The Return of the Sheikh (8 page)

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.

Six

“H
ow much farther is it?”

Zain glanced back at Madison, who was trudging up the drive slowly. “Only thirty meters or so.”

“My metrics suck, Zain,” she said, sounding winded. “And apparently so does my stamina. But at least you were kind enough to stop for food, however rushed the meal might have been.”

He’d feared being identified in such a public place. Fortunately, they’d somehow escaped recognition. “We are almost there.”

As they rounded the bend, the three-quarter moon provided enough light to illuminate the small flat-roofed structure that had been a second home during his youth. He paused and pointed. “It is right there.”

She came to his side and squinted. “Who lives here?”

“My friend Malik. He owns the surrounding land and raises sheep.”

Madison knelt to retie her shoe. “Does he know we’re coming?”

“No, but he will be glad to see me.” Or so he hoped. Seven years had come and gone since their last contact, but they had been the best of friends though they lived on opposite sides of the social dividing line.

She straightened and secured the band in her hair. “Let’s get going, then, before my legs give out completely. If that happens, you’ll have to carry me the rest of the way.”

He saw no reason not to do that now. Without giving Madison warning, he swept her up, tossed her over his shoulder and started toward their destination.

“Put me down, you royal caveman.”

Had she not been laughing, he would have complied due to the insult. “I am not a caveman. I am a gentleman.”

“A gentleman Neanderthal.”

“I am the Neanderthal who is coming to your rescue, therefore you should refrain from complaining.”

“My hero.”

Ignoring her sarcasm, he continued until he made it up the single step and onto the small porch before he slid her down to her feet. “Are you sufficiently rested now?”

She adjusted her clothing and sighed. “I’m probably a mess.”

“You are a beautiful mess.”

She smiled. “You are a wonderful liar.”

He reached out and touched her flushed cheek. “It is unfortunate you do not realize the extent of your beauty, yet is it also refreshing. I have known too many women whose beauty is only superficial. Yours is far-reaching.”

She laid her palm on his hand. “You are determined to say all the right things tonight, aren’t you?”

He also wanted to do all the right things, avoiding any missteps along the way. That alone prevented him from kissing her now, though he desperately wanted to do that, and more. “I am only trying to give you an enjoyable evening.”

“So far, so good, expect for the marathon walk. Now, do you think you might want to knock before your friend goes to bed?”

“That is probably a good idea.” He reluctantly dropped his hand from her face and rapped on the door.

Several minutes passed before Malik answered the summons. “Yes?”

Zain removed his cap. “Do you have water for two weary travelers,
sadiq?
”

The initial confusion on his friend’s face quickly dissolved into recognition. “Zain, is that you?”

“Have I changed that much?”

Malik greeted him with a stern expression. “No, you have not changed. You are still the
kalet
who always appears unannounced.”

Sadly, he had mistakenly believed he would be welcome. “Perhaps I should return another time.”

“I prefer not to wait another seven years before I can beat you at a game of Tarneeb.” He opened the door wide and grinned.
“Marhaban
,
sadiq.”

The warm greeting lifted Zain’s spirits and concerns. He entered the house and accepted his friend’s brief embrace before he remembered Madison was still waiting outside.

He turned and gestured her forward. “Malik, this is Madison Foster. Madison, Malik El-Amin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Malik,” Madison said as she offered her hand to Malik to shake.

“Come and sit.” Malik gestured toward the familiar low corner sofa covered in heavy blue fabric.

Before they could comply, a dark-haired child bolted into the room and immediately hid behind Malik. She smiled up at Zain as she twirled a long braid and rocked back and forth on her heels.

“Who have we here?” Zain asked.

“This is Lailah,” Malik said as he nudged her forward. “She is six and our oldest.”

“She’s beautiful,” Madison said from behind Zain.

Malik smiled with pride as he swept Lailah into his arms. “She fortunately resembles her mother, as do the rest of our daughters.”

When a sudden, bittersweet memory filtered into Zain’s mind, he pushed it aside. Yet he couldn’t quite dismiss the regrets over losing touch with his friend. “How many children do you have?”

