“I kind of understand how you must be feeling. You see, I was hidden away myself for a while, working as a nanny for what turned out to be a psychopath. It’s a lot to deal with when you enter the real world and I guess we have a lot in common.”
“Why?”
I’m not being rude, just curious, and she leans closer and whispers, “My family were like Joseph’s, not so much Malik’s, so thank God for small mercies.”
She rolls her eyes, making me wonder what the hell her husband lived like if it was worse than a mafia life.
“I was protected all my life until I ran away.”
“Why did you run?”
“Evil stepmother.”
“Wow.”
I’m stunned because how is this happening?
She grins. “So, if you need any advice on how to survive in this world, you know where I am. We are in town for three more days while Malik conducts his business. Perhaps we could take lunch before I leave.”
“I would love that.”
I falter because I’m not sure I’ll be allowed because tomorrow is my wedding day, supposedly.
“We’ll find the time. I’ll insist on it, and if Joseph refuses, I’ll ask Malik to change his mind.”
“Why do I really hope he refuses?”
We giggle as our friendship forms almost instantaneously and Eliza groans. “I should head back. Malik gets twitchy if I’m out of his sight for more than a few minutes.”
Her soft expression reveals she’s not unhappy about that, and the love she has for her husband is evident in her smile.
“I wish you luck, Tiffany, but one word of advice, if I may be so bold.”
“Of course.”
She points to my finger. “If your engagement story is going to hold up, you really should be wearing an engagement ring. Just saying.”
My heart sinks because she’s right, of course. I’m surprised that Joseph never thought that one through. Then again, neither did I and I’m guessing that Eliza Karim is every bit as capable of discovering secrets as her husband is.
CHAPTER 13
JOSEPH
Iwatch Tiffany leave with Eliza, and it puts me on edge. I don’t trust anyone. Not even my neighbour, who has become a good friend to me since I moved here. His visits are sporadic, but his friendship appears genuine when he is, so I’m not surprised when he jerks his head toward the door.
“Come, we can talk in my den.”
There are many other couples huddled in groups, and I have no doubt that every single one of them is of some use to my host and I’m guessing this is my turn to discover what my invitation was for.
Malik Karim doesn’t do anything without an ulterior motive, and when we head into his den, I note we enjoy a good view of the terrace where the women are chatting.
“The perfect view.”
His eyes find his wife, and I note the softening of an otherwise hard expression and as I glance at Tiffany, I’m surprised how reassured I am seeing her standing there.
Malik pours us a glass of whiskey, and we move to the window, and he says in a low voice, “You have a problem that I may be able to help you with.”
“I’m listening.”
