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Erin had locked it away more than a year ago—when she had to find out through social media that her fiancé had been seeing someone else on the side for more than two years. Luckily, they hadn’t even set a date, let alone made plans, but the betrayal still hurt. After the incident that had brought her dreams crashing to the ground, Erin immersed herself in work, stuffing away any idea of a relationship. Now the concept of a bit of fun had her libido excited to come out and play again.
Well, maybe she would loosen up and play this evening. It wasn’t as if she was going to find Prince Charming running around DC anytime soon. Hewasout there somewhere, and while she knew that he existed, she also knew that her chances of finding him in a city full of visiting dignitaries and tourists were slim.
Tonight would be about fun. Nothing more. Nothing less. She would spend the evening flirting with men she would never see again, and tomorrow she would pick her boring little life back up again.
Erin Malone knew how to have a good time, and that’s exactly what she intended to do.
2
KAMAL
“Good evening, Your Majesty, and welcome,” Rick Tompkins said, escorting Kamal into the grand foyer of the Whittemore. The American held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to have you join us this evening.”
Kamal Mehalel El-Jawhara, Sheikh of Jawhara, and CEO of Jewel Oil, shook the hand of the man who was going to bring his country’s reputation a much-needed boost. He nodded and spoke briefly in Arabic to the two men standing behind him.
As they moved off to do his bidding, he spoke to Rick, one of the Addams Group owners. “Your company put together an impressive presentation today. It was a pleasure to see their enthusiasm for this project. I have spoken with my brother, and we both agree that sometime in the near future, your team should visit Jawhara. That way they can see for themselves what is needed moving forward.”
Rick nodded. “I think that would definitely be of benefit. I’ll speak with Damon about setting something up.”
“Fine.” Kamal straightened his tie before looking around at the people gathered to celebrate the contract signing. As he surveyed the room, he recognized a number of people from the photos his secretary had shown him earlier that evening.
Being prepared was something Kamal insisted upon. He prided himself on knowing both his friends and his enemies before entering into any type of social gathering. With his connections, he often knew more about people he had never met than long-term friends knew about each other after years of interaction.
Kamal didn’t feel that he was prying into people’s private lives; rather, he was educating himself as to their strengths and weaknesses. This kept him from being taken advantage of and had often provided valuable information, which helped his security team perform their duties in keeping him safe.
He nodded politely at several women who stared at him a bit too long. Used to women flirting with him, he shrugged off the seductive wink of a tall blonde. He spied his brother across the room, speaking with a beautiful young woman.
He watched her giggle a little too much, obviously trying to keep his brother’s attention focused solely on her. Looking at the expression on his brother’s face, he could have told her to relax. Khalil was already hooked and seemed content to stay that way.
Kamal remembered his brother speaking highly of a young woman at the advertising firm, and Kamal had cautioned him against acting too quickly. There was too much potential for something to go wrong during the negotiations, and both he and Kale were eager to avoid any issues with impropriety. He assumed that this was the young woman. But with the contracts now signed, he knew his brother was ready to move forward, and he wished them well.
As he stepped around a small group standing between him and his brother, he caught sight of the dark red hair of a woman standing in his brother’s group. Kamal stopped short, stunned by how alluring her hair color was. It was definitely natural, but the way the light shone on the various shades of red made her hair seem alive.
Taking another step forward, he was stunned speechless when she turned slightly, giving him his first glimpse of her profile. Alabaster skin, a slightly turned-up nose, and a mouth made for kissing greeted him. He watched as her lids lifted and her eyes captured his attention. They were the most startling shade of green he had ever seen. Deep, dark, mysterious, and warm. Those words described the feelings he had as he watched her gaze land on him, skitter away, and then return.
He continued his forward progress, greeting his brother briefly in Arabic before returning his attention to the beautiful woman now directly in front of him. Offering his hand, he spoke to her. “Good evening.”
Seeing her eyes light with interest and hearing the husky quality of her voice as she replied, “Good evening,” had his body standing at attention and demanding he learn more about her.
Making the introductions, Kale said, “Kam, may I introduce Shira Malone and her cousin, Erin. Shira, this is my brother, Kam.”
Kamal briefly shook Shira’s hand before turning the full weight of his dark gaze towards Erin. Close up, she was mesmerizing, and he took her hand in his, bowing to place a kiss on the back of her hand. His brother made a slight noise as if clearing his throat, and Kam knew what he’d see if he turned to look at him—a smirk. He’d never kissed a woman’s hand before, and he had no idea what possessed him to do it now. Yes, he did. He couldn’t resist her pull.
He vaguely heard his brother make his excuses, and when Kale ushered the cousin off in another direction, Erin turned to follow them. He tightened his hand on hers. “Don’t go.”
Turning her head, she looked first at the hand still holding hers before her eyes leisurely traveled up to his face. Kamal knew that he was handsome, and as he towered over her smaller frame, he liked the idea that she could fit so snuggly against him.
“Would you care to join me for a walk? I understand there is a formal garden through those doors,” Kamal suggested, pointing towards the French doors leading to the patio beyond.
Kamal watched Erin take one last look at where her cousin had disappeared to and then slowly nodded. “I would love to get some fresh air. So, yes. I would love a walk in the garden.”
Waiting for her to precede him, he let his eyes drift down over her figure, stopping briefly as his eyes devoured the sumptuous curves her form-fitting dress revealed. The black fabric molded itself to her lush breasts, before dropping down to hug her hips—hips that were made to hold on to as…
Pulling his thoughts back, Kamal followed her outside, placing a hand low on her back and feeling the shiver of reaction down her spine.
Good. She feels the attraction too.
Leading her towards a darkened path, he gestured with his hand, informing his security detail to keep their distance. The path was lit only by small strands of lights scattered here and there among the vegetation, giving Kamal a perfect excuse to keep his hand on her back as they walked. “Are you warm enough?”
