“I still feel it’s wise that we not spend any more time together than necessary,” Kira said. “If you need my help finding someone who can assist you, I’m willing to begin looking tomorrow.”

Tarek pushed off the desk and approached her slowly, his intense eyes trained on hers. “You would defy your king’s order?”

If he came any closer, she might agree to anything. “I’m sure he would understand if I explained why I can’t accommodate you.”

His smile was somewhat devious and patently sensual. “You would tell him that we made love on the marble floor in my ballroom?”

That prompted several more images that Kira forced away. “Of course not. I’ll simply tell the king my schedule is too full.”

He stood in front of her then, a scant few inches between them. “Surely you do not believe he will accept that explanation.”

Tarek tucked one side of her chin-length hair behind her ear. “Your eyes fascinate me. The dark blue color is extraordinary, yet it suits your overall beauty.”

Here we go again. His charming tactics had sent her straight into trouble the last time, but she couldn’t force herself to move away from him. “You can stop the compliments now. You’ve already had your way with me.”

“I wish to have my way with you again.”

The Sheikh’s Secret Heir

Kristi Gold

www.millsandboon.co.uk

KRISTI GOLD has a fondness for beaches, baseball and bridal reality shows. She firmly believes that love has remarkable healing powers and feels very fortunate to be able to weave stories of love and commitment. As a bestselling author, a National Readers’ Choice Award winner and a Romance Writers of America three-time RITA® Award finalist, Kristi has learned that although accolades are wonderful, the most cherished rewards come from networking with readers. She can be reached through her website at www.kristigold.com, or through Facebook.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. Here’s to the happily-ever-after connoisseurs, the lovers of love stories, the cherished readers who make our efforts so worthwhile. You are very much appreciated.

Contents

Cover

Excerpt

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

One

As head administrator of the royal palace in the small, autonomous country of Bajul, Kira Darzin had grown accustomed to being summoned on a moment’s notice by the king. But as she stood in the study’s open doorway, waves of shock washed over her when her gaze came to rest on the undeniably handsome man seated near the desk.

With his neatly trimmed near-black hair, perfectly tailored steel gray suit, and dark Italian loafers, he could have been any successful billionaire. His masculine hands resting casually on the red brocade chair’s arms, and the slight lift of his chin, gave him the appearance of an average arrogant autocrat. Yet, when Kira zeroed in on Tarek Azzmar’s dark eyes, the power in his intense stare threatened to sweep her away, as it had already done one fateful night not so long ago.

She saw unmistakable confidence. She sensed deep secrets. She felt the pull of provocative danger. A place she had been before both with him, and with another man from her past. A place she vowed to never revisit.

She also noticed that his somewhat regal air made it seem as if he was the one holding court in the private office that belonged to Rafiq Mehdi, the official monarch of Bajul, who was oddly absent. However, Mr. Deeb, the king’s personal assistant, stood not far away. When Deeb greeted her, his words sounded tinny to her ears as Tarek rose to his feet, revealing well over six feet of prime male.

With effort, Kira reclaimed enough calm to pretend she had never associated with the Moroccan mogul beyond a few social gatherings. A bald-faced lie. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Azzmar,” she said through a polite and somewhat forced smile.

“The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Darzin.”

His emphasis on the word unearthed several images in Kira’s mind. Hot kisses. Naked bodies. One night of unbelievable passion. And six weeks since that experience, not one word from him.

That sour thought thrust her back to the business at hand. “What might I do for you two gentlemen today?”

Tarek presented the sexy half smile that had melted her resistance like warm chocolate from the first moment they’d met. “Perhaps Mr. Deeb should explain.”

The balding, middle-aged assistant stepped forward and pushed his wire-rimmed glasses up on the bridge of his nose. “Actually, I am here representing His Excellency. Both he and Mr. Azzmar request your assistance.”

She saw planning an elite soiree in her future. Lovely. “I’m sorry, but I was on my way out for an appointment when I received the message to stop by here. I didn’t bring the upcoming schedule with me. If you’ll give me a date, I’ll begin planning the event immediately.”

“This does not involve an event,” Tarek said. “It would require your attention for ten days, perhaps even two weeks.”

She couldn’t imagine any project that would last so long if it didn’t involve a special occasion or state dinner. “Do you mind giving me specifics?”

“Mr. Azzmar needs a personal assistant,” Deeb began, “and King Mehdi has offered your services until a replacement can be located.”

Surely they weren’t serious. She glanced at Tarek and, from the all-business expression on his striking face, saw he was quite serious. Regardless, she would not bend to his will and instead, mentally ran through a litany of reasons to decline, minus the most important one—she was too vulnerable when it came to his charisma. “Considering my responsibilities with my position at the palace, I’m afraid that’s impossible. Prince Zain, his wife and children will be returning in three days. And next week, Prince Adan’s sister-in-law and Sheikh Rayad will be joining them. Someone has to prepare for their arrival.”

“We have resolved that issue,” Deeb added. “Elena has agreed to assume your responsibilities until you fulfill your duty to Mr. Azzmar.”

She had a difficult time believing Elena, former governess and biological mother of the youngest Mehdi prince, Adan, would agree to such a thing. “She hired me as the director of the household so she could retire. It doesn’t seem fair to ask this of her.”

Deeb scowled. “Our king gave the order and Elena still adheres to his directives.”

Kira stifled a retort involving what the king could do with this directive. “And I have no say in this matter?”

Before Deeb could respond, Tarek took a step forward to address the royal attaché. “Might I have a word alone with Ms. Darzin?”

Deeb nodded. “Of course. I will return to my office should you require further assistance.”

As soon as Deeb left out the door, closing it behind him, Kira turned to Tarek and frowned. “Would you please explain why you didn’t reject Rafiq’s request in light of what happened between us?”

He leaned back against the desk and folded his arms across his chest. “I made the request, not the king.”

Unbelievable. “Why would you want me as your glorified secretary with all the other candidates available among the palace staff?”

“No secretarial work will be involved, and no other candidates intrigue me as you do.”

Kira crossed the room to the window, putting much-needed space between them and stared a few seconds at the mountainous terrain before facing him again. “You mean no other candidates have slept with you, correct?”

