Page 12 of The Sheikh's Fake Fiancée

Her eyes widened, but she had no time to ask more questions. Not when their ride drew to a stop in front of manicured gardens, where shaped hedges followed either side of the sandstone stairs that marched up to the palace’s double doors.

A rose garden split the end of the driveway to make it circular, the old fashioned scents that filled the air almost as breathtaking as the palace was up close and personal.

“Masood will bring our luggage.” He opened the door and climbed out before proffering her his hand. “Let’s go and meet my mother.”

She paused and looked up at him, her eyes wide. “We’re doing that now?”

He nodded. “I find its best to get things over with, don’t you agree?”

She licked her bottom lip, and need punched deep in his gut, his cock twitching. At this rate he’d be using his hand every hour just to let off some steam. Then she straightened her spine and accepted his hand, her expression fierce. “I agree.”

Chapter Eight

Every cell in Zania’s body rebelled against what she was about to do,whoshe was about to face. But she couldn’t back out now, no matter how low her confidence was for the task ahead.

Had his mother already heard the rumors about her? That the rumors weren’t actually rumors made it twice as bad. She couldn’t deny the truth, no matter how much she wished she could.

One of Kain’s men stepped from out the shadows of his post and opened the rear door of the SUV before he bowed to his sheikh.

Kain smiled thanks and held out his hand to Zania to assist her out. It was a gentleman act and she couldn’t help but love that side to him. Everyone might bow and scrape to him but he was happy enough to be considerate and courteous to her.

He escorted her up the stairs, his hand enclosing hers and the sharp scent of hedged shrubbery in the air, when a woman appeared on the landing above in a soft, sweeping gold abaya and matching hijab.

Zania stopped alongside Kain as he paused and looked up at the woman with a surprised grin. “Mother. What are you doing out here?”

She laughed, the sound melodious and husky. “As if I could wait even one more minute for you to show me your future bride!” She descended the half-a-dozen steps needed before standing on the one above them. Holding out her hands to clasp Zania’s, she said, “So you’re the woman who has captured my son’s heart.”

Zania didn’t know whether to bask in the woman’s kindness or rip her hands free knowing she and Kain were deceiving her. She managed to keep her hands in place while she struggled for a suitable reply. “I-I guess I am.”

“She’s a little bit shy,” Kain informed his mother in an indulgent voice. “Mother, allow me to introduce you to my gorgeous fiancée, ZaniaAkhtar. Zania, meet my mother, Shamsa Al Hadi.”

“It’s so lovely to meet you,” Zania said politely.

And you, too,” Shamsa said graciously. She released Zania’s hands and stared at her with open wonder. “Such a momentous day for me—for all of Dumak.” She sighed happily. “Now let’s get some refreshments and you can tell me everything! I’m dying to know how you two met.”

As Kain’s mom swung away to march back up the steps, Zania turned a stricken look his way.

“You’ll be fine,” he said in an undertone. “Just follow my lead.”

Once inside the palace, she didn’t take too much notice of the sumptuous rooms and corridors with gold-lined walls, the handwoven rugs or priceless art and artifacts placed strategically in each room they passed. She was too busy following Kain’s mother while being careful not to tread on her flowy, soft abaya that trailed behind her slippered feet.

“This way,” Shamsa said.

They entered a restful, intimate room, which had lounges and tables scattered throughout. They chose a cushioned bench seat beneath a window with views of a courtyard outside, its profuse greenery, fountains and more seating areas giving off a welcoming and relaxing vibe.

“My favorite place in the palace to sit and unwind with a drink,” Shamsa informed. She turned to Zania. “Please, take a seat.”

A servant appeared then and Shamsa ordered refreshments, then she turned to Zania and said, “So tell me about yourself?”

It was so close to what her son had asked previously that Zania couldn’t help but smile. “Honestly, there’s not a lot to say. I was a good friend of Sheikh Aisha’s. It’s how I met your son.”

“I heard you met at Holly Island.”

Zania nodded even as she inwardly cringed. What else had Kain’s mother heard? “It’s where Aisha held her birthday celebrations.”

“I know Aisha, a lovely girl,” Shamsa said warmly. “She was lucky to have you as a friend.”

Zania doubted very much Aisha felt that way now, but she wasn’t going to fill Shamsa in on that little tidbit. “I was lucky to have her as a friend,” she said instead.

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