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| The Sheiks Of Kumar - Part One The Crown Prince By CJ |
| Chapter 11 Nik stood on the balcony of his father’s study gazing out across the desert sands that surrounded his family’s home. Palm trees scattered the horizon and the bright sun was setting in a fiery orange blaze. As the purple night began to dominate the sky, the lights of Kumar City sparkled in the distance. This grand palace was his childhood home and he used to feel such comfort and peace here. Now, after talking to Omar, he felt nothing but restless. “Nikash, sit and have a drink with us,” Rafee insisted as he lounged at the glass patio table, a pitcher of chilled tea in front of him. “We have had a long day and turned up nothing again. Sit.” Nik turned from the view of the horizon and stared down at his brother and father as they sat, looking upon him with concern. They had been worried about the family for the past three weeks, now they were anxious for him. “I cannot sit until I am back in California,” Nik insisted as he paced in front of the two men. Rafee stared at him with frustration and his father looked on with understanding. Sheik Aarif Mohammed bin Armanjani was a kind, yet firm man. He’d once ruled Kumar with those same qualities. And now, he was handling this latest family crisis with calm and courage. Though they’d received more threats against the Armanjani family and the source of those threats was still undiscovered, Sheik Aarif was quietly enduring. “Back in California?” Rafee inquired. “Why should you go back there now? You heard what Omar reported. Ms. Malone has been seen with Mr. Bryant. In fact, she has not even been around to take your calls for the past week.” Nik was not only concerned, but also growing angry. Only a week before he had talked to Tara and she’d told him she missed him. He knew he had been away for a few weeks now, but had he been gone so long that Tara would suddenly change her mind about him and begin seeing another man--a man whom Nik had grown to dislike and distrust? Turning on his brother, Nik said harshly, “You have no idea the extent of my feelings for Tara! Do not tell me there is nothing to return to in California. I am going to make that woman my wife.” “Did you clear your plans with her, Nikash?” Rafee asked with his surly tone. “It sounds as if she may have other ideas.” Rafee was known for speaking his mind and even for taunting on occasion. And though Nik knew that, he had little patience left for such squabbling. “Do not mock me, Rafee!” Nik said loudly. “Enough,” Aarif said firmly. “You are brothers, do not fight.” The two men looked away from each other. Nik returned to his post at the balcony. “Rafee, it is not right to insult the woman your brother cares for,” Aarif said. “And Nikash, do not jump to conclusions about marriage or other men until you have returned to your home in America and spoken to this woman yourself.” Both brothers nodded. Their father could always talk sense into them when they were at odds or not thinking reasonably. “Now, tell me, Nikash, what are your plans?” his father inquired. “I am going to fly back to California late tonight. I must,” Nik answered. “I know our family is in danger right now, but I cannot remain here and do nothing. I must go home and talk with Tara myself.” When Omar had told Nik reluctantly that he’d seen Tara out with Gabe Bryant often during the week, he’d been shocked. But when Omar had also mentioned that rumors around town were circulating that Gabe had proposed to Tara, Nik had reacted with much alarm. He’d forgotten all about the threats to the Armanjani family and his only concern now lay with getting home quickly enough. “Then travel safely, my son,” Aarif said. Nik moved to his father, took his hand in his and bowed his head. “Thank you, father.” He patted his hand, took one last look at the face that so much resembled his own, then hurried away. “Rafee,” Aarif said to his younger son, “travel with Nikash to America. Watch over him.” “But father,” Rafee argued, “our problems here are not yet solved. And I am in charge of security and cannot go.” “Rafee, do not argue,” Aarif insisted. “Laxman, myself, Taj and your sisters’ husbands are more than capable. Your brother needs you more now. You know how a man can behave when he is in love.” Rafee stood, adjusting the tuck of his black T-shirt into his black pants. “Unfortunately, I am beginning to learn just how a man behaves,” he quipped. “Be sure, I will not suffer the same fate as Nikash.” Smiling at his son with sarcasm, Aarif answered, “Let us hope not.” Rafee touched his father’s shoulder and said, “Good-bye, father. I will call you from California.” He was about to leave when his father caught his arm with a firm grasp. “Be wary