Matt’s cheeks were probably about as red as the covering on his bed at this crazy conversation.
Rashid’s eyes opened wide. “I understand now. You did not like Jasmine but did not want to hurt her by saying so. You are a very kind man.”
Close enough. Matt nodded. “You won’t tell Jasmine or her, uh, boss, will you? I don’t want to get her into trouble.”
“No, sir. I won’t tell. But people will notice if I leave here too soon. The guard outside…”
There was a guard outside? That was freaking news to Matt and raised the question of whether the guard was to keep him in or others out. He pushed that out of his mind to consider later, as well. Right now, Matt had to kill some time with Rashid so no more sexual gifts would be delivered tonight.
“Hey, Rashid, do you ever get to play computer games?” By the huge saucer-eyed look he got, Matt determined the answer was no. “I could show you how to play one, if you’d like.”
Vigorous nodding followed, so Matt made his way across the room to the computer. As he booted it up, he couldn’t help but think he would never, ever complain about being stuck in the van again. If this kind of shit was what being in the thick of the action entailed, the other guys could have it.
Chapter Four
Sam had intended to slip around the palace as much as she could. However, the moment she arrived she knew it would be impossible to move about unnoticed. The sheer amount of electronic surveillance as well as guards guaranteed that.
“This is where you’ll live.” Sam’s guide, a man dressed in servants’ garb, stopped outside a closed door. He set down her bag, nodded and left.
All righty. Sam bent to retrieve her single piece of luggage from the floor and opened the door. It was like stepping back in time, right down to the dozen or so girls in harem outfits staring and giggling as she stood in the doorway.
“Come in. Quickly. Shut the door.”
“Okay.” Sam took a step in and closed the door.
“Men can’t see the girls unless the sheikh says they may.”
“Oh. Sorry.” Sam extended her hand. “I’m Sabrina.”
“Yes, of course. I was told to expect a new girl. You may call me Ana. You’ll need something to wear.” The older woman ignored the bag in Sam’s hand.
“I packed a variety of clothes. Dressy. Casual.”
“No. In the past, yes, western clothing would have been fine, but not now. The sheikh has a very important guest staying here. Royalty. He prefers the old ways, so we comply.”
This was not good news, because the old way was apparently nearly naked. Physically, Sam was in good shape. She worked out enough so she should be. Showing off a toned body in a bathing suit was fine, but showing off her nipples for royal guests in a palace was quite another.
Ana reached behind an ornate screen and came out with a costume to match what the other girls wore. “Here. This should work with your coloring. You’d be more popular with the men if you had more curves. You’ll have to eat more. For now, they may be intrigued enough with your blonde hair and blue eyes to overlook you’re built like a boy. Then again, there are those who prefer the boys who may like you as well.”
When Sam didn’t move to change, Ana frowned. “Get dressed. What are you waiting for? He expects you now.”
“Who expects me?”
“The Prince of Brunei, of course.”
As she slipped behind the screen, Sam’s mind spun, remembering something she’d read years ago about Brunei and its royal family. It was rumored that they partied like Hugh Hefner, surrounded by beautiful women from all over the world. To the best of Sam’s recollection, the current sultan’s brother, Prince Jefri, had been accused of embezzling billions of dollars, besides other allegations of the more sexual nature. Disgraced, Jefri had fled his country.
And now this prince from Brunei was a guest of the royal family of Dubai and wanted her to come to him…dressed like this. Holy shit,