Page 28 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Nadyah shook her head. "He's always secretive about his social life. He's got so many friends. Never a dull moment," she said.

"But, I thought he said..." Aliyah started to say, but then stopped herself.

"What?" Nadyah asked squeezing Aliyah's arm.

"Nothing," Aliyah said quickly. "Forget that."

Nadyah looked curious. Then she continued. "Anyway, he wouldn't talk to me." Nadyah sighed easily. "I tried every trick I know, but he just wouldn't spill the beans."

"Nadyah!" Aliyah exclaimed.

"What?" Nadyah retorted.

"You make it all sound so...common," Aliyah gasped.

"I'm sorry, Aliyah. I'm just excited at the prospect of my best friend being the one to tie down my playboy brother," Nadyah exclaimed.

Aliyah halted and gazed disbelievingly at Nadyah. "How can you say such a thing?"

Nadyah reached out and laid a hand on Aliyah's arm. "Because it's true, isn't it?" Nadyah said smiling.

Aliyah wrenched her gaze away from Nadyah's piercing scrutiny. Aliyah drew in a deep breath, trying to contain the emotion swirling through her. When she turned back to Nadyah she saw that her friend's eyes were still fixed upon her.

"There's no hiding anything from you, is there?" Aliyah asked.

Nadyah shook her head and smiled. "What gave you the idea that you could even try? You and I have known each other for too long to have secrets, Aliyah. Especially one like this," Nadyah said.

Aliyah shook her head. "Seems like we've done a pretty bad job of keeping it a secret."

"It doesn't matter what other people think. All that matters is how you feel about Shahid," Nadyah said.

"But, we didn't want to distract anyone's attention from the wedding," Aliyah explained.

Nadyah sighed, shaking her head. "Typical Aliyah," she replied.

Aliyah squinted at Nadyah. "What do you mean?"

"Always thinking about others, even if it means losing out yourself."

Was she going to lose Shahid? That was the question which flashed urgently into her mind. She pushed the answer firmly away.

"You are your own worst enemy, Aliyah. You know that, don't you?" Nadyah said.

"I am not," Aliyah replied harshly.

Nadyah grinned. "I know you better than most people. Maybe its time to start claiming things for yourself, instead of thinking about others all the time."

"You make it sound so clinical. So mercenary," Aliyah said.

Nadyah shook her head. "You deserve the best, Aliyah." Nadyah rolled her eyes. "And, even though it pains me to say, I think my brother is pretty awesome," she said with a wide grin.

Aliyah forced herself not to respond to that statement, even if she knew it was true. Shahid was the most amazing man she'd ever known. He'd always seemed so untouchable. Until now.

Aliyah tried to change the subject. "But, you told me what he said to you last night. Maybe he hasn't changed, after all."

Nadyah shook her head. "There's only one way to find out. And I think you know what that is."

Aliyah nodded slowly, furrowing her brows.

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