“I am Prince As’ad of El Deharia. That is all you need to know.”

Kayleen looked him in the eye. “You have to give your word that you’ll be a good father, caring more for their welfare than your own. You’ll love them and listen to them and not marry them off to anyone they don’t love.”

“I will be a good father,” As’ad said. “I will care for them and see that they are raised with privileges that go with being the daughter of a prince.”

She frowned. “That wasn’t what I asked.”

“It is what I offer. I have said they will be as my daughters, Miss James. You test my patience.”

She stared at him. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“I can see that. Are we finished here?”

She smiled, her eyes twinkling. “I’m not sure. In a way, I think we’re just beginning.”

SUSAN MALLERY

is a bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty books. She makes her home in the Los Angeles area with her handsome prince of a husband and her two adorable-but-not-bright cats.

Dear Reader,

I confess, I love Christmas romances. I haunt the bookshops every November and December, buying every one I can find. There’s nothing more romantic than falling in love during the holidays.

I also have a soft spot in my heart for the sheikh books I write. To me they are pure escapist fun into a world of sexy, dangerous men just ready to be tamed by loving the right woman. The Sheikh and the Christmas Bride is no exception, and this time there is the added thrill of the holiday season.

Kayleen grew up in an orphanage, so she desperately wants to belong. Prince As’ad grew up with every privilege, but still has an empty place in his heart. Three little girls, unexpected passion and even a Christmas miracle create what I hope is a story that brings the holiday season alive for you.

Happy reading,

Susan Mallery

The Sheikh and the Christmas Bride

SUSAN MALLERY

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Prologue

“This is an impossible situation,” King Mukhtar of El Deharia announced as he paced the width of his private chambers.

Princess Lina watched her brother, thinking it would be impossible for him to pace the length of his chambers—the room was so big, she would probably lose sight of him. Ah, the trials of being king.

Mukhtar spun back unexpectedly, then stalked toward her. “You smile. Do you find this amusing? I have three sons of marriageable age. Three! And has even one of them shown interest in choosing a bride and producing heirs? No. They are too busy with their work. How did I produce such industrious sons? Why aren’t they out chasing women and getting girls pregnant? At least then we could force a marriage.”

Lina laughed. “You’re complaining that your sons are too hardworking and that they’re not playboys? What else is wrong, my brother? Too much money in the treasury? Do the people love you too much? Is the royal crown too heavy?”

“You mock me,” he complained.

“As your sister, it is not just my privilege, it’s my duty. Someone needs to mock you.”

He glared at her, but she was unimpressed. They had grown up together. It was hard to find awe in the man when one had seen the boy with chicken pox.

“This is serious,” he told her sternly. “What am I to do? I must have heirs. I should have dozens of grandchildren by now and I have not a single one. Qadir spends his time representing our country to the world. As’ad deals with domestic issues so our people have a thriving economy. Kateb lives his life in the desert, celebrating the old ways.” Mukhtar grimaced. “The old ways? What is he thinking?”

“Kateb has always been a bit of a black sheep,” Lina reminded the king.

Her brother glared at her. “No son of mine is a sheep. He is powerful and cunning like a lion of the desert or a jackal.”

“So he is the black jackal of the family.”

“Woman, you will not act this way,” Mukhtar roared in a fair imitation of a lion.

Lina remained unimpressed. “Do you see me cowering, brother? Have you ever seen me cowering?”

“No, and you are poorer for it.”

She covered her mouth as she pretended to yawn.

His gaze narrowed. “You are intent only on your own amusement? You have no advice for me?”

“I do have advice, but I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “I’m listening.”

Not according to his body language, Lina thought humorously. But she was used to her brother being imperious. Having him ask for her advice was a big step for him. She should go with it.

“I have been in communication with King Hassan of Bahania,” she said.

“Why?”

She sighed. “This will go much faster if you don’t interrupt me every thirty seconds.”

Mukhtar raised his eyebrows but didn’t speak.

She recognized the slightly stubborn expression. He thought he was being protective and concerned, making sure she was kept safe from the evilness of the world. Right. Because the very handsome king of Bahania was so likely to swoop down and ravish her forty-three-year-old self.

Not that she would say no to a little ravishing, she thought wistfully. Her marriage had ended years before when her beloved husband had died unexpectedly. She’d always meant to remarry and have a family, but somehow that had never happened. She’d been busy being an aunt to Mukhtar’s six boys. There had been much to do in the palace. Somehow she’d never found the time…or a man who interested her.

Until Hassan. The widower king was older, but vital and charming. Not to mention, he was the first man who had caught her attention in years. But was he intrigued by her? She just couldn’t tell.

“Lina,” her brother said impatiently, “how do you know Hassan?”

“What? Oh. He and I spent time together a couple of years ago at a symposium on education.” She’d met the king formally at state events dozens of times, but that had been the first occasion she’d had to speak with him for more than five minutes. “He also has sons and he has been very successful in getting them all married.”

That got her brother’s interest. “What did he do?”

“He meddled.”

Mukhtar stared at her. “You’re saying…”

“He got involved in their personal lives. He created circumstances that brought his sons together with women he had picked. Sometimes he set up roadblocks, sometimes he facilitated the relationship. It all went well.”

Mukhtar lowered his arms to his sides. “I am the king of El Deharia.”

