The Sheikh's Impossible Girl - completed.

Chapter Eighteen

Yes, just be. The tension ebbed out of her, absorbing what was happening around them, and went along with Tarazi at his side as the two mingled and interacted with many from different countries that she found interesting, and learning. Slowly the women opened up to her, sharing, having more in common than she thought possible as they laughed and chattered.

"Tarazi," she beamed, drawing his attention, wanting him to join in, seeing the others closing down in awe of him. They only saw the prince while she saw the man. She leaned in closer, whispering to him as she explained. He smiled and nodded, going back to the men.

"Men," she waved away. "They just don't get it," she smiled, trying to make light of it. That went down like a ton of bricks. Crap. She blew it again.

"Are you complaining again, my love?" Tarazi butted in. "You must excuse my lady. She loves to tease me, do you not?"

"Yes," she sighed. "It's an Australian thing, sorry. His Highness knows I didn't mean any disrespect. We like to tease each other." The women nodded. "A couple's thing," she added, sharing a look. 

Good to know, the couple-thing works, a worldwide concept.

"There is that," Tarazi smiled, sharing a glance with her, warming her heart. "We really must move on," placing his hand on the small of her back, making her weak at the knees. Bad move. Yet as they moved on, she took control of his arm, on safer grounds. Lesson learned, don't involve Tarazi in her conversations that just didn't feel right. She leaned more into him.

"Thanks for the save."

"Relax Ashley, they love you. Just don't understand all your ways. Word will spread."

"What?" she hissed. "Tolerate the Australian, just because I want to involve you in the fun." Her chin jilted out. "I won't make that mistake again."

"Habibti, it's just a different culture. Do not be insulted by their reserved nature. They don't want to upset you."

"No," she corrected. "They don't want to upset their prince." Something she had to accept, body slumping. "Of course, they don't. Pity they didn't see the man as I do. Sorry Tarazi, I will do better."

Stopping dead, he turned her to confront him, features pinched, holding her gaze. "You don't have to do better. You are perfect as you are, Ashley Cosgrove. Why else would I bring you as my date?"

"To save face," she offered, then winced as his features hardened.

"Do you truly believe that?" he hissed.

"No, and everyone is looking. Please," she begged, that he seemed to hear. He walked away. She followed behind, where he reached for her arm, as he realised how it looked with his entire body tense. "I'm sorry Tarazi, please," she pleaded. "Tell me how to fix this. I'll leave if you want."

Once more, he stopped, glaring at her. "The last thing I want," he snarled. She nodded, placing her hand on his arm.

"We have been through so much, my prince. Can we just enjoy this night? I just didn't want to show you up."

Suddenly, his sister joined him. "My darlings, as much as I love you, we need to calm this down. Tarazi, show your forgiveness." She glanced across. "Perhaps Ashley, you need to."

"How, without offending anyone." This was getting out of control. Her heart was pounding wildly in a tight chest.

"There is nothing to be done," Tarazi stepped in, placing his arm around her waist. "We are fine, are we not, my love?"

"Yes," she breathed.

"Good." His sister hugged him. "Now you two behave yourself and don't sulk, Tarazi. It's very unbecoming."