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“But you’re worried about it.”
Rashid bit into the strawberry and nodded his head. “I have some concerns. If this isn’t taken care of quickly and quietly, the government might step in. Illegal gambling is a serious offense. They could shut the sports complex down.”
Sliding into her heels, she grabbed her purse and faced him. “That sounds like more than just a few concerns. You love that place.”
“I do, and that is why I would do anything to keep it.” He cocked his head. “Do you not eat breakfast?”
Fishing her phone out of her bag, she glanced at it and grimaced. “I love breakfast, but I need to go home. I need to shower and get ready for my shift. Should I call a taxi?”
“No. I’ll take you.”
Startled, she stared at him. “You mean you’ll call Ori to take me? I don’t want to wake him up.”
“Um.”
Mila dropped her phone back into her purse and stared at him with narrowed eyes. “Do you even know how to drive? I don’t mean any offense, but I’ve never actually seen you drive.”
“Offense taken,” he muttered, but then he grinned. “I happen to love to drive. My father is the one who thinks we should be driven everywhere. Give me a minute to get dressed. I’ll have Ori pull the car around.”
“He loves to drive,” she muttered. “Learn something new every day.”
“Eat something,” he urged her over his shoulder as he walked into the bedroom. It bothered him that she would question his abilities, and he expected she might eat her words when she saw what he was going to drive her home in.
Indeed, as she stared at the gold-plated Bugatti, she looked a little green. “This seems a bit fancy just to take me home in,” she muttered. “What happened to those dark sedans?”
“Boring.” He pushed the button on the remote, and the passenger door rose into the air.
She stumbled back and glared at him. “You did that on purpose,” she accused.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he teased as he jogged down the steps in front of the palace and joined her. “Hop on in, sweetheart.”
“This is so embarrassing,” she moaned as she slipped into her seat.
“You’re the one going home in the same clothes you wore last night.” He winked and pushed the door down, muffling whatever insult she was throwing his way.
Despite the easy banter, the car ride was relatively silent. He drove too fast, took a few turns too quickly, but it was all for show.
Mila held so tight to the seat that her knuckles started to turn white.
Her neighbors were out, leaving for work, walking their dogs, and getting their morning paper. Most of them looked as if they might break their necks if they strained any harder to get a good look at the fancy car and its occupants. Unlike the last house that Sahaar owned, this line of adobe homes had small yards separating the houses from the street. Mila had mentioned that she’d thought that it would afford them more privacy from the neighbors, but it just gave everyone a reason to stand outside and stare. “Ridiculous,” he heard her mutter.
“What was that?” Rashid said as he pulled into her driveway and killed the engine.
Mila’s eyes widened in panic. “Oh, you can’t stay. You need to leave. Right now. As soon as I get out of the car.”
“Why?” He leaned over and kissed her.
“People are staring. Where’s the door handle on this thing?” She pushed him away and scrambled to get out of the car. Some of the neighbors snapped their heads away and pretended that they weren’t staring, but one couple were still too enthralled. This was even worse than a walk-of-shame. Rashid could almost hear the thoughts tumbling in his beautiful fiancée’s head. Next time, she wouldn’t give Rashid a chance to drive her home. She’d just call a taxi. Far less exciting.
“Call me after your shift?” he called out the window.
She gave him a half wave as she scurried inside, and he laughed. Next time, she wouldn’t question his driving abilities.
With her gone for the day, he’d be able to put in a few hours at the sports complex and see if his security had made any headway in revealing the gambling ringleaders. When he found them, he knew he’d be tempted to make sure that they never again saw the light of day.
No one messed with the things that he loved.
No one.