“I know that.”

“It would be inappropriate for me to behave in such a manner.”

Lina held in a smile—she already knew what was coming. “Of course it would.”

“However, you do not have my restrictions of rank and power.”

“Isn’t that amazing.”

“You could get involved. You know my sons very well.” His gaze narrowed. “You’ve been thinking about this for some time, haven’t you?”

“I’ve made a few notes about a couple of women I think would be really interesting for my nephews to get to know.”

He smiled slowly. “Tell me everything.”

Chapter One

Prince As’ad of El Deharia expected his world to run smoothly. He hired his staff with that expectation, and for the most part, they complied. He enjoyed his work at the palace and his responsibilities. The country was growing, expanding, and he oversaw the development of the infrastructure. It was a compelling vocation that took serious thought and dedication.

Some of his friends from university thought he should use his position as a prince and a sheik to enjoy life, but As’ad did not agree. He didn’t have time for frivolity. If he had one weakness, it was his affection for his aunt Lina. Which explained why he agreed to see her when she burst into his offices without an appointment. A decision, he would think many weeks later, that caused him nothing but trouble.

“As’ad,” Lina said as she hurried into his office, “you must come at once.”

As’ad saved his work on the computer before asking, “What is wrong?”

“Everything.” His normally calm aunt was flushed and trembling. “There is trouble at the orphan school. A chieftain is in from the desert. He’s demanding he be allowed to take three sisters. People are fighting, the girls don’t want to go with him, the teachers are getting involved and one of the nuns is threatening to jump from the roof if you don’t come and help.”

As’ad rose. “Why me?”

“You’re a wise and thoughtful leader,” Lina said, not quite meeting his gaze. “Your reputation for fairness makes you the obvious choice.”

Or his aunt was playing him, As’ad thought, staring at the woman who had been like a mother to him for most of his life. Lina enjoyed getting her way and she wasn’t above using drama to make that happen. Was she this time? Although he couldn’t imagine why she would need his help at a school.

She bit her lower lip. “There really is trouble. Please come.”

Theatrics he could ignore, but a genuine request? Not possible. He walked around his desk and took her arm to lead her out of his office. “We will take my car.”

Fifteen minutes later As’ad wished he’d been out of the country when his aunt had gone looking for assistance. The school was in an uproar.

Fifteen or so students huddled in groups, crying loudly. Several teachers tried to comfort them, but they, too, were in tears. An elderly chieftain and his men stood by the window, talking heatedly, while a petite woman with hair the color of fire stood in front of three sobbing girls.

As’ad glanced at his aunt. “No one seems to be on the roof.”

“I’m sure things have calmed down,” she told him. “Regardless of that detail, you can clearly see there is a problem.”

He returned his gaze to the woman protecting the girls. “She doesn’t look like a nun,” he murmured, taking in the long, red hair and the stubborn expression on her face.

“Kayleen is a teacher here,” his aunt said, “which is very close to being a nun.”

“So you lied to me.”

Lina brushed away the accusation with a flick of her hand. “I may have exaggerated slightly.”

“You are fortunate we have let go of the old ways,” he told his aunt. “The ones that defined a woman’s conduct.”

His aunt smiled. “You love me too much to ever let harm befall me, As’ad.”

Which was true, he thought as he walked into the room.

He ignored the women and children and moved over to the tall old man.

“Tahir,” he said, nodding his head in a gesture of respect. “You do not often leave the desert for the city. It is an honor to see you here now. Is your stay a long one?”

Tahir was obviously furious, but he knew his place and bowed. “Prince As’ad. At last a voice of reason. I had hoped to make my journey to the city as brief as possible, but this, this woman—” he pointed at the redhead still guarding the children “—seeks to interfere. I am here because of duty. I am here to show the hospitality of the desert. Yet she understands nothing and defies me at every turn.”

Tahir’s voice shook with outrage and fury. He was not used to being denied and certainly not by a mere woman. As’ad held in a sigh. He already knew nothing about this was going to be easy.

“I will defy you with my dying breath, if I have to,” the teacher in question said, from her corner of the room. “What you want to do is inhuman. It’s cruel and I won’t allow it.” She turned to As’ad and glared at him. “There’s nothing you can say or do to make me.”

The three girls huddled close to her. They were obviously sisters, with blond hair and similar features. Pretty girls, As’ad thought absently. They would grow into beauties and be much trouble for their father.

Or would have been, he amended, remembering this was an orphanage and that meant the girls had no parents.

“And you are…” he asked, his voice deliberately imperious. His first job was to establish authority and gain control.

“Kayleen James. I’m a teacher here.”

She opened her mouth to continue speaking, but As’ad shook his head.

“I will ask the questions,” he told her. “You will answer.”

“But—”

He shook his head again. “Ms. James, I am Prince As’ad. Is that name familiar to you?”

The young woman glanced from him to his aunt and back. “Yes,” she said quietly. “You’re in charge of the country or something.”

“Exactly. You are here on a work visa?”

She nodded.

“That work visa comes from my office. I suggest you avoid doing anything to make me rethink your place in my country.”

She had dozens of freckles on her nose and cheeks. They became more visible as she paled. “You’re threatening me,” she breathed. “So what? You’ll deport me if I don’t let that horrible man have his way with these children? Do you know what he is going to do with them?”

