The Return of the Sheikh (10 page)

She truly didn’t know if Zain was simply pouting, or proving a point. Either way, she admittedly missed their intimate conversations. Missed kissing him, as well. She definitely missed her former common sense, which had apparently followed the rain out of town.

Zain had been right to remain in strictly business mode, and business was exactly what she needed to focus on today, and each day until the coronation.

Madison sought out Elena and found her in the kitchen, where the wonderful scents permeating the area caused her stomach to rumble even though she’d had enough breakfast to kill an elephant. Evidently she’d been making up for the lack of sex by eating her way through the kingdom.

“That smells marvelous,” she said as she approached the metal prep table holding a platter full of puffed pastries.

Elena smiled and gestured toward the fare. “Please try one. The chef prepared the samples for Prince Zain’s approval, but he refused. He said he did not care if they served water and wheat at the wedding reception.”

Clearly His Royal Pain in the Arse had forgotten they’d added guests to the list, who could be beneficial to his reign. But hey, if he didn’t want to try the goodies, she certainly would. “Thanks, I believe I will take a bite or two.” Or three, she decided when the flaky crust and creamy filling practically melted in her mouth.

After Madison had consumed five of the canapés, she looked up to meet Elena’s quizzical look. “Tell the chef he’s hit a home run with this.” As if the guy would understand a baseball analogy. “Better still, tell him they’re perfect.”

“I will pass that on,” Elena said. “I will also tell him to prepare double for you.”

Great. She’d demonstrated she had serious etiquette issues. “That’s not necessary. I eat when I’m nervous, and this whole reception has me on edge. I hope we’re doing the right thing by not having a separate gathering prior to the coronation.”

“Have you consulted the new king about forgoing that honor?”

“Actually, it was his idea. He’s not being all that cooperative these days. Maybe he’s a bit anxious about officially becoming His Majesty in less than two weeks.”

“Or perhaps he is being denied something he wants more than the crown.”

Madison faked ignorance. “A new sports car?”

Elena raised a thin brow. “You may fool the rest of the household,
cara,
but you are not fooling me. I know you and Prince Zain stole away without notifying anyone of your departure, and returned in wet clothing.”

The palace apparently had spies in place and gossip down to a science. “He wanted to show me the lake and we got caught in a storm.” A firestorm. “That’s all there was to it.”

“Are you certain of that?”

She knew better than to try to lie to a wise bird like Elena. She also knew not to reveal too much, even if she thought she could trust her with the truth. “Wise or not, we have developed a friendship. He’s even begun to confide in me about his past and, most important, his goals. That’s been beneficial for me, since I’ve been preparing the speech he’ll deliver next week.” A speech he would probably reject.

She couldn’t miss the concern on Elena’s face. “What has he said about the king and queen?”

“Since he took me into his confidence, I don’t feel I should say more.” She’d already come down with foot-in-mouth disease to go with the voracious appetite.

“Anything you could say to me,
cara mia,
I have already heard in the many years I’ve been here. The staff talks about things they know nothing about, and most is not true.”

She did have a point. “He mentioned something about the king having mistresses, and that he believes that was directly related to the queen’s death.”

Elena grabbed the platter and took it to the counter next to the massive industrial sink. “Go on,” she said, keeping her back to Madison.

The fact Elena didn’t deny the conjecture was very telling. “He also said that the queen was forced to have a third child against her will.”

Elena spun around, a touch of anger calling out from her amber eyes. “That is not true. The queen would have done anything to have another child. And furthermore, the king was the one who only wanted two children, yet he was so devoted to her, he gave her what she desired. Sadly, Adan did not aid in her happiness.”

“Was she so unhappy that she took her own life?”

“I would not begin to speculate on that, and neither should you.”

Madison held up her hands. “I’m sorry I’ve upset you. I was only repeating what Zain told me.” Darn if she hadn’t done it again—called him by his given name.

Elena sighed. “It is not your fault,
cara.
And I beg of you to please not repeat what I have said.”

She found it odd that Elena would want to conceal the information from the boys she had practically raised. “Don’t you think the princes have a right to know the truth?”

“Some secrets are best left in the past.” Elena picked up a towel and began to twist it, a sure sign of distress. “Did you require anything else from me? If not, I have some work to attend to.”

