by Kristi Gold
“You assumed wrong. I’m determined to see this through.”
“Even after we aired our family grievances at dinner?”
He had a lot to learn about her tenacity. “I’ve heard worse, and now I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
“Proceed.”
She would, with caution. “Do you have a strategy for overcoming your playboy reputation?”
“My reputation has been overblown, Ms. Foster.”
“Perception is everything when it comes to politics, Your Highness. And believe what you will, you’re in a political battle to restore your people’s faith in you. You’ve been gone almost ten years—”
“Seven years.”
“If you were a dog, that’s equivalent to almost fifty years.” And that had to be the most inane thing she’d said in ages, if ever. “Not that you’re a dog. I’m only saying that seven years is a long time in your situation.”
He hinted at a smile. “Do you own a dog?”
“Yes, I do. I mean, I did.” Clearly he was trying to divert her attention from more pressing concerns by using her former pooch. “Could we please get back on point?”
“Yes,” he said. “The point is I am quite capable of overcoming my exaggerated reputation by demonstrating there is more to my character.”
He was so sure of himself. So sexy in his confidence, and she hated herself for noticing. Again. “Can you really do that? Can you persuade the world you’re a serious leader when you can’t even convince your own brother you’re committed to your duty?”
His dark eyes relayed an intense anger. “What did Rafiq tell you when I left the table?”
Not as much as she would’ve liked. “He only said that he’s worried you’ll take off again if the pressure becomes too great.”
“Despite what my brother believes, I am not a coward.”
“I don’t think anyone is calling you a coward.” She sighed. “Look, I realize you have a lot of pride, but you might want to give up a little and realize you need someone in your corner. Someone who can serve as a sounding board during this transition.”
“And you are that someone?”
“I can be. And if you’ll allow me to use my connections, I can help establish some allies, and every country needs those. Even small, autonomous countries. I also still contend that you could use some help with your public addresses.” When he started to speak, she held up her hand to silence him. “I know, you have a degree and you’re intelligent and articulate, but I don’t see the harm in brainstorming content.”
“I still see no reason why I would need to consult anyone on what I wish to say or how I wish to say it.”
She was making no headway whatsoever. “What about the press? Wouldn’t you like to have someone serve as a buffer to make certain they convey the proper message?”
“I have Deeb for that.”
Deeb had about as much personality as a paperweight. “But if you show the world that you have a woman at your side, and one you’re not engaging in a torrid affair, that would send a clear message you’re not the player everyone believes you to be.”
He studied the ceiling and remained silent for a few seconds before he brought his attention back to her. “Should we proceed, I have to be assured that whatever you might hear or might learn within these sacred walls will not be repeated.”
Madison sensed impending victory, and possibly some serious secrets. “You can trust me to maintain confidentiality at all costs. But I have to know if there’s a scandal that could surface in the foreseeable future.”
“Not if I can prevent it. And at the moment, that is all you need to know.”
Madison could only hope that he might eventually trust her enough to confide in her. Otherwise, she couldn’t prepare for the worst-case scenario. “Fine. Then you agree to accept my help?”
He streaked a palm over his shaded jaw. “For the time being, and as I stated earlier, you must agree to my terms.”
Clearly he needed to maintain control. She’d give him a little leeway for now. “Fine. Perhaps now would be a good time to spell out your terms.”
“If I disagree with your advice, you’ll refrain from arguing,” he said.
That could prove to be a challenge. “Okay.”
“You will consult me before you plan your soirées, and you will let me approve the guest lists.”
Considering his lack of popularity, it could prove to be a short list. “Fair enough.”
“And you will adhere to my schedule, which means I will decide the time and the place for our meetings.”
“I assumed your study would be the most appropriate meeting place.”
“It might be necessary to find a more private venue.”
Now she had her own terms to present. “As long as it’s not your bedroom.”
He smiled. “You’re not the least bit curious about my royal quarters?”
Oh, yes, she was. “No. Anything else?”
He feigned disappointment. “I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve determined what I expect beyond what we’ve already discussed.”
Talk about being vague. But she’d accept vague as long as she could continue as planned. “We’ll go over your upcoming schedule in the morning, Your Highness, and plan accordingly.”
“Call me Zain.”
Her mouth momentarily dropped open over the request. “That’s a bit too informal, don’t you think?”
“When we’re alone, I want you to call me by my given name. Otherwise, our agreement terminates immediately.”
What kind of game was he playing? Only time would tell, and Madison hoped she didn’t find herself on the losing end.
She came to her feet and tugged at the hem of her blouse. “Whatever floats your boat, Zain. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to my room to relax.”
“You are excused. For now.”
Madison had only made it a few steps toward the door before Zain uttered the single word. “Black.”
She turned and frowned. “Excuse me?”
“You’re wearing black lingerie.”
Did the man have X-ray vision? “Why are you so fascinated with my underwear?”
