The Sheikh and the Bought Bride

by Susan Mallery

  Why hadn’t he married? Why was he alone? Shouldn’t some desert beauty have caught him by now?

  She left the closet. On her way back to the main room, she saw a plain door and opened it.

  The room was small—perhaps an office or even a nursery, she thought. It was difficult to tell. The walls were white, there was no decoration, no furniture save a rocking chair. There were also several boxes and trunks.

  The room felt abandoned and dusty. She crossed to a trunk sitting on top of a stack of boxes and opened the top. Inside where folded clothes carelessly covered with photos. She picked up the top one.

  Kateb laughed back at her. There was an ease about him she hadn’t seen before. His dark eyes radiated joy. He stood next to a beautiful, dark-haired woman, his arm around her, the woman smiling up at him. They looked perfect together.

  Something caught her eye. She looked closer and saw a wedding band on the woman’s hand. A thicker, matching band glinted from Kateb’s finger.

  He’d been married, she thought, carefully putting the picture back on the pile and closing the lid. He’d been married and completely in love with his wife. Who was she? What had happened to her?

  “She died.”

  Victoria spun and saw Yusra standing in the doorway.

  “She was his wife?”

  “Yes. Her name was Cantara. She was the daughter of a chieftain. They’d known each other since he first came here when he was ten. They grew up together.”

  She was having trouble with the idea, despite the photos. Shouldn’t she have heard about this before? Maybe a desert union had been easy to keep secret. “He must have loved her very much.”

  “She was everything to him,” Yusra said, walking over to another trunk and opening it. She reached inside and pulled out wedding photos.

  Victoria looked at the laughing young woman in the pictures. Kateb gazed at her adoringly. They were the perfect couple.

  “How did she die?”

  “A car accident in Rome. It was one of those things. Nearly five years ago. Afterward Kateb disappeared into the desert for nearly ten months. No one saw him or heard from him. We worried he might be dead. But one day he returned.”

  Victoria dropped the photo back into the trunk and stepped back. “I didn’t know.”

  “He doesn’t speak of it. No one does. But everyone worries. He’s been alone too long. When he brought you here…” She shrugged and closed the trunk. “We had hoped he had decided to trust his heart again.”

  “I’m not here because of his heart,” Victoria said, not sure why she felt sick to her stomach. She hurried out of the storage room, through Kateb’s quarters and out into the hallway.

  She didn’t know how to get back to the stairs, so she simply started walking. She had to get as far away as she could.

  He’d been married. He’d been in love and his wife was dead. How was that possible? How could she not have known?

  Now she understood why both Yusra and Rasha had spoken about him being lonely. He was haunted by his painful loss. This explained the distance, the cynicism, the darkness in his eyes.

  At last she found the stairs and the ugly vase. She made her way back to the harem and walked out into the walled garden. Once there, she could finally breathe again.

  She didn’t know why the information changed everything, but it did. It was as if her world had shifted to another dimension. She pressed her hand to her stomach, willing it to calm down.

  Until this moment, she’d never considered the possibility of being pregnant, but now she turned the idea over in her mind. Carrying Kateb’s baby would mean staying here, haunted by a beautiful woman and her laughter. It would mean being trapped here with ghosts…forever.

  Chapter Eight

  “Three bids was a starting place,” Victoria said as she clicked to the next screen on her PowerPoint presentation. “I can get more, if you’d like. Selling to the home shopping channels on American and European television is really appealing but they would require us to set up meetings and go there with samples. That seems like a complicated first step. This, at least, is easier.”

  Kateb studied the computer screen. “You are talking about international distribution.”

  “It sounds more grand than it is. I’m talking about opening up U.S. and European markets.”

  “Which is international.”

  “Technically, yes, but it’s not like I’m trying to start new manufacturing in China or something. We can test market in a few boutiques in major cities. If we’re lucky, get into the trade shows. There’s very little up-front cost for this. Rasha has put together a budget and they nearly have all the money they need. Does El Deharia have anything like a small-business administration to help them? I don’t think they want to go to their husbands, although I guess they could.”

  Kateb frowned. “Print out five copies of your business plan and let me study it. I will check your numbers and have my staff research your distributors. If everything is as it appears, I will loan them the money they need to expand.”

  If she’d been standing she would have fallen over in shock. “You?”

  He kept his attention on the computer screen. “As you pointed out, diversification is a good thing. Perhaps there are other people who have ideas for small businesses. Word will spread. Bahjat was a good leader, but he didn’t believe women had a place in business.”

  Victoria nearly snorted. “And you do?”

  “I am aware that both genders can be intelligent.”

  “You have a harem.”

  “As I have explained, it came with the palace.”

  “You don’t seem in any big hurry to convert it to a petting zoo.”

  “I doubt you would enjoy sharing space with goats and sheep.”

  “That’s true.” She saved the file then closed the program. “So you’re saying women can be leaders in business. What about in politics?”

  He angled toward her. “You wish to govern?”

