The Return of the Sheikh Read online

  “What’s he saying?” she asked Deeb who remained his usual noncommittal self.

  “He is telling them he is honored to be their leader and he looks forward to serving them.”

  So far, so good. But then she heard the sounds of disapproval and didn’t feel nearly as confident. “What now?”

  “He claims he is not his father and that he will rule differently,” Deeb said. “He is also speaking of positive changes he wishes to make, such as improvements to the hospital and the schools.”

  As Zain continued, Madison noticed the temporarily dissatisfied crowd had quieted and many people, particularly women, seemed to hang on his every word. And although she couldn’t interpret his words, she could certainly appreciate his voice—a deep, mellow voice that went down as smoothly as a vintage glass of wine.

  After an enthusiastic round of applause, she turned to ask for clarification from Deeb, only to hear someone suddenly shout in English, “Is it true you fathered a child with Keeley Winterlind?”

  Though she’d been aware of Zain’s liaison with the supermodel, Madison was seriously stunned by the query, and thoroughly appalled that someone would interrupt a king’s speech in search of a sordid story. Worse, was it true?

  Zain ignored the question and continued to speak to the throng that seemed to grow more restless by the minute. Then another reporter demanded he address the pregnancy issue, prompting shouts from the masses.

  Although Madison still couldn’t see Zain’s expression, she did notice his hands fisted at his sides. She had no clue what he’d muttered, but it didn’t sound at all friendly and, considering the crowd’s angry reaction, it wasn’t. Amid the show of raised fists and verbal condemnation, Zain turned and stormed back into the study. He didn’t afford her or Deeb a passing glance, nor did he hesitate to make a swift exit, slamming the door behind him.

  Madison waited for the sentries to leave before she sought confirmation or denial from her only immediate source of information. “Is it true about the baby?”

  Deeb’s expression remained emotionless, but she saw a flicker of concern in his eyes. “I am afraid, Miss Foster, you will have to ask the emir.”

  And that’s exactly what Madison intended to do. First, she had to find him, and soon, before all hell broke loose.

  Four

  “Did you find your meal satisfactory, Your Wickedness?”

  Zain looked up from his barren plate to see Maysa Barad—Doctor Maysa Barad—standing in the doorway wearing a bright purple caftan, her dark hair pulled back into a braid. He returned her smile, though that was the last thing he cared to do. But she was his friend, and she had opened her home to him as a temporary sanctuary. “It was very good. My compliments to your chef. He has a masterful hand.”

  “She is a master,” Maysa said as she pulled back the adjacent chair and sat. “I made your dinner after I gave my chef the night off. However, since I still have household staff on the premises, we should continue to speak English to ensure our new king has his privacy.”

  At the moment he preferred not to be reminded of his duty. “My position will not be official until the coronation.”

  “You were king the moment your father passed. My sympathies to you, though I know the two of you did not always see eye to eye.”

  That was an understatement. “Thank you for that, and for allowing me to arrive virtually unannounced.”

  “You are always welcome here, Zain.” She rested her elbow on the table and supported her cheek with her palm, sending the heavy bangles at her wrists down her arm. “And you have always been the official king of mischief.”

  “And you are still as pretty as you were the last time I saw you.”

  Her smile expanded. “But are you still the little devil who attempted to frighten me with toads?”

  She had been the sister he’d never had. “You were never really frightened, were you?”

  “No. I was simply playing along until Rafiq came along to rescue me.”

  Zain had always suspected that to be the case. Maysa had been in love with his brother for as long as he could recall. He wondered if she still was. “Speaking of Rafiq, will you be attending the wedding?”

  She straightened in the chair, her frame as rigid as the carved wooden table. “I received an invitation, but do not wish to witness that charade.”

  Yes, she was still in love with Rafiq. “I agree it might not be the best match.”

  “A match made in misery. Rafiq will never be happy with a woman whose heart belongs to another man.”

  “What man?”

  Zain saw a flash of regret pass over her expression. “I would rather not say. In fact, I have already said too much.”

  “Can you tell me if Rima has returned this man’s affections?”

  “Yes, she has.”

  He tried to contain his shock. “Does Rafiq know?”

  She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “If he does, he has chosen to ignore it. Regardless, it is not my place to tell him, and I would hope you keep it to yourself, as well.”

  He did not like the thought of concealing the truth from his brother, yet he doubted Rafiq would believe him. “It would not matter, Maysa. Rafiq is all about duty, regardless of the circumstance. He has every intention of honoring the marriage contract.”

  She flipped her hand in dismissal. “Enough talk about your brother and his bride. Tell me about California. I did not have the opportunity to visit there when I was in medical school in the States.”

  Los Angeles had only been his home base and little more. “I traveled a good deal of the time.”

  “Then tell me about that. I am sure you met many interesting people and saw many interesting sights.”

  He had seen devastation, drought, famine and disease. Sights he never cared to see again, especially in his own country. “I’m certain my experiences do not compare to yours as a physician.”

