Chapter 8

On the flight back to Kentucky, Sadir spent most of his time with his mother and Asma. The young girl was upset that she couldn’t see her father before she left. After Farik was taken to the hospital, the FBI stepped in and they put him under tight security, not letting his family in to see him.

Jaxon and Andrea sat together and talked about what had happened to them. Jaxon was wondering if she should marry into this family. Yes, she loved Sadir with all her heart, but his family was a different matter altogether. She despised Mansur for how he handled Farik and she couldn’t understand how his wife could let him do it. The only one she felt sorry for was Asma. The poor girl was traumatized after seeing her father’s tongue cut.

"Is Sadir going to adopt Asma?" Andrea asked.

"I don’t know. I hope he at least becomes her guardian. I don’t want to see her grow up with her grandfather. That cruel bastard should have been put in jail beside his son," Jaxon ranted.

"Calm down, hon. I think you need to take another tranquilizer."

"No, I don’t need another one. Will you ask Sadir to come over here?"

"Sure, hon. Anything to keep you from flipping out," Andrea said, trying to lighten the moment.

Andrea stayed with Asma and her grandmother while Sadir went to see Jaxon. She observed the couple closely. Jaxon was cold towards him, not allowing him to kiss her. Andrea was angry with Mansur as well. Not only did he traumatize his granddaughter, but he placed a big wedge between Sadir and Jaxon.

"Sadir, I have been thinking and I want to call off our wedding," Jaxon said.

"You can’t mean that. Why are you upset with me?"

"I’m not upset with you. I just don’t think I can marry you and be a part of your family."

"You are marrying me, not my family!" Sadir said angrily.

"No, darling, that is where you’re mistaken. You’re a package deal, remember? You are inline to take over a country. Family is important to you. So important, I have already broken our engagement once over them."

"I want to marry you. Tell me how I can fix this," he pleaded with her.

"You can’t fix this, Sadir. It’s not as if you can divorce your family. You’re a Prince! We just need to chalk all this up to experience and go our separate ways," Jaxon said, trying to hold herself together.

"I will denounce my family and leave them if it means losing you. I love you and I am not going to lose you to anyone or anything. I do not need to be a prince for you to love me; you said so yourself many times. Please, do not break my heart again. Stand beside me and become my wife. I promise you, I will make you very happy."

Jaxon wanted to believe it could be that easy, but she knew it wasn’t. How could she in good conscience let him leave his family; his destiny? Family meant something to him and it meant something to her. There had to be a way for them to sort out this problem between them. She didn’t want to lose him anymore than he wanted to lose her.

"Could you give me some time to think? I don’t want you to do anything drastic until we talk more about this. Give me some time to let all this soak in. I promise to call you the minute a decide anything."

"I promise. However, if you call to break my heart I will never be the same man. I will be hollow inside without your love," Sadir said.

"No pressure there. I prefer you not talk to your parents about me until I have a decision for you," Jaxon said, looking him in the eyes.

"As you wish, my darling. I will go back and give you time to start thinking about us." Sadir stood to walk away, but Jaxon grabbed his hand.

"My heart still belongs to you. I haven’t fallen out of love with you. I’m not sure I could if I wanted to," she said, smiling.

When Jaxon arrived at home, Sebastian was there to greet her as always. He sensed something was deeply wrong, but curbed his curiosity by taking her luggage upstairs. After he unpacked for her, he went down to see if he was needed for anything more.

"Would Madam like anything to eat?" Sebastian asked.

"No, thank you. Sebastian, could you sit for a moment? I need someone I can trust to help me make a decision."

"I will do my best, Madam. Is there a problem with Glory Rose?" he wondered.

"No, she is fine. I’m afraid this is of a personal nature. I’m not sure I can marry into Sadir’s family. I don’t trust any of them and I truly despise his father," she said seriously.

"Does this have to do with the terrorist they arrested in California? I saw him on the news. At first, I thought they had arrested Prince Sadir!"

"Yes, it does. He is Sadir’s identical twin," she explained, shaking her head. "He had never mentioned him to me, until his niece showed up in California with his parents. I understand why he didn’t, but what else could he be keeping from me?"

"I am sure he was only trying to protect you. The press can be very ruthless with news of that nature," Sebastian said, holding her hand. He cared deeply about his employer. He had watched a young hellion grow into a beautiful and respected business woman, thanks to her grandmother.

"Was he protecting me or his family?" she said quietly. "I’m scared. I want to marry him but I’m terrified of his family."

"Madame, you really don’t need me to help you with this decision only you can decide what to do. What I think does not matter," he said, smiling.

"It matters to me. I’m just confused right now and can’t think any more," she said, running her hands through her hair.

