‘Nonsense. Kate looks like the capable type, and that’s just what he needs,’ she adds conspiratorially. ‘Someone to keep him on his toes.’
My mouthful of champagne goes down the wrong way. As I cough, I try desperately not to snot it all over her. Keephimon his toes? More like the other way around and definitely less metaphorically.Thankfully, she doesn’t appear to notice my reaction, distracted by someone’s arrival, excusing herself in a swirl of skirts.
‘Do you want to join me in the gym in the morning?’ Kai’s amber gaze is still amused.
‘Are you trying to get me to snort more bubbles? Anyway, who says I’m staying with you tonight.’
‘Of course you are. It’s a great start to the day, getting hot and sweaty,’ he whispers, pulling me closer. ‘I wonder what kind of noises I could get you to make, pushed to your peak in public?’
‘You’re not about to find out, kinky.’ I giggle and squirm away, reaching for a morsel from a passing tray.
‘Dirty girl. I didn’t mention sex. I simply meant how loud you’d be, worked overreallyhard.’
‘Sureyou didn’t, and shush, your mum’s coming back. And I so don’t exercise.’
‘Fuck thehors d’oeuvres,’ he growls. Taking the tartlet and glass out of my hand, he discards them to another passing tray. ‘Let’s get straight to dessert.’
‘Are you hungry, darling?’ Mishael’s smile is bland, except where it reaches her eyes. I get the feeling there’s nothing wrong with her hearing. ‘Look who I found.’ Turning, she rests a hand on the forearm of a man dressed in a gleaming whitekandurarobe. Strikingly tall, the man’s eyes flick to Kai.
Kai’s forehead shows signs of a developing frown. ‘Essam.’
‘Kais.’ Kais, not Kai, the initial sound delivered from the back of his throat. Drawing himself taller, the newcomer adds, ‘Keef haluk.’
‘I’m fine,’ Kai grates out. ‘Thank you for asking.’
The pair bear more than a passing resemblance, though Essam is taller and thin rather than lithe. And without the sharpness of cheekbones, he’s a pale imitation of Kai. He does have fantastic eyes, though. Any more almond-shaped and he’d be part cat.
Mishael places her hand under my elbow, intent on steering me away. ‘Let me introduce you to my friend Sameera and leave the men to talk shop.’ When out of earshot, Mishael’s voice drops to an apologetic tone. ‘Excuse me for dragging you away, but Essam is devoutly religious. I thought it best to spare you both the discomfort of an introduction.’ I don’t so much answer as vaguely nod. ‘My nephew would mean no offence. He’d be dreadfully disturbed if he thought he’d upset you by his manner. Perhaps next time you’ll meet him with his wife, Maryam, things would be less awkward then. They’ve just had their first child. What a darling little girl; she’s so adorable. I’ll admit to a little pseudo granny lust.’ Her words trail away in a peal of laughter.
Several overwhelming introductions later, I excuse myself to find the bathrooms, mainly to grab a few moments to myself. Lost in the labyrinth of stairs and outdoor corridors, I find myself suddenly behind Kai and his cousin as they stand on the stone patio, facing the garden.
‘...introducing her to your mother. That has to be a first.’
‘Is it?’ Kai uses a bored tone, raising his glass to his mouth. ‘You’re quite the expert on my life, it seems.’
‘Wallah, I swear not!’ Essam’s shoulders move rapidly with his chuckle. ‘Though she...thisis very different. I take it your father knows.’
Kai’s shoulders lift and fall once, unconcerned. ‘What is there to tell?’
My heart slips to my Vampanado’s.
‘Risky, with what he has in mind, I hear.’
‘If you have a point, get to it, would you.’ Kai sounds almost bored.
‘Just, if it’s over with Sofia...’
With a breath of laughter, Kai turns to his cousin. ‘Wouldn’t that be overextending, even for you?’ Too late, I realise I have nowhere to hide. I’m stood like a sneaky eavesdropper as I’m spotted by Kai.
‘Kate.’ In three strides, my hands are in his, his expression having morphed to tender from bland.
‘Aren’t you going to introduce us?’ Essam asks, sounding quite pleased with himself.
‘No.’ Kai doesn’t turn, rather steering me away, his hand at the base of my spine.
‘What was that all about?’ I ask, glancing back at Essam, his cold gaze and a gleam of teeth following our retreat.
‘A difference of opinion.’
