Sands of Time - The Al-Hakim brothers - Javier and Amanda story - Completed

Chapter Eight

Mandy settled into the townhouse with Kamilah so easily.

They really got on so well. Together they had hung up all her clothes in the room she had stayed in before, when Javier had dropped her off the following morning, after the family dinner. Saying it was too late to do it then. Kamilah took her out to all her favourite shopping spots, and cafes, when Javier wasn't taking up her time.

"You know we can cook at home," she pointed out, now seated at another restaurant with Kamilah and Javier.

Javier burst out laughing that confused her. "My sister might have many talents, but cooking is not one of them. We do not want to put you in hospital with her cooking."

"Ah, but I'm a very good cook. My mother taught me. Old fashion country cooking," she beamed. "So I would cook."

Javier looked at his sister. "Do you even have a kitchen," he dared, Kamilah growled at him for his effort. "Okay, you do, but do you have any ingredients or cooking pans?"

"Javier," Mandy shook her head, though her eyes did widened when Kamilah hesitated. "Kamilah?"

She shrugged. "Haven't a clue. As my brother said I do not cook."

"She won't be married for her cooking skills. Luckily, she's rolling in it," he teased.

"Well, I do, and would, after I checked out the kitchen," she offered.

"You do not have to, Amanda," Javier stated.

"But I want to. I can go shopping," she grinned. "Please let me do this, as a thank you for letting me stay. Real Australian roasts with the works."

"Well, not tonight," Javier noted. "We have a date tonight, and you're not invited," he warned his sister.

Kamilah sniffed. "I had plans, anyway."

"Good."

Mandy tugged at his sleeve. "What if I had plans," she asked innocently. He shot her a dark and dangerous glare.

"I beg your pardon," he growled deep in his throat. "Now, my Amanda, you would not be giving me a hard time?" Laughing, she shook her head. She had been. Actually, come to think about it, they had never been out on their own before.

They usually were out with his friends, his family, or his sister. Suddenly she felt nervous. Alone with this man could be dangerous. A dark brow rose. "Perhaps I should have asked first." She swallowed hard, nodding to Kamilah's delight.

"Say no and come out with me instead," she encouraged and was shot down with a warning glare from her brother.

"Take no notice of her. Would you like to go out tonight, Miss Russell?" She nodded. Of course she would. Just him and her. That turned out to be a theatre full of people, watching another Russian Ballet company. This time they had box seats. They might as well have been alone, hidden from sight.

Mandy leaned over the balcony, taking it all in. The glamour. The art decor of the grand old lady. Javier held onto her arm, so she wouldn't fall forward, finally settling back into her seat as the curtains pulled back. The music started from the orchestra pit as the first half began, taken away in the moment of the dance of Swan Lake. The music vibrated through her. Her newest favourite ballet and company. Not that she had been to a live show before Javier, who did seem to like the arts.

At half time intermission, everyone moved out for refreshments, before the next half of the ballet. Leaning against the banister, Mandy watched proudly as Javier strode back towards her, carrying champagne glasses.

As long as she lived, she would remember this night. Her eyes grew brighter, as did her smile, straightening as Javier approached, accepting her glass. She warmed under his caressing glaze, never feeling so special.