The Return of the Sheikh

Five

The second she walked into the conference room, Madison felt as if she’d entered Antarctica. With their immaculate black suits and impeccable grooming, Rafiq and Zain Mehdi could be corporate raiders involved in a business debate, not two brothers engaged in an ongoing war of wills.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” she said as she pulled out a chair across from Zain, sat and scooted beneath the massive conference table.

“Do you have anything to report on the latest scandal?” Rafiq asked, while Zain seemed more interested in the view out the window at Madison’s back.

She set her briefcase at her feet and folded her hands on the table. “I do, actually.” A report that wouldn’t go over well with Zain. “I spent most of the morning on the phone tracking down Ms. Winterlind’s publicist. I finally heard from her a few moments ago.”

Zain finally looked at her when she hesitated. “And?”

“She told me that Ms. Winterlind did in fact leak the initial claim that you’re the father of her baby.”

Anger flashed in Zain’s eyes. “Impossible.”

“I’m afraid it’s not. She did send her apologies to you through the publicist and is in the process of retracting the claim.”

“It seems your faith in the model was misplaced, Zain,” Rafiq said.

If looks really could kill, Zain had just delivered a visual bullet, right between his brother’s eyes. “She had her reasons.”

“What would those be, brother? She has her sights set on trapping a king?”

Zain muttered something acid and probably insulting in Arabic. “She is not like that, Rafiq.”

Time for a much-needed intervention on Zain’s behalf. “Actually, Prince Rafiq, she made the claim to protect her son from her ex, who is a known batterer. Fortunately, he’s currently incarcerated on assault charges.”

Zain’s gaze snapped to hers. “Did he beat her?”

Evidently he still cared about the model, maybe even more than he’d let on in their previous conversations. “No. He beat up some guy in a bar and nearly killed him. He’ll be going away for a long time.”

“Good riddance,” Zain muttered.

“Are there other women who will surface with similar claims?” Rafiq asked Zain, venom in his tone.

Zain’s eyes narrowed. “The women with whom I have been intimately involved are trustworthy.”

“I believe the model contradicts that assertion.”

“I was not intimate with her.”

Rafiq raised a brow. “Then it would seem those whom you have bedded and spurned would be more likely to lie.”

Zain looked as if he might bolt out of the chair. “Izhab ila al djaheem, Rafiq.”

Madison had no idea what Zain had said to his brother, but she did feel she needed to defuse the situation, possibly at her own peril. “Look, Your Highness, Prince Rafiq does have a point. We need to know if there is even a remote possibility a woman might come forward with some scandalous claim, unfounded or not.”

Zain’s expression turned cold. “My former lovers should not be a concern, unless perhaps one is interested in the extent of my sexual experience.”

His attitude, and the pointed comment, shredded her already thinned patience. “I don’t need a list, only a number. Less than five? More than ten? Fifty?” Now she sounded like a scorned lover.

“I assure you, my past will not affect my ability to lead,” he said. “Many married leaders worldwide have openly engaged in affairs and continued to rule.”

Madison had known more than her fair share. Some came through it unscathed. Others had not. “Any scandal could influence your people’s trust in you if it rears its ugly head again.”

He kept his gaze centered on hers. “Does that include your trust in me, Madison?”

“Trust is earned, Zain.”

She regretted the informality faux pas the minute she glanced at Rafiq and saw the suspicious look in his eyes. She could only imagine how the exchange sounded—like lovers engaged in a spat.

Rafiq checked his watch and stood. “The meeting begins in ten minutes. You can continue this discussion later.”

Madison might receive an emphatic no, but she had to ask. “I’d like to sit in on the meeting.”

Rafiq looked as though she’d requested to run naked through the royal gardens. “That is not permitted.”

“I will allow it,” Zain said. “You may observe from the gallery. I’ll have Deeb interpret for you.”

She wasn’t sure if Zain had granted her request because he wanted her there, or because he wanted to one-up his brother. It didn’t matter as long as she had a ringside seat where she could watch him in action.

When Zain failed to stand, Rafiq nailed him with another glare. “Are you coming now, or should I have the guards escort you?”

“I will be along shortly,” Zain said. “I need to speak privately with Ms. Foster.”

“I have no doubt you do.” With that, Rafiq strode out of the room.

As soon as the door closed, Madison directed her attention to Zain. “This is exactly what I feared would happen. My stupid miscue with your name wasn’t lost on your brother. There’s no telling what he thinks is going on between us.”