in American, my son,” Aarif warned. “I have a feeling more is amiss than simply Nikash’s love life.” ** The arduous trip had taken what seemed a lifetime. And now that Nik was finally back home at Villa Serena, he was relieved to see that everything was as he left it. Devesh had returned with him and his brother, and his loyal assistant had immediately gone about organizing the home office and returning phone calls to Kumar. But Nik was not worried about business now, nor was he worried about his family. All that was on his mind was Tara. “You should rest first, Nikash,” Rafee suggested as he lounged on Nik’s bed, watching him hastily unpack. “No. I am going to find Tara,” Nik insisted, wondering why Rafee was now sounding so calm and relaxed when in Kumar, he had been sarcastic and cynical. “A man should not rush these things. Let it be announced to her first that you are home. Then send an invitation for dinner.” “That is much too formal, Rafee,” Nik said, stripping off his dress shirt and pulling on a plain T-shirt. Rafee’s eyes scanned him with disbelief as he shook his head and stated dryly, “I see you are only interested in informal gestures now.” “Enough of your taunts,” Nik chastised. Rafee pushed up to an elbow and asked, “Tell me, Nikash. Have you loved this woman yet?” Nik halted on his course to the closet. He turned his head to look at his brother. He expected to see Rafee’s eyes, eyes that were much lighter than his own, mocking him with humor. Yet there was no jest, only a grave stare that told Nik Rafee was serious. Serious or not, Nik refused to answer his brother. A gentleman never revealed his secrets and so Nik proceeded to the closet. “I take that to mean yes,” Rafee deduced and his voice was displeased. “I always assumed you were the gentleman between us. I am disappointed.” “I am more of a gentleman than you will ever be,” Nik spoke up from the closet as he changed into jeans. Rafee’s laughter filtered into the walk-in closet and there was a devious tone to its resonance. “Perhaps. Then again, I have never insisted I was going to marry any of the women I brought to my bed,” Rafee said. Nik stuck his head out of the closet and announced, “And that is precisely why I am more of a gentleman than you. I will marry this woman. You will see.” “Does she even love you in return?” Rafee questioned, as Nik moved to the French doors across his room. Nik didn’t want to answer his brother’s question because he honestly did not know the answer. Did Tara love him? He had no clue. And if he relayed that to his brother, Rafee would only laugh at him for his rashness at insisting Tara would be his wife. When he looked out the window, he found the perfect excuse not to have to answer Rafee. A woman was in the pool, floating atop the water on an inflatable raft. It was not Tara and it was not Jenny. In fact, Nik had never laid eyes upon the young woman before. “Who’s that?” Nik questioned. Rafee pushed up from the bed and followed Nik’s gaze out of the window. “You do not know?” Rafee asked. Nik shook his head. The woman was pretty with lighter hair and an athletic build. She looked relaxed as she floated in the sunny afternoon upon the water, her baby blue bikini very becoming against her tan skin. But she wasn’t Tara and Nik was not interested in gazing upon any woman that was not. “I will see who she is,” Rafee said hastily and fled from the room as though he was off to apprehend a suspect. Nik didn’t follow right away, for it was in Rafee’s blood to hunt and find suspicion in every circumstance. After college, Rafee had served in the military as an officer, then spent several years working in security for the United Arab Emirates government. After those years of experience, Rafee had moved on to take over all security operations for the family oil business. It was a daunting job he did for the family, yet he had the personality of a warrior and it suited him. By the time Nik made his way down to the pool to see what Rafee had uncovered, he found the young woman standing in Rafee’s grasp, his hand clutching her arm as she dripped water all over the pool deck. She’d been dry as she’d sunned upon the raft, but something had transpired in the minutes since Rafee had left him to make her wet. And from the angry look upon the woman’s face, he was certain Rafee had not welcomed her to the estate. “Get your hands off me,” the woman was insisting through clenched teeth as Nik approached. “Not until you tell me who you are,” Rafee was saying as he held her beach towel hostage while she stood shivering and wet. “Rafee,” Nik interrupted, taking the towel. “What is going on?” Nik handed the towel to the woman who quickly wrapped it around her shoulders. But his brother still would not release the woman from his hold. “She