King of Durabia Read online

  Kamran settled on the front seat beside Ellena and waited several moments while she gained her bearings.

  “I shouldn’t do this,” she whispered, trying to pull back from him. “Just put this all out there so early in this … this whatever it is.”

  “This is perfect time,” he countered, stroking his fingers across her cheek to remove some of the tears. “I cannot know you, if I do not understand your pain. It is also a part of you. And as your mate, this is something that you should not feel that you must hide.”

  She pulled away to look up at him. “My mate?”

  “And out of all of that, that is the only thing you took away,” he teased.

  “My mate?” she repeated, tilting her head.

  “Speaking it into existence,” he said with a small smile and she actually gave him one in return.

  Ellena then inhaled and placed her head on the wall of his chest. “I was married for seven years. My ex … it was an ugly divorce. So ugly that he moved to a different state. Just up and did that out of the blue. He wore me down so hard before the proceedings even started that I gave up everything except wanting something for the children.” She took another deep breath and let it out slowly. “He moved because he was going to start the real proceedings in that particular state then planned to take my children so he wouldn’t have to pay me a dime. The judge in Chicago wasn’t having it, so my ex stalled things until he came up with another plan.” She gazed out at the river, taking in the sight of the ships sailing parallel to the Gold Souk area. “My mother was always money hungry …”

  And that was putting it mildly. Like several of her eleven children, Ruth Hinton had also managed to manipulate their only brother into allowing her to handle his finances. She juggled payments between her bills and his until things became so bad that she missed a few of his car payments and was too afraid to tell him what she’d done. She couldn’t make arrangements because it would require explaining her error, and of course she wouldn’t admit she made so much of a mistake. He only found out the day he went outside, planning to make it to work that morning and his car was gone. Repossessed. He had been complicit and allowed her to have that level of control to hide his assets from his children’s mother. It worked, until it didn’t.

  “So it wasn’t too farfetched to believe that Ruth would take my ex-husband’s money as part of a deal that would line her pockets at my expense. Not to mention the time that she outright stole bail money destined for one of my sisters, which resulted in an unfortunate and unwarranted stay in a Mississippi prison that led to more tragic experiences.” Ellena blinked away tears. “She picked the children up from school, without my permission, and was taking them to live with him,” Ellena said, gripping the edge of the barrier railing. “They had an accident.”

  Kamran’s heart constricted and he slid one arm around her.

  “Ruth was texting him to let him know they were at the halfway point. She didn’t brake fast enough mid-way through a red light and an eighteen-wheeler slammed into her car. None of my children were in seatbelts. She was, but they weren’t.”

  Ellena put a tighter grip on his hand. “One of my babies died instantly. The others died within a few days of each other. My mother survived,” she scoffed and grimaced. “Of all the people for God to take, He left her trifling ass and took my babies. All four of them.”

  Kamran leaned over and grabbed a tissue from the dashboard to wipe her tears as Rashid put an array of packages under the bus then switched places with Waqas. The driver grinned and gave him a thumbs up sign. Rashid gave the man a warning with a hand gesture and the driver’s smile disappeared.

  “Do you know what their father said to me?”

  Kamran shook his head, tightening his hold on her body.

  “Now we can stop fighting over them,” she spat. “God … God’s got them.”

  Kamran’s heart slammed against his chest. What a horrible thing to say about such a tragedy.

  “God’s got them.” She dabbed her face with the tissue. “I did everything right. Waited until I had walked down the aisle to have sex. Kept a clean house, cooked breakfast and dinner every day, packed lunches. Gave him whatever he wanted, even when I was so tired from work that I didn’t feel like it. Even things I didn’t feel comfortable doing. Even when I knew something wasn’t right for us financially, he wouldn’t listen. I submitted as the Good Book said a wife is supposed to do.” She shook her head “And how does life repay me? God’s got ‘em, then leaves my ex and my mother with absolutely no consequences for what they did. The judge said that losing the children was punishment enough, even though their deception was the root cause.”

  She inhaled sharply and Kamran ran one hand up and down her arm to give comfort.

  “No more talk of this right now,” he whispered into her hair. “Thank you for unburdening your soul.”

  He cradled her in his arms for a long while, watched when Waqas trotted back to the bus and took his place beside Rashid. The driver took off again in a schoolboy run that signaled his glee.

  Kamran would tread carefully when it came to questions about her family. He couldn’t imagine the depth of sorrow that still plagued her. “There is nothing I can say that will ease your pain and I am sorry that I brought you to this state.”

  “It’s not your fault,” she said, sniffling, then accepted the rest of the tissues from his hand. “You couldn’t have known. Just hormones are all over the place. Early menopause or whatever. Sorry for blubbering like an idiot.”

  “You are not an idiot,” he protested.

  “But I am blubbering though.”

  “Yes, there is that,” he agreed. “But with good reason. Tears are orgasms for the eyes.”

  She pulled away and gave him the side-eye. “You just made that up.”

  “No, I promise. I read it somewhere,” he said with a laugh. “But it is true? You feel a little better right now, yes? A release?”

  Ellena blinked, and those perfectly arched eyebrows drew in. “Truthfully, I do. Yes.”