“I do not recall any measurable sleeping that night.”

Neither did Kira, but she did remember one important fact. “True, and then you suddenly disappeared. I assumed you had moved back to Morocco.”

“What would the logic be in that since I have recently completed my estate here in Bajul?”

She supposed her hypothesis hadn’t made much sense. Then again, neither had letting their relationship go so far during the time when the royal family had been in the States for their cousin Rayad’s wedding to Piper Mehdi’s sister, Sunny. If she’d only been focused on her job, they wouldn’t be having this conversation.

“I just found it odd you haven’t been around the past six weeks.” And somewhat hurtful, not that she dared admit that to him.

“Actually, I have been traveling abroad.”

She almost asked if the broad had a name but recognized that word probably wouldn’t be a part of his vernacular. “Backpacking in Europe?”

That earned her a confused look. “Completing a multimillion-dollar business venture.”

Just what he needed—more money. Kira bit back the snide comment for the time being. “Regardless, I still feel it’s wise that we not spend any more time together than necessary, particularly for two weeks. If you need my help finding someone who can assist you, I’m willing to begin looking tomorrow.”

He pushed off the desk and approached her slowly, his intense eyes trained on hers. “You would defy your king’s order?”

If Tarek came any closer, she might agree to anything. “I’m sure he would understand if I explained why I can’t accommodate you.”

His smile was somewhat devious and patently sensual. “You would tell him that we made love on the marble floor in my ballroom?”

That prompted several more images that Kira forced away. “Of course not. First of all, we had sex with no love involved. Secondly, no one needs to know that I had an interlude with a palace guest unless I want to lose my job, which I don’t. I’ll simply tell the king my schedule is too full.”

He stood in front of her then, a scant few inches between them. “Surely you do not believe Rafiq Mehdi will accept that explanation.”

Not exactly. “All I can do is try. If he rejects my excuse, then I’ll think of something else.” A spontaneous trip to Canada to visit her parents seemed like a viable explanation.

Tarek moved closer, reached out and tucked one side of her chin-length hair behind her ear. “Your eyes fascinate me. The dark blue color is extraordinary, yet it suits your overall beauty.”

Here we go again. His charming tactics had sent her straight into trouble the last time, but she couldn’t force herself to move away from him. “You can stop the compliments now. You’ve already had your way with me.”

“I wish to have my way with you again.”

His motivation had become all too clear. “Is that what this is all about?”

Fortunately, he dropped his hand, causing her to release the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “No. I sincerely do need an assistant I can trust. You are intelligent and personable and highly regarded by the Mehdis. However, I see no reason not to enjoy each other’s company when you come with me to my private seaside escape.”

That almost rendered her speechless. Bajul was located in the mountains, not a sea in sight. “You plan to take me out of the country?”

“Yes. Cyprus, where I am preparing to launch my latest venture, an exclusive resort. That is why I require your assistance.”

Kira couldn’t ignore visions of beautiful beaches, romantic sunsets and midnight swims. She also couldn’t quell her suspicions. “What exactly would my role be?”

“I would like you to approve the final decisions on the resort’s kitchen layout, as well as the interior design. You could also advise the hotel manager on hiring staff.”

“My forte isn’t interior design.” Even if it was somewhat of a passion.

“Are you not overseeing the palace restoration that will begin in a few months? And do you not plan every palace event, including the food and décor?”

Clearly he knew all about her upcoming assignments. Too bad she couldn’t say the same about his motives. “Yes, but—”

He pressed a fingertip against her lips. “Please know I will not force you to come with me. If you decide you cannot tolerate my presence for a mere two weeks, then I will seek other avenues. I do request you give my offer some thought.”

She’d do nothing but think about it from this point forward. And then she would tell him no. “When do you need my answer?”

“By tomorrow morning. My plane will be ready to depart in the afternoon.”

With her thoughts spinning round like a carousel, Kira checked her watch. “Fine. I’ll let you know as soon as possible. Right now I have somewhere I need to be.”

His features turned stern. “Do you have a new paramour?”

“Doctor’s appointment.” As if that was any of his business.

Now he appeared concerned. “Are you not feeling well?”

Fatigued and edgy, but well enough to function. “Just a follow-up visit for a slight case of the flu I had a week ago,” she said as she brushed past him and headed to the door. But before she could leave, Tarek called her name in a deep, chill-inducing voice.

She sighed and turned toward him again. “What?”

“Perhaps you need relaxation to recover from this flu. Cyprus is the premier place to do that very thing.”

“You wouldn’t worry I might expose you?”

He hinted at a smile. “You have already exposed me and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

That deserved an eye roll, which she gave him. “You’re not helping your cause, Tarek. I won’t agree even to consider accompanying you unless you promise to halt the innuendo and the thinly veiled seduction.”

He tried on an innocent look, but it failed to impress her. “I can only promise that I will try. I do promise to make the journey worth your while.”

His methods of making that happen concerned her most of all. “I’ll keep that in mind. At the moment, I have to go.”

He ate up the space between them in a matter of seconds, took her hand and kissed it. “Until we meet again.”

Don’t hold your breath, she thought as she hurried into the hallway. Wisdom dictated she refuse to go with him anywhere, especially to an exotic locale where she could forget her worries, and most likely would forget herself.

She needed to remember he was exactly the kind of man she’d strived to shun. And after tomorrow morning, when she’d tell him he could find someone else to do his bidding, she would have absolutely no reason to speak to him again.

* * *

“You’re pregnant.”

Balanced on the edge of the uncomfortable exam table, Kira tugged on her skirt hem and stared blankly at Dr. Maysa Mehdi, presiding queen of Bajul and resident village physician. “Excuse me?” she asked, her voice barely a croak.

Maysa scooted the rolling stool closer and flipped her lengthy dark braid back over one shoulder. “When I ordered your lab work last week, I had them add a pregnancy test, in light of your symptoms. That test was positive and all the rest were normal.”

Kira pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes against the sudden headache. “This can’t be happening.”

“I’m afraid it is, and it appears you are not pleased with the news.”

Kira opened her eyes and exhaled slowly. “I’m shocked. First of all, I’ve been on the pill for years. Secondly, I’ve been exposed only one time in several years.” And some exposure it had been.

