| The Sheiks Of Kumar - Part III The Playboy By CJ |
| Chapter 3 Just as promised, Maria returned to Villa Serena a few days after her morning ride with Shawna and Tara for a pre-wedding pool party. It was supposed to be a bridal shower of sorts, yet not in the traditional sense for several children were present along with a few men. Maria had brought her daughter at Shawna’s insistence and she was glad she had, for Tamara had the chance to swim and meet many of the Armanjani children who ranged from ages 4 to 13. She also had the opportunity to meet much of the Armanjani family from the Sheik of Kumar and his wife all the way down to Zak’s younger sister, Anika. She was a vibrant twenty-six year old woman who shared the same tall, sinewy frame as her brother and those exotic good-looks. In fact, Maria found herself talking for a long while with Anika about San Francisco and upcoming weddings and it surprised her none that Anika reminded her much of Zak. “You’re much like your brother,” Maria commented after a long conversation with Anika. “I mean, in the way you just say whatever is on your mind.” Anika laughed and nodded. “Yes, he and I are like twins at times. But tell me, when did you meet Zak?” “There was this little mishap with his sports car,” Maria explained simply. A light of realization entered Anika’s eyes. “Oh, so you’re the one.” She laughed. “Dev told me Zak tried to run a young woman down on a horse. But I had no idea it was you.” “Dev? Was that the man that was with Zak that day?” Anika nodded. “Yes, my fiancé, Devesh. He’s Nikash’s assistant and his uncle, Taj, has been the Armanjani family tutor, lawyer and advisor for years.” Then Anika looked around as the children began to leave the pool at Sheika Kamila’s request. Several young women remained in the water. Some were Rafee’s sisters, others were friends of Shawna’s from San Francisco and Maria realized she knew none of them. She was definitely the odd person out at this party, regardless of her close friendship with Shawna and Tara. “Its too bad Zak’s not here right now,” Anika said sarcastically. “With all these young women, he’d be in heaven.” Maria bit her tongue, though she had already read in Zak that he was a ladies’ man. She had thought about him for the past three days and his invitation to Paris still brought a chuckle to her lips and an anticipation to her gut. What if she had been able to accept and had just run off to Paris with him? What would that experience have been like? She chastised herself, for it would have been a wonderful adventure, but empty. After the few days of living it up in Paris, she would have found that Zak had grown bored with her reserved ways or figured out she really was not the type of upscale company he obviously kept and lose complete interest. Tamara’s wet hand was tugging on the orange sorang Maria wore that matched her two-piece suit and disrupted her thoughts. She had yet to venture into the water, and wasn’t sure she would, for the night was creeping in and the late fall air was growing cold. “Mommy, can I go in the house with the other kids?” Tamara asked. Maria watched as Sheika Kamila, Nik and Rafee’s mother, shooed her grandchildren inside the mansion’s kitchen. “I don’t know, honey. Why don’t we just get you dried off and head on home?” Maria suggested. Suddenly, Anika stood and took Tamara by the hand. “Non-sense,” she declared. “The party has just gotten started. Us girls have to have some fun now. Your daughter is more than welcome to stay with the other children. My aunt and uncle will feed them dinner and watch movies with them in the house. It’s all arranged.” Maria gaped at Anika, for the thought of the Sheik and Sheika of Kumar watching a herd of children, hers included, was more than she could grasp. Then again, so was being here at all amongst foreign royalty. “All right,” Maria finally agreed. “Just as long as you behave yourself, Tamara.” “I will,” her daughter promised and Maria watched as Anika handed Tamara off to a smiling Kamila. “Now, into the pool with you,” Anika declared and tugged Maria out of her seat and practically launched her into the pool before she could untie her sorang. Maria was glad for Anika’s insistence for she hadn’t remembered the last time she’d played and laughed like she did in the pool with all of Shawna’s friends. The fun lasted for a good hour before the men started to arrive. First, Devesh, Anika’s fiancé showed his face, then Nikash and Rafee made an appearance. The men had all been out to dinner, but apparently their night out had ended much sooner than expected and looking in on the women turned out to be their next task. Then giant Omar, the estate’s bodyguard of sorts, entered the pool area and Maria found herself hanging on the pool edge with two of Shawna’s friends, glancing at all the recent arrivals. “Wow!” one young blonde commented as she scanned the men. “Where did they import all these hot men from?” “I don’t know, but are any of them single?” a raven-haired beauty asked. “I think he is,” Maria said, gesturing toward Omar. She remembered Anika speaking of him during their earlier conversation. “He’ll do,” the blonde cooed and smiled with conspiracy. Just then, Zak walked through the French doors leading from the dinning room. His hair was pulled back and he wore faded jeans and a white ribbed T-shirt. He looked casual, but the expression upon his face was that of exhaustion. “There’s another one,” the dark haired girl pointed out, nodding toward Zak. Maria didn’t comment that Zak too was single, very single, and that surprised her for what did she care if these two young and obviously available women caught his eye? She cared, she told herself, because she had secretly liked some of that attention he’d paid her while innocently