CHAPTER SIXTEEN
I had the champagne bottle in my hand again, ready to pour myself another glass when I heard the doorknob rattle. I turned around my heart racing. The knob turned slowly and I held my breath, wondering who it could be. Would it be Lucky? Or someone else…? My heart had never beat so quickly. I was so nervous…
The door opened and to my surprise, Karim walked in. Our eyes locked and my chest tightened with disappointment. I stepped back, falling into the bed, my disappointment suffocating.
Karim chuckled, a smirk appearing on his face. “Don’t worry, I didn’t purchase you for myself.”
My brows furrowed in confusion. Then why was he here? My body felt like lead so I didn’t dare to get off the mattress. I was convinced that this was some sort of a joke. I half-expected Lucky to appear by the doorway, but he never did.
“I… I don’t understand.”
“Of course not.” He picked up the bottle of champagne and noticed that I had already gone through half of it, shaking his head slightly.
“Why… Why are you here… if not to…”
His smirk deepened and he put the champagne back in the bucket of ice. “You don’t know anything, do you, girl?”
I felt like he was insulting me. My cheeks turned red and I was just about to say something when he held out his hand, his cold eyes piercing right through my heart.
“My brother.” He said, the words echoing through my mind.
“What?” I asked, my tongue feeling like it had doubled in size in my mouth.
He sighed, running his fingers through his thick, dark hair. “I’m starting to regret my decision already.” He grabbed my hand, pulling me off the bed and into his body, his hot breath against my cheek, making my skin crawl. I shuddered, wanting to jerk away, but I was trapped in his powerful essence.
“I’m starting a harem from my brother.” I blinked at him. “Do you know what that is?” I had taken a Middle Eastern Culture class in college. All my lessons came rushing back to me, trying to remember what a harem was. I racked the catacombs of my brain before it finally hit me.
Some Muslims were polygamists. They would marry multiple women and let them live in the same household together. I gulped, suddenly realizing that this meant that I would just be one of many in Lucky’s life. I felt my heart drop down to my stomach. But, just a few hours ago, he had looked at me like I was the only girl in the world. Maybe I really did imagine it…
“Hmm?” He tightened his grip on my arm, waiting for an answer.
“Yes.” I breathed, feeling numb all over.
“Good. Then you know that you’ll be one of many women. So, don’t get any ideas.” His voice was cruel as he narrowed his eyes at me. I wanted to run away from this man. I quickly nodded, hoping he would just leave me alone. All I wanted was to be with Lucky…
“He’ll be here shortly. Don’t leave.” He let go of my arm and I collapsed onto the bed. The door closed behind him with a deafening thud. I cringed, shutting my eyes tight. This couldn’t be happening…
I could feel jealousy creeping under my skin. I would have to share Lucky with a bunch of other women. It wasn’t fair. It seemed like he was so into me…
I got up and grabbed the champagne bottle, pouring myself another glass. If I kept going like this, I would quickly finish the bottle, but I didn’t care. I just needed something to clear my mind and forget what was happening. I kept looking at the door, knowing I could just walk out and move on with my life, but I couldn’t forget Lucky’s smiling face.
I wanted to know what it would feel like to have his lips trail down my body. I couldn’t settle for just my neck. I needed more. I knew I would never rest until I fell into bed with him.
I downed my glass, already feeling the warm glow of tipsiness rushing through my body. I wasn’t much of a drinker and I was probably drinking a bit too much, but I didn’t care. I was loving the feeling of weightlessness.
I smirked. What did it matter if I was just one of many? I could do a lot worse things for a million dollars… Besides, that sort of money would help pay for my mother’s treatment and I wasn’t going to let her down just because I wanted some guy all to myself. I had to do this. I had a bit more champagne, my head swimming with delight. I smiled wildly, my whole body tingling as if I was fizzling with energy.
I really hoped Lucky would show up soon with those gorgeous eyes of his. I swear, I could stare at them forever… It should be a crime for anyone to be that handsome.
I started to hiccup in my giddiness. Looking in the mirror, I saw the rosiness of my cheeks and the flawlessness of my makeup. Emmanuel had really done a good job. He was a bit gossipy for my taste… but his work with the eyeliner was truly a piece of art. I leaned in close, admiring the winged tip he had given me. I wished I had that kind of skill.
As I continued to look in the mirror, I imagined Karim’s face. His cold eyes stared at me, making me jump back in surprise, shivering all over. I didn’t like him – not one bit. It didn’t even seem like they were brothers. They were worlds apart. Yet… if it wasn’t for Karim… I wouldn’t have this chance to be with Lucky.
My head started to spin and I was getting dizzy. I was just about to sit down when I heard the door opening.