Maysa opened the chart resting in her lap and scanned the text. “I notice here you have not requested a refill on your birth control in two months.”

Guilty. “I suppose I’ve been so busy I basically forgot. And I had no real need for them.” Until Tarek Azzmar slipped into her life like a thief of hearts and destroyed her self-imposed celibacy.

“Perhaps you were so busy that you forgot to take your pills prior to the time of your lovemaking?” Maysa asked.

Guilty again. “Yes, but only for two, maybe three days tops.”

“That is all it takes, Kira.”

She suddenly felt like an absolute fool. An unequivocal idiot. “Believe me, I never planned to be with this man.”

Maysa smiled. “At times, plans go awry and mistakes are made. How will this man feel about the pregnancy?”

She had no clue how Tarek would react, or if she would even tell him. “I truly don’t know. In reality, I barely know him beyond a few social functions. It was something neither of us expected to happen.”

“If he is a man of honor,” Maysa began, “he will accept the responsibility of raising a child.”

If only she could claim he was a man of honor, but all signs pointed to the contrary. “I suppose only time will tell.”

Maysa closed the chart and came to her feet. “I suppose you will learn soon enough. In the meantime, you’ll need to take better care of yourself, including getting more rest.”

As much as Kira had always dreamed of having a child, reaching that goal now hadn’t figured into her immediate plans, especially when considering her duties at the palace. “I have no idea how to balance work and this pregnancy. And I can’t imagine what my parents will say when I tell them.”

Maysa frowned. “They would not welcome a grandchild?”

“Since my mother’s Canadian and open-minded, she would be fine with it. My father, on the other hand, is from Bajul and quite the traditionalist. He would not be pleased to know his unwed daughter is giving birth.”

Maysa rested a hand on Kira’s shoulder. “If you determine the timing is not right for you, perhaps you should consider adoption.”

Since she was an adopted child, a fact few people knew, she had mixed feelings about that option. “I don’t know if I could hand over my baby to strangers.”

“Some believe that is the most unselfish thing a woman can do for her child, myself included. Regardless, you do not need to decide immediately. I am going to prescribe prenatal vitamins that you should begin taking.”

When Maysa turned to the counter and began scribbling on a prescription pad, Kira slid off the table and pressed her palm against the small of her aching back. At least now she knew why she’d been so tired and slightly nauseated. At least now she could explain the absence of her period. At least now she could formulate a plan for the future and decide if it would include the father of her baby.

It suddenly occurred to her that perhaps she should reconsider Tarek’s offer. Not only would she get some rest, but two weeks might be enough time to determine if he wanted children, and hopefully whether he would be father material. If neither applied, she could decide where she would go from there.

As soon as she returned to the palace, she would seek out Tarek Azzmar and ask a few more questions about his proposition. Only then could she establish if spending more time with him would be worth the risk.

* * *

“Miss Darzin is here to see you, sir.”

Tarek glanced up to find the young woman he’d recently hired standing in the doorway to his private study. He hesitated, surprised by the announcement. “Send her in, Adara.”

After the servant disappeared, Tarek set the quarterly reports on the teakwood end table, rose from the club chair and waited for what seemed an interminable amount of time before Kira appeared, looking as beautiful as the first time he’d noticed her across a crowded reception hall.

After tugging at the hem of her blue blazer, she swept one hand through her chin-length golden-brown hair and surveyed the room. “It’s nice to see you’ve completed all the décor.”

“It is very nice to see you.”

“Thank you,” she said with cool formality. “Everything looks extremely different from the last time I visited.”

The visit Tarek had not forgotten. The tour of the newly built, empty mansion had ended with a passionate encounter on the floor of the grand ballroom. “I still have some work to do on the third floor suites. How was your appointment with the physician, if you do not mind my asking?”

“I received a clean bill of health.” She then strolled into the room and breezed past him to study the volumes of books on the shelves behind his desk. “You have very eclectic tastes when it comes to novels. I had no idea you were so interested in true crime.”

He slid his hands into his pockets and approached her slowly. “Did you come here to approve my reading material?”

Finally, she faced him. “Actually, I came here to discuss the trip to Cyprus. I have a few more questions before I make my decision.”

His optimism rose when he thought she might have reconsidered his proposition. “What would you wish to know?”

“You’re certain we would be gone only two weeks?”

“Unless unforeseen issues arise. Granted, you would be required to stay only that length of time. Should you decide to depart earlier, I agree to accommodate your request.”

She folded her arms beneath her breasts and attempted a smile. “Then you don’t plan to hold me hostage against my will?”

Her assumption angered him somewhat. “I would never hold a woman captive.” At least not in the literal sense.

“That’s somewhat reassuring.”

“Do you have more questions?”

“Yes. I still have concerns about your motives.”

He could not fault her for those concerns. “Are you worried that I will attempt to seduce you? Perhaps persuade you to make love with me on my private beach, in my private pool or in my rather large steam shower?”

She pointed a finger at him. “That’s exactly what concerns me most.”

He opted to feign ignorance. “As it was when we made love the first time—”

“The only time we had sex,” she interjected.

He hoped to change that soon, yet he would use gentle persuasion, not coercion. “As I was saying, I would never force you to do what you do not wish to do. And I assure you, my motives involve business, not necessarily pleasure, although I am not averse to that.”

“You’ve made that quite clear, and that worries me,” she said as she brushed past him and claimed the chair he had recently vacated.

Following her lead, he dropped onto the leather sofa across from her. His eyes followed the movement of her hand as she ran her palm down her thigh to smooth her skirt. He immediately imagined that hand on his body and then, with effort, forced the fantasy away. “Rest assured, if you join me, I will maintain my distance if that is what you desire.”

“That’s what I desire,” she stated, yet her faltering gaze led Tarek to believe she was not at all certain.

“I will respect your wishes.” Unless their incontrovertible chemistry dictated otherwise.

She appeared unconvinced. “Tarek, you’re a brilliant businessman, but you’re still a man. You possess two brains and if the situation arises, so will your secondary brain. You would have to maintain a great deal of control.”

