Forbidden attraction (The stars book 3)

7: Not his kinda party

*Dean*

 I am actually not sure how much I am allowed to talk to her. But I am guessing some small talk has to be allowed, it's a party after all and she is seated next to me. So here in public it should be fine.

 So I do that while we are eating, but I keep my voice low and refrain from looking too much directly at her, just to be on the safe side. I do not want her to get in trouble.

 "Is it true that American women decide for themself who they want to marry ?" She asks, glancing up at me.

 I smile as our eyes lock for a short moment. "Yes, and if they want to marry at all. No one should ever be forced to marry, you should be free to marry the one you love".

 "But is it true then, that people get divorced all the time ? And end up alone and miserable because they make the wrong choices ?" She has her face fully turned towards me now.

 I have to think carefully about that for a moment before answering. "It is true that people get divorced. Unfortunately often without really trying. Some end up alone, others find new love. I am not claiming it is perfect, but at least they have a choice".

 "Are you married ?" She asks softly and I turn to look straight into her eyes, when answering.

 "No". I shake my head lightly. "But I have been… not for very long though... it just didn't work out. But Joel is and he has a little son too".

 She turns towards Joel, sending him a warm smile. "Oh congratulations Joel, you must be so proud".

 Joel smiles back at her. "Well thank you and yes I am, it is just something special to become a parent".

 "And I am so sorry your marriage didn't work. I mean you seem like a very nice and decent man. I don't get how your wife would... leave". She turns to me, then she suddenly blush. "Sorry, I shouldn't be saying things like that".

 "It's totally fine Zara and thank you. But I definitely did my fair share of mistakes, I wasn't as good a man as I could have been". I can't help smiling at her. “I think we were both to blame, and none of us… we were just wrong for each other”

 Joel is sending me a warning glance that I ignore. He is just such a worry wart at times. I mean we are just talking.

 Imad nudges me with his elbow and I turn my attention to our host. "Isn't she just extraordinarily beautiful, my Zara ?"

 "Certainly Imad, she is very beautiful. You are a very lucky man". I am pretty sure this is what the prince wants to hear, so why not be truthful with him ?"

 He is smiling proudly at me. "I see you know woman. I paid three times for her, what I did for my first wife, but she is worth it. Both beautiful, easy to handle and compliant in the bedroom".

 "Well.. congratulations on that then". Luckily for me our host does not seem to catch the acidic tone to my voice or the obvious sarcasm. I have to bite my cheek not to say something really bad.

 How can anyone talk like that about their wife publicly ? Not to mention how I feel about this whole her being his wife idea... This is why I didn't want to come to this party.

 "And talking about willing women, it is time for the entertainment". Imad is clapping his hands and about 20 young women in quite skimpy belly dancing outfits come through the door and begin dancing.

 I can't claim that I don't find them beautiful and alluring, but they are so young. And I keep thinking that this is probably not by their own choice and that leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.

 Joel looks at me, and I know he is thinking exactly the same right now. We both just want to get out of here.

 When their dancing is over, Imad looks at me with a grin I do not like at all. "Beautiful girls right ? And dancing so pretty".

 "Yes, the girls are beautiful and they were dancing very well. But they are also very young, right ?" The last sentence comes out a little hard, the girls all looked about 17-18 years old.

 I am lucky Imad's english isn't the best, neither is his ear for sarcasm. "One you especially like ? Just tell me and she is yours".

 I honestly don't know what to say. The mere thought makes me very uncomfortable, but I can't say how I feel without insulting our host, and probably quite badly too.

 "No thank you... I am… not in the mood". I tell him with the most fake smile ever plastered on my face. I am not a good enough actor to make it look real under these circumstances.

 One of the dancers approaches Joel, who quickly waves her off with a friendly smile and blushing cheeks. Then he sends me a look of panic, telling me he wants to get out of here.

 *Zara*

 I am looking down on the table, not wanting to watch the way to young girl on my husband's lap. He is telling her over and over how beautiful she is. Even though I harbour no love for my husband it still feels degrading.

 I hear how my husband offers one of the girls to Dean. He gives a pretty clear no and the anger and loathing is so clear in his voice that I fear even Imad might catch on. Right now I can hear him kind of grinding his teeth.

 Joel sitting on my other side had also turned away the girl that came to him. He had muttered under his breath that he was a married man and that the girl could probably have been his daughter looking quite uncomfortable all the while.

 I just want to get back to my own rooms, but I am not allowed to leave before my husband tells me to.

 When Imad starts groping the girl's boobs, Dean gets up so abruptly he almost knocks over his chair. He looks really angry and Joel looks rather scared. Imad looks at Dean. "Something wrong , friend ?"

 "I... I am just very tired.. long day you know. If it's okay I think I will call it a night and find my bed". It is clear to see that he is fighting internally not to say how he really feels. His eyes are burning.

 Joel gets up too, smiling apologetic. "I think I will call it a night as well. It has been an experience, but we have an early morning".

 "Goodnight then my friends. Do me a favour and follow my wifes to their rooms on the way, I think they are tired too". Imad is looking at them. “I trust them be save with you”.

 Dean inclines his head lightly.  "Of course Imad. And we are grateful to have such a trust bestiges upon us. We will make sure they are safely seen to their rooms".

 Both me and Asha get up from our seats and follow them. I feel safe being walked to my room by the two Americans and I am more than happy to leave the party.