okay, you can open them now.
Hassan opened his eyes and then immediately closed them again, unable to believe what he was seeing. He felt as if hed been catapulted into a fantasy.
Cautiously he opened his eyes again. Nothing had changed. Kali was still wearing a provocative costume consisting of long filmy blue scarves and glittering silver sequins.
Isnt this outfit spectacular? I bought it from the woman who gave the belly dancing demonstration. Belly dancing raises the heart rate very satisfactorily, she murmured, leaning toward him.
Heart rate? he repeated distractedly as she began to move her hips in an undulating movement.
Oh, yes. Belly dancing is marvelous for your heart. The husky whisper rasped over his nerve endings. Hassan felt as if he were about to plunge into an abyss of sexual desire that would wholly consume him.
Dear Reader,
The joys of summer are upon usalong with some July fireworks from Silhouette Desire!
The always wonderful Jennifer Greene presents our July MAN OF THE MONTH in Prince Charmings Child. A contemporary romance version of Sleeping Beauty, this title also launches the authors new miniseries, HAPPILY EVER AFTER, inspired by those magical fairy tales we loved in childhood. And ever-talented Anne Marie Winston is back with a highly emotional reunion romance in Lovers Reunion. The popular miniseries TEXAS BRIDES by Peggy Moreland continues with the provocative story of That McCloud Woman. Sheiks abound in Judith McWilliamss The Sheiks Secret, while a plain Jane is wooed by a millionaire in Jan Hudsons Plain Janes Texan. And Barbara McCauleys new dramatic miniseries, SECRETS!, debuts this month with Blackhawks Sweet Revenge.
Weve got more excitement for you next monthwatch for the premiere of the compelling new Desire miniseries THE TEXAS CATTLEMANS CLUB. Some of the sexiest, most powerful men in the Lone Star State are members of this prestigious club, and they all find love when they least expect it! Youll learn more about THE TEXAS CATTLEMANS CLUB in our August Dear Reader letter, along with an update on Silhouettes new continuity, THE FORTUNES OF TEXAS, debuting next month.
And this month, join in the celebrations by treating yourself to all six passionate Silhouette Desire titles.
Enjoy!
Joan Marlow Golan
Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire
Please address questions and book requests to:
Silhouette Reader Service
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The Sheiks Secret
Judith McWilliams
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
JUDITH McWILLIAMS
began to enjoy romances while in search of the proverbial happily-ever-after. But she always found herself rewriting the endings, and eventually the beginnings, of the books she read. Then her husband finally suggested that she write novels of her own, and shes been doing so ever since. An ex-teacher with four children, Judith has traveled the country extensively with her husband and has been greatly influenced by those experiences. But while not tending the garden or caring for family, Judith does what she enjoys mostwriting. She has also written under the name Charlotte Hines.
One (#ulink_f656d4ef-357f-5fa8-b790-2c0095e593d7)
Hassan Rashid reluctantly crossed the small lobby of Kali Whitmans apartment building, double-checked the apartment which Karim had given him, then slowly pushed the call button beside the elevator.
Maybe his brother would be right for once in his life, Hassan thought, encouraging himself. Maybe this Kali Whitman really wouldnt care when he told her that Karim was breaking their engagement.
Yes?
The musical lilt of the softly feminine voice that emerged from the call box poured through Hassan, raising both his body temperature and his doubts about the whole situation. That voice certainly didnt sound as if it belonged to a cold woman who had agreed to trade romance for a marriage of convenience.
But then, who better than he knew that appearances were quite often deceptive. Physically he was the mirror image of Karim and yet, mentally, they were poles apart. Karim was an extrovert, the life and soul of every social gathering, while he was far more reserved. Social chitchat did not come easily to him.
Is anyone there? Kalis voice sharpened slightly, and Hassan hurriedly cut off his thoughts. He didnt want her annoyed to start with. She was going to be upset enough once he broke the news of Karims perfidy to her.
Sorry, he began.
Karim! Thank heavens youre back. Come on up. I need to talk to you.
Damn! Hassan thought. Karim was wrong. Again.
Kalis welcome hadnt been that of a woman who didnt care one way or the other about her engagement. She was clearly ecstatic to hear her fiancs voice. As if shed been counting the days until Karim returned to New York.
But why? Hassan wondered uncertainly. According to Karim, their engagement was an arranged affair based on their mutual respect for each others work with emotionally troubled children rather than any personal feelings they had for each other. Hed said that they had met during the course of their work and had never actually dated.
Karim had told him that hed felt it was time he married and had children, and hed decided that hed have a better chance of making a success of marriage if he chose a woman who shared his interests and goals. That, when hed made a list of the women he knew, hed realized that Kali Whitman fit all his requirements for a wife. So hed written her a letter explaining his position and asking her to marry him. Karim had said that she had considered his proposal for almost a week before finally accepting it the day before hed had to fly to Australia for a conference.
Hassan frowned. Of course Karims assumption that her acceptance meant that she agreed with his practical approach to marriage didnt mean it was true. Kali Whitman could have agreed to marry his brother because she was in love with him.
He had no way of knowing what her original motivation had been, and he hated walking into a situation blind.
Hassan forced himself to enter the elevator when his every instinct was urging him to run from what threatened to be a very unpleasant interview. But he couldnt. He was the responsible twin, he reminded himself. The twin who had always tried to make amends for Karims thoughtless behavior. But this was the last time! From now on, Karim could clean up his own messes.
The elevator slid to a smooth stop on the sixth floor.
Hassan stepped out and headed toward 6C, still undecided as to how to tell her what Karim had done.
Stopping in front of Kalis apartment, he stared blindly at the oak door. Maybe the best way to break the news would be a blunt, unemotional statement of the facts. But the problem was it wouldnt stay unemotional for long. Shed probably burst into tears and then what was he supposed to do?
He shifted uncomfortably at the thought of trying to deal with a hysterical woman.
He lifted his hand to knock, but before he could, the door swung open.
Hassan blinked, his hand suspended in midair as he stared at the unexpected vision in front of him. Small and slender, Kali barely reached his chin. He swallowed uneasily as he noticed the thrust of her full breasts against the rust-colored sweater she was wearing. Hastily wrenching his gaze upward, he turned his attention to the cloud of reddish-brown hair that framed the creamy perfection of her ivory skin and the delicacy of her perfectly formed features.
The strangest sense of disorientation filled him when his eyes met hers. They were the most gorgeous color, like the chestnuts that grew on his mothers estate in England.
