The Sheikh's Island (Sheikh's Wedding Bet Series Book 4) (9 page)

"
Y
ou're here early
,' Quadir commented as he joined Rameez in the study. "I haven't even had breakfast yet."

Rameez had left Wynifred’s apartment and gone straight to the Khalidizacks. He was afraid that if he stopped and replayed everything that he'd said to her, he'd sink so low that he'd never be able to crawl back out again.

"I need to start development as soon as possible," Rameez muttered as he ignored the Sheikh's inquisitive gaze. "I want to meet with your people 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, Rameez stopped by his office and locked the door behind him. As a consultant, he did most of his work in other offices, but he kept a small space for himself to help him collect his thoughts. Sitting at his desk, he turned his computer on and grabbed a small notebook.

Despite what he'd told Quadir, something about the whole situation didn't sit well with Rameez. Haris would have known by now that he wouldn't simply sign the island over to him.

So why bother asking him for it at all? Why not ask for something that was far more attainable?

Rameez would have given up a portion of the island if it meant putting this whole thing behind him, but Haris didn't ask for a portion of the island. He asked for the whole thing.

Sitting back, he scrolled through the emails that his contacts had sent him a few weeks ago. He knew that Haris had been in trouble financially a few months ago. Even if he'd pulled himself out of the red, he didn't have the money to develop the island. Was he trying to sell it?

What was Haris hiding?

* * *

W
ynifred tried
to ignore the looks that Haris was giving her as he maneuvered the boat to the shore. They were warm but calculating.

"It's been awhile since we've had a moment to ourselves," Haris said as he killed the engine and grabbed the rope to tie the boat to the dock. "I'm glad that you invited me out here."

Ignoring his suggestive tone, Wynifred turned her head and scanned the water. Qaura should have beaten them here by now. None of this would work if she backed out of the plan.

"Who the hell is that?" Haris muttered under his breath.

Relaxing, Wynifred watched as Qaura maneuvered her own small boat next to Haris’. "Sorry I'm late," she said breathlessly. "It's been a long time since I've commanded one of these things."

"What is she doing here? What are you doing here?" Haris asked in a low voice.

Winking at Qaura, Wynifred tossed her bag over her shoulder and hopped down. Her sandals immediately sank into the sand. "I invited her here," she said brightly.

"You did? Why?"

Wynifred pretended to make a big deal about patting her pockets. "Can I borrow your cell phone for a second?" she asked in an innocent voice.

Bless his heart, he didn't even blink as he reached into his own pocket and pulled the phone out. Grabbing it, Wynifred quickly tossed it Qaura's way. The model smiled slyly and dropped the phone in the boat.

"What did you do that for?" he blustered. "Wynifred, what is going on? Now, who is that?"

Turning her head, Wynifred felt a slice of pain as she watched Rameez pull his own boat up alongside Qaura's. This night wasn’t going to be easy, but it would be necessary.

"I didn't realize that we were going to have company," Rameez muttered as he tied his own boat up.

"Neither did I," Haris spat.

Wynifred nodded at Qaura, and the beautiful woman turned to Rameez. "Darling? Can I borrow your phone for a second? I seem to have lost mine."

Haris opened his mouth to saying something, but Wynifred glared at him, so he snapped it shut. Once Qaura had Rameez's phone, she stashed it in the boat and jumped down.

The corners of Rameez's mouth lifted in amusement. "Is there a reason that you stole my cell phone?" he asked quietly.

"There is. Come with me," Wynifred ordered. "And don't you dare think about going back for your phones. One way or another, this feud of yours is going to end tonight."

Both men stared at her. "You didn't bring me here to talk about us?" Rameez asked quietly.

"Us?" Haris spat. "Why would she want to talk about you two?"

Qaura averted her eyes, and Wynifred planted her hands on her hips. Men could be so stupid sometimes. "Enough," she barked. "The two of you will walk with me right now. You each have a very big stake in the outcome of tonight, so I suggest you not waste your time with ridiculous banter."

Both men looked at her with shock, but she turned and started marching into the woods. Wordlessly, they followed behind her. The sun set, and the skies grew darker and darker and Wynifred made her way through the thick growth of trees. She had no idea where she was going, but the idea was to get them good and lost.

"Wynifred. You need to tell us what's going on," Rameez said in a quiet voice. "I know you're unhappy with me, and I'm starting to think that you brought us all out here to murder us all."

