The Sheikh's Pretend Fiancée (The Sharif Sheikhs 1)

11

The next day, Liyah slipped even deeper into Asad’s world. A boat ride carried the Sharif family and their friends and business associates along the Persian Gulf. The intricately carved barge was a wonderland of flowing, white drapery, and there were flower petals beneath every step that she took. The smell of salt and plumes of smoke filled the air. Serving girls, dressed in lovely but modest gold dresses that stretched to their ankles, with rose-tinted hijabs, extended trays full of Liyah’s favorite delights—baklava, rich and decadent hummus in colorfully decorated pastry bowls, the sort that made her forget about the Westernized versions served by the Halai Brothers franchise in her old neighborhood. Cardamom and lavender cakes cooled in personal-sized tins, and there was no end to the variety of the finest coffees and teas.

Liyah was truly immersed in luxury, but instead of feeling uncomfortable, she was content under Asad’s loving gaze. He was tender and publicly affectionate.

Others took note.

“I see things are going well,’ Rashid said in a low voice as he took a seat next to them on the deck. “If the sparks between you two are any hotter, you may set the boat on fire.”

Asad sent his younger brother a withering look. “Easy,” he warned. “There are ears here.”

“Relax. No one can hear us. They’re too busy staring at your lovely bride-to-be. Ah! Here comes Bashar now!”

Liyah nearly forgot that she was on stage, but it was obvious that Asad didn’t. He continued stroking her arm with his finger as the investor approached them.

“I only ever get to see you at night,” Bashar joked as he winked at her. “But you are a vision, bathed in sunlight.”

“Are you about to spout sonnets, old man?” Asad teased.

“Someone should, if you do not. Tell me dear, how are the wedding preparations going? I find it odd that Asad’s mother has not returned to help. That woman loves to throw a party.”

Liyah stiffened. She’d completely forgotten that she was supposed to be a bride and not just a lover. No doubt everyone expected her to be stressed over the ceremony. “I will welcome the sheikha’s opinion when she returns. I have a whole binder full of ideas for

her to look over!” That was what engaged women did, right? Make wedding binders?

“Of course. I also assume that you’ll present her the family ring when they return?” Bashar asked, turning a narrowing gaze on Asad.

Liyah swallowed hard. The investor seemed almost suspicious of them. It was odd, considering the way the affection between them was growing more and more natural as time passed.

“Yes,” Asad said stiffly.

“Is there a date set?”

“We’re still working out the details,” Asad said smoothly. “Liyah has family and friends in the States, and we want everyone to attend.”

At the mention of family, her gut tightened. She hadn’t attempted to get in touch with her mother even once since she’d arrived in Dubai. Guilt wrapped itself around her, and she forgot all about Bashar and his suspicions.

Later that evening, as a dark blanket settled over the waters, the boat’s lights sparkled on the surface, and the entertainment began. Belly dancers dressed in red and yellow swiveled their hips and danced, enthralling both the men and women alike. Briefly, Liyah wondered how Asad would react if she learned to move like that.

When the dance ended, a band started a quiet serenade in the background, and Amira waved her over. The dark beauty sat suspended in a hammock enclosed by translucent curtains.

“I can see that you’re enjoying the evening,” she said coyly. “I believe that everyone can. There’s a new look in my brother’s eyes. Remember to make him earn you.”

Earn her? Surely Amira knew that Asad already had her. She couldn’t voice the thought out loud, but Amira’s playful gaze turned serious. “Protect your heart, Liyah. This business arrangement is meant to crumble, and you mustn’t become a plaything. Promise me.”

“I don’t know how to promise that. It’s not my choice—”

“It is,” Amira cut in urgently. “It is your choice, and you must embrace that and make him see it. Makes your values clear, and be wary of his charms. I love my brother, but he is still a man, and they will not strive for more if everything they want is freely given to them.”

It almost sounded as if Amira knew first-hand, but Liyah kept her mouth shut.

Their conversation was cut short as a group of women drifted toward them, giggling and laughing.

Liyah didn’t want to dwell on Amira’s warning. The princess pulled her onto the dance floor and acted as though she hadn’t just been coaching Liyah how to tear apart the delicately stitched business arrangement. The sparkle in Amira’s amber eyes, a contrast of warm copper smoke and shadows, showed no guile, yet she’d all but asked Liyah to seduce Asad into giving up his heart and play to win.

By the time the boat docked and the car drove them home, Liyah was exhausted. “Bed,” she muttered as Asad wrapped a hand around her waist, keeping her upright as he unlocked the suite.

“I’m going to take a shower. Care to join me?” he asked and kissed her on the forehead.