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“You don’t need to sound so surprised Kasim. There are things in this world that I actually know,” she answered, sounding properly scandalized.
Kasim wasn’t impressed but he nodded. “Understood. If this is a dinner party shouldn’t you actually cook dinner?”
Rabiya stood and glared at him. “How about you act like a guest and not a parent tonight?” Smoothing the vibrant green skirt that clung to her in a way he didn’t like at all, she turned on her heels and disappeared down a hall that lead to the kitchen.
Kasim looked around, finally noticing the little touches that made her place look more like a home than his and he’d been in Colorado much longer than her. Photos of them as children, their parents and her with friends around the world. That was Rabiya, he thought with a smile, making friends wherever she went. Sort of, he amended, remembering at least a dozen women who’d struck up a friendship with his sister just to get close to him. It made him sick to his stomach and he had a feeling this Charla woman was yet another, in a long line of users who’d hurt Rabiya.
He stood when the bell sounded loudly into the mostly quiet house. Where is she? Making his way to the door, Kasim stopped when a pretty young blonde dressed in a sexy, fitted tuxedo appeared out of nowhere and opened the door. “Welcome. Please come in,” she said with a welcoming smile as she collected the coats of two young couples.
“Oh my,” the redheaded woman exclaimed, “she is gorgeous! If this is how she starts an event, Rabiya is well on her way.”
“And just who is this handsome creature,” asked a tall man with white blonde hair with an indigo stripe down the center. His smile was warm and a little too appreciative for Kasim’s taste.
“I am Kasim, Rabiya’s older brother.”
Four pairs of eyes stood, mouths agape, staring at him like he was some circus oddity. “Damn those are some good genes,” the redhead piped in, running towards him with her arms extended.
Alarmed, he took a step aside as the redhead continued her path and brushed right by him. “Rabiya you look divine babe, just beautiful!” His sister blushed but accepted the overpowering hug with a smile.
“Mellie that dress is sinful! I’m so glad I talked you into buying it,” Rabiya smiled, welcoming the rest of her guests with a smile and a hug. “Kasim this is Mellie, Kade, Jana and Tag. Guys this is my brother.” They all piled into the great room where a young man stood behind a mahogany bar with a bright smile. “This is Jackson and he can whip up any alcoholic beverage you wish.” She nodded at Jackson who blushed and smiled at the room.
Kasim couldn’t say why, but he had a feeling he was missing something about this evening. He didn’t want to ask now, not in front of strangers who obviously knew more about his sister’s life than he did. So he walked to the bar. “Hey Jackson, scotch neat please.”
“So big brother, what is it that you do?”
He slid a gaze to Tag, a dark haired man wearing a designer suit tailored to perfection. “I own hotels and resorts all around the world.”
“Any I would have heard of?”
Kasim doubted it but decided to humor the man since this night was so important to his sister. “Ever heard of the Platinum Seashell?”
His eyes went wide and a smile spread slowly. “The Presidential suite with the seashell hot tub is amazing! I’ve stayed there more than once.” His surprise must have shown because Tag smiled and held out a hand. “Tag Hart, lead guitarist for Fever.”
With a smile he shook the man’s hand. “Even If You Tried is a great song.”
“Thanks.” He turned to Jackson with a nod. “A beer for me and margaritas for the ladies.”
When the bell sounded again, Kasim was shocked to see his best friend Jax waltz in followed by an unknown blonde. “Kasim, I didn’t know you’d be here.” Jax clapped him on the back and ushered him closer to the bar.
“I didn’t know you’d be here either,” he said suspiciously. Jax was a shark of an attorney and a decade older than Rabiya.
“I’ve been helping your sister with some business and she invited me. Why would I turn down a home cooked meal?”
Kasim laughed at that. “Sure. Who’s the blonde?”
“No idea,” he shrugged. “We just arrived at the same time.”
Soon the room buzzed with conversation as eight different people attempted to talk at once. It was chaotic but not disturbing since Kasim was able to block it all out save for Jax. “Alright everyone, dinner will be served in about thirty minutes. Until then enjoy the cocktails and the little bites offered by Jen and Derek.”
He frowned again, this time looking at his friend. “What’s going on here?”
Jax shrugged. “It’s not my secret to tell. Even if I could.”
He didn’t like that answer one bit. “Fine. How’s that property in Maine coming along?” He planned to open a camp that would cater to families, taking advantage of the scenic views and abundance of outdoor activities. Kasim and Jax talked business for what felt like hours, until Rabiya gave the five minute warning for dinner.
The bell pealed one last time and he watched as his sister’s smile lit up and she made her way towards the front door. Her squeals sounded and then a husky voice with a recognizable accent spoke low. Kasim’s stomach dropped and he knew who he’d see next.
Charla. The woman out to scam his sister.