Chestnuts were good luck, his nanny had told him. As a boy hed gathered them by the pocketfuls and hidden them in his room against future need. Which is what he would like to do with this woman. Secrete her away somewhere for his own personal enjoyment.
Karim?
Dimly, as if from a distance, Hassan heard the melodic sound of her voice, and his eyes dropped to her lips. A sudden tightness encircled his chest as he studied their delectable curve. They looked so soft. Soft and mobile and made to be kissed.
Karim was out of his tiny little mind, Hassan thought as he remembered his brothers description of her. Calling her kind of attractive was like calling their father kind of richthe understatement of the year. Kali Whitman was the most sensually alluring woman he had ever seen.
He froze as she unexpectedly leaned toward him and kissed his cheek. His guts clenched painfully at the feel of her lips against his skin, and it was all he could do not to grab her and capture her mouth with his own. He wanted
His head examined, he thought uneasily. Kali Whitman had been taken advantage of enough by his brother without him compounding the sin by kissing her.
Kali stared up into his face, instinctively shaking her head in an attempt to banish the surge of desire that had so unexpectedly engulfed her when shed kissed him. What was the matter with her? she wondered uncertainly. Shed kissed Karim when shed accepted his proposal. Or rather hed kissed her. A rather restrained touching of their lips that she found vaguely pleasant. So why was it different this time?
And it was different. For a timeless moment shed completely lost track of what shed wanted to say to him. All shed been able to think about was how shed felt. Excited and full of anticipation. As if he really were a beloved fianc whod just returned from an interminable absence.
Troubled, Kali studied his face, looking for a clue to explain her strange reaction. She couldnt find one. Except for appearing slightly paler, as if hed spent the entire two weeks of his conference in Australia inside, he looked exactly the same as she remembered. Her inexplicable sense of disorientation grew as she suddenly noticed the silvery sparks that seemed to swirl through his night-dark eyes. Funny, shed never noticed them before. She blinked, and they were gone, making her wonder if she really had seen them.
Um, I Hassan said, and Kali winced at the uncertain note in his voice. Poor Karim, hed asked her to marry him because she was a levelheaded, intelligent woman not given to romantic excesses, and here she was staring at him like a teenager unexpectedly faced with her favorite rock star.
Feeling gauche, Kali rushed to say, I cant tell you how glad I am to see you. I was afraid you wouldnt get back in time.
In time? Hassan repeated, looking for an opening to break his news.
Kali stepped back. The added distance helped her to think a little more clearly. From here she couldnt smell the delicious scent that clung to him. It reminded her of woodlands and sunshine and crisp autumn air. And it wasnt the one hed been wearing the night hed taken her out to celebrate their engagement. Perhaps it was something hed picked up in Australia? If so, she hoped hed brought plenty of it back with him because it was
A distraction, she hurriedly cut off the thought. She needed to concentrate on her problem, not on how she was finding Karim so inexplicably attractive.
Karim
Hassan, he corrected her.
Kali blinked in confusion, wondering why hed suddenly decided he wanted to be called by a nickname. Worry about it later, she told herself. For now she needed to focus on a more urgent problem.
My mother called last night to warn me that my nephews christening is tomorrow, she said.
Warn? Hassan picked up on the odd word. Hed been to a couple of christenings, and he couldnt remember anything about the ceremony that would necessitate a warning.
Kali grimaced. You remember when I accepted your proposal I said that a marriage based on friendship and shared interests was what I wanted, too?
Hassan frowned, taken aback. She still thought he was his brother, but why? Hed told her his name was Hassan. Unless Karim hadnt bothered to tell her that he had a twin brother? Or even a brother named Hassan.
He opened his mouth to explain who he really was, but before he could get the words out she continued.
You see, I didnt mention it at the time, but the reason I feel that way is because I had an experience with the falling-madly-in-love bit. And it was a disaster.
Hassan was appalled at the echo of remembered pain and humiliation he could see shimmering in the depths of her gorgeous eyes. He wanted to thump the lout who was responsible for that look.
I take it he turned out to be a jerk?
Kali sighed. No, it would have been a whole lot easier to deal with if he had been. To make a long, sad story short, a month before the wedding Bart met my younger sister, Annette, for the first time. It was a classic case of love at first sight for them both. Bart married her instead of me.
Driven by a need to console her, Hassan reached out and pulled Kalis slender body against his, holding her comfortingly close.
That must have been rough, he finally said.
Kali closed her eyes as she savored the feel of his hard body pressing into her much-softer curves. He felt so good. So solidly reassuring, and he was showing far more empathy than her short acquaintance with him would have led her to believe he possessed. A fact that pleased her since it argued well for the success of their marriage.
Stepping out of his arms, she said, I was pretty upset about Barts defection at the time, but that was almost two years ago. Ive long since gotten over him. In fact, these days I find him a bit of a bore. The problem is that my family thinks Im harboring this great unrequited love for him. When I try to tell them that I could care less, they just smile and tell me that Im being so brave.
Hassan chuckled at her indignant expression, and the warm sound rolled through Kali, drowning her annoyance. Shed never heard Hassan chuckle before. It was the most sexually enticing sound shed ever experienced. And the most distracting. She fought to keep her focus on what she wanted to say and not on how she felt.
So I thought that if I were to take you with me to the christening of Bart and Annettes baby tomorrow and introduce you to my family, theyll realize that Im not still hankering after Bart.
And you did say that wed go out and meet them when you got back, she added when he didnt respond.
Now what? Hassan wondered in dismay. This was hardly the time to tell her that not only wasnt he Karim, but Karim had changed his mind about marrying her. Shed be humiliated when she had to go home and tell her family that shed been rejected by yet another fianc.
Hassan stared down into her soft, brown eyes and felt a surge of tenderness at the uncertainty he could see there. He couldnt do it to her. Not without some warning. And his bad news could easily wait until after the christening. In fact, it would probably be better to tell her then. That way shed have some time to figure out the best way to tell her family about Karims defection.
And he did have the weekend free. He didnt have to be back in Boston until Monday morning.
But to impersonate his brotherThat was the kind of impulsive behavior that had always characterized Karim, not him. He was the cautious twin. The one who could always be counted on to do the right thing.
But wasnt minimizing the impact Karims defection had on Kali the right thing to do? Or was he simply rationalizing his inexplicable desire to see more of her even though he knew perfectly well that nothing could ever come of it.
His motives were irrelevant, he finally decided. His family owed Kali a fianc for the weekend. Since he was the only one in America at the moment, it was up to him to pay the debt.