Madison knew not to press the matter any further. She needed Elena as an ally, not an enemy. “Actually, I was wondering if you had a final guest list for the reception. I want to go over it with His Highness.” Provided he didn’t toss her out on her posterior, injuring her pride.

“Yes, I do.” Elena walked into the office, emerged a few moments later and handed her two pages full of names. “You’ll see that I have made a separate column for the prospective queen candidates and their fathers. I thought you would find that helpful.”

She found it appalling. “I suppose Prince Zain will appreciate that information. He can come prepared for when they converge upon him.”

Elena surprisingly patted Madison’s cheek. “Do not worry,
cara.
He will find none of them to his liking as long as you are here.” With that, the woman smiled, returned to the office and closed the door.

Obviously no one could pull the wool over Elena’s eyes, and that could present some complications if Madison didn’t remain strong in Zain’s presence.

Not a problem. The way things were going, she’d be lucky if he ever seriously spoke to her again, let alone touched her.

Eight

H
e wanted nothing more than to touch her. Only a slight touch. Or perhaps not so slight at that.

Since Madison’s arrival in the study, Zain had engaged in several fantasies that involved taking her down on the sofa where she sat reciting names that mattered not to him.

“Who is Layali Querishi?” she asked. “That sounds familiar.”

He fixated on Madison’s blue blouse, which could easily be unbuttoned, allowing access to her breasts. “She is a sultan’s daughter and a popular singer.”

“And gorgeous.” She crossed her legs, causing the skirt’s hem to ride higher on her thighs. “I remember seeing an article about her Australian tour.”

“I do not recall her looks.” Nor did he care about them. He only cared about running his hands up Madison’s skirt as a reminder of what they had given up for the sake of professionalism.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?”

Madison’s question startled Zain into believing he might have voiced his thoughts. “What are you referring to?”

“Pay attention, Your Highness.”

He had been paying attention—to her. “My apologies. I have a lot weighing on my mind.” And a heavy weight behind his fly.

“I said do you think it’s a good idea to seat all these women together at the same table? That’s grounds for a queen candidate catfight.”

He could not hold back his smile. “Some might find that thoroughly entertaining.”

“Or thoroughly in bad taste. I suggest we separate them to avoid bloodshed.”

He started to suggest they discard the list and move on to something much more pleasurable, when a series of raps sounded at the door. Familiar raps that readily identified the offending party.

Madison consulted her watch. “It’s late. I can’t imagine who would be stopping in this time of night, unless it’s Mr. Deeb.”

“It’s not Deeb.”

“Then who is it?”

“My brother.”

Thankful his coat sufficiently hid his current state, Zain rounded the desk and opened the door to Adan wearing his standard military-issue flight suit and a cynical smile. He made a circular sweeping gesture with his arm and bowed dramatically. “Greetings, His Majesty, king of the surfing sheikhs.”

He had not mentioned that pastime to Madison, but she definitely knew now. He wanted to send Adan on his way but instead gave him the required manly embrace. “When did you arrive?”

“I flew in a while ago.” Adan leaned around him. “And who is this lovely lady?”

“I’m Madison Foster.” Zain turned to see her standing in front of the sofa. “And you must be Prince Adan.”

“The one and the only.” Adan crossed the room, took Madison’s hand and kissed it. “Are you one of my brother’s California conquests?”

“She is a political consultant,” Zain added in an irritable tone. “Which means she is off-limits to you.”

Adan released her hand but offered up a devil-may-care grin. “I have only honorable intentions.”

She returned his smile as she reclaimed her seat. “You also have a very British accent.”

“He has an aversion to authority,” Zain said. “He spent most of his formative years in a military boarding school in the U.K.”

Adan attempted to look contrite. “I have since learned to respect authority and take orders, as long as they are not delivered by my brothers.”

Zain wanted to order him out of the room. “Considering the lateness of the hour, I am certain you are ready to retire.”

“Actually, I am wide-awake.” He had the audacity to drop down beside Madison and drape his arm over the back of the sofa. “How long will you be here?”

“Ms. Foster will be with
me
until after the coronation,” Zain answered before she could respond. “And we still have much to accomplish tonight.”

“We can take up where we left off tomorrow,” Madison said as she came to her feet. “I’m sure you two have a lot of catching up to do after all these years.”

Adan clasped her wrist and pulled her back down beside him, sparking Zain’s barely contained fury. “I visited Zain in Los Angeles less than six months ago. In fact, I was his guest at least once a year during his time there.”