“Let him believe what he will,” he said. “He would have assumed the worst whether I had touched you or not.”

Oh, but he had touched her. “If you’re not concerned about Rafiq, then why did you need to speak to me in private?”

He looked all too serious. “First, I want to apologize. My problem is with Rafiq’s attitude, not yours. Second, I need to know if you’re all right after last evening.”

She shrugged. “I’m fine. It happened, it’s done and it’s over.”

He inclined his head and studied her. “Is it truly over?”

If only she could say yes without any reservations. Trouble was, she couldn’t. “Right now you need to concentrate on what you have to propose to the council.”

He reached across the table and took her hand. “How can I concentrate when I know you’re upset?”

“I told you, I’m fine.” She came to her feet and grabbed her briefcase. “I’m sure you’ll regain your full concentration once you’re in the meeting. Now let’s go before Rafiq calls out the guard.”

As Zain stood, Madison started toward the door. But before she made it more than a few steps, Zain caught her arm and turned her to face him. “Do you recall what I said to you last night?”

She recalled every detail of last night. “Yes, and I meant what I said to you a few minutes ago. You’re going to have to prove you’re trustworthy.”

“At times trust requires a leap of faith.”

If she leaped too quickly, she could land in an emotional briar patch. “Faith has failed me before.”

“You are not alone in that. Yet whatever my faults might be, I am a man of my word.”

She really wanted to believe that. “Speaking of words, you’ve never told me what you said to me the day you addressed the crowd.”

He rubbed his thumb slowly back and forth down her arm. Not only could she feel it through her linen jacket, she could feel it everywhere. “You really wish for me to tell you now?”

“Yes, I do.” Although she had a feeling she might regret it.

As he had the first time he’d whispered words she hadn’t understood, he rested his lips against her ear. “You should never have kissed me.”

He had to be kidding. “That’s it? You’re saying the kiss was all my fault?”

“No. It was my fault for baiting you. I simply did not believe you would take the bait. However, if we had never shared that first kiss, I would not be lying awake at night fantasizing about all the ways I would make love to you. I would not want you so badly that I would gladly reschedule this meeting and take you away from here.”

He released her then, walked to the door and left the room, while she stood still as a statue, cursing Zain for his uncanny knack of keeping her off balance. She didn’t move an inch until Deeb summoned her into the hallway.

Madison followed the entourage down the corridor, watching as Zain walked ahead with overt confidence. Several times she had to tear her gaze away after trying to sneak a peek at his notable royal butt. Once they reached the end of the hall, Zain walked through double doors while Deeb showed Madison to his right, where they descended a short flight of stairs, and into the glass-enclosed gallery.

Madison took a seat in the front row of chairs beside him and looked down on the scene. Several men were seated at a large round table—eleven by her count—all dressed in high-neck button-down white robes, various colored sashes draped around their necks, and white kaffiyehs with bands that matched the sashes. The chairs flanking either side of Rafiq were noticeably empty, one most likely reserved for Zain. She leaned toward Deeb and asked, “Who’s missing, aside from His Highness?”

“The youngest emir, Adan,” he said. “He is excused today due to the importance of his mission.”

Madison doubted Zain would be afforded the same courtesy if he’d decided not to appear. As the minutes ticked off, she began to worry he might have taken that route. And considering the way the council members kept looking around, she assumed they were worried, as well.

A few seconds later, the doors opened to the future king, prompting the men to stand. He wore the same white robe with a gold-and-black sash draped around his neck, but nothing on his head. She didn’t know if he was intentionally bucking tradition, or if someone had forgotten his headdress. Frankly, that was fine by Madison. She’d hate to see even one inch of that pretty face concealed from her view.

When Zain lowered himself into the chair, the men followed suit while Deeb reached forward and flipped a switch to the intercom. Zain began to speak in a language that Madison regretted not learning. She’d only mastered a few official greetings and the all-important request for the ladies’ room. Perhaps she would ask Zain to teach her more. She imagined he could teach her quite a bit from a nonlinguistic standpoint, and she would happily be a willing student.

Madison forced her attention back to the meeting and wondered what she’d hoped to gain by observing when she couldn’t understand a word.

Deeb demonstrated that he understood her confusion when he said, “They are currently discussing economic concerns. Rafiq is the minister of finance.”

“And Adan?” she asked.

