The Return of the Sheikh

Two

“Do you always insist on having your way?”

Startled, Madison shot a glance to her right to discover Zain Mehdi standing in the doorway, one shoulder leaned against the frame, his expression unforgiving on that patently gorgeous face. “Do you always barge in without knocking?” she asked around the surprise attack.

“The door was ajar.”

She turned from the bureau, bumped the drawer closed with her butt and tightened the sash on the blue satin robe. “Really? I could have sworn I closed it before I took my shower. But I suppose it could have magically opened on its own, since Arabia is well-known for its magic.”

He ignored her sarcasm and walked into the room without an invitation, hands firmly planted in the pockets of his black slacks. With those deadly dark eyes and remarkable physique, the Arabian king could pass for an exotic male model—a model who sorely lacked good comportment.

He strolled to the open armoire to inspect the row of suits, skirts and slacks that Madison had hung only moments before. “As I predicted. Conventional clothing.”

His audacity was second only to his arrogance. “It’s known as business attire.”

“Attire that conceals your true nature,” he said as he slid his fingertips down the side of one beige silk skirt.

She couldn’t quite explain why she shivered over the gesture, or the sudden, unexpected image of experiencing his touch firsthand. “What do you know about my true nature?”

“I know your kind.” He turned and presented a seriously sexy half smile. “Beneath the conservative clothes you wear colorful lingerie.”

Lucky guess. “That’s a rather huge assumption.”

“Am I wrong?”

She refused to confirm or deny his conjecture. “Don’t you have some royal duty to perform? Maybe you should have all the locks checked on all the palace doors.”

He took a few slow steps toward her. “I’ll leave as soon as you tell me why you’re here when I made it quite I clear I do not need your help.”

She was starting to ask herself the same question. “Your brother’s convinced that you need my help.”

“Rafiq isn’t in charge of my life, nor is he in charge of the country. I am, and I can handle the transition on my own without any assistance.”

Oh, but he did need her help, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Yet. “From what I witnessed during your arrival, it appears the people aren’t welcoming you with open arms.”

His expression turned to stone. “As I told you before, Ms. Foster, they have no choice. I am this country’s rightful leader and they will have to learn to accept it.”

“But wouldn’t it be more favorable if you had the blessing of your country’s people?”

“And how do you propose to assist me in winning their approval? Do you plan to throw me a parade along with the international cocktail party?”

She mentally added cynical to the sexy thing. “I suppose we could try that, but a parade isn’t successful unless someone shows up. I have several ideas and I hope that you’ll at least give me the opportunity to explore those options with you.”

“Ah, yes. The social gatherings where you’ll be parading me in front of dignitaries.”

“We nixed the parade, remember?”

Amusement called out from his dark eyes. “I am still not convinced that you will make an impact on my acceptance.”

Time to bring out the legal implications. “As I’m sure your brother told you, the contract states I’ll be here until the coronation, whether you choose to work with me or not. Of course, I can’t force you to cooperate, but it would be worth your while to at least make the effort.”

He seemed to mull that over for a minute while Madison held her breath. “All right. Since you are protected by a legal document, and I’ve been stripped of my power to dismiss you, I will cooperate on a trial basis. But that cooperation hinges on your ability to meet my terms.”

She should have known he’d have an ulterior motive behind his sudden change of heart. “And what would those be?”

His smile returned, slow as a desert sunrise. “I’ll let you know in the upcoming days.”

Something told Madison his terms could be somewhat suspect. Still, she was more than curious, as well as determined to win him over. “Fine. We can begin tomorrow morning.”

“We can begin tonight after dinner,” he said, followed by a long visual journey from her neck to her bare feet. “I personally have no objection to your current attire, but something a little less distracting might be more appropriate.”

She’d basically forgotten what she was wearing—or wasn’t wearing for that matter. “Since I’ve spent a good deal of time attending state dinners, I know how to dress properly.”

He rested one hand on the ornately carved footboard. “This isn’t a diplomatic affair, Ms. Foster, only a casual meal.”

