Forbidden attraction (The stars book 3)

6: Let the party begin

*Zara*

 "Your husband has requested that you attend the party. So let's get you all made up and beautiful, or even more beautiful". Nara says as she walks into my room around middag the next day.

 I look up from my book, feeling how my heart suddenly beats a little faster. "Okay… Well then we better get started so he will be happy with my looks".

 "So... you are not going to throw a big fuse this time and complain about being shown off as his price ?" The old woman is looking at me with surprise.

 I shrug with a small smile. "Well it wouldn't help complaining anyway. And I actually think it will be kind of exciting to meet all the movie people".

 "I have actually been talking to the two young gentlemen, the actors. They are good boys. We could use more men like that here". The old woman says.

 I look at her with surprise. "Nara ! Have you been talking to men ? And foreigners at that".

 "Yes, I have. I am too old to worry about silly rules, and no one with half a mind would believe a couple of young men like that would get inappropriate thoughts about an old woman like me". She smacks her lips.

 I can't help smiling at her. I love Nara like she was my real grandmother. She is such a strong and loving woman. 

 "I will draft you a bath. After that we will make you so beautiful no one can stop looking at you. Your husband will be so proud". Nara disappears into the bathroom.

 So first I have a long bath, being scrubbed all over the body. Then I am dried off and rubbed with scented oils. And at last I am dressed in a traditional deep blue dress with silver embroidery and a matching headscarf, but today my face is left unveiled. I am to be shown off and admired. His prize meant to make others jealous.

 I apply a light makeup, I am lucky to have good skin, so I don't need much. Only the eyes are heavily painted in arabic style.

 "You are so beautiful my girl, like a fairytale princess. No one will be able to take their eyes off you and Imad is going to be so happy". Nara says softly as we walk out of my room.

 I slowly walk down to the big room where the party is held. There I wait by the door for my husband to call me forth and introduce me. When he does I have to walk slowly through the room, so everyone can admire me like an expensive race horse.

 I peek through the door and I can't help noticing Dean. He is up on the dais next to my husband. He is wearing a royal blue button down, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a pair of black pants. The clothes suit him very well.

 Next to him is an empty seat and on the other side of that is another tall western looking man. He has floppy dark blonde hair and his face is friendly and warm. He has to be the other actor.

*Dean*

 I am seated next to our host and I am honestly not really happy about that, because it means I can't just leave unnoticed.

 Between me and Joel there is a chair left empty and I wonder who that is left for. On the other side of Imad, Scott is seated and next to him is another empty chair.

 Imad stands up, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "Welcome my honoured guests. I hope we have a wonderful night with much pleasures and fun. And now to present my beautiful wifes. First, my first wife Asha".

 Everyone is watching Asha as she is striding through the room with the air of a true queen. She walks up on the dais and sits down next to Scott, giving a friendly nod to the guests.

  "And then my young and very beautiful second wife Zara". Imad lights up with pride as she walks through the door, and every head turns to watch her. “She is a rare jewel”.

 I gasp when I see her. She is his wife !? I lean over the empty chair, whispering to Joel. "That's her, that is my fairy-tale princess".

 "Wow, I have to agree with you, she is mesmerizingly beautiful. She really does look like a fairy-tale princess. But you need to watch out. She is his wife, even a wrong look could get you in trouble". Joel glances at me.

 I can't help noticing how every man in the room is staring at her. Several of them like she is a piece of prime meat. I can't help feeling bad for her, she must feel like a caged animal.

 So she is the one sitting between us. I quickly stand up, pulling out the chair to her. She glance up at me shortly before seating herself and I can't help sending her a small smile.

 "Let the party begin". Imad proclaims, clapping his hands again. And soon the big room is filled with chatter and the sound of food being served.

 I turn my head slightly towards Zara, keeping my voice low. "Hello again. You haven't met Joel here have you ?"

 "Hi Zara, it's an honour to meet you". Joel says softly from her other side, and she turns slightly towards him.

 Her voice is a soft melodic whisper that only the two of us can hear. "Hello Joel. It's a pleasure to finally meet you".

 "And hi again Dean, how are your foot doing ?" She turns back towards me, glancing slightly up at my face.

 I smile back.  "Well, after a couple of stitches and a shot of penicillin I will probably survive my run in with the stone of death. Thank you for asking my dear".

 She giggles softly. It's the sweetest little sound that makes his heart beat a bit faster and makes my skin flush with warmth. This might end up being a great night after all.