| The Sheiks Of Kumar - Part III The Playboy By CJ |
| Chapter 4 “Zak?” Nikash asked, his voice breaking into Zak’s wayward train of thought the next morning. “What?” Zak returned, looking up from the fax he held in his hands but had not yet read for thoughts about the evening spent with Maria were plaguing his mind. “Didn’t you hear a word I said about that fax?” Nikash inquired. Zak shook his head and stood from the leather couch. The soreness in his back caused him to wince. “Perhaps you’d be more receptive to business if you hadn’t worked out with Rafee this morning,” Nikash suggested. “I didn’t work out with him,” Zak said humorously, “I was merely his punching bag.” Nikash shook his head and stated, “That’s why I prefer sleeping in lately. Rafee’s skill has surpassed us all and a workout with him leaves one wishing they were dead.” “Or perhaps you’re sleeping in so much because you are a newlywed?” Zak proposed. Nikash laughed and nodded at Zak’s words. “That could certainly be true,” Nikash agreed. “How do you do it? Settle down with just one woman?” Zak questioned, as he placed the fax on the desk of Nikash’s home office and focused his eyes on his cousin who sat behind the large mahogany desk. “I suppose the trick is finding the right woman,” Nikash answered. “I suppose,” Zak surmised. “But don’t you miss all the action? I mean, don’t you miss the time when Europe was our playground? You, me, Rafee and Dev—it was so exciting.” “And tiring,” Nikash added. “Why do you think we’ve all settled down?” Leaning on his elbows Nikash explained, “When we were younger it was exciting to play and party. But after a while it grows old. Surely you must be feeling it, Zak. Otherwise we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Zak frowned for his cousin was too adept at reading people. Nikash was not only a superb businessman, but also an expert diplomat. He would make a fine sheik when his time came to assume the title for he cold not only read people, but also diffuse any situation with calm and reason. Any situation, that is, except the one with Laxman. “Am I right?” Nikash asked. Zak shrugged. He had been thinking not only about Maria but also about the course of his life. The past few months had seemed wrong to him. He attended gatherings less often and found himself more disinterested in the former company he kept. Was it just a phase, or was it true that all the excitement was finally growing old as Nikash suggested? “Maybe you are…a little,” Zak reluctantly admitted. “And maybe watching all you former bachelors lose your freedom has me wondering about the appeal of marriage and monogamy. And maybe I’m starting to worry about my place in the family now that I’ve aged some.” “Aged some?” Nikash asked with a chuckle. “You mean, since you hit the big 3-0?” “Yes.” “Thirty is definitely a milestone.” “It is mortality,” Zak insisted. Nikash laughed at him again and Zak continued to frown at his cousin. “Zak, you will survive it, I promise,” Nikash told him. “And is it your recent birthday that has caused you to become so introspective all of a sudden?” “Its part of it,” he admitted. “I suppose everyone’s recent marriages or engagements have me thinking too.” He paused then asked hesitantly, “Do you suppose I could ever have a chance with a respectable woman?” All humor left his cousin’s face and Nikash regarded Zak with wonder. “A respectable woman? What do you mean?” Nikash asked. “I mean someone who’s proper and reserved. Someone not like me at all.” Again, Zak remembered the long conversation he’d had with Maria the night before and then their small, shared kiss. The entire night had remained at the forethought of his mind and he was still unable and unwilling to shake its image. “Not like you at all?” Nikash repeated. “Zak, I think you have a more perverse image of yourself than the reality. You are not a complete scoundrel.” It was Zak’s turn to laugh. “No, not entirely. But I’m afraid some see me as such.” Nikash stood and rounded his desk. Sitting on the edge, he looked critically at Zak and said, “I believe, people see you as aloof. You have always seemed outside the family somehow and as having your own agenda. You enjoy the company of others, but you are not an embarrassment. You have never behaved ill in public and are always in control—even when speeding at a hundred miles an hour down the Autobahn on your bike or in your sports car.” Zak smiled at his cousin’s assessment for it was much kinder than he would give himself. He had enjoyed his life thus far and regretted very little. However, now that he wanted to change the course of his life, he was wishing he had lived with a bit more discretion. “Then is it your opinion, Nikash, that my past habits should not be an issue if I were to pursue someone who is…different, than my usual fare?” Zak questioned. Again, Nikash regarded Zak critically then asked, “Would this have anything to do with that woman I saw you tucked away with in the hot tub last night, deep in conversation?” “Yes,” Zak answered honestly. “Her name’s Maria.” “Ah, yes, Tara and Shawna’s friend from school. I met her a few days ago.” “And?” “And I know very little about her,” Nikash insisted. “She seemed very nice when I met her. Tara hasn’t told me much about her and I haven’t asked.” Zak pushed away from the desk, wishing his cousin had possessed more information on Maria. Zak wanted to know more about her—her likes, her dislikes, her history--anything to assist him on his quest, because the night before, she had turned him down soundly. “Tell me, Zak. What are your intentions toward this woman?” Nikash inquired. “I don’t know. I can tell you I find her attractive and I enjoy talking with her. She’s honest and trustworthy.” “And not the type of woman interested in a sordid affair?” Nikash asked. “No. Not the type at all,” Zak answered. “But I’m not…” He halted his words because he couldn’t believe he was about to utter the phrase. “You are not looking for a sordid affair?” Nikash finished for him. “No, I do not think I am,” Zak confessed. “Unfortunately, she’s already typecast me.” “Then you must try and change her impressions of you.” “How?” “Let her get to know the man I know,” Nikash suggested. “I thank you for your confidence in me, Nikash, but she has turned me down at every corner. I even invited her to Kumar for New Year’s. She has refused every attempt I make.” “Well, if she’s reserved and proper like you say, she certainly isn’t ready for a trip to the royal palace,” Nikash insisted. “Let’s start smaller, shall we?” Nikash moved behind his desk and glanced over his calendar. “Tomorrow night we are scheduled for dinner out. Tara insists there is a fine country club in Calistoga that she is taking us all to. I will have her invite Maria.” Zak sighed for it was the first time anyone had ever had to set him up on a date. “I’d appreciate it, though it is going to kill my pride to be set up by my own cousin,” Zak drawled sarcastically. “One thing, Zak,” Nikash warned, “place all pride aside. A woman like Maria would only see it as arrogance.” Zak nodded. He would listen to his cousin, for Nikash was always right. ** It was already almost 10:00pm by the time Maria gave her name at the door