will not identify herself,” Rafee explained in his native tongue. Nik looked frustrated at his brother for refusing to speak so their visitor could understand, but kept quiet and turned to the woman. “Could you call the goon off?” she asked, yanking on her arm. “He is trained, isn’t he?” Nik checked a smile for he could feel the heat emanating off his brother. Rafee bristled at insults quicker than a cheetah attacked prey. But he would not fight his brother’s battles. If Rafee wanted to retort, he would. “And you are?” Nik inquired, wanting to find out who the visitor was before he gave her complete rein. “I’m a guest here. Who are you?” the woman asked back. “I am the owner of this estate. So I guess that means you are my guest. It would be nice if I had a name with which to address you,” Nik said. He watched as the woman’s shoulders slumped and she let her guard down. “I’m Shawna Patrick. A friend of Tara’s. I’m visiting her from out of town,” the woman explained. “So I guess that means you must be Nik.” “Yes, I am,” Nik said holding out his hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Patrick.” The woman moved to shake hands, but Rafee still had a hold of her right arm. Looking at Rafee coldly with her hazel eyes, the woman snapped, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can shake your hand. I still seem to be held prisoner against my will. Could we lose the bodyguard now?” “Uh, Rafee…if you would?” Nik asked. Reluctantly, Rafee released her arm and Shawna immediately jumped two feet away from him. “So, he follows orders, huh?” Shawna quipped. “That is my brother, Rafee. Please excuse him, but we were unsure who you were,” Nik explained as Rafee crossed his arms over his chest and continued to glare down at the woman. The woman glared at Rafee, then said, “I suppose I’ll let it go this time.” There was still visible tension in the woman toward Rafee, and in Rafee toward the woman. But Nik wasn’t worried about any feud that may be brewing. His only concern lay with finding Tara and speaking with her himself. “Thank you, Ms. Patrick,” Nik returned, then asked, “You said you were a friend of Tara’s?” “Yes,” she acknowledged. “Is Tara home right now?” Nik inquired. A strange look crossed the woman’s pretty face and she took a moment to wipe the droplets of water from her face with her towel before answering. “She’s…on the estate, but not at home at this moment,” Shawna conveyed. “Just where is she?” Nik asked directly. Shawna looked at him for a moment with dark hazel eyes, then turned her head to her feet. It was obvious she was keeping something from him, and Nik had little patience to find out what it was. “Where is she?” he repeated, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. Perhaps the rumors about Tara and Gabe Bryant were true. Maybe that was why this woman before him was answering so vaguely and looking so apprehensive. A cool fall breeze flitted across the patio, but Nik was numb to its effects. It created gooseflesh upon Shawna’s wet skin, and she pulled the towel tighter about her shoulders. “I suggest, Ms. Patrick, that you answer my brother,” Rafee suddenly spoke up. “He asked you a simple enough question.” Shawna again glared at Rafee and Nik noticed that his brother had a very negative effect on this woman. If he was going to get any information out of her, Rafee’s interrogation techniques were not the answer. “Rafee, please,” Nik said calmly. “I’m sure Ms. Patrick will be cooperative in due time.” “In due time?” Rafee repeated. “I thought you were the one in a hurry, Nikash.” “Yes, but its obvious Ms. Patrick just needs a few more minutes to collect herself. I am positive that she will realize how important it is that I speak with Tara as soon as possible,” Nik said with forced calmness. Hesitantly, the woman said, “I realize you are probably anxious to see Tara. After all, you have been away for some time. But Tara certainly didn’t expect you back today.” “And…?” Nik prodded. “And so, she’s not exactly available at the moment,” the woman finished. Nik bit back a curse and turned his back to Shawna. The urge to find Tara was consuming him and he could see that this woman was stalling. She knew exactly where Tara was, but was refusing to cooperate for some reason. Turning back quickly, Nik was about to demand that she tell him where Tara was, when Jenny’s voice interjected from the side of the patio, “Nik! You’re home!” The girl raced across the patio, a beach towel in her hand and denim shorts on over her bathing suit, and threw her arms around Nik’s waist and hugged him fiercely. “Why didn’t you call and tell us you were coming home?” Jenny inquired, her face buried in his chest. Nik hugged her back and kissed the top of her head. “It was a last minute decision, Jenny,” Nik