Ill go, Hassan blurted out and then winced at the curt sound of his acceptance. Hed sounded as if he were agreeing to something he didnt want to do, and it wasnt like that at all.
Thanks, Karim. UmHassan. Why do you want to be called Hassan all of a sudden? she asked.
Its my nickname in the family, he lied. And I much prefer it to Karim.
Oh, Kali muttered, wondering why he hadnt mentioned his preference of names when shed accepted his proposal. Although there hadnt been much opportunity for him to tell her anything so far, she reminded herself. The only time theyd had together was that one rushed evening before hed had to fly to Australia. This really was the first chance hed had.
Hassan shifted from one handmade shoe to the other as he quickly sifted through his mind, looking for another topic of conversation. One that didnt have any hidden dangers to it. Not only did the thoughtful expression on her face make him very uneasy, but he didnt want to leave. He didnt want to go back to Karims empty apartment. He wanted to stay here and listen to the seductive sound of Kalis voice.
He wanted to do a whole lot more than talk to her, he admitted. His eyes instinctively homed in on her luscious lips. He wanted to pull her back into his arms and cover her mouth with his. He wanted to taste the essence of her. He wanted to breathe in the luxuriant floral scent that clung to her. She was like an erotic gift that a benevolent deity had packaged for some lucky man.
A gift! He suddenly remembered that one took a present to christenings.
What did you buy for the baby?
Nothing yet, Kali said. I was going to pick something up during my lunch hour yesterday, but like most Fridays I wound up running late and never got around to it.
Why dont we go and buy something now?
The sudden spurt of pleasure that shot through Kali at the thought of spending the afternoon with him caught her by surprise. But why shouldnt she find pleasure in his company? She was going to marry the man. It was probably just the thought of spending tomorrow, with her sister giving her guilty looks, that had unsettled her. Once the christening was over, things would return to normal.
Id love to. I Kali paused as she suddenly remembered something. Did you bring my boomerang?
Boomerang? he asked cautiously.
You forgot to get it. She gave him a ruefully exasperated look that made him want to kiss it off her lipsand then to keep on kissing her until she couldnt remember the first thing about boomerangs.
I just forgot to bring it with me, Hassan said, hastily improvising. Ill give it to you tomorrow.
Would you mind if I used your bathroom before we go shopping? As soon as he asked, he wished he hadnt. He had no idea where her bathroom was, and his brother would surely have known.
Help yourself. Kali made a faint gesture toward the hallway at the back of the living room.
Hassan walked toward it, trying to look more sure of himself than he felt. To his relief, the bathroom door was ajar.
Slipping inside, he hastily closed the door behind him. He turned the water on full force to hide the sound of his voice, hurriedly dialed his fathers consulate on his cell phone and asked for the consul, Mohammed. A minute later, Hassan had arranged for a boomerang to be delivered the following morning to Karims apartment.
Deep in thought, Hassan left the bathroom. Now, if he were buying Kali a gift it certainly wouldnt be an oddly shaped piece of wood. It would be something very personal and highly feminine. Something like jewelry. Maybe emeralds to highlight the tawny tints in her hair. Yes, that was it. Hed buy her a necklace with an emerald suspended from a long golden chain. Long enough so that the jewel would rest in the cleft between her breasts. He felt his guts clench as his mind pictured her wearing such a necklace and nothing else.
Ready to go? Kalis voice dragged him out of his delightful daydream.
What was the matter with him? he wondered uneasily as he walked toward the front door with Kali. He hadnt fantasized this much about a woman since hed been an adolescent and his every second thought had been of sex. Now he was a grown man, a highly trained pediatrician, who knew that sex without commitment had no place in his life. And who also knew that he couldnt make a commitment to any Western woman. For her sake.
He tried to ignore the sense of loss that filled him at the thought of never making love to Kali.
What are we going to buy the child? Hassan asked, once they were in the elevator.
WellIm not sure. I doubt that Eddie needs anything. My mother started buying things when she found out my sister was pregnant, and she hasnt stopped since.
How about the traditional silver porringer?
Whats a porringer?
I think its a bowl that you put cereal in, but I wouldnt give you odds on it.
She grinned at him. How can I ask to see something when Im not even sure what it is?
Easy. You simply walk into a jewelry store, stare down the length of your nose at the clerk and demand to see a silver porringer. He mimicked one of his fathers imperious looks to demonstrate.
Kali felt a chill sweep through her as her gaze moved up over his clenched jaw and tightly compressed lips, but her sense of apprehension dissolved when she reached his eyes and saw the devilment dancing in their dark depths. It totally dispelled the autocratic expression he was trying to create.
Smiling she reached up and ran her fingertips along his jawline. No one who looks into your eyes is ever going to buy your impersonation of a despot.
Hassan felt a tiny muscle beneath his left eye twitch at the tantalizing sensation of her fingertips moving over his skin. Instinctively he captured her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.
Her skin felt warm and infinitely intriguing. His tongue darted out to taste it, and a sense of satisfaction filled him as he saw her eyes widen in reaction. Whatever it was that he felt when he was around her, she obviously felt something, too. Or was it that she was reacting to him because she thought he was Karim? The appalling thought effectively doused his ardor, and he dropped her hand as if burned.
Are you the babys godmother? Hassan clung to the relatively safe subject of the christening like a lifeline.
Kali gulped in air, trying to get enough breath to answer him. She felt as if his kiss had seared her, leaving a permanent imprint of his lips on her skin. Despite the fact that she knew her reaction was highly illogical, it didnt change the way she felt.
Worry about your strange reaction later, she told herself. For now she needed to concentrate on treating him as she always had. As a mildly sexy, highly intelligent, very likable man. Whom she was going to marry. The tantalizing thought did nothing for her already-shaky composure.
Im not the godmother, Kali finally answered him. If you can believe it, my mother told me that Bart feels it would be too painful for me. I swear, sometimes I want to grab Bart by one of his appalling ties and shake him until his sense of overweening importance falls out!
Are they?
Kali blinked in confusion. What?
Are his ties appalling?
Yes. Clashing splotches of color, not tastefully modern like Her voice faded away when she noticed the somber magnificence of his navy-and-green striped silk tie.
Uh-oh, Hassan thought. Hed completely forgotten Karims penchant for avant-garde neckwear. This is my old school tie, he hurriedly offered an explanation, hoping she wouldnt know what the Eton tie really looked like.
Kali nodded, although the thoughtful look in her eyes made him uneasy.
Just how smart was she? he wondered, trying to remember what Karim had said about her. It hadnt been much. Just that she was a psychologist, which meant she was used to looking beneath the surface of things. And if she were to look at him too closely.