"My advice to you is to rest from your trip. I will draw you a hot bath, turn on some relaxing music and you can lose yourself in the moment," Sebastian said.

"You’re a good man, Sebastian. I don’t know what I’d do without you," Jaxon said, smiling. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "You’re blushing."

"I think I shall fix that bath for you now." Sebastian got up to leave the room and gently touched his cheek where she had kissed him. He loved her like a daughter and his heart ached that he could not help her more.

She watched him go upstairs, then she walked into her study and checked the mail from the past week. She sorted it by importance, then started staring out the window at the horses in the pasture across the yard. She thought about going for a ride, but remembered that Sadir rode after a long trip for relaxation. She certainly didn’t want to see him yet. She knew how vulnerable she was and one look into his chocolate eyes would send her into his arms.

"Madam," Sebastian spoke, seeing her jump slightly. He waited for her to turn around before saying any more. "Your bath is ready."

"Thank you, Sebastian."

Sadir was upset about Jaxon not taking any of his calls. He really didn’t blame her. After all, she did tell him she needed time to think. He just didn’t think it would take her weeks to do it. He stayed in his room most of the time, reading to keep his mind off her, but it never lasted long. He would go for rides along the lake that their properties shared, in hopes of seeing her, but she was never there.

His brother, Tariq tried to talk to him about the relationship, but Sadir would tell him to mind his own business. They may be fierce rivals in horseracing, but despite that, Tariq was seriously worried about his brother. So, he took it upon himself to pay a visit to Jaxon. The thought of racing against his brother right now just didn’t seem sportsman like. He needed to get his brother back as a true competitor before the Kentucky Derby.

Jaxon was in her study working on a bid for a couple of horses when she heard the doorbell ring. She knew Sebastian would soon announce the party, so she closed her file and waited.

"Madame, Prince Abal to see you," he said, coming in the door.

"I don’t want to see Sadir," she said, opening the file again.

"I’m sorry, Madame, I should have been clearer. It is Prince Tariq."

"I don’t want to see anyone with the last name of Abal. Is that clear enough for you," she said angrily.

Before Sebastian could turn around Tariq walked in. "I’m here on my own accord. It is the utmost importance that I speak to you," he said.

Jaxon was wondering what could be so important. Did something happen to Sadir? Or maybe Sadir was getting desperate and sent him to see her. If that were the case, she would send him back quickly. She would tell Sadir her decision face to face, not through a third party, and especially, not his brother. She observed his demeanor while he walked up to her and bowed.

"You look beautiful as always, Miss McLaughlin," he said, smiling.

"You better not be here to tell me you bailed out Palmer," Jaxon said.

"May he rot in jail for what he did to your grandmother. He did ask me to help him and I turned him down. He is no longer in my employment."

"I’m happy to hear that. So, if this visit isn’t about Mr. Palmer, why are you here?" she asked.

"I came to talk to you about my brother, not for him," he said, making himself comfortable in the chair next to her desk.

"What about him? Is he hurt?" she asked with her heart jumping into her throat.

"No, no. He is not hurt in the manner of which you think. However, he is hurting deeply without hearing from you for so long," he explained.

"I’m not doing this intentionally. It is a difficult decision and I want to make sure I can live with it once I make it. It is hurting me just as much!"

"I do not blame you for not wanting to marry into our family. I do not condone what my father did. If it was up to me I would have given Saad to your government."

"Yes, you are very friendly with the president and you wouldn’t want to look bad in his eyes," Jaxon said. "I heard you and Sadir were invited to the White House. Was that to talk about Saad?"

"Yes. I met with several officials there. I was speaking on behalf of Sadir and myself. I told them they should have put my father in a cell next to Saad. However, he had diplomatic immunity and could not be arrested."

"Sadir didn’t go with you?" she asked curiously.

"No, he declined. He did not want to miss seeing you if you came to talk to him."

"Sorry he felt he had to do that. How is Asma?"

"She is adapting very well. She does miss her father, but Sadir is becoming a great father to her. He has her in school he helps her with he studies every night."

Jaxon smiled. She knew he would be a great father to her and their children. Their children? Was she telling herself to marry him? Yes, she wanted to, only what about his parents, could she stand to be around them the rest of her life?

"Miss McLaughlin is there something wrong?"

She suddenly realized Tariq was speaking to her. She cleared her throat and took a sip of water she had on her desk. "I’m sorry. What were you saying about Asma?"

"She has inquired about you frequently. Sorry to say this upsets my brother, because he has no answer to give her as to why you never visit."

"You seem very concerned about Sadir and his mental state."

"I am worried what will happen to him if you do not marry him. He is very withdrawn except around Asma. I believe she is the only thing keeping him from…"

"From what?" she asked, suddenly worried he might harm himself in some way.

