A Golden Betrayal by Barbara Dunlop

Author:Barbara Dunlop [Dunlop, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction
ISBN: 9780373732111
Google: u-7k0oFeHZcC
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-11-26T22:00:00+00:00

Eight

Ann felt beautiful in her Rayasian silk dress of sunshine-yellow, bright orange and deep red. But she couldn’t help wishing Raif was there to see her. But, after the security team had given the all-clear, she and Kalila headed out alone in a black SUV with no one but security guards to keep them company. Raif had stayed behind with Tariq to hear details of the alarm investigation, and to do whatever other princely duties required his attention.

Kalila seemed quite friendly with the plainclothes guards. The men escorted them to the front door of a stone mansion across the street from a picturesque beach, seeing them safely inside a huge, octagonal, marble-arched foyer, where Kalila introduced Ann to an endless procession of people.

Kalila was clearly the belle of the ball, with people stopping them every few feet to gush over her as they made their way toward dining tables set up for two hundred on a massive terrace overlooking a vineyard. Dozens of local wines were featured at stations throughout a great room that served as a mingling area. They were delicious, and Ann began to sip her way through them while Kalila conversed in Rayasian. She stopped often to translate for Ann. Even so, it was almost impossible for Ann to keep up.

Then, during dinner, Kalila leaned in, lowered her voice and switched to English. She discreetly pointed out two men sitting a few tables over from the head table where she and Ann were seated on a raised dais with six other guests.

“Amar and Zeke,” she whispered. “I’ve just been told that they bragged down at the docks that they knew who had stolen the statue. The story goes that one of the workers overheard them talking. The rumor made its way to Elena, the eleven-year-old daughter of a woman who works for Sheik Bajra.” Kalila’s lashes came down. “The woman on my right is, shall we say, close to Sheik Bajra.”

Ann found herself glancing at the beautiful woman, and wondering about her romantic life. How did she pull off extra-curricular activities in a country as conservative as Rayas? Too bad now wasn’t the time for Ann to satisfy her curiosity. “You think it was Amar and Zeke?” she asked instead.

“I think they know something that could help.”

“We need to tell Raif.”

“I agree,” said Kalila. Then her expression brightened. “We can tell him now.”

Following the direction of Kalila’s gaze, Ann caught sight of Raif as he came onto the terrace. Those closest to him immediately jumped to their feet, standing at attention. Their action caused a buzz in the room, and soon everyone was standing, facing Raif, bowing as he passed by.

“I thought he wasn’t coming,” said Ann.

“Raif does what he wants,” Kalila returned.

Ann craned her neck for a better look. Raif’s gaze met hers, and her breath whooshed out.

He made a beeline for their table, the crowd parting in front of him. The second his destination became clear, five waiters appeared. Two guests, including Sheik Bajra’s apparent mistress, were whisked from the table for eight, their dishes and settings instantly replaced.

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