flirting. Not that she took anything he said seriously, but it had been fun at times none-the-less to be noticed by such an exotic, breath-taking man. “Evening ladies,” Zak drawled with enthusiasm as he stopped next to the pool edge and stared down at the three women hanging on the edge. “Isn’t this a welcomed sight to return home to?” The two women giggled, and Maria merely stifled a smile of humor at his words. “I take it your penance is served?” she inquired of him instead of flirting back. “Yes, it is. I just returned from the airport not five minutes ago,” he explained with a small smile for her. “Did your trip go well?” Maria inquired. She wondered why she was asking him about his business trip then realized she was curious to discover if he had found himself a date while in Paris. “It went as well as any other business trip, only I never did find myself a date for my business dinner,” he told her with a sarcastic smirk. “Perhaps next time you’ll seriously consider my offer?” “Uh, perhaps,” Maria returned, though she knew she never could. “So, are you going to join us or what?” the blonde girl piped up, looking Zak over like he was dessert. “I’d be a fool not to,” he answered lightly. “Great, and bring the big guy,” she told him. Zak laughed and moved over to Omar. The two men spoke for a moment then disappeared into the house. Meanwhile, the two young women next to Maria began to talk with much anticipation over who was going to hook up with which man. Maria frowned and swam away, certain she would lose out if she even attempted to compete with the other two women who obviously possessed the same free spirit as Zak. Besides, what did she care if they caught Zak’s attention? She wasn’t looking for romance and she certainly was not looking for a man like Zak. So, she would content herself by watching the bright colors of the sunset over the vines and swim lazily in the pool until her daughter was ready to go home. ** It had been more of a pleasant surprise to return home and find Maria at Villa Serena than he realized. In fact, Zak had been dreading seeing everyone gathered at the pool until he’d laid eyes upon Maria. His trip had been long and boring and he was weary. He’d planned to make a quick appearance at Shawna’s party and then return to his small dwelling down by the stables that he was finding to be a refuge away from the family drama. Yet finding Maria in the pool had changed his plans. Strangely, he had thought about her the entire time he was in Paris. In fact, he’d been so preoccupied with thinking about her that he hadn’t even bothered to call any other women while he was there. That was a first for him. Usually, he always found company, yet thoughts of the beautiful woman now in his sights had deterred him from his usual routine. She was hanging on the edge of the pool by herself now with her back to him and her long brown hair clipped up on her head out of the water. Zak took advantage of her distraction to dive into the water and swim up behind her. Omar was occupying the other women she’d been with earlier and Zak wanted no part of that. He only wanted Maria and again that shocked him. She jumped when he touched her and turned her head quickly in his direction. Her lovely face showed surprise at first and as he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her away from the pool’s edge, her expression changed to wariness. “You frightened me,” she said to him as her hands landed upon his bare shoulders as he pulled her into the deeper water where she couldn’t stand. “I figured I had to catch you off guard,” Zak told her, “or you never would have left that pool edge.” He took her into deeper water still and she held onto his shoulders tighter, but it was obvious she was uncomfortable. In fact, she was almost pushing away from him, only touching him as much as she had to. “What, can’t you swim?” Maria’s hesitancy and stiffness forced him to ask. “I can swim fine, it’s your swimming that has me worried,” she admitted. “After all, you’re holding me prisoner and I have seen the way you drive a car.” Zak laughed at her joke, though he knew part of her words were meant to convey her distrust of him. “I can swim perfectly. Don’t worry, I won’t drown you in the deep end,” he teased her. When she tried to pull away with more fight, he ordered gently, “Relax.” “Zak, are you torturing our guest?” Anika asked as she and Devesh swam beside them. “Not at all,” he answered, “I was simply trying to get her away from that pool edge she was clinging to.” “And hopefully onto our team,” Devesh added. “It seems Omar is already recruiting his.” He nodded in the giant’s direction. The man not only had a woman on each arm, but was talking to Shawna and Rafee too. “Team?” Maria asked. “Yes, volleyball,” Anika explained. “Its volleyball, but in the deep end where you can’t touch. We make it a real challenge that way. Its tradition in our family. Omar and Rafee always gang up on everyone and win—that too is becoming tradition. One we want to break. We need all the help we can get. So you and Zak play with us.” The game sounded arduous and though Maria enjoyed athletics and had even played on her high school volleyball team as a teen, she doubted she’d last more than five minutes playing it in eight feet of water, next to Zak, his beautiful and wet body an incredible distraction. She’d tried to get away from him simply because his nearness had unglued her. As soon as he’d grabbed her in the pool and his arms had so intimately snaked around her, she’d been bombarded by a storm of electricity that was certainly unsafe to experience in water…barely clothed. “I’ll try,” Maria agreed reluctantly. “But I can’t guarantee I’ll be any help.” She turned out to be more help than she’d first anticipated, except