He would not attempt to debate her on that point. “You will have your own quarters at your disposal and you will have to endure my presence only during our business dealings.”

She began to twirl the silver band on her right ring finger. “Look, I enjoy your company and I have since we first met. I’m just not in the market to enjoy it too much again.”

Feeling satisfied over the admission, he inclined his head and studied her. “Then you did enjoy our encounter?”

She hesitated a few seconds. “I suppose I have to admit that I did, with the exception of the marble floor.”

“That is why I allowed you to be on top.”

“After you had me on my back.”

“On your back so that I could quickly remove your clothes and run my mouth down your body to facilitate your—”

“We don’t need to go there.”

He could not suppress a grin. “Ah, but I already have, and considering the sounds you made, I do not believe you were disappointed.”

She quickly stood and sighed. “I’m not in the mood to take a journey down memory lane, so I’m going to return to the palace now.”

Tarek came to his feet. “Shall I expect you on the plane tomorrow?”

When she did not immediately respond, he held his breath and hoped. “I’ll let you know tonight, when you’re dining at the palace.”

He frowned. “I did not realize you were aware of the invitation.”

She sent him a disparaging look before crossing the room. “It’s my job to know everything about the royal family and their esteemed guests,” she said on her way out.

After she disappeared, Tarek checked his watch, reclaimed his chair and picked up the phone to make his daily call to the other female in his life. If he did not do it soon, he would regret the oversight. A few moments passed before he was greeted with the familiar, quiet, “Ahlan?”

He opted to answer in English, not Arabic, to test her acumen, as he had since teaching her the language. “Did you receive my gift, Yasmin?”

“I did!” she said with the marked exuberance of a typical five-year-old. “He is lovely.”

That was not how he would describe the street-roving mutt. “I am glad you are pleased. Will you take good care of him?”

“Yes, I will. I promise to feed him and give him water and take him for walks. What shall we name him?”

“That is entirely up to you, Yasmin.”

“I will have to think about it. When are you coming home? Soon, I hope.”

No matter what said he told her, he would disappoint her. “I told you about the new resort before I left Morocco. I still have much work to do on it.”

“You are always working. I wish you would take me with you.”

That would be impossible at this point in time. Very few knew of her existence, and he wanted to keep it that way. “Perhaps someday. In the meantime, take care.”

“I will.”

“I shall see you in a month when I return.”

A span of silence passed before she said, “I miss you.”

“I miss you as well, Yasmin.” And he certainly did, though too much affection would serve neither of them.

As soon as he hung up the phone, Tarek began to contemplate his previous conversation with Kira and her erroneous assumptions.

It’s my job to know everything about the royal family and their esteemed guests...

Little did Kira know, she was not privy to most aspects of his private life, as it had been with all friends and former lovers. Not only in regard to the child, but she was also unaware that he retained an important piece of the Mehdi puzzle. Only he held the key and no one else, not even the current monarch and his brothers. He harbored a great secret that might have died along with his parents, save an old man’s conscience and overwhelming guilt.

Since gaining that knowledge, he had been bound by a pledge to keep the information guarded out of respect for his mother, yet he had grown weary of the pretense. He wanted answers. He demanded answers. He vowed to do whatever he must to gain that information, and he hoped Kira Darzin could aid him in his search.

From the minute he’d met her, he had sensed she would know much about the Mehdis, and he would continue to gain her trust in an effort to convince her to confide in him. That had been his primary goal in the beginning, until he had crossed the boundaries into ill-advised desire. He had not intended to be as preoccupied by her and he would do well not to let his base urges rule his rationality.

If his plan with Kira did not succeed, he would continue to covertly search for confirmation through every means possible, work his way into the royal sons’ good graces, then he would properly introduce himself as the bastard son of the former king of Bajul.

Their brother.

Two

Every evening at six o’clock sharp, Kira prepared to deliver her usual courtesy call. It was incumbent that she made certain all needs were met, though tonight that wouldn’t be easy, considering she would have to face the father of her child. After she walked into the elaborate dining room, she found the lengthy mahogany table populated with the usual royal residents—King Rafiq and his wife, Maysa, along with the newlyweds, Adan and Piper—and one not-so-usual sophisticated man dressed in a beige silk suit, sitting to the right of Rafiq. Anyone who didn’t know the Mehdis might mistake Tarek Azzmar as a relative, when in reality his only ties to the royals were big business, Middle Eastern roots and an abundance of good looks.

When Tarek leveled his gaze on her, Kira’s thoughts spun away like a desert whirlwind. She sincerely wanted to look away, yet it was as if he had her completely under some macabre magical spell. “Magical” would definitely describe his thorough kisses, his very skilled hands, his expertise at lovemaking, his obvious virility....

“Is there another bun in the oven, Kira?”

Taken aback by Adan Mehdi’s query, Kira directed her attention to the youngest prince, her face splashed with heat. “Excuse me?”

He held up the empty basket. “We are out of bread.”

Apparently, she was plagued by secret pregnancy paranoia. “I’ll see to that immediately.”

“And, Kira, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like more water, please,” Adan’s auburn-haired wife added as she leaned back in the chair, providing a peek at her rounded belly. “I’m so thirsty I think I’m giving birth to a trout, not a mammal.”

Kira experienced a brief bout of envy when Adan and Piper exchanged a loving look. At least they had each other. At least Piper wouldn’t be raising her baby alone.

Whether that would be the case for Kira when it came to her own child still remained to be seen. “I’ll be certain to have the server deliver you an entire pitcher of water, as she should have done at the beginning of the meal. She’s new and still trying to gain her bearings. I also believe she’s a bit starstruck over her introduction to royalty.”

Piper’s grin expanded as she waved a hand toward Tarek. “I think she’s quite taken with our guest.”

Kira ventured a glance and discovered Tarek didn’t seem at all disturbed by the conjecture. When he failed to reply, she focused on the eldest Mehdi son. “Is the dinner tonight to your liking, Your Majesty?”

“As usual, the fare is excellent,” Rafiq replied as he regarded Tarek. “Would you would like more of the chicken kabobs, Mr. Azzmar?”