"Don't be ridiculous. I would never kill Qaura," Wynifred said sweetly. Rameez grunted, and she finally stopped.

"Does anybody know where we are?"

"Of course not," Haris said through gritted teeth. "No one has actually explored the island yet."

"Excellent." Wynifred smiled. "Here's the deal. All four of us are going to spend the night here, and we're going to talk. The problem with everyone here is a distinct lack of communication. That ends now. You're going to get out your anger and frustrations. You're going to tell the truth. And you're going to end this feud."

Rameez and Haris stared at her. "That's your plan?" Rameez muttered. "Strand us on the island?"

"Don't be such a baby," she said irritated. "If we run into an emergency, the mainland is a thirty minute boat ride away. Normally, I advise locking people together in a room and forcing them to work out their differences, but since the island seems to be right smack in the middle of this feud, we're going to do it here."

"Wynifred," Rameez said patiently. "There's nothing on this island. No food. No provisions. Judging by the look of those clouds, it looks like it might actually rain tonight. We can't stay here."

She patted her backpack. "Relax. I have everything we could possibly need. We're going to be fine."

Rameez held out his hand, and Wynifred tossed the bag his way. He unzipped it and snorted. Pulling out a bottle of wine, he raised an eyebrow. "I don't suppose this is filled with water, is it?"

Flushing with embarrassment, Wynifred shook her head. "Look, we're only going to be here for a night. Nothing bad is going to happen. So you might be a little hungry. The one thing you two haven't seemed willing to do is make any sacrifices. This is going to be good for you."

Just then, the sound of blades chopping through the air caught their attention. All four of them looked up and searched the skies. Within seconds, a helicopter could be seen heading straight towards them.

"Did you invite someone else here to join us?" Qaura asked uncertainly.

"No."

"We need to leave. Now," Haris said suddenly. He grabbed Qaura's hand and began pulling her through the woods.

"Wait, Haris! What the hell is going on?" She stopped and ripped her hand away from his. "It's only a helicopter. It's probably tourists."

"Coming here after dark?" Rameez said quietly. "I don't think so."

Haris looked around in a panic as the helicopter began to descend. It was getting almost too loud for them to talk. Wynifred recognized the panic in his eyes and bit her bottom lip. Something strange passed between the two men, and suddenly, Rameez had her by the hand and was dragging her through the woods. Haris and Qaura were not too far behind them.

Wynifred had no idea what was going on, but if it made the feuding cousins agree on something, it probably couldn't be good.

R
ameez saw
the fear in Haris’ eyes and realized how much danger they were in. Terrified that Wynifred was about to be caught up in something deadly, he forced her to run as fast as possible to the shore. Unfortunately, they didn't make it.

As soon as they reached the waterline, he saw that the boats were already drifting out to sea. Wynifred gasped, and he clamped a hand around her mouth. Whoever had stranded them here wouldn't be far.

Not far at all.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Molamid cousins," a man said in an amused voice. "I have to say, I only expected to see Haris out here, but having both of you makes things so much easier. Now I only have to dig onegrave for both of your bodies."

Wynifred’s nails dug into his arm, and Rameez looked hesitantly behind him. Three men blocked their way back. Their guns were pointed right at them. "Move," one ordered.

"What is going on," Wynifred whispered. "This is not supposed to be happening."

Rameez put a protective arm around her and followed orders. A small man stepped out from the woods with a maniacal smile on his face. Instinctively, Rameez placed Wynifred behind him so his body was between her and the guns. Haris did the same with Qaura.

"Mr. Negatin," Rameez said in a cool voice. "I've heard so much about you, but I haven't actually had the displeasure of meeting you."

Haris’ eyes widened in surprise, and Rameez glared at him. "Did you really think that I wouldn't find out?" he asked. "This man has gone after each of my friends. Despite my issues with you, I know you weren't stupid enough to ask me for the island. It didn't take long for me to put two and two together."

"Very good, Rameez," Anton said with a wicked smile. "I've been trying to get my hands on the island for years. Imagine my good fortune when it ended up with you. All I had to do was offer your naive cousin here enough money to save his business, and he was in my pocket. Of course, he was supposed to get the island for me without all of this unnecessary and distasteful attention, but I'm a flexible man."

Rameez's eyes scanned the area for a way out. There was no way off the island, but if he could get them out from under Anton's watchful eye, they could hide until help arrived.