  “I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath in.”

  She took a moment, then complied.

  “Now let it out slowly.”

  Ellena did, and he guided her through the process eight more times. When she was done, she buried her head in the wall of his muscled chest once again. He was glad she was comfortable enough to relax to this degree.

  “Honey?”

  “Yes, Kamran.”

  His gaze shifted to one of the side windows. “Your classmates are returning.”

  “All right,” she whispered.

  “I thought you did not want them to know.”

  “I don’t care.” She held onto him and he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  He signaled for the driver to come aboard but Rashid stepped on right after, doing a sweep of the bus before giving the driver a sign and allowing her classmates to step inside.

  “See, I told you there was love in the air,” Dolly teased, nudging Damaris as they walked past.

  Kamran smiled, but did not feel the need to respond.

  “Oh, so it’s like that?” David said with a nod. “Royal escort, my ass.”

  Kamran took the microphone after everyone was accounted for. “So, would you prefer to go on to the museum or stay here for more shopping?”

  “I opt for shopping,” Dolly replied and several affirming nods and verbal agreements followed. “Only if we can see the museum another day?”

  Damaris chimed in, “I’d like to get it in while the merchants still remember the prices they gave us.”

  “But some of us need to change clothes and shoes,” Dolly said, sliding off her heels and rubbing her aching feet. “This weather and that walk ain’t nothing nice.”

  Kamran directed his focus to the driver first, then to everyone else. “So Ellena and I will retire to Jumillah and this bus will take you to the hotel to change and drop
off packages. Then you will come back here for more shopping. Plan?”

  Everyone agreed.

  “But then get some rest,” he cautioned. “I have a surprise for you tonight. Includes dinner so bring a healthy appetite.”

  “Another envelope?” Ronnie prompted.

  “You might think I was raised a fool, but I was not raised a damn fool.”

  Ellena squinted, grimaced, then let out a peal of laughter before everyone joined in.

  “Oh, man, he’s hella cool,” Damaris said.

  “On the way back to Gold Souk, the driver will give you a tour of the city. Everyone should buy something for a trip to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi that will take place sometime this week.” He put his focus on Dolly and Damaris. “I will need you to set the time in my absence.” Then to everyone else, he said, “The bus will pick you up from the hotel tonight at six. Not CP time, yes?”

  “What the hell do you know about CP time?” Ronnie challenged.

  “It will be the difference between making it to my next surprise or remaining at the hotel.”

  Hoots and laughter met that statement.

  “And dress up,” he said, giving Ellena’s hand a gentle squeeze. “No jeans or anything casual.”

  Dolly piped up. “You’re not going to tell us?”

  “How can it be a surprise if you know?” he shot back with a wink. “But I promise you will love it.”

  Ellena splayed a hand on his chest. “You can tell me, though, right?”

  “No can do.” He tweaked the tip of her nose. “Surprise is for you, too.”

  “You are such a tease.”

  Kamran tipped his head sideways. “You mean that in a good way, yes?”

  Chapter Six

  The bus pulled up in front of a two-lane pathway leading to an island with only one building—a sprawling glass structure shaped like a ship’s sail. Ellena and Kamran stepped off with a farewell to everyone.

  “Wait, where are y’all going?” Dolly called out, getting to her feet.

  “Ellena needs a little rest and to prepare for tonight.”

  “Be honest, y’all going up there for a little pickle tickle,” Damaris teased.

  Kamran looked at Ellena. “Pickle tickle?”

  “Yes, it is exactly what you think,” she confirmed.

  His eyes widened with shock. “Oh. Definitely not for that. Too short of a time.”

  Ellena playfully shoved him in the side as everyone laughed at them.

  Ronnie leaned over to peer out of the window. “You’re staying here?”

  “Yes, for the duration of the vacation,” Kamran answered, placing his hand in the small of Ellena’s back.

  “Man, that’s tight. So, when do we check in? You know, an upgrade and everything.”

  “See you all tonight,” Kamran said as his guards alighted from the bus to where Saba and Saqib awaited. “Remember, make sure you all purchase something to wear to the Mosque tomorrow. Your driver will explain what that is.”

  “Oh, he’s good,” David said. “Just slid right by that question.”

  “That’s ‘cause you need to keep your nose out of their business,” Dolly warned.

  Kamran waved as the bus pulled away. “Are you all right?” he asked as they walked along the concrete path leading to the entrance of Jumillah Hotel. Guards walked a few paces behind them.

  “Yes, I’m good.” Seconds passed before she glanced up at him. “Why did you separate me from the group?”

  “You need to rest,” he said, pausing to allow her to look in his eyes. “Your experience, telling me what happened in your past, that was draining and you still need some time to process. Shopping can wait. A little libation and a meal, and some rest before tonight, yes?”

  “You are so good to me,” she whispered, cupping his face in her hands. “I’m going to be so spoiled. I don’t ever want to …”

  He pressed a kiss to her lips and quickly pulled back, startled at his own actions, but not regretful. “And that is my point. But this break is not for that reason, it is because you still need to heal from your past. What your mother did … that kind of betrayal. I can almost place money on the fact that you have never opened up to anyone else about it.”

