Accidentally the Sheikh's Wife (12 page)

Rashid stared at her, glancing briefly to the sky where the helicopter had flown. “I do not know what happened to your father. Why would he say that? He never told me. Why does he think that?”

She stared back. Had the other man lied? Why would he? Yet, she couldn’t believe Rashid would lie about it. It didn’t make sense.

“I’ll speak to him. Maybe you misunderstood him. While he speaks some English, he is not fluent. He would have come forward when the plane was lost if he knew anything.”

“He says he spoke to you.”

“He did not.”

She broke her gaze and looked across the water. What to believe? She wished she could return to Quraim Wadi Samil and search for the grave herself. What if he was there? Who could she trust? Who to believe?

The flight home was conducted in almost total silence. Bethanne was trying to figure out how to find out for sure if her father had crashed. Rashid seemed to have dismissed the other man’s revelation without a care. Would he if it were true?

Or would he try to stop her if she suggested another visit to Quraim Wadi Samil?

After lunch at the villa, Rashid invited her to go swimming. Bethanne’s first response was a yes! She’d love to spend more time with him. But the situation with her father loomed between them.

“I’d like that. I’d also like to learn more about my father.”

“Very well. Today we swim. I’ll have someone contact Hasid and ask for details. I think you misunderstood him. We have no knowledge of where your father is, or the plane. Do you think a plane crash could be hidden?”

Put that way, she doubted it possible. Still, she had understood what the man said. There was no denying he said he spoke to Rashid.

There was nothing more to be done today. If she didn’t get a satisfactory answer from Rashid’s questioning, she’d see if she could get back to the oil rig and speak with him again.

The small boat Rashid drove to was larger than a runabout yet easily handled by one. The marina not far from the villa, it didn’t take long to be on their way.

Once out on the water, Bethanne seated in the seat next to his, he turned south. The homes along the shore were varied, from tall and austere, to low with lush gardens and fountains sparkling in the sunlight. Some were set back from the water, some bordered the beach. The farther south they went, the more space grew between homes. Finally he nodded to the thick foliage. “Can you see the villa?”

She caught a glimpse of the roof and a tiny corner of the veranda.

“That’s where we eat,” she said. It looked smaller from this vantage point. She sighed in pleasure. “It’s as pretty from the water as the view is from balcony.”

“My grandmother loved beautiful things. This is only one of her homes. They all had gardens that gave her such pleasure.”

“My grandmother loves roses. She’s a longtime member of the rose society in Galveston and wins prizes for her blossoms year after year.”

“Yet another thing we have in common,” Rashid said, cutting the engine and letting the boat drift. “Care to swim?”

“I’d love it.” She quickly shed the cover-up and reached into the pocket for a band to hold her hair back. Tying it into a ponytail, she waited while Rashid went into the small cabin to change. “Ready when you are,” she called.

Rashid stepped out a moment later, clad only in swim trunks. Bethanne almost caught her breath at the masculine beauty. His shoulders were broad; that she already knew. His chest was muscular and toned, not a spare ounce of flesh anywhere. His skin was bronzed by the sun. Masculine perfection. She could sit and stare at the man for hours.

She just hoped she didn’t look liked a stunned star-struck groupie. Get your mind on swimming and nothing else, she admonished herself.

Rashid tossed two towels on one of the seats and brought a small ladder from one of the storage compartments. Hooking it to the side, he stood aside, gesturing with one hand.

“After you.”

She took a breath, passed close enough to feel the radiant heat from his body, before taking a quick vault over the side. The water closed over her head a moment later, cooling her off in an instant. She felt the percussion of his hitting the water, then rose, blinking in the bright sunshine.

“It’s heavenly,” she said, turning to swim slowly parallel to the beach. She didn’t want to get too far from the boat. The water felt like soft silk against her skin. Its temperature enough to cool, yet warm enough to caress. After a few minutes of swimming, Bethanne stopped and began to tread water. Rashid was right beside her.

“This is fabulous,” she said, shaking water from her face, and spraying him with the water from her ponytail.

He laughed and splashed her. In only seconds a full-fledge water fight was under way. Finally Bethanne cried to stop. She was laughing so hard she was swallowing water.

She began to cough and Rashid was there in an instant, supporting her in the water, pounding on her back.

“I’m okay,” she gasped a minute later. “I shouldn’t be laughing when I’m being deluged by tidal waves.”

“I haven’t played like that in a long time,” Rashid said as they began slowly swimming back toward the boat.

“You should. I think you work too hard.”

“Ah, maybe it’s the company I’m keeping. Makes it more fun.”