and entered the exclusive Calistoga Country Club. It was a posh spot with not only a top rated golf course, but also a fine restaurant and night club. Maria never imagined she’d be entering such a playground for the rich residents and visitors to Calistoga, but Tara had called and asked her to join she and Shawna for a night out and Maria couldn’t refuse. Although she had missed dinner because of work, she was making it in time to share a few drinks and laughs with her friends before the night grew too late. Of course, the last thing Maria wanted to do was spend a night out on the town after her disastrous day at work. Though waitressing was not her choice of professions, it was currently paying the bills. After the news she received today, however, that High Point was being sold and the new owners were going to turn the historic building into a bed and breakfast, she worried if she would be able to pay her bills at all. Maria certainly didn’t have to worry about ending up on the streets without a roof over hers and Tamara’s heads for she always had her parents to rely on. But the thought of relying on anyone other than herself at this point in her life abhorred her. She wanted to get by on her own and for the past two years she had been able to do just that. With this latest news, however, she would have to either find another job in Calistoga, quickly, or pray she received the academic scholarship she was interviewing for next week. For if she was unable to secure either, back to mother’s and father’s house it would be. She moved through the Friday night crowd until she located Tara. Her dear friend was standing at the bar next to her husband, Nik. They were talking and laughing and Maria frowned at the sight for she had assumed from the conversation the day before that tonight was a girls’ night out before the wedding on Sunday. “Tara,” Maria called over the din of the techno dance music. “Maria, you made it,” Tara said giving her a hug. “Shawna and I were about ready to go hunting for you.” Nik shook her hand and said a pleasant hello, then Maria looked around the nearby area for Shawna. “I went home to change after work,” Maria explained about her tardiness. “By the way, where is Shawna?” “Over there with Rafee.” Tara nodded in the direction of a small group of older Calistoga residents. Shawna and her fiancé were talking with the men who Maria recognized as some of Calistoga’s most established estate owners. In fact, she had served one of them dinner just the night before. “What is this, couple’s night?” Maria asked as she realized she was the only one without a date in their party. “What do you mean?” Tara inquired as her husband left her side to order drinks. “I was under the impression it was just us girls. Now I feel like the third wheel,” she confessed, already in a blue mood and not wanting to feel like she was only along for the ride. Wrapping her arm around Maria’s shoulders, Tara said, “Maria, you could never be a third wheel to Shawna and I. Besides, you’re not without a date tonight. Zak came alone.” At the mention of his name, Maria’s breath froze in her lungs. She remembered clearly their small kiss just two nights prior. It had not only been unexpected, but also completely alarming. There had been an innocence to it that she had never imagined a man like Zak could possess and just the mention of his name brought back vivid flashes of that night talking in the hot tub. Then Maria glanced in the direction in which Tara was nodding and any thought of Zak and innocence completely disappeared. There, on the dancefloor was Zak, and about ten beautiful young women. He not only moved with style, but he was dressed completely stylishly as well. His slacks were black and his royal blue button-up shirt he wore untucked.. It was the type of shirt without shirttails and he looked positively handsome dressed so fashionably with his thick locks down teasing his shoulders. “Well, he may have come alone, but he’s more than occupied now,” Maria quipped. Turning back to Tara, she asked, “Is this some sort of set-up? I thought you said you would never introduce Zak to one of your friends?" “I said that,” Tara admitted. “But my husband seems to think Zak is behaving more seriously lately. In fact, it was Zak’s idea to invite you along. I think he wants to get to know you a bit better.” Maria frowned at her friend and Tara let out an easy laugh. “Relax, Maria. We’re all here together. Its just dancing, drinks and conversation. You’ll be fine and we’ll have a good time.” Again staring at Zak, looking at ease as the life of the party, Maria had to wonder if she would have as nearly a good of time as he. She may find him attractive and maybe even had enjoyed that small kiss in the hot tub, but she certainly was not interested in fighting off every available woman in the club just to be with him. In fact, she didn’t even want to be with any man, so why was she even caring that he attracted women like honey attracted bees? She could easily glance away from the sight of him and simply talk with Tara and Shawna all night. Yes, that was exactly what she was going to do. That was her resolve as she prepared to turn away, only she caught Zak’s eye. Quickly, he walked off the dancefloor despite the pleas from his admirers and made a straight line for her. Unable to react for she was completely astonished by his move, Maria remained fixed to her spot and barely registered Nik’s words as he handed her a drink. “Maria,” Zak said with a smile as he stopped next to her and slipped an arm around her as if they stood as such every day. “I’m glad you made it.” “Uh…hello, Zak,” Maria returned diplomatically. She couldn’t say anything else, for she was finding that she liked the way his arm felt around her. He wasn’t the type of man who simply draped his arm over a woman’s shoulders. Her ex-husband had done that often and she hated it for it made her feel like nothing more than an armrest. But Zak, he was quite practiced at holding a woman, for his arm looped about her back tightly while his hand splayed out over her ribcage, pulling her securely against him. Certainly any woman would feel special and cared for by such an embrace. Maria reminded herself, however, that she didn’t need to feel special and cared for by a man. In fact, she didn’t even need to be touched by one. With that determination, she looked over at the dancefloor with the women still pinning away for Zak, then at him and said, “Your fan club is waiting.” Without even glancing back in their direction, Zak replied, “They will survive, I’m sure. Besides, I was only occupying myself until you arrived. Now that you’re here, I have no use for such company.” Maria was ready to retort that she was going to make very bad company tonight, when Nik and Tara blurted out some excuse and started toward Shawna and Rafee. Maria caught Tara’s arm and gave her a pleading look. All Tara did was smile wickedly at her and whisper, “Have fun,” as she continued on her path. As soon as Nik and Tara were out of earshot, Maria pulled out of Zak’s embrace and said, “I didn’t know you’d be here.” A frown replaced his smile as he returned, “I didn’t know I was such bad company.” Thinking back on that night they had spent talking, Maria realized he made very good company. Her retort had only been caused by her mood and nothing more. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean you weren’t,” she explained. Then sighing because she knew she would be better off just going to Canterbury, picking up Tamara and talking with her parents, Maria added, “Look, I’ve just had a horrible day. I’m the one who’s not good company tonight. I think I should go.” Not allowing her to even begin to make an exit, Zak gently grabbed her arm and ushered her to a barstool. She sat, for she had few other options, and he immediately handed her her drink and practically barricaded her in with his body. “You can’t go until you’ve at least tried to have a good time,” Zak insisted. “Have a drink, relax a bit and tell me why your day was so horrible.” Maria hesitated for she sensed he was being sincere, just as he’d been when they’d talked about his sister two nights earlier. However, Maria wasn’t ready to divulge her news to anyone just yet, so she shook her head and said, “I don’t feel like talking about it, Zak. I need to let it all settle first.” “I told you my secrets,” he prodded. Maria had to smile at his words and nodded. “You did. But, well, I need to mull everything over myself first. I hope you understand.” “Completely,” he answered, then tugged her off the barstool. “And I also understand that you need to have some fun tonight. Let’s dance.” Trying to resist him, Maria physically balked and declined, “I can’t.” “Can’t or won’t?” he inquired. “Don’t tell me you Catholic girls can’t dance. Besides, it would be a waste of an incredibly sexy outfit to have you just sitting here all night.” Zak’s dark eyes surveyed her closely and Maria felt as if she were wearing nothing more than her bikini again. She’d gone home and changed into an “evening” outfit, but she still felt as though her tastes ran on the conservative side. Especially when compared to the girls on the dancefloor who’s skirts were more micro than mini. Her dark gray skirt at least made it to her mid-thigh and her satin, long-sleeved top was buttoned past her cleavage for coverage. She liked her outfit and thought it appropriate enough, but it certainly was not sexy. She wanted to argue that point as it flitted through her mind, but Zak’s words had distracted her and she paused just long enough for him to drag her further from the barstool and toward the dancefloor. It would look preposterous to argue now, Maria reasoned, so when Zak’s arms moved around her waist and she again felt that secureness with which he held a woman she had no choice but to relent and allow the dance to happen. Dancing to the now slow music with Zak was certainly nothing any woman in her right mind should complain about. After all, Zak was not only an expert dresser, but also an expert dancer. And from that small kiss he’d given her at the pool party Maria was positive he was more than an expert kisser as well. “See, not so bad,” Zak said to her a few minutes later, his lips brushing her ear. She shivered from that small touch and merely nodded in agreement, not trusting her voice to speak. Surely, if she said a word, Zak would be able to hear the shudder in her voice, that breathlessness his nearness was causing. So she opted for muteness until she had fulfilled the obligation of the dance and returned safely to her barstool. Fulfilled the obligation of the dance? Maria wondered how on earth she could see being so close to a man like Zak as “fulfilling an obligation” when it was obvious from the jealous stares she was receiving that this man was a hot commodity. Hot commodity or not, she reminded herself, she didn’t need him. His arms shifted and he brought her closer and another wave of shivers traversed her spine and Maria had to rethink her resolve about needing him. She certainly was attracted to the man and after her day of disappointment, perhaps a night soaking in his attentions would do her some good. After all, it wasn’t like he was serious about her, despite what Tara had hinted at. Zak wasn’t the kind of man to be serious about a woman and that was precisely what Maria wanted tonight. With that new mindset, she forced herself to relax and just go with the flow. ** After two hours with Maria, Zak was almost convinced he was with a different woman. This Maria was actually laughing and having fun with him and not needing a group of her friends and his family to accomplish that. Not to mention she took an occasional drink, which Zak thought he’d never see. He enjoyed this side of her, just like he found he enjoyed every side of her. He respected her reserved, conservativism and he was amused by the tiny touch of wildness that lurked beneath the calm surface. Though she had started off the evening resisting him, now she was sitting very close with a hand upon his arm and laughing with ease as they lounged at a corner table, taking a break from the festivities happening around them. Finishing off another drink, Maria took a deep breath and leaned against Zak. She slid her hand into his and he immediately clasped it tightly. “Oh, I really needed tonight,” she said on a sigh. “Remembering your bad news?” Zak asked. She nodded and placed her head upon his shoulder but didn’t divulge any information. Feeling she still wasn’t ready to discuss whatever it was that had happened, Zak changed the subject. “How’s your daughter?” he inquired. Maria lifted her head from his shoulder and studied his face quizzically. “She’s fine,” she finally answered. “Thanks for asking.” “And it shocked you that I even asked, didn’t it?” Reluctantly, Maria nodded. “Still think I’m a no good playboy only out for a good time, huh?” he asked, but didn’t leave her time to respond. “That’s all right. Eventually you’ll see the light.” As if on cue, a tall, leggy blonde approached and sat across the table from them. With a smile directed only at Zak, she said, “My girlfriends and I have been wondering when you were going to come back and keep us company.” Zak felt Maria tense and she attempted to pull her hand away. He refused to let go and with a polite smile answered, “I’m flattered, but as you can see, I’m here with a date. I’m afraid I’ll be occupied for the rest of the night.” The blonde shrugged, then stood and returned to her friends. Zak turned to Maria who was looking shocked again. He brought her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed her soft skin. “Told you I was a changed man,” he said. “Now, tell me more about you and your daughter. I’d really like to know.” Zak realized he had asked little of Maria’s background. She seemed to know much of his, and he wanted to even the score. But when a look of pure desire traveled through her brown eyes, Zak had a feeling she wasn’t going to tell him anything. “I don’t want to talk,” Maria insisted. “I think I want to kiss you instead.” With no warning, with no urging from him, her lips landed upon his. Zak again felt that strange sensation from her kiss. It caused him to hesitate and that pause gave Maria ample time to take total control of the union. Her hands moved to his face and pulled his mouth more firmly against hers. The fit was perfect, Zak realized—her