She felt somewhat uncomfortable having him so close to the bed. “Will both your brothers be dining with us?”

“Only Rafiq. Adan’s currently away on a mission.”

She was disappointed she wouldn’t meet the youngest Mehdi son. “Diplomatic assignment?”

“Military. He’s testing a new aircraft.”

“That’s right. I’d read somewhere he’s a pilot.”

“Adan’s affinity for danger is second only to his appreciation of beautiful women,” he said. “He will be greatly disappointed if he does not have the opportunity to meet you.”

Maybe it was best if baby brother stayed away for as long as possible. Two womanizers under one roof could be too much to handle. “Will he be back for the coronation?”

Zain pushed away from the bed, allowing Madison to breathe a little easier. “As far as I know.”

She hugged her arms closer to her middle. “I’ll meet him then.”

“If you are still here,” he said.

He wasn’t going to get rid of her that easily. But she did plan to dismiss him for the time being. “Since it’s getting late, I should probably get dressed now.”

“Yes, I suppose you should,” he said, a hint of fake disappointment in his tone. “I wouldn’t mind seeing you in the black dress you have hanging behind your business suits.”

He’d been more observant than she realized. “I’ll decide what I’m wearing after you’re gone.”

“You should definitely consider the red lingerie.”

Madison didn’t understand his fascination with her underwear, or how he’d correctly guessed her fondness for red silk, until she followed his gaze to some focal point at her hip. When she looked down, she saw her bra strap hanging from the closed drawer like a crimson snake in the grass. She quickly stuffed it back inside before pointing toward the door. “Out. Now.”

“Dinner is at five-thirty sharp. Do not be late,” he said as he walked out the door and closed it behind him.

The man’s overbearing behavior equaled his fortune, but he had a thing or two to learn about Madison’s determination. She didn’t appreciate his observations, even if he had been on target when it came to her clothing. Still, no sexy, bossy sheikh—even if he happened to be a king and her current employer—would dictate her choice in panties. In fact, Zain Mehdi would have nothing whatsoever to do with her panties. And the next time she had him alone, she planned to set him straight about what she expected from him. Namely respect.

The sudden knock indicated she could have an immediate opportunity to do that very thing. On the heels of her frustration, she strode across the room, flung open the door and greeted the offending party with, “More commentary on my underwear?”

When she saw the demure lady with silver hair and topaz eyes standing in the hallway, Madison realized she’d made a colossal mistake. Yet she couldn’t seem to speak around her mortification.

“I’m Elena Battelli,” the woman said as she extended her hand. “And I am not concerned with your undergarments.”

She accepted the gesture and attempted a self-conscious smile. “I’m Madison Foster, and I’m so sorry. I thought you were—”

“Prince Zain, of course.”

Realizing her state of undress had only compounded the erroneous assumptions, Madison hugged her arms tightly around her middle. “I know how this must look to you, but His Highness accidentally walked in on me.”

The woman sent her a knowing look. “Prince Zain never does anything accidentally.”

She wouldn’t dispute that point. “Regardless, nothing inappropriate occurred.”

“Of course,” Elena said, her tone hinting at disbelief. “Do you find your accommodations satisfactory?”

Who wouldn’t? The massive marble jetted tub alone was worth any grief Zain Mehdi could hand her. “Very much so, thank you.”

She took a slight step back. “Good. Dinner’s at six.”

“Prince Zain told me five-thirty.”

“I am afraid you’ve been misled,” Elena said. “Dinner is always served at 6:00 p.m. That has been the designated time since I’ve been an employee.”

Madison saw the woman as the perfect resource for information on the future king. “How long ago has that been?”

She lifted her chin with pride. “Thirty-four years. I arrived before Prince Zain’s birth to assume my role as his bambinaia, or in English, his—”

“Nanny,” Madison interjected, then added, “I speak Italian. I studied abroad in Florence my sophomore year in college.”

Elena’s expression brightened. “Excellent. I am from Scandicci.”

“I visited there a few times. It’s a beautiful place. Do you go back often?”

All the joy seemed to drain from Elena’s face. “Not as often as I would like. My life is here with the royal family.”

