Rafe leaned against the banister, studying her like she was a problem he must solve. "I worry about you. So does Piper. From a security perspective, you're the weak link in our chain. Some radical factions out there would love to strike at Talib and would think nothing of hurting his family. Piper and the children are surrounded by tight security at all times. But you're living here in London with no one to watch over you."
"The building I live in has security." Though lately, she'd had the oddest feeling someone was watching her.
"Rented guards who don't make enough to truly put their lives on the line for you." Rafe rolled his eyes. "We'd prefer you at the palace, but at least allow Dane to assign you a competent security detail while you're in London."
The idea horrified her. The one thing she couldn't stand about palace life was the lack of privacy. She loved her family. She adored spending holidays and vacations in Bezakistan with Piper and Alea and their husbands and kids, but sometimes she felt as if she couldn't breathe there. She wasn't allowed to leave the palace without a guard. Even when she walked around the gardens, someone was watching to make sure nothing dangerous occurred. Tori knew the guards watched her for security purposes, not to spy, but she couldn't live that life.
"No, Rafe. I have to be able to go where I want, when I want. I need to make my own way. I love London and I love my freedom. I can't enjoy either in Bezakistan or with your rent-a-cops breathing down my neck."
Rafe's eyes narrowed. "Is that truly your objection? I'm thinking it is more likely that a man keeps you in London. Or several."
She pretended to misunderstand. "I'm not being kept. Didn't that whole antiquated mistress ritual die out decades ago? I work a challenging PR job for every dime I make."
Rafe waved a conciliatory hand. "I don't mean to insult you, sister. Forgive me for wanting to protect you, but I must say that the Thurston-Hughes brothers are trouble. I dislike the way they watch you. I've looked into them, and I don't think they're worthy of you."
Tori felt herself flush and anger took root. "You can't set private investigators on all the men in my life."
"We don't discriminate. We had them check up on your female friends as well."
Her jaw dropped. "That is completely unacceptable, Rafiq."
"Damn. You weren't supposed to tell her," said another deep voice.
She turned and found Kadir striding up the stairs to join them. He was slightly shorter than his older brother, but filled out his tuxedo coat with a bit more brawn. His eyes held a glint that told her he intended to enjoy the drama his brother had unwittingly created.
"Kade, explain to me why the al Mussad family seems so bent on poking into my life."
"Of course. You see, Tori, this is what we do. And don't call us the al Mussad family. We are your family." He sent her a steely gaze. "You have no parents to watch out for you and no man of your own to protect you. But you do have three brothers."
"Yes, but I did not ask for three overprotective, busybody brothers. You really should find better things to do with your time. You have a country to run."
Rafe and Kade exchanged a look before Rafe shrugged. "That is true, but our country is peaceful. Ensuring your well-being is a good hobby."
Kade's stare drifted down to her hand. His eyes narrowed. "Do you have some news you wish to share with us?"
She glanced at the fake ring. They matched the fake diamonds around her neck. The woman at Harrods insisted they went with the dress. Tori had paid fifty pounds for the necklace and matching earrings. She had to admit, they looked good. They were much better fakes than the CZ ring she'd bought off an infomercial. Before she'd put them on, she held them up to the light and watched them sparkle. "You have your secrets. I have mine."
Rafe lifted her hand and examined the ring. "Did they tell you this was real? Which one? I wish to have a talk with him."
She pulled her hand out of his. "What does that mean?"
"It means I'm not stupid, Tori, but I am confused," Rafe said, his eyes sweeping over her.
"I am, too." Kade stood by his brother as they exchanged a few words in their native language.
Tori really wished she'd caught on to the language.
"What's going on?" Piper walked up the stairs, escorted by her husband.
The Sheikh of Bezakistan looked at his brothers with a narrow glare. "I thought we agreed to do this in private."
"Look at her left hand," Kade murmured.