Tarek pushed his empty plate aside and leveled his gaze on Kira. “Not presently, but it was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the garlic yogurt sauce. Please give my compliments to the chef.”

Adan presented his usual dimpled smile. “Perhaps you would like to deliver the message yourself and inspect the help further, Tarek.”

Piper elbowed her husband, causing him to wince. “Stop it, Adan. I’m sure Tarek is more than capable of finding a date.”

Adan grimaced. “Bloody hell, wife. I like it much better when your pregnancy hormones lead to pleasure and not pain. I was simply suggesting Tarek might be interested in keeping company with a woman who is obviously smitten with him.”

“Your bride is correct,” Tarek added. “I am very selective when it comes to female companionship. Although the server is attractive, she is much too young, therefore she does not hold my interest.”

After the billionaire nailed her with another pointed look, Kira snatched the basket from the table and began backing toward the door. “I’ll let the chef know you’re all pleased with the meal and I’ll send someone out with more bread and water. Good evening.”

With that, she spun around and strode into the nearby kitchen, muttering a few mild oaths at herself over her inability to ignore Tarek. She mumbled a few more aimed at the businessman who seemed bent on keeping her off balance.

“Please take more rolls and water to the table immediately,” she said to the recently hired, very pretty fresh-faced staff member. “And from this point forward, pay more attention to the family and guests’ needs. Prince Adan requires more bread than most, and always make certain there is a pitcher of water close at hand in the dining room.”

The young woman quickly took the basket, filled it with rolls, grabbed a water pitcher and scurried away, her brown ponytail bouncing in time with her gait. Kira then leaned back against the steel prep table while the chef remained at the stove, where Kira’s own mother had once stood, preparing the finishing touches on dessert as several of the staff members engaged in clean-up. She rubbed both temples with her fingertips and closed her eyes against the beginnings of another nagging headache. The reason for that headache happened to be seated in the dining room, acting as if he practically owned the palace.

One arrogant man. One gorgeous egomaniac. One weakness she couldn’t afford to have.

“Might I have a few moments alone with you, Miss Darzin?”

Speaking of the sexy devil himself. Kira’s eyes snapped open at the deep timbre of his now-familiar voice. “Actually, I’m rather busy at the moment, Mr. Azzmar.”

Tarek strolled into the kitchen as if he were king of the castle, hands planted in his pockets. “Then I would be happy to speak with you about our plans while you continue your duties.”

Conversing with him in front of the staff could be detrimental on several levels. She could only imagine what they were already thinking. “I suppose we can discuss your needs in the corridor.” And that sounded entirely too suggestive. “Needs as in your need for an administrative assistant.”

“Ah, yes, that need.” He swept a hand toward the opening to the hallway. “After you.”

Kira rushed out of the room, unable to avoid the curious glances of the employees. She continued down the passage with the current thorn in her side trailing behind her and pushed out the doors leading to the courtyard. Once there, she turned and practically face-planted into Tarek’s broad chest. “Do you mind giving me some space?”

He took a step back. “Is this better?”

Better would entail having the persistent man standing several yards away, not less than a foot in front of her. “As long as you don’t come any closer, that will do.”

His expression turned somber. “Do you fear me, Kira?”

“Of course not.” Not in a traditional sense, yet she did fear the way he made her feel—vulnerable.

“Do you believe I would never do anything to harm you?”

“Yes, I believe that.” He wouldn’t, at least not physically, but he had dealt her an unsolicited emotional blow six weeks ago.

He released a rough sigh. “Then I must admit I am somewhat confused by your recent attitude. When we first met, I had several opportunities to attempt to seduce you, yet I did not. Instead, we spent many hours engaged in casual conversation, and only conversation, until the night we spent together. I assumed we had established a measure of trust between us.”

“I thought so, too, until that night.”

“Clearly I have been mistaken in my belief that our pursuit of pleasure was mutual.”

“It was mutual,” she stated firmly. “We were both consenting adults.”

“Then why are treating me as if I am a pariah not worthy of your regard?”

He didn’t understand, and Kira wasn’t certain she could explain. Still, she had to try, and that entailed revealing how his careless disregard had made her feel. “That isn’t my intent. What we shared was a mistake, not only because I crossed a line I shouldn’t have crossed with a palace guest, but because you’re clearly not the type of man to maintain a monogamous lifestyle. That became apparent when I didn’t hear a word from you after that night, as if you’d had your way with me and tossed me aside.”

A hint of anger flashed in his eyes. “You are making an erroneous assumption, Kira. As I have told you, I was seeing to business. I do not treat women as chattel.”

“They why did you fail to inform me you would be leaving?”

“I was only honoring your request not to approach you again.”

He definitely had her there. “True, but I didn’t mean we should completely sever all ties. Your actions made me feel used.”

He streaked a hand over his jaw and his gaze momentarily drifted away before he returned it to her. “My sincerest apologies, and I am sorry that you have so little faith that you would believe I considered our interlude as nothing more than a diversion. If you wish me to lie and say that I do not want you now, I cannot do that. I cannot promise that if you decide to join me, I will be able to discard my desire for you. If you have trouble accepting this, perhaps you should decline accompanying me to Cyprus. I prefer you not do that, but I will leave the decision to you.”

As he turned to leave, Kira realized that if she rejected his request, she would be giving up the opportunity to know him better. To learn if he might be the kind of man who would be open to raising a child. She couldn’t squander that opportunity for both her and their baby’s sake. “Tarek, wait. We need to talk.”

He faced her again and sent her a frustrated look. “I have said all that I have to say about this matter.”

“But I haven’t,” she said as she strode to him. “I’m sorry that I’ve jumped to conclusions, and I do realize you were only following my instructions. If we can get past this, I would really like to start over and return to our original relationship.”

“Which was?”

“Friendship.” When he scowled, she added, “Unless you’re not able to maintain a friendship with a woman.”

“I would find it difficult to go back after what we shared, but I would be willing to try.”

“And if that’s true, then I’d be willing to go with you to Cyprus.”

“You will?” Both his expression and tone reflected disbelief.

“Yes. We could spend the time together getting to know each other better.”

Now he looked skeptical. “I am a very private person when it comes to certain aspects of my life.”