  She shook her head. “My experiences have been challenging since my return to Bajul. I am the only female doctor and the only one who will treat those who can pay very little, if at all. The others cater to the wealthier population.”

  That came as no surprise to Zain. “Your commitment is admirable, Maysa. Once I am fully in charge, I will make certain the hospital undergoes renovations and medical offices are added. Perhaps then you can receive pay for your services.”

  “I do not need the money as much as the people need my help,” she said. “Fortunately, my father has allowed me to live in his palatial second home regardless that I have failed him as a daughter. He is also kind enough to provide the funds to keep the household going, though I despise taking even one riyal from him.”

  Zain could not imagine a father considering his daughter a failure after she had established a successful medical career. But then Maysa’s father had always been an ass. “Does the sultan come to visit often?”

  She released a bitter laugh. “Oh, no. He is either in Saudi or Yemen with my poor mother, building his fortune so that he may provide for his many mistresses.”

  Maysa had the same issues with her father as Zain had always had with his. “I believe I recall you were bound to a betrothal at one time. I take it that did not come to fruition.”

  “Actually, it did. Two weeks after the wedding, I realized that contrary to our culture, a woman does not need a man to survive. It took some effort to obtain a divorce, but I managed it. And Father has not forgiven me for it.”

  “I’m certain it hasn’t been easy on you.”

  She shrugged. “I realized there would be those who would shun me because of my decision, yet I refused to let that deter me. No man will ever dictate my future.”

  Zain couldn’t help but smile when he thought about Madison. She and Maysa were very much alike. Yet he felt more than brotherly fondness for Madison.

  “Do you find me amusing, Your Highness?” Maysa asked.

  “No. You reminded me of someone else I know.”

  “Someone special?”

>   Perhaps too special for his own good. “Actually, she is a political consultant Rafiq hired to save me from myself.”

  “She has a huge task ahead of her then.”

  “Believe me, she is up to the task. She is also very headstrong, and extremely intelligent. Fortunately, she has a sense of humor, as well. Sometimes I find her frustrating, other times extremely intriguing.”

  “Is she attractive?”

  “Yes, but her attractiveness goes well beyond her physical appearance. She is one of the most fascinating women I have ever encountered.”

  She inclined her head and studied him. “You have feelings for her.”

  Maysa’s comment took him aback. “She is an employee.”

  “An employee who has hypnotized you, Zain. Perhaps the sheikh has met his match in more ways than one.”

  “That is absurd,” he said without much conviction. “I have only known her a few days.”

  “Yet it is those immediate connections that at times make a lasting impact on our lives.”

  From the wistfulness in Maysa’s tone, Zain recognized she spoke from experience. “Even if I did develop these feelings you speak of, we both know a permanent relationship with an outsider could never happen.”

  She drummed her fingertips on the tabletop. “Ah, yes. We are back to the antiquated tradition of marrying our own kind. You have the power to change that.”

  “I have other changes to make that are more important. Changes that will affect the future of this country.”

  “And you are not concerned about your own future?” she asked. “Would you give up a chance at finding love for a tradition that should have died long ago?”

  He was too tired to defend his decisions, which led to his next request. “Would you have an available room where I could stay the night?”

  “I have twelve bedrooms at your disposal,” she said. “But will you not be missed?”

  He would, but he did not care. “Deeb knows where I am.”

  “Zain, although it is truly not any of my concern, you cannot hide away when times become difficult.”

  He tossed his napkin aside. “Then you’ve heard about the latest accusations.”

  “I was there when you spoke this morning. You had everyone in the palm of your hand until that himar intruded.”

  Zain had considered calling him something much worse than a donkey. “For your information, I am not hiding. I am only taking a brief sabbatical to gather my thoughts.”

  She frowned. “Forgive me for pointing this out, but you have always been one to withdraw from the world when you lose control. The role you will soon assume requires continuity. Are you certain you are willing to bear that burden?”

  Though he did not appreciate her commentary, he reluctantly admitted she was partially right. “I have prepared for this opportunity for many years. Once I am established, I will commit fully to my duties.”

  She smiled and patted his hand. “I know you will. Now if you will follow me, I will show you to your quarters for the evening, where you can rest and fantasize about that special consultant who has obviously earned a little piece of the king’s heart.”

  Maysa knew him all too well, yet she was wrong about his feelings for Madison. She did not—nor would she ever—have any claim on his heart.

  *

  After Zain’s twenty-four-hour absence, Madison finally located him on the palace’s rooftop. He sat on the cement ground with his back against the wall, hands laced together on his belly, one long leg stretched out before him, the other bent at the knee. He seemed so lost in his thoughts, she questioned whether she should give him more alone time. Regrettably, time was a luxury they didn’t have. Not when she required answers to burning questions in order to circumvent the gossip. Provided it was gossip.

  Before moving forward, she paused a few moments to ponder his atypical clothing. The standard white tailored shirt, Italian loafers and dark slacks had been replaced by a fitted black tee, khaki cargo pants and heavy brown boots. He reminded her of an adventurous explorer ready for travel—and in some ways dressed to kill. His rugged appearance was unquestionably murdering her composure.

