Free The Sheikh's Reunion Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs 4) by Cara Albany Page B

at Rafiq and grinned.  
    "We were just wondering what all the mystery is about," Tazim replied. "And where you had gotten to. That's right, isn't it?" he added turning to Malik.
    Rafiq laughed. "I'm here aren't I? Don't know what you're talking about. Mystery?"
    "You flew off to London without any explanation," Malik said.
    Rafiq made it to the bottom of the steps and went to his brothers. All three embraced, and they exchanged playful, and painful, punches on shoulders.
    "Business called," Rafiq explained curtly. He saw his brothers frown, seeking more information. Being the oldest brother Rafiq had a natural authority over his siblings. They understood that, even if they didn't always appreciate his innately superior manner.
    "How was London?" Malik asked.
    "Raining, as usual," Rafiq said with a groan.
    Rafiq had told his brothers he'd be returning and would need some time on his own. He hadn't mentioned to them that he'd be bringing a guest, although he had told his parents. Obviously, since it was their home, they'd have a right to know who was a guest in their home.  
    Rafiq faced the prospect of a delightful, and much needed, distraction with his beloved brothers.  
    Rafiq suddenly wondered what Mia was doing right now. Now, why had he asked himself that question?
    Tazim must have noticed the changed expression on Rafiq's face, because he asked loudly: "What's on your mind, Rafiq?"
    He glanced toward the sitting room entrance. "Let's go there," he said pointing. His gaze flickered back up to the top of the staircase. "We can talk in there."
    Malik frowned, his gaze following Rafiq's toward the staircase. Malik opened his mouth and was about to say something when Rafiq cut him off. "You can tell me what's been happening in my absence," Rafiq said.
    He went inside, hearing the footsteps of his brothers behind him. He sat down on the huge cream sofa in the center of the room. Tazim and Malik sat across from him on a similarly large, ornately patterned sofa. The fans above their heads turned lazily, creating a welcome coolness. Rafiq knew he needed cooling down after the self inflicted torment he'd just been through upstairs with Mia. He wondered how he was going to explain Mia to his brothers. He was sure the opportunity would present itself.
    "Why the sudden trip to London, Rafiq?" Tazim asked.
    Rafiq waved a dismissive hand. "Brad asked me to go there. It was short notice. I thought there was something serious." Rafiq shrugged. "Turns out it's a minor problem that needs ironing out." Rafiq tried as hard as he could to make his visit sound inconsequential.
    Rafiq saw Malik glance at Tazim. He didn't look convinced by Rafiq's casual tone. He could tell they wanted to know more, but the last thing he wanted to talk about was Sayid and Naima.
    Rafiq tried to change the subject. "Tell me about the party," he said to Malik. His brother had celebrated his birthday, and Rafiq had hated being called away at such short notice, since it had meant missing the excitement. If there was one thing Malik knew how to do, it was how to throw a memorable party.
    Malik smiled. "You missed a wild celebration. Didn't he, Taz?" Malik asked his brother.
    Tazim's dark brows set into a censorious frown. "Too much this time, Malik. You really need to settle down."
    Malik groaned. "Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you have to give up on the good life altogether."
    Tazim had always been the serious middle brother, always eager to reign in the younger Malik and his wild ways. It was a game they had played since they'd been boys. Rafiq figured that particular game would never stop. Sibling rivalry was something Rafiq understood, but being the eldest he'd always felt the pressure of assuming the responsibility that came with seniority.
    Rafiq grinned. "If it was anything like last year's party, I'm not sure I want to know," he said.
    Malik fixed Rafiq with a wolfish grin. "Oh, it was worse than you could possibly think," he stated. He