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Something darkened in his features and there was a look of determination there. ‘Absolutely not.’
She shook her head. ‘Why is that so ridiculous?’
‘When it comes to royal marriages, arrangements of convenience make far more sense.’
‘It’s your life though. Surely you want to live it with someone that you have something in common with?’
‘I will have something in common with my wife: she will love our country as I do, enough to marry a stranger to strengthen its peace.’
‘And over time, you may come to love her?’
‘No, habibte. I will never love my wife.’ His eyes bore into hers. ‘My father loved my mother and it destroyed him. Her death left him bereft and broken. I will never make that mistake.’
She was quiet. ‘Do you think he felt it was a mistake to love her?’
‘I cannot say. I think at times he wished he hadn’t loved her, yes. He missed her in a way that was truly awful to watch.’
‘I’m sorry.’
He shrugged. ‘I have always known my own marriage would be nothing like his. If it weren’t for the fact that I need a child—and as quickly as possible—then I would never marry.’
Something tightened in her chest—a fierce, primal rejection of that. In order to have children, to beget an heir, he would need to have sex, and, though she had no reason to presume he wouldn’t, the idea of him going to bed with anyone else turned parts of her cold in a way she suspected would be permanent.
‘Children? So soon?’
‘I am the last of my family. It’s not an ideal situation. Yes, I need an heir. My marriage will be organised within months.’ His eyes assumed a more serious look. ‘I have to leave here in the morning. I won’t be back.’
Inexplicably, a lump formed in her throat. ‘I know that.’
‘And you, Daisy? What will your future hold? Will you stay working here, servicing guests of this suite of rooms for the rest of your life?’
Her lips twisted. ‘I hope not.’
‘The way you play the piano is mesmerising. You have a rare talent. It’s wrong of you not to pursue it.’
Her smile was lopsided, his praise pulling at her in a way that was painful and pleasurable all at once. ‘Like I said, it was a pipe dream.’
‘Why?’
‘My circumstances wouldn’t allow me to study. Becoming a concert pianist isn’t exactly something you click your fingers and do. It’s hard and it’s competitive and I had to get a job.’
‘Why? When you had a scholarship...’
‘I couldn’t do it.’
He compressed his lips. ‘If money was the only issue, then let me do as Malik suggested and offer you a settlement. He wanted me to ensure it was more profitable for you to keep your silence than not...’
She sent him a look of disbelief. ‘I’m not going to tell anyone about this, believe me.’
‘I know that. But I’d like to help you.’
‘No.’ She shook her head, tilting her chin defiantly. ‘Absolutely not. You might be richer than Croesus but I’m not taking a cent from you, Sariq. I absolutely refuse.’
And while he might have been used to being obeyed, there was more than a hint of respect in his eyes when he met her gaze. ‘Very well, Daisy. But if you should ever reconsider, the offer has no expiry date.’
She nodded, knowing she wouldn’t. Once Sariq left, she would set about the difficult job of forgetting he ever existed. For her own sanity, she needed to do that, or missing him could very well be the end of her.
It was six weeks after he left that she put two and two together and realised the significance of the dates. A loud gasp escaped her lips.