Her eyes were large. More green than blue, he thought until fresh tears filled them. Then the blue seemed more predominant.

As’ad could list a thousand ways he would rather be spending his day. He turned to Tahir.

“My friend,” he began, “what brings you to this place?”

Tahir pointed at the girls. “They do. Their father was from my village. He left to go to school and never returned, but he was still one of us. Only recently have we learned of his death. With their mother gone, they have no one. I came to take them back to the village.”

Kayleen took a step toward the older man. “Where you plan to separate them and have them grow up to be servants.”

Tahir shrugged. “They are girls. Of little value. Yet several families in the village have agreed to take in one of them. We honor the memory of their father.” He looked at As’ad. “They will be treated well. They will carry my honor with them.”

Kayleen raised her chin. “Never!” she announced. “You will never take them. It’s not right. The girls only have each other. They deserve to be together. They deserve a chance to have a real life.”

As’ad thought longingly of his quiet, organized office and the simple problems of bridge design or economic development that awaited him.

“Lina, stay with the girls,” he told his aunt. He pointed at Kayleen. “You—come with me.”

Kayleen wasn’t sure she could go anywhere. Her whole body shook and she couldn’t seem to catch her breath. Not that it mattered. She would gladly give her life to protect her girls.

She opened her mouth to tell Prince As’ad that she wasn’t interested in a private conversation, when Princess Lina walked toward her and smiled reassuringly.

“Go with As’ad,” her friend told her. “I’ll stay with the girls. Nothing will happen to them while you’re gone.” Lina touched her arm. “As’ad is a fair man. He will listen.” She smiled faintly. “Speak freely, Kayleen. You are always at your best when you are most passionate.”

What?

Before Kayleen could figure out what Lina meant, As’ad was moving and she found herself hurrying after him. They went across the hall, into an empty classroom. He closed the door behind them, folded his arms across his chest and stared at her intently.

“Start at the beginning,” he told her. “What happened here today?”

She blinked. Until this moment, she hadn’t really seen As’ad. But standing in front of him meant she had to tip her head back to meet his gaze. He was tall and broad-shouldered, a big, dark-haired man who made her nervous. Kayleen had had little to do with men and she preferred it that way.

“I was teaching,” she said slowly, finding it oddly difficult to look into As’ad’s nearly black eyes and equally hard to look away. “Pepper—she’s the youngest—came running into my classroom to say there was a bad man who wanted to take her away. I found the chieftain holding Dana and Nadine in the hallway.” Indignation gave her strength. “He was really holding them. One by each arm. When he saw Pepper, he handed Dana off to one of his henchmen and grabbed her. She’s barely eight years old. The girls were crying and struggling. Then he started dragging them away. He said something about taking them to his village.”

The rest of it was a blur. Kayleen drew in a breath. “I started yelling, too. Then I sort of got between the chieftain and the stairway. I might have attacked him.” Shame filled her. To act in such a way went against everything she believed. How many times had she been told she must accept life as it was and attempt change through prayer and conversation and demonstrating a better way herself?

Kayleen desperately wanted to believe that, but sometimes a quick kick in the shin worked, too.

One corner of As’ad’s mouth twitched. “You hit Tahir?”

“I kicked him.”

“What happened then?”

“His men came after me and grabbed me. Which I didn’t like, but it was okay because the girls were released. They were screaming and I was screaming and the other teachers came into the hall. It was a mess.”

She squared her shoulders, knowing she had to make As’ad understand why that man couldn’t take the girls away.

“You can’t let him do this,” she said. “It’s wrong on every level. They’ve lost both their parents. They need each other. They need me.”

“You’re just their teacher.”

“In name, but we’re close. I live here, too. I read to them every night, I talk to them.” They were like her family, which made them matter more than anything. “They’re so young. Dana, the oldest, is only eleven. She’s bright and funny and she wants to be a doctor. Nadine is nine. She’s a gifted dancer. She’s athletic and caring. Little Pepper can barely remember her mother. She needs her sisters around her. They need to be together.”

“They would be in the same village,” As’ad said.

“But not the same house.” She had to make him understand. “Tahir talks about how people in the village are willing to take in the girls. As if they would be a hardship. Isn’t it better to leave them here where they have friends and are loved? Where they can grow up with a connection to each other and their past? Do you know what he would do to them?”

“Nothing,” As’ad said flatly, in a voice that warned her not to insult his people. “He has given them his honor. They would be protected. Anyone who attacked them would pay with his life.”

Okay, that made her feel better, but it wasn’t enough. “What about the fact that they won’t be educated? They won’t have a chance. Their mother was American.”

“Their father was born here, in El Deharia. He, too, was an orphan and Tahir’s village raised him. They honor his memory by taking in his three daughters.”

“To be servants.”

As’ad hesitated. “It is their likely fate.”

“Then he can’t have them.”

“The decision is not yours to make.”

“Then you make it,” she told him, wanting to give him a quick kick to the shins, as well. She loved El Deharia. The beautiful country took her breath away every time she went into the desert. She loved the people, the kindness, the impossible blue of the skies. But there was still an expectation that men knew better. “Do you have children, Prince As’ad?”

“No.”

“Sisters?”

“Five brothers.”

“If you had a sister, would you want her to be taken away and made a servant? Would you have wanted one of your brothers ripped from his family?”