A royal family with adult sons who no longer needed a nanny. A keeper, maybe, but not a nursemaid. “How do you spend your days now that the princes are grown?”

“I am basically in charge of running the household while waiting for my opportunity to raise another generation of Mehdi children.”

Madison didn’t quite see Zain as father material, an opinion she’d keep to herself. “I’m sure you gained invaluable experience with Prince Zain.”

“Yes, yet clearly I failed to impress upon him the merits of self-control when it comes to the opposite sex. Otherwise, he would not be interested in your undergarments.”

They shared in a brief laugh before Madison revealed her opinion on the subject. “I assure you, Prince Zain will not be commenting on my personal effects if I have any say in the matter.”

Elena presented a sly smile. “A word of advice. Prince Zain is a good man, yet he is still a man. What he lacks in restraint, he makes up in charm. Stand firm with him.”

With that, she walked away, leaving Madison to ponder exactly what the future king might have up his sleeve when he’d told her the incorrect time for dinner. She highly doubted he’d forgotten standard palace protocol in spite of his lengthy absence. Perhaps he was simply trying to throw her off balance in order to be rid of her.

Too bad. She would definitely stand her ground with him from this point forward. And as far as dinner went, she’d ignore his edict and show up when she darn well pleased.

*

She was fifteen minutes late, yet Zain wasn’t at all surprised. Madison Foster possessed an extreme need to be in control. Granted, he had the means to break down her defenses, and he was tempted to try. Nothing overt. Nothing more than a subtle and slight seduction designed to make her uncomfortable enough to bow out and return to the States where she belonged.

However, she could very well turn the tables by responding to his advances. Possible, but not likely, he decided when she entered the dining room wearing a slim black skirt that came right above her knees, conservative heels and a simple white blouse. A blouse sheer enough to reveal the outline of an equally white bra, most likely in an effort to prove her point. But he knew better. That professional, prim and proper persona only served to conceal the daring beneath her cool exterior. He’d wager the kingdom she had on a pair of brightly colored panties. Red panties.

A richly detailed fantasy assaulted him, one that involved sitting beside her and running his hand up the inside of her thigh and—

“Where would you like me?”

He thought of several answers, none of them appropriate. He chose the least suggestive one. “Are you referring to the seating arrangements, or do you have something else in mind?”

She approached the table and sent him a false smile. “Let me rephrase for the sake of clarity. Where do you want me to be seated?”

Zain gestured to the right of where he was positioned at the head of the lengthy table. “Here.” He waited for her to slide into the chair before he launched into his reprimand. “You’re late.”

She made an exaggerated show of checking her watch. “Actually, I’m fifteen minutes early, since it seems, according to Elena, dinner is and always has been at six.”

He’d been betrayed by his former governess and longtime confidante. “Now that I will soon assume my rightful role as king, dinner will be at five-thirty.”

She folded her hands atop the table, her gaze unwavering. “I suppose having your first royal edict involving dinnertime is preferable to, oh, say, changing the entire governmental structure.”

“That will be my second royal edict.”

She looked sincerely confused. “Are you serious?”

He smiled. “Not entirely, but I do plan to implement some much-needed change.”

“Change cannot occur until you are officially crowned, brother.”

Zain pulled his gaze from Madison to see Rafiq claiming his place at the opposite end of the table. “As disappointing as it might be to you, brother, that will happen in a matter of weeks. In the meantime, I plan to outline those changes to the council later this week.”

Rafiq lifted his napkin and placed it in his lap. “I have no designs on your position, Zain. But I do have a vested interest in the direction in which you plan to take my country.”

He fisted his hands on the heels of his anger. “Our country, Rafiq. A country that I plan to lead into the twenty-first century.”

Madison cleared her throat, garnering their attention. “What’s for dinner?”

“Cheeseburgers in your honor.”

When he winked, she surprisingly smiled. “I was truly looking forward to sampling some Middle Eastern fare,” she said.

“We’re having the chef’s special kebabs,” Rafiq said. “You will have to excuse my brother’s somewhat questionable sense of humor, Ms. Foster.”

