Perhaps she knew why?
Leila loathed how he quickly stripped, and was starting to think that the fact he came home each night smelling of some other’s perfume was the reason.
She expected no less—a quintessential playboy forced into marriage who, by his own admission, came from a family of cheats.
James jumped in surprise when she walked into the bathroom where he was showering and saw that she had her angry-camel face on. ‘What?’ he asked.
Had the maids left a crumb on the floor perchance, or not brewed her herbal tea to perfection again?
James turned off the taps. ‘What?’
‘Don’t be with another.’
‘Where the hell did that come from?’
‘I have a sensitive nose, James.’
‘You have a beautiful nose,’ James said, ‘as does our baby.’
‘Don’t change the subject.’
Should he tell her? James wondered. Should he just admit that he was trying to learn Arabic so that he could speak with her father, so he could somehow make things better for Leila and their child? That the scent she smelled was Nadir’s rather unsubtle perfume.
No, because three weeks into learning Arabic and James was seriously wondering if his goal was achievable and he did not want her to know that he had failed.
‘I would never cheat, Leila.’ He was direct and honest; he just didn’t give her all of the truth. ‘A night with my parents only reinforces to me that I don’t want a marriage like that.’
‘Why did you rush into the shower?’
‘I told you, I’m taking you on a date tonight.’ He looked at her narrowed eyes. ‘Could you go, please,’ James said as she still stood there. ‘Or you’re welcome to get in.’
That got rid of her!
He came out to the sight of Leila in one of her new robes, a lilac one.
‘You look stunning.’
‘Thank you.’
Leila felt stunning. Her wardrobe was filled now with robes of soft lilacs and pinks and pale lemons—and they suited her far better than the silver and gold ones that she used to wear.
She felt like herself when she looked in the mirror.
James was looking immaculate too, and he had even shaved! He came up behind her and they looked at each other in the mirror.
‘I’m planning something, Leila,’ James said. ‘And it has your best interests at heart, so when I’m vague, that’s where I am. If you’re going to jump to the possibility I’m cheating every time I don’t tell you exactly where I’ve been, then expect boring presents and surprises at Christmas and birthdays.’
That mollified her a little. ‘Where are you taking me?’ Leila asked again.
To bed, James wanted to say but settled for, ‘It’s a surprise.’
‘Am I overdressed?’