mouth against his. And that thought created a heated urge he had to fight back because if he gave into it, he’d only scare the hell out of Maria with his response. So he allowed her to kiss him and he rode the wave of desire she was creating and hoped he didn’t fall off of it and end up in an abyss that would force him to drag her down with him in his heated passions. When Maria pulled back and took a deep breath, Zak was glad. One more second and he would have had to take control and deepen the kiss. Not that he didn’t want to, but the timing with Maria wasn’t yet right. Maria smiled up at him with her soft brown eyes and said quietly, “You do that very well.” “So do you,” Zak returned. She breathed in deeply again, as if she were taking in his essence and looked him over. “You really are sexy. No wonder the women flock to you, Zak,” she said and had those words been coming from any other woman, he wouldn’t have cared. He’d heard it a thousand times before, but when Maria said it, it seemed to Zak that she was realizing it for the first time. “Perhaps,” he said back and he wrapped a strand of her long hair around his finger and tugged gently. “But I’m only interested in getting one woman to flock to me and that’s you.” She smiled widely at him and shyly confessed, “You know, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a man sweet-talk me. It’s a nice change.” Zak gave her a shocked expression and insisted, “You were married. Didn’t your husband ever court you properly?” “Oh, I doubt it. We were too young and he was too…I don’t know…worried about rushing everything. I think we were in love with the idea of being in love. And since my divorce, well, I haven’t had much time or the inclination to think about being…” Her words trailed off and Zak took advantage to lean in and add mischievously, “Seduced?” When the flush filled her olive cheeks, he almost laughed for he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been able to make a woman blush because they were as practiced as he with the techniques of seduction. Maria was too beautiful and yet so very pure. There was something even a bit naïve and innocent about her as well and that made her quite different than any of the women he’d been with in the past several years. “If I were a different person with a different life then perhaps I would allow myself the pleasure,” she confessed to him. “But, Zak…” He pressed a finger to her lips to halt her words. “Don’t talk yourself out of the good time you’ve been having tonight,” Zak warned her. “Besides, we’re just friends, aren’t we? What would it hurt to keep having fun?” She smiled at him easily and then leaned forward and tenderly kissed his cheek. “You’re right and I won’t,” she said. Just when Zak was certain that meant she was going to lean into him and kiss him again, Rafee made an appearance and sat himself down, draping an arm around Zak’s neck. It was a painful hold and Rafee knew every bit the pain he was inflicting and did so on purpose. “Behaving yourself, Zaki?” Rafee asked and gave his cousin a knowingly wicked grin. “I am,” Zak insisted and then he watched Rafee’s gold eyes switch to Maria. “Is he?” Rafee asked her. Maria nodded and squeezed Zak’s hand. Though Rafee was doing his best to keep Zak’s focus on the pain around his neck, Zak was not oblivious to the soft touch of Maria’s hand intertwined with his. “He’s been a perfect gentleman,” Maria said. Then she let go of Zak’s hand and stood. “I’m going to order another round and check in with the gals.” She walked away and Zak had to watch the sway of her hips as she moved. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her even though there were certainly plenty of women in the club worth noticing. But tonight, to him, not a single one was worth as much effort as Maria. “Are you really behaving yourself, Zaki?” Rafee asked lowly and almost threateningly next to his ear, slipping into their native tongue. Rafee rarely shortened anyone’s given name and always spoke in their native language when the opportunity presented itself. It was just his way, as was using his size and demeanor to intimidate. Zak knocked Rafee’s arm away, unimpressed and not intimidated this round, and turned to face his cousin with his most serious of expressions. “I am behaving myself, Rafee,” he reiterated. “I have no ill intentions toward Maria.” Rafee laughed and seemed to reap pure joy out of Zak’s words. “For some reason, I almost believe you,” Rafee said. “Perhaps it is because you are finally settling down,” Zak surmised, “and can actually imagine that a man like myself can begin to change as well.” “Perhaps,” Rafee agreed. “But you…you will never change that much.” Ruffling at his comment Zak snapped, “I think I can.” Rafee shook his head. “I cannot fathom it. In fact, though Maria is a nice, conservative girl, I guarantee you will still try and get her into your bed by the end of the night.” Zak was angered by Rafee’s words because though he had enjoyed kissing Maria, the thought of seducing her into his bed so soon had not yet crossed his mind. Again, he was shocked by the fact that he was willing to take things slow with a woman and that he was not interested in the simple conquest of it all. “I will not,” Zak refuted. “You are not attracted then?” Rafee inquired. “I am very attracted.” “Then what is the deal?” “I don’t know,” Zak said with some irritation as he watched Maria chat with Tara and Shawna then begin talking immediately with a much older gentleman who joined the group. Rafee chuckled lowly and as he laughed, he started laughing more and more until Zak wanted to hit him. “What is the matter?” Zak asked with furrowed brow. “The thought of you being confused over a woman is too humorous.” “I am not confused…not exactly,” Zak said. “I’m just not sure why it is that I am incredibly attracted and yet have no desire to see how quickly I can lure her to my bed.” “Then I suppose it would be foolish to propose a bet, Zaki, that you could not hold out until New Year’s before you try and seduce her to your lair,” Rafee taunted, though there was an underlying tone that said he would indeed bet money on it. Zak shook his head. “I refuse to even go there with you, Rafee. I would not cheapen a woman like Maria with such a childish bet. Nor would I harm my friendship with her for your money.” Rafee smiled wickedly again and a light filled his eyes. “Then perhaps I should simply make the bet that you cannot hold out until New Year’s before you fall in love?” Rafee proposed. It was Zak’s turn to laugh. “You would actually lay money down that I could ever fall in love? That I even know the meaning of the word?” “I enjoy a challenging bet,” Rafee insisted. “Or perhaps I just like winning all your hard earned money.” “I would be winning all your hard earned money if you were foolish enough to make that bet.” Rafee held out his hand. “Then it is a deal?” “Oh, it’s a deal, all right,” Zak agreed, certain that the strange feelings he was developing for Maria had nothing to do with love—for that was indeed preposterous—and everything to do with…with what? With friendship? With simple attraction? With lust? Rafee gave another chuckle and from the sound of it, Zak was certain