  “Not me, but there must be women who are interested. Will they have an opportunity? Do you think El Deharia is ready for its own Queen Elizabeth?”

  “Not today.” He glanced at the computer. “Your report was excellent. Well researched, thorough. I enjoyed the graphics.”

  “Thank you,” she said primly, not wanting him to know how his praise made her feel giddy inside. “I think these women are creating amazing jewelry. They need a showcase for their talent.”

  “You are providing them that.”

  “I’m only helping. They’re doing the hard work.”

  He studied her. “You’re saying this isn’t about you? That if it comes to pass, you won’t be the one in charge?”

  “No. It’s not my business. Rasha is more than capable of managing the business. And I’m guessing that with the excellent wi-fi you have in the palace that there are plenty of teenagers who could manage the Web site. I’m not looking to home in on their show.” She rolled her eyes. “Let me guess. You don’t believe me. I’m just playing you, right?”

  “No, you’re not. And I do believe you.”

  “You’d better.”

  He looked amused. “Or what?”

  “Let’s just say you wouldn’t like me angry. I’d scare you.”

  “Yes, I can see that happening.”

  They were in his office. She was aware of people on the other side of the closed door and the fact that her appointment would end in a few minutes. Although they lived in the same palace, she rarely saw him. Probably because that was how he wanted it. Tonight was the celebration of his nomination and she would be going with him, but she had a feeling there wouldn’t be much time alone.

  She closed the laptop. “Kateb, I…” What to say and how to say it? “I didn’t know you’d been married before. I’m sorry for your loss.”

  He didn’t move, yet she felt him close against her. It was as if a wall came down, separating them. “It was a long time ago,” he told her.

  “I know. But it must still
hurt. I’m sorry.”

  “You have no need to be.”

  “I know what it’s like to lose someone you love. The pain fades, but it never goes away.”

  He nodded slightly.

  She stood and reached for the laptop. “About the dinner tonight. Am I supposed to meet you there or what?”

  “I will come to the harem.”

  “Yusra said she’d bring me something to wear. After last time, I’m almost afraid.”

  He gave her a slight smile. “I will speak with her. The clothing will be appropriate.”

  “Thanks.”

  She knew it was time to leave, yet she didn’t want to go. She wanted to say something else. But what? They were strangers bound by a single night together. He’d already given his heart to another woman and she wasn’t interested in love. They didn’t belong together. So why did she have the feeling that she would miss him when it was time for her to go?

  Kateb found himself looking forward to the evening. Although the idea of a formal dinner didn’t appeal to him, he knew that sitting next to Victoria would be entertaining. She would be interested in the events, ask intelligent questions, then make him laugh with her unexpected and humorous worldview.

  She was not who and what he would have expected. Her business plan had impressed him. He would guess she’d been an excellent assistant to Nadim and that the other man had never bothered to notice. Just like Nadim had probably never listened to her snarky comments or noticed the sway of her walk.

  But Kateb noticed and it drove him crazy. He couldn’t be near her without wanting her, which was the downside to the dinner.

  “Are you ready?” he asked as he walked into the harem.

  “I guess. I’m covered, that’s for sure. It’s not anything I would have picked.”

  She walked into the room and turned in a slow circle. “Yes? No? I have a formal ballgown if that would be better.”

  Yusra had dressed her traditionally, in slim, fitted trousers and a matching long jacket, both in dark gold with delicate embroidery. The jacket buttoned to her neck and the full sleeves came to her wrists. It flared out like a dress, falling almost to her ankles. Yet there were only three buttons, so her midsection was exposed from just below her breasts to her belly button.

  The slight view of her pale skin was both unexpected and erotic. It made him want to unbutton the jacket and pull it off, then remove the rest of her clothing. He wanted her naked, wet and moaning. The image was real enough to make him hard.

  He ignored his reaction and concentrated on the way she’d piled her blond hair on top of her head. A few curls fell past her shoulders. Her eyes were large and the color of the desert sky.

  “You’re not saying anything,” Victoria told him.

  “You look very beautiful.”

  “Are you sure it’s okay? I feel weird in pants.” She crossed to a mirror. “I don’t know.”

  “Perhaps this will help.” He walked toward her. “Though they are only on loan.”

  “What are we talking about?”

  He pulled a pair of sapphire earrings out of his jacket pocket. She stared at them. The large stones glinted in the light.

  “Are those, um, real?”

  “Yes.”

  “The diamonds around them, too?”

  “Of course.”

  She looked at him, then back at the earrings resting on his palm before tucking her hands behind her back. “I don’t think so. They’re probably eight or nine carats each. If I lose them, I’d have to wash a lot of dishes to pay you back. I don’t need the pressure.”

  She was refusing them? He would have assumed she would jump at the chance to wear such jewelry.

  “I am Prince Kateb of El Deharia.”

  “I’ve heard that.”

  “You’re my mistress.”

  “There is a rumor that says that, too.”

  “Are you trying to be difficult?”

  She smiled at him and stepped away. “I appreciate the thought, but I don’t need to borrow your jewelry.”

  “It’s not exactly mine.”

