by Leslie North
“Are you insane?” she hissed. “You kidnapped the sheikh’s daughter to protect the sheikh from a threat that hasn’t happened!”
His face darkened with anger, and he pulled his arm back. Afraid he was going to strike, she tried to shield Aisha as best as she could, but the blow never came. Instead, Mohamet jumped to his feet and marched out of the room. As the door slammed behind him, Amy quickly sprang to her feet. “Stay right there, sweetie. I need to find us a way out.”
“Are we going to escape?” Aisha said in a loud child’s whisper.
“We’re definitely not going to sit around here and wait for the guys to figure out that they’re a bunch of idiots,” she muttered low enough that Aisha wouldn’t catch the words. They hadn’t even bothered to cover their faces, and Amy could easily identify them. Once they realized that, she and Aisha weren’t getting out of this alive.
Any of the three small windows would be easy enough to break, if she were tall enough to reach one, which she wasn’t, plus the room was empty. Nothing to stand on.
If Aisha stood on her shoulders, the girl could probably reach the latch, but with no one on the other side to catch her, she would definitely injure herself jumping down.
“Crap,” Amy whispered. Creeping over to the door, she gently tried the knob. Locked. Obviously, their kidnappers had done something right. How unfortunate.
“Daddy will come for us,” Aisha tried to assure her.
Amy couldn’t help a chuckle as she leaned against the wall and slid back down to the floor. The situation was dire when a seven-year-old was trying to make her feel calm.
“You’re right. Your daddy will stop at nothing to make sure you come home safely. He loves you.”
“I love him, too. He’s a good daddy.”
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she nodded. Bahir was a good father. He was a good man. How could she have called him a cold bastard?
They both jerked as gunshots rang out. Springing to her feet, Amy grabbed Aisha’s hand and pulled her into the corner next to the door. Aisha cried out, but there wasn’t time to comfort her. If someone came through that door, she had to be ready.
“Aisha!” she heard Bahir’s sudden roar. “Amy!”
Thank God. She had no idea how Bahir had found them so quickly, but she wasn’t about to question her good luck. Tensing, she waited.
The door opened, slamming against the wall, and Bahir burst in, looking around quickly before he spotted them. Aisha launched herself into his arms.
Holding the girl with one arm, Bahir reached for Amy and fell to his knees, tugging her down with him. He buried his free hand in Amy’s hair, resting his forehead against hers. When he lifted his head to meet her gaze, she read everything she needed in his eyes.
“Amy,” he said hoarsely. “I’m so sorry.”
He loved her.
“It’s okay,” she whispered.
“We need to go.” He pushed himself to his feet and picked Aisha up, wrapping his arms securely around his daughter and easing her head against his shoulder. “Close your eyes, sweetheart. I don’t want you see what’s in the other room.”
“I’m sorry about Mohamet,” Amy said sincerely as she followed him.
Another man was waiting for them in the next room. Same gorgeous eyes and hard jawline. This must be the third brother.
He didn’t look all that much like a party boy.
“You must be Amy,” he said in a low voice. “I’m Riyad. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You, as well,” she said and grimaced, “but this might not be the best time.”
Grinning, he waved them out of the building.
As Amy followed Bahir out, she glanced back one last time, only to see one of the rebels on the floor lock eyes with her and raise his gun.
Eyes wide, she tried to scream out a warning. The gun was aiming at Bahir and Aisha. Without a second thought, Amy launched herself in front of them. She grunted as white-hot pain seared through her body.
Aisha screamed, and Riyad quickly raised his gun and finished the man.
Bahir thrust Aisha at his brother and dove for Amy. “Sweetheart?” he whispered urgently as he reached her side. “What the hell were you thinking?”
“I’m okay,” she muttered as she glanced down at the blood pouring from her shoulder. “I’m okay.”
Her vision darkened, and she suddenly feared that maybe she wasn’t okay after all.
16
“Got it.” The doctor held up the bullet and dropped it in the pan. Bahir watched in a cold sweat as the doctor stitched up the wound and covered it with a bandage. “Stitches are good for ten to fourteen days. You should try to avoid getting them wet. If you see any discoloration, call me immediately.”
“She’s still unconscious,” Bahir pointed out. “That can’t be a good thing.”
When Riyad had gotten the name of the leader and his known location, they’d immediately mounted a rescue, but Bahir was still shaken to have seen Mohamet among the rebels. Who was he supposed to trust in the palace now? First the maid, and now one of his favorite guards?
None of that was even remotely close to how angry he’d felt at seeing Amy jump into the path of the bullet to save him and his child.
If she died before he got a chance to tell her that he loved her, he’d never forgive himself.
“Probably from shock. I could bring her around, but it’s best to let her do it naturally.” The doctor stood and smiled. “Your Royal Highness, are you well? I’d like to examine you now.”
“My daughter.” Bahir pointed toward the royal family’s private sitting room. “Go check on her. She’s with my brothers.”