She glowed with the compliment. From a rocky beginning, it looked as if things were changing.

“I could say the same. I’ve enjoyed being here.”

“It won’t be much longer.”

She felt her heart drop. “How close are you to completing your deal?” she asked, almost fearing the answer.

“Close enough to expect to sign the papers this week.”

Bethanne felt the disappointment like an anchor in her chest. She actually faltered a moment in swimming. What had she expected—that it would take years to sign the contracts?

“I hope you won’t dash off the instant the ink hits the paper,” Rashid said.

They reached the boat. He steadied the ladder while she climbed. Once she was on board, he swiftly followed.

“I need to return to Texas,” she said slowly. She could stay a few days, maybe, yet to what end? She could go sightseeing on her own, but it wouldn’t be the same as with Rashid. And he had to believe her father had taken the plane, no matter what the man on the platform had said. He’d mentioned it often enough. Had she misunderstood Hasid?

“I could stay for a little longer.” Was that breathless voice hers? Those foolish dreams lingering?

“Because?” he pressed.

“Because I want to.”

Rashid smiled in satisfaction, then pulled her gently into his arms to kiss her.

His warm body pressed against hers as the boat bobbed on the sea, his arms holding her so she didn’t lose her balance. Her own arms soon went around his neck as she savored every inch of contact. She was in love with the most exciting man she’d ever known. And he hadn’t a clue.

They dined together on the veranda. As twilight fell, Bethanne felt as if she couldn’t hold so much happiness. The conversation was lively and fun. She wondered who else saw this side of the man.

“How come you aren’t married?” she asked at one point, wondering why some smart woman hadn’t latched on to him years ago.

The atmosphere changed in an instant. His demeanor hardened. “The woman I planned to marry ran off, remember?”

“Come on, you’re too dynamic and sexy to not have your share of women interested. How did no one capture your fancy?”

He was silent for so long Bethanne wondered what she’d said to cause the change. Wasn’t it all right to question his single state?

“I was engaged a long time ago,” he said slowly.

Oh, oh, she hadn’t seen that coming. “What happened?” No matter what, it couldn’t have a happy ending. She was bubbling with so much happiness, she wanted him to share. Now her stupid comment had changed the evening. She wished she could recapture her words.

“She loved my money.”

“Ouch.”

“I should have seen it coming.” He looked at her. “All her conversation centered on things and trips. I was the gold at the end of her rainbow.”

“She might have loved you as well?” she offered.

He shook his head. “When my father bought her off, she left like a fire exploding at the rigs. I haven’t heard from her since.”

Bethanne didn’t know what to say. Her heart hurt for the pain of betrayal he must have felt.

“How about you? You’re not married,” he said a moment later.

“I’m footloose and fancy free. I don’t see settling down when there is the entire world to see. Working with Starcraft, I get the chance to explore places I haven’t been.” Besides, I have never fallen in love before, she thought, watching him. And I don’t expect to find another like you.

“You don’t see yourself settling down, making a family?” he asked.

“If I meet the right guy, I guess I would,” she said. “If he loved me in return.” For too long she’d considered herself like her father—too interested in the wide world to settle for one spot. Now that she met Rashid, she sure didn’t feel that way. She’d traveled to every continent on the globe. Made friends in various places. Yet nothing drew her like Rashid. Maybe that was the difference falling in love made.

Rashid nodded, wondering why he cared if she settled down or not. He was not interested in marriage. He’d agreed to the scheme with Haile as a business move. Her defection saved him. He would be grateful to her on two counts—keeping him single, and introducing Bethanne into his life.

She was different from women he knew. That was the novelty of being around her. Soon the novelty would fade and he’d move on. He didn’t want to think like a cynic, but he had no expectations of falling in love. He wanted Bethanne, liked being with her. But surely there was more to love than that.

She was a refreshing break from the routine of his life. One he didn’t want to end too soon. It didn’t hurt that she was so pretty. He enjoyed watching her. Or taking her to events. She looked relaxed and pleased with life in the blue dress she wore. He would love to adorn her with jewels, but she’d carefully returned the sapphire necklace once they returned to the villa after the polo dinner. He’d offered for her to keep the necklace, but she’d refused.

He should have told Khalid that. Maybe knowing Bethanne better, he’d realize his assessment was off. She wanted nothing personal from this charade. She was almost too good to be true. But he’d seen no sign of avarice in her.

He stared out across the garden, wondering about Hasid’s comments to her. The old man couldn’t know more about Hank than he did. Hank had worked for his father. In the morning he’d have his assistant find out more about the wild story the man had told Bethanne.