explained. “I left Kumar in a hurry. There was no opportunity to call.” “I’m just glad you’re back,” Jenny said, pulling away to look at Nik. “Things around here are strange.” Brushing her long hair out of her eyes and lying a hand upon her cheek, Nik asked, “How are things strange, my dear?” Frowning, the child answered, “Gabe Bryant’s been around. A lot. Tara’s been sorta seeing him. More than ever. I don’t get it. I mean, I thought she liked you.” Nik had thought that as well. Yet the rumors were certainly true. Tara was seeing Gabe. But to what extent? Where they really engaged, or just dating? “Jenny,” Shawna spoke up, interrupting them. “Let’s not bother the sheik here with such news. He’s had a long trip and I’m certain he’s tired.” “No, its all right,” Nik said sarcastically. “By all means, bother the sheik with the news.” He glared at Shawna, not in the mood for her interference. “Really, Nik,” Shawna argued, “there’s a lot going on that you don’t know about.” With a raised voice, Nik returned, “That’s becoming quite obvious to me.” “Nik,” Jenny said with a tear running down her cheek. “Don’t be mad a Tara. I think it was just that you’ve been gone for so long. You still like her, don’t you?” Smiling down at Jenny and catching her tear with his thumb, Nik said, “I will like her always.” “Then go find her and tell her that. She’s riding with Gabe. If we’re lucky, maybe he’ll fall off his horse,” Jenny quipped. Nik chuckled at her words and again hugged her to him. “One thing is for certain, Jenny, and that is I love you dearly.” He held her for a long moment and listened to her soft sobbing. She was an emotional child and very affectionate. And though Nik was in a hurry to find Tara now that he knew where she was, he would not ignore Jenny. Finally, Rafee stepped forward and placed a gentle hand upon Jenny’s shoulder. “Nikash, I will watch out for her. Now that you know where Ms. Malone is, perhaps you should go find her,” Rafee suggested. Nik almost laughed for his brother was now supporting his efforts in finding Tara. But that’s how things went with Rafee. He was fierce in his loyalty to family. Before, he had been trying to protect Nik from an outsider he did not trust. Now that he realized Nik would stop at nothing to win Tara back, he would do everything in his power to make that happen—even baby-sit a distraught teen. “Jenny,” Nik said gently, easing her away from him. “I must go find Tara now. You stay here with Ms. Patrick and Rafee.” “Rafee?” she inquired. Realizing Jenny had never met his brother, he gestured toward Rafee and explained, “Yes, Rafee, my brother.” Jenny glanced up at Rafee and said, “Oh, I should have realized. You guys look alike.” “Yes,” Rafee spoke up with a dry tone, “we do. But I still profess that I am better looking.” Jenny giggled and held out her hand. “Its nice to meet you, Rafee.” “It is a pleasure, Jenny,” Rafee returned cordially. “Are Devesh and Taj home too?” Jenny inquired. “Devesh is upstairs,” Nik said. “But Taj remained in Kumar.” “Then do you mind if I go find Devesh and say hello?” she inquired. “Be my guest,” Nik offered. Jenny disappeared into the house and Nik quickly said, “I will be at the stables.” Shawna began to follow when Nik turned and ordered, “You will stay here, Ms. Patrick. My brother will keep you company.” Rafee again had a hold of her arm and she snapped harshly, “Lucky me.” Ignoring the woman’s negative response, Nik hurried to the stables. He discovered the building empty of people as well as the surrounding grounds. He took a moment to plot a course of action and decided that saddling up Raja and scouring the vineyard would at least make him feel like he was doing something useful. So he haltered his black stallion and was about to throw a saddle upon his back when Tara’s form entered the barn. She was dressed in riding pants and black boots, with a silky white tank top. Her hair was tied back with a lace ribbon and a smattering of make-up adorned her lips and cheeks. She was beautiful and Nik had never remembered a time when she’d put herself together so for a ride at the stables. Then he remembered Gabe and he suddenly realized why she was dressed so. “Tara,” he said as he moved away from Raja. She was at the opposite end of the barn and her head jerked up with surprise. “Tara,” Nik said again, moving toward her. “Nik.” His name came off her lips in a gasp. “What…what are you doing here?” “I am looking for you,” he said. There was a wild look upon his face, and Tara was taken back for a long moment. She was so shocked to see him that all she could do was stare. She’d missed him so these past few weeks, but discovering that her fortune had possibly been swindled by Gabe had her mind focused on other matters. Solving the mystery of