“Of course. Let me wash my hands.” Gathering his things, the doctor headed out of the room.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Bahir grabbed Amy’s hand and waited.
It was so quiet, he could hear the ticking of the antique clock on the dresser. “This is all my fault,” he whispered to her at last. “You came here for a simple life, and I ruined it. I put you in danger. I took you because I wanted you, and I couldn’t let you go. Now my doctor has pulled a bullet out of your shoulder, and you’re unconscious in my bed. And I never got a chance to tell you that I love you. I screwed everything up earlier, and I need you to know.”
“I know.”
Whipping his head around, he stared down at her beautiful face. Pain clouded her eyes, but her smile was genuine. “You’re awake. How do you feel?”
“I guess I feel like I got shot,” she chuckled weakly as she struggled to sit up. Helping her up, Bahir propped some pillows behind her. “Aisha?”
“The doctor is looking in on her now, but she’s fine. You saved her life.”
“I love her,” Amy said simply.
“I know.” Squeezing her hand, he cleared his throat. “Amy, I messed everything up earlier. I don’t want to marry you because I want a mother for Aisha. I fell in love with you because I could see how much you loved Aisha. I love your passion and your generosity. I love how protective you are, how sweet you are—”
“Bahir. You don’t have to say all of this.”
“I’m not saying it because you took a bullet for me. I need you to know that.”
“Bahir.” Clutching at his shirt, she tugged on it until he scooted closer to her, and she curled up under his arm. “I spent time with you thinking that we’d never overcome our differences. Your wealth and family. When you sort of proposed to me, all I could think was that you were going to use me like my ex did, but when you came in to rescue me, I saw it on your face. I knew that you loved me.”
“I do. And when you no longer have stitches in you from a bullet wound, I’m going to do this right.”
“Do what right?”
“Propose.” Smiling, he held her close. He wanted to give her all the romance that she could handle. The candlelight dinner. A dozen dozen roses. Champagne glasses. He’d get her a ring. Maybe he’d put the ring in her champagne glass. Too clichéd?
“My answer is already yes,” she laughed. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I know. I want to. You deserve it.”
“And if I don’t want to wait?”
“Then you’re going to have to learn some patience. I’m going to woo the hell out of you.”
Amy snuggled deeper under his arm and chuckled. “I like that idea.”
Six Months Later
As it turned out, Amy couldn’t learn patience. As Natalie helped button up her dress, Amy leaned over to tie the sash of Aisha’s dress. Iris watched from atop the vanity. She swung her feet and hugged both her plush dragon and Kedar, while Beetle sat on the floor looking adoringly up at her.
In the past six months, Amy had discovered what it meant to have a family. Iman was the older brother she’d never had. Natalie was like her sister, and Taslima, her mother. Even Riyad, when he was around, was amazing. Amy had never felt so loved in her entire life, and that was before she kissed her daughter every night and snuggled in the arms of the man who’d vowed never to let her go.
Bahir had wanted to wait a year to get married, but Amy couldn’t wait any longer. She wanted to make her new family official.
Riyad had continued to hunt down the other rebels and the newest leader who had sprung up in all the chaos. Meanwhile, Bahir and Amy focused on the orphanages. For one thing, Bahir had a long talk with the village doctor, who promised that no child would have to wait for medical help again. They’d hired tutors to make sure the children were properly educated, and Amy and Natalie worked together to make the buildings more secure and homey.
Iris and Aisha loved playing with the other children, and even Taslima joined in to help.
Amy put her journalism degree to good use. Using Haamas as her starting point, she began a blog focusing on orphanages around the world. It turned out that she didn’t need to travel to make a difference.
Although she still planned on traveling.
“This is your last chance to run,” Natalie teased.
“Not a chance,” Amy grinned. “I can’t thank you enough for standing in as my bridesmaid.”
“It’s an honor. And you have the two most beautiful flower girls ever. I’m jealous. I may need a wedding do-over.”
Straightening, Amy wiggled to settle the strapless wedding dress, and Natalie pulled her hair back under the hijab. A mix of Western and Eastern culture. Amy loved it.
“You’re beautiful,” Natalie whispered as she leaned over and hugged Amy.
“It’s less about the clothes and more about how I’m feeling. Loved.” With a smile, the bride walked over to the window and looked out. Hundreds of people milled below, enough to give her a small anxiety attack, but all she could focus on was the man waiting patiently for her.
Bahir. Her lover. Her love. And soon, her husband.
At a tug on her dress, Amy looked down at Aisha. Bending down, she hugged the little girl. “What’s that look on your face for?”
“I have a question for you,” Aisha said shyly.
For a moment, Amy thought the child was going to ask if Kedar could join her in walking down the aisle. “What’s your question, sweetheart?”
“When you marry my Daddy, do I still have to call you Amy?”
Confused, Amy cocked her head. “What do you want to call me?”
“Momma.”
Heart in her throat, Amy wrapped her arms around Aisha and hugged her tightly. “Nothing else could make me happier.”
Who knew that her adventure to escape her failed relationship and inability to have children would end up with the love of her life, and family?
