Emerald St. Clair's POV

After the most uncomfortable family dinner of my life, we gathered in the receiving room. Just before dinner ended, heavy rain poured outside. Now we are waiting for the rain to stop so we can all go home.

Right now, I am standing next to Al-Farsi, near the French windows looking at the heavy rain outside. My sisters were also busy with their husbands, sitting on the sofa and having light conversations. Granddad and Ryker Creed had their conversation at the far end of the receiving room.

I couldn't help the frown on my face when I noticed that they kept on shooting knowing glances in my direction.

"Stop looking at him," my head snapped in the direction of my pretend boyfriend. I could see the annoyance in the depth of his cobalt eyes. This man was really in a bad mood since dinner.

I blinked at him. "What?"

"You keep on looking at him," his voice was laced with jealousy which I didn't understand. "Why? Are you forgetting that I am your boyfriend? Is he more handsome than I am? Are you attracted to him? Is that it?"

My mouth hung open slightly in his direction. This man was impossible! Where did he get that idea? I shook my head in disbelief. "You are not making any sense."

"That's not what I see." There was a grim expression on his face. "So, your grandfather is not bluffing, is he? Are you going to marry that bastard?"

"What?!" I glared at him exasperatingly. "Are you crazy? Why would I agree to marry him? Are you forgetting that I have no desire to get married? That's why I agreed to this ridiculous plan so that I would not suffer the same fate as the sisters?"

He studied me for a moment and then his face broke into a satisfied smile. He snaked his arm around my waist and drew me closer to the hard contour of his body.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I asked with a tight smile. I was unprepared for this sudden gesture of his. "Let go of me."

"In a moment," he answered glibly, his eyes twinkling with delight. "He's looking at you, right?" he asked as his back was to them. Al-Farsi doesn't want to see my so-called fiancé. Before I had the chance to answer him, he added. "Let's give them proof that we're exclusively dating."

My breath was caught when his face was only inches away from mine. I was also aware of how my heart started hammering in my chest. Damn, this man. "What are you doing? Stay back, Al-Farsi...I'm warning you."

He flashed a predatory smile. "I will give this American bastard a clear message that you only belong to me and no one else. You are mine, Emerald."

From the corner of my eyes, I saw the fugitive glance of my sisters and their husbands. "Al-Farsi...everyone is looking."

"When you are with me, you are required to only look at me. I don't want you looking at other guys. It makes me jealous." He guided my face with his palm to force me to look back at him.

Before I had the chance to answer him, his lips came down to calm my mouth. A moan escaped me as the gentle touch of his lips against mine almost made my knees wobble. I needed to place my hand on his shoulder blades for support while he drew me closer to his body. At first, it was only a teasing kiss, coaxing me to answer his kisses, and then slowly, it turned aggressive as he snaked his tongue inside my mouth!

Sweet mother of God! This sneaky devil can kiss. I could feel the heat start to spread in my body as I answered his kiss with equal passion. I don't care if we're making a scene in front of my family. I don't have the strength to pull away from his possession.

When we finally pulled away, we were both breathless. We were staring at each other as if everyone and everything around us faded away in the background. It's just the two of us and nothing more.

I heard Granddad clear his throat from the far end of the grand receiving area. He had this unreadable expression on his face while looking at Al-Farsi and me. "It's getting late," he announced to the silent room. "I think you should stay the night here. I don't want you to risk your lives driving home in this heavy rain. I already instructed the maids to prepare rooms for you."

My heart sank at his declaration. This family dinner is getting worse at the moment. I wanted to react and oppose his pronouncement when I felt Al-Farsi's hand intertwine with my hand and squeeze it lightly.

My grandfather is planning something, I thought acidly. Looking at Daniel right now, there was a secretive smile playing on his lips.

"The married couples will, of course, share the same room," Granddad added while pointedly looking at me. "And you, young lass, will sleep in your room." He slid a glance to Al-Farsi, who was silently standing beside me, before focusing his gaze back on me. "I don't care what kind of set-up you have with your boyfriend. But in this household, unmarried couples can't sleep in the same room."

"But..." I made it look as if I was trying to protest, but in truth, I was more than happy about the arrangement. I tried so hard to hide my smile because I didn't trust this egotistical king to share a room tonight.

"Do not argue with me, lass," Daniel said authoritatively.

I pretended that I was about to argue because I didn't agree with him, but deep inside I was giggling happily about the arrangements.

"It's okay, habibti," Al-Farsi stated with a sexy smirk on his face. "I know you can't sleep if I am not cuddling you, but it's only for one night. I am sure you can go through with sleeping without me for a night."

"I don't think so, babe..." I pouted at him, playing along. When the truth is, I would probably sleep like a baby tonight without any worry.

