Brides & Bargains

Three

Nasira awoke to an empty space beside her and a strong sense of regret. She could only imagine what Sebastian was thinking. She wouldn’t be surprised if he had already summoned the pilot of his posh corporate jet and flown back to London.

After showering and seeing to her morning routine, she dressed in white slacks and a sleeveless blue blouse, slid her feet into silver sandals and started downstairs to see if he had indeed left. When she heard the sound of two familiar male voices, she acknowledged she had been wrong in her assumptions, at least for the moment.

She reached the bottom landing, crossed the parlor and headed into the kitchen to find her husband and brother seated at the built-in banquette, having coffee together. They both quickly stood, looking as if they were errant schoolboys caught in a prank.

“Good morning, darling,” Sebastian said, taking her aback with his friendly tone. “Sleep well?”

She didn’t know if he was playing at being clueless or he didn’t remember what had happened between them. “I slept well enough.”

“Good because we have a busy day planned, thanks to Rafe.”

Nasira leveled her gaze on her brother. “What does that mean?”

“I will let Sebastian explain,” Rafe said as he started toward the parlor. “At the moment, I have to accompany Violet to speak with the caterer.”

With that, he rushed away, leaving Nasira alone with her husband. “I find it difficult to believe my brother would involve you in the wedding plans, so I assume we’re not expected to meet with the caterer.”

“You would be correct. I asked Rafe to find us suitable lodging and he has the perfect place.”

“Us?”

“Yes.”

“I never agreed to that.”

He gestured toward the chair Rafe had vacated. “Please sit so we can discuss this.”

“Yes, let’s.” She settled in to the seat and waited for him to continue.

“Would you like coffee? Or perhaps tea?” he asked.

“I would like orange juice.” And an explanation for why he clearly believed she would want to cohabitate with him, especially after his attitude last night.

He rose from the chair and walked to the refrigerator to retrieve the orange juice, poured her a glass and set it on the wooden table. He then took the chair opposite her and folded his hands before him. “I realize you left London to escape me, or perhaps our problems, but I am not willing to toss in the towel until we have explored all alternatives to remaining apart indefinitely.”

Neither was she, though she understood they might never be able to compromise on the issue of having children. They never would unless he decided to actually discuss it. “You believe the only way we can do that would be to live under the same roof?”

“Yes, I do.”

She had her doubts. “I know you, Sebastian. You will not tolerate a simple hotel room, and I do not believe you’ll find a penthouse suite anywhere near Royal. If I decide to do this, I refuse to reside too far away from Rafiq and Violet.”

“You’re right, but there are houses available.”

She suffered the second shock of the morning. “You purchased a house?”

He shook his head. “No. Rafe knows a man who is willing to open his home to us while he and the family travel abroad.”

Living in a stranger’s house did not seem like a favorable option. “What man?”

“His name is Sheikh Darin Shakir. I believe he hails from a country close to your homeland.”

She had heard the name bandied about by Mac. “I know of him. In fact, his reputation precedes him.”

Sebastian frowned. “In what way?”

“He killed a man several years ago.”

“He’s a bloody murderer?”

She gained some satisfaction from shocking her husband this time. “Actually, it is my understanding his love interest was being held captive by this criminal, forcing him to shoot the evildoer to save her life. Although I despise violence, I find the concept of coming to a woman’s rescue somewhat romantic.”

“I find resorting to murder somewhat disturbing.” Sebastian sat back and sighed. “Perhaps we should explore other avenues.”

“It’s past history, Sebastian. He is very well respected and in fact married to the woman he saved. They have several children.”

“Are you absolutely certain the man is safe? I refuse to put you in harm’s way.”

“As I’ve said, he is a hero in the town’s eyes. I also know my brother would never send me into a dangerous situation.”

Sebastian slapped his palms on the table and stood. “Then it’s settled. We shall go meet this knight in tainted armor and see if the house passes muster. We need to hurry since they will be leaving shortly after lunch for the trip.”

She refused to rush into the decision to join him. “I still have qualms about living together at this point in time.”