“These are not your siblings,” he told her.

“I know. They’re more like my children. They’ve only been here a few months. Their mother died a year ago and their father brought them back here. When he was killed, they entered the orphanage. I’m the one who sat with them night after night as they sobbed out their pain. I’m the one who held them through the nightmares, who coaxed them to eat, who promised things would get better.”

She drew herself up to her full five feet three inches and squared her shoulders. “You talk of Tahir’s honor. Well, I gave my word that they would have a good life. If you allow that man to take them away, my word means nothing. I mean nothing. Are you so heartless that you would shatter the hopes and dreams of three little girls who have already lost both their parents?”

As’ad could feel a headache coming on.

Kayleen James stated her case well. Under other circumstances, he would have allowed her to keep the children at the school and be done with it. But this was not a simple case.

“Tahir is a powerful chieftain,” he said. “To offend him over such a small matter is foolish.”

“Small matter? Because they’re girls? Is that it? If these were boys, the matter would be large?”

“The gender of the children is immaterial. The point is Tahir has made a generous gesture from what he considers a position of honor. To have that thrown in his face could have political consequences.”

“We’re talking about children’s lives. What is politics when compared with that?”

The door to the classroom opened and Lina stepped inside. Kayleen gasped. “He has the girls?”

“Of course not. They’ve gone back to their rooms while Tahir and his men take tea with the director.” Lina looked at As’ad. “What have you decided?”

“That I should not allow you into my office when you do not have an appointment.”

Lina smiled. “You could never refuse me, As’ad. Just as I could never send you away.”

He held in a groan. So his aunt had taken sides. Why was he not surprised? She had always been soft-hearted and loving—something he had appreciated after the death of his own mother. But now, he found the trait inconvenient.

“Tahir is powerful. To offend him over this makes no sense,” he said.

Lina surprised him by saying, “I agree.”

Kayleen shrieked. “Princess Lina, no! You know these girls. They deserve more.”

Lina touched her arm. “They shall have more. As’ad is right. Tahir should not leave feeling as if his generous offer has been snubbed. Kayleen, you may not agree with what he’s trying to do, but believe me, his motives are pure.”

Kayleen looked anything but convinced, yet she nodded slowly.

Lina turned to As’ad. “The only way Tahir can save face in this is to have the children taken by someone more powerful who is willing to raise them and honor the memory of their father.”

“Agreed,” As’ad said absently. “But who would—”

“You.”

He stared at his aunt. “You would have me take three orphan girls as my own?” It was unbelievable. It was impossible. It was just like Lina.

“As’ad, the palace has hundreds of rooms. What would it matter if three girls occupied a suite? You wouldn’t have to deal with them. They would have your protection as they grew. If nothing else, the king might be momentarily distracted by the presence of three almost-grandchildren.”

The idea had merit, As’ad thought. His father’s attempts to marry off his sons had become unbearable. There were constant parades of eligible young women. An excuse to avoid the events was worth much.

As’ad knew it was his duty to marry and produce heirs, yet he had always resisted any emotional involvement. Perhaps because he knew emotion made a man weak. His father had told him as much the night the queen had died. When As’ad had asked why the king did not cry, his father explained that to give in to feelings was to be less of a man.

As’ad had tried to learn the lesson as well as he could. As a marriage of convenience had never appealed to him, he was left with the annoyance of dealing with an angry monarch who wanted heirs.

“But who would care for the girls?” he asked. “The children can’t raise themselves.”

“Hire a nanny. Hire Kayleen.” Lina shrugged. “She already has a relationship with the girls. They care for her and she cares for them.”

“Wait a minute,” Kayleen said. “I have a job. I’m a teacher here.”

Lina looked at her. “Did you or did you not give the girls your word that their life would get better? What are you willing to do to keep your word? You would still be a teacher, but on a smaller scale. With three students. Perhaps there would even be time for you to teach a few classes here.”

The last thing As’ad wanted was to adopt three children he knew nothing about. While he’d always planned on a family, the idea was vague, in the future, and it included sons. Still, it was a solution. Tahir would not stand in the way of a prince taking the children. And as Lina had pointed out, it would buy time with his father. He could not be expected to find a bride while adjusting to a new family.

He looked at Kayleen. “You would have to be solely responsible for the girls. You would be given all the resources you require, but I have no interest in their day-today lives.”

“I haven’t even agreed to this,” she told him.

“Yet you were the one willing to do anything to keep the sisters together.”

“It would be a wonderful arrangement,” Lina told Kayleen. “Just think. The girls would be raised in a palace. There would be so many opportunities for them. Dana could go to the best university. Nadine would have access to wonderful dance teachers. And little Pepper wouldn’t have to cry herself to sleep every night.”

Kayleen bit her lower lip. “It sounds good.” She turned to As’ad. “You’d have to give your word that they would never be turned out or made into servants or married off for political gain.”

“You insult me with your mistrust.” The audacity of her statements was right in keeping with what he’d seen of her personality, but it was important to establish control before things began.

“I don’t know you,” she said.

“I am Prince As’ad of El Deharia. That is all you need to know.”

Lina smiled at her. “As’ad is a good man, Kayleen.”

As’ad resented that his aunt felt the need to speak for his character. Women, he thought with mild annoyance. They were nothing but trouble.