After shooting Rafiq an acid look, Zain regarded Madison again. “I believe you’ll agree that a questionable sense of humor is better than no sense of humor at all.”

She shifted slightly in her seat. “I enjoyed meeting Elena. Will she be joining us?”

“Not tonight,” Rafiq said as one of the staff circled the table and poured water. “She has some work to attend to, but she sends her apologies.”

“She works much too hard,” Zain added. “I plan to put an end to that and soon.”

Rafiq leaned back in his chair. “I am afraid her work will not let up until after the coronation and the wedding.”

“Wedding?” Madison asked, the shock in her tone matching Zain’s.

“And who is the lucky bride?” Zain asked, though he suspected he knew the answer.

“Rima Acar, of course,” Rafiq said. “We will be married the week before the coronation.”

Zain wasn’t at all surprised by the news his brother was going through with the long-standing marriage contract. He was surprised—and angry—over the timing. “Is this wedding a means to detract from my assuming my rightful place as king?”

“Of course not,” Rafiq said. “This wedding has been in the planning stages for years. Almost twelve if you consider when Father and the sultan came to an agreement.”

“Ah, yes, the age-old tradition of bride bartering.” Zain turned his attention back to Madison, who seemed intent on pushing fruit around on her plate. “We are destined to choose a wife from the highest bidder. Someone who will give us many heirs, if not passion.”

“As you, too, had your bride chosen for you,” Rafiq added.

Madison’s blue eyes went wide. “You’re engaged?”

“Not any longer,” Rafiq said. “Zain’s intended grew tired of waiting for his return and married another.”

He had thanked his good fortune for that many times over. “Her decision was for the best. I refuse to wed a woman whom I’ve never met, let alone kissed.” He leaned forward and leveled his gaze on his brother. “Have you kissed Rima? Have you determined there will be enough passion to sustain your marriage? Or do you even care?”

He could see the fury brewing in Rafiq’s eyes. “That is none of your concern. Passion is not important. Continuing the royal lineage is.”

“Procreating would be rather difficult if you cannot bear to touch your wife, brother. Or perhaps you will be satisfied with bedding her only enough times to make a child, as it was with our own parents.”

“Do not believe everything you hear, Zain. Our parents had a satisfactory marriage.”

Rafiq—always their father’s defender. “Satisfactory? Are you also going to dispute that the king played a part in our mother’s—”

Rafiq slammed his palm on the table, rattling the dinnerware. “That is enough.”

Zain tossed his napkin aside and ignored the woman setting the entrée before him. “I agree. I have had enough of this conversation.” He came to his feet and regarded Madison. “Ms. Foster, my apologies for disrupting your meal.”

Without even a passing glance at his brother, Zain left the room and took the stairs two at a time. He had no doubt that after the display of distasteful family dynamics, he would have no need to seduce Madison Foster. She would most likely be taking the first plane back to America.

*

With a plate balanced in her left hand, Madison knocked with her right and waited to gain entry, affording the king the courtesy he hadn’t shown her earlier that afternoon.

“Enter” sounded from behind the heavy wooden door, the gruff, masculine voice full of obvious frustration.

Madison strode into the room, head held high, determined not to show even a speck of nervousness, though admittedly she was a little shaky. More than a little shaky when she met his stern gaze and realized he didn’t look at all thrilled to see her.

She set the plate on the desk and sat across from him without waiting for an invitation. “Elena sent you some pasta and the message that if you don’t eat, you’ll be too weak to rule.”

He didn’t bother to stand. Instead, he stared at her for a few moments before he pushed the offering away. “You may tell Elena I will eat when I’m hungry.”

She’d been stuck in the middle of one argument too many today. “You can tell her. Right now, we need to discuss your upcoming plans.”

He leaned back in the brown leather chair and tented his hands together. “I assumed you would be well on your way home by now.”

“You assumed wrong. I’m determined to see this through.”

“Even after we aired our family grievances at dinner?”

He had a lot to learn about her tenacity. “I’ve heard worse, and now I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“Proceed.”