It wasn't a great plan, but it was the only one they had.

"Even if I legally give you the island, you can't do anything with it. They'll arrest you before you can take the deed to a lawyer. What's your plan then?"

Anton snorted. "You think Negatin is my real name? It's an alias. One that I've used for a long time, and one that commands respect and fear, but an alias none-the-less. I have several more just as powerful and much more legal."

“Why? What the hell is so important to you about this island that you’re willing to kill for it?’ Rameez growled.

Anton stared at him. “You mean you don’t know? I thought that was why you and the Khalidizacks had been fighting over it. This island is the only unexplored place where Queen Sheba’s palace could lie. Somewhere, under layers of dirt, is the archeological find of a lifetime. Untold riches. Coveted artifacts. They’ll be mine.”

Sheba’s Palace? Rameez swallowed hard. He had nothing to bargain with that would come even remotely close to what Anton desired. His only hope was to buy them as much time as possible until they could figure out how to get away.

“Even if I sign it over, you're going to kill us anyway. We know what you've done. There isn't a chance in hell that you'd let us live."

"I had planned on killing you both tonight, but I find that I'm in a gracious mood. Sign the deed over to me, and I'll let all four of you live. If, of course, you try to tell anyone, I'll take your lovely women here and do as I wish with them."

"There isn't a chance in hell," Haris growled.

Suddenly, Wynifred stepped forward. Rameez immediately reached for her, but she sidestepped him. "Mr. Negatin, we haven't met. I'm Wynifred Fellows."

"Wynifred!" Rameez hissed. What the hell did the damn woman think she was doing?

"I'm actually a mediator. Now, this is a more volatile situation than I'm used to, but I'm sure I can help us both come to an arrangement." She turned her head and stared at the men behind them. "An arrangement that doesn't require guns."

Anton stared at her for a moment before tossing back his head and laughing. "Aren't you precious?" he chuckled. "You have a heart of gold, don't you my dear?"

"I don't know about that, but I am a professional. Give me a chance?"

Rameez tensed and turned his head slightly. Haris had done the same thing. Wynifred’s voice seemed to have the same effect on everyone, and if it affected Anton, it might be the chance they needed to get away.

"It's an interesting proposal. I'd like to hear a little bit more before I make a decision," Anton said mockingly.

Or not.

Wynifred took a deep breath. "Compromise is the key to every successful mediation. You want the island. We want to live. Unfortunately, both sides feel uneasy about the situation. We're less than willing to sign over the island because you may not keep your word. You're probably less than willing to let us go because you're not sure your threats will be enough to keep us in check. We're at a stalemate. If you would lower the guns, we can talk about this more and come to an agreement where everyone is happy."

Anton cocked his head and studied her. "You amuse me. Very well. Let's have a little campfire and see where this leads."

Rameez felt his heart skip a beat. It was clear that Anton was only humoring her, but that was all they needed. The man nodded his head, and Rameez saw the guards lower their weapons. He and Haris sprang into action.

"Run!' they both yelled as they tackled the guards. It was two against three, but they had taken them by surprise. Using one man as a shield, Rameez pushed him into the other. When all three men were down, he and Haris raced after the women.

They had stopped inside the tree line and turned back to stare at them. "Run,” Rameez growled as he grabbed Wynifred’s hand. Adrenaline pumped through his body, and he and Haris dragged the women deeper into the island. Only when they couldn’t hear anyone following them did he finally stop.

"I think we lost them," he said as he drew in long breaths. "But we need to find some place to hide."

"There." Wynifred pointed. Rameez followed her finger to a small opening in a rock structure. A cave.

It wasn’t the best place to hide out, but it might do.

“Take them inside,” he ordered Haris. “I’m going to look around and make sure we weren’t followed.”

“Rameez,” Wynifred whispered. He stared at her, and she opened her mouth to say something, but instead, she just snapped it shut and shook her head. “Be careful.”

He would, but right then, the most important thing to him was that he kept her safe.

* * *

“
I
’m so sorry
,” Haris said hoarsely as they moved slowly to explore the dark cave. Thankfully, Wynifred did remember to pack flashlights. The cave was deep enough for them to use them without being seen from the outside. When they hit the end, she slid down the rock wall and waited. If Rameez didn’t return soon, she would go looking for him.

