The Harem by Paul Preston Read Free Book Online Page B

wearing an attractive black silk robe and what looked like black jogging pants. Jeremy introduced the other woman to me. Her name was Cynthia. Since she had arrived before me, Jeremy asked if I wouldn’t mind waiting for him in the library for about forty five minutes to an hour while he met with the other woman. He apologized profusely to me. He seemed embarrassed about the whole situation.
    “I’m so sorry to have made both of you wait. For this first introductory meeting at my home I should have set up staggered appointments, to keep you from waiting. This is all new to me too and like you perhaps, I am rather nervous. I’ve planned this evening out just dreadfully. Please accept my apologies. I assume you’ve both met my assistant, Billingsley? Billingsley, please bring a refreshment and something for Evelyn to snack on as she waits here in the library.”
    “That’s not necessary, Jeremy,” I said.
    “No, Evelyn, I insist,” Jeremy said.
    Since I was feeling a little hungry and thirsty, I didn’t protest further.
    “Well, that’s very hospitable of you, Jeremy. Thank you, Mr. Billingsley.”
    “It’s my pleasure, Miss. Should I give her the packages as well, sir?” Billingsley said.
    Packages?
    “No, not yet, Billingsley. I’ll give them to her myself when I speak with her privately later. Will you be alright in here for a little bit, Evelyn?”
    “Sure, Jeremy. I’ll just relax and find something to read. Take your time.”
    “You’re very nice, Evelyn. Thank you for your patience.”
    He held out his hand to Cynthia and guided her out of the library. I was actually relieved not to go with Jeremy just yet. After eating a few tasty puff pastries and drinking a glass of sparkling water Billingsley brought me on a sterling silver plate, I cuddled up on one of the couches with a book I randomly picked out from his massive collection. I really hadn’t been sleeping well lately and suddenly felt extremely tired. Soon I’d fallen fast asleep.
    I felt a light tap on my shoulder and Jeremy awakened me.
    “I’m sorry to wake you, Evelyn. Would you still like to talk?”
    “Sure. Oh Lord, did I fall asleep? I’m sorry.”
    “Whatever for? My home is your home now, Evelyn.”
    I was so sleepy, but I think I heard what he said. My home is your home? What did he mean by that?
    The butler stood nearby and spoke in a hushed tone.
    “Jeremy, the young lady hasn’t signed the contract, as of yet. You’re lawyer recommends not to—”
    “Don’t worry about it, Billingsley. Evelyn has a kind heart. You’re not planning to sue me for all I’m worth, are you, Evelyn?”
    “Sue you? Why on earth would I want to do that, Jeremy?”
    “You see, Billingsley? She’s an honest person, unlike my ex-wife. I trust Evelyn explicitly. I’ll talk to her about the contract some other time. I see you’ve had a bite to eat?”
    “Yes, Jeremy. It was delicious. Thank you.”
    “Very good, then. Come with me. Let’s go somewhere we can talk privately. I really liked talking to you at Starbucks and I’m so glad you came tonight. I didn’t think you were going to show up. I know you’re very shy and it took a lot of courage for you to come here. I’m very proud of you for showing up and I’m really happy to see you.”
    Jeremy led me, still yawning and a little groggy, down a long hallway and into a private room. It was a very pretty and well decorated bedroom, with light green pear-colored paint that gave the room a soothing, peaceful ambiance. Even though I was alone in a bedroom with a man I hardly knew, I wasn’t afraid at all, for some reason. There was a large bed in the center of the room and a table with two chairs placed in front of a vanity mirror. A rectangular gift box, very professionally wrapped, was placed on the center of the bed. We sat down at the vanity table and Jeremy reached out and held hands with me. He smiled and stared into my eyes for a long moment.
    “I’m so glad you came. I said