A voice whispered in her mind, Fear is failure’s best friend.
I’m not afraid.
She squared her shoulders. Another woman would have given up in the face of Rachid’s rather cold response to her attempts to gain his attention. However, another woman might not have taken every no she’d ever heard as a dare and made her fortune proving that tenacity and bold action equated to success.
I’m not afraid, she reaffirmed to herself.
And I’ll prove it.
On any other day, the promise in Zhang’s heated glances would have been enough to pique Rachid’s interest. However, they were an unwelcome temptation that day.
He didn’t like the way his skin warmed and tingled beneath the slight touch of her hand. He resented how aware he was of each move she made, even now that he’d put some distance between them. He’d had his share of sophisticated lovers over the years, but none had made his heart race at the mere thought of looking at her again.
Oh, no, Zhang Yajun was a dangerous distraction.
One who refused to be ignored.
Her attempts to pull him into conversation had been endearingly awkward. He’d been tempted to tell her so, but he’d bitten back the words, aware that they might have led to a more comfortable exchange. Today was about Najriad, not satisfying some carnal desire that would only put him in a worse standing with his people if it were uncovered.
He was in the process of taking a glass of champagne from a server when Stephan approached. A quick look around confirmed that Dominic was still holding his new bride to his side for the photographer and that Jake Walton and his woman were missing again.
Stephan stopped a foot or so away and pocketed his hands casually. “I thought about what you said back there, and I wanted to reassure you that Dominic and I have put our differences behind us.”
Rachid didn’t hide his scorn. “Time and actions reveal intentions more accurately than words.”
Stephan conceded the point with a slight inclination of his head. He looked over at Dominic and back at Rachid. “I didn’t realize that you knew Dominic so well. Jake said you all met back in college.”
“A fact that is hardly a secret.”
“No, but considering how long it has been since you’ve been seen with him, it makes me wonder if you came here today for old time’s sake or for some other reason.”
“I can assure you that my reasons for attending this wedding are none of your concern.”
True to his reputation, Stephan didn’t take the hint. “Andrade Global is now an affiliate of Corisi Enterprises. Instead of going home empty-handed, you might want to consider that.”
“I didn’t come here to talk business, Stephan.”
“Didn’t you?” Stephan smiled confidently. “Dominic will be gone on his honeymoon for at least a week, and Jake has temporarily checked out. When they return, they’ll both be busy with the scheduled Chinese server project. Andrade Global is your best viable option. Think about it.” He held out his business card.
Rachid ignored it. “Why the interest, Stephan?”
Stephan’s hand dropped to his side. “I admire what you’re trying to do for Najriad.”
“Your approval is of no importance to me.”
Stephan’s smile shifted to a knowing grin. “But my ability to land you the type of high-profile contract you’re looking for is.”
“I am here to honor an old friendship.”
“Don’t let your pride cost you the win, Rachid. I may not be your first choice, but can you afford to leave here with nothing?” He offered the card to Rachid again.
Rachid pocketed it reluctantly. He would have loved to throw that card right back into Stephan’s face, but he had a sinking feeling that the man was right. Even a rat eventually looked appetizing to a starving man. “Your instincts are good. When would you like to discuss this further?”
“I can fly out to meet with you on Tuesday.”
“I will be in Nilon in my father’s palace.”
“Perfect.” Beginning to turn away, Stephan stopped and added, “Tuesday, then.”
Rachid reached for another glass of champagne. There were many things he wanted to say to the overly smug man, but he held his tongue. His country just might need him. “Tuesday.”
Stephan added, “Hey, and good luck with Zhang. My guess is that you’ll need it.”
Rachid didn’t dignify the comment with a response. He turned with both glasses in hand and headed back toward Zhang with a lighter step.
No, he hadn’t gotten Corisi Enterprises to offer a contract, but Stephan’s offer brought more relief than he cared to admit. A small press release could announce the possible alliance with Andrade Global and justify his temporary absence. He didn’t want to get too hopeful, but the right contract, even with someone like Stephan, might improve his public image and could go a long way in helping to stabilize the borders. His people needed a reason to believe in him. He hoped this would be the first step toward winning their trust.
Either way, there is nothing more that can be done tonight.
Time to relax a bit and perhaps enjoy the evening. As he approached Zhang, she backed away from him and disappeared around the corner of the large white tent.
Now what is that woman up to?
Not following her didn’t even occur to him.
Just do it.
Zhang planted her feet firmly in the lush grass. No turning back now.
What if he doesn’t follow me?