Falling for the Sheikh She Shouldn't by Fiona McArthur

Author:Fiona McArthur
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-10-07T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE next day proved hectic after a whirlwind of formalities made more intricate with Carmen joining the party at the last minute. Carmen only had time to glimpse Coogee beach recede in the distance as they drove away she was too busy checking her handbag to make sure she had everything. Her leave from work had been smoothed by the fact she hadn’t taken any holiday for so long. She’d been waved away with little censure of the short notice. Carmen couldn’t help but wonder if Zafar had spoken to them.

The baby hotel had said to return when she could. All too easy. Or maybe nobody would miss her?

Even Donna had said, ‘Enjoy, lucky thing’.

Carmen couldn’t help feeling she’d been manipulated by a force that was stronger than she’d realised. Zafar.

They’d left the hotel in two cars, which shouldn’t have surprised Carmen, and maybe added that tiny hint of needed reality, being relegated to the secondary car with the twins and Fadia. What did she expect? To ride with Zafar? Of course she was a glorified nanny.

Thankfully the babies were remarkably settled and Fadia seemed mostly relieved with her decision.

Now the decision had been made, Carmen was glad she’d come to support the young mother and help her as she became reacquainted with her homeland. Despite Zafar’s assertion that he would not force the widow into anything she didn’t want, Carmen knew Fadia was worried.

They both knew, though, that he would have other matters to distract him.

Carmen tried to put herself in the young mum’s shoes. ‘Are you worried about returning to Zandorro?’

Fadia nodded. ‘A little. It’s been six years. And I’m nervous about meeting my grandfather again. He is a powerful man. But Zandarro is becoming a more progressive country, not as traditional as our neighbours, which causes friction between the two countries. I hope it continues that way.’

They both pondered the differences between a monarchy-ruled Arabic state and the relaxed vibe of Coogee.

Carmen smiled. ‘Might be a little removed from what we’ve been used to.’

The short trip to the airport passed silently and once they arrived in Zafar, or more likely his staff, had arranged for them to slip through diplomatic transfer to their private jet.

‘Would you like something to drink before take-off?’ The exquisitely dressed hostess appeared from nowhere and Carmen looked at Fadia.

‘No, thank you, we’re fine.’

The woman inclined her head. ‘We’ll be taking off in ten minutes.’

Not too long to ponder her decision, then. Surely she was doing the right thing. Carmen shivered as last regrets surfaced. It was momentous to allow herself to be whisked off to an unfamiliar country with people who played by their own rules.

Fadia seemed disinclined to talk and Carmen let her be. All she could do for the moment was check the babies and later through the flight ensure they were fed, changed and settled.

Carmen glanced across at the boys in their capsules strapped to the opposite seats.

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