“I’m not suggesting you show me a financial statement and I don’t expect to rifle through your underwear drawer for secrets.”

His expression turned hard, unforgiving. “Why would you believe I have secrets?”

His reaction took Kira aback and led her to believe he might be withholding something. But so was she. “Everyone has secrets, Tarek. I have no reason to ask you to reveal yours to me, unless you’re doing something illegal.”

He seemed to relax somewhat. “I assure you that all my business dealings are aboveboard and within the law.”

“That is good to know.” Now for the question that would seal her fate for the next two weeks, depending on his response. “Since I’ve laid out my terms, does the offer to join you still stand?”

“Yes. My driver will come for you at 4:00 p.m. and escort you safely to the airport.”

She had less than twenty-four hours to prepare. Twenty-two hours, to be exact, to change her mind. But, with so much riding on this trip, she had to follow through. “I suppose I will see you tomorrow afternoon then.”

“I am looking forward to it. Sleep well, Kira.”

“You too, Tarek.”

As neither of them made a move to depart, a tension as thick as smoky mountain haze hung between them. The craving to kiss Tarek settled over Kira, and to counteract that desire, she started toward the door to his back, intent on a quick escape. Yet as she brushed past him, Tarek clasped her wrist, halting her progress. “If I establish nothing else during our time together, Kira,” he began, “I am determined to win your trust again.”

Kira responded with a shaky smile and, after he released her, left him standing alone in the courtyard.

Trust between them was a slippery slope, for if Tarek Azzmar eventually learned what she’d been withholding from him, he would probably never trust her again.

She couldn’t worry about that now. First, she had to finish her duties for the night and pack for the trip. Hopefully she wouldn’t be disturbed.

* * *

“Are you busy, cara?”

Sequestered in her quaint but comfortable live-in quarters, Kira looked up from the suitcase to find sixty-something, Italian-born Elena Battelli hovering inside the bedroom doorway sporting her neatly coiffed silver hairdo, standard palace-issued navy suit and trademark kind smile. “I always have time for you, Elena. Come in.”

“Good. This will take only a few minutes.”

After placing the last of her clothing into the bag, Kira zipped it closed, lifted it from the cream-colored bench and set it on the floor at her feet. “All done. Did I forget something when we met earlier today to go over the schedules?”

“You covered everything in regard to business, but I do have an important question.”

“And that is?”

Elena strolled into the room and roosted on the edge of the bed. “How well do you know this Tarek Azzmar?”

That she hadn’t expected. Time to bring out a half-truth. “I’ve met him a few times during social gatherings. Why?”

“Several rumors have been circulating among the staff that perhaps you and Mr. Azzmar are...how do I say this? Lovers?”

If it were truly possible to swallow one’s tongue, Kira would have accomplished that feat following the verbal bombshell. “You know how people talk, Elena,” she said once she’d recovered her ability to speak. “Gossip is as common as morning coffee in this place. You can’t believe everything you hear.”

“Then why are you blushing, cara?”

Her hands automatically went to her flushed face before she quickly dropped them to her sides. “It’s embarrassing to think you’re the butt of false hearsay.”

“Then you and Mr. Azzmar are not romantically involved?”

“No, we’re not.” At least not anymore.

“Then he is not the father of your unborn child?”

Kira collapsed onto the bench from absolute shock. Did she already look pregnant? Had Maysa breached doctor-patient privilege and mentioned it to Elena? Both theories were utterly preposterous. “I have no idea where you would get the idea I’m pregnant.”

After reaching into her blazer pocket, Elena withdrew a large white plastic bottle. “These fell out of your bag when you hurried out of the office following our meeting.”

Kira remained frozen on the spot as she eyed the prenatal vitamins. She chastised herself for being so careless, or perhaps she’d subconsciously wanted Elena to find out. Consciously, she thought, for the time being, it was best to rack her brain for some plausible explanation that didn’t involve the truth. “I’ve heard they’re good for your hair and nails.”

Elena presented a cynical smile. “I know several good herbal supplements that would suffice without expense. I also know when a young woman is concealing the truth from a presumed naïve senior citizen.”

She should have known better than to attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the wisest person she’d ever known. Resigned to the fact she couldn’t wriggle out of this, and tired of denying a truth that should be bringing her joy, Kira collapsed onto the bench and sighed. “All right. I am pregnant. But I can’t risk everyone knowing before I tell the baby’s father.” And her poor, clueless parents.

Elena pushed off the bed, claimed the spot beside Kira, and took her hand. “You are under no obligation to reveal the identity of the man who knocked you up.”

Hearing “knocked up” coming from the woman’s mouth sent Kira into a fit of laughter. Once she recovered, unwelcome and unexpected tears began to flow. They only increased when Elena handed her a handkerchief and patted her arm. “I don’t know what to do, Elena. I’m so afraid of how Tarek is going to react to this news.” A moment passed before awareness dawned that she’d let the truth tiger out of the cage. “And I’m sorry I lied to you about him in the beginning.”

“That is understandable, cara,” Elena replied, sincere sympathy in her tone. “This is not something that should be broadcast throughout the palace before you have spoken with the appropriate parties. You do plan to tell him while you’re away together, don’t you?”

She swiped the moisture from her cheeks. “I’m not sure I’m going to tell him at all. I agreed to this trip in part to find out more about him, and hopefully to gauge how he would react to the news. Maybe even to discover if he’s fit to be a father to my child.”

“Then you are planning to keep the baby?”

She couldn’t think much past the upcoming two weeks and deciding whether to inform Tarek. “Maysa and I briefly discussed adoption, but I don’t know if I could let my baby go. Does that make me selfish?”

“No, cara mia. That makes you a mother.”

When Elena went silent, stared off into space and smiled, Kira’s curiosity overcame her. “What are you thinking about?”

“The day your parents brought you back to Bajul after their return from a lengthy trip to Canada. Most people assumed Chandra had hidden her pregnancy from everyone, but I suspected you were a precious gift they had received while they were away. Your mother confided in me not long after.”

One more stunning revelation in a long line of many within the palace’s hallowed halls. “You knew about my adoption?”

“Yes, I did, and I have kept the secret since your birth. You can trust me with yours as well.”