he had just been duped. “What is it now, cousin?” Zak asked with exasperation, hating that Rafee was withholding something from him—as was always the case with Rafee. He was the type of man who knew more than his adversary and who revealed that knowledge slowly and painfully. “How much do you know about Maria?” Rafee asked. “I have learned some. I know she has a child…if that is what you are laughing about…and I know she is a serious person,” Zak said. “Well, I have asked Shawna much about her tonight.” Zak frowned. Indeed, Rafee probably knew more than Zak did about the woman and was more than likely about ready to reveal she was a sorceress of some kind who possessed the power to make every man fall in love with her within a week. “And tell me what it is that you have discovered,” Zak said. Rafee’s eyes again drifted to the ladies and Maria was now holding the hand of the older man the ladies had been talking to. They were walking to the dancefloor just as an old Glen Miller tune, “Moonlight Serenade” was starting. At first, Zak was surprised at what a mix of people and music the club catered to, then he was wondering about the old man Maria was dancing with. Yet when he saw her talking to him and dancing with him like she would her father, he relaxed. Had he just experienced a jealous episode? He felt the breath catch in his lungs because that was exactly what he had experienced. Though the old man looked to be at least sixty-five or seventy years old, Zak had momentarily been jealous of his dance with Maria. “Do you still have those rules you play by, Zak? The rules that have kept your heart protected from every woman you have ever met?” Rafee asked. “Of course I have rules…much like you did. If I didn’t, well, you may just win your bet this time around,” Zak insisted, again feeling confident in his abilities to keep his heart neutral now that the jealous episode had passed. Rafee stood, slapped a hard hand down upon Zak’s shoulder and said, “Just to let you know, Maria fits into none of your rules. I am afraid, dear boy, that you have your hands full with her.” “I may like Maria, Rafee, and I may not want to hurt one of Shawna’s friends, but do not think I am involved with a woman who will put me in an…inferior position. That has never happened, nor will it.” “Ah, pride, Zaki, will get you nowhere,” Rafee cautioned just like Nikash had already cautioned the day before. Then he offered before taking his leave, “By the way, Maria is not dancing with a man you need watch so carefully. I believe he is a good friend of her family’s and probably old enough to be her grandfather. That is all.” The news gave him a feeling of relief, again, and he was certain he hid it from Rafee well, for the man said nothing else and merely walked away, rejoining his fiancé and Tara. Zak remained seated for another moment, watching Maria now talking with the older gentleman in what appeared to be a very serious conversation. He was so intent on watching her, in fact, that he barely noticed the women who stopped by his table to inquire if he was free for a dance or a drink. He merely shook his head or waved each off with a hand, barely taking in their faces and again it was a first for him to do such a thing. When the old man hugged Maria, looked at her with concern and then walked away, Zak moved quickly. He was at Maria’s side just as she dabbed at her eyes and bit back obvious emotion. “What is the matter?” Zak inquired and placed a hand on her back. He felt Maria breathe deeply a few times and then she finally looked up into his eyes. She appeared visibly shaken. “This night just keeps getting better and better,” she revealed. “I’ve just received more bad news and I’m not sure what to do.” “Is your family well?” Zak asked immediately. “Oh, it’s nothing like that,” Maria insisted and then smiled up at Zak. It was a weak, confused expression and Zak felt the urge to comfort. Only this woman seemed strong and was holding back from him. Zak was positive she needed nothing from him. “Then what’s the matter?” he asked again. Maria shook her head. She had just learned that George Walker was going to sell the Canterbury Estate. She’d been surprised to see the old man still out and about at the country club so late at night, and when he’d approached and asked her to dance, she’d readily accepted. After the grilling Tara and Shawna had been giving her about Zak, Mr. Walker’s interruption had been welcomed. But when the sweet old man had revealed to her that he had just been talking with his lawyer and that he was going to have to sell Canterbury, Maria had suddenly wished to be back in front of Tara and Shawna trying to explain that kiss they had witnessed between she and Zak. “I’m going to have to sell the estate, Maria,” Mr. Walker had disclosed. “I know I shouldn’t be telling this to you now because it’s late and we’re all tired. But I’ve been here all night going over the figures with my new lawyer and well…Tara Malone wasn’t Gabe Bryant’s only victim in his scandals. I trusted him with investments that didn’t pay off and that can’t be recovered. And though I have enough money set aside to retire nicely, I won’t have the ability to keep Canterbury afloat much longer. Nor do I have the desire to try at this stage in my life.” Maria’s first impulse had been to ask about her parents’ welfare, but he had beat her to it and assured her that the money Hector had invested for his retirement with Mr. Walker’s help had not been handled by Gabe Bryant. “Your parents should be just fine,” Mr. Walker had guaranteed her next, before she could even voice any concerns. “I taught Hector a few things about investment and he’s been investing money for quite a few years on his own. I believe they are close enough to retiring that my selling Canterbury this early will not hurt them.” Maria had nodded, unable to say anything and Mr. Walker had then looked at her with sad and tired eyes and added, “I have already told them this may happen. They will not be surprised.” Again, she had nodded and he had patted her arm and asked if she would be fine. She had assured him she would be and that she had friends here she was with. “I really am all right, Mr. Walker,” Maria had said, and the man had only then left her alone with that insistance. Now, standing in front of Zak and wondering how she was going to keep herself together and fighting the urge to spill everything to him, she merely continued to shake her head. At her refusal to open up, Zak leaned his head closer and said with a sinful smile, “I realize most women would never assume this about me, but I am good at keeping secrets. In fact, I can be trusted immensely. And even if what is the matter is not top secret and merely upsetting, I am very good at simply listening and understanding.” “Are you?” Maria asked back, unsure. He nodded. “No woman has ever needed me to listen before—aside from my family—so it is not widely known. And having grown up with two very close sisters and two female cousins, I have gotten a lot of practice at listening to their concerns.” It was true. Something about his manner had always made him the favorite of the male cousins to confide in. Nikash had been good at settling disputes and