Page 20 of Queen of Barrakesch
“Let’s not exaggerate. I invited you.”
“Because this wouldn’t be much of a party without me. You’re welcome.”
“I didn’t thank you.”
“You were about to.”
Wasim laughed. He’d miss their verbal sparring when she went back to Zamibia.
“I see you’re doing something different with your hair.” He hadn’t planned to comment on her hairstyle, but the words just came out of him.
Imani fingered the strands, suddenly more subdued. “I’m trying something different.”
“I like it.”
She glanced at him. “Thank you.”
“You’re wearing a different scent, too.”
Her eyebrows raised a little in surprise.
She had no idea the close attention he paid to everything about her—her clothes, hair, the scents she wore.
“I am wearing a different scent. Normally it’s shea butter infused with passionfruit, but I’m trying a new fragrance from a line of creams and lotions made locally by the women’s cooperative of Zamibia. This one is shea butter infused with mango.”
She was truly amazing. Imani didn’t only publicize and encourage the women’s work, she supported them by buying their products. She’d also worked out a way to invest in their businesses with money from the oil revenues once they started pouring in.
“I like it,” Wasim said. She smelled so good he wished he could carry the scent of her with him at all times.
“You’re full of compliments today.”
“You deserve every one.”
Before she could reply, Malak ran over, squealing excitedly at the sight of Imani. Dropping to her haunches, she gave him a big hug and kissed both of his cheeks. “Oh my goodness, look at you! You’re getting so big. How old are you now?”
“Four.” He held up four fingers.
Her eyes widened. “I better be careful or you’ll catch up to me soon.”
Malak’s little face brightened from laughter. “Do you want to see my chimpanzees?” he asked.
“Wait a minute, they’re your chimpanzees now?” Wasim asked.
“Yes.” The little boy giggled.
Wasim folded his arms across his chest and affected a stern expression. “You bought them?”
His nephew nodded vigorously.
“Where did you get money?”
“When I went to the hotel to work withBaba,” he replied.
“Now you know,” Imani said with a laugh as she let Malak pull her away.
Wasim kept his eyes on her regal walk. Rubbing his bearded cheek, he let his gaze swing back and forth with the movement of her hips. She could make any outfit sexy—including a loose-fitting tunic and pants that did more to hide her figure than display it.
Her legs were completely covered, yet he couldn’t help but notice how she moved with effortless sensuality. Perhaps because he knew what lay under the clothes. Outside of Barrakesch, he’d seen her toned legs in fitted skirts that showed off her curvaceous shape and plump bottom. He’d had many thoughts about getting his hands on that ass.