treading water was wearing her down quickly. Her team was lucky in that Omar was indeed distracted by the two women on his team and that meant Shawna and Rafee had to take up the slack on the other end. Maria enjoyed herself despite the exertion and found that she laughed more in that one game than she had in a long while. In fact, it was while laughing hysterically that she inhaled water and discovered herself clinging to Zak while she caught her breath. “You all right?” he asked her as he pulled her closer. If Maria hadn’t been choking on a lungful of water, she may have noticed the sweet feel of his bare chest against her and the strength of his arm around her own bare waist. She also might have noticed that only her thin suit top separated her breasts from his wet, heavenly chest! “Fine,” she said between coughs. “I’m just drowning.” He held her securely treading water and pulling her toward the side of the pool. “You’d better be all right,” he said with a smile as he helped her to the edge but kept a hand on her back. “It’s your serve and we’re at game point.” She nodded and took a deep breath, feeling her lungs clear. “Good. Make this point and I’ll get you a much deserved drink,” Zak added. With a sarcastic smile, Maria pleaded, “Please, nothing more to drink. I’ve had enough pool water for one night.” Zak laughed at her comment then caught the ball as the other team sent it over the net. He handed the ball her way, then leaned forward and surprisingly kissed her on the cheek. “Good luck, darling,” he said with a wink and swam toward the net. If that wasn’t enough to render her unable to move, let alone play volleyball, then nothing was. She remained on the edge for a moment too long, feeling that sweet touch from his lips burn on her cheek. It had been nothing but a small, innocent peck and she was stalling the game like Zak had just ravaged her with a wow of a kiss. It wasn’t until Shawna taunted her from the other side of the net that Maria realized she was noticeably balking and holding up the game. Using the last of her reserves of energy, though the kiss had drained her as much as the hour of treading water, she hit a hard overhand serve and watched as Omar knocked it back with too much force and sent it flying out of the pool and into the landscaping behind her. Her team cheered, obviously excited about their victory over Rafee and Omar, and taunted the opposing side who sent waves of water back. Dev kissed Anika and Zak grabbed Maria around the waist again and dragged her away from the edge, hugging her to him tightly. “Awesome,” he said to her with enthusiasm. “It’s been months since Dev and I bested Omar and Rafee.” “Hey, Zak,” Dev spoke up as he pulled away from Anika. “We need to recruit her to play in all our games. We’d have a shot with her.” “More than a shot, I’d say,” Anika chimed in. “Think you could make the next match, Maria?” Still in Zak’s grasp and feeling self-conscious from his arms so intimately around her, Maria answered, “Sure. When?” What would it hurt to accept an invitation for another innocent evening in the pool? It was so rare that she went out with friends anymore. Yet with the way Zak was holding her, she wondered just how long the evening would remain innocent. “New Year’s,” Zak chimed in. “In Kumar.” Maria laughed and stated with sarcasm, “Sure. I’ll just fly into Kumar right after I meet you in Paris, Zak.” “I’m holding you to your word,” Zak insisted. Turning her head to look at Anika, Maria pleaded, “Anika, please tell your brother I’m only joking.” “Actually,” Anika said, “it sounds like a great plan. New Year’s in Kumar, that is.” Then, before Maria realized what was happening, Anika was calling to Rafee and Shawna as they exited the pool, inquiring about New Year’s in Kumar. While Anika discussed plans with them and consulted with Nik and Tara even, Zak dragged Maria toward the shallow end of the pool. She felt helpless in his grasp, unable to pull away and unwilling to as well. Her inner voice told her it was dangerous to be near him, especially when they were so different and he was so…bold. But she wasn’t doing a very good job of listening to that voice and her body was weary from the physical exertion of the volleyball game. It was easier to just give in. “I hope you realize I was only joking about flying anywhere,” Maria reiterated hoping she could at least convince Zak to let her go, since she couldn’t seem to find the strength to tear herself away from him. “And I hope you realize we were entirely serious about going to Kumar,” Zak countered. “You’ll enjoy my country.” “I don’t doubt that,” Maria agreed as they reached an area of the pool where she could easily stand. “But like I said, I have too many responsibilities to just take off on some trip.” Though they were in only five feet of water, Zak didn’t allow her to regain her own feet. As soon as she tried to put her feet down and let go of his shoulders, Zak forced her legs around him and continued to hold on to her waist. “Don’t run off yet,” he insisted. “I’m not through with you.” She was about to retort when he quickly added, “And I don’t see any reason why your responsibilities would interfere with a trip that’s more than a month away. I’m giving you plenty of notice this time.” “Zak,” she said firmly, “I really can’t go anywhere. I don’t have the time or the capability right now. I have things I can’t just leave behind.” He smirked at her with his trademark arrogance and inquired, “And just what might be on your schedule that would hinder you from going? Your next manicure appointment?” Again, Maria was aware of just how different their worlds were. He came from a family with numerous assets at their disposal. It was commonplace for them to rush off on excursions at a moment’s