problem-solving, Rafee at protecting and Zak was gifted with an understanding ear and charming disposition. His family knew this well, but the other women he’d known throughout his life understood this little. Maria again stared at his face for a long while and then leaned into him just enough to indicate she was willing to accept some form of comfort. It was a subtle move, but Zak was also gifted at reading a woman’s body language and he quickly pulled Maria to his chest and hugged her just tightly enough to assure her he was comforting her but not so tightly that it appeared brotherly. She wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed, snuggling in closer. “I am so sorry I have been such a downer tonight,” Maria apologized. “I mean, I show up upset and just when I start relaxing, I’m on the verge of tears yet again.” “By no fault of your own, I would assume,” Zak insisted. Maria loved the way his arms felt around her. Again she realized he was good at holding a woman and treating her with just the right amount of kindness and tenderness. But was it all an act? Was it just his practiced ways or was it sincere? And she had drunk more than her usual share of alcohol to boot tonight, so she wasn’t positive she could read anything properly. “No, no fault of my own,” she agreed reluctantly. Then she slipped her arms around his neck, deciding she was a bit too tipsy to try and analyze her situation or Zak any further and added, “But I don’t want to stand here and think about that now. Not when we’ve been having such a good time.” Zak stared at her critically and Maria had to wonder why. “Maria,” he said seriously, “I have a feeling this latest news is heavier than you are letting on. It would be selfish on my part to try and talk you into continuing our good time now.” “Yes, it would be selfish…on your part. But I’m the one trying to talk you into the good time, so it’s not the same thing,” Maria insisted before she lifted her chin just enough to close the distance between their faces and press her mouth to Zak’s. She didn’t care who saw and she didn’t care that the man had a reputation. Not tonight. Her judgment was impaired and he had been so sweet, so kind. She needed to feel his masculine strength for tonight and though it wasn’t like her to need something like this, tonight was a definite exception. Again, Zak felt Maria end the kiss just when he had been on the verge of losing all control. Her lips, however, had ignited a fire and when she pulled away to suck in a deep breath, he trailed his mouth down her soft, sweet neck and delved his hand into her long, brunette hair to pull her in tighter against his body. She responded to his urging and hands unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and slipped inside, toying with the ridge of his collarbone and taunting with a promise of more touching. “I feel so bad for wanting this,” Maria said to him as she tilted her head back further—mostly at his urging—to give him better access to the sensitive skin on her neck. “Why?” Zak asked, but continued to kiss her, his body aflame with desire despite what he had professed to Rafee. Though he wasn’t in a hurry to lure Maria into his bed, right now he’d give his right arm to have her there. “Because I know I’m better off playing it safe. I know I shouldn’t get involved.” She let out a small laugh. “Listen to me, I’m talking like you’re worried about commitment!” Her words were like a dose of luke-warm water—not cold, just luke-warm--and Zak pulled back enough to stare at her and say, “Maybe I am worried about that, darling.” Maria shook her head. “I really think I’ve had way too much to drink tonight. Did you just say that you’re interested in more than a one-night stand?” “I think I am,” Zak insisted and leaned his head down to look at her at eye level. “Darling, you’re different. I like you. I haven’t liked a woman in a very long time.” Maria smiled at him, warmed by his words, but unsure just the same if she welcomed them. On the one hand, she didn’t need a commitment. On the other hand, she didn’t need a one-night stand either. The music blared and the smoke stung at her eyes. She had indeed drunk too much and what she needed was a reality check. “Uh, I really think I need to make a trip to the ladies’ room, Zak,” Maria blurted out. “Give me a moment, and then maybe we could go outside and talk further.” He stepped back with a nod and she walked away. She was glad when she found the lounge and bathroom empty, and she took her time wetting a towel and dabbing at her face and neck. Either the alcohol or Zak’s kisses had created a heated reaction in her body for her face and neck felt to be feverish to the touch. She remained by the sink for a long while, staring at herself in the mirror and wondering just what she wanted to do with herself tonight. She’d been hit with two life-altering bouts of news, drank too much and had one incredibly desirous man waiting for her just outside. There were several courses she could take tonight but each route didn’t seem as enticing as Zak. She could go to her small apartment and sulk. She could rush back to Canterbury, wake her parents and child and talk about the news—upsetting all. Or, she could do something completely out of the ordinary and spend some time with a handsome man who had said he liked her beyond just a one-night stand. They could talk or they could do more than talk. And since Maria was certain she was going to take that third road—for the other two were out of the question and too depressing to contemplate—she wondered just how far she would allow Zak to take her. “Did you see who was here?” a woman’s voice suddenly piped up and Maria nearly jumped, startled by the sound of the arriving chatter. “Who?” another female voice inquired. Two women had just entered, yet Maria could not see them. They were around the corner in the lounge area and chatting entirely too loudly for the quiet room. Maria certainly should have left the sinks and moved back through the lounge to leave, but she didn’t. She remained in front of the mirror, holding the wet cloth in her hands and suddenly interested in what these two voices had to say to each other. “The Armanjani Sheiks.” “Oh, I saw. I met them in Paris a few years back, you know. They were all single then. Wow, what a group of good looking men,” one woman purred. “Indeed. I hear two of them are already snatched up. Would you believe by local girls?” One girl laughed with a tone that didn’t sound sincere, only false and asked, “Really? Local winery girls? I heard the crown prince had married and that his brother wasn’t far behind, but I had no idea they were local gals.” “Yes. Lucky girls, though, to have won them.” “Goodness, they are! Do you know how much money those sheiks are worth? Millions upon millions upon millions. They’ll probably own this small town by the end of the year,” one girl drawled and Maria was positive these were not local landowners. They were more than likely part of the many guests that came through Calistoga each year to enjoy the four-star spas that surrounded the area and attracted the rich and famous from all over. Those people came, but they only stayed long enough to take in some relaxation at