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“That’s sort of the problem,” Mila muttered. “It makes you forget all about the real world.” Mila liked to think that if it hadn’t been for the romance of the city, she never would have fallen for Rashid’s blandishments.
Just thinking about it made her heart hurt. Not only had she agreed to marry him, but when he’d professed his love to her, a tiny part of her had hoped it was true.
She had been a fool.
The taxi pulled into the driveway, and Mila tried to smile brightly. “Here we are! I’ll pay the taxi while you grab your bags.”
Mila had just finished counting out the bills for the driver when the front door banged open. “Mila!” Sahaar shouted. “Come quick!”
Fearing that something horrible had happened, Mila abandoned Katie and the driver and ran for the door. The driver called out to her to remind her that she hadn’t actually paid him, but she ignored him. “Sahaar!” she gasped as she burst through the door. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”
Sahaar pointed to the television. Annoyed, Mila put her hands on her hips. “This is about something on TV? Sahaar, you scared me! What were you thinking!”
“Would you hush and listen?” Sahaar interrupted as she turned up the volume.
Rolling her eyes, Mila turned around. A picture of Asad and Rashid filled the screen, and her stomach clenched. “Rumors have been swirling around about the closed-door meeting at the large sports complex that opened just a few short months ago. The arena has been the subject of investigation after the beating of football player Azizah Hatami. Arrests were made when the assault was linked to an illegal gambling ring within the arena, but no charges have been filed.”
Mila gritted her teeth. It looked like Rashid’s friends were going to walk. The rich really did get away with everything.
“While no charges have been filed against owner Sheikh Rashid Sharif, it does look like he might be handing the reins over to his older brother. He’s expected to make an announcement finalizing the deal this afternoon.”
Mila gasped. “Oh, God,” she whispered. “This was his big idea?”
“Mila, what is it?” Sahaar asked.
“He’s giving Asad the arena. His baby. Oh God, I have to stop him!”
Her heart pounded as she raced to the door. Katie was still in the driveway, fumbling with the unfamiliar currency as she tried to pay the driver when Mila shouted at her. “I need him! I’m sorry, but I have to go. I’ll be back!”
“Is everything okay?” Katie frowned as she stepped away from the car.
“No.” Mila yanked the back door of the taxi open. “But it will be. Sahaar is inside. I’ll be back!”
The driver tried to refuse to take her, muttering about rude tourists who didn’t pay, until Mila dropped Rashid’s name.
Then the driver couldn’t drive fast enough.
They made it to the sports arena in record time, and Mila tipped the driver very well. “Thanks!” she shouted as she raced to the entrance.
A large crowd of reporters had already gathered as they eagerly awaited the appearance of the Sharif brothers.
Mila pushed right through them. “Excuse me. Coming through. Please move. Sorry! Coming through.”
“Hey! You’re Rashid’s ex-fiancée!” one reporter shouted. Suddenly, a dozen cameras and microphones were facing her way. “Why did you two break up?”
She forced her way through the insistent crowd until she was finally free. Reaching the steps, she whirled around and glared at them. “It’s a relationship. It has ups and downs. You know what doesn’t help? Having the media follow you around and speculate about everything. I feel like I can’t even have a thought about things without you guys telling me what’s happening! And now I can’t even get into the damn building to talk to my fiancé without you guys interrupting!”
“Mila?”
At the sound of Rashid’s voice, she whirled around. He and Asad stood next to each other. Asad had an amused look on his face, but Rashid looked perplexed.
She narrowed her eyes and pointed to the entrance behind the brothers. “Inside. Now,” she growled.
Asad looked tentatively at the reporters, but she poked him in the chest. “Don’t pay attention to them. They’re not your problem. I’m going to be your problem if you don’t get inside right now!”
“Okay, okay!” Asad laughed and headed back inside.
Mila looked expectantly at Rashid, and he followed suit.