notice and travel the globe. Maria never had such luxury, nor would she ever. But that didn’t matter to her. She had simple goals and dreams and as much as she would enjoy running off to a foreign land, it just wasn’t possible or necessary at this stage in her life. “You really have no clue about me, do you?” Maria questioned back. “I’m not like you, Zak.” “I’m trying to get a clue about you,” he said lightly. “No, you’re not,” she returned. “What I’m trying to say is, I’m conservative. Boring. My life is…” He stared at her critically as if he were at a loss for words then said, “I don’t find anything about you boring. Just the opposite. You are quite intriguing.” “No, I’m not,” Maria argued. “I don’t attend high fashion parties, I’m not friends with super models and I certainly don’t fly off to exotic locations like Kumar for water games.” “Kumar’s a desert, there’s nothing exotic about it,” Zak joked. Zak certainly didn’t take much seriously, Maria decided. It was as if he couldn’t hear her words and what she was trying to convey. “That’s not my point,” Maria said, frustrated. With a wicked smile that no woman could resist, Zak said, “I know. But I refuse to stand here with you in my arms and argue over how different you believe we are.” As if to punctuate that she was indeed in his arms, he tightened his hold and splayed a hand across her back, his fingers teasing at the strap on of her top. Trying another approach and hoping she wasn’t physically reacting in any way to that bold touch, Maria said, “But we are different and I’m still angry about you trying to run me down with your car.” “I profusely apologize for that,” he told her. “Like I tried to explain the other day, I was not myself that day and I acted appallingly rude.” “So you’re not usually arrogant and sullen?” Maria questioned with a small smile upon her lips, remembering her first impressions of him that day. “Not sullen, no.” “But you don’t deny the arrogance?” “I am an Armanjani, we’re all a bit arrogant,” he insisted. “That must go along with being of royal descent, huh?” He frowned slightly at her question. “No. Our arrogance is part of our inherited personalities, not our status.” He paused then asked, “Does my royal heritage bother you?” “I don’t care that you’re a prince or royalty,” Maria answered honestly. “But I do mind that we are very, very different in our personalities and our lifestyles.” Zak didn’t respond or comment again for Maria was arguing in a circle and he wanted no part of it. Instead, he concentrated on the feel of her wet skin next to his and softness of her feminine flesh pressed against him. Before, when he had held her, she’d seemed stiff and tense, ready to bolt from his embrace at one wrong move. Now, however, with her mind distracted on her argument and her body worn from the game, Zak found that she was easily holding on to him as he milled in a lazy circle around the pool, her legs wrapped around his waist in an intimate pose. He enjoyed the feel of her and he wished she would stop arguing about how different they were because it certainly didn’t matter to him. They could be different, no problem. But he was intensely attracted and at the moment, that was all that concerned him. “Are you listening to me?” Maria suddenly halted her words to ask. “I’m listening,” Zak answered, “but I don’t believe you.” He stopped moving as they reached the hot tub. He could feel the cooling air temperatures had an affect on Maria’s skin, for small gooseflesh were invading her arms and shoulders. “Why not?” Maria asked, oblivious to the fact that they had halted. “Because none of that matters to me, Maria. And you can argue all night if you’d like, but I still find you attractive and want you to desperately come to Kumar with me for New Year’s,” Zak said lowly as he moved his head closer to hers. He had planned on kissing her. His lips had touched her cheek earlier in an innocent gesture of good luck. Now, he wanted more than an innocent gesture. He was attracted to her. Incredibly attracted to her. And he knew it was her “hard to get” routine that was inflaming his attraction. Rarely, did women play such a role with him and it only heightened his need for her that much more. Perhaps once he kissed her he’d be able to persuade her. It had never failed before. Reacting quickly, Maria placed a finger upon his lips. His face was so near and she could easily allow him the pleasure of kissing her, but she wasn’t ready for that. Though Maria too was attracted to Zak, she just didn’t need another immature, self-centered man in her life. “Please don’t,” she said softly. “I’m not in to being the flavor of the week.” “Is that what you think you’d be?” Zak questioned back, again regretting the reputation he’d developed for himself but knowing he deserved it. Maria gave a small shrug as Zak released her from his hold. “It doesn’t mean we can’t be friends,” Maria spat out, knowing it was the worst of lines to give any man, no matter what the circumstance, but probably the kiss of death to deliver to a man like Zak. “Ouch!” a male voice suddenly interjected amusingly. Devesh was standing next to Zak, and slapped a hand down on his shoulder. “Bet you’ve never heard that before, Zak.” Zak slanted a glare toward Devesh and was about to retort, when Rafee’s imposing figure loomed behind both men. “Gentlemen, I hear we’re on for a rematch in Kumar. New Year’s, was it?” Rafee asked. “Yes, New Year’s,” Devesh confirmed. “That is, if you and Omar don’t back out at the last minute.” Rafee gave a menacing laugh and looped an arm around both Devesh’s and Zak’s necks. The man’s biceps bulged with the movement and Maria was certain that next to the giant Omar, Shawna’s fiancé was the most intimidating man she’d ever glimpsed. “If that’s your