the spas, then leave. Maria often served their kind at the restaurant and she never had gotten used to their airs. “Well, I do happen to know that Zaki Armanjani is still single,” one said with conspiracy. “And he’ll always remain so,” the other insisted. “Do you remember Sasha Pennington? The fashion model I introduced you to in London?” “Oh, yes.” “Well,” the woman revealed with a hint of knowledge to her tone, “she met Zak at a party. Of course, everyone in Europe knows what his reputation is. She said he was to die for.” “Did she get together with him?” one girl asked as though she were hungry for him herself. “No. She said she never would because from what she gathered, the man only played by certain rules.” “A playboy with ethics?” the woman asked with humor. “I find that hard to believe.” “Not necessarily morals, just rules…standards. Like, he only dated women with lots of family money of their own. They’re all the drop-dead gorgeous kind. Tall, leggy…lots of blondes. And if any one of them was looking for a commitment beyond one night,” the girl talking paused and laughed, “forget it. He wouldn’t touch you.” “I see he’s here tonight with someone. I tried to ask him to dance and I don’t think he even heard me he was so intent on watching his date,” one confessed. “I suppose she must really have the money and not even know the word commitment exists anywhere because he was intense with his stare. And granted, she’s pretty. Long black hair and a sweet face. But not…well, not that tall and leggy…that’s for certain.” Maria had remained far too long. If she were undecided about what course of action to take with Zak, she now knew. All her first impressions of the man came rushing back and she felt like a fool for allowing a few sweet words from him and too many drinks to override her better judgment. Listening to these women just now had been a welcomed sign that if she had gone any further with Zaki Armanjani, her night would only have held even more bad news for her. She walked around the corner just in time to see the two women who had been talking glance up at her with surprise. They were both tall and willowy, their light brown hair perfectly coifed and dressed in the latest of fashions. They tried to appear nonchalant, but Maria halted and stared at them for a moment, obviously making them feel uneasy. “There’s nothing to be shocked about, ladies,” she finally told them. “I already know about Zak Armanjani’s reputation. And just for the record, I’m not rich, I know I’m certainly not built like a super model—though I do appreciate the fact that you said I was pretty--and I do know what the meaning of the word commitment means. I just want to thank you for reminding me that Zak doesn’t. Good-night.” She was angry from all that she had heard, though she shouldn’t have been. She should have been ignoring their remarks and telling herself that she already knew all this instead of rushing out of the club in a huff. Of course Zak hadn’t been interested in her—regardless of all the other innuendoes about wanting to get to know her and listening to her about her problems that he’d dropped. And certainly she should feel stupid for believing they were “friends” and that he had been looking at something other than a one-night stand with her. When Maria made it out the club door and a blast of cold night air hit her, it was like a slap in the face. She’d rushed through the darkened club so fast she hadn’t seen Zak or any of her friends. So when a pair of hands landed on her arms and a voice spoke, she screamed and jumped away, startled that anyone was nearby. “Maria, what’s the matter?” It was Zak and Maria realized the man had spent an awful lot of time asking her that same question all night. She now felt like a heal for leaning on him and looking for comfort when it was obvious a man like him never really wanted to offer his comforting unless it was used as a ruse to lure a woman where he wanted her. “Nothing’s the matter. I need to go home,” she snapped quickly, pulling away from him and then digging into her purse for her keys. As soon as her hands clasped them, she dropped them back in her purse and stomped her foot in anger. “Damn it!” Zak looked at her with confusion written all over his gorgeous face. “What is it?” “I just realized I can’t drive myself home because I drank tonight,” she said in exasperation. She put her hands on her head, pushed her hair back and asked to no one in particular, “Oh, what am I going to do?” “Give me your keys, I’ll drive you home,” Zak suggested. Maria backed away from him. “Like I’d let you take me home!” Zak straightened and crossed his arms in front of his chest. He had a black jacket in his hands and a very annoyed expression on his face. “You won’t let me take you home?” he repeated slowly in that deep, accented voice of his that could melt any woman’s resolve even when he was angry with them. “What does that mean, Maria?” “It means I was just reminded of why it is I shouldn’t trust you, Zak. And after you hear what I have to tell you, you won’t want to take me home either.” “What do you have to tell me?” he asked calmly. “Were you under the impression that I was someone who I’m not?” “Yes,” he drawled with sarcasm. “I thought you were some super hero with a cape and magic powers and I’m just figuring out you’re not.” He was cutting when he wanted to be, she realized, and had his tone not been laced with such a hard edge, she might have found his comment amusing. “That’s not what I meant,” she returned. “I meant, what are you doing here with me? Why did you have Tara drag me down here for this date tonight? What are you after?” “I simply wanted to get to know you better. Believe it or not, I had no other intentions.” “I don’t think I believe it.” He continued to frown at her then asked, “Have I behaved badly in any way tonight?” She didn’t even have to hesitate to shake her head. “Have I tried to touch you inappropriately or kiss you when you haven’t initiated it?” Again, she shook her head in the negative. “Then what have I done to make you distrust me so?” Zak challenged. “When I was in the ladies’ room I overhead two women—women not from around here, probably more from your circle in Europe—and they were talking about you,” Maria confessed. Zak’s face didn’t change expression and he didn’t seem surprised by her revelation. “And?” “And they said you had a reputation.” “I do,” he admitted. “I won’t lie about that. In fact, you’ve alluded to it often yourself. That’s why I asked Tara to initiate this date tonight. I doubted you would have anything to do with me otherwise. You obviously come from a well bred, well respected family in the area and being seen with me might tarnish your good name.” Zak didn’t know if that was true, but from the way Maria had acted during the times he had seen her, he was certain that had to be the case. Her parents were more than likely stuffy old world money and the Canterbury Estate probably held formal dinners each night where no one in the family talked and servants wore uniforms as they served a family of four at a twenty foot table. And Maria probably possessed the manners and breeding of a Spanish princess and attended confession and Catholic mass