“He is the head of the military.”

That made sense. Unfortunately, nothing else did.

As the discourse continued, Madison became focused on watching Zain’s hands move as he spoke. Strong, steady, expressive hands. Skilled hands. Her thoughts drifted back to the night before when she’d experienced those hands on her body. She’d wanted to experience more of them in places that he’d obviously avoided. The sudden, unexpected rush of heat caused her to cross her legs against the sensations. She felt as she might actually start to squirm if she didn’t get her mind back on business. Easier said than done.

Hormone overload, pure and simple. What else could it possibly be?

You’ve never been so attuned to someone that when you enter a room, that person is all you see? You’ve never wanted someone so desperately that you would risk everything to have them?

Yes, she wanted Zain, with a force that defied logic. Even more now after what he’d said only minutes ago.

I would not be lying awake at night fantasizing about all the ways I would make love to you.

Graphic, detailed images of making love with Zain filtered into Madison’s mind when she should have been focusing on the meeting. She shifted her crossed legs from restlessness and pure, undeniable desire for a man who shouldn’t be on her sexual radar. But he was, front and center, sending out signals that she urgently wanted to answer.

The sound of raised voices jarred Madison out of her fantasies and back into reality. She regarded Deeb, who appeared impervious to the disruption.

“What’s happening now?” she asked.

“The emir is explaining his water proposal. Sheikh Barad has taken exception to it.”

“Which one is he?”

“To the right of Prince Rafiq.”

Madison honed in on a fierce-looking man with a neatly trimmed goatee and beady eyes. “Is he a relative?”

“No. He is a childhood friend of Prince Rafiq’s. His sister, Maysa, is a physician.”

Maysa. The woman Zain had visited the other night. “He doesn’t appear to care for Zain.”

“He does not care for the emir’s plan, nor does he care for the emir’s demand that he halt any plans for drilling.”

Obviously oil and water truly didn’t mix in this case. “Is this going to be a problem for Zain?” Not again. “His Highness?”

Deeb didn’t seem at all disturbed by her second informality screwup. “That depends on how he chooses to handle the matter.”

Zain chose to handle it by rising from the chair and slamming his palm on the table. He then launched into an impassioned diatribe that seemed to silence everyone into submission.

“He is telling everyone that he is the king,” Deeb began. “His word is the law, and those who go against him will be summarily dismissed and tried for treason.”

Apparently Zain was dead serious. “What does that entail?”

“If found guilty, a firing squad.”

Madison wondered if that held true for unsuitable women who overstepped their bounds and slept with the king. She preferred not to find out.

Zain reclaimed his seat but continued to speak, this time in low, more temperate tones. Deeb explained that he spoke of the people, their needs and the importance of their future, the evils of profiteering and raping the land, as well as his commitment to bringing the country into the twenty-first century. “If there are those who do not support his vision,” Deeb continued, “they may relinquish their positions immediately.”

As Zain continued to address the men, Madison found his absolute control, his sheer air of power, as heady as a hot bath. Funny, she had never been turned on by authoritative men. Then again, she’d never met anyone like Zain before. Not even close. In the five years she’d lived with her former boyfriend, not once had Jay ever made her feel as if she might climb out of her skin if she didn’t have him. Not once did she spot him across a crowded room and feel an overwhelming sense of passion.

Without warning, Zain abruptly stood, did an about-face and strode out of the room, leaving the men exchanging glances with each other, their mouths agape. Everyone but Rafiq, who looked more angry than shocked.

“I guess the meeting’s over,” Madison said as the rest of the members began to exit, one by one.

“Yes, it is,” Deeb said solemnly. “Unfortunately, the emir’s problems have only begun.”

Madison understood that all too well. Her respect for Zain had risen tenfold, but so had the realization that his position required his undivided attention. He couldn’t afford any distractions, and that included her.

Feeling a headache coming on, Madison left the gallery and headed straight for her quarters. She vowed that from this point forward, she would avoid being alone with Zain.

*

“I must commend you on your success, brother.”

With only a brief glance at Rafiq standing at the study door, Zain tossed the robe onto the sofa and claimed the place beside it. “I am pleased you have finally realized I am quite capable of handling my duties.”

Rafiq strolled into the room and took the opposing chair. “I am not referring to your duty. I am referring to Ms. Foster. It has taken you less than five days to bed her. However, that is still two days more than the new cook’s assistant ten years ago.”