It wouldnt matter, he assured himself as he followed her out of the building. His impersonation wouldnt last long enough for her to figure out that he wasnt Karim. By tomorrow evening hed have told her the truth and. His mind shied away from the thought of what would follow.
Theres a taxi. Kali waved madly to attract its attention, and Hassan determinedly banished his worries.
Where to? the driver demanded, when they were in the taxi.
Blackwells over by Times Square. Hassan gave him the name of his mothers favorite jewelry store. If anyone in New York City has a porringer itll be Blackwells, Hassan told Kali.
When they reached the jewelers, Kali climbed out of the cab and examined the display windows while Hassan paid the fare. The elaborate ruby-and-diamond necklace casually draped across a piece of black velvet gave her doubts about the wisdom of going inside. That necklace looked as if it had come from the Hermitages collection of the Russian royal familys jewelry.
Hassan, she said when he joined her, I dont know what the Institute pays you, but I get the impression I dont make enough to shop in this place. She glanced down again at the beautiful necklace. In fact, I could get an inferiority complex just window shopping here.
Hassan studied her uncertainly, wondering if she were serious. She seemed like such a self-possessed woman. So sure of herself and her place in the world that it was hard for him to believe she could suffer from some of the same social insecurities that he did.
He frowned as he suddenly realized the full implication of her words. She thought Karim was dependent on what he earned as a research scientist. Obviously Karim hadnt told her that their father ruled a very oil-rich country in the Middle East. So rich that Saad Devas citizens enjoyed one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Why hadnt Karim told her? Hassan wondered. Because he hadnt wanted Kalis decision to marry him to be based on his wealth? Or had he been afraid that Kali might turn him down if she realized just how different their backgrounds were?
Hassan didnt know, but he did know that Karim knew women far better than he could ever hope to. If Karim hadnt wanted Kali to know his financial worth, then hed keep it a secret, too.
I have a thrifty nature, he finally said. So that when I do want to splurge a little, I can afford to.
But I cant let you pay for Eddies gift.
Oh, yes, you can. Were engaged, remember.
Yes, but
But nothing, Hassan pulled open the door. Come on.
Reluctantly Kali followed Hassan into the elegant store.
Good afternoon. The middle-aged clerk gave Kali a practiced smile before his gaze moved to Hassan. He instantly priced the hand-tailored perfection of Hassans suit, and his smile widened. Sir. How may I be of service to you this afternoon?
We would like to see a christening gift, Hassan said.
Certainly. If you and, the clerks eyes dropped to Kalis ringless fingers, the lady will sit down, I will be glad to show you some appropriate gifts. Or did you already have something in mind?
Hassan waited until Kali sat in one of the chairs the clerk had pointed to before he sat down beside her.
We want a silver porringer, Hassan said.
Ah! A traditionalist after my own heart. The clerk beamed at him. Just a moment while I check our stock. Ill be right back.
Kali watched the man disappear into the back and then whispered, I dont believe it. He really does have a porringer.
True to his word, the man was back almost immediately carrying a black lacquered tray holding three dark blue velvet bags. We have several porringers in stock. These he pulled two of them out of their protective bags and set them on the counter in front of Kali are strictly traditional.
This one, he pointed to the fairly plain one, is a copy of one that George IV of England gave to the Marquis of Londonderry at his christening in 1821. While this one He held up an ornately cast one is a copy of one from an earlier period. As you can see, it has a more baroque feel to it.
Theyre beautiful, Kali said, wondering if the unknown Marquis had really eaten his cereal out of anything that valuable.
Nice, but we wanted something a little more ostentatious, Hassan said, and Kali suppressed a groan. Much more ostentatious and between them they wouldnt be able to pay for it.
The clerk unexpectedly grinned, looking far more human. In that case, I have exactly the thing for you. It was a special order that was unfortunately canceled. It is most definitely impressive.
He picked up the last velvet sack and pulled out a small gold bowl which he set reverently in front of Kali. As you can see from the luster, it is almost pure gold. Which of course means that it is nowhere near as sturdy as the silver ones. It is meant strictly for display.
Its beautiful, Kali breathed, but far too impractical, she hurriedly added at Hassans speculative expression.
Well take it, Hassan said, ignoring Kalis indrawn hiss. He was determined she was going to have a gift to take that would impress the hell out of her ex-fianc.
And a ring. Hassan remembered how the clerk had automatically checked Kalis hand for an engagement ring. Bart would be bound to do the same thing.
While were here, would you show us some engagement rings? Hassan said.
Certainly, sir. The man rubbed his hands together, and Kali could almost see him mentally calculating his commission. Does the lady have a choice of stone?
Does the lady have a choice at all, Kali thought with an uncertain look at Hassan. What was he up to? When shed accepted his proposal, hed asked her if shed wanted a ring, and shed said no, seeing no reason for him to go to the expense for what was to be merely a merger of friends. Hed agreed with her then, so why had he changed his mind now?
An emerald, Hassan said, remembering his earlier fantasy.
An excellent choice with the ladys coloring, the man approved. We have several fine stones in stock at the moment. Ill just get them out of the safe.
He hurried toward the back of the store, almost as if he were afraid they might change their minds and leave before he could clinch a sale.
Kali barely waited until the man was out of hearing before she turned to Hassan. We decided against a ring.
You need one for tomorrow, Hassan insisted. Your family isnt going to believe that youre really engaged if you dont have a ring. Bart gave you one when you got engaged, didnt he?
Yes, a diamond. Kalis eyes automatically dropped to her left hand, remembering the ring hed given her. It had been small, but shed loved it out of all proportion to its size, seeing it as confirmation of Barts love.
You dont still have it, do you? Hassan asked, shocked at the anger filling him at her faraway expression. He was angry on her behalf, he assured himself. Angry that she had been so badly used. It didnt matter to him personally. It couldnt. Hed only known her a few hours.
Certainly not. I gave it back to him. I have no idea what happened to it.
The clerk emerged from the back room and set a small tray of rings down in front of them with a flourish.
Kali looked down at them, trying to keep her appreciation of their beauty out of her face. They looked frightfully expensive. But maybe Hassan was looking on the ring as an investment? That was probably it, she decided, feeling fractionally better. While she preferred to invest in stocks and bonds, she knew lots of people bought gold and precious gems as a hedge against inflation.
What about this one? Hassan picked up a large, square-cut stone set in yellow gold and handed it to her.
Obediently Kali tried it on, her eyes widening in appreciation at the way the magnificent gem caught the light.