“I had no idea that any of this would happen,” Haris continued to mutter. “When I realized how dangerous Anton was, I tried to find a way out, but he swore that he’d kill everyone that I loved if I didn’t help him out. Aunt Shifa was at the top of that list.”

Wynifred closed her eyes. “And you thought that hiring me was the best way to the get the island away from Rameez.”

“He’s a stubborn man. He wouldn’t do it willingly. You had such a good track record. I thought for sure that you’d find a way to get to him.”

“There’s nothing we can do about that now,” Rameez said grimly from the darkness.

Wynifred gasped and wanted desperately to run into his arms, but she had to stop herself. Infusing the situation with more emotion wasn’t the answer.

“There isn’t any sign of them. It’s a big island. Hopefully they’ll give up the search soon,” Rameez continued. He turned and looked her over with a critical eye. “Are you okay?”

Swallowing hard, she nodded. Rameez turned his attention to Haris, and Wynifred held her breath. There was every chance that Rameez would kill Haris right then and there.

“You have to tell them,” Qaura whispered. “You have to tell them now before they do something to each other.”

“I should kill you for this,’ Rameez spat.

“Wait,’ Wynifred cried out as she pulled herself up. Her words echoed off the cave walls, and they all froze and listened. Nothing happened. Lowering her voice, she pushed forward.

“Haris made a mistake, but his intentions were good. He was trying to shield everyone from Anton. Rameez, you have to understand that.”

“I don’t have to understand anything,” he growled.

“I know why you two hate each other,” she whispered fiercely.

Both men tore their gaze away from each other and stared at her. Feeling a little bolder, Wynifred plowed ahead. “Your fathers both loved Shifa. Haris, your father had her first, but she was young and had no idea what love was. When she met Asad, she knew instantly that he was the man for her. They tried to ignore their feelings, but Shifa knew she couldn’t stay with Mohammed when she loved his brother. She broke it off. It took six months before they finally admitted to themselves that they were meant to be together. Although he never said anything, I think Mohammed hated Asad. He’d always looked up to his older brother, and he stole the woman that he loved.”

Haris and Rameez both exchanged looks. “Okay, but what does that have to do with us?” Haris muttered.

Wynifred chose her words carefully. She didn’t want to do anything to offend anyone. “You two had a similar relationship growing up. I have a feeling that Mohammed didn’t want you to get hurt the way that he did. I don’t know the specifics, but I think that he started orchestrating things to break up the bond between you two.”

“Are you suggesting that my father…” Haris growled. He stopped suddenly and inhaled sharply, as though he’d just remembered something.

“My birthday,” Rameez said softly. “You told me that you hated me. I didn’t remember that until now. I told my father what you had said, and he told me that it was best if I stayed away from you. That you were going to turn out to be like your father. Bitter and angry.”

The cousins stared at each other, and Wynifred looked hesitantly over at Qaura. The woman nodded, and Wynifred plunged ahead. “When Asad died, Mohammed stepped back in to help out. While it was never a romantic relationship, I think it reminded Rameez that he’d lost his father. The seed that had already been planted started to sprout. You resented Haris because you thought his father was trying to work his way back into your family.”

Distant shouts filtered in from the front of the cave, and they all froze.

“I’ll check it out,’ Qaura said softly.

“No. You’re going to stay right here,” Haris muttered. “I’ll go. It’s too dangerous.”

“No. You two need to hear what she has to say. And I don’t think I can be here for it.”

Wynifred felt her own heart break as Qaura smiled sadly at them. She stood quietly and made her way to the cave entrance.

“You knew,” Rameez said as he stared at her. “She told you.”

“She didn’t have to,” Wynifred muttered. “It’s written all over her face.”

“What are you two talking about?” Haris interrupted.

Under Rameez’s hooded stare, Wynifred found that she couldn’t talk. Guilt and hate swirled in his eyes. “That night…it was never about Haris,” he choked out. “I’m such an idiot.”

His emotion wrapped around her, but she didn’t want his guilt. “Now is not the time,” she muttered. “Haris needs to know.”

“Yes, Haris does need to know,” Haris countered. “What do you mean the other night?”

“Haris,” Wynifred pleaded in a warning voice.

“No,” Haris hissed. “You keep talking about people keeping secrets. Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on here. Did you sleep with him?”

Shaking her head, Wynifred tried to regain control of the situation. Things were spiraling into a dangerous direction. “Haris, please. We need to focus.”

“You did,” he growled through clenched teeth. “You played me like a bloody fool.”