The Sheikh's Offer Read Free Page A

collected enough to continue their conversation. “Kelly visited us last week. She seemed so down.”
    “Yes, Kelly’s winning personality probably has a lot to do with that. That kitten has claws, and she’s never been shy about scratching my eyes out when I talk to her. If she’s as nice to other guys, I can understand how she might be on the path to becoming a crazy cat lady.”
    “She’s very nice. Alana and I both agreed that you and she should be Gabriel’s godparents.”
    “That’s probably as close to a couple as we’ll ever get. I tried to smooth things over with her, but she was nasty at both your wedding and last Ramadan. I’ve gotten to the point where even trying to speak with her ends up feeling like being dipped in acid. I can’t do it. Besides, when have you ever played matchmaker, brother?”
    Dharr shrugged. “I don’t, but Alana strongly hinted that if I didn’t want to sleep on the couch, I might want to tell you to get your act together.”
    “Like you’d ever let her do that. You’re a sheikh. If she got mad, she’d have to go to a couch or a hotel on her own.”
    “You obviously don’t know Alana. She’s as stubborn as any woman I’ve ever met. I’m sure it’s the lawyer in her. It didn’t hurt to bring it up.” Dharr crossed his arms over his chest. “I have to say I agree on this. There seemed to be something between you two at the bachelor party, and you might have made her upset.”
    “I went off with a fire-eating stripper, and I’ve never heard the end of it since. I’ve tried apologizing to her or even having a civil conversation. Alana’s misreading the signs, even if Kelly is her best friend. Trust me. Ms. Kentworth would like nothing more than my head on a pike.”
    “I doubt Kelly’s that angry,” Dharr said, shaking his head.
    “Well then.” Asam sat up on the sofa, leaning forward toward his brother. “If she doesn’t want my head on a pike, I’m still pretty sure she’d castrate me. I appreciate Alana is looking out for her best friend and that you’re trying to help me too, Dharr, but some things just don’t work out. Besides, I have a private yacht cruise next week with half of the Victoria’s Secret new angels for this year. It’s going to be legendary.”
    His brother puckered his lips, looking like he’d sucked on a lemon. “I know what it’s like to have fun, but I also know it eventually gets stale. You can think I’m lame or whipped after you go back to your room, but I’ve never been happier in my life. Gabriel and Alana are the reasons why. There’s something about the constant love and support of your own family that makes the rest of life worthwhile. There aren’t enough underwear models in the world to replicate that.”
    “Have you met every underwear model in the world? Oh, that might be a good life goal,” Asam retorted.
    “I don’t buy that the leering ladies’ man is all you are anymore. It might be a college thing, but it’s not for you now. For Alana’s sake, I wish you and Kelly could rekindle things. I know that’s not something I can hope for. However, no matter what shame Mother and Father keep trying to make you feel, I just wish you’d find the right girl. Deep down I think you’re lonelier than you let on, brother.”
    “I’m having fun. Seeing six out of the seven continents whenever I feel like it, and I’m building up my first big real estate project. I couldn’t be happier,” he added, smirking back at his brother, even if it was a forced expression. Asam didn’t feel nearly as nonchalant about any of it as he wished he did.
    Damn Dharr for knowing his every tell and grinning knowingly back at him. “As you wish, Asam. You can lie to me as long as you want, but you know how you feel inside. You must feel empty somewhere in your soul because two years ago, before Alana, I felt the same way. Even if Kelly isn’t the one, you’re long past the time of playing with underwear models, and I