"He loves you. Anyone can see that. I am afraid if he cannot have you he will die of a broken heart."

"You’re exaggerating to get me to go see him." She prayed that he was.

"You know him as well as I do."

Jaxon sat thinking for a moment. "If there were some way to marry him and never see his parents again I would go to him this minute. However, I don’t see that as a possibility."

"I love my brother. I have tried to talk to him about all this but he refuses. We are only rivals at the racetracks, I am worried and will do anything I can to help you become his wife," Tariq said seriously.

"What could you possibly do to help me?"

"I can promise that you would never have to see or deal with my father visiting here. I would be his liaison with Sadir. If for some reason, he did come to the states, Sadir and I would protect you from meeting."

"You would do this for us? What do you want in return?" she asked suspiciously.

"I would have my rival back in racing. Right now it does not seem fair to make a wager with him," Tariq said, smiling. "Am I correct in assuming you still love my brother?"

"I do love him. I never stopped loving him."

"Then marry him. You do not have to live with us. You will make your home with him. You would never have to see any of us unless you wanted to," Tariq said.

"That isn’t how your marriage customs are. I did a little research when I found out he wanted a royal wedding. The wives of royalty are subservient to all the males in the family. There is no way in hell I will act that way. I am a woman with a brain and I have just as much business savvy as Sadir or you…" She stopped when Tariq started to laugh at her. "What is so funny?"

"I believe you will make a fine wife and match for my brother. You will also be a strong competitor for me at the races. You have already proved that a few weeks ago. Now, I would like to see that fire at the Derby when our horses compete next week."

"What you will see at the Derby is a replay of the Santa Anita race. Glory Rose will come in first," she said proudly.

"Would you like to make a wager? I am willing to put up Shadowy Warrior’s first foal next spring. What do you want to wager?"

"I will wager, Steel Heart. I’m sure you heard of him."

"Yes, I know you out bid me. I accept the wager," he said, sticking out his hand.

They shook on the deal with Jaxon smiling coyly.

"It seems we got off the subject of my brother."

"Tell Sadir to meet me at the lake in an hour. I guess it is time I give him my decision," she said, sighing deeply.

"Very well. Thank you for allowing me to speak with you. I look forward to seeing you at the Derby."

"I will see you there. I also look forward to seeing that foal in the spring," she added, winking. She walked Tariq to the door and when she turned around Sebastian was standing at the stairs smiling. "What’s with the smile?"

"I overheard you saying you’d meet Prince Sadir. I hope it is good news he will hear."

"Sebastian, I hope it is too," she admitted. She did have to talk to him face to face before long. They would be next to each other in the owner’s boxes at the Derby. They needed to settle this once and for all.

"I think you are doing the right thing, Madame," he said. "Shall I fix dinner for two?"

"Let’s not push it, Sebastian. Like I said, I don’t know what is going to happen."

"Yes, Madame. I will put dinner on hold until you arrive back home. Is there anything I can do for you now?"

"Lay out a pair of jeans and a shirt for riding. I will be up to change in a few minutes."

"Yes, Madame."

Jaxon went in to call Andrea, she needed a little pep talk before she saw Sadir. She figured Andrea would push her to marry him…could that be why she called? After Jaxon talked to her a while it was time to listen to what she had to say. She wasn’t surprised one bit.

"Hon, if he makes you happy and you make him happy that is all you need. Forget about his family and just love him. Tariq was right, you don’t have to visit them unless you want to. Sadir would never force you to see them. He is the only member of the family you need to worry about," Andrea said.

"What if he still wants a royal wedding? Wouldn’t I be subjected to seeing his family then?"

"Hon, all this bouncing back and forth is getting you nowhere. Talk to Sadir and then give him an answer," Andrea said. "I just pray it’s the answer that makes you both happy."

"Thanks for being my friend. I’ll call and let you know what happens."

Sadir was out on the terrace eating a light meal, when his brother approached him.

"I did not think you were coming until this weekend." Sadir commented.

"I had a meeting I needed to take care of today. I hope this does not bother you that I am here early."

"I do not care one way or the other. You have been coming here unannounced for weeks. Why should today be any different?" Sadir said, pushing his plate away and picking up his wine.

"I saw Miss McLaughlin earlier," he said, waiting for a reaction.

"A chance meeting? Where was she?"

"At home. I went there to talk to her."

"I cannot believe you went behind my back and talked to her. I told you to stay out of my business!" Sadir yelled, jumping out of his chair to stand toe to toe with his brother.

"I did it for you, brother. I only wanted us to be on a level playing field when Derby time arrived. You are so overwhelmed with anxiety over your relationship. I thought I would step in and help," he said, pushing past his brother to sit down.

