-42-
Rafael
It was the day before we would leave for Dubai, and I couldn’t be more content or relaxed. A smile tugged at my lips as I thought about Yasmin. Being intimate with her for the first time had left a lingering sense of warmth and connection. In only three days, she would officially be mine in the eyes of the law and God, and that certainty bolstered my mood like nothing else. I understood now, more than ever, why Ivan and Khalid wanted to keep things quiet for now.
I couldn’t imagine how on edge Yasmin would be if she knew about my secret meeting with her brother and father or how they expected Ethan to have more up his sleeve.
Currently, I was seated at a plush, dimly lit lounge, sipping on a glass of scotch with Ivan, Roman, and Khalid. Ivan and Khalid had insisted we spend more time together to get to know each other better, especially since we would soon be family. The camaraderie was beginning to feel genuine and easy, despite the initial awkwardness.
Khalid leaned back in his chair, a small smile on his lips. “So, Rafael, have you got your best man for Dubai yet?”
I sipped my drink and then set the glass down, clearing my throat. “I was hoping to talk to you about that.” I shifted in my seat slightly to face Khalid more directly. “Khalid, it would mean a lot to me if you would be my best man in Dubai.”
After spending a bit more time with Khalid, I found he wasn't as intimidating as I first thought him to be. He was still intense but now I could see him for what he truly was, a man who would do anything to protect his family. I could respect it; in fact, I admired him. I had no doubt we would be great friends in the future, and I wanted to offer an even bigger olive branch to him.
For a moment, Khalid seemed taken aback, his brows arching in surprise. Then, a broad smile spread across his face, and he extended his hand. “It would be my honor, Rafael.”
I shook his hand firmly. “Thank you. I hope we can continue to get along and build a strong bond, especially for Yasmin’s sake.”
Roman, sitting next to me, clinked his glass against mine in a silent toast. “Looks like you’re collecting best men, Rafael.”
I chuckled. “Funny you should say that Roman. I was hoping you’d be my best man at our wedding in Napa.”
Roman’s grin widened, and he clapped me on the shoulder. “Of course, I thought you'd never ask.”
Ivan, not one to be left out, interjected with a mock pout. “Hey, what about me? Can’t I be a best man too?”
We all laughed, the ridiculous nature of his questions being so funny. If this get-together has proven anything to me it’s that Ivan and Khalid were the biggest teddy bears when you got to know them. It was either that or the alcohol was doing wonders.
He waved his hand dismissively. “Just kidding. I’ll be walking her down the aisle twice, after all.”
There was a comfortable silence as we each sipped our drinks, the reality of the upcoming events settling in. Ivan broke the silence, his tone more serious. “Rafael, I want you to promise me something.”
I nodded, meeting his gaze. “Of course, Ivan. Anything.”
He sighed, his expression softening. “Take care of my daughter. She's a strong woman but she's still my little girl. She isn't one to share her pain especially when she thinks it's her fault. You'll have to be attentive but not overbearing, and loving but also give her space. Think you can do that?"
I placed my hand over his, offering a reassuring squeeze. “Ivan, you have my word. Yasmin is in great hands with me. I love her more than anything, and I will always put her first.”
Ivan seemed to relax at my words, his eyes reflecting his gratitude and relief. “Thank you, Rafael. That means more to me than you know.”
Ivan’s expression softened, and he nodded, satisfied with my response. The conversation shifted, but there was an undercurrent of unspoken concern. Eventually, I brought up the topic that had been gnawing at the back of my mind all evening.
“Any updates on Ethan?” I asked, trying to keep my tone casual but failing to mask the edge of concern. "I don't want him to mess up my wedding."
Khalid’s demeanor turned serious. “You’ll be the first to know if anything changes. Right now, we have things under control. He’s not going to disrupt anything. We'd never allow it.”
I nodded, reassured but still wary. Ethan had caused enough trouble already, and I didn’t want anything to mar the happiness Yasmin and I had found.
The evening wore on, filled with more drinks and stories. The camaraderie among us grew stronger with each passing hour, and I felt deep gratitude for these men who would soon be my family.