‘It wasn’t romantic. It was horrible in every way. And I don’t think the horse was wild, precisely—at least not until we climbed on its back. Then it was certainly less than impressed—’
After a moment’s hesitation Layla told Avery the whole story, and by the end of it she felt so relaxed she’d even removed her shoes.
‘So you married for the good of Tazkhan, but now you’re in love? That is the happiest ending I’ve heard in a long time.’
‘Oh, no, that isn’t true!’ Startled, Layla stiffened. ‘I’m not in love.’
Avery’s brows rose. ‘No? So when you say “Raz this” and “Raz that” in every sentence it’s just because you’re—’ she waved a hand in the air ‘—sorry, but I only know one reason to mention a guy in every single breath and that’s l-o-v-e. Either that or obsession, and you don’t strike me as the obsessive type.’
Love? Layla stared at her blankly. ‘I can’t be in love. I’m not that sort of person.’
‘Trust me, love is indiscriminate. It strikes all types without mercy. I didn’t think I was “that sort of person” either and now look at me. I’m someone who has to control everything around them, but take it from me that love can’t be controlled. Believe me, I’ve tried.’
‘That’s different. You and His Highness knew each other for a long time before you were together. Whereas Raz and I—’ Her skin heated as she thought about the intimacies they’d shared. ‘We are strangers. We have known each other only a few weeks.’
‘I actually find that quite erotic.’ Avery leaned back against the arm of the sofa. ‘Strangers forced together. I presume you’ve actually...?’ When Layla coloured Avery smiled. ‘Mmm, and I’ll bet it was good. Raz is super-hot. But don’t tell Mal I said that.’
‘He was so in love with his wife.’ The words fell from Layla’s lips before she could stop them and she saw Avery’s eyes narrow.
‘Yes, and that was tragic. But it happened. Stuff happens.’ The laughter had gone and her husky voice hinted at layers of depth beneath the sophisticated social skills. ‘It’s called life. Sometimes life delivers a steaming pile of crap right in your lap, and when that happens all you can do is keep moving forward. You keep walking. You get out of bed, you move, and eventually you start living again. And that’s what he’s doing.
‘But this marriage wasn’t his choice. It was mine.’
‘Raz Al Zahki has never done anything that wasn’t his choice. He is tough, single-minded and as stubborn as his brother and my husband.’ Avery reached across and squeezed her hand. ‘And he made a good choice. I’m thrilled we’re going to be neighbours.’
‘I’m nothing like his wife. I can’t take her place.’
‘Would you want to? Personally, I’d hate to be a clone of another person. You probably don’t want my advice, but I’ll give it anyway because I can’t help myself: don’t try and replace her.’ Avery unfolded her long legs and slipped on her shoes. ‘Be yourself. Be you. If you want to learn to ride, then learn. But only if it’s what you want to do. You should probably learn to swim, but only so that his psycho sister-in-law can’t have the pleasure of drowning you. The point I’m making is that if you are you then any relationship you form together will be real.’
Layla felt her mood lift for the first time in days. Maybe even longer. ‘That makes sense.’
‘Of course it does. I only ever talk sense—as I’m forever telling my husband. Now, drink some tea and tell me about your sister.’
At the mention of her sister Layla felt her happy mood evaporate. ‘She’s still missing.’
‘Yes.’ Avery’s expression was sympathetic. ‘Everyone is looking for her. And Salem is exactly the right person to be in charge of that.’
‘Everyone says that, but he didn’t look particularly friendly when I saw him.’
‘I didn’t say he was friendly.’ Avery swept a sheet of blonde hair away from her face. ‘No, he definitely isn’t friendly. Dark. Moody. A bit scary, I suppose. But in a totally hot way. Exactly the right person to find your sister.’
‘Why? Why does everyone keep saying that?’
Avery put her cup down carefully. ‘You don’t know?’
‘All I know is that Raz seems to trust his brother with his life.’