  Ellena averted her gaze, but not for long. She looked up at him, as though trying to read his true intentions. He had been truthful when he said she’d had his heart on day one. That feisty spirit, that passion was … sexy. Yes, sexy. That’s what they termed it. Everything about the woman was so different than what he was used to.

  Jumillah Hotel, a sky-high palace, was situated on an island off to itself. The suite had classical furnishings with beautiful views of the pale blue waters and the Durabian skyline. They entered through a private lift that led straight into a cinema, library, dining room for twelve, and a fully stocked kitchen where a butler, housekeeper and assistant awaited to provide personal service fit for a king.

  The tranquil waters flowing around the hotel could be seen through cathedral windows. Two grand and luxurious bedrooms had his and hers dressing rooms and two private bars. Both master bathrooms came complete with a full-size Jacuzzi and a separate five-head rain shower as well as a set of his and hers Hermès amenities, and a separate guest restroom on the lower level.

  She tipped into the bedroom and found a selection of nine types of pillows, eiderdown duvets, exquisite Egyptian cotton linen and a bed that could be personalized to suit her specific posture preferences.

  “I will leave you to your rest,” he said. “Saba will take care of your packages and gifts. I will be staying in the suite right above this one.”

  “Stay with me,” she whispered, then inched back as though shocked she had issued such an invitation.

  He turned back to face her. “Are you certain?”

  “Yes,” she gestured to the spread on the dining room table. “There’s enough food here for two.”

  Kamran walked past her to one of the chairs and pulled it out, waiting. She took her seat and he claimed the one next to her.

  They shared a meal of Al Machboos—bismati rice, onions, and chicken seasoned with spices, salt, and dried lemon; Tabbouleh—a salad made from tomatoes, green onions and cucumber, seasoned with fresh mint and lemon juice; Baba ganoush—smoked eggplant mixed with onions, tomatoes, and olive oil; Shish Tawook—a beef and lamb kabob, along with several other delicacies. All the while, they enjoyed light banter and conversation about her classmates, time in high school, and a little of her life. He fired questions at her so fast she didn’t get to ask him too much.

  “Now you must rest,” he said after a final bite. “I will see you tonight.”

  “All right.” She stood along with him.

  Kamran made it as far as the door.

  “Would it be bold of me to ask you to stay? Again.”

  He was by her side in an instant, slipping off the dishdasha, taking off his sandals, then removing his head covering—Iqal—placing it across the chair before allowing her to guide him into the bedroom. What remained was a thin pair of pants and a bright-white t-shirt that clung to his muscular chest. The man had the nerve to have a six pack.

  He slid into the bed and gathered Ellena in his arms. She was asleep before he could say sweet dreams.

  Chapter Seven

  Durabia Opera House, a performing arts center, was located in the heart of downtown Durabia. The place hosted a variety of performances and events including theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. The vibrant colors of gold and black were infused throughout, but the glass structure held elements of class and mystery.

  “Wow, you’re taking us to some boring ass opera?” Ronnie said, his sour tone signaling exactly how he felt about that prospect.

  “First, we’ll have a private dinner, then it will be time for my surprise.”

  Ellena watched as her classmates basked in all the attention showered upon them by the staff because, once again, Kamran had reserved the entire place for their dining p
leasure. He looked dashing in a black tux and tie. The other half of their classmates were on a riverboat cruise and a few people had texted to Damaris that the food and entertainment was subpar. Kamran, on the other hand, had made sure his guests were dining on some of the finest cuisine in Durabia. Whatever surprise he had in store, Ellena believed it was going to be epic.

  “El, are you all right?” Dolly asked, the red silky dress hugging her curves like they were an old friend.

  “Never better.” Her gaze drifted until Kamran was in her line of sight. He looked back and winked. She inhaled and her breath caught in her chest. That man oozed every ounce of charm available on the planet. And it was natural—every bit of it. Their conversations as they made ready to leave for tonight had ranged from a few tidbits about his family, a dabble in politics, a little of religion and customs, but a great deal of it focused on hopes and dreams.

  “That man is so fine, girl.” Dolly nudged Ellena to capture her attention and she complied by tearing her gaze from his. “You should see the way he looks at you.”

  Ellena found a pointed interest in the plush carpet.

  “And that blush,” Dolly teased. “Oh my stars, you’ve never blushed. And I’m telling you that the heat between you two is enough to start a fire in this desert.” She laughed, and Ellena tried not to give anything else away. The more she spent time with him, the more she realized his mother had been correct. Attentive. Compassionate. Intelligent. Wonderful.

  “You know the others are jealous, right? Now Carrie and her people want to have a private talk with Kamran. They were sitting around the lobby when we came through with all those bags. You should’ve seen their faces. My petty was top level.”

  Ellena peered at Dolly, frowning. “What did you do?”

  “Told them that Kamran gave us a nice amount of dancing cash. Enough that it paid for our entire trip and then some. The jaw drops were epic.” She did a little shimmy to express her excitement.

  “Keep it up, and they’re going to beat you up and take your stuff,” she warned.