She would, with caution. “Do you have a strategy for overcoming your playboy reputation?”

“My reputation has been overblown, Ms. Foster.”

“Perception is everything when it comes to politics, Your Highness. And believe what you will, you’re in a political battle to restore your people’s faith in you. You’ve been gone almost ten years—”

“Seven years.”

“If you were a dog, that’s equivalent to almost fifty years.” And that had to be the most inane thing she’d said in ages, if ever. “Not that you’re a dog. I’m only saying that seven years is a long time in your situation.”

He hinted at a smile. “Do you own a dog?”

“Yes, I do. I mean, I did.” Clearly he was trying to divert her attention from more pressing concerns by using her former pooch. “Could we please get back on point?”

“Yes,” he said. “The point is I am quite capable of overcoming my exaggerated reputation by demonstrating there is more to my character.”

He was so sure of himself. So sexy in his confidence, and she hated herself for noticing. Again. “Can you really do that? Can you persuade the world you’re a serious leader when you can’t even convince your own brother you’re committed to your duty?”

His dark eyes relayed an intense anger. “What did Rafiq tell you when I left the table?”

Not as much as she would’ve liked. “He only said that he’s worried you’ll take off again if the pressure becomes too great.”

“Despite what my brother believes, I am not a coward.”

“I don’t think anyone is calling you a coward.” She sighed. “Look, I realize you have a lot of pride, but you might want to give up a little and realize you need someone in your corner. Someone who can serve as a sounding board during this transition.”

“And you are that someone?”

“I can be. And if you’ll allow me to use my connections, I can help establish some allies, and every country needs those. Even small, autonomous countries. I also still contend that you could use some help with your public addresses.” When he started to speak, she held up her hand to silence him. “I know, you have a degree and you’re intelligent and articulate, but I don’t see the harm in brainstorming content.”

“I still see no reason why I would need to consult anyone on what I wish to say or how I wish to say it.”

She was making no headway whatsoever. “What about the press? Wouldn’t you like to have someone serve as a buffer to make certain they convey the proper message?”

“I have Deeb for that.”

Deeb had about as much personality as a paperweight. “But if you show the world that you have a woman at your side, and one you’re not engaging in a torrid affair, that would send a clear message you’re not the player everyone believes you to be.”

He studied the ceiling and remained silent for a few seconds before he brought his attention back to her. “Should we proceed, I have to be assured that whatever you might hear or might learn within these sacred walls will not be repeated.”

Madison sensed impending victory, and possibly some serious secrets. “You can trust me to maintain confidentiality at all costs. But I have to know if there’s a scandal that could surface in the foreseeable future.”

“Not if I can prevent it. And at the moment, that is all you need to know.”

Madison could only hope that he might eventually trust her enough to confide in her. Otherwise, she couldn’t prepare for the worst-case scenario. “Fine. Then you agree to accept my help?”

He streaked a palm over his shaded jaw. “For the time being, and as I stated earlier, you must agree to my terms.”

Clearly he needed to maintain control. She’d give him a little leeway for now. “Fine. Perhaps now would be a good time to spell out your terms.”

“If I disagree with your advice, you’ll refrain from arguing,” he said.

That could prove to be a challenge. “Okay.”

“You will consult me before you plan your soirées, and you will let me approve the guest lists.”

Considering his lack of popularity, it could prove to be a short list. “Fair enough.”

“And you will adhere to my schedule, which means I will decide the time and the place for our meetings.”

“I assumed your study would be the most appropriate meeting place.”

“It might be necessary to find a more private venue.”

Now she had her own terms to present. “As long as it’s not your bedroom.”

He smiled. “You’re not the least bit curious about my royal quarters?”

Oh, yes, she was. “No. Anything else?”

He feigned disappointment. “I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve determined what I expect beyond what we’ve already discussed.”

Talk about being vague. But she’d accept vague as long as she could continue as planned. “We’ll go over your upcoming schedule in the morning, Your Highness, and plan accordingly.”

“Call me Zain.”