“Ready?” Natalie asked. “The groom is waiting.”
Amy was ready, for this and whatever else life was going to throw her way.
End of The Sheikh’s Secret Child
The Karawi Sheikhs Series Book Two
The Sheikh’s Surprise Heir, 23 May 2019
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The Sheikh’s Secret Child, 30 May 2019
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The Sheikh’s Pregnant Love, 6 June 2019
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PS: Do you love playboy billionaires? Then keep reading for exclusive extracts from The Sheikh’s Pretend Fiancée and The Sheikh’s Pregnant Love.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for purchasing my book. It’s hard for me to put into words how much I appreciate my readers. If you enjoyed this book, please remember to leave a review. Reviews are crucial for an author’s success and I would greatly appreciate it if you took the time to review the book. I love hearing from you!
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About Leslie
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women's contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres.
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BLURB
Danielle Greenski’s life is going to change in a big way. Single and newly pregnant, her days of traveling the globe for work and living a life of adventure are about to end. But not just yet—when she meets a gorgeous man who’s the perfect “last fling” before she settles down to mommyhood. After an amazing weekend with Sheikh Riyad Karawi, she’s totally fine with saying good-bye—until she’s kidnapped by rebels who think she’s carrying the Sheikh’s baby. Apparently, in addition to being a Sheikh, her weekend lover has some other big secrets he hasn’t shared. Like how he’s part of the country’s elite military squad. And wanted by rebels. And maybe the most intriguing man she’s ever met…
The last thing this womanizing charmer needs is to fall for a pregnant woman—it would completely blow the playboy persona he’s been using to get close to the rebel forces. But that’s what Sheikh Riyad is faced with after he meets American firebrand, Danielle. He can’t figure out why he feels the need to protect a woman he’s just met, why he can’t seem to get her out of his system—no matter how hard he tries—and why the thought of her going home is punching him in the gut. For now, he’ll just keep her around until he knows she’s safe. Or maybe, until he can convince her to stay.
If only he can make Danielle believe that he’s not just the playboy she met, but a man she could love forever.
Grab your copy of The Sheikh’s Pregnant Love
Available 6 June 2019
www.LeslieNorthBooks.com
EXCERPT
Chapter One
The sun had long since gone down, and though the night was clear, the air remained sticky. Riyad scanned the Rooftop Lounge, looking for his target. It was a busy night, what with both his brothers celebrating: one, a wedding and the other, a wedding anniversary. Everyone was out partying, eager to rub elbows with the rich and famous, and Riyad was glad to be out of the palace. While he loved his family, especially his nieces, a man like him could take only so much.
Tugging at his bowtie to loosen it, he smirked at how he must look. Normally clean-shaven, he’d allowed his hair to grow out, and a beard now masked the lower part of his face, making him less recognizable as the youngest Karawi sheikh, perfect for his line of work as an agent for the small kingdom’s intelligence agency.
Riyad had spent the past three years using his playboy lifestyle as a cover to help keep his family safe. For much of that time, the job had been easy. He loved women, he loved traveling, and he loved making his oldest brother’s head spin. Now that a rebel faction was targeting the royal family, however, the cat was half out of the bag.
After his work to bring down the cell that had targeted Bahir, his brother, and Amy, his new sister-in-law, Riyad had faced intense inquiries from his brothers, but he’d managed to deflect them. Now was not the time to come forward with the truth. It was easi
er if everyone, even his brothers, thought he was nothing more than a wealthy playboy.
Accepting his drink from the waiter, he turned to survey the room again, easily spotting his target sitting off to the side, telltale newspaper resting conveniently on the corner of the table. The man held a phone in his hand, like most of the other patrons, but his fingers weren’t tapping at the screen, and from the tilt of his chin, it was obvious he was aware of everything going on around him.
Riyad could feel the flash drive in the pocket of his tux, waiting to be delivered to the man on the other side of the lounge. First, though, he needed to make sure no one else was paying attention.
That was when he saw her. A woman sat at a table opposite the man Riyad was watching. She’d wrapped her hijab carelessly, and it had already half slipped off, revealing blonde hair reminiscent of gold. She was fingering a full glass of wine, staring at it with an expression he couldn’t decipher.
His body immediately responded to her. She was an obvious beauty with full red lips and large blue eyes. This was the type of woman who turned heads wherever she went, but tonight, she seemed to be trying to hide.
Why?
Thanks to his sisters-in-law, Haamas had started getting more tourists, so seeing her shouldn’t have surprised him, but if anyone clearly didn’t belong in the Rooftop Lounge, it was this woman.
Was she a plant, dangled bait in hopes of getting information on him?
Needing to kill time to make the drop look more casual, Riyad strolled over to her table and leaned on the adjacent railing. “It’s supposed to cover your hair,” he said softly. The woman’s eyes immediately widened as she reached for the hijab, and he shook his head. “You don’t have to fix it. This kingdom is a little more relaxed when it comes to tourists. I only wanted to let you know.”