daily. She let a laugh fly then and said with mild sarcasm, “Oh, my family is respected, yes, but not by the circles you think. My father is respected by the many farm hands that work for him and the Canterbury house keepers certainly respect my mother. And of course, Mr. George Walker, who owns Canterbury, adores and respects both my parents who have worked on his estate since I can remember.” Zak knew he shouldn’t have stood there looking at her, dumbstruck, for as long as he did, but her words had caught him off guard. Damn Rafee for not telling him! The man had more than likely known all along and not bothered to mention it to Zak on purpose, just for this precise reason…just so he could make an ass of himself. “Hell,” Zak mumbled, not upset by the news because of who Maria was—for he was actually relieved--but upset because of how haughty and snobbish he had acted with her at times. “See,” Maria said. “Told you I wasn’t what you thought I was. I have no money to my name, Zak, none. And my parents, well, they’re working folks and they do well enough now and will probably retire soon with enough to support themselves, but they have no real money or assets.” “I don’t care,” he finally was able to say and again, he found he was surprising himself with his new insight. “You don’t? Then heck, Zak, lets just go to my place and make a good ‘ole night of it. It’ll be a first for you, won’t it? Sleeping with the hired help’s daughter?” It wasn’t like Maria to be so out-spoken, so…mean. But the news, Zak, the alcohol, it was all playing tricks on her mind and altering her personality. Zak was in front of her in an instant. His hands grabbed her face firmly, not harshly, and his dark, mahogany eyes searched her expression. Though he knew that by kissing her he was only giving her more fuel, he had to. Despite her words and fight now, he still wanted her, still liked her. Hell, “like” was an understatement! He desired her and couldn’t get her out of his mind. He hadn’t been able to since the day she’d fallen asleep on his couch. There was just something about her… He did it anyhow. He kissed her. Firmly he planted his lips upon hers and kissed her the way he had yearned to all night. His lips dominated hers and for a moment, she resisted, then yielded and melted into him, opening her mouth and allowing him to deepen the kiss for the first time. Her mouth was sheer heaven and had Zak not ended the kiss quickly, he would have lost his sense. “I won’t take you to bed tonight, Maria,” he said to her resolutely. She tore away from him at his words and asked back angrily, “Why? Because I’m not rich? Or is it because I don’t look like one of those Paris fashion models? Maybe it’s because you think I might want a commitment? Well, I don’t want one Zak, I only need you for a night.” “I’d really like to know who talked to you, but I won’t ask now. What I will explain is that I want to take you to my bed, but not like this. Not while you’ve obviously had a bit too much to drink and are visibly upset over several things,” Zak said. “I don’t care about any of that. Not tonight. Take advantage of me, Zak. Go for it,” Maria challenged, bravely. “Isn’t that what you want from women? Just one night?” “I won’t deny any of that. It’s very true and has been for a long while now. But you’re different, Maria,” Zak insisted, taking her shoulders. “I don’t want you to be like all the others. I just don’t.” “Why? What is it that you’ve never had from a woman that you think I could give you?” she asked, losing some of her fight when he touched her. His face relaxing into an easy smile as he tenderly slipped a soft black, three-quarter length leather jacket around her shoulders to shield her from the night air he answered, “I’ve never been with a woman who wanted to care about me, or console me, or support me. I’ve never been with a woman who was concerned for me or one I was concerned for. I’ve never been in love. There’s a lot someone like you, my darling, could give me. And I am incredibly attracted to you. I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on and if you believe I’m just feeding you a line, you’re wrong. You’re so very, very wrong.” Maria stood still and simply stared at his face. It was her turn to be dumbstruck. Zak had been thinking about her in this way for how long now? Could she believe it, though? Could she believe it was for real with Zak? Could she hope, think he would change? Hope he would change? Where had that thought come from? She didn’t need or want a man! She was just fine on her own. And she was really going to be on her own very soon; on her own with no job and no Canterbury Estate to fall back on. The ground swayed beneath her and her head pounded something awful. She was in no condition to keep arguing with Zak or even to contemplate her feelings. “I just need to leave,” Maria said quietly, pulling the warm jacket snug around her. “I don’t feel well.” Zak smiled at her. “I was wondering if that was coming next,” he said lightly. “I did notice you drank your share. If you feel sick, I give you permission to throw up on my shoes. It may just make you feel better.” “I know you’ve never said that to a woman before,” Maria quipped, handing her keys over to Zak. “I must be special.” He took her hand and insisted, “You are. Which car?” “The silver Honda under the lamp post,” Maria said and started to follow when he tugged her along behind him. As they reached her car, four doors and very reliable, she halted at the passenger side and asked, “Are you okay to drive?” Zak looked the car over and said, “Well, it’s not exactly my speed, but I think I can handle a four-door Honda with a child’s seat in the back. It may not corner like the BMW, but…” “That’s not what I meant,” Maria said, almost laughing, only she felt like the high she’d been on part of the night was being yanked out from under her feet and she just wanted to leave. “I know and get in. I’ve only had water to drink tonight,” Zak confessed, never being one to drink, just like his cousins weren’t the type either. That always shocked people, but aside from some fine wine and champagne on occasion, he was never interested in losing himself with alcohol. Maria wasn’t the kind either, he was positive, so she must have been upset tonight to have drank so much. As they pulled out of the parking lot and started down the long country club driveway toward the highway back toward town, Maria leaned back in her seat and insisted, “Don’t take me back to Canterbury, Zak. I don’t want to wake my parents.” “What about your place?” She shook her head. “No, it’s a complete disaster. Tamara’s toys are…and I changed so quickly after work that I left clothes everywhere…sorry, it’s a mess.” She laughed then added, “That’s what happens when you have kids. You can’t keep anything tidy. Besides, I don’t want to wake up to my daily reality with a hangover in the morning.” “Villa Serena all right with you then?” he asked and she nodded. He didn’t care that her own place was a disaster area because he knew the havoc kids could create, but he fulfilled her wishes just the same and drove the route back to Villa Serena. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Playboy - Chapter 5 |