attitude, Devesh,” Rafee began, “I suppose I can expect both you and Zaki in the gym early tomorrow morning. I’ve been looking for a couple of sparring partners lately. Omar just doesn’t cut it any longer.” Rafee began to swim away, then turned back and added, “That is, if you two don’t back out at the last minute.” There was a look of dread upon both Zak’s and Devesh’s faces. Maria was curious and when Anika joined them, laughing at what had just transpired, Maria inquired of the situation. “Let’s just say that no one comes away from a kick-boxing sparring session with Rafee without injury,” Anika explained. “Even Omar’s about given up fighting with him.” Maria’s eyes drifted over to large Omar who was wider and taller than even Rafee and then back to Zak and Devesh who still looked dismayed by their morning task. Maria giggled, trying to hide it, and slipped over the wall separating the hot tub from the pool with Anika. The men joined them shortly after, and Anika immediately snuggled next to her fiancé. Anika’s affection was endearing, but Maria felt a bit out of place. In fact, everyone seemed to be paring off with their loved-ones and Maria was nothing but a third-wheel. Of course, she could have been paired up quickly with Zak. It was obvious he was interested—for the night anyhow--but Maria just couldn’t bring herself to play along despite his breath taking good-looks. It wasn’t her style. It wasn’t part of her moral code. It just wasn’t…her. “Then perhaps you gentlemen should just sleep in tomorrow,” Maria suggested. “I’d sacrifice my ego if I were you.” “Oh, we plan to do just that,” Devesh reassured her, then settled into easy conversation with the rest of the group. They talked amicably in the warm waters of the hot tub for a long while until the subject of Kumar again resurfaced. Once it was pointed out that Maria was not planning on going, Devesh complained, “And just how do you expect us to beat Rafee and Shawna without you?” “I’m sure you’ll manage,” Maria insisted. “So, why can’t you come along?” Anika asked, seriously. “Tara and Shawna will both be there. It’ll be a blast.” “I’m certain it will be,” Maria agreed. She looked at Zak, because this was the same argument they’d been having in the pool earlier. “She has responsibilities,” Zak explained for her, with a sarcastic smile in her direction. Then he slipped an arm around her waist and tugged her onto his lap. “But since she and I are such good friends now, I’m certain I can persuade her to come along.” He was flirting with her again, and it was obvious he had heeded none of her words. Even the “friendship” line she had thrown out, he’d found a way to turn it around on her. He was a man who refused to accept “no” as an answer and Maria was afraid his persistence would eventually wear her down. “Mommy,” a tiny voice called from nearby. “I can’t find my sweatshirt.” Tamara was the perfect diversion. Zak’s eyes widened in disbelief and he immediately released Maria. “Mommy?” he asked her. With a teasing grin, Maria said, “I told you I had responsibilities.” Maria was positive a woman with a child would send Zak running in the opposite direction so quickly that he’d be gone in two seconds. A man like him didn’t have the desire to be with a woman with kids. It wasn’t his speed and it certainly did not fit into his lifestyle. Recovering quickly, however, Zak inquired, “Do your responsibilities also include a husband?” “Not any more,” Maria drawled as she stepped out of the tub. “I’ll be back in a minute.” As she walked away with a little version of herself in tow, Zak watched. Her child glanced back at him several times and he smiled at her, until she grinned and turned back toward her mother. It wasn’t that Zak didn’t like children. On the contrary, his cousins Rana and Aria had a palace full of them and any visit to the royal palace meant lots of little company. He was just surprised, because he’d never been interested in a woman before who’d had a child. “Zak,” Anika suddenly chastised, breaking into his thoughts. “What are you doing?” “What do you mean?” he asked, though he had a feeling he knew where this conversation was heading. “I mean, Maria’s a nice girl,” Anika explained. Zak threw his eyes in her direction. She was digging through a backpack and pulling out a child’s sweatshirt. Her form was so curvaceous and feminine in her bright orange bikini and again he felt a strong pull of attraction for a woman who looked and acted very different than his usual company. “Yes, she is,” he returned with a grin. Suddenly, Anika’s hand was on his face, forcing his eyes back around. “That’s not what I meant, Zak,” she insisted. “Maria’s a nice girl, unlike the kind you usually befriend.” Zak frowned at his sister. Anika, like him, harbored a wild spirit. Only, Devesh had tamed that spirit early on and Anika had noticed no man but him for years, otherwise, he was certain his sister would have developed a similar reputation to his. But he was glad she had not and was seriously attached to a good man, because living down the reputation of a playboy was almost impossible. “Are you saying I’m beyond reform, Anika?” Zak questioned. “I’m not sure yet.” “Well, maybe I’m not beyond reform. Maybe there is still hope for me,” he teased. Then seriously, he added, “And I see that Maria’s a nice girl. I’m not up to my usual antics. I promise.” “You’d better not be,” Anika warned. “I like her.” “But, honey,” Devesh spoke up, “they’re only friends.” He smiled teasingly at Zak, then climbed out of the hot tub and dragged Anika with him before Zak’s splash could reach them for his taunt. Maria returned a few moments later, a towel wrapped around her waist and her daughter gone. Shivering, she dropped her towel quickly and stepped into the hot tub. “You’re