Page 22 of Sheikh's Accidental Pregnancy

“Sara is unwell,” he said. “Please check on her and make sure she’s getting enough to drink. She should eat something, if she’s willing.”

The young woman didn’t reply, seemingly shocked to see him there.

“Hello?” he asked, waving his hand in front of her face. “Sara. Take care of her.”

“Oh, um, right.” Finally, some sign of life, if not intelligence. “I’ll come over now.”

She followed him back to Sara’s apartment, and he watched for a moment to make sure she was competent before leaving Sara in her care.

“Don’t come to work tomorrow,” Tariq ordered.

Sara opened her eyes. “Are you firing me?”

“Of course not. You’re ill.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll be fine in the morning.”

He grunted.

“Go away, Tariq. You’re the last person I want around me when I feel like crap.”

“Fine. You’re welcome.”

She stuck her tongue out at him, and he stalked out.Such gratitude.

* * *

The next morning, Sara felt much better. Keira had brought her some soup the night before, a gingery blend of carrots and coconut milk. Toast, fruit, and a cup of tea fueled her through the morning. She’d completely ignored Tariq’s order that she stay home. She felt fine, and she’d thrown out all the old and old-ish yogurt in her fridge.

She finished most of her work in time to have lunch with Fiddah and Amir. Their lunch was set up outside on the patio at the back of the Botros Oil building. Well-tended flowerbeds overflowed with blooms, and their table was placed beneath a pergola decked in clematis and other blooming vines.

Sara greeted Fiddah with a hug and a kiss.

“I’m delighted you could join us, my dear,” the older woman said. “It’s good for my grandsons to spend time with you in a more casual setting. Please, won’t you sit next to me?”

Sara greeted Amir and sat in the chair Fiddah indicated. She heard voices and looked up to see Malik and Tariq coming to join them.

She prayed the conversation would not turn awkward, that Tariq would not mention that he’d rescued her the day before. He’d been very businesslike about it. Which, honestly, she hadn’t minded. Better brisk than fawning. Still, she didn’t want anyone else knowing she hadn’t been able to get herself home.

They passed serving dishes of cold salads, fresh fruits, and lightly grilled vegetables around the table. Sara poured citrus-infused water for Fiddah and herself and passed the pitcher to Malik.

“You look different today,” Fiddah said to Sara as the men busied themselves with their own food.

“Do I?”

Fiddah stared at Sara for a moment with her head cocked. “You have a certain glow,” she said.

“Probably the coconut oil I use,” Sara said and smiled.

“Hmm. So tell me how your work is going. My boys aren’t working you too hard, are they?”

“It’s wonderful. I have had some late nights, but they’re entirely my own fault.” Sara explained about the El-Sultari oil field and her decision to take on the research and create the report herself. “Malik was a great help.”

A piece of chicken fell off Sara’s fork on its way to her mouth. Luckily, it hit the plate and didn’t fall into her lap. Her eyes raced to see if anyone had seen. Only Tariq, naturally. He sighed and looked away. Dammit! Of all the people, it had to be him who saw her.

One of the caterers cleared the salads, which alone had been the perfect meal for a hot day, and they brought out a steaming platter of rice and meat, redolent with spices and fried onions. It looked delicious. The rice was studded with raisins, and the meat was falling off the bone. But then the smell hit her, and her stomach turned. She didn’t know why. It smelled as good as it looked. And yet she couldn’t stand it. She put her fork down and touched her belly.

“Are you well, dear?” Fiddah asked her.

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