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Malid shook his head. “I was confident I could get us to the hospital. Hassan taught me to drive. You had me worried today—but…but it made me realized something very important. Family must come first—before business. Before anything.”
Nimr gave a snort and then coughed. Malid stood and picked up the water on the table next to Nimr’s bed. He helped his father take two sips. Nimr held up a hand, and Malid put down the water and sat again.
“You will be glad, Father, to know I have made things right between myself and Adilan—and Michelle as well.”
Lifting one dark eyebrow, Nimr stared at him. “Have you?” He narrowed his eyes. “You have been different today—is this the work of that American girl?”
“What if it is?”
Nimr let out a sigh. “My sons seems doomed to fall in love with Americans.”
Smiling, Malid shook his head. “Did you not fall in love with an American woman—before she left you and broke your heart, and you had to marry mother instead.”
Nimr groaned. “My chest hurts. I think I will sleep.”
?
?Oh, no—you do not get away from me so easily.”
Nimr waved a hand. “See Hassan. I have already set up the documents you need to act in my place.” Malid stared at his father. A small smile curved Nimr’s mouth. “What—you think I did not know you would come around…eventually. You were right to intervene with Gordon Michaels, and you have my permission to make whatever deal you think is right. And, if you let that pretty American slip through your fingers, you are not as smart as I think you are. Now go away. Let Nassir come in—he is as peaceful as your mother. I will see Adilan after, and then I plan to sleep.”
Malid stood. “Yes, Father.”
Nimr chuckled. “Ah, if only you were such a dutiful son.”
“That would mean I am not your son.” Malid squeezed his father’s hand and put it back down on the white sheets. He headed out, a weight seeming to lift from his shoulders.
He told Nassir to go in next, and then he turned to Nigella. “Come. You look as tired as I feel.”
“What a charming thing to say to a lovely woman,” Adilan said. He glanced at Nigella. “IS he always so charming to you?”
She shook her head. “Only when he wants something.”
Grabbing Nigella’s hand, Malid pulled her with him to the elevators. “Please, let us go. I hate the smell of hospitals and—”
“And almost losing your father…it’s hard.”
He looked at her. He had almost lost his father today, and suddenly all of their fighting seemed insignificant. Getting his own way would mean nothing if he lost the people who meant the most to him in the process.
The elevator arrived. He stepped in and pulled Nigella close. “Will you come home with me?”
“Why don’t we head to the nearest hotel—it’s faster and you’ll want to be close to your dad.”
He laughed. “Beautiful as well as smart—I am a lucky man.”
Smiling, she put her arms around his neck. “Oh, you’re about to get very lucky.”
Chapter 15
Malid flagged down a taxi and directed it to the nearest hotel. Too much excitement had left Nigella both tired and at the same time she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep—she also wanted her skin pressed against Malid’s. Tomorrow they could go back to hashing out business terms—tonight…tonight she just wanted to feel Malid’s heart beating against hers.
The nearest hotel proved to be both luxurious and Nigella didn’t want to even think about the cost. Malid checked them in with a flourish—it seemed there were many advantages to the Adjalane name. Room service brought them sparkling water, a meal of roast meats and salads, and a dessert of something with a light pastry, honey and dates.
Nigella didn’t wait for the room service, but had headed straight for the shower, tearing off her clothes as she went. She came out with a towel wrapped around her to find that Malid had the lights low and the meal set out on the balcony.
She glanced at him and asked, “Can the food wait?” He nodded, his eyes darkening. She smiled. “Good,” she said and dropped her towel.
In two strides Malid was at her side, swept her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He settled her on the bed, tore off his shirt and slipped his shoes and jeans off.