His grin arrived slowly. “Am I correct?”
She folded her arms beneath her breasts. “That’s for me to know—”
“And for me to find out?”
She should’ve known he’d been in America long enough to learn all the little sayings. “That’s for me to know, period. Anything else? Or would you like to discuss your royal underwear?”
His grin deepened. “I have nothing to hide.”
That remained to be seen. She intended to leave well enough alone before she was tempted to abandon the good-sense ship. Before she gave in to the tiny little spark of awareness or the slight full-body shiver brought about by his deadly smile. “I’m going now.”
He finally rose from the chair. “I suggest you watch the sunset from the terrace outside your room. I’ll have Elena send up some of her special tea to help you relax.”
She’d be more relaxed as soon as she got away from all his charisma. “What kind of tea?”
“I’m not certain,” he said as he strolled toward her and stopped only a foot or so away. “I’ve never tried it. I do know it is formulated to help a person sleep.”
She’d probably have no trouble sleeping the moment her head hit the pillow. “Thank you, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“You’re welcome.” He reached out and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “If the tea doesn’t help you sleep, my room is next door to yours. Feel free to wake me.”
“What for?” As if she really had to ask.
“Whatever you need to help you relax.”
She suddenly engaged in one heck of a naked-body fantasy that made her want to run for cover. “I assure you I won’t need anything to help me relax.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.”
“I won’t be changing my mind.” She turned towar
d the door then faced him again when something dawned on her. “By the way, if all this innuendo is some ploy to scare me off, save your breath. I’ve been propositioned by the best.” And the worst of the worst.
He looked almost crestfallen. “I’m wounded you would think I would resort to such underhanded tactics.”
Maybe she had overreacted a tad. Some men just happened to be blessed with the flirtation gene. “My apologies if I’m wrong about your motives.”
“Actually, you are correct,” he said. “That was my original plan. But you have bested me, so I promise to behave myself from this point forward.”
She had a hard time believing that. “Well, in case you should get any more bright ideas, just know it will take more than a few well-rehearsed, suggestive lines to send me packing. I’ve spent many years studying human nature, and I know what you’re all about.”
He braced a hand on the doorframe above her head. “Enlighten me, Madison.”
The sound of her name rolling softly out of his mouth, his close proximity, was not helping her concentration. “You use your charm to discourage perceived threats to your control, and to encourage the results you wish to achieve, namely driving people away. But beneath all that sexy macho bravado, I believe you’re a man with a great deal of conviction when it comes to his country’s future. Am I correct?”
“Perhaps you are only projecting your need for control on me. I believe at times giving up control to another is preferable. Have you never been tempted to throw out logic and act on pure instinct?”
Her instincts told her he wasn’t referring to a professional relationship. “Not when it comes to mixing business with pleasure, if that’s what you’re asking. Don’t forget we’re trying to repair your reputation, not enhance it.”
He had the nerve to show his pearly whites to supreme advantage. “Sometimes the pleasure is worth the risk.”
“I thought you promised to behave.”
He straightened and attempted to look contrite. “My apologies. I was momentarily struck senseless by your analysis.”
Before she was momentarily struck stupid and kissed that smug, sexy smile off his face, Madison made a hasty exit.
She hadn’t lied when she’d admitted she’d been propositioned before. She had lied when she’d claimed she hadn’t been tempted to cross professional lines, because she had—the moment she’d reunited with Zain Mehdi.
Three
Perception is everything…
Zain had to agree with Madison on that point. He’d always been perceived as a man with a strong affinity for attractive women, a fact he could not deny. Yet that standing had provided the means to carry out his covert activities over the past seven years, and earned him the Phantom Sheikh title. His absence had always been blamed on a lover, and most of the time that had been far from the truth. Most of the time. He hadn’t been celibate by any means, but he had not had as many affairs as what the media had led people to believe. If he had, he would have been perpetually sleep deprived.
He also recognized that giving in to temptation with a woman like Madison Foster—an intelligent, beautiful and somewhat willful woman—could possibly lead to disaster. Still, he wasn’t one to easily ignore temptation, even if wisdom dictated that he must. And at the moment, Madison looked extremely tempting.
Zain remained in the open doorway to his suite in order to study her. She stood at the veranda’s stone wall, looking out over the valley below, her golden hair flowing down her back. She’d exchanged her conservative clothing for more comfortable attire—a casual gauze skirt and a loose magenta top that revealed one slim, bare shoulder. He didn’t need to venture a guess as to the color of her bra, since she didn’t appear to be wearing one. That thought alone had him reconsidering the merits of wisdom.
Zain cleared his throat as he approached her, yet she didn’t seem to notice his presence. Not until he said, “It’s a remarkable view, isn’t it?”
She sent him a backward glance and a slight scowl. “Why do you keep sneaking up on me?”