her father’s money had suddenly become more important than anything else. Yet now that Nik was standing before her, his handsome face lined with worry and exhaustion, she suddenly could think of nothing but him. “When did you get back?” Tara finally asked. “Just now,” Nik said. He boldly walked to her and took her in his arms. “How I have missed you.” His lips found hers and he kissed her hard on the mouth. There was no time for tenderness, he surmised, for he had to reclaim her as his as quickly as possible. The long weeks away had damaged their relationship and Nik wanted her to know that he felt just as much for her now as he had when they’d made love so many weeks before. Tara’s heart melted from the touch of Nik’s lips. How she had missed his touch, his face, his voice! And now that he was back…she pulled away. It was the worst possible timing for him to have returned now. “Please, Nik, don’t,” Tara said. “I must tell you something.” Nik’s eyes turned obsidian as he stared at her face. “Tell me something? Perhaps it is to tell me that you have been seeing Gabe Bryant while I was away.” When Tara heard the anger in his voice, she realized that explaining her situation was going to be near impossible. At least while Nik was in such a mood. It was obvious he had heard the news of she and Gabe from Omar and had rushed back here from Kumar. He more than likely had just stepped off the plane and was exhausted. Too exhausted to rationally understand what she was doing. And if she hadn’t been so concerned for his own problems, she certainly would have called him in Kumar to explain beforehand. “Yes,” Tara admitted, “but I must explain.” She knew Gabe was right outside with the horses and that Jamaal could be lurking anywhere. Now was not the time to tell him all that had happened, and all that she was in the process of doing. “Explain? Explain what?” Nik asked. “Explain that you have forgotten all about us while I was away and have run to the arms of another man?” “Tara?” came Gabe’s voice from the door. “Is everything all right?” “Yes, just fine,” she insisted. “I’ll be there in just a moment.” She now knew that Gabe had heard Nik’s voice. He was more than likely remaining by the door listening to every word. She had to, for the sake of hers and Jenny’s future, make Gabe believe that nothing existed between she and Nik. And though it would break her heart, perhaps it was for the best that she do this now. For what future could she and Nik ever have? He was the sheik of Kumar and she was merely a stable hand. “Listen, Nik, I have to get back to Gabe,” Tara said with faked poise and began to turn away. Nik caught her arm and forced her around. “Back to Gabe? Tara, I do not understand! What about us?” Taking a deep breath, Tara lied, “There is no us, Nik. Not anymore. I’m sorry, but…but Gabe and I have much more in common. It only makes sense that I would want to be with him.” Had Nik returned to the same Villa Serena he had left several weeks before or had he landed in a parallel dimension in which every reality he had known was reversed? There was no way Tara could have changed her mind about them that quickly. No way! And he would not allow the woman he loved to simply walk away with such a weak explanation. “It makes no sense,” Nik argued, wrapping his hands around her upper arms and reeling her toward him. He pressed his forehead to hers and whispered, “How can it make sense when we made such exquisite love just three weeks ago? How can you go to another man who does not know your soul the way I do?” “Nik, please,” Tara pleaded, losing her resolve. “Gabe has known me for several years. We are more suited for each other. You…you are a sheik, a prince who will one day inherit your father’s title and responsibility. There is no room for me in your future.” Though it tore at her insides to tell this to Nik, she realized it was for the best. She had no intentions of truly loving Gabe. She was only getting close to him to see if she could find a way to prove that he had taken her father’s money. But what she said about the future that existed between she and Nik was accurate. She’d known it in her heart all along that nothing could come of their relationship. And in time, he would see that too. “You, my love, are my future,” he declared, grasping the Arabic pendant around her neck in his fingers. “You belong to me.” His words were not spoken with anger, but with passion. She was not a possession to him, but his life. And if he could not persuade her to see that, then he was ruined as a man. Tara gasped and took a step back. She’d dreamed of Nik saying those exact words to her and then their world had disappeared. No, she could not accept what he was saying. She could not heed his words for it would only destroy