I heard Ruby snort from the long couch sitting next to her husband. "Why do I find it hard to believe that you sleep soundly when you and Khalil share the same room?" She threw me a meaningful smile. "I bet he's the reason why you are having a sleepless night..." I frowned when I didn't understand her statement. Then she added with a mischievous smile as if reading my thoughts. "...you know, he's keeping you awake every night with his restless lovemaking."

Everyone except Granddad and Ryker laughed at her vulgar wording. I swear that my face was as red as my hair right at that moment. I dared to look at Al-Farsi my eyes narrowed in his direction when I saw this self-satisfied expression on his face.

"All right, that's enough," Daniel said when the laughter subdued. He looked at Al-Farsi as he permitted himself to smile slightly. "I hope you will like the room we prepared for you, Your Majesty. A maid will show you to your room."

Al-Farsi nodded at him. "Thank you."

"Well, then..." Granddad said to everyone, "Let's call it a night, shall we? As much as I want to chat with the youngsters, my bed is already calling me. Good night, my children."

We watched him ascend the grand spiral staircase, and one by one, my sisters and their husbands followed him. The elderly maid moved to our side, telling us that she'd show my boyfriend to his designated room.

Still holding my hand, we followed the elderly maid to the second floor of the house. Once we were in front of my old room where I stay here in the Hamptons, I let go of his hand. "This is my room. Thanks for tonight, goodnight."

I tiptoed and gave him a peck on the lips because the housekeeper might be working as Daniel's spy. I need to play my part as his loving girlfriend.

It seems that he was caught off guard by the kiss. The shock was visible on his face before he broke into a happy smile. "Goodnight, habibti." My heart skipped a beat when he gently kissed me on the forehead. "Dream of me, okay?"

He winked at me playfully before following the elderly housekeeper to the far end of the hallway, and I was left standing in shell shock. I shook my head in disbelief. I was starting to lose my mind in this charade.

I went inside my room and decided to take a bath to clear my head. After taking a bath, I wore my silk satin dress nighties I had in my walk-in closet. I sat on my dresser table and blow-dried my hair after doing my beauty night-time routine. I went to bed and closed my eyes as I enjoyed my goodnight's sleep.

I was in the middle of my sleep when I heard someone knocking on my door discreetly. I frowned as I turned on the lamp on the nightstand and reluctantly went to the doorway to see who my late-night visitor was. My heart raced in my chest when I saw Al-Farsi standing in my doorway with hellfire in his eyes.

"W-What...are you d-doing here?" I couldn't help stammering, seeing him standing in my doorway. The way he smiled was like he was tempting you to sin.

"Let me in."

Daniel St. Clair's POV

I was sitting at my study table in the library of my home in the Hamptons while the rain was still pouring heavily outside. I was nursing a glass of brandy after I excused myself, telling my visitors that I wanted to go to bed when the truth is, I wanted to enjoy a glass of liquor.

"You must be damned happy tonight, Granddad," It was Roman who broke the silence. Oh, did I tell you that my grandsons-in-law were with me? All except for the last one because he doesn't know yet that he'll join my family. Instead, I have someone with me who everyone thinks I want to be Emerald's husband.

I frowned at Ruby's husband while he was playing with the glass of brandy in his hand, studying the liquid amber. "What makes you say that, lad?"

He focused his steel-gray eyes in my direction. "You're always five steps ahead with your granddaughters. Emerald doesn't know yet or maybe doesn't want to admit it yet, but she's already playing right into the palm of your hand."

I permitted myself to chuckle. "I don't know what you mean."

"You are playing reverse psychology with her, Granddad," Loukas commented, sipping his brandy, sitting on the sofa next to his brothers-in-law. "You're one hell of a devious grandfather. No wonder they called you a ruthless businessman."

I pretend to scowl in my grandson-in-law's direction. "You are hurting me with your words, lads."

Roman snorted, giving me a dry look. "Save the speech. We all know how you tricked our wives into doing some 'favor' for you. And how you manipulated the situations since then."

I raised an eyebrow in his direction. "Are you complaining?"

"No."

I smiled at him raising my glass for a toast. "Good answer, lad."

"Granddad," Franco Calvetti joined the conversation while standing next to the fireplace, studying the framed photographs of my granddaughters in their youth. "Do you think your plan will work on Emerald? I believe that she's the most stubborn among your granddaughters. She will fight you as long as she can."

I laughed at that. "Don't you have faith in me?"

"What about this guy?" Loukas gestured to Ryker Creed, who remained silent, casually sitting on the leather chair across from my study table. "What is your plan with this guy? Is he Emerald's future husband?"

"God, no!" Ryker replied violently, scowling at Loukas. "I only play my part of the bargain."

"Bargain?" That caught the attention of Roman. "What bargain?"

Emerald's pretend fiancé looked at me for a moment as if looking for confirmation that he should tell them about the deal we had. When I shrugged indifferently, he continued, "You see, this grandfather of yours has something in his possession that I want so badly to acquire. It's a family heirloom and it belongs to our family."