“I need to fly to Morocco on Friday to sign the contract.”

She sipped her coffee before nodding. “Then I’ll ask for a few more days of vacation so I can stay a bit longer,” she replied.

He was pleased she agreed to stay. Maybe he’d take time from work and spend it all with Bethanne before she left for good.

The thought of her departure weighed heavily. Yet he knew better than she that there was no long-term future for them together. His family would never accept the daughter of a thief—moreover the one whose actions contributed to his father’s death. She didn’t speak his language. He didn’t want a wife. And he would not dishonor her by having an affair. Time together, memories made, then goodbye.

His gaze shifted to her as she sipped the hot tea. She loved flying. And he couldn’t see asking her to stop. It was a novelty to have her fly his plane. Maybe he could hire her to fly for him—his private pilot. That way she’d always be around. And when he needed to travel, Bethanne would travel with him.

“After Morocco we could fly on to Paris, if you like,” he said. He knew women around the world loved Paris.

“That would be nice.”

“You don’t sound as excited as I thought you’d be.”

“I haven’t seen Paris with you. That would make it special,” she said slowly. “I enjoyed our excursion into the western part of your country. Maybe another trip there?”

“Quraim Wadi Samil? It’s hardly a hot spot. Not a place we would have gone had Alexes not needed immediate medical attention.”

She faced him. “It hardly matters where we go, if we’re together, don’t you think?”

He wanted her as he had wanted no other woman. Not even Marguerite. But caution held him back.

“It doesn’t matter, as long as we’re together,” he said, already regretting the day they would say goodbye.

R
ASHID
answered the phone the next morning when his assistant told him it was Khalid.

“So the deal is done. You’ve both signed?” his brother asked without amenities.

“I’m flying to Morocco on Friday to sign with Benqura. Then it is done. And a better deal than expected, thanks to his daughter’s flight. He needs to save face and I’ve assured him I will handle things on this end.”

“And how to explain to the minister that your special friend Bethanne left?”

“I don’t have to explain anytime soon.”

“Because?”

“I’ve asked her to stay. I may offer her a pilot’s job. Alexes will not be able to fly again. Another stroke could happen at any time.”

“There are other pilots who work for us.”

“I choose who will fly my planes.”

“Fly your planes and warm your bed.”

“Hardly that. Bethanne and I are not involved to that extent,” Rashid said coldly. Not for lack of desire on his part. Bethanne was special, and he would treat her so. For as long as it suited him. And her.

“She wants something. Mark my words.”

“And what does it take to prove you wrong—her friendship and loyalty for fifty years?” He knew what Bethanne wanted. It was impossible to give it to her. Beyond that, she cared for nothing he had to offer.

“That’s a start.”

Rashid laughed. “Give it up, Khalid. She is not like the others.”

A groan sounded. “You are too far gone. All women are alike.”

“Cynic. Is that why you called—just to warn me again about her?”

“No, I’m going to open Grandmother’s other house. I can’t decide whether to live there or sell it. So I thought if I stayed there a few weeks, I’d know what I want to do. It’s strange to go there without her.”

“She wanted you to have it, Khalid. She loved that house because it was her father’s that he gave to her when she married.”

“My flat suits me. I’m not in it long enough to feel closed in.”

“Give it a fair chance. You don’t have to rush into selling.”

When Rashid hung up, he thought about his brother. Life had treated them so differently. Both had the same advantages until the fire had destroyed part of his brother. It wasn’t only the scar. There were wounds that went deeper. Were the al Harum men doomed to stay single? Not leave heirs on the earth?

How would he fare if he took that step? What if he considered marriage with someone like Bethanne? Their children would be beautiful. She’d be full of surprises for a long time. Would they agree on how to focus their lives, or always want something different?

Not liking the way his thoughts were going, he picked up a report and refused to think about her for the rest of the morning.

Easier said than done, he admitted a few moments later. He didn’t believe Khalid. His brother had not been around Bethanne long enough to know her. Yet that shadow of doubt wouldn’t fade. Marguerite had seemed devoted, until offered a sum of money. Would Bethanne prove as shallow?

Restless, he checked his calendar. There was nothing pressing. Telling his assistant he was going to take the rest of the day off, he headed for the villa. He wanted to see her, spend time with her. Assuage the doubt and prove once and for all she was different.

Prove to Khalid that Bethanne was unique.

When Rashid reached the villa it was to find Bethanne had gone out.

“Where?” he asked the maid. Maybe he should have kept Fatima to watch her.

But Bethanne wasn’t a prisoner. She was free to go where she wished.