Kayleen looked him in the eye. “You have to give your word that you’ll be a good father, caring more for their welfare than your own. You’ll love them and listen to them and not marry them off to anyone they don’t love.”

What was it with women and love? he wondered. They worried too much about a fleeting emotion that had no value.

“I will be a good father,” he said. “I will care for them and see that they are raised with all the privileges that go with being the daughter of a prince.”

Kayleen frowned. “That wasn’t what I asked.”

“It is what I offer.”

Kayleen hesitated. “You have to promise not to marry them off to someone they don’t care about.”

Such foolish worries, he thought, then nodded. “They may pick their own husbands.”

“And go to college and not be servants.”

“I have said they will be as my daughters, Ms. James. You test my patience.”

She stared at him. “I’m not afraid of you.” She considered for a second.

“I can see that. You will be responsible for them. Do as you see fit with them.” He glanced at his aunt. “Are we finished here?”

She smiled, her eyes twinkling in a way that made him wonder what else she had planned for him. “I’m not sure, As’ad,” she told him. “In a way I think we’re just beginning.”

Chapter Two

Kayleen wouldn’t have thought it was possible for her life to change so quickly. That morning she’d awakened in her narrow bed in a small room at the orphanage. If she stood in the right place and leaned all the way over, she could see a bit of garden out of her tiny window, but mostly the view was a stone wall. Now she followed Princess Lina into an impossibly large suite in a palace that overlooked the Arabian Sea.

“This can’t be right,” Kayleen murmured as she turned in a slow circle, taking in the three sofas, the carved dining table, the ornate decorations, the wide French doors leading out to a balcony and the view of the water beyond. “These rooms are too nice.”

Lina smiled. “It’s a palace, my dear. Did you think we had ugly rooms?”

“Obviously not.” Kayleen glanced at the three girls huddled together. “But this stuff is really nice. Kids can be hard on furniture.”

“I assure you, these pieces have seen far more than you can imagine. All will be well. Come this way. I have a delightful surprise.”

Kayleen doubted any surprise could beat a return address sticker that said El Deharian Royal Palace but she was willing to be wrong. She gently pushed the girls in front of her as they moved down the hallway.

Lina paused in front of a massive door, then pushed it open. “I didn’t have much time to get things in order, so it’s not complete just yet. But it’s a start.”

The “start” was a room the size of a small airport, with soaring ceilings and big windows that let in the light. Three double beds didn’t begin to fill the space. There were armoires and desks and comforters in pretty pastels. Big, fluffy stuffed animals sat on each bed, along with a robe, nightgowns and slippers. Each of the girls’ school backpacks sat at the foot of her bed.

“Laptop computers are on order for the girls,” Lina said. “There’s a big TV back in the living room, behind the cabinet doors. There are a few DVDs for the girls, but we’ll get more. In time, we can move you to a different suite, one with a bedroom for each of the girls, but for now I thought they’d be more comfortable together.”

Kayleen couldn’t believe it. The room was perfect. Bright and cheerful, filled with color. There was an air of welcome, as if the space had been hoping for three girls to fill it.

Dana turned around and stared at her. “Really? This is for us?”

Kayleen laughed. “You’d better take it, because if you don’t want it, I’ll move in.”

It was the permission they needed. The three girls went running around the room, examining everything. Every few seconds one of them yelled, “Look at this,” because there was so much to see.

A ballerina lamp for Nadine, a throw covered with teddy bears for Pepper. Dana’s bed had a bookcase next to it. Kayleen turned to Princess Lina.

“You’re amazing.”

“I have resources and I’m not afraid to use them,” her friend told her. “This was fun. I don’t get to act imperious very often and send servants scuttling to do my bidding. Besides, we all enjoyed pulling this together in a couple of hours. Come on. Let’s go see where you’ll sleep.”

Kayleen followed Lina past a large bathroom with a tub big enough to swim in, to a short hallway that ended in a beautiful room done in shades of green and pale yellow.

The furniture was delicately carved and feminine. The bedcovering was a botanical print that suited her much better than ruffles and frills. The attached bathroom was more luxurious than any she’d ever seen.

“It’s silk,” she whispered, fingering the luxurious drapes. “What if I spill something?”

“Then the cleaners will be called,” Lina told her. “Relax. You’ll adjust. This is your home now that you’re a part of As’ad’s life.”

Something else that just plain wasn’t right, Kayleen thought. How could she be a part of a sheik’s life? Make that a sheik prince?

“Not a happy part,” she murmured. “He didn’t want to help.”

“But he did and isn’t that what matters?”

Kayleen nodded, but her head was spinning. There was too much to think about. Too much had happened too quickly.

“Our bags! Kayleen, hurry! Our bags are here.”

Kayleen and Lina returned to the main room to watch as their suitcases were unloaded. The pile had looked so huge at the orphanage, but here it seemed small and shabby.

Lina lightly touched her arm. “Get settled. I’ll have dinner sent up. Things will look better in the morning.”

“They look fine now,” Kayleen told her, almost meaning it. “We live in a palace. What’s not to like?”

Lina laughed. “Good attitude.” She held out her arms and the sisters rushed to her for a hug. “I will see all of you in the morning. Welcome to the palace.”

With that, she was gone. As the door to their suite closed behind her, Kayleen felt a whisper of unease. A palace? How could that be home?

