“Well, I’m not the most diplomatic person when it comes to expressing myself, so I’m afraid of scaring you.”
“Zoe, remember what I said about confiding in each other?”
“Alright then. What I thought is that this second ‘accident’ of Kamal’s doesn’t seem normal for a man as experienced as him and, I’m sure, accustomed to avoiding scammers. The impression I get is that he also feels something more for you but needs the excuse that you’ll be together because it’s ‘inevitable,’ not because he’s in love.”
“Zoe, I love you, but you’re seriously overthinking this. Kamal is not the type to make excuses. He wants something or he doesn’t, and I don’t think he’s letting his subconscious guide him. Yesterday we had an argument. What happened was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing, you know? We were both upset, but we also felt incredibly drawn to each other. It was definitely an accident.”
“If you say so . . .Anyway, regardless, I want to know as soon as you find out whether you’re pregnant or not. If you need help telling your mom over a video call, just let me know.”
“You’d do that?”
“Of course I would. You know your mom isn’t even on my list of top thousand favorite people, but I promised I would be there for you.”
“I appreciate it so much, but I was thinking of going to Boston, if it really comes to that, to tell her in person.”
“That would be ideal, but face-to-face you won’t be able to end the conversation whenever you want. Think about it and let me know.”
“True. If it comes to that. I don’t even know if I’m pregnant for sure.”
“Yeah, but we’ll find out soon. Love you, cousin.”
“Love you too.”
Chapter 30
“Put your hair up. Your back is getting very red.”
She does as I say and looks back at me, smiling. “I could get used to this. Being pampered and having your hands on me all the time.”
“You’re a minx, Miss Turner.”
“Well, I can’t disagree. You turned me into a bad girl, my Sheikh.”
Madeline is facing away, nestled between my legs, on a lounger by my pool. I spin her around in my arms, seating her on my lap. “I’m starting to worry about your addiction to sex, Miss.”
“Are you complaining?” She laughs, leaning forward and adjusting herself over my cock.
Before I can respond, I hear my brother Zarif say, “Oh, so this is where you ran off to.”
All color drains from Madeline’s face. I suspect it’s both because of the compromising position we’re in and the fact that she’s almost naked, wearing only a tiny bikini.
In a second, she gets off me, grabs the beach cover-up from the floor, and covers herself. “Zarif, Irfan. How are you?” she asks, her anxious voice betraying her.
“Better now,” Zarif replies, not hiding his gaze on her.
I stand up and put an arm around Madeline’s waist. “I don’t recall inviting you both.”
Irfan laughs, ignoring the tension in the air. “Since when do we need an invitation? Zarif wanted to check if Madeline was okay, as she apparently vanished from the dance floor.”
I’m used to their teasing. In general, I don’t take it seriously, but today, I’m not in the mood for it. “You’ve seen her. Madeline is fine. You may leave now.”
She looks at me, and I can tell she’s upset. “Would you like something to drink?” she offers, disregarding my bad manners.
“What I want isn’t on the menu. At least not yet,” Zarif retorts, and I step towards him.
It’s evident that he’s referring to my girlfriend, and I won’t tolerate such disrespect.
Before I can do anything, Madeline steps between us. “I don’t know what your problem is, Zarif, but don’t you dare use me to provoke your brother. I’m not a toy to him, if that’s what you’re thinking. We are in a real relationship, without any of that contract crap, and I demand you respect that.”