still here,” she said to Zak with amazement in her voice. “And that surprises you?” he inquired. “Yes, I thought for certain the image of my five year old daughter would send you running.” “Why? She’s a beautiful child,” Zak said back. “And if you haven’t noticed, my extended family has numerous little ones running about. Children do not frighten me.” Maria stared at him critically for a long moment, and from the look on his handsome face, it was obvious he was serious in his declaration. “You don’t believe me?” Zak asked when Maria failed to say more. “I just figured a man like you would…dislike children,” she said carefully, not wanting to completely insult him. Furrowing his brow, Zak said, “It appears as if I have done a good job of giving you a wonderful impression of me. I will admit that I have not always lived my life with the best discretion, but it is conceivable that I can change.” “It is conceivable that everyone can change. And I don’t mean to be rude, Zak. It’s just that I am a…conservative person and you’re not. It’s obvious you’re not by the way you talk and drive and from what I’ve heard.” With a rueful smile, Zak said, “Let me guess what you’ve heard. You’ve heard that I’m a playboy with a reputation in every European city. That I slack off on my work, more concerned with my next party than my next business meeting, and break every woman’s heart that I meet.” “It wasn’t exactly spelled out in those specific terms, but that’s the main impression,” Maria agreed. With a sigh, Zak returned, “That’s the main impression everyone has of me and I’m afraid I worked quite hard at achieving it. In fact, even my father believes I am beyond any hope.” “He does?” Maria asked. “Yes, he told me as much before he sent me away to Paris,” he admitted. “Is that why he sent you to that meeting in Paris?” Maria inquired. “Because he thinks you are beyond hope?” Zak shook his head. Maria remembered having asked him a similar question a few days prior about his trip to Paris and he had said nothing then. She wondered if he would remain mute on the subject again. His dark eyes shifted away from her and settled on two forms that had just entered the party. They were not dressed for a pool party and as Maria followed his stare and studied the forms for herself, she found Shawna’s older brother, Joseph, and Zak’s beautiful sister, Jazmin, standing just outside the kitchen slider, speaking with Shawna and Rafee. “That is why he sent me,” Zak said evasively, nodding toward the new guests. When Maria stared his way with confusion, Zak explained, “See, Jazmin and Joseph Patrick recently married.” Zak watched as Maria’s eyes widened with surprise. “Really? I didn’t know that.” “It was a shock to everyone. And it happened very recently.” Maria stared at the couple again. They were certainly not overly affectionate and acting like newlyweds. Rather, they appeared almost shy to even be around the family members who were talking with them and physically kept a small distance between themselves. “My father is not pleased with the match,” Zak added. Maria turned her eyes back to Zak. His expression was grave and Maria was certain he had dropped all pretense of flirting and was speaking seriously now. “That’s too bad. I know Joseph from when we were growing up. He’s a good man. He really helped hold Shawna’s family together when her mother ran off. He was like Shawna’s guardian, always keeping an eye on her and making sure she was taken care of,” Maria explained. “That’s what I’ve heard,” Zak said, sounding only halfway convinced. “Have you had a chance to get to know Joseph at all?” Maria inquired. “Only a little. Jazmin had met him before I arrived. And they were married before I even realized she harbored deep feelings for him.” “So it happened quickly?” Zak gave a short chuckle with a caustic edge and answered, “Yes. Too quickly it seems. It took but a few weeks for it all to unfold. And much too quickly for my father. He is incensed.” “Why is that?” Maria asked, thinking that Joseph Patrick was the kind of respectable man any father would like. Perhaps the quickness of it all was to blame and that would be overcome with time. “Because my dear sister broke off an engagement with the Crown Prince of Ajman to marry a San Francisco Police Detective with no warning, that’s why.” Maria stifled a gasp. It was startling and she could see how a father might feel blindsided by such a marriage. Maria herself had surprised her parents with her choice of husbands when she’d eloped with Roger at the age of twenty. Her father had also been angry for a time, but his love for her had quickly overcome his anger about the marriage. In time, all had been set straight. “I understand how both your father and sister feel,” Maria confessed. “When I ran off to get married at twenty, our family was in a bit of turmoil as well. But it eventually settled itself.” “That’s what I am hoping,” Zak said. “But in the meantime, there is a rift in our family and it’s putting strain on everyone, especially on Jazmin. And right now, Jazmin doesn’t need any excess strain because she’s…” Zak stopped because he realized he was about to confess something to Maria that nobody knew aside from him, Jazmin and Joseph. Would it be a betrayal to his sister to reveal her secret to Maria? He had a feeling Maria was the type of woman a man could trust with secrets. She was honest and reserved and certainly not a gossip. Yet Zak was no gossip either and knew Jazmin had told him her secret in confidence because she had needed someone to know. He had promised not to tell anyone until she was ready to make her announcement to the family. But Zak felt that secret was wearing him down and knew that if only Jazmin would reveal it, their family rift would start to mend and