That explained his obsessive drive when it came to getting ahead in the business world. “Are you going to tell them you’re their half brother?”
“When I deem the time is right.”
She didn’t have the energy to ask what he meant by that, but she did see a problem with his plan. “If Rafiq, Zain and Adan knew the truth when you’d first met them, they would have probably welcomed you with open arms. But I can’t guarantee they’ll accept your subterfuge now.”
“It is immaterial what they think of me. I do not need their approval.”
Sometimes she believed she knew him better than he knew himself. Time to give him a hard lesson on self-awareness. “Their approval is exactly what you desire. You all but admitted it a minute ago. And I hope you tell them sooner than later, and that you have proof to back up your claims aside from a dying man’s declaration.”
“Not presently, yet I am sure someone in the palace is privy to my mother’s affair and her lover’s abandonment.”
She had another disturbing epiphany. “Is that why you sought me out and established a relationship? Have I been some pawn in your ploy to gain information?”
His hesitation spoke volumes. “I would be disingenuous if I said the thought did not cross my mind. Yet when you continually demonstrated your loyalty to the Mehdis, I determined you would not be forthcoming with confidential details.”
That gave her very little comfort. “I’m beginning to wonder if your relationship with me has been founded on revenge. What better way to get back at the family you believe wronged you than by seducing a woman who is like a sister to them?”
“I assure you that is not the case. When we met, I was not aware that you grew up with the Mehdis. Aside from that, I would not be surprised if one of the Mehdi sons is aware of my identity.”
Kira shook her head. “I don’t believe that for a second.” She wasn’t sure she could believe Tarek on any point. “They would have confronted you the moment you entered their house. In fact, they probably know nothing about your mother’s involvement with their father, if it is the truth.”
“Or perhaps they are attempting to avoid another scandal.”
The palace had been plagued with scandal in recent times, including the revelation that Elena was Adan’s biological mother and the former king’s longtime lover—a fact that was still kept undercover for the most part—as well as the current king marrying a divorcée. But in comparison, this one could trump them all.
When Kira recalled Elena’s peculiar questions regarding Tarek’s mother, the mental light switched on. She didn’t necessarily like aiding him in the cause, but she had to consider her own child’s legacy. “I know who you need to ask about your mother’s possible affair with the king.”
“If you are suggesting I speak with one of the princes, I would prefer not to begin there.”
“No. I’m suggesting you talk to their former governess. She served as the king’s confidant for many years. If you’re seeking proof, she’ll have it if it exists. If it doesn’t, what then?”
He rubbed his chin. “I will decide that after I speak with the king’s former mistress.”
Apparently the continuing secret hadn’t been concealed as well as she’d assumed. “How did you find out about that?”
“Adan informed me that Elena is his natural mother and of the circumstances behind his birth. Obviously Aadil could not be loyal to one woman.”
She despised the disdain in his voice, particularly since he didn’t know all the pertinent details. “Elena told me their relationship evolved after the queen’s death. Her agreement to have Adan when the queen could no longer conceive was only that, an agreement. They never meant for the relationship to blossom the way it did. I do know they loved each other deeply.”
“Another love built on lies.”
Kira saw no end to his cynicism, and that made her sad. Still, she had one more thing to get off her chest, not that it would make a measurable difference. “Tarek, I love you, although believe me, that’s been quite a challenge. I think I fell in love with you the day we took a walk in the garden and you told me about your years at the university and how hard you worked to succeed. You took my hand to make sure I didn’t stumble over a stone, and I thought, now there’s a true gentleman. But I refuse to stay involved with a man who is so steeped in resentment he no longer appreciates the value in loving someone unconditionally. My baby deserves more and so do I.”
She paused to draw a breath. “Yes, I betrayed you by not being honest about the baby from the beginning, and you did the same by not telling me about your suspicions. But every time you cut yourself off from feeling any emotions other than rage, you’re betraying yourself. Your baby needs a father who’s not afraid to feel something other than anger.”