“She received a note and then asked if Teaz could drive her to the city,” Minnah said. “I don’t know when she will return.”

Rashid nodded and went into the study. Using his mobile phone, he called the driver.

“Where are you?” he asked when Teaz answered.

Hearing they were in old town, Rashid arranged for Teaz to stay there until he arrived. He’d enjoy showing Bethanne some of the history of the capital city. She’d enjoyed Quraim Wadi Samil; he was sure she’d enjoy the architecture of the Romula district.

When Rashid pulled in behind his limo, driving his own small sports car, Teaz climbed out and came to open his door.

“Where is she?”

“I stop here. She walks to the square,” Teaz said.

“You’re dismissed. I’ll bring her back to the villa.”

The chauffeur bowed and returned to the limo.

Rashid walked toward the square. It brought back memories. Hank Pendarvis had lived in this area of town. He remembered that. His father had thought so highly of him. His assistant had not yet contacted Hasid. What if there was some truth to the old man’s story? Could Hank have crashed? It still did not explain why he stole the plane.

When Rashid reached the square he paused for a moment, searching. Her blond head was quickly found. She sat at a table with an older man. From the way they were talking, Rashid knew they weren’t strangers. Who was he?

The spurt of jealousy that hit him surprised him. He didn’t want to admit he had stronger feelings for her. But seeing her laugh at something her companion said jarred him. He wanted her laughter and her smiles. He wanted her.

Walking around the square, his gaze never left them. They were so caught up in their conversation, neither looked up until he stopped at the table.

Bethanne’s eyes widened when she saw him. For a moment anger burned. He realized he was used to seeing a spurt of happiness when he came near. Now she looked startled—guilty? He kept his anger under control. The first rule—find out the facts before acting. Nothing so far condemned her.

“Hi, Rashid. I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said with a quick glance at her companion.

“Probably not.” He looked at the other man.

“This is Walt Hampstead. He teaches English at the university,” Bethanne said quickly. “Walt, this is my host, Sheikh Rashid al Harum.”

Host? They were pretending more than that. To everyone.

The man rose and extended his hand. “Sheikh al Harum. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Rashid shook hands and then looked at Bethanne. “The man who knew your father?”

She nodded. “Do join us. We were talking about mutual friends.” She gathered the photographs displayed in front of her and stacked them, handing them back to Walt. He put them in an envelope before Rashid could see them.

“I was showing her pictures of my family. It’s good to talk to Hank’s daughter. I don’t see many Americans in Quishari, you know,” he said easily, tapping the envelope against his leg.

“You have lived here long?” Rashid asked.

“Almost twenty years. Married a local girl. We have two children—teenagers now.” He glanced at Bethanne. “I hope to see you again soon. Thanks for the update.”

Bethanne smiled and nodded, her glance flicking to Rashid.

“I did not mean to run you off,” he said.

“I need to be going. Classes soon.” Walt nodded once and quickly walked across the square and down one of the side roads.

Rashid pulled out a chair and sat. The waiter hurried over and asked if he wanted anything.

“I’ll have a coffee,” he said, leaning back. His curiosity rose. “What was really going on?”

Bethanne looked at him, her eyes wide. “He knew my father. He doesn’t believe my father stole a plane, either.”

When his coffee was delivered, he took a sip of the hot beverage. Bethanne fidgeted with her own coffee cup, now nearly empty.

“What are you doing here?” she asked at last.

“I thought I’d take you up on your offer to take some time off. I expected to find you at the villa.”

“I still want to see as much as Alkaahdar as I can. Wander around town. This is a nice café.”

“We can wander around old town if you like. I sent Teaz away. I drove.”

“Lovely. The architecture is similar to that in Quraim Wadi Samil, don’t you think?”

“It’s from the same age.”

They finished their coffee and started out. The stalls selling food were crowded. The others had vendors calling out, enticing people with special sales. Bethanne smiled and walked at his side. When they reached a cross street, he waited to see what she’d do. She appeared to be studying the architecture as if she were genuinely interested. Rashid watched her. He was still bothered by the encounter with the other man. She was tenacious in searching for Hank. She was not one to give up quickly. He wondered how she’d found the man who had known Hank.

A woman came from an apartment building. Rashid stepped aside to allow her to pass on the narrow sidewalk. When she saw Rashid’s gesture, she smiled as she walked past—stopping suddenly when she saw Bethanne.

“Were you coming to see me?” she said in Arabic.

“No. Should I be?” Rashid asked, wondering who she was.

