A Christmas Bride - By Susan Mallery Page 0,43
know? Have you talked to him?”
“I have no need. You are exactly what he wants you to be.”
What? But before she could ask for an explanation, As’ad’s phone rang. He glanced at his watch. “A teleconference with the British foreign minister.”
“Right. Okay. I’ll see you later.”
She walked back to her room, wondering what it all meant. The kiss, the intimate touch, As’ad’s comment that she was what the king wanted her to be. Did that mean a good nanny? A tidy guest?
Yet more reminders that this was a foreign world and not one she was likely to be comfortable in. She should be eager to escape. Yet there was a part of her that wouldn’t mind staying for a very long time.
* * *
“YOU SUMMONED ME?” Lina asked as she breezed into the room. “And don’t say you didn’t. There was a definite command in your message.”
“I won’t deny it,” As’ad told her, motioning to the sofa in the corner and joining her there.
“Am I to be punished?” she asked, a twinkle in her eye.
“You are my aunt and the woman who raised me. I have great respect for you.”
“So I’m in serious trouble.”
She didn’t sound worried, but then why should she? He would never do anything to hurt her. Despite what she’d done, he had trouble being angry with her. Not that he would let her know that.
If he was annoyed with anyone, it was with himself for being too blind to see what was happening. It had been obvious from the beginning and he hadn’t noticed.
“Shall you go first or shall I?” Lina asked.
“I called you here.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have an agenda.”
He nodded. “Please. Begin.”
“I spoke with Zarina the other day. You claimed Kayleen as your own.”
“For the moment. She created a stir in the village. I did not wish things to get awkward.”
“You kissed her.”
That damn kiss, he thought grimly. It had created nothing but trouble. The second kiss had been worse. Now he knew the passion between them had not been brought on by too many nights alone. It flared as bright and hot as the sun. He ached to claim Kayleen’s body. But her innocence and position in his household made the situation complicated.
“To make a point,” he said with a casualness he didn’t feel.
“So that explains it,” Lina murmured. “You have no feelings for her yourself.”
None that he would admit to. “No.”
“So if I wanted to introduce her to a pleasant young man, you would be agreeable?”
“I would,” he lied, picturing himself ripping off the man’s head. “But it will not be an issue.”
“You’re saying I don’t know any young men, but you are wrong. I know several. One is an American. I mentioned Kayleen to him and he thought he would like to meet her. Did you know it’s nearly Thanksgiving?”
“Nearly what?”
“Thanksgiving. It’s an American holiday. I had forgotten myself, but the young man in question mentioned getting together with Kayleen that evening. They would both be missing home and could connect over that.”
Missing home. Kayleen would, he thought, and so would the girls. They would miss the traditional dinner.
“I will arrange it,” he told his aunt.
“Kayleen’s date?”
“Of course not. Thanksgiving dinner for her and the girls. A traditional meal. I’ll speak with the head chef right away.” He turned his attention back to his aunt. “As for your young American, I doubt he exists.”
“Of course he does.”
“Perhaps, but he is not intended for Kayleen. You have other plans for her.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. But while we’re on the subject, Kayleen is lovely, isn’t she? I met her the first time I volunteered at the orphanage. She’d been here all of two weeks and yet had already settled in. I was impressed by her intelligence and her dedication to the children. She has many fine qualities.”
“I will not marry her.”
Lina narrowed her gaze. “No one has asked you to.” Her voice was level enough, but he saw the temper in her eyes.
“You would not ask,” he told her. “But you have gone out of your way to throw her in my path. Tell me, was Tahir a part of your plan? Did you arrange for him to come to the orphanage and set the events in motion?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but if I did, I would point out Kayleen would be a good mother. Her sons would be strong. You have to marry someone. Why not her?”
Why indeed? A case