Do you like it? Hassan asked.
It is the most beautiful ring Ive ever seen, she said, instinctively blurting out the truth.
Well take it, Hassan said in satisfaction. Hed been right. Emeralds were the perfect choice for Kali.
Urn, Hassan. Kali shot him a warning look. Investment or not, they ought to at least ask how much it was before they committed themselves.
Its too loose. She grabbed the first excuse she could think of.
No problem at all, the clerk said cheerfully. I can have it resized within the hour.
Whats going to be resized is both our bank accounts, Kali thought, but somehow she just couldnt refuse to accept it. Not with Hassan looking so pleased with himself. But why was he so pleased with himself? She had absolutely no idea, and that bothered her. Shed thought she had a pretty good understanding of both his personality and what motivated him.
But his insistence on buying her a ring seemed completely out of character for himor else shed misread his character in the first place. She didnt find either possibility reassuring.
Uneasily she watched as Hassan followed the clerk over to the counter to pay for their purchases. What other surprises did Hassan have in store for her? The idea both worried and exhilarated her.
Two (#ulink_42032741-126f-5d25-95d0-5e5cd38553ce)
Hassan shifted the brightly painted boomerang from his right hand to his left, patted his suit jacket pocket to make sure Kalis ring was still there and then rapped sharply on her apartment door. Giving her that ring had become very important to him. He wanted her to have a memento of him that had nothing to do with his brother. And tonight, after he told her the truth, hed insist she keep it.
Kali flung the door open. Youre early.
Traffic was light, he improvised, suddenly remembering that Karim was perpetually late to everything.
Come in. Kali stepped back, when what she wanted to do was put her arms around him and kiss him. To breathe in the cold tang of the outdoors that he brought with him and then to snuggle even closer to savor the scent of his new cologne. A compulsion she was at a total loss to explain. It made no sense that a two-week absence should have intensified her previously tepid sexual curiosity about him to the point where it was in imminent danger of becoming an obsession.
One thing was certain, she thought as she surreptitiously studied him, her newfound fascination was not reciprocated or he would have kissed her when hed arrived. But maybe he was waiting for a sign from her that she would welcome a kiss? But what if he wasnt and she gave him a sign. What would he think then?
Heres your boomerang. Hassan handed it to her, giving her hopelessly tangled thoughts a safer direction.
Thank you. I always wanted a real Australian boomerang. The ones I had as a kid never worked, and I always wondered if it was because I simply didnt have the knack for throwing them or if it was because they werent authentic.
What are all these figures painted on it? she asked.
Aborigine pictographs, Hassan quoted what Mohammed had told him. Theyre supposed to make game susceptible to it.
I see. Kali glanced speculatively around the living room. If she didnt throw it very hard, there was just room enough to see if there was any curve in its trajectory.
You cant throw that inside. Hassan correctly interpreted her look.
She gave him an impish grin that inexplicably made him feel ten years old again. But not quite, he realized. Now the feeling had sexual overtones that he hadnt even been aware had existed at that age.
Of course I can, Kali said. Whether I should or not is entirely another matter.
He was about to point out the danger of shattering a window on the sixth floor when he remembered that he was supposed to be Karim. His twin certainly would see nothing wrong with playing with a boomerang indoors. In fact, Karim would probably be demanding the first turn.
Im not going to throw it hard, Kali explained as she tested the boomerangs balance on her fingertips. I just want to see if it curves.
To Hassans relief, she turned toward the kitchen, away from the windows, and gave it a restrained toss. It flew ten feet straight ahead before dropping like a stone.
I dont think boomerangs ever work! Kali complained Ill bet its all just a lie put out by the Australian Tourist Board to sell the blasted things.
Maybe you simply havent said the proper incantations.
Incantations? Kali looked up, her attention caught by the odd note in his voice. What kind of incantations?
Boomerangs are hunting weapons and as such exclusively the property of men. Youre a woman.
And what a woman, he thought, allowing his gaze to linger on the swell of her breasts beneath her cream silk blouse.
Maybe what I need is some woman magic to counter the masculine pictographs, she said, trying to keep the conversation lighthearted, so that if he withdrew from her it wouldnt embarrass either of them. And if he didnt withdraw
She took a deep breath. She might be able to finagle a kiss out of this.
Woman magic? Hassan asked.
Uh-huh, woman magic is a very potent force in all primitive societies. Kali slowly ran the tip of her tongue over her dry lips as she scrambled for a way to move things out of the realm of spoken language and into that of body language.
Her confidence level soared when she noticed his eyes following her tongues movement.
Slowly Kali advanced toward him, drawing pictures in the air with her fingers as she came.
I am woman. I am all-powerful. She sing-songed the words, not stopping until she was almost touching him.
To her surprise and delight, Hassan suddenly reached out and pulled her up against him. She landed against his hard chest with a bump that momentarily dislodged rational thought. Automatically she put out her hands to steady herself, grasping his arms. She could feel his hard biceps through the sleek wool material of his gray suit. It was an intriguing combination. Much like Hassan himself was turning out to be.
Women are many things, but powerful isnt one of them. Hassan couldnt seem to drag his gaze away from her lips. She had the most alluring mouth hed ever seen.
You mean this isnt the time to tell you that I was the best student in my self-defense class at the Y? Kali tilted her head back, and the movement pushed her breasts into his chest, sending a wave of desire spiraling through her.
Really? Hassans arms tightened, lifting her off her feet and holding her securely against him. Try to get free.
Now why would she want to do a dumb thing like that? Kali wondered, when he felt like the embodiment of every sexual fantasy shed ever had as well as a few she hadnt gotten around to yet.
But its woman magic I control, she murmured, nuzzling her face against his neck. And woman magic is a little different from brute strength. For example, she trailed her lips along his jawline and began to nuzzle the skin behind his ear. She could feel his bodys instant response, and it fed her self-confidence.
She took a deep, indulgent breath of the delicious aroma that clung to him, allowing it to fill her lungs. Savoring the sensations unfurling in her, Kali licked the spot shed been caressing, smiling happily when he gasped.
Emboldened she traced back over his jawline with her lips, exploring the exact texture of his skin. It had a faintly raspy feel to it as if he had a very heavy beard.
Her speculation was cut short as Hassan suddenly turned his head and captured her mouth with his. His lips pressed forcefully against hers, demanding that she open her mouth to his exploration. Instinctively she obeyed, and he shoved his tongue inside with a rough hunger Kali found incredibly sexy.