Many times an unwelcome guest, as he was now. “For that reason, he should return to his quarters so that we might resume our tasks.”

Adan ignored him and took the pages from Madison. “What is this?”

“We’re going over the guest list for the upcoming wedding reception,” she said.

He leaned closer to her. “Am I on it?”

She seemed unaffected by his nearness, and that only served to anger Zain more. “Since you’re in the wedding party, there’s no need to add your name.”

Adan perused the pages for a few moments. “Ah, I see we have a bevy of prospective brides in attendance. Najya Toma’s much too young. Taalah Wasem is too stuffy. And I had hoped to claim the third one as my own. No one would turn down a chance to bed Layali Querishi.” He winked. “Of course, she is not quite as beautiful as you.”

Zain had had quite enough. “If you are finished with your attempts to seduce my employee, I suggest you retire to your quarters now so that we may resume our duties.”

Adan reluctantly came to his feet. “You are beginning to sound like Rafiq. Did you leave your sense of humor in the States?”

“Did you leave your sense of decorum in your jet?”

“Women are quite taken with my jet.”

Zain pointed at the door. “Out. Now.”

Adan had the audacity to laugh. “I can take a hint, brother. And I certainly understand why you would want Ms. Foster all to yourself.” He regarded Madison again. “It has been a pleasure, madam. Should you need protection from this rogue, feel free to notify me immediately.”

She needed protection from his rogue brother. “I assure you, Adan, Ms. Foster is in good hands and does not require your assistance.”

Adan sent Madison another smile. “Then I will bid you both good-night.”

After Adan thankfully left, Zain closed the door and tripped the lock. He turned back to Madison and launched into a tirade on the heels of his anger. “Although you obviously enjoyed my brother’s attention, you should know that he is a master of seduction. Stay clear of him.”

“That’s rich, coming from you.” She tossed the papers aside and sighed. “Not to mention he’s practically a baby, and he seems perfectly harmless.”

He took a few steps toward her. “He is five years my junior. That makes him twenty-eight, and a man.”

“And he’s three years younger than me, so in my eyes, that makes him cougar bait.”

He had not realized she was over thirty, but then he had never asked her age. “Adan would not care if you were twice his age. He recognizes a beautiful woman, he is anything but harmless and he has designs on you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Stop playing the jealous monarch, Zain.”

He was not playing. “I am only concerned about your well-being.”

She tossed the pages aside. “Really? For the past few days, you haven’t seemed at all concerned about my well-being, or anything else, for that matter. You’ve barely given me the time of day.”

And it had nearly destroyed him. “I am giving you space as you’ve requested.”

“You’re giving me the cold shoulder, and I don’t deserve that.”

“And you believe I deserve this torture?”

“What torture?”

He slid his hands in his pockets and took two more slow steps. “Each time you are near me, I can only think about touching you. Ignoring you is my only means of self-defense.”

“You could at least be civil.”

When he reached her, he took off his jacket and draped it over the back of the sofa. “Civility is the last thing on my mind when you’re dressed as you are now.”

She looked down before returning her gaze to his. “It’s a plain blouse and knee-length skirt, Zain, and I’ve been dressing this way since we met. It’s more than decent.”

Decent yes, but his thoughts were not. “And I have suffered because of your choices.”

She rested her elbow on the back of the sofa and rubbed her forehead. “Fine. I’ll wear a full-body burlap sack from now on.”

“It would not matter what you are wearing. I would still imagine you naked.”

“And that makes you just like every other man who comes in contact with a female.”

He leaned forward and braced his palms on the cushions on either side of her hips. “Is that what I am to you, Madison? Only one more man who wants you? Was our lovemaking nothing more than a diversion?”

Unmistakable desire flashed in her eyes. “It was… It was…”

“Remarkable?”

“Unwise.”

He brushed a kiss across her cheek before nuzzling her neck. “Tell me you do not want to experience it again, and I will leave you alone.”

“You’re asking me to lie.”

He touched his lips to hers. “I am asking you to admit that you still want me. I want to hear you say that you are as consumed by thoughts of us as I am.”

“Stop making it so hard to resist you, Zain.”

Using the sofa’s back for support, he lifted her hand and pressed it against his fly. “You are making it hard on me, Madison.”