  She laughed. “I don’t think you wear it at night when you’re alone, but you know what I mean. What I have is fine.”

  Suddenly he needed to see her in those jewels. “Victoria, I am telling you to wear the earrings.”

  “And I’m telling you no.” She picked up a simple pair of gold hoops.

  “Because they are borrowed? If they were a gift, would you wear them?” Was this a way to get something out of him? Another game?

  “No, and it’s pretty mean of you to even think that. I would worry. I don’t need the stress.”

  “I also have a tiara for you.” He pulled it out of his other pocket.

  Her eyes widened. “A tiara? Like a princess? I used to have a paper one when I was little. My mom made it for me and glued on glitter. I wore it until it practically disintegrated.” Once again she tucked her hands behind her back. “I really couldn’t…”

  But there was a question in her voice. And longing.

  The longing seemed genuine, as did the sadness in her expression.

  “At least try it on,” he said.

  Her breath caught. She reached for it, then gently picked it up, turned back to the mirror and put it on her head.

  The diamonds sparkled in her blond hair. She smiled, looking beautiful and regal.

  “This is worth having to wash dishes for the rest of my life,” she whispered, then met his gaze in the mirror.

  “Thank you.”

  “And the earrings?”

  “I’ll pass.”

  He shook his head. “You are a very confusing woman.”

  “I know. Doesn’t that just make you want to give me a hug?” She laughed. “Okay. I’m ready. Let’s go celebrate you getting nominated.”

  Kateb stared at her as if she were crazy. Maybe she was, Victoria thought, knowing he would never believe that the earrings, while dazzling, weren’t that big a deal to her. She wasn’t sure how she felt about borrowing them for the night. But a tiara was different. It made her feel like a princess and for reasons she couldn’t explain, connected her with her mother.

  “As you wish,” he said, and held out his arm.

  She tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. They left the harem and walked toward the great hall.

  “They’ve been preparing all week,” she said. “I’ve been getting in their way, watching them set up. They talked endlessly about the tables. First they tried a big square, but there wasn’t enough room. Then they tried rows of tables. In case you were wondering, the palace has a lot of tables. I suggested round tables with one long head table. But I’m merely a woman, so they pretended not to hear me. When I went back later in the afternoon, that’s what they’d done.”

  “So you’re feeling smug about that.”

  She laughed. “You have no idea. Want to hear about the menu?”

  Instead of answering, Kateb stared at her. “You are most unexpected.”

  Her insides clenched—the air was suddenly very warm. She felt both happy and shy. “Thank you.”

  It was their last moment alone. As they turned the corner, she saw dozens of people standing around, talking. Everyone grew quiet as Kateb approached, then they broke into applause. Not sure she belonged in such a special moment, Victoria stepped to the side and clapped her hands as well. Kateb glanced back at her, but didn’t slow. She joined the people walking into the great hall behind him.

  The elders stood in something resembling a reception line. Kateb went first, greeting them. They each embraced him, obviously pleased with their choice. Victoria wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do. She knew she would be seated next to Kateb at the main table, but until that happened, she thought it might be best to stay in the background.

  Then she was surrounded and urged forward by the crowd. Before she could get out of the way, she was standing next to the first of the elders, Zayd.

  He was old and very small, bent, but w
ith bright, wise eyes. “So you are Kateb’s mistress.”

  Victoria didn’t know what to say, so she smiled and hoped it would be enough.

  “He needs someone to make him happy. Are you up to the task?”

  “I’ll do my best,” she murmured, thinking that Kateb was actually only interested in counting down the days until he could find out if she was pregnant or not. It wasn’t as if he sought out her company or wanted her in his bed.

  “You need to do more than that,” the elder told her. “You must claim him with enthusiasm and energy. That’s what a man wants.”

  “You make him sound like the last chip on a nacho plate,” she said without thinking. “And Kateb’s more of a man who does the claiming rather than the other way around.”

  It was one of those horrifying party moments when the entire room goes silent at exactly the wrong time. Her words echoed in the great hall.

  Where was a natural disaster when you needed one? she thought grimly. The old man stared at her for a long time. She couldn’t look away, couldn’t move and she had no idea where Kateb was or if he’d heard. The way her luck was going, he was standing next to her, ready to snatch back the tiara and lock her up in the harem.

  Then the old man began to laugh. He put his hands on his belly and laughed and laughed until tears streamed from his eyes. Conversation around them resumed.

  “I’ve heard of nachos,” he said. “Very good. Yes, you’ll do.” He waved her on.

  Victoria quickly made her way through the rest of the line, careful to only smile and not say anything. Kateb was waiting for her when she finished.

  When she glanced at him, he raised one eyebrow. Great. Just great.

  “You heard,” she said.

  “It seemed an unusual thing to say.”

  “You had to be there for the entire conversation.”

  “Apparently.”

  He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the head table.

  “Are you mad?”

  “No. I’ve been compared to nachos. My life is complete.”

  She smiled. “You’re funny. It’s kind of strange, but I like it.”