Chapter 6
“What? You can’t be serious! He hates me!”
“He hates almost the entire world, so it’s not personal.”
From his tone, I know he’s joking. I’m not. I’m absolutely sure his grumpiest friend genuinely hates me.
“Why can’t it be Vicenzzo? He seems nicer.”
For the first time since this conversation started, he laughs. “Don’t be fooled by Vicenzzo, Jazmina. He’s as strict as I am. But Rodrick will be the one looking after you because you’ll be closer.”
“What did he say about it? The one time we interacted—or maybe I should call it a kidnapping—he seemed very eager to never see me again.”
“He agreed,” he says simply, and that alone makes me suspicious.
I’m not sensitive about people liking me or not.
I have what my mother calls an enthusiastic temperament, so I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea.
But with Kaled’s friend, it’s something else entirely.
I’m positive the redhead doesn’t consider me one of his top thousand favorite people in the world.
After that night when he dragged me out of the party—literally—we never saw each other again, and I think it was a mutual relief.
He’s one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen, but also, without fear of exaggeration, the grumpiest, with a type of latent aggression, like a wild animal.
Sure, the situation of our first meeting, if kidnapping can even be called a meeting, wasn’t exactly in my favor, but his reaction irritated me because I felt like a five-year-old little girl.
As if having every male relative—uncles, cousins, and my brother—breathing down my neck wasn’t enough, now I also have one of my brother's best friends assigned to watch me. That’s more than I can handle.
But I’m not stupid enough to challenge Kaled now, when I’m so close to getting what I want most.
“So, what am I supposed to do? Send him a monthly report?” I ask, joking.
“That won’t be necessary. The bodyguards will send one to Rodrick every day.”
“It was a joke.”
“Your safety will never be a laughing matter to me, little one.”
I rub my temple, feeling a headache starting to bloom. “Well, if you’re going to know even the color of the socks I’m wearing, why are we even having this conversation? Apparently nothing depends on my own will.”
“So that you remember Rodrick, like me, is busy. Try not to give him too much trouble.”
“Too much trouble? I don’t intend to give him any trouble at all. I just want to live my life.”
“That’s exactly what worries me. Call me when you arrive in London.” He sounds upset, and it makes me sad.
“Kaled, I love you.”
But I won’t stop chasing my happiness because of that, I add silently.
“I love you too, Jazmina. Take care.”
London
One week later
“So, are you having fun?” Adeela asks over the phone.
“Define ‘having fun.’”
“Did you wake up in a bad mood?”
“I have to have lunch with my guardian today.”
She laughs.
“I’m glad you find that funny. I feel like locking myself inside my apartment and pretending no one’s here.”
“You’re having lunch at your apartment?” she asks, and I know exactly why.
A single man and a single woman alone inside a home . . .
Even though Kaled is liberal, Adeela has deeply absorbed the way we’re supposed to behave. I, on the other hand, don’t see anything wrong with a man and a woman having lunch together.
“No. We’re meeting at a restaurant. His suggestion.”
“Why do you antagonize him so much? Rodrick is not a bad person.”
“I don’t think he likes me.”
“Gee, I can’t imagine why,” she says sarcastically, since I told her everything that happened that night on Vicenzzo’s yacht more than a year ago.
“He didn’t need to interfere.”
“Kaled would’ve done the same if it had been Rodrick’s sister.”
“Poor girl. Maybe I should meet her and get her sympathy, considering she had to deal with him her whole life.”
“He doesn’t have family, as far as I know. Maybe some distant aunts. Other than that, he’s alone in the world.”
“I had no idea. What happened?”
“I’m not entirely sure. All I know is that his mother died and he was raised from a very young age by his stepmother. She used to be the nanny and eventually married his father, but when Rodrick became a teenager, they both passed away.”
My heart tightens in my chest.
Maybe he has his reasons for being so sour. I feel ashamed for judging him.
“Whatever the case, try to behave, Jazmina. If you want to be treated like an adult, especially by your brother, then act like one.”
“And what do you think I’ve been doing?”
“You tell me. Was running away from the bodyguards inside the art exhibit the day before yesterday adult behavior? Don’t push Kaled’s tolerance too far. He can be ruthless when he needs to be, and if he decides you’re going back to Rheadur, no one will be able to change his mind. Not even me.”
I feel my blood turn cold. “I didn’t run. I . . . slipped away because they were drawing too much attention.”
“All right. I’m not trying to be the annoying sister.”
“Good, because I already have several of those to fill that role. How’s Tajj?”
“Mischievous. He definitely doesn’t deny he’s your brother’s son. Strong temper. Ignores the word ‘no.’ Basically, a mini-sheikh,” she says, and I imagine she’s smiling.
“He’s so tiny. How can a baby be rebellious?”
“Trust me, he knows exactly what he wants. I’ll have to be careful so he doesn’t grow up thinking his will is law.”
“I’m sure being your son and Kaled’s son, there’s no way he won’t become a wonderful human being.”
“Don’t you ever feel like having kids of your own?”
“In the future, yes, but not right now.” I dodge the subject because I know very well it will lead to marriage talk. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I enrolled in an industrial design program at the university.”
“Really?” She sounds surprised. “What for?”
“Yes, really. It was supposed to be a surprise for you, Dad, and Kaled, but I’m terrible at keeping secrets. I’m still not sure where it’ll lead, but I like the idea of creating things.”
“When do classes start?”
“Next week. Kaled doesn’t know yet, so if you could talk to him . . .”
“Kaled won’t oppose it, Jazmina. Your brother loves you and wants you to be happy. Maybe he’s overly protective, but I think that’s normal. You grew up extremely sheltered in Rheadur, and he’s afraid you’ll slip up with your safety out there in London.”
“Why are you saying that? Did something happen? This isn’t the first time you’ve brought up safety.”
“Um . . . We’ve received some threats, but I think it’s the same idiots as always who can’t accept the changes our country is going through. Don’t worry, just try not to run away from the bodyguards again. Now go, or you’ll be late for lunch with your guardian.”
“If using the word guardian was your idea of a joke, you failed.”
She laughs. “I love you, Jazmina. Use your common sense.”
“Trust me, I've got plenty of it.”