She rubbed her thumb along the ridge. “That sounds like a very personal problem to me.”

He kissed her then, a kiss hot enough to ignite the room. But when she tried to pull him down beside her, he resisted and straightened.

She glared up at him. “I get it now. You’re teasing me and then you’re going to walk out of here just to punish me.”

“I promise I have no intention of punishing you.” He lowered to the floor on his knees to fulfill his greatest fantasy. “Unless you consider absolute pleasure a form of punishment.”

When he reached beneath her skirt and slid her panties down, she released a slight gasp. And when he parted her legs, she trembled. He kept his gaze leveled on hers as he kissed the inside of one thigh, then the other, and prepared for a protest. Instead, she remained silent as her chest rapidly rose and fell in anticipation.

“Unbutton your blouse and lower your bra,” he said, though he realized she might not answer his demand if she believed he had gone too far.

Yet she surprised him by releasing the buttons with shaking fingers before reaching beneath the back of the blouse to unclasp the bra.

Seeing her eyes alight with excitement and her breasts exposed was almost his undoing. As badly as he wanted to dispense with formality and seat himself deep inside her, he had something else in mind. Yet before he sought his ultimate destination, he had one final question. “Tell me you want me to keep going.”

She exhaled slowly. “You know I do, dammit.”

The first curse she’d ever uttered in his presence served to excite him even more. “Then say it.”

“I want you to do it.”

That was all he needed to hear. He pushed her skirt up to her waist for better access, slipped his hands beneath her hips and lowered his mouth between her trembling legs. He watched her face to gauge her reaction as he teased her with the tip of his tongue, varying the pressure to prolong the pleasure.

When her eyes momentarily drifted shut, he stopped and lifted his head. “Look at me, Madison. I want you to see what I am doing to you.”

She blinked twice as if in a trance. “I don’t think I can.”

“Yes, you can, and you will.”

When their gazes locked, he went back to his exploration, more thoroughly this time. She gripped the cushions and lifted her hips to meet his mouth, indicating she was close to reaching a climax. And as she tipped her head back and released a low moan, Zain refused to let up until her frame and expression went slack.

After her breathing slowed and her eyes closed again, he rose to his feet. Leaving her now would be difficult, but he felt he had no choice. He turned and started toward the door, only to halt midstride when she asked, “Where are you going?”

He faced her to find she was clutching her blouse closed, a mixture of ire and confusion in her expression. “I am going to bed, and you should, as well. You should be relaxed enough to enjoy a restful sleep.” He regrettably would not. He would lie awake for hours, aching for her and wondering when he would have her again. If he would ever have her again.

“Oh, no, you don’t,” she said. “You’re not going to just leave me here alone after you’ve somehow managed to turn me into some sort of wild animal in heat.”

“I know you, Madison, and this wildness is the part of you that you’ve kept concealed from the world, and from yourself. You have simply never met a man who encourages that side of you before now. I am that man.”

She released the blouse, allowing it to gape open. “A real man would come over and finish what he started.”

It took all his resolve not to answer her challenge. “From this point forward, you will have to come to me. But mark my words, we will finish this.”

*

Mark my words, we will finish this…

To this point, Madison hadn’t given Zain that satisfaction, although he’d given her plenty during their little office interlude. She’d managed to afford the same courtesy he had shown her by turning the tables on him. She’d made a point to avoid him the past three days, but unfortunately, she couldn’t avoid him tonight.

While she claimed a corner of the banquet hall, nursing a mineral water and a solid case of jealousy, the imminent king stood at the front of the room, basking in female attention. Who could blame them? He was a tall, dark presence dressed in a black silk suit, light gray shirt and a perfect-match tie. Both his looks and his status had earned him more than his share of attention. She’d basically been relegated to wallflower status, after she’d made the required rounds among the dignitaries and diplomats she’d personally invited. Normally she didn’t like being invisible, yet tonight she didn’t care if she blended into the background. It didn’t matter one whit if no one noticed her.

“You are looking exceedingly lovely tonight, Ms. Foster.”

Madison glanced to her left and met the dimpled baby Mehdi’s charming smile. She still couldn’t get over his lack of resemblance to his older brothers, who could almost pass as twins. Where their eyes were almost black, Adan’s were golden and his hair was much lighter. That didn’t make him any less gorgeous in a boyish sort of way. “Thank you, Your Highness.”