"I supposed thanks to you she will never speak to me again. She probably thinks I told you to go over there," Sadir ranted.

"Brother, I would never allow you to tell me to do anything for you. Nor, would you ever ask me to do anything for you. That is why I elected to go on my own," Tariq said, taking a piece of fruit from Sadir’s plate. "You should be glad I did."

"Why should I?"

"She wants to see you in an hour… no, forty-five minutes," he said, looking at his watch.

"Where? At her house?" He sat down with his brother to listen to him.

"No, at the lake."

"Why didn’t you tell me this when you first walked up to me? Were you trying to make me late, so she would hate me as much as she hates the rest of our family?"

"You are the one who started asking me questions. Besides, standing here and arguing with me is not going to get you there on time now, is it?" Tariq asked, grinning.

"Remind me to wipe that smug grin off your face when I get back." Sadir ran to the sables to get his horse. His heart filled with joy, knowing he would see his love once again.

Jaxon rode slowly to the lake, thinking about what she was going to say. She had to admit to herself, she wanted to be in his arms every night for the rest of her life. She wanted and needed him to make her feel whole again. Her heart felt like it had been dying without him. However, every time she thought she could go to him, the vision of seeing Saad/Farik bleeding after his father’s mutilation of him, caused her to change her mind.

As she approached the lake, she saw Sadir sitting across the lake watching for her. They each tied their horses to the bridge post. Sadir walked briskly to the center to wait for her. She was taking it a bit slower and it made his heart sink. She walked up to him and gazed into his eyes for a moment before reaching for him, pulling him to her for a passionate kiss.

Sadir broke the kiss and looked longingly into her eyes. He hoped she was there to say she would marry him. Although, when she broke her eyes away from his and looked down at the water he was devastated.

"Please, don’t say this is goodbye," he whispered.

"I only have one question for you."

"Ask it. I will do anything for you."

"If I marry you, do you want a royal wedding with your family there?"

"Asma, is my only true family. I will no longer accept my father into my life. My mother understands my decision and will abide by it, even if it means she will never see her grandchildren," Sadir explained.

"I never wanted to come between you and your parents," she said with tears in her eyes.

He placed his fingers to her lips then brushed the tears away. "My father is the cause. It has nothing to do with you. I do not condone his type of justice. Tariq will be the heir to the country."

"Tariq surprised me with his love and concern for you. He is proving to be a better brother than I thought he was to you."

"He has his moments," he said dryly.

"What about Saad? Will you ever take Asma to see him?" she wondered.

"Saad does not want to see her. He wrote to me and asked me to become her father. I told him I would. His only stipulation was that she continued with the teachings of the Koran and I agreed."

"Does he still think his beliefs are the same ones she will be taught?"

"Let him believe what he wants. I will make sure she learns the truth of the Koran," Sadir assured her. "You said you had one question and I answered it and many others. May I ask you a question?"

"Yes," she said, smiling.

"Will you become my wife?"

"Yes, only if we do it sooner than later," she answered, leaning over to kiss him.

"Is tomorrow too soon?"

"What about the blood test and marriage license?" she wondered.

"We’ll leave for Las Vegas tonight. I will handle everything. Call Andrea, and whomever else, to witness our vows. I will take care of all the arrangements. I will have my limo pick you up at your home," he said, turning around to head home. "Oh, one more thing. Pack a suitcase for a few days. We’ll have our honeymoon too."

"Hey! Not so fast, Prince!’ Jaxon said, walking up to him. "I need to know what kind of clothes to pack."

"Your wedding dress and a few nightgowns will suffice. However, you won’t have those on very long when I get close to you," he said, smiling. He kissed her once again then they parted to go home and make the plans.

When the limo arrived at her house, Sadir stepped out to greet her. "I packed quickly so I could pick you up," he said, kissing her.

"I packed up quick too. So quick, I don’t remember what I packed," she said, laughing. "I think Sebastian repacked for me after seeing the luggage."

"Yes, Madame. At least now things are not sticking out of the baggage," he said, laughing.

"Are you coming along, Sebastian?"

"I found it necessary if you want to marry her. She has her head in the sky and cannot be trusted with anything, but you, Sir."

"Besides, he is my family and I need him to be there."

"I agree. Is the house locked up?" he asked Sebastian.

"No, Sir, there are a few more cases to get," he said, walking back to the house.

"Hold on!" He surprised Jaxon when he swept her up in his arms. "There is something I need to take care of with Madame before we leave."

"What are you doing?" she exclaimed.

"I want to make love to you," he whispered. "I can’t wait another minute!"

"Neither can I."