“What qualms?”

“First of all, although I came here to confront Rafe, I also intended to have time away from you to think.”

“On the contrary, last night you wanted to talk.”

He did present a valid point. “Yes, but I’m not certain you would be willing to do that.”

He rested his hand on the back of her chair. “If we decide the accommodations are suitable, I will strike a bargain with you.”

Always the negotiator. “Go on.”

“If you will give me one week and the arrangement doesn’t suit you, or if I don’t meet your expectations, then you are free to leave and I will return to the UK.”

She mulled the proposition over a moment and decided that it did seem fair. After all, she truly wanted to attempt to mend the relationship if at all possible. “All right. I will agree to your terms.”

“Great. Our chariot awaits.”

She pushed back from the table and came to her feet. “I wouldn’t consider that truck a chariot.”

“I had another vehicle delivered this morning from Dallas. One that is more suitable. You’ll see when I bring it around.”

“Believe it or not, I find that somewhat disappointing.”

He pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, a habit he had established from the first night they had met. “Why is that?”

“Sedans do not have beds.”

Noting the look of sheer surprise on Sebastian’s handsome face, she turned to retrieve her purse and sunglasses, smiling all the way upstairs and back down again. Perhaps she should not be encouraging her husband in a sexual sense, yet she could not seem to resist the desire his presence had resurrected. The ever present need.

If they had to exist in close quarters, she should make the best of their time together for however long it might last. If they jointly decided their marriage was over, she would make more memories to carry with her to override the bad.

If luck prevailed, the Shakirs’ family home would be a happy place perfect for new beginnings.

* * *

“This isn’t a house, it’s a fortress.”

Nasira tore her gaze away from the massive white stone structure to glance at Sebastian. “And this veritable limousine you’ve leased goes quite well with it.”

He sent her a half smile. “It’s a Jaguar, Sira. Only the best for my bride.”

She didn’t bother to ask how he had acquired it simply because she did not care. She only cared about meeting the mysterious man who resided in the residence. And of course, the woman who had been worthy of his rescue.

As soon as Sebastian pulled to a stop beneath the portico, a dark-haired, dark-skinned man dressed in black shirt and slacks emerged from the double iron doors. Nasira recognized him from the photograph she had seen at the Texas Cattleman’s Club—Darin Shakir, sheikh extraordinaire.

He opened her door and greeted her with an intense look and a guarded smile. “Mrs. Edwards.”

“Sheikh Shakir,” she said as she slid out of the luxury sedan. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” he said with a nod.

Sebastian rounded the hood and offered his hand to Darin. “I truly appreciate your offer, Sheikh Shakir.”

“You may call me Darin,” he replied. “I have never embraced my royal status.”

Nasira had also learned that about him, which could explain how he had settled in a place like Texas. Then again, so had her brother.

Darin showed them into the house where they were met by an attractive woman with red spiraling curls and bright green eyes. “Welcome to our home, you two. I’m Fiona Shakir.”

“I am Nasira Edwards, and this is my husband, Sebastian,” she said, beating her spouse to the punch.

At that moment, three dark-haired little boys entered the room and stood between the Shakirs like miniature soldiers. “These are our sons,” Darin said. “Halim, Kalib and Samir.”

Fiona rested her palm on the youngest one’s head. “Otherwise known as Hal, who’s ten, Kal, eight, and Sam, five.”

The pitter-patter of footsteps echoed in the marble entryway, drawing everyone’s attention to the little girl dashing into the foyer, her auburn-tinted curls bouncing in time with her gait. She immediately threw her arms around Darin’s legs, leading him to sweep her up. “And this is Liana, our youngest,” Darin said. “She will be three years old in three months.”

When the little girl touched her father’s face, and the stoic sheikh gave his daughter the softest look, Nasira’s heart melted. “You have a beautiful family.”

Fiona patted her belly. “Thank you, and in about five months, we’ll be expanding it with another boy.”

Nasira experienced a sense of awe and a slight sting of envy. “Four boys should be interesting.”