Reaction poured over her in waves, raising goose bumps on her flesh. Her arms tightened around his shoulders, trying to bind him closer. She hadnt realized that a simple kiss could feel like this. She could even hear bells.
A monumental sense of loss filled her as Hassan suddenly dropped his arms and stepped back.
Kali gulped in air, struggling to get control of her turbulent emotions. It wasnt easy. She felt shaken to the very core of her being. Totally unlike herself. And totally unlike the sensible, competent woman Hassan had proposed to. The fear that he might notice her unprecedented reaction and wonder about it was like a shower of cold water on her overheated emotions.
Kali ran her fingers down over the smooth line of her green tweed skirt willing them to stop trembling.
Here, I almost forgot, Hassan said.
Kali looked up to find him holding out the engagement ring hed bought her yesterday.
Kali stared down at the exquisite thing, wondering how anyone could ever forget something so beautifuleven for a moment. The huge emerald seemed to glow as if lit from within.
Its even more gorgeous than I remember, she said, uncertain as to whether she should put it on or let him, as a couple would do in a normal engagement.
But she didnt want a normal engagement. Shed already tried falling in love, and it had been a complete disaster. Her cool, considered arrangement with Hassan was much better.
She looked up into Hassans dark eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. At least it had been cool and considered, she amended. But for some reason, ever since Hassan had gotten back from Australia, hed been different.
No, she corrected herself as she studied his familiar features. Hassan wasnt different. What was different was how she was reacting to him. And she had no idea why.
Hassan answered her unspoken question by taking her hand and slipping the ring on her finger.
A perfect fit, Hassan announced, wanting to kiss her again. He wanted to see if it felt the same or if his explosive reaction to their earlier kiss had been a fluke. He wanted.some common sense. He choked off his desire with monumental effort. He had absolutely no business kissing her, because tonight he was going to tell her the truth.
But until then he was playing the part of her fianc and if he didnt play the part convincingly, he wouldnt fool her family. And this whole exercise would have been a waste.
Kali watched the emotions flitting across his face, wondering what he was thinking. She didnt have a clue. Hassan was turning out to be a lot more complicated than shed originally thought.
But this wasnt the time to worry about it, she told herself as the cuckoo clock shed lugged home from Germany four years ago suddenly chimed the half hour.
Hurriedly she got her tan dress coat out of the closet and shrugged into it.
I told Mom Id call her from the train station when we get in, Kali told Hassan as she carefully locked her apartment door behind them. Someone will collect us.
Ive got a car.
But you hate to drive. She frowned uncertainly at him.
Damn! Hassan mentally cursed his slip. How could he have forgotten the car accident that had killed his uncle and led to the breakup of his parents happy marriage? Six-year-old Karim had been severely injured. The whole family had spent the next fifteen years catering to his every whim. The accident had also left Karim with a horror of driving. But maybe Karim hadnt told Kali the reason he didnt drive. He didnt seem to have told her anything else about his background.
I wouldnt exactly say that I hate to drive, Hassan carefully felt his way. Its more that I find it a nuisance in New York City. But I thought that it would be better not to be tied to the Long Island Railroads schedule. Especially on a Sunday. So I borrowed a car from a friend at the consulate.
Kali chuckled. You sound like youre anticipating a quick getaway. Not that I blame you. The best of families can be pretty heavy going at times.
Ill say!
Kali blinked at his heartfelt tone, wondering what he was thinking of. His own family? She frowned when she realized that she knew almost nothing about them. Just a couple of chance comments that added up to the fact that his mother was English and his parents were divorced.
Hassan, do you have any brothers and sisters?
No sisters, but two brothers. Im parked right out in front of your building. He deliberately changed the subject, hoping he hadnt sounded as abrupt to her as he did to himself. He could hardly give her any specifics about his brothers without lying, and he didnt want to tell any more lies than he absolutely had to.
He held the lobby door open for her and then led her over to the large black Mercedes that Mohammed had loaned him.
Very impressive. Kali studied the leather interior as Hassan started the car. I dont think Ive ever driven in anything this luxurious before.
Hmm Hassan murmured, his mind completely taken up with the sound of her voice. She had the most intriguing voice hed ever heard in a woman. Low and husky, full of feminine promise. And that was just in a normal, everyday setting. What would her voice sound like if he were to make love to her? Soft and dreamy? A sudden shaft of desire pierced his composure, making him grip the steering wheel tightly. Not now, he thought, forcing himself to concentrate on driving. There were enough distractions on the road without his adding the most dangerous one of allsexual desire.
* * *
The trip out to Long Island took almost an hour. An hour during which Kali had become increasingly aware of Hassans physical presence: the way his long fingers competently gripped the wheel; the way his broad shoulders shifted as he steered the car; the length of his long legs so near to her own.
By the time they reached her home, she was beginning to feel rattled. As if she were a music box which had been wound too tightly and now couldnt quite perform the way it was supposed to. But why? The question nagged at her. Why was she responding so strongly to him now, when she never had before?
Could it be because he was being more open with her than he had in the past? Like sharing his family nickname and taking her shopping? But it couldnt be just that. She remembered the unprecedented surge of desire shed felt when shed opened the door yesterday afternoon and had seen him standing there. Shed experienced the attraction before hed even said a word.
Maybe she shouldnt try to figure it out, she considered. Maybe she should simply accept it as a good thing that she was so sexually attracted to the man she was going to marry.
But was it a good thing? she wondered uneasily.
She stole a quick glance at Hassan as he pulled into her parents driveway. Would Hassan think so? Hed been crystal clear about only wanting a wife who liked him. A wife who wouldnt interfere with his work or make emotional demands on him. What would he say if she were to suddenly tell him that she was fast becoming obsessed with his body?
She sighed. Put like that, it sounded sojuvenile. Adult women of thirty who had agreed to what was essentially a marriage of convenience should be able to control their sexual desires. So why couldnt she?
Dont worry. Hassan misunderstood the reason for her sigh. Ill protect you from Bart.
An image of Barts slightly overweight, definitely outof-condition body flitted through her mind. Bart wouldnt stand a chance against Hassan. Not that she needed protecting from Bart or anyone else for that matter. She was a modern woman who was the graduate of a self-defense class. She could protect herself.
Come on. Lets get this show on the road. Kali determinedly shoved open the car door, hoping that Annette and Bart hadnt arrived yet. It would be easier if she could introduce Hassan to her parents first.
Fate turned a deaf ear to her hopes. The first person she saw when she opened the front door was Bart.
Kali, glad you could make it, he said, sounding to Kalis critical ears just a shade too expansive.