“Three more,” Malik said as he set Lailah on her feet, prompting her to exit as quickly as she’d come into the room. “Badia is five and Jada is four. Ma’ali is our youngest. She arrived three months ago.”

Zain patted his back. “Congratulations. It appears Mabrứuk has been good to you.”

Malik frowned. “Perhaps too good.”

He looked around for signs of his friend’s wife. “Is Helene so exhausted she has already retired for the evening?”

“She is putting the baby to bed.”

“Unfortunately, I have not been successful in that endeavor.”

Zain turned his attention to the former Helene Christos, who breezed into the room, her thick brown hair flowing over her shoulders, a swaddled infant nestled in the crook of her arm. He immediately went to her and kissed both her cheeks. “You have not changed since the day you wed Malik.” A somewhat controversial wedding between an Arabic farmer and a Greek-American restaurant owner’s daughter. Clearly they had survived that controversy.

She frowned. “And you are forever the royal charmer, Zain Mehdi. But then I suppose I should be calling you King now. Forgive me for not bowing. I have my hands full.”

He decided not to point out he was not the official king yet. “Clearly Malik has his hands full as well, since you have given him four daughters. I suppose he deserves that much.”

She patted his cheek. “As do you. I wish for you many daughters and much grief protecting them from rogues like you and Malik.”

“I’ll second that,” Madison added.

Zain felt bad for not including Madison in the conversation. Without thought, he took her hand, pulled her forward and kept his palm against the small of her back. “This is Madison Foster.”

Helene eyed her for a few moments before she handed the sleeping infant over to her husband. “Are you a souvenir Zain brought from Los Angeles?”

Madison shook her head. “Not hardly. I’m currently serving as a consultant during his transition from prince to king.”

“Helene’s family owns the restaurant where we dined tonight,” Zain added.

“The tapas were wonderful,” Madison said. “I haven’t found anything remotely as good in the D.C. area.”

Helene’s expression brightened. “You’re from D.C.? My family is originally from Baltimore, although I haven’t lived there since my father saw an opportunity and opened his restaurant here fifteen years ago.” She reclaimed the baby from Malik before gesturing toward the sofa. “Have a seat and tell me what’s the latest in spring fashion in America.”

When the women settled onto the sofa to converse, Malik nodded to his right. “Let us escape before we are asked our opinions on footwear.”

Zain followed Malik into the modest kitchen that had been fitted with modern appliances. “I see you have made some improvements.”

Malik leaned back against the counter and folded his arms. “After my mother passed four years ago, I felt the need to make Helene feel more welcome in our home.”

“I was not aware of your loss.” A loss to which Zain could relate. “My sympathies. She was a good woman.”

“She was a hard-working woman. She was forced to be the sole support following my father’s death. I do not wish Helene to endure such hardship if I can prevent it.”

Yet Malik had turned down Zain’s loan offer several years ago. “Is the farming going well?”

“It has been for the last few years. After I married Helene, we were shunned by a few traditionalists but fortunately accepted by those who have blended, multicultural families. Those people kept us afloat until we finally gained acceptance.”

He felt a measure of guilt that he hadn’t been around to offer moral support. “I am sorry it’s been so difficult for the two of you, Malik. My wish is for your continued success and a prosperous future for your family.”

“You can assist us with that, Zain.”

Finally, the man would let go of his pride and accept help. “How much money do you need?”

“I am not speaking of money,” Malik said. “The local madrasa is in great need of funds for supplies and books. We cannot afford a private school and we want our daughters to have the best education.”

Only one more change he would need to make among many. “Consider it done. I will add that to the budget now under consideration.” And hoped he would not face another battle with the council.

“I appreciate whatever you can do.” Malik inclined his head and sent him a curious look. “What is your true relationship with this Madison Foster?”

That happened to be one question he wasn’t prepared to answer, perhaps because he was still uncertain. “As we previously explained, she is a contracted employee.”

“Is serving as your lover one of the requirements?”