He should have known his sibling would never congratulate him on his success with the council meeting. “And if my memory serves me correctly, you slept with the gardener’s daughter the day you met her, brother.”

Rafiq presented an acerbic smile. “True, but that young woman did not have the power to destroy my reputation.”

“Neither does Ms. Foster, and for your information, I have not slept with her.” Not beyond his fantasies.

“All signs point to the contrary.”

“And your imagination is out of control.”

“I did not imagine the way the two of you looked at each other earlier today,” Rafiq said. “Nor did I imagine your talk of trust.”

“She was referring to trust in regard to my recent disappearance.” Only a partial truth. “You always have, and always will, assume that I have no self-control when it comes to the opposite sex.”

“I would be joined by the rest of the world in that assumption.”

With effort, Zain kept his anger in check. “Perhaps that is why you hired Ms. Foster. You were setting me up to fail because of the temptation she poses.”

He presented a self-satisfied smile. “Then you admit you are tempted by her.”

More than his brother knew. “And you are not?”

“I am to be married in two weeks’ time.”

“You are still a man, Rafiq, and you are marrying a woman who does not support your libido, only your foreign bank account.”

Rafiq came to his feet. “I have no time for this. But mark my words, should you give in to temptation with Ms. Foster, you are taking a risk that could destroy what little standing you have left among our people.”

Zain refused to comment as his brother exited the room. Yes, Madison posed a tremendous temptation. And yes, any intimacy with her would come with considerable risk. But she had become one of his greatest weaknesses in the past few days. Perhaps one of his greatest weaknesses ever.

Feeling restless and ready to run, Zain decided he needed some space. He knew exactly where he wanted to go, and he did not intend to go alone.

*

“Change into some comfortable clothes and shoes, and come with me.”

Madison remained at the open veranda door, determined to stand her ground with Zain. “After today, running off together is the last thing you need. In fact, I’ve decided it’s best we aren’t alone together again.”

“We will not be alone for long on this journey.”

Evidently they’d be accompanied by a contingent of guards, which would be for the best—if she decided to go with him. “Where exactly do you plan to take me?”

“It’s a surprise.”

She planted her fists on her hips and refused to budge. “I’m not too fond of surprises.”

He leaned a shoulder against the doorframe. “You will enjoy this one. We do need to hurry to reach our destination on time.”

“Which is?”

“On the outskirts of the village. It will take us a while to arrive there.”

Could he be any more vague? “As far as I know, the village is only a mile or so from the palace, which is about a two minute drive. Are we going by camel?”

He had the gall to grin. “No. We are going by foot.”

He’d evidently lost his royal mind if he honestly believed she’d agree to traipse down a mountain in the dark. She was basically a klutz on level ground in broad daylight. “You’re proposing we walk down to the village at dusk.”

“Yes, and if you will stop talking and start dressing, we might be there before dawn.”

He apparently wouldn’t give up until she gave in, and she wasn’t quite ready to do that. “I refuse to go unless you give me details.”

He streaked a hand over his chin. “All right. I want you to see the village with me serving as your guide. I want you to know the people and understand why my position as their king holds great importance.”

“Why didn’t you just say that in the first place?”

“Because you are quite beautiful when you are not in control.”

And he was quite the cad. An incredibly sensual cad. “I’ll go, but only on one condition.”

He released a rough sigh. “What would that be?”

“You say please.”

He took her hand and gave it a light kiss. “Would you please do me the honor of allowing me to show you my world?”

How could she refuse him now? “Fine. Just give me a few minutes.”

“Wear a waterproof jacket, since rain is predicted for later tonight.”

Great. “You expect me to walk back up the mountain in the dark all wet?”

He grinned. “There is no guarantee you will be wet, but chances are you very well could be, whether it rains or not.”

The innuendo wasn’t lost on Madison, or her contrary libido. “If you don’t behave, I’m staying here.”

His smile faded into a frown. “I will arrange transportation for our return if that will satisfy you.”

“That will.” She could only hope he made good on his word. “Wait here while I change.”

“I may not come inside and wait?”

How easy it would be to say yes, but if she did, they might forgo their little expedition for a different kind of journey. In bed. “No, you may not wait inside.”

“You still do not trust me.”

“Not when my underwear happens to be involved.”

After closing the door on him, Madison piled her hair into a ponytail then quickly changed into a T-shirt, jeans, her lone pair of sneakers and an all-weather lightweight coat. Probably not the best in the way of hiking clothes, but they’d have to do.