Bart Kali nodded. Id like you to meet my flanc, Hassan Rashid.
Glad to meet you, Bart shook the hand Hassan held out. I guess you and I have something in common. Or didnt Kali tell you about us? Bart gave her a conspiratorial look that made Kali want to smack him. Hard. Why did he persist in referring to the past?
You mean your engagement? Hassan gave Bart his best imitation of what he and Karim had always called their fathers long-suffering-aristocrat-faced-with-erringpeasant expression. Thats what youth is forto make mistakes. After all, if Kali hadnt experimented when she was young, how would she ever have realized what she really wanted in a man?
Kali wanted to fling her arms around Hassan and hug him. With just a few words hed relegated her engagement to Bart to the ranks of a youthful mistake and not a very important one at that.
Ill let your mother know youre here, Kali. Bart gave Hassan a sour look and escaped into the kitchen.
Youve got to show me how to do that, Kali said.
Do what?
That look you gave Bart. It was inspired. Where did you learn it?
Hassan chuckled, finding her humor infectious. From my father. He always used it on he hurriedly caught himself before he said Karim and substituted me, whenever Id done something that particularly annoyed him.
Oh? Kali felt a momentary flash of unease at the realization that she knew absolutely nothing about his father. What was he like? Would he dislike her? Did he even know that Hassan had proposed to her?
Hassan, she said slowly, what is your father going to say about you marrying an American woman?
Hell love you, Hassan said, knowing his father would have given his blessing to Karims marrying her because he intended to live and work in America.
Hassan also knew his father would be violently opposed to him marrying Kali because he was committed to returning to the Middle East once his course in hospital management was completed.
When his uncles death in the automobile accident had forced his fathers return to the kingdom, his parents marriage had faltered and eventually crumbled. His mother had been unable to adjust to life there. His father certainly wouldnt want that pain revisited on one of his sons.
And he was absolutely right, Hassan admitted. Western women did not belong in the narrow restrictive world of his country.
Darling, youre here! Mrs. Whitman rushed into the living room, forestalling any more questions on Kalis part for which Hassan was grateful.
And you must be Karim. Mrs. Whitman beamed at him. My goodness, youre tall. For an Arab, I mean.
Mom, his family calls him Hassan. Hassan, this tactful soul is my mother andWheres dad? Kali looked behind her mother.
Mrs. Whitman grimaced. One of his patients went into labor, and he had to leave. And, whats worse, since its her first, he has no idea how long itll be. So annoying when he was looking forward to meeting your fianc. She smiled at Hassan.
And I was looking forward to meeting him, Mrs. Whitman, Hassan said cautiously. It sounded as if Kalis father was an obstetrician, but he couldnt be sure. Nor could he ask, because he didnt know if Kali had already told Karim. Which meant his best bet would be to stick to social platitudes, he decided.
Oh, call me Mom, Mrs. Whitman said. After all, youll soon be one of the family. I mean, its not like last time whenumDo come in and meet Kalis sister, Mrs. Whitman said hurriedly.
Mom is not known for thinking before she speaks, Kali whispered to Hassan as they followed her mother into the family room. But she means well.
As he did with this impersonation, Hassan thought, having a great deal of empathy for Mrs. Whitman.
Kali, Im so glad you could make it. Annette looked up from the couch where she was giving her son a bottle of juice.
We wouldnt have missed it for the world. Kali put her arm through Hassans and drew him close to her, almost losing her train of thought when she felt the hard length of him pressing against her side.
Annette, this is Hassan Rashid, my fianc. Some of the excitement she was feeling colored her voice, giving it a sensual quality that sent a shiver of awareness through Hassan.
Responding to it, he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her even closer. She fit perfectly against his side. As if shed been created expressly for him, he thought fancifully.
Im glad to meet you, Hassan. Annette didnt sound any too sure of the fact.
And I you, Hassan said. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
Annette blinked uncertainly. Me?
Yes, if you hadnt married her first fianc, I would have missed the love of my life. Hassan said smoothly.
Youre welcome. Dont you think Eddie has grown, Kali? Annette seemed eager to change the subject.
Definitely. Hes starting to look more like a person and less like a baby.
Eddie reacted to her pronouncement by bursting into tears.
Here, Hassan, you can hold him. Bart plucked his howling son out of Annettes arms and handed the baby to Hassan. Itll give you a chance to practice.
To Kalis surprise, Hassan not only took Eddie, but he also competently cradled him against his shoulder as if holding screaming children were something he did every day.
Hey there, sport, whats wrong? Hassan gently rubbed the babys back.
Eddie let out a tremendous belch, hiccuped once and then snuggled his small head against Hassans broad shoulder.
Kali felt her heart contract at the sight of the large man and the tiny baby. Someday that would be their child Hassan would be holding. A baby that they had made together. The very thought made her feel lightheaded.
Youre very good with children, Hassan, Mrs. Whitman said. Do you have any yourself?
No, Ive never been married, Hassan replied.
Marriage isnt what makes babies, Bart chortled.
Here, let me take him before he dribbles all over that nice suit of yours, Hassan. Annette hurriedly took her son. Kali, I think he needs changing. Want to come and help me?
Yes, dear. Go help your sister, Mrs. Whitman urged. Bart and I will entertain Hassan for you.
Entertain didnt describe Barts conversation so far, Kali thought as she reluctantly followed Annette. She had definite misgivings about leaving Hassan in Baits company. For some reason, Bart had taken a dislike to Hassan the moment hed set eyes on him.
Kali stifled a sigh. It promised to be a long day. Especially without her father there to keep the conversation on an even keel.
What time is the ceremony? Kali asked.
About three. Everyone else will meet us at the church. Were having the reception in the church basement so Mom doesnt have to clean up the mess.
Annette put the baby down on the changing table and picked up a clean diaper.
When she was finished, she turned to Kali and said, Kali, are you sure about
Annette gestured toward the door.
Yes, Kali said, rather surprised at the vehemence with which the word came out. But it was true. She really was sure. The doubts that had sprung up while Hassan had been in Australia had completely vanished now that he was back home. She was not only sure that she was doing the right thing by marrying him, she also could hardly wait.
Oh, I know hes handsome
Very handsome, Kali amended. Hes also sexy as hell.
That is obvious. He reminds me of that book we read when we were young. You remember the one about the sheik who kidnaps the English girl and winds up marrying her.
Sorry to deflate your fantasy, but Hassan is most definitely a man of the twentieth century, Kali said, ignoring her earlier doubts.
