“Yes.” Ru had no idea how but he wouldn’t let Waqas take Jasim away.
“I have the power, and diplomatic immunity. You have nothing.”
“I have right on my side. And Jasim has good friends who will stand for him.” Though Ru knew that wasn’t enough. “If you love your brother, you’d accept that he’s gay.”
“He’s a Saudi prince. He’s not gay.”
Did Waqas really believe that?
Ru took a deep breath. “I read about the Saudi royal family. Fifteen thousand members, though most of the power, influence and wealth is controlled by about two thousand. You think there aren’t any members of your immediate or extended family who are gay? Not one person identifies as gay, lesbian, bi or transgender among that many people? Even if only 2% of the population are gay that’s still 300 out of fifteen thousand, forty out of two thousand. But no one will come out because they’re scared of the consequences. Jasim’s home is here in the UK and he’s still afraid that your father would do what he threatened.”
“What did my father threaten?”
“To kill himself, and that you and your brother would then kill Jasim and anyone he was with.”
Waqas frowned.
“Didn’t you know? All these years Jasim has denied what he is because in his heart, he loves his family. Where is your love for him? All this pain in the name of so-called family honour and pride? Where is family love? Why isn’t that more important?”
“You’re a Westerner. What would you know of family honour and pride?”
“I’ve been the victim of it too. My father and his brother fell out over business and a way of life. They’re Travelling people—or they were. Arguments are usually settled with a bare-knuckle fight, but the situation in my family festered. It led to kidnapping, lies and my brother going to prison for a crime he was innocent of. A messed-up family and ruined lives because people wouldn’t talk to each other, refused to compromise, and failed to see that love should conquer all.”
“In our country there is no compromise over sexuality.”
Ru swallowed hard. “You love your sons and daughter. What happens if they turn out to be gay? Would you call them abominations too? It isn’t something anyone can control. It just…is…and you should leave Jasim alone if you can’t accept that. I’m sorry, but your country is living in the Stone Age. It will change eventually, but it needs someone to be brave, someone to lead the charge. Not just Jasim. You. By standing up for him.”
“You dare to lecture me on what I should do?”
“I’m not lecturing. I’m trying to open your eyes.”
Ru’s heart was pounding. He wasn’t sure he could get through to someone who was so entrenched in his position.
“He’s blind. My brother will never allow himself to see what he doesn’t wish to see,” Jasim mumbled.
Ru gasped and spun round to the bed. Jasim had his eyes open and was staring at him.
“Oh God. How do you feel? Can you move? Does anything hurt? Do you need the nurse?” Ru grabbed Jasim’s hand.
“Brother,AlHamdu le Allah ‘ala salamatek.I prayed for your recovery.”
“He wants to take you back to Saudi,” Ru blurted. “I’m not going to let him.”
Waqas raised his eyebrows. “I asked the doctor when you would be fit to be moved. I was thinking of a private hospital. Not Saudi Arabia.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that?” Ru asked indignantly.
“Did you give me the chance?”
“I won’t let you take him anywhere he doesn’t want to go.”
“Down, Tiger,” Jasim croaked.
Waqas chuckled. “I’m glad you survived the surgery. Congratulations on winning the cup.”
“Did we?”
“Yes. You scored the goal just as you fell off.”