She knew Elena’s word was good as gold, but she wondered what other secrets the woman might be privy to. “Do you know anything about my birth parents other than they were very young? Mother and Father would never talk about them when I asked, and when I tried to contact my biological mother, she wasn’t willing to speak with me.”

Elena shook her head. “I am sorry I do not. I am also sorry they have not been forthcoming with that information, though I do understand their reasoning on some level. My son can attest to that. Adan spent his life believing another woman to be his mother.”

Kira wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. “You had no choice in the matter, Elena. From what you’ve said, you were following King Aadil’s orders to keep Adan’s true parentage concealed. At least the two of you now have the opportunity to know each other as mother and son.”

“Yet we cannot live openly that way,” Elena said. “Very few people know the truth, as it should be. Rafiq cannot afford another scandal after barely surviving his marriage to a divorcée with his authority intact.”

And she could very well hand them another huge scandal if anyone learned that Tarek had fathered her child. Perhaps she should resign and move to Canada. No. She could not live off her parents’ good graces, especially when her papa would be so disapproving of her unwed-mother status. But what other options did she have?

She was simply too tired to plan so far ahead. That fatigue filtered out as she hid a yawn behind her hand.

Elena got to her feet and patted Kira’s cheek. “You need to sleep, cara mia. When I was expecting Adan, I remember nodding off in midsentence.”

Kira rose and drew her into a quick embrace. “Thank you for listening to me. I’m honestly relieved that I have someone I can trust to talk to about this.”

“You can always trust me, dear one. And should you need my counsel following your journey, I will be here.”

“Thank you.”

Elena then started toward the door, only to face Kira once more. “Since you obviously have decided to raise your child, I truly hope you find Tarek Azzmar to be an honorable man and a worthy father. As you have learned, every child deserves to know their legacy if at all possible.”

With that, she walked out of the bedroom, leaving Kira to ponder her words as she readied for bed. Her instincts told her to trust in Tarek. Her past dictated she be overly cautious. Falling victim to a man with dishonorable intentions had taught her that hard lesson eight years ago. She sincerely hoped that the father of her baby proved to be the man she had at first believed him to be, and not someone who judged a woman for her lack of good breeding, led her on, then left her heart in tatters.

Only time would tell if the real Tarek Azzmar turned out to be a huge disappointment, or a pleasant surprise.

Three

He was pleasantly surprised when she entered the plane, yet disappointed at her obvious aloofness when she muttered a greeting. She wore a somewhat sheer blue blouse and fitted white skirt rising a few inches above her knee, and that alone had him battling the urge to invite her into the onboard sleeping quarters, a request she would no doubt reject. He had to respect her friendship request for the time being, yet he could not be certain how long that would last.

Despite that, Tarek sent Kira a guarded smile as he showed her to the black leather seat and claimed the one set against the bulkhead opposite hers. They remained silent during takeoff, the lack of communication continuing as the pilot permitted them to move about the cabin.

As Tarek unbuckled his seat belt, Kira removed a magazine from the bag resting at her feet. “Would you like something to drink?” he asked as he stood.

“I’m fine, thank you,” she said as she surveyed the area. “This is a very nice plane, maybe even a bit nicer than the Mehdis’, although smaller. With all this black and white, it reminds me of a four-star boutique with wings. I’m surprised you don’t have an onboard bartender.”

“Due to the short duration of the flight, no attendants are necessary.”

“Three hours isn’t exactly short.”

“It is not long enough to justify bringing along a full staff.” In truth, he wanted privacy more than he had wanted someone waiting on him. “Therefore I will serve as your host. My wish is your command.”

“Again, I have no wishes, but your hospitality is appreciated.”

Frustrated, Tarek moved to the onboard bar, reached into the upper cabinet above the refrigerator and retrieved a bottle of wine that he had reserved for a special occasion. Apparently Kira did not see anything special about traveling with him. At the moment, he needed something to cut through the tension, even if it came from a glass of twenty-thousand-dollar French premier cru.

Once he returned to his seat, he found her flipping through random pages. “What are you reading?”

She paused and lifted the magazine from her lap, then set it back down. “Just something to pass the time.”

“I have never had an affinity for tabloids.”

That had earned him Kira’s undivided attention and a scornful look. “It’s not a tabloid. It features book and movie reviews and human interest stories.”

“If one is interested in reading about adultery, illegal drug use and secret pregnancies involving Hollywood stars. Of course, the secret is soon revealed when paparazzi capture photos of the expectant actresses on the beach and release them to the general public. The concept sickens me.”

She raised a thin brow. “The photos or the pregnant starlets?”

“Both, in a sense. It seems it is a rite of passage among the rich and famous to populate the world, with or without the benefit of matrimony.”

“Now I understand. You’re a traditionalist when it comes to marriage before the baby carriage.”

She did not truly understand at all, nor would she without knowing his goal. “I am a pragmatist. It is immaterial to me whether someone marries or not before giving birth. I strongly believe that one should consider the atmosphere into which they are bringing a child. In my opinion, thrusting someone so young into the spotlight could be detrimental to their well-being.”

Her gaze drifted away momentarily before she tossed the magazine back in the bag. “I suppose since everyone knows your business when you’re in the spotlight, that’s definitely a risk.”

He took a drink of the wine and set it into the holder built into the seat’s arm. “I would not wish to be placed under a microscope on a daily basis.”

“But you have no problem having your face splashed across financial publications. And yes, I’ve seen a few of those covers featuring your smiling face.”

He briefly wondered if perhaps someone in the royal family had known of his existence prior to their introduction. “Where did you come by this knowledge?”

“The internet. I did some research before you visited the palace the first time.”

“An order from the king?”

“No. I took the initiative on my own. I make a point to learn about guests of the royal family.”

He relaxed somewhat. “What else do you know about my life?”

She shrugged. “Not all that much, other than you’re in the top fifteen on the list of the wealthiest men in the world.”

“Top ten.”

“Forgive me for my ignorance. I also know that you are somewhat of a philanthropist. I read an article where you opened an orphanage in Mexico City a while back.”

A pet project he had felt compelled to complete for personal reasons. “There was a need, and I had the means to fulfill that need.”

