The Sheikh's Forbidden Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 1) by Cara Albany Read Free Book Online Page A

said.
    Kamal peered into Zayed's eyes. "I presume you are referring to the movie?" he asked raising his brows.
    Zayed met the challenging look in his father's eyes. "Of course. What else would I be referring to?"
    Kamal shook his head and paused. Finally, he stood and looked down at Zayed. "You know that I will be meeting with the father of Zahra very soon, don't you?"
    Zayed did not respond. There would be no sense in trying to argue with his father over the subject of Zahra. They had had that conversation too many times.
    "A decision will have to be made," Kamal said. "Sooner rather than later."
    Zayed merely nodded.
    Kamal started toward the door. He turned before leaving. "Please try to make sure these movie people are gone quickly. I only agreed to have them here because you have finally seen what Zahra means to the situation we find ourselves in."
    Zayed watched Kamal leave the room. As the door closed behind his father, Zayed leaped up off the sofa.
    What was he going to do? He knew that his father had not approved of his involvement with Chloe. That was one reason why Zayed had left her so suddenly. But, was that really the only reason? Had it only been devotion to his father that had compelled Zayed to flee? Because, in the end, that was what he had done.
    He had deserted Chloe right at the moment when their relationship had been at its most intense and most pleasurable.  
    Zayed strode to the balcony and sucked in a deep breath of cool evening air. His nerves were shaken by the conversation with his father.  
    Zayed recalled receiving the message from Kamal that it was time he returned from his "escapades" amongst people Zayed knew his father despised. Kamal had often railed against the decadence of the men and women who worked in the movie business. However, Kamal was also a pragmatist. It was how he had guided his kingdom into the modern age, improving living standards for all, extending influence to neighbouring kingdoms and enriching the family in the process.
    And now Kamal wanted to draw back from all that progress?  
    Did Chloe represent something repellent to Zayed's father? Did she represent everything Kamal hated about the modern world? Was that why Kamal was so determined that Zayed follow his guidance? Was his father so determined to be a barrier between Zayed and Chloe?
    Zayed sighed and leaned once again on the balustrade. He glanced along the palace exterior toward Chloe's room. Still, she hadn't emerged from her room. What he would have given to have seen her standing there, looking at him, smiling.
    Zayed shook his head and was pleased that he was alone. He wouldn't want anyone to see him like this. He felt a sudden urge to roar like a lion, yelling his displeasure to the stars and sea. Anything to get these feelings out of his body, to cleanse himself of the doubt and desire coursing through him.
    Then he slammed the side of his hand against the marble balustrade, ignoring the pain that shot through his arm. He had to speak about this to someone. And the only person he would speak to would be the very woman his father wanted out of Zayed's life.
    Chloe.

CHAPTER SIX

    Chloe had unpacked her bags and placed what clothes and personal items she had brought with her into the huge wardrobe and ornately carved sideboards. A servant woman, dressed in traditional plain robes had knocked gently on the suite door and asked whether there was anything that Chloe needed. Too embarrassed to ask even for drink or food, Chloe had politely declined and been grateful for the opportunity to settle quietly into the sumptuous suite.
    How could people live like this? There was so much wealth on display in even the smallest piece of furniture that Chloe struggled to comprehend what it could mean to live permanently with such privilege. Because that was what it was.  
    Privilege.
    Chloe had known some of the Hollywood elite. She had seen how they lived. But, their gaudy trappings of success paled into insignificance