She returned to the veranda to find him leaning back against the wall, a military-green jacket covering his black tee and beige cargo pants, the camouflage baseball cap set low on his brow. For all intents and purposes, he could be an ordinary man on a mission of leisure. Yet there was nothing ordinary about those pensive dark eyes.

He held out his hand to her. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

That depended on what kind of adventure he had in mind. Only one way to find out. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

After Madison clasped his offered hand, Zain led her down the side stairs leading to the labyrinth of courtyards on the ground level. He came to a small iron gate and opened it to a rock path that led away from the rear of the palace. The stone soon turned to dirt, and the trail soon took a sharp downward descent.

“Are you sure this is safe?” she asked when they reached a rocky place that looked way too precarious to go forward.

Zain released her, stepped down and then signaled her forward. “Take my hand and I’ll assist you.”

She would rather ride down on his back but that could be a bit awkward. “Okay, if you say so.”

Slowly, steadily, they navigated the pathway until they finally reached firm footing, and not once had Zain let her go. She began to relax as they continued on, knowing he would do his best to keep her out of harm’s way. But then he came to an ominous-looking boulder pile and started to climb.

“Follow me,” he said over one shoulder.

Madison remained at the bottom and glared up at him. “Excuse me, but I thought we’re supposed to be going down, not up.”

“First, you must see the view from here before we continue.”

Her gaze wandered up to the plateau. “You can describe it to me.”

“You have to witness it firsthand.”

“I can’t see it if I break my neck.”

He scurried down and gestured toward the formation. “I will be immediately behind you offering support should you need it. Trust me, I will not let you fall.”

She did trust him, at least in this case. “Okay, I’ll do it, as long as you keep your eye on the goal and not on my butt.”

He smiled. “I cannot promise I will not look, but I will try to refrain from touching you.”

And she’d try to refrain from requesting he touch her, though she couldn’t promise that, either.

One foot in front of the other, she silently chanted as she began the ascent. Truth was, she’d hiked before in similar terrain, just not in a long time. Yet her confidence grew knowing Zain would catch her if she stumbled. And with only moderate effort, she made it to the top just in time to catch the view of the valley washed in the final rays of the setting sun.

“Unbelievable,” she muttered when Zain came up behind her. “I can see so much more here than on the veranda.”

“I told you it was not to be missed.” He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders. “If you look closely, you can see the lake right beyond the base of Mabrứuk.”

She spotted a patch of cerulean-blue on the horizon. “I see it. Is that a hotel on the cliff above it?”

“A resort,” he said. “It’s owned by the Barad family and managed by Shamil Barad.”

“Maysa’s brother,” Madison replied. “Mr. Deeb told me about him.”

“Maysa is nothing like him.” He sounded and looked irate. “Where she cares about the people, Shamil only cares about padding his fortune at any cost.”

“Believe me, I’ve met his kind. And I’m positive you’ll keep him in his place.”

He leaned and kissed her cheek. “I truly appreciate your confidence in me.”

As Zain continued to point out the landmarks, Madison found herself leaning back against him. And when he slipped his arms around her waist, she didn’t bother to pull away. She simply marveled at the passion in his voice when he spoke about his people, and relished the way he made her felt so protected.

A span of silence passed before Madison looked up at him. “You really love your country, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do,” he said as he stared off into the distance. “That is why I cannot fail, yet the burden to succeed at times seems too heavy for one man to bear. Especially a flawed man like myself.”

She sensed making that admission had cost him, and that alone made her appreciate him all the more. She turned into his arms and gave him a smile. “But you will succeed, Zain. You have too much conviction not to see this through.”

“I am certainly going to try.” For a moment he looked as though he might kiss her but surprisingly let her go. “We’d best be on our way, otherwise we will be walking in the dark.”

“If we must.”

Zain led the way, his hand firmly gripping hers as they made their way down the slope. Once at the bottom, he took her by the waist, lifted her up and set her on her feet. “I am so glad I made it without breaking something,” she said as she tightened the band securing her hair.

“I would never let you fall, Madison.”

Oh, but she was in the process of falling for him, and he couldn’t be her human safety net. In a matter of weeks, she would leave him behind, and she’d have only the memories of a man who was beginning to mean too much to her. So tonight, she would make more good memories that would remain long after they’d said goodbye.