“Very interesting,” Sebastian said. “How do you manage caring for so many children?”

Fiona slid her arm around Darin’s waist. “With a lot of love and sharing.”

“And our nanny, Amelia,” Darin added.

“A part-time nanny,” Fiona amended. “When Amelia isn’t here, I’ve learned to be extremely organized out of self-defense. Otherwise the house will be utter chaos and I’ll be a raving maniac.”

Darin pointed behind him. “Boys, return to the playroom.” No sooner than he commanded it, the Shakir sons departed.

Fiona gestured toward the hall beyond the foyer. “Come inside and I’ll show you around.”

“I would enjoy seeing the livestock,” Sebastian said to Darin. “We can leave the wives to tour the house and talk about us when we’re out of earshot.”

Darin finally smiled. “I would be glad to show you the stables.”

“Take Liana with you,” Fiona said. “She’ll throw a fit if you walk outside without her.”

Sebastian looked somewhat alarmed. “Is it wise to take a child around the horses?”

Fiona smiled. “She’s fine as long as she’s supervised.”

Darin shifted Liana from one hip to the other. “We have several Arabians if you and your wife would like to ride.”

“It would be a pleasure,” Sebastian began, “yet I’m afraid my wife would probably balk at the idea.”

But Sebastian was wrong. “I would love nothing more than to go for a ride. I spent much of my youth on the back of a horse.”

Sebastian frowned. “You’ve never told me that in our ten years together.”

“You never asked.”

“Ten years?” Fiona interjected as if she sensed the tension. “Darin and I have been married that long. Do you two have children?”

Nasira swallowed around the nagging lump in her throat. “Not yet.”

“We have a very busy life in London,” Sebastian added. “And we both enjoy traveling. Nasira is involved in charity work and my shipping business requires quite a bit of time.”

Fiona shrugged. “Children are definitely time-consuming.”

“And wonderful,” Nasira said, determined to get her point across to her husband. “I definitely want at least one or perhaps two.”

Sebastian regarded Darin. “Shall we begin the tour of the stables? We wouldn’t want to detain you in light of your upcoming vacation.”

Leave it to her husband to avoid the topic of children. And that gave Nasira pause. “I am very much looking forward to seeing the rest of the house.”

“Right this way,” Fiona said as she gestured Nasira forward.

They made their way through a large formal lounge with gleaming dark wood floors and several seating areas containing multicolored leather furniture and assorted club chairs.

She already felt at home surrounded by such opulence. “This is very grand but comfortable.”

“Thank you, Nasira.” Fiona nodded toward the sweeping staircase. “We have five bedrooms upstairs and our other family room, which is always a mess. So I’ll concentrate on the downstairs for now. But feel free to explore when you’re here.”

Provided they decided to stay there, though she had to admit she would love it. “We so appreciate your hospitality.”

“You are so welcome,” Fiona said as she took off at a fast clip. “The two guest bedrooms are down here.”

Nasira admired the luxury of the first bedroom Fiona showed her. It was accented in whites and grays with a plush king bed and gorgeous en suite bath. The second was equally remarkable though the color palette featured differing shades of blue. Nasira welcomed the fact that if serious conflicts arose during their time her, she could have one room and Sebastian could have the other.

“Amelia usually stays in one these rooms when she spends the night,” Fiona began, “but we’re taking her with us. Darin and I could use a little alone time, if you catch my drift.”

Nasira was not familiar with the term, yet she did understand the meaning behind it. “I have no doubt enjoying private moments with your husband must be difficult in light of the children’s needs.”

The redhead grinned and winked. “We women have needs too.”

Something Nasira had realized all too well last night. “Yes, we do.”

Fiona led her out into the corridor and waved her forward. “The housekeeper, Annie, will be in every day if you decide to stay with us. And she prepares wonderful meals.”

“That would not be necessary.”

“I insist,” Fiona said as she stopped in the great room. “Besides, Annie would be lost if she didn’t have something to do. I promise she won’t be in the way. In fact, you won’t even know she’s here most of the time.”