“The woman was here in the street a few days ago searching for the man who had the flat before me. She was told I knew nothing about him. I thought maybe you were coming to seek more information. I have nothing else to add.”

Bethanne watched, her eyes darting from Rashid to the woman back to him.

He looked at her.

“You were looking for more information about your father?” he asked in English.

Bethanne nodded. “I was hoping he’d left something behind that might tell me where he’d gone and why. She wasn’t home last time I was here. But Walt said he came by when he hadn’t seen my dad for a while and was told the apartment had been cleared before being rented again. The man on the oil rig told me he crashed. Walt said he spoke of a secret assignment, a special flight. There had to be more to it than he appropriated a plane and I want to know what. I want to know the truth. I want you to admit the truth.”

He stared at her. “I would tell you if I knew more. Do you think I like knowing your father was a thief? Especially after years of service with my family? What else might he have stolen? What other harm might he have done?”

“None. He was not like that. He loved working here. We often spoke about his finding his ideal job. He planned to show me the country, introduce me to his friends. He went on some secret mission for your father. If you don’t know what it is, come with me to find out what it was.”

“Come with you where?”

“Quraim Wadi Samil. Isn’t that where the answers lie?”

“There are no answers.”

“Only questions? Like why people think he is a thief? I need to find out what happened to him.”

“Everyone wants something—Khalid was right. I thought we had something developing between us. But you only see me as a way to prove the unprovable.”

“We might have something growing between us. Just because the reasons I agreed to stay haven’t changed doesn’t mean my feelings aren’t genuine or aren’t involved. I…love you, Rashid.”

“No!”

“If I do?”

“Impossible.” He glared at her. “Please give me some credit. Women say words like that hoping to bend men to their will.”

“We’re talking two different things here, Rashid. First I want to prove to you my dad is not what you think. And second, why wouldn’t I fall for someone like you? You’re—”

“Enough! We have an agreement, nothing beyond the charade until the negotiations are complete and the contract signed. What do you hope…that I’ll fall for you? Maybe see you as my wife? I would not dishonor my family by marrying a woman whose father was a thief. Who caused the death of my father.”

Rashid resumed walking, at a quicker pace. He clamped down on his emotions. Khalid had been right; he should have sent her back the first day. How dare she say she loved him? He knew better—he was a means to an end. Find out about her father. Hadn’t they tried that three years ago? The sooner he got her to the villa, the sooner he could be rid of her.

Except for the flight to Morocco, he thought. Should he consider using another pilot?

“Wait.” She hurried to catch up. “Rashid, this doesn’t change anything.”

“It changes everything. Here’s my car. Get in.”

Ignoring his manners, he strode to the driver’s side and got in just as she jumped in the passenger’s side.

Starting the engine, he pulled away from the curb at a pace faster than safe. For a moment anger ruled. Then he deliberately slowed down. He would not take his anger out on others.

How dare she suggest she was in love with him? They had not known each other long enough for emotions to grow. It was a ploy, just as Khalid suggested. He was furious for letting his own emotions grow concerning her. He’d been so confident he could enjoy her company and then say farewell. She turned out to be like all others.

“What did Hampstead tell you?” he bit out.

“That the last time he saw Hank, my dad spoke about a secret mission. Walt thought he was pumped up about it, like a thriller or something. He wouldn’t tell Walt any more than that. But Walt thought it more a lark than a dangerous mission. He was obviously wrong since it seems likely my dad ended up dead. The man at the derrick said Hank’s buried in Quraim Wadi Samil. It would be worth checking out. Did you question him?”

“My assistant is handling that.” And it sounded like Rashid needed to make sure it was done immediately. “The reason he was pumped up was probably considering stealing a multimillion-dollar jet plane.”

Bethanne refused to respond.

Rashid stopped in front of the villa a short time later. She scurried out of the car before he could come around to her door. Running up the shallow steps, she turned and looked at him. “I shall leave the villa, of course. I understand you wouldn’t want me here. I’ll call a taxi to take me to a hotel.”

“Stay here until we leave.”

“We?” she asked.

“I still need to fly to Morocco tomorrow.”

“And Quraim Wadi Samil?”

“Once we return, you’ll have to find your own way there.”

She glared at him. “Don’t worry, I shall!” She turned to enter the villa.

Rashid stood standing beside his car. The door closed. She was gone.

For endless minutes he stood staring at the door, feeling numb. One moment she says she loves him. The next she’s talking about leaving. The images of them together over the last few days danced in his mind. He could almost hear her laughter, see the sparkle in her eyes. For the first time since Marguerite he’d let himself consider—No, he was not going there.