The question took Zain aback. “She is not my lover.”

“Yet that is precisely what you are wishing for,
sadiq.
”

“I did not say that.” He sounded too defensive to support a denial.

Zain was certain Malik saw through his guise after his friend laid a hand on his shoulder. “When you escaped the palace to play with the local boys in the village streets on the day we met, I recognized you were destined for greatness. And when you became the chosen successor to the throne, I knew that would come to pass. Are you willing to give up your destiny for a woman who would not be deemed suitable?”

Zain tamped down his anger for the sake of friendship. “Are those not the words of a hypocrite, Malik? You did not let suitability sway you when you chose Helene.”

“Yet I am not the king with an entire country following my every move.”

He reluctantly acknowledged his friend had a point. “The people of this country should not be allowed to dictate my personal life or who I choose to be with.”

Malik narrowed his eyes. “It is apparent this woman means more to you than another conquest to add to all the others.”

He felt the need to be truthful. “I am not certain what she means to me. I do know she seems to understand me in ways no one has before. When she’s not in my presence, she is constantly in my thoughts. When I am with her, I dread the moment she has to leave me. Have you felt as if you had known someone your entire life, yet you’ve only known them for a few days?”

“Yes. Helene. And you,
sadiq,
are in the throes of love.”

He had to believe that his current state was only the result of unrequited lust. “I cannot afford those emotions, Malik. I do know I can only consider the time we have now before she returns to America.”

“And when will that be?”

“Following the coronation.” The time had come to pose a request, one his friend could adamantly refuse. “Do you have a vehicle I could borrow for the evening? I will see that it is returned to you tomorrow morning.”

“You did not arrive in an official car?” Malik asked.

“We walked into the village so that Madison could see the sights. Tonight I desire to be only a man with no responsibility other than being with a remarkable woman.”

His friend scowled. “Yet you are a king with no car and obviously no guards.”

“I do not need guards where I have been, or where I am going.”

“Where would that be?”

“I wish to show Madison the lake.”

Malik gave him a good-natured grin. “You wish to show her more than that, I fear. Perhaps you need protection not from guards, but from the powers of Mabrứuk.”

“I only need a vehicle.” In terms of lovemaking, the protection issue would warrant discussion only if the situation arose once he had Madison alone. “Will you accommodate me, or will I need to go door-to-door to make the request?”

Malik walked to the back entrance, took a key hanging from the hook on the wall and returned to offer it to Zain. “This is to my truck. It is old and it has no rear seating, but it runs and it does have fuel, as well as two blankets for your comfort. Please return it in the same condition.”

Zain pocketed the keys. “I am eternally in your debt.”

“You may repay me by proceeding with caution. But then you have always been the master of escape, which leads me to believe you have a plan.”

He planned only to leave as soon as possible before he had to endure more of his friend’s counsel. “If you are finished with the advice, we need to be going before the night is over.”

“I only have a few more words to say.” When Zain opened his mouth to protest, Malik held up a hand to silence him and continued. “I understand your need to hurry, but I urge you to think before you head down the path of no return. And after some consideration, you may keep the blankets as a memento.”

They shared in a hearty laugh as they returned to the living area to find the women still engaged in conversation. Zain was surprised to see Madison holding the baby against her shoulder and rocking slowly, back and forth.

She seemed very natural with the child, yet he saw a hint of sadness in her eyes when she glanced at him, and perhaps longing. That telling sign led Zain to believe she had not been honest when she’d firmly stated she had no interest in having a family. Perhaps she had not found the right man to father her children. He could be that man.

The thought came to him clear and concise, rendering him mentally off balance. He could not wish for the unattainable. He would not subject her to years of regret by wanting more from her than he could give her. But he could give her this night. A night she would not soon forget.

*

“Are you sure this thing is going to make it?” When Madison failed to receive a response from Zain, who had his eyes trained on the treacherous road, she gave up trying to talk to him. Between the vehicle’s squeaks and groans, and the whistling wind, which had picked up steam, conversation was out of the question.