A phantom maid was quite a novel idea. “Well I would not want her to feel unwanted.”

“I can show you our bedroom if you’d like,” Fiona began, “or we can take a look at the kitchen.”

“I would love to see the nursery,” Nasira blurted without thought.

“Then follow me.”

They crossed to the opposite end of the house and walked down another long hall until Fiona paused at a door with a keypad. “This is the elevator to the upper floor. I’ll leave the code in case you need it.”

She could not imagine why they would. “Did I not see a staircase?”

“Yes, you did.” Fiona smiled as they continued on side by side at a much slower pace. “We use it to get to the second floor fast if one of the kids needs us during the night. Darin is usually the one who hops out of bed first. He’s a very light sleeper.”

“How did the two of you meet?” Nasira asked, overcome with curiosity.

“In a Vegas lounge,” Fiona said. “I happened to be bartending when he walked in and he thought I was someone else.”

“Someone else?”

“Yes. An FBI agent. It’s a long story but let’s just say that particular night started a harrowing adventure that led to this wonderful life full of love and chaos and beautiful children. And speaking of children, this is where the babies stay.”

Fiona opened the double doors to a large nursery that Nasira could only describe as a children’s wonderland. A majestic white canopy crib draped in sheer pale green netting to complement the gender-neutral decor had been positioned between two windows. Stuffed animals of all shapes and sizes dotted built-in shelves that also held trinkets and framed photos of the Shakir children at various points of their life. It was a remarkable place that indicated a very happy family lived here.

Fiona pointed to a small bed to their right. “Liana still sleeps there for the time being. We’ll move her upstairs to the big girl room right before the baby comes. At least that’s the plan. I’m not sure how well her daddy is going to take not having her nearby.”

Nasira could see where that might be an issue. “They seem to be very close.”

“She’s definitely a daddy’s girl. You’ll figure that one out if you and Sebastian have a daughter.”

Regret and memories washed over Nasira as she walked to the crib and ran her hand over the soft coral blanket folded at the end of the mattress. How many times had she imagined her own baby in such a precious bed? How many times had she cried over the end of that dream? Her hand automatically came to rest on her abdomen, and then the familiar tears arrived as sudden as a summer rain. Unwelcome tears that she could not seem to control.

She felt a hand on her shoulder. “Nasira, are you okay?”

Not in the least. She turned around and sniffed. “I had a miscarriage six months ago. It was early in the pregnancy but still no less devastating.”

Fiona snapped a tissue from the box on the changing table and handed it to her. “I’m so sorry, Nasira, and I can relate.”

She dabbed at her eyes. “You can?”

“Like you, I had a first trimester miscarriage between Kal and Sam. It broke my heart.”

Finally, someone who could understand and perhaps provide insight. “How did Darin react to the loss?”

Fiona shrugged. “He was extremely supportive even though he didn’t touch me for a couple of months. I think he worried I might break.”

“Sebastian avoided me for six months.”

Fiona’s green eyes went wide. “You haven’t made love since you lost the baby?”

Nasira felt the urge to confess, yet thought it best not to reveal too much. “That was the case until last night, although I am still in a quandary over how it happened. In fact, the whole evening was rather odd.”

“I’d think you would be relieved,” Fiona said. “Six months is a long time without making whoopee.”

“True, but Sebastian’s behavior was completely out of character. First of all, he arrived at Rafiq’s house uninvited and punched Mac McCallum because he believed we were having some sort of tryst, which is absolutely absurd.”

Fiona gasped. “He did not!”

“He did. I was completely shocked by his behavior yet admittedly somewhat attracted to his sudden show of machismo. Sebastian is usually so controlled.”

Fiona chuckled. “I know exactly what you mean because Darin is like that, too. But there’s no shame in wanting to jump his bones after he defended your honor, even if he mistakenly thought you were fooling around.”

Nasira had definitely wanted him, yet she had never been the aggressor in the relationship. “For the sake of accuracy, I was not exactly looking to rekindle our love life at that moment. Yet he convinced me to have dinner with him and then he virtually seduced me in the ridiculously large pickup truck he rented.”