everything. “No, don’t say that,” she returned, backing away. “Gabe has proposed to me, and I am very seriously considering marrying him.” Nik felt like he was losing this battle and he had one last weapon left. With much force to his tone, he shot out, “No! I will not allow that to happen. I love you! I have vowed to make you my wife.” Tara was stunned by Nik’s words. She knew he cared for her, but had never realized the depth of his feelings. If she had known this, she would have approached everything differently. She could live with breaking her own heart, but could she live with breaking Nik’s? “Tara,” Gabe said, entering the barn. “Come. You don’t have to listen to this.” Gabe’s cool hand was upon her bare arm and she wanted to cringe. She’d suffered a week of his company and every glance, every word issued from his mouth sent a shiver of disgust down her spine. But she had no choice but to fight back for what was hers. And she was sorry that Nik had returned without warning and that she had to put him in this position now, but she had no other option. “I don’t remember ever agreeing to marry you, Nikash,” Tara said with much effort as tears stung her eyes. “Marriage in this country is a two-way street. Both parties must agree first.” Nik was out of his mind with shock and rage but he held his words. There was something about the way Tara was acting that was not right. He should have realized it from the moment he saw her, but he had been so determined in his course that he had failed to notice. She was nearly cringing from Gabe’s touch. And when Nik had first kissed her, she’d responded with desire. Yet her words! They were very direct, very sure. They hinted that she was serious. No, something was amiss. Something was wrong. “Tara,” Gabe said again. “Come on.” When Gabe grabbed her arm again, Tara yanked her arm away and said, “I just need to be left alone. By everyone.” She turned and ran out of the barn. Nik shifted his gaze to Gabe as he stood in his beige riding pants and blue T-shirt. The sight of the man made Nik sick and he wished he hadn’t been taught manners for he would have loved to do nothing less than deck the man as he smiled smugly. “Looks like things have changed while you were away, sheik,” Gabe taunted. “That is Sheik Nikash to you, Mr. Bryant. And nothing has changed. At least nothing that I can’t resolve,” Nik said coolly. “And while I resolve it, you are not to step foot on my estate.” Gabe’s ice blue eyes widened in surprise. “You can’t do that,” he insisted. “Tara and I are seeing each other. You can’t keep us apart.” “No, I cannot. But I can keep you from my estate,” Nik defended. “I do not like you, Mr. Bryant, nor have I ever liked you.” Stepping forward, Gabe declared, “That works out perfectly, Sheik Nikash, because I have never liked you either. You are pompous and arrogant and do not think that you have any claim to Tara.” “I am no more arrogant than are you,” Nik said. “And as for Tara, she will chose wisely, I am certain.” Nik’s words were much more confident than he felt at that moment, but facing an adversary such as Gabe Bryant, he had to sound confident for the man fed off of weakness--other people’s weakness. “Now, leave my estate before I have you escorted off,” Nik demanded. “I am positive you would not want your beloved Tara to see you hauled away in the hands of my brother and Omar. It would only distract from your manhood.” Taking a step back, Gabe said, “I will leave, but only because this is your estate. That was my first mistake, selling Villa Serena to you. I should have kept it for myself. If I had held onto this place, perhaps I could have won Tara sooner.” An evil glint filled Gabe’s eyes and he smiled with pure satisfaction. “You do realize your only draw is Villa Serena, don’t you?” Nik wanted to inquire further, wanted to know what Gabe meant about Villa Serena and Tara, but he refrained. He didn’t want to let Gabe know that he had sparked something inside. That he had peaked Nik’s curiosity. So Nik remained quiet and kept his eyes pealed to the man’s face as Gabe turned and backed away. When Gabe was out of the barn, Nik turned and kicked a plastic bucket, sending it flying down the cement floor. Raja let a wild nicker fly and he threw his head and danced with frustration. Nik understood how his stallion felt, for it was the exact same rage that was now bubbling inside his own being. Quickly, he saddled the horse and fled the barn. Until he could put a handle on things, he would ride. Talking to Tara again would do no good. She needed time to calm down for when she had left, distress had been dominating her face and emotions. So he would ride and he would wait. Though it would not be easy. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Crown Prince - Chapter 12 |