She glanced at the girls and saw fear and apprehension in their eyes. It was one thing for her to worry, but they shouldn’t have to. They’d already been through so much.

She glanced at her watch, then looked back at the girls. “I think we need to give the new TV a test drive. Here’s the deal. Whoever gets unpacked first, and that means putting things neatly in the armoire, not just throwing them, gets to pick the movie. Start in five, four, three, two, one. Go!”

All three sisters shrieked and raced for their bedroom.

“I can go fastest,” Pepper yelled as she crouched down in front of her suitcase and opened it.

“No way,” Dana told her. “I’m going to win because you’ll pick a stupid cartoon. I’m too old for that.”

Kayleen smiled at the familiar argument, then her smile faded. Dana was all of eleven and in such a hurry to grow up. Kayleen suspected the reason had a whole lot to do with being able to take care of her sisters.

“That’s going to change,” she whispered, then returned to her room to unpack her own suitcases. Lina had promised that Prince As’ad could be trusted. He’d given his word that he would raise the girls as his own. That meant they were safe. But, after all they’d been through, how long would it take them to feel that way?

The evening passed quickly. Dinner was sent up on an elegant rolling table and contained plenty of comfort foods for lost, lonely children. Kayleen piled everyone on the largest sofa and they watched The Princess Diaries, then compared the differences in the movie castle and the real-live palace they’d moved into. By nine all three of them were asleep and Kayleen found herself alone as she wandered the length of the beautiful suite.

She paused by the French doors leading onto the balcony, then stepped out into the warm night.

Lights from the shoreline allowed her to see the movement of the waves as they rolled onto the beach. The inky darkness of the water stretched to the horizon. The air was warm and salty, the night unexpectedly still.

She leaned against the railing and stared into the sky. What was she doing here? This wasn’t her world. She could never in a million years have imagined—

The sound of a door opening caused her to turn. She saw a shadow move and take the shape of a man. Fear gripped her then, as quickly as it had come, faded. But she should be afraid, she told herself. He could be anyone.

But he wasn’t, she realized as he stepped into the light. He was Prince As’ad.

He was as tall and broad as she remembered. Handsome, in a distant sort of way. The kind of man who intimidated without trying. She wondered if she should slip back into her own rooms before he saw her. Perhaps she wasn’t supposed to be out here. Then his dark gaze found her.

“Good evening,” he said. “You and the girls are settled?”

She nodded. “Thank you. The rooms are great. Your aunt thought of everything to make us feel at home.” She looked up at the imposing structure of the palace. “Sort of.”

He moved toward her. “It’s just a really big house, Kayleen. Do not let the size or history intimidate you.”

“As long as none of the statuary comes alive in the night and tries to chase us out.”

“I assure you, our statuary is most well-behaved.”

She smiled. “Thanks for the reassurance. No offense, but I doubt I’ll sleep well for the next couple of nights.”

“I hope that changes quickly.” He shrugged out of his suit jacket. “If you find my aunt forgot something, let someone on the staff know.”

“Sure.” Because every palace had a staff. And a king. And princes. “What do we call you? The girls and I. Your Highness? Prince As’ad?”

“You may all use my first name.”

“Really? And they won’t chop off my head for that?”

One corner of his mouth twitched. “Not for many years now.” He loosened his tie, then pulled it free.

Kayleen watched for a second, then looked away. He wasn’t undressing, she told herself. The man had the right to get comfortable after a long day of…of…being a prince. This was his balcony. She was the one who didn’t belong.

“You are uneasy,” he said.

She blinked. “How did you figure that out?”

“You are not difficult to read.”

Great. She had the sudden thought she wanted to be mysterious and interesting. Mostly interesting. Like that was going to happen.

“A lot has changed in a short period of time,” she told him. “This morning I woke up in my usual bed in the orphanage. Tonight I’m here.”

“And before you lived in El Deharia? Where did you sleep?”

She smiled. “In the Midwest. It’s very different. No ocean. No sand. It’s a lot colder. It’s already November. Back home the leaves would be gone and we’d be bracing for the first snowfall. Here, it’s lovely.”

“One of the great pleasures of the most perfect place on earth.”

“You think El Deharia is perfect?”

“Don’t you think the same of your birthplace?”

Not really, she thought. But they came from very different circumstances. “I guess,” she murmured, then felt awkward. “I was a teacher there, too,” she added, to change the subject. “I’ve always loved children.”

“Which makes your employment more enjoyable,” he said. “I would imagine a teacher who dislikes children would have a difficult time.”

Was he being funny? She thought he might be, but wasn’t sure. Did princes have a sense of humor? She’d assumed being royal meant being serious all the time.

“Yes, that was a joke,” he said, proving she was as readable as he said. “You are allowed to laugh in my presence. Although I would suggest you are sure I’m being humorous. To laugh at the wrong time is a grave mistake most people only make once.”

“And we’re back to the head-chopping. You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met.”

“Not many princes in the Midwest?”

“No. Not even rock stars, which in my country are practically the same thing.”

“I have never been fond of leather pants on a man.”

That did make her laugh. “You could be considered fashion forward.”

“Or foolish.”

“You wouldn’t like that,” she said without thinking, then covered her mouth. Oops.

Something flickered in his gaze. He folded his arms. “Perhaps a safer topic would be the three sisters you insisted I adopt.”

