The Sheikh's Island (Sheikh's Wedding Bet Series Book 4) by Leslie North Page B

soon. Today, in fact, would be great."
    “We already have plans to meet later this week. It can’t wait?”
    “No. I’m ready to move forward.”
    Quadir rubbed a hand over his face and sighed. "Normally it takes a woman to light that kind of fire under a man. I don't suppose you want to tell me what's going on."
    "Haris is demanding the island in return to end the feud," Rameez growled.
    "Did he say, why?"
    Scowling, Rameez shook his head. "I didn't ask. Does it matter? He obviously wants to take away everything that's important to me."
    "The island is only land, Rameez. Expensive land, but your career isn't on the line here. You wouldn't be ruined if you lost it."
    "That's not the point," Rameez snapped. "The island is mine. I don't give up what's mine so easily."
    Cocking his head, Quadir studied him openly. "I see. A man has a right to be possessive over his things, but while you may hate Haris, even you have to admit that this would be abnormal for him."
    "Abnormal?" he scoffed. "First my women, and now my island. This is right up his alley."
    "Women? Plural?"
    Rameez stilled. It was just like the older man to change the subject. "Can you or can you not get me a meeting with the land developers?' he asked in a low and dangerous tone.
    "I'm Crown Sheikh," Quadir said with a raised eyebrow. "The meeting won't be a problem. You acting rashly will be. Go talk to your cousin. Find out what he wants with the island. Then, if you still decide to push ahead, I'll cut all the red tape that you want."
    "Unbelievable. It's as if Haris has the whole world wrapped around his finger. Qaura. My mother. You." He swallowed hard. "Wynifred."
    "Rameez, we aren't wrapped around his finger. We are seeing the situation from another perspective. As your friend, I'm telling you that your personal feelings are running you ragged. As a businessman, I'm telling you that your temper is going to make you do something that you’ll regret. Cool off. We'll talk this evening."
    Sighing, Rameez shook his head. He thought that if anyone could understand his frustrations, it was Quadir. It wasn't as if the man had a wonderful family growing up. The man's uncle gambled away a prized heirloom. Still, he knew enough to know that when the Sheikh’s mind was made up, there was no swaying him. Gritting his teeth, he gave him a respectful nod and saw himself out of the palace. As he was about to get into his car, his phone buzzed, and he looked down.
    Wynifred.
    If there was one person that he did need to talk to, it was she. While he was sure that he wasn't wrong about her, she didn't deserve the hate that had dripped from his tongue this morning. He was a better man than that.
    "Wynifred," he answered softly.
    "I need you to meet me at the island this afternoon," she said in a clipped voice.
    He immediately stiffened. "I would like to speak with you, but I don't need to do it there. Let me take you out to dinner."
    "No. If you want to speak with me, you'll do it at the island. There's something here that I want to show you. After that, I'll leave, and you can continue to hate your cousin all you want."
    "Well, now that seems reasonable," he said sarcastically. "Fine. I'll meet you there in an hour."
    "Sunset," she said quickly. "I need you to meet me there at sunset. I have a few things I need to do."
    "What kind of things?" he asked suspiciously.
    "I need to pack." She hung up, and Rameez's stomach tightened with pain. She was leaving. Of course, she was leaving. He'd practically ordered her to do so. It hurt too much to think of her still sticking around when he loved her and she didn't love him.
    It hurt too much to think that she'd stay for Haris.
    It seemed that there was nothing that he could do to ease his pain. At least it would soon be over. He'd give her this one last meeting, and then he'd focus on Haris and figure out a way to bring his cousin down. His mother would forgive him once she knew what Haris was asking of him.
    To pass the time,