Page 25 of Royally Promoted

‘That’s a lot of generalisations you’re throwing around. What’s abnormal about me?’

But Malik expelled a sigh of contented relief because this was more like it. This was more like the woman he knew—asking questions no one would dare ask and barging past barriers as though they didn’t exist. He hated the thought of hurting her, even though he knew that it had been a conversation that had had to be had. Yet those bruised cornflower-blue eyes had cut him to the quick.

Something was going on between them. It was a feeling that came to him as fleeting as quicksilver, leaving before it could take hold. Was that indistinct feeling the something that had driven him to be blatant in warning her against getting too wrapped up in a family dynamic that wasn’t her concern? Had he been reminding himself of something as much as he had been reminding her? At any rate, he was perfectly happy to let things get back to where they belonged now.

He strolled to one of the comfortable leather chairs, part of one of the informal sitting areas in the space. He pushed it back and stretched out his legs to the side, relaxing into the buttery leather, loosely linking his fingers on his stomach and looking at her with brooding interest.

Yes, much more like it.

‘Where to begin? Seriously, Malik, how can you be so casual about marriage?’

‘Because I’m not a romantic person who’s on the hunt for fireworks. My approach to life is on a more practical level. Truth is, a woman who understands what comes with being my wife and what doesn’t is what I need and what I always expected.’

‘Well, you’re right. I wouldn’t want to get involved in any conversations with your mother or your parents about stuff like that. None of my business and, in fairness, I’m not sure they would welcome my input. Although, maybe knowing that I’m your very efficient secretary, they might ask me to sift through some CVs...weed out the ones I don’t find suitable...’

‘And who would those poor unfortunates be?’

‘That’s very egotistic. Some might say that the ones I sifted out would be the lucky escapees.’

‘Let’s ditch this conversation. It’s all academic, at any rate. Tell me how you’re going to spend your evening. I know you say that you’re perfectly happy with arrangements here, but you could be here for another month, and I’m more than happy to put you in touch with some ex-pat organisations. Might make a change from the four walls of this place.’

‘Considerably more than four walls, Malik, and, like I’ve said, I’m enjoying the novelty of not doing anything at the moment. Life’s usually so hectic. It’s peaceful just catching up on reading and binge-watching series on my computer.’

Lucy realised that she didn’t want him feeling sorry for her. She didn’t want him thinking that he had to warn her over getting any ideas about her role in his life, and she didn’t want him trying to sort out stuff for her here while he busied himself finding a wife.

What on earth was wrong with her? Why was she suddenly so sensitive around him? What was it she wanted from him that she hadn’t before? She been bright and sparky as she’d teased him about his arranged marriage but underneath she’d been edgy.

The question lingered in her head, wispy, intangible and unsettling.

‘I honestly don’t need you to start feeling sorry for me, Malik.’ She laughed off the shortness of her remark but there was a breathlessness there that threatened to reveal that all was not as well as the picture she was desperate to paint.

The dark eyes resting on her were making her all hot and bothered and she wanted to fan herself again. Instead, she began backing towards the door.

She didn’t want to find herself floundering in another inexplicable mood, taking things he said to heart because she’d lost her ability to brush them aside with her usual good humour.

‘Have a nice evening!’ she chirruped, backing away and then, before he could say anything else, she fled.

Having opened the door to the business of a wife, Malik knew that he was on a path that would quickly gather momentum. Lucy had asked him whether he was excited—it was a good question. He’d been honest with her and, as he’d stared into her puzzled, curious blue eyes, it had fleetingly crossed his mind—what had he done? Was this really where he wanted to go with his life?

It had been a fleeting thought, almost instantly overruled by the common-sense approach he had adopted over the years. An in-depth conversation had yet to be had but both parents had been relieved that he had initiated the process without having to be pointed in the direction.

‘We are both, your mother and I, relieved that you have come to this decision, Malik.’ His father had greeted the news some days previously. ‘I could die, and an heir is needed to ensure continuity. Too much will rest on your shoulders and, should something happen to you, a lot will be lost. A grandson would hold everything in trust should you no longer be around.’

‘Or granddaughter,’ Malik had interjected, which had been met with a dubious nod—but a nod was a nod.

Now, here at the table with both his parents, he settled in for the detailed conversation he knew was necessary, even though part of his mind was preoccupied with Lucy and with her moodiness that had made him feel so restless and ill at ease.

An exquisite meal had been served and then cleared. Coffee was up. Both parents allowed a brief silence, and Malik smiled to himself, because he knew that they were preparing what they intended to say.

‘I am sorry your lovely secretary could not make it, Malik. Ali...your father...would have enjoyed meeting her.’

Since he hadn’t expected this, his eyebrows shot up. He thought of her hurt and killed the sudden appearance of a guilty conscience. He didn’t want to talk about Lucy. He didn’t want to think of those big, wounded blue eyes.

‘Another time,’ he said smoothly. ‘But, now that we have covered various family issues within the company, shall we discuss what I know must be on both your minds—my impending nuptials?’

‘We have some ideas.’

This was more like it. An arranged marriage was simply a business deal and he was excellent when it came to discussing business deals.

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