Laxman would better understand her actions and her love for the man Laxman disapproved of. “She’s what?” Maria prodded when Zak stopped talking mid-sentence. He looked around then moved closer to her. With a serious tone, he asked, “Can I trust you with something?” “If you tell me something in confidence, I would keep it to myself,” Maria answered. “That’s what I thought,” Zak agreed. “You strike me as that type of person, Maria.” Maria smiled, for it was a compliment she was happy to accept. “Thank you, Zak.” He smiled back briefly then said quietly, “Jazmin is pregnant. Joseph is the father.” Though the news shocked Maria, she kept a calm face and studied Zak’s expression for a long moment. He was truly concerned for his older sister and Maria admired that in him for it was the first sign of seriousness she’d seen in him since they’d met. “She called me in Paris not long ago, quite distraught over the news,” he continued. “Then suddenly, she was married and all hell broke loose in the family.” “Does anyone else in the family know?” Maria questioned, lowering her own voice several decibels. They were now seated very closely, practically whispering to each other about the secretive news. “No. Jazmin told only me. It’s placed me in an awkward position in the family, but I will keep her secret as long as necessary.” Maria was quiet for a long while until Zak asked her in a low voice that sounded very intimate, but not sexual, “What are you thinking?” “I suppose I’m a bit shocked and…concerned for your sister.” Zak nodded in agreement. “Yes, concern seems to be the most prevalent emotion. I don’t want you to think ill of my sister for getting pregnant. Jazmin is not like me. She is quiet and almost stoic. She’s very…proper…like you.” “Proper?” Maria asked back with a crooked grin. Reaching out and touching the thin golden cross she wore around her neck on a chain, Zak repeated, “Yes, proper. Just like every other Catholic school girl I’ve ever met.” Was she that transparent in her ways that Zak could read into her history too? “I only went to Catholic school until the age of twelve. Then I transferred to the public school for high school,” she corrected. “So maybe I’m not that proper.” “Don’t give me hope or you may just regret it,” Zak teased her, his demeanor quickly changing and his intimate tone gone. She missed that low tone in his voice, the one he’d used when they’d been talking of family secrets and trust. They laughed for a moment, and Maria found that once she looked past his masculine charms, he was actually an agreeable man with a lot to say. In fact, she enjoyed him this way and felt at ease while they chatted next to each other. Having liked the conversation thus far, and wanting to discover a bit more, Maria nodded toward the golden rectangular charm Zak wore around his own neck. “Is that a religious symbol too?” Maria inquired. Zak shook his head and lifted the charm in his fingers. “No, it’s a family symbol. It signifies our history and heritage. Look,” he instructed and leaned closer to Maria. “This side is my name in my native writing.” Maria studied the flowing, swirling letters of Arabia on the front, and then saw an intricate design on the backside with a lion’s head in the center. “And this side is our royal family crest,” Zak explained. “Everyone in the royal family wears one. It has been a long tradition in our family. It is said to date back to some of the earliest sheiks and serve as a form of protection from our enemies.” He smiled wickedly at her and added, “It is even said that sheiks would leave this crest on something they wanted to claim. I believe several women throughout the ages have accepted charms thinking them harmless gifts, only to discover they had unwittingly given themselves to the sheik.” “Your family has a wonderful sense of history,” Maria observed. “They do. Then again, you cannot be in such a high station and not understand your family traditions and responsibilities. It would be disrespectful to your country and people if you did.” Zak smiled thoughtfully and added, “Even I know that, though my family is convinced I learned nothing while growing up aside from how to attract females.” “And that’s why your father punishes you with boring business meetings?” Maria inquired, bringing the conversation back to the topic that had started it all. “No,” he returned. “He sends me away because he does not like to be questioned. Laxman, my father, is a stern man. He is not like my Uncle Aarif. Though they are brothers, Aarif is more of a diplomat. He only wants happiness for his children. Thus, when Nikash and Rafee chose American brides, Aarif did not blink.” “But when Jazmin decided to marry an American cop, your father did not approve,” Maria finished for him. “Correct. Father is more concerned with creating a royal heir, with keeping the family bloodline pure. He would have had that with a marriage between Jazmin and her former suitor. But now that Jazmin has married Joseph Patrick…well, father believes it is a marriage not worthy of our family. Of course, that attitude brings Nikash and Rafee in to defend Joseph because of Shawna and Tara and suddenly everyone is choosing sides. It’s a mess.” “And I take it you chose the wrong side?” Maria asked. “I have not chosen any side…publicly. My family usually doesn’t think to ask my opinion because they are certain I pay no attention to their drama. They think I am completely…self-centered.” Zak paused, again realizing such an impression was of his own doing. “And as for Jazmin and Joseph—I am concerned. It is no one’s business but theirs. Jazmin must do what is right for her and the baby. I will not tell her what to do like everyone else is trying, but I will support her. If she wants to be Joseph Patrick’s wife, that