“I’m sure the tax write-off doesn’t hurt.”

He bristled at her continual questioning of his motives. “I have global holdings in several countries with varying tax structures. I assure you that compassion, not company write-offs, drives my charitable efforts.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, sounding somewhat contrite. “I tend to be wary of men with an overabundance of money.”

“Why is that?”

“Personal reasons.”

He suspected he knew what those reasons might be. “Who was he?”

“I don’t understand what you’re asking.”

The way she shifted in her seat and looked away indicated she chose to be evasive, confirming his conjecture. “Who was the wealthy man who broke your heart?”

“What makes you think this has anything to do with a man?”

“I can sense these things.”

She sighed, then hid a yawn behind her hand. “Yes, my attitude stems from a former relationship. Actually, he was my fiancé. And if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not discuss it. I didn’t sleep well last night and I’d like to take a nap.”

He vowed to revisit the topic at a later time. “We have still have hours before we arrive in Cyprus. That should give you ample time to rest. You will find the sleeping quarters at the rear of the plane.”

“I really don’t need a bed to take a nap. I’ll be fine right here.”

He could think of more favorable ways to use the onboard bed. “If you are concerned that I might attempt to join you, put your mind at ease. I do not require any sleep.”

“I highly doubt you’d want to join me to sleep.”

He returned her unexpected smile. “You know me well.”

“Not as well as I hope to know you before the end of this trip.”

Though he found her comment somewhat curious, he decided not to assume too much. “If you’re determined to refuse the offer of my bed, push the button on the right arm to release the footrest. The one to your left will recline the back.”

After complying, Kira stretched out, turned on her side and closed her eyes. “Wake me up in thirty minutes.”

Tarek finished off the wine and poured another glass as an afterthought. Rarely did he imbibe aside from the occasional social setting due to his need to remain in absolute control. Yet as he returned to his seat, he acknowledged the woman before him was as intoxicating as a shot of straight Russian vodka. In sleep, she looked innocent, yet he had experienced anything but innocence during their interlude. She had been a willing lover, exciting and experimental. Remembering those blissful moments now prompted a building pressure in his groin, causing him to bring his attention back to Kira.

With her upturned nose and the delicate line of her jaw, he saw little that indicated she would hail from Bajul, aside from the slightly golden color of her skin. Evidently her mother’s Canadian roots had taken genetic precedence over her father’s Middle Eastern heritage. Regardless, her beauty could not be denied and he had given up on doing that very thing.

During this adventure, he did hope to find out more about her, including the details of the miscreant who had emotionally destroyed her and filled her with distrust. More important, he needed to prove he was not the kind of man to fill a woman with false promises. Eventually he might take a wife and settle down, but not until he achieved his ultimate goal of building more wealth and power. Enough wealth and power to match the Mehdis. What better way to exact revenge for his denied birthright?

* * *

Kira awoke long enough to depart the plane that had been secured in a private hangar, only to enter an extravagant black limousine and drift off once again en route to Tarek’s Cyprus home. She came back into consciousness a while later, mortified to discover her cheek resting on his shoulder. Had she snored? Drooled? Hopefully none of the above.

After straightening and scooting over, Kira adjusted the hem of her white pencil skirt, which had climbed up her thighs to a point that bordered on indecency. “I’m sorry,” she muttered as the car navigated the drive. “I guess I needed more sleep than I realized.”

“No apology necessary,” he replied as the limo came to a stop. “I enjoyed having you so close. Granted, I was somewhat concerned that I might have to carry you into the house, although that would not have been a great burden.”

Maybe not a burden for him, but a total embarrassment for her. “I’ll endeavor to stay awake for the remainder of the evening.”

When the driver opened the door, Kira realized the sun had already begun to set, yet enough light existed to witness the grandeur of the white, expansive estate with manicured tropical gardens and a four-car garage. She accepted Tarek’s offered hand as he helped her out of the car and followed him silently up the stone path. A man dressed in a white suit greeted them on the front porch, then opened the heavy wooden double doors wide. “Welcome back, Mr. Azzmar.”

“It is good to be back, Alexios,” he replied. “Please see to it that Ms. Darzin’s luggage is delivered to her quarters immediately.”

“As you wish, sir,” the man said with a nod before making his way to the car.

Tarek turned to Kira and gestured toward the open doors. “After you.”

When Kira stepped inside the foyer, she was taken aback by the ultramodern décor that directly contrasted with Tarek’s newly built traditional mansion in Bajul. White and steel-gray leather sofas and chairs, accented with black and turquoise pillows, were set about the massive living room, accompanied by several tables comprised of glass and chrome. An enormous curved television hung above a fireplace surrounded by gray glass tile. Yet the most impressive sight lay beyond the open glass wall that revealed the panoramic view of the blue backlit pool, centered between two stone walls, and the Mediterranean Sea, which stretched out as far as the eye could see.

“Amazing,” Kira said. “An absolute paradise.”

“I am pleased that you are pleased,” Tarek replied from behind her.

Pleasure wasn’t her goal, a fact she had to remember before she let the atmosphere cloud her common sense. “I’m ready to work when you are,” she said as she faced him.

“Tonight we will relax and simply enjoy each other’s company.”

That could involve going somewhere she didn’t want to go. Correction. She shouldn’t go. “I slept the entire trip, Tarek. I have no problem getting started on my duties.”

“We will begin first thing in the morning with a visit to the resort. In the meantime, I will show you to your room, where you can freshen up before dinner.”

She saw no point in arguing with him because she couldn’t deny she was starving—both for food and for his touch. She could partake in one, but not the other. Not unless she wanted to forget her reasons for being there had nothing to do with falling into bed with him again.

After Tarek started down a corridor to her right, Kira followed behind him past several rooms, all the while recalling his perfect butt, which she unfortunately couldn’t see now, due to the length of his gray jacket. But she had seen that tempting bottom before in all its glory, and his well-toned legs, his ridged abdomen and his impossibly broad shoulders. She remembered in great detail clinging to those shoulders before running her palms down his back, exploring the pearls of his spine before spanning the width of his rib cage, then traveling down to the curve of his buttocks and curving her hand between his thighs...

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