He moved beside her, leaving a comfortable distance between them. “My apologies. I did not intend to startle you. I only wanted to make certain you have everything you need from me.”
She faced him, leaned a hip against the wall and rolled her eyes. “Are we back to that again?”
“My intentions are completely innocent.” Only a half-truth. He’d gladly give her anything she needed in a carnal sense.
She took a sip from the cup clutched in her hands. “Sorry, but I’m having trouble buying the innocent act after your recent admission.”
That came as no surprise to Zain, and he probably deserved her suspicions. “I will do my best to earn your trust.” He nodded toward the cup. “I gather that’s Elena’s special tea.”
“Yes, it is, and it’s very good.”
“Do you have any idea what might be in it?”
She lifted that bare shoulder in a shrug and took a sip. “I suspect it’s chamomile and some other kind of herb. I can taste mint.”
He turned toward her and rested one elbow on the stone barrier. “Take care with how much you drink. It could be more than tea.”
“Too late. This is my third cup, and do you mean alcohol?”
“Precisely.”
“Is that allowed?” she asked.
“Elena is free to do as she pleases, as is everyone else in the country, within reason. We’ve always had a spiritually, economically and culturally diverse population, due in part to people entering the borders seeking—”
“Asylum?”
“And peace.”
She turned back to the view and surveyed the scene. “Then Bajul is the Switzerland of the Middle East?”
“In a manner of speaking. I might not have agreed with all my father’s philosophies, but I’ve always admired his determination to remain neutral in a volatile region. Unfortunately, the threat to end our peaceful coexistence still exists, as it always has. As it is everywhere else in the world.”
She took another drink and set the cup aside. “The landscape is incredible. I hadn’t expected Bajul to be so green or elevated.”
“You expected desert.”
“Honestly, yes, I did.”
Another example of inaccurate perception. “If you go north, you’ll find the desert. Go south and you’ll find the sea.”
She sighed. “I love the sea. I love water, period.”
He took the opportunity to move a little closer, his arm pressed against hers as he pointed toward the horizon. “Do you see that mountain rising between two smaller peaks?”
She shaded her eyes against the setting sun. “The skinny one that looks almost phallic?”
That made him smile. “It is known as Mabrứuk, our capital city’s namesake. Legend has it that Al-’Uzzá, a mythological goddess, placed it there to enhance fertility. Reportedly her efforts have been successful, from crops to livestock to humans.”
“Interesting,” she said. “Do people have to go to the mountain to procreate, or does it have a long radius?” She followed the comment with a soft, sensual laugh. “No pun intended.”
Discussing procreation with her so close only made Zain’s fantasies spring to life, among other things. “I suppose it’s possible, but that’s not the point I was trying to make.”
She turned and leaned a hip against the wall. “What point were you trying to make, Your Highness?”
She seemed determined to disregard his terms. “Zain.”
Madison blew out a long breath. “What were you going to say before the topic turned to the baby-making mountain, Zain?”
He liked the breathless way she said his name. He liked the way she looked at the moment—slightly disheveled and extremely sensual. “I was going to point out that beyond the ridge there are two lakes. Perhaps I’ll take you there in the near future.”
“That would be nice, as long as you don’t expect any baby making.”
He certainly wouldn’t mind making love t
o her in the shadow of the mountain, or perhaps in the lake. Without the resulting baby, of course.
He forced his thoughts back to business matters. “My intent would be to show you the key to Bajul’s future.”
“What would that be?”
“Water.”
She appeared to be confused. “For a fishery?”
“Food and water are commodities in the region,” he explained. “We have more rain than most, and our lakes have deep aquifers. They also have the capacity to sustain our land for many years to come, and that means bountiful crops and livestock. Those commodities could serve as an export for countries that suffer shortages as long as we make certain we protect our resources. My plans include exploring innovative and eco-friendly ways to treat and preserve the water from the lakes.”
She laid her palm on his arm. “That sounds like a wonderful plan, Zain.”
The simple touch sent a surge of heat coursing through his body. “That plan will not come to fruition unless I can convince the council it’s our best recourse as opposed to oil.”
She unfortunately took her hand away. “But you’ll have your brother’s support, correct?”
If only that were true. “He’ll be the hardest to convince. He will most likely side with the council and suggest drilling as soon as possible. I refuse to allow that unless we have exhausted all alternatives.”
“I don’t understand why the two of you seem to butt horns at every turn.”
This would require more than a brief explanation, yet he felt she had the right to know. “Most believe that the crown automatically passes to the firstborn son. In my family’s case, the reigning king can designate a successor, and he designated me, not Rafiq. My brother has resented that decision for years.”
She shook her head. “I guess I assumed Rafiq was younger, although he does seem older in many ways. Not in appearance, because the resemblance between the two of you is remarkable. But he’s very stoic.”
“He’s thirteen months older,” he said. “And he is serious about preserving traditions that should be deemed obsolete in this day and time.”