“What about them?” Had he changed his mind? She would hold him to his promise, no matter how nervous he made her.

“They will have to change schools. The orphanage is too far away. The American School is closer.”

“Oh. You’re right.” She hadn’t thought that part through. “I’ll get them registered in the morning.” She hesitated. “What do I tell the administrator?”

“The truth. They are my adopted daughters and are to be treated as such.”

“Bowing and scraping?”

He studied her. “You’re an interesting combination of rabbit and desert cat. Fearful and fearless.”

She liked the sound of that. “I’m working to be all fearless. I still have a ways to go.”

He reached out and before she realized what he intended, he touched a strand of her hair. “There is fire in your blood.”

“Because I’m a redhead? I think that’s just an old wives’ tale.” She’d always wanted to be a cool blonde, or a sexy brunette. Well, maybe not sexy. That wasn’t her style.

“I know many old wives who are wise,” he murmured, then released her. “You will be responsible for the girls when they are not in school.”

She nodded, wishing they were still talking about her being brave and that he was still touching her hair. Which was strange. Prince As’ad was nothing more to her than her employer. A very handsome, powerful employer who could trace his lineage back a few thousand years. She didn’t even know who her father was.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

She told him the truth.

“And your mother?”

Kayleen regretted the change in topic. “I, um, don’t really remember her. She left me with my grandmother when I was a baby. She took care of me for a few years, then left me at an orphanage.” She gave a little shrug as if the rejection hadn’t mattered. “She was older and I was a handful.”

In the darkness it was difficult to read As’ad’s expression. She reminded herself there was no reason to be ashamed of her past—she hadn’t been able to control it. Yet she felt as if she were being judged and found wanting.

“Is that the reason you defended the girls so fiercely?” he asked. “Your own past?”

“Maybe.”

He nodded slowly. “They live here now. As do you. You are all to consider the palace your home.”

If only. “Easier said than done,” she murmured.

“It will be an adjustment. Although it would be best if they did not roller-skate down the hallways.”

“I’ll make sure of that.”

“Good. You will want to learn about the palace. There is much interesting history here. Perhaps you and the girls should take one of the daily tours.”

She stared at him. “Tours? People come here and take tours?”

“Only of the public rooms. The private quarters are off-limits. There are security people on duty. You are safe here.”

She wasn’t worried about being safe. It was the idea of living somewhere grand enough to have tours that made her mouth go dry.

“What does your family think of this?” she asked. “Will anyone be angry?”

He seemed to grow taller. “I am Prince As’ad of El Deharia. No one questions my actions.”

“Not even the king?” she asked.

“My father will be pleased to see me settling down. He is anxious for his sons to start a family.”

Kayleen had a feeling adopting three American sisters wasn’t exactly what King Mukhtar had in mind.

“You said you have brothers,” she said.

“I am one of six,” he said. “They are in and out of the palace. Kateb lives in the desert, but the others keep rooms here.”

Six princes, one princess, one king and her. What was wrong with this picture?

“You will be fine,” he said.

“Would you stop knowing what I’m thinking? It’s not fair.”

He shrugged. “I am gifted. It can’t be helped.”

“Apparently not.” He also seemed to have no problems with his ego. What would it be like to grow up so confident, so sure about everything, including his place in the world?

“Kayleen, you are here because of me,” he said, his voice low and mesmerizing. “My name is all the protection you require. It can be used as a shield or a weapon, however you prefer.”

“I can’t imagine using it as either,” she admitted.

“It is there for you. Know that. Know no harm can befall you while you are under my care.” He looked at her. “Good night.”

Then he turned and was gone.

Kayleen stared after him, feeling as if she’d just had a close encounter with a character from a book or a movie. Who said things like “My name is all the protection you require”? Yet, he was telling the truth. She believed that down to her bones.

No one had ever taken care of her before. No one had ever protected her.

Oh, sure, the nuns had always made sure their charges were safe, but that was different. This was specific.

She hugged her arms across her chest, as if feeling the comforting weight of his protection. As if feeling the strength of the man himself.

It felt good.

As’ad walked into the king’s offices the next day and nodded at Robert, his personal assistant.

“Go right in, sir,” Robert said with a smile. “The king is expecting you.”

As’ad walked through the double doors and greeted his father.

“I hear you have taken in a family,” his father said from his seat behind his impressive desk. “Lina tells me you are to adopt three orphans. I did not know you cared for such causes.”

As’ad took one of the chairs opposite the desk and shook his head. “It is all Lina’s doing. She insisted I go to the orphanage to prevent a nun from jumping off a roof.”

“A what from what?”

“Never mind. There was no nun. Only a teacher.”

A small kitten who had spit in fury and outrage. He smiled at the memory of Kayleen’s determination.

“Three American girls were there,” he said. “Their father was born here. When their mother died, he brought them back and then he was killed. Tahir heard of their situation and wanted to take them back to his village.”

“Admirable,” the king said. “Three orphaned girls would be of no value. Tahir is a good man.”

“Yes, well, their teacher didn’t share your admiration. She insisted the girls could not be separated, nor could they give up their education to be servants.”

“Without family, what choice did the girls have? Tahir would have given them the honor of his name.”

“I agree,” As’ad said. “Yet that, too, was lost on their teacher. She attacked Tahir.”

