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Holly’s stomach knotted. “Let me guess, you were one of the women in his harem.”
The woman’s face twisted. “Not just any woman. I was his favorite. He—“
“Ranna, it’s time for you to leave before you cause a scene. I have no doubt Hamid would banish you from Imbranak just for showing up here.”
Ranna’s hands fisted at her sides, her eyes blazing.“Sheis the intruder, not me!” she hissed, before she whirled around and pushed through the throng of people. No doubt escaping before suffering any repercussions.
“I’m sorry about Ranna,” the man said smoothly. His charcoal designer suit fitted his tall, lean body perfectly. “Hamid will be livid when he finds out she was here.” He smiled, his teeth white against his golden skin. “I’m Dhamar. Hamid is a close friend of my brother’s—Sheikh Jamal. Unfortunately Jamal couldn’t get here so I came in his place.”
Holly’s heart was still beating erratically from the confrontation with Ranna. She took in some calming breaths. It was bad enough that her stomach burned knowing they had been lovers. She couldn’t allow it to spoil her big night. “I’m Holly. It’s lovely to meet you, Dhamar.”
“Believe me, the pleasure is all mine.” He turned to admire the selfie. “Out of all the photos, this one is my favorite. I’ve never seen Hamid so openly filled with joy.” He chuckled. “I most definitely never thought I’d see the day he’d leave single life and partying behind to fall in love and marry.”
“Marry?” It was Holly’s turn to laugh. “That is never going to happen. Hamid and I have an understanding. I have one more week here then I’m leaving.”
Dhamar raised a brow. “I mightn’t be one of his closest friends, but I know of his bet. He wouldn’t have commissioned someone to build this ballroom if he wasn’t serious about you. He intends to make you his wife.”
“Wh-what?” Her heart thumped harder than ever, as much with hope as it did with doubt. “That’s ridiculous. I might be his lover but he’s still a bachelor and I have no doubt he’ll remain one for a long time yet to come.”
“So you’re not planning on sticking around?” Dhamar asked, his eyes losing some of their warmth.
“Of course not.” Ranna’s words rang in her ears.He’ll get sick of you, too, you know. He does with all his women.Holly dragged in a steadying breath. “Thanks to Hamid, I’ll be leaving on a high note. There’s nothing to keep me here anymore.”’
Liar. You’d stay if he professed his love for you.
The back of her neck prickled. She turned, instinctively knowing it was Hamid even before she saw his white face and dark, wounded eyes.
“Hamid,” she breathed. “I don’t know what you heard, but I didn’t mean—“
“I heard everything,” he said hoarsely. “And we both know you meant every word.” He spun away and disappeared around a cubicle wall that displayed half a dozen more of her blown-up photographs.
“Shit.”
Dhamar’s face softened. By your reaction I take it youdocare for him.”
She bit her bottom lip, and nodded. “Yes, I guess I do.” She pressed a hand to her brow. “IknowI do.” She cleared her throat, then added, “Thank you for stepping in earlier and saving the day.”
“You’re welcome.” He tilted his dark head to the side. “But it seems to me you have a heartbroken man to chase down. Don’t let his reputation fool you, Holly. He’s a good guy.” He nodded toward the selfie photo. “And you clearly make him happy. I’d hate to see him go back to the womanizing, borderline alcoholic he was becoming before he met you.”
Chapter Seventeen
Hamid had no conscious thought of where he was going until the moment he arrived at the ballroom’s bar. He sank onto a stool, his mind splintering right along with his heart.
“A shot of vodka,” he said to the barman. “Actually, make it a dozen. Line them up.” Was any amount of liquor going to numb the jagged pain of Holly’s words? Right then he was willing to give it a try.
He was pleasantly light-headed and well on the way to being numb when he sensed Holly approaching.
“You’re drinking.” She sighed. “I looked everywhere in the ballroom but here. I really am naïve, aren’t I?”
“You’re many things, but naïve isn’t one of them,” he bit out.
She’d told Dhamar there wasn’t anything to keep her here anymore. Her goal was clearly done. Hamid had given her the fame she craved, and along with it all the money she could want via her photography skills.
You could give her so much more. But are you willing to buy her love?
His chest tightened. No. He’d sacrifice a lot for Holly, but never that. He wouldn’t cheapen or sully the memory of her any further. He’d cling onto the good times they’d had and pretend she’d been sincere in her affection toward him.
She sighed softly. “Please don’t do this.”