is her decision. When I voiced that to my father the other day, he made it quite clear I was not qualified to make such a judgment seeing how I was corrupt at birth. Then decided that meeting in Paris needed my urgent attention.” Maria replayed his words through her mind and was certain she had read something between the lines. Carefully, she asked, “Are you concerned for Jazmin because part of you wonders if she really loves Joseph or is just marrying him because of her…uh, situation?” Slowly, Zak nodded his head. He had never voiced that concern, but it was at the root of his thoughts. And of course, he would never mention such thoughts to Jazmin, for it was her decision and her life. “And your father…what do you think he’ll do when the news of the…baby comes out?” Maria asked quietly, again making sure no one heard their conversation. “I would think such news would mend the rift. My father is not an evil man. He is just controlling at times. But news of a grandchild, I am sure, would heal everything.” “Even if that grandchild is only half royalty?” Maria posed. “I would hope so,” Zak said. “And purity shouldn’t matter. Our family blood has mingled with several different cultures and races throughout history. I don’t see why it should matter now. It’s just that my father had high hopes for Jazmin. She would have fit in well with the other royal families in our nation.” “There’s always you,” Maria suggested. “Have you met any promising royal heiresses lately?” Zak laughed and Maria found that his humor was real and came easily. “Me? My father said he has given up on ever seeing me marry. I doubt I will ever produce a royal heir.” “Plan on being the swinging single for the rest of your life?” Zak hesitated and studied Maria’s face. Up until this entire family drama had unfolded and he’d met Maria, he would have answered yes to that question. But things could change in a man’s life and Zak had a feeling his life was on such a course. “No. In fact, I’ve been contemplating giving up my black book,” he answered. “I think I’ve outgrown all that.” Not sure whether the man was joking or being serious, Maria asked lightly, “So that means you’re going to start driving the speed limit in a nice conservative four door and quit running down innocent women?” “That’s asking a lot of a man,” Zak declared. “I could give up women, but not my sports cars and motorcycles.” Maria found herself laughing again. They had talked about serious issues and then easily switched to humor. Their conversation had traveled an amazing course and Maria could not remember the last time she had talked for so long with an interesting and attractive man. Their laughter, however, died down when their legs brushed under the water. They were sitting very close, for they had wanted to keep much of their conversation private. Now, that privacy was turning into intimacy as their bodies touched in the steaming water. Zak sensed a shift in the atmosphere and when Maria’s smooth leg brushed against his, he could no longer resist her. Looping an arm around her waist and reeling her in close, Zak said, “Or perhaps I could give up my sports cars for a nice, conservative Catholic girl from Canterbury.” He kissed her then because she seemed willing to allow it. Barely did he touch his lips to hers. It was a tender, soft kiss and if it hadn’t shocked him to his core, he would have made it longer. Yet he couldn’t, for he felt something completely jarring, something totally foreign and it made him pull back. Hoping to hide his astonishment at the sweet feelings he’d experienced from the simple union, Zak said with a smile, “From one friend to another. I hope you didn’t mind?” Maria shook her head but said nothing and merely moved a good foot away from him. She stared at him with a strange look upon her face, and Zak couldn’t read whether that look meant she had enjoyed it, or that she was completely abhorred by his actions. “Maria,” a female voice suddenly called into the night. “Someone’s looking for you.” Maria tore her eyes away from the handsome man who had just kissed her with such a tenderness her heart had nearly exploded and focused on Anika who stood in the doorway of the kitchen with little Tamara in tow. Her daughter was rubbing her eyes and looking rather exhausted and Maria knew it was time for her to go. It was perfect timing, she reasoned, for Zak’s small kiss had almost made her reconsider her earlier decision to not be the “flavor of the week.” “I’d better go. Tamara’s tired,” Maria said, as she stood to climb out of the hot tub. Zak knew when to push and when not to push with a woman, and Maria had absorbed as much of him as she could for one night. With a simple nod of his head, he said, “Of course. I’ll see you some other time. Good-night, Maria.” “Good-night,” Maria returned, then grabbed her towel and hurried to her daughter. She disappeared into the house and Zak leaned back against the cement edge of the tub and studied the night sky. Yep, he might just be able to throw that black book away one of these days if Maria continued to move him in such a surprising way. “Zaki, come join us!” Omar called to him from the other side of the pool. “Looks like your date is gone.” Omar was still entertaining two lovely friends of Shawna’s, but Zak felt no desire to continue the night now that Maria was gone. Climbing out of the hot tub himself and wrapping a towel around his waist, he called back to Omar, “No thanks. You enjoy yourself. I’m exhausted.” Omar stared at him as if he’d spoken a foreign tongue, then shrugged and turned his attention back to the ladies. Zak left, and it was the first time he had ever declined such an invitation. His life was changing indeed. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Playboy - Chapter 4 |