“Welcome to Texas, girlfriend. Sex in a pickup truck is practically a sport.”

Nasira couldn’t contain her smile. “That actually came later, in the middle of the night, after Sebastian had two toddies on top of his jet lag.” She sighed. “You must think I am a complete dolt, telling you all the sordid details.”

Fiona folded her arms across her middle. “Hey, I’m a good listener, and it’s sure not stupid to want to make love to your husband.”

Then why did she feel so foolish? “I should not want him after what he has done. Or what he has not done. Not only did he avoid lovemaking, any serious communication between us has been at a complete standstill. He refuses to talk about our loss or how he feels about it.”

“Darin isn’t a great communicator, either,” Fiona said. “But I can’t imagine him completely shutting down and if he does try that, I have ways to make him talk.”

“Sebastian has not only shut down, he acts as if he no longer wants children. Maybe he never has. In fact, I had to stop taking...” She had already revealed too much. Said too much. “Again, I do apologize for burdening you with my problems.”

“Burden away, Nasira. We’re members of the miscarriage club and it’s not a good club to join.”

“No, it is not.”

Fiona’s face took on a serious expression. “If you don’t mind me asking, do you know why your husband suddenly changed his mind about being a father?”

This would be the most difficult part to explain. “Actually, we met and married very quickly and we never actually discussed it at length. I did know that his father and stepmother were adamant that he produce an heir because he is an only child, so I mistakenly assumed we would eventually have children. Yet it took years before we finally conceived.” With some regrettable deception on her part.

“If he doesn’t change his mind, what are you going to do?”

“I have no clue at this point in time.” And she really didn’t.

Fiona patted her cheek. “Stick to your guns, Nasira. It’s one thing if both parties don’t want a baby, but it’s another thing if one does and one doesn’t. Regardless, I hope you both work it out.”

So did Nasira. “That’s why we are here. I initially came to Royal to check up on my brother and gain some space, yet Sebastian insisted on following me. We have both agreed to try to compromise. Hopefully, opening your home to us will aid in that goal.”

“It’s a magical place,” Fiona said with a grin. “But just another bit of friendly advice. If he has sex on his mind, don’t make it easy for him until you know you’re both on the same page when it comes to the future. If he doesn’t want to talk, then give him a little nudge.”

If only she had mastered that tack. “What do you suggest?”

“Be a seductress, but play hard to get to get what you need. Eventually you’ll have him eating out of your hand.”

“Would that not make me a tease?”

“Sometimes we have to resort to desperate measures, Nasira. Playing cat and mouse always drives Darin insane, and I guess that’s why we have so many kids.”

They shared in a laugh and a surprising embrace before Fiona said, “Let’s go see if the men have come in from the stables.”

Nasira felt she should express her gratitude again. “Let’s. And please know how much I appreciate your candor and comradeship. You have bolstered my optimism.”

“No problem, Nasira. We girls have just got to stick together.”

* * *

The sound of feminine laughter filtered into the chef’s kitchen, leading Sebastian to believe the two wives must be getting along famously. He couldn’t exactly say the same when it came to his connection to Darin Shakir. The man spoke in brief sentences and appeared to be incapable of smiling, unless it was directed at his daughter. However, he had been a polite host during their tour of the stables, right down to pointing out where Sebastian should step to prevent ruining his Italian loafers.

As Nasira moved into the room, chatter went on around him but he tuned it out and focused on watching his wife. Even after all the years they’d spent together, Sebastian still found her grace and beauty breathtaking. He liked the way she kept her slender hands in motion when she spoke. He liked the way her dark eyes lit up when she laughed. He truly relished her breasts that were unfortunately concealed by her black hair falling in soft waves, crimped from the braid she’d worn to bed last night. He imagined those silken locks on his chest, along with her soft lips, moving down his belly and lower....

“Can I get you anything, Sebastian?”

He brought his attention to Fiona to find her sporting an odd look. “I could use a glass of water.” Mainly to pour down his shorts to preserve his dignity.