Her mouth momentarily dropped open over the request. “That’s a bit too informal, don’t you think?”

“When we’re alone, I want you to call me by my given name. Otherwise, our agreement terminates immediately.”

What kind of game was he playing? Only time would tell, and Madison hoped she didn’t find herself on the losing end.

She came to her feet and tugged at the hem of her blouse. “Whatever floats your boat, Zain. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to my room to relax.”

“You are excused. For now.”

Madison had only made it a few steps toward the door before Zain uttered the single word. “Black.”

She turned and frowned. “Excuse me?”

“You’re wearing black lingerie.”

Did the man have X-ray vision? “Why are you so fascinated with my underwear?”

His grin arrived slowly. “Am I correct?”

She folded her arms beneath her breasts. “That’s for me to know—”

“And for me to find out?”

She should’ve known he’d been in America long enough to learn all the little sayings. “That’s for me to know, period. Anything else? Or would you like to discuss your royal underwear?”

His grin deepened. “I have nothing to hide.”

That remained to be seen. She intended to leave well enough alone before she was tempted to abandon the good-sense ship. Before she gave in to the tiny little spark of awareness or the slight full-body shiver brought about by his deadly smile. “I’m going now.”

He finally rose from the chair. “I suggest you watch the sunset from the terrace outside your room. I’ll have Elena send up some of her special tea to help you relax.”

She’d be more relaxed as soon as she got away from all his charisma. “What kind of tea?”

“I’m not certain,” he said as he strolled toward her and stopped only a foot or so away. “I’ve never tried it. I do know it is formulated to help a person sleep.”

She’d probably have no trouble sleeping the moment her head hit the pillow. “Thank you, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“You’re welcome.” He reached out and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “If the tea doesn’t help you sleep, my room is next door to yours. Feel free to wake me.”

“What for?” As if she really had to ask.

“Whatever you need to help you relax.”

She suddenly engaged in one heck of a naked-body fantasy that made her want to run for cover. “I assure you I won’t need anything to help me relax.”

“Let me know if you change your mind.”

“I won’t be changing my mind.” She turned toward the door then faced him again when something dawned on her. “By the way, if all this innuendo is some ploy to scare me off, save your breath. I’ve been propositioned by the best.” And the worst of the worst.

He looked almost crestfallen. “I’m wounded you would think I would resort to such underhanded tactics.”

Maybe she had overreacted a tad. Some men just happened to be blessed with the flirtation gene. “My apologies if I’m wrong about your motives.”

“Actually, you are correct,” he said. “That was my original plan. But you have bested me, so I promise to behave myself from this point forward.”

She had a hard time believing that. “Well, in case you should get any more bright ideas, just know it will take more than a few well-rehearsed, suggestive lines to send me packing. I’ve spent many years studying human nature, and I know what you’re all about.”

He braced a hand on the doorframe above her head. “Enlighten me, Madison.”

The sound of her name rolling softly out of his mouth, his close proximity, was not helping her concentration. “You use your charm to discourage perceived threats to your control, and to encourage the results you wish to achieve, namely driving people away. But beneath all that sexy macho bravado, I believe you’re a man with a great deal of conviction when it comes to his country’s future. Am I correct?”

“Perhaps you are only projecting your need for control on me. I believe at times giving up control to another is preferable. Have you never been tempted to throw out logic and act on pure instinct?”

Her instincts told her he wasn’t referring to a professional relationship. “Not when it comes to mixing business with pleasure, if that’s what you’re asking. Don’t forget we’re trying to repair your reputation, not enhance it.”

He had the nerve to show his pearly whites to supreme advantage. “Sometimes the pleasure is worth the risk.”

“I thought you promised to behave.”

He straightened and attempted to look contrite. “My apologies. I was momentarily struck senseless by your analysis.”

Before she was momentarily struck stupid and kissed that smug, sexy smile off his face, Madison made a hasty exit.

She hadn’t lied when she’d admitted she’d been propositioned before. She had lied when she’d claimed she hadn’t been tempted to cross professional lines, because she had—the moment she’d reunited with Zain Mehdi.