"You're blackmailing him!" Loukas stated, his blue eyes widened in disbelief.

"I'm not!" I protested.

"Yes, you are," Ryker looked at me with a grim expression. "I already told you to name your price and let me buy my great-grandmother's yellow diamond necklace, which is currently in your possession after my grandfather was forced to sell it decades ago."

"Let me guess," Ruby's husband inserted after a moment. I could already see the way his sharp brain worked. Among my grandsons-in-law, he's the quickest-witted he has seen through me since the first time we met. "He refused to sell it and used it to his advantage instead to get what he wants from you?"

"Damn right," Ryker agreed with a deep sigh.

I saw Amethyst's husband shake his head. "That is something he would do to get what he wants."

"Hey!" I glowered at the lads who were with me in the library. "You keep talking about me as if I was not here with you."

"Quit the drama, Granddad," Sapphire's husband retorted lightly. "It won't work on us, you know. We know how you work your magic. So, Emerald and that desert king, huh? I did not see this one coming."

"What's your deal with the St. Clair patriarch?" Roman asked Ryker with an interesting look.

The lad exhaled a loud breath before focusing his gaze on my Spanish grandson. "He will give me my great-grandmother's necklace for free if I do his bidding and play this pretend fiancé who is attracted to his pretty granddaughter."

My idiotic grandson-in-law laughed out loud. I didn't want to blame them for laughing at my sly plan because I knew that they would help me with my quest.

I studied Ryker Creed while throwing a disapproving look at the three men who were busy laughing while holding their stomachs.

He came from a wealthy family here in the Hamptons and his family is involved in the publishing business. They also own an airline company plus other businesses, if I was not mistaken. Those businesses were managed equally by him and his siblings. He has six siblings. Two of them were girls. If it were not for the young king, I might pair Emerald with this guy. But my young lass set her heart to Khalil Al-Farsi a long time ago.

"You are the devil's missing twin, granddad," Loukas commented when their laughter subdued. "No one can keep up with your cunning nature. I am speechless. The way you pull the strings and make two helpless people dance to your tune is incredible."

"Oh, I am just starting," I grinned at them while enjoying my brandy. I was aware that they were only pretending to be a couple since Emerald made no mention of it, not until I dropped the bomb about her intended fiancé.

I knew from the start once she came home from her project in Saqr, she would introduce a pretend boyfriend to meet me. But I have to admit that I am quite surprised to see that the man she chose was the man I was hoping she'd pick.

I was aware of the attraction the two had for each other. Beneath the harsh verbal exchange they had in public in the past, I knew that there was a sizzling tension, and it was only a matter of time before that hatred turned into red-hot desire.

I believe that King Khalil is already there. A small smile played on my lips as I remember the undisguised jealousy in him when I introduced Ryker Creed as Emerald's fiancé and when he learned that Ryker was interested in my granddaughter.

"Oh, look. There is a creepy smile on his face. His brain must be plotting something evil again," I heard Franco remark.

I tried so hard to wipe away the smile on my face right now while thinking about the event during our family dinner, but it kept on slipping back.

"Wipe the stupid grin, granddad. It's scary," Roman added with a dry look in my direction.

I raised my feet on my wooden table and crossed my ankles together. "Sorry, lads. Can't help it."

"You must be patting yourself on the back for a job well done," Loukas said sardonically, pouring himself another glass of brandy.

"I am just starting, my boy," I informed him, tilting my head to the side. "The stage I prepared for Emerald is about to start." I pointedly look at Ryker. "You must do your part as a good rival if you want your family heirloom back. Are we clear?"

"You got it, sir!" Ryker raised his glass for a mock salute. "Just keep your part of the bargain too."

That made me smile. This young lad has no trust in me. "Of course." I raised my glass for a toast. "To my last unwed granddaughter. May she walk down the aisle soon."

"We'll see," Everyone inside the library said in a chorus that made me laugh. These youngsters don't have faith in my ability, huh? Haven't I proven myself with my three granddaughters before Emerald?

Well, I guess I need to show them how capable I am in my plan to get them all married before this year ends. I still have two and a half months to do it.

Ten weeks is more than enough for me. I will walk Emerald down the aisle to marry her very own king.

"I need to go," Roman announced, drinking the last remaining brandy in his glass. "I received a text message from my wife demanding I should go to our room now or I will be locked up outside. Goodnight, gentlemen."

We watched him leave the library with a mocking smile on my face. Roman Vasquez might be a ruthless businessman, but Ruby has him wrapped around her little finger.

"I think we should go too," Loukas and Franco said after a moment, leaving me alone with Ryker.

I eyed the young man in front of me with an evil smile. "Do you want me to find you a wife, lad?"

His eyes turned dark in my direction. "No fucking way!"

With that, he walked out of the library, following my grandsons-in-law. I was left nursing my brandy with a quiet smile on my face.