“Would you like one too, Nasira?” she asked.

His wife frowned at him as if she had channeled his dirty thoughts. “No, thank you. I suppose Sebastian and I should take our leave so we can discuss your wonderful offer for us to stay in your home.”

Darin stepped forward, the toddler still on his hip. “We will give you your privacy while we return to our packing. If you decide to stay, we will provide you with the key and the gate code so you may return at your leisure.”

Fiona set a glass of water on the marble island next to Sebastian. “Liana, tell Mr. and Mrs. Edwards goodbye.”

After Darin set the little girl on her feet, she immediately rushed to Sebastian and wrapped her arms around his legs. “Bye, bye, Mr. Man.”

Seeing the grin on the child’s face sent a spear of regret through Sebastian. He ruffled her dark hair and returned her smile. “Goodbye, Princess Liana. I am grateful to have met you and your noble steed, Puddles.”

Her grin widened as she moved to Nasira and took her hand. “Bye, bye, pretty lady.”

Nasira knelt at her level and touched the girl’s face. “Goodbye, little princess. Have a wonderful time on your trip.”

Fiona stepped forward and took Liana’s hand. “Take your time, you two. When you’re ready, just press the button that says family room on the wall by the stove and we’ll come running.”

After the couple disappeared around the corner, Sebastian faced Sira again. “Well, what do you think of the place?”

“I think it is very lovely.”

“Not too shabby, I suppose.”

“I also think your reaction to Liana was lovely as well.”

He should have seen that coming. “She’s a very interesting child though somewhat chatty. She is quite enamored of her pony.”

“She seemed somewhat enamored of you.”

“She is simply friendly.” And he simply needed to divert Nasira’s attention from the topic before she forced him to revisit his decision not to have a child. “By the way, there’s a spa on the deck next to the pool. That alone would persuade me to stay.”

“I cannot recall if Elsa packed my swimsuit.”

“Elsa never forgets a thing. And on the off chance she did, we will swim in the nude.”

She averted her eyes. “Keep your voice down, Sebastian.”

Her innocence had come out of hiding. “Why? I assume this couple knows about all things sexual considering they are well on their way to creating an entire rugby team.”

That earned him her smile and a wistful look. “You are so amusing. They have a wonderful family. They are quite lucky to have each other.”

He realized how strongly his wife had been affected by the children. Children he could not offer her at the moment. Nevertheless, he hoped to come up with a plan that he would present later. Much later. “Are you still willing to reside here with me until the end of the week?”

“Yes, with a few conditions,” she said.

He should have seen that coming. “And what would those be?”

“First, we stay in separate suites.”

Bloody hell. “Why?”

“Because we need to concentrate on our relationship without any complications that will cloud our judgment.”

Double bloody hell. “If you are referring to sex, you must admit that has always worked well between us. Why would we want to exclude that from our time together?”

She barked out a cynical laugh. “I find that somewhat ironic considering that until last night, you refused to sleep with me in every sense of the word for the past six months.”

He couldn’t provide an explanation without baring his soul completely. He had been taught by his father early in life that men did not give in to emotions. “I was simply allowing you to recover completely.”

“Have you forgotten what happened last night when you were in my bed?”

“Actually, I barely remember it.” Unfortunately.

“You do remember the birth control issue, correct?”

He had attempted to forget that, yet the possible consequences still haunted him. “Yes, I remember.”

“Well, nothing has changed in that regard. We still do not have any protection against pregnancy.”

Not yet, but he intended to rectify that with a trip to the market. And perhaps he would pick up a box of chocolates along with the condoms. “I see your point, and I agree to your terms.” For the time being.

“Second condition,” she continued. “You must promise you will engage in meaningful conversations and answer my questions with candor without any comedy.”

That would be somewhat difficult. “I promise I will try, as long as you promise to be patient.”

“I will agree to those terms.”

Simple enough. “Then I suppose we should tell the Shakirs we will be accepting their hospitable invitation.”

Sebastian could only hope that agreeing to her terms would not prove to be his downfall.