The Sheikh's Hesitant Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 7) by Cara Albany

since I've been here in London."
    Rachel looked at Zarif. "You're going to open up a property business in Qazhar?" she asked.
    Zarif quirked a brow. "It might be fun. Don't you think?" His eyes glinted with a mischievous pleasure.
    What did he mean? Was he asking her something?
    Rachel saw Abby glare at her. They both knew just what Zarif was suggesting, but he was trying to tease them both, playing a game with the two women.
    "Would you be looking for help if you're thinking of doing that?" Abby asked slowly. Rachel could see that Abby already knew what the answer would be to her question.  
    Zarif shook his head and looked at Rachel. Then he reached out a hand and placed it gently on Rachel's shoulder. She felt a shiver of delight course through her body. "I think I already know someone who might be perfect for the position," he said.
    Rachel gazed inquiringly at him, and he squinted back at her. "What do you think, Rachel?"
    Was he asking her to go to Qazhar with him?  
    Rachel glanced at Abby and saw her boss' jaw was tight, her gaze dark and withering.
    "You want me to go to Qazhar?" Rachel asked incredulously.
    Zarif nodded. "You can run the business there. Be your own boss," he added with an acid glance toward Abby. "I'm sure you'll do a great job." He smiled at her. "If you accept my offer."
    Rachel gasped and turned away from Zarif and Abby. She clasped her hands and felt the moisture in her palms, the shaking that had suddenly taken hold of her.
    Was this for real? Was Zarif giving her a chance to begin a new life in a strange world she knew nothing about? How could that be? What on earth was he thinking about?  
    Rachel went to the office window and gazed out across the London skyline. Did she dare accept such an offer? It was clear that things between her and Abby wouldn't be the same. Not after their confrontation this morning. Abby had made her feelings absolutely clear. In any case, if she did refuse Zarif's offer, Rachel wasn't even sure Abby wouldn't just fire her the moment Zarif had left.
    Rachel drew in a deep breath, feeling her throat dry, swallowing a sudden impossibility.  
    Qazhar. The very thought of it promised so much. A chance to establish herself; an opportunity to find out if Zarif was indeed the man she believed him to be.
    Rachel turned and saw Zarif and Abby watching her. Zarif's expression was open and hopeful. Abby's face was a picture of discontent and barely concealed resentment.
    Something shifted inside Rachel as she gazed at Zarif. Her eyes met his and she felt a growing warmth. A flickering of hope rose up in her breast, a sudden optimistic promise that a new road had opened up for her. She didn't know for sure where it would lead, but the prospects filled her with a tentative, hesitant excitement.
    Rachel lifted her chin and looked at Zarif. All she could see was the anticipation in his gaze, the eagerness for her answer. At that moment he was all that existed for her.
    Rachel smiled at Zarif. "I know I'm probably crazy for doing this, but I'm going to accept your offer, Zarif."
    His smile beamed at her, and his eyes shimmered with delight. "Wonderful," he exclaimed. He came over to her and they exchanged an air kiss. For a moment she felt a brief desire for something more, an embrace, just like last night. But she knew that Abby would have exploded if they had done that in front of her.
    Rachel glanced at Abby and saw the scowl on her now former boss' face. "I suppose that means I quit, Abby," Rachel said.
    Abby shrugged. "Hope you know what you're doing, Rachel," she said.
    Rachel gazed up at Zarif and smiled. "I think I do, Abby. I really do."
    And, as she leaned away from him, suddenly conscious of how they must look together, Rachel was sure she could see Zarif give her a very slight nod of his head.

     

CHAPTER NINE

    "What do you think?" Zarif asked as the car slowed on the driveway that ended at the circular plaza in front of the main entrance to Zarif's palace.