But hes foreign.
So am I, from his perspective.
Yes, but
But what?
Well, Bart thinks that Hassan is just marrying you to get his green card.
Annette was wrong. Bart didnt think! Kali held on to her temper with a real effort. Mainly because she knew that Annette loved her and really did worry about her. About Barts motives Kali wasnt so sure.
Annette, Hassan has been in this country since graduate school. He certainly doesnt need marriage to me to give him any legal standing. Now how about letting me hold my favorite nephew.
Annette giggled. Hes your only nephew. Are you and Hassan going to have any kids?
Scads, Kali said blithely.
Kali! Annettes eyes widened as Kali settled the baby against her shoulder and Annette caught a glimpse of her engagement ring. Your ring! Let me see it.
Kali switched Eddie to her other shoulder and obligingly held out her left hand.
My God! Annette breathed. Its fantastic. Has Mom seen it?
No.
Then lets show her. Come on, she said, and Kali obediently trailed along behind her, happy to show off her gorgeous ring.
Mom, look at Kalis engagement ring, Annette said when they returned to the family room. Ive never seen anything so beautiful in my life.
Let me see, honey. Mrs. Whitman grabbed Kalis hand and held it up. The emerald caught the sunlight pouring in through the patio door and became a blaze of color.
Ive never seen an emerald that big, Hassan, Mrs. Whitman said. Wherever did you find it?
Blackwells, Hassan said.
Which reminds me, Annette, Kali hurriedly changed the subject before her forthright mother could ask him how much it had cost. Eddies christening gift is in my purse. Why dont you get it.
You didnt have to bring him a gift, Annette said as she delved into Kalis purse and pulled out the gaily wrapped package. I mean, its not like youre his godmother. Not that I didnt wanted you to be, but Bart thought. Annette ground to an embarrassed halt.
No matter. Hes still my nephew, Kali said. Open your gift.
Annette obediently ripped off the wrapping paper, gasping when she saw the golden gleam of the bowl. Its beautiful. Absolutely exquisite.
But what is it? Bart asked.
Its a porringer, Mrs. Whitman spoke up. I remember my great-grandmother had one from when her mother was christened back in the old country. I didnt even realize they still made them. Let alone in gold.
Kali chuckled. Neither did I. It was Hassans suggestion.
Thank you, Hassan. Annette gave him a wide smile. Its the nicest gift Ive gotten. It makes me feel like Im part of a long tradition. Youre going to be a very nice addition to the family.
No, Kali mentally corrected her sister. Hassan wasnt a nice addition to the family. He was the perfect addition.
Three (#ulink_2b5a37e9-560d-571a-9a01-ee4fc52b2f52)
Can I help you with anything, Mom? Kali asked when the timer sounded in the kitchen and Mrs. Whitman jumped to her feet as if eager to escape the stilted conversation in the family room.
As was Kali herself. If she had to listen to any more of Barts cracks about foreigners who were flooding America and grabbing up all the good jobs, shed forget the necessity of maintaining peace and say something very rude. The wonder was that Hassan hadnt already done so. Hed never been one to suffer fools gladly, and yet he hadnt retaliated once to Barts barbs.
Perhaps he was swallowing his anger for her sake just as she was doing for her sisters sake, Kali decided. Hassan did have beautiful manners.
No, dear. I have lunch under control. Although you could run down to the basement and bring me up some of those brandied peaches I put up last summer and maybe a jar of dilled green beans, too.
Sure. Come help me, Hassan, Kali said, wanting to give him a respite from Bart.
You need help to carry two jars up from the basement, Kali? Bart sniped.
Annette unexpectedly giggled. Oh, darling, dont be dense. Remember what it was like when we were engaged.
Kali ignored both of them.
I wouldnt blame you for canceling the engagement after today, Kali told Hassan once they were safely in the basement. I cant figure out what on earth is the matter with Bart. I mean Ive known he was a bore for years now, but hes always been a reasonably goodmannered bore. Today hes acting like
Like hes suffering from a terminal case of jealousy, Hassan said.
Kali turned from the shelves shed been perusing and looked back at Hassan. He appeared enormous in the low-ceilinged basement.
Of me? But why? It was my sister he wanted to marry. There hasnt been anything between us since he first saw her almost two years ago.
But during that time hes gotten into the habit of thinking of you as being in love with him. It strokes his ego to think that youre pining for him.
And my bringing you home has pretty effectively shattered his self-delusion, because there is no way anyone could compare the pair of you and think that I was still hankering after Bart. Kali followed Hassans logic a step further.
Hassan felt a quick surge of pleasure at her words that just as quickly faded. It didnt matter what she thought of him since nothing could come from their brief relationship.
Kali turned and began to check the shelves for the jars her mother wanted.
Fascinated, he watched the slight movement of her hips beneath her slim skirt as she moved jars around the shelf. She had the most fantastic figure. Softly feminine and gently rounded, hinting at all kinds of delights.
His breath caught as she twisted slightly, trying to reach something in the back, and he caught a glimpse of the shape of her breast beneath her cream silk blouse. What would her breasts look like? he wondered. Would they be as soft as her face? Or would they be softer? Would
Here. Hold this while I try and find those peaches she wants. Kali handed him a jar of green beans and then dragged an aluminum stepladder in front of the shelves.
Climbing to the top step, Kali began to absently move jars, her mind still taken up with what Hassan had said about Bart. It wasnt that she thought he was wrong, because she didnt. Once hed pointed it out, it was obvious. What bothered her was that Hassan had seen it in the first place. In all the time shed known him, hed never shown the slightest tendency to look beneath the surface of a situation. In fact, his sometimes maddening tendency to simply accept things at face value had been one of the negatives shed considered when shed weighed the pros and cons of marrying him. And yet, hed read the situation with Bart far more accurately than she had, and she was a trained psychologist.
So why hadnt he ever shown that skill before? Kali stared blankly at a jar of minted pears. Never once during any of the neurological tests hed performed on her patients had he shown the slightest insight into the kids actions.
Could it be because Bart was an adult and her patients had been kids?
Kali suddenly let out a horrified squeak and jerked backward when a huge, black spider ran across her hand. She teetered on the edge of the stepladder for a second, fighting for balance and then tipped over to land against Hassans chest.
His left arm closed around her rib cage, holding her crushed up against him, and she instinctively clutched his neck holding on for dear life.
Why are you taking dives off stepladders? He sounded no more than mildly curious.
There was a spider, and I touched it! A huge spider! Kali shuddered at the appalling memory of hairy legs running over her skin.
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