“And what do you think I’ve been doing?”
“You tell me. Was running away from the bodyguards inside the art exhibit the day before yesterday adult behavior? Don’t push Kaled’s tolerance too far. He can be ruthless when he needs to be, and if he decides you’re going back to Rheadur, no one will be able to change his mind. Not even me.”
I feel my blood turn cold. “I didn’t run. I . . .slipped away because they were drawing too much attention.”
“All right. I’m not trying to be the annoying sister.”
“Good, because I already have several of those to fill that role. How’s Tajj?”
“Mischievous. He definitely doesn’t deny he’s your brother’s son. Strong temper. Ignores the word ‘no.’ Basically, a mini-sheikh,” she says, and I imagine she’s smiling.
“He’s so tiny. How can a baby be rebellious?”
“Trust me, he knows exactly what he wants. I’ll have to be careful so he doesn’t grow up thinking his will is law.”
“I’m sure being your son and Kaled’s son, there’s no way he won’t become a wonderful human being.”
“Don’t you ever feel like having kids of your own?”
“In the future, yes, but not right now.” I dodge the subject because I know very well it will lead to marriage talk. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I enrolled in an industrial design program at the university.”
“Really?” She sounds surprised. “What for?”
“Yes, really. It was supposed to be a surprise for you, Dad, and Kaled, but I’m terrible at keeping secrets. I’m still not sure where it’ll lead, but I like the idea of creating things.”
“When do classes start?”
“Next week. Kaled doesn’t know yet, so if you could talk to him . . .”
“Kaled won’t oppose it, Jazmina. Your brother loves you and wants you to be happy. Maybe he’s overly protective, but I think that’s normal. You grew up extremely sheltered in Rheadur, and he’s afraid you’ll slip up with your safety out there in London.”
“Why are you saying that? Did something happen? This isn’t the first time you’ve brought up safety.”
“Um . . .We’ve received some threats, but I think it’s the same idiots as always who can’t accept the changes our country is going through. Don’t worry, just try not to run away from thebodyguards again. Now go, or you’ll be late for lunch with your guardian.”
“If using the word guardian was your idea of a joke, you failed.”
She laughs. “I love you, Jazmina. Use your common sense.”
“Trust me, I've got plenty of it.”
Chapter
London
I chose a table in the private wing of the restaurant.
It was a dilemma. I did some research and learned that, in her culture, she shouldn’t be alone with me, but at the same time, I don’t want to draw attention to the two of us. I’m well-known, and I don’t doubt we’ll be seeing our photos splashed across newspapers tomorrow, insinuating some romance.
The last time—the only time, really—we saw each other in person was at that disastrous party on the yacht, where, unaware of who she was, I wanted her in my bed. Since then, I’ve shoved the image of Jazmina as far into the back of my mind as possible, and I was doing well until, about a month ago, Kaled called asking me to be some sort of guardian to his sister.
Imagining that girl alone in Europe made me question my friend’s sanity.
I’m not a misogynistic asshole, but Jazmina, besides being beautiful, is rich, and I’d bet she’s innocent too, given where she was raised. Which makes her a double threat: temptation and danger all at once.
I have no doubt there’ll be hundreds of single men—you included, my guilty conscience whispers, but I justify myself by remembering that when I wanted her, I didn’t know who she was—dying to taste her exotic beauty. There’ll be an equal number of gold diggers eager to seduce a virgin just to sink their claws into her family’s fortune.
Kaled told me his sister wants to experience life outside the palace walls. I don’t know if she understands how dangerous that could be for a girl like her. Maybe I still see her as a child, which I suspect is a mistake.