  Madison shored up her courage, walked right up to him and hovered above him. “I see the sheikh has finally returned.”

  He glanced up at her, his expression somber. “How did you know where to find me?”

  “Elena mentioned you might be here. She said you and your brothers used to hide from her up here when it was time for your lessons.”

  He smiled but it faded fast. “I should have known she would give my secrets away.”

  Madison wondered what other secrets he might be keeping. “Mind if I join you?”

  He gestured toward the space beside him. “It’s less than comfortable, but be my guest.”

  She carefully lowered herself to the ground and hugged her knees to her chest, taking care to make sure the hem of her dress was properly in place. “The next time you decide to do a disappearing act, do you mind letting me in on it?”

  “I assure you, it will not happen again.”

  “I hope I can trust you on that. You wouldn’t believe how frantic everyone was until Mr. Deeb told us you were safe.”

  “I was never in danger,” he said as he continued to stare straight ahead. “I stayed with a friend at a house in the foothills.”

  She could only imagine what that might have entailed if that friend happened to be female. “How did you get there? And how did you manage to evade your bodyguards? Rafiq is still furious over that.”

  “I took one of the all-terrain vehicles, and Deeb was aware of my departure. Guards are not necessary when I take care to disguise myself.”

  She noticed a camouflage baseball cap resting at his side. “So that’s the reason for the casual clothes?”

  “They serve me well in hiding my identity.”

  They served him well in highlighting his finer points, and that sent her straight into a fishing expedition. “And this friend had no qualms about concealing the future king?”

  “Maysa understands my need for privacy. She made certain I was not disturbed.”

  As she’d gathered—a woman friend. “Does this friendship come with or without benefits?” She hated that she sounded like some jealous lover.

  “Without benefits,” he said before adding, “although I do not expect you to believe me.”

  He sounded more frustrated than angry. “I never said I didn’t believe you.”

  He sent her a sideways glance. “Then you are in the minority. Most people choose to believe the worst of me.”

  She lowered her legs and shifted slightly to face him. “Since it seems you don’t have an official press secretary, I spent the day sending out releases stating you vehemently deny fathering Keeley Winterlind’s child. The question is, did I lie?”

  “No.”

  She released the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. “Not even a remote possibility?”

  “No.”

  She truly wanted to believe him, but… “I do remember seeing photos of the two of you a couple years ago.”

  “That means nothing.” Now he sounded angry.

  “It means there’s proof you had a connection with her.”

  “A platonic connection,” he said. “I came upon her ex-lover threatening her at a social gathering and I intervened. We remained in contact because she needed someone to set her on the right path. However, she was young and impressionable and immature. The last I heard, she had reunited with the boyfriend because I could not convince her that the controlling bastard wasn’t good for her.”

  If what he’d said was true, then in essence he was a champion of women. “Do you think she’s the one claiming you’re her baby’s father?”

  “No. She contacted me this afternoon and assured me she had nothing to do with the speculation, and I trust her. She also confirmed the ex is the father.”

  “I’m relieved I told the truth when I denied the speculation.” />
  “As if that will do any good.”

  He seemed so sullen, Madison felt the need to lift his spirits. “Have you seen the news footage of your speech?”

  “No, and I refuse to watch it.”

  No surprise there. “Well, you looked incredibly debonair and poised.” And absolutely gorgeous. “I’m sure you’ll start receiving requests for invitations from a slew of queen candidates.”

  “I highly doubt they would be interested in light of the recent attacks on my character.”

  Her efforts to cheer him up were on the verge of becoming an epic failure. “Hey, if they could see you in your adventurer’s gear, they wouldn’t care about your character.”

  She’d finally coaxed a smile from him. A tiny smile, but at least it was something. “I fail to understand how I could charm a woman with clothing not fit for a king.”

  “Then maybe you don’t know women as well as you think you do. Of course, it doesn’t hurt you’re the ruler of a country, and your house isn’t too shabby, either.”

  For the first time since her arrival, he gave her his full attention and a fully formed smile. “You are looking quite beautiful tonight.”

  She couldn’t immediately recall the last time any man had called her beautiful. Her shapeless aqua sundress certainly wouldn’t qualify. “Thank you, but this outfit is designed solely for comfort, not beauty.”

  “I was not referencing your clothing.” He lightly touched her cheek. “You are beautiful.”

  When Madison contacted those dark, mysterious eyes, that spark of awareness threatened to become a flame. With little effort, it could blaze out of control. Yet she recognized Zain was only attempting to divert attention from the seriousness of the situation, and possibly cover his internal turmoil. She truly wanted to provide him with a diversion, but the last thing Zain needed was a potential scandal involving his political consultant. The last thing she needed was to venture into personal involvement with him. She’d already started down that slippery slope.

  She shored up her wavering willpower. “Now that we have engaged in sufficient mutual admiration, we should probably go inside and discuss how we’re going to handle any other problems that might arise. I’d also be happy to listen to what you have planned for the council meeting tomorrow.”