The king’s eyebrows rose. “She lives?”

“She’s small and apparently did him no harm.”

“She is lucky he didn’t insist on punishing her.”

“I suspect he was pleased to find a way out of the situation.”

“So you solved the problem by taking the girls.”

“Yes, and their teacher, who will be responsible for them.” He looked at his father. “They are charming girls,” he said, hoping it was true. “Almost like granddaughters for you.”

The king stroked his beard. “Then I will visit them and their teacher. As’ad, you did the right thing. This pleases me. Obviously you are settling down as you grow older. Well done.”

“Thank you, Father.”

As’ad kept his voice respectful. Lina was right. Now As’ad would be spared the royal matchmaking for a while.

“What is she like, this teacher?” the king asked. “Is she of good character?”

“Lina thinks so.” He was nearly convinced himself. Her sad history could have made her hard or bitter. Instead she led with her heart.

“Have you any interest in her yourself?”

As’ad stared at his father. “In what way?”

“As a wife. We already know she likes children and is willing to face a chieftain to protect her charges. Is she pretty? Would she do for one of your brothers?”

As’ad frowned. Pretty? Kayleen? “She is not unattractive,” he said slowly, remembering how she’d looked the previous night with her long hair glowing like fire. “There is a spark in her. A pureness.”

Pureness? Where had that thought come from?

“I wonder what she thinks of the desert,” the king mused. “Perhaps she would do for Kateb.”

“She would not,” As’ad said sharply, suddenly irritated, although he could not say why. “Besides, I need her to care for my daughters. Find my brothers’ brides elsewhere.”

“As you wish,” the king said easily. “As you wish.”

* * *

As’ad stared at the three bridge proposals in front of him. While each provided the necessary access, they couldn’t be more different. The cheapest bid offered a utilitarian design while the other two had an architectural element that would add to the beauty of the city. There were—

His phone buzzed. He stared at it a second, then pushed the intercom. “I said I was not to be disturbed.”

“I understand, sir. Your orders were very clear.” His normally calm assistant sounded…flustered. “It’s just, there’s someone here to see you. A young woman. Kayleen James. She says she is the nanny for your children?”

The slight rise in Neil’s voice probably came from the fact that he wasn’t aware As’ad had any children.

“I’ll explain it all later,” As’ad told him. “Send her in.”

Seconds later Kayleen walked into his office. As she moved across the open space, he took in the plain brown dress that covered her from the neck to down past her knees, and the flat, sensible shoes. She’d pulled her hair back in a braid. Her pale skin looked bare, and although her eyes were large, she did nothing to enhance her features. Even her earrings, tiny gold crosses, provided little adornment.

He was used to women who took the time and made the effort to be as beautiful as possible. Women who dressed in silk, who showed skin, who smelled of enticing perfumes and glittered with diamonds. Did Kayleen not care for such adornments or had she not had the opportunity to dress that way?

She could, he acknowledged, easily transform herself into a beauty. The basics were already in place—the perfect bone structure in her face, the large eyes, the full mouth.

Without meaning to, he imagined her wearing nothing at all. Pale and soft, covered only by her long hair, a naked temptress who—

“Thank you for seeing me,” Kayleen said, interrupting the erotic image that had no place in his head. “I guess I should have made an appointment.”

“Not at all,” he said as he came to his feet and motioned toward a sofa in the corner. “How can I help you?”

She sat down. “You’re very polite.”

“Thank you.”

She smoothed the front of her dress. “The palace is really big. I got lost twice and had to ask directions.”

“I can get you a map.”

She smiled. “For real or are you teasing?”

“Both. There is a map of the palace. Would you like one?”

“I think I need it. And maybe a computer chip implant so security can find me.” She looked uneasy as she glanced around the room. “This is nice. Big, but I guess that comes with being a prince.”

He couldn’t tell if she was just nervous or stalling. “Kayleen, is there a reason for your visit?”

“What? Oh. Right. I enrolled the girls in the American School this morning. It all went well. I used your name.”

He smiled. “Bowing and scraping?”

“Some. Everyone was very eager to help. And to have me tell you they helped. That part is weird. You’re probably used to it.”

“I am.”

“The school is great. Big and modern with a real focus on academics. Not that the orphan school is terrible. If they had more funding…” She sighed. “Asking about that is probably inappropriate.”

“Will knowing that stop you from asking?”

She considered for a second. “Not really.”

“I will see if funds can be made available.”

Her eyes widened. “Just like that?”

“I have made no promises. But I’m sure a few dollars could be found.”

“That would be great. We’re not working with a big budget over there, so anything would help. Most of the teachers live in, which means the salaries aren’t huge.”

He doubted they would ever be huge. Teachers didn’t choose their profession in an effort to amass a personal fortune. He frowned.

“Why did you become a teacher?” he asked.

“Because I couldn’t be a nun.”

An answer he never would have expected. “Did you want to be a nun?”

Kayleen nodded slowly. “Very much. The orphanage my grandmother took me to was run by nuns. They were wonderful to me. I wanted to be just like them. But I don’t really have the right personality.”

“Too outspoken?”

“Too…everything. I’m opinionated, I have a temper, I have trouble with the rules sometimes.”

She seemed so quiet and mousy in her baggy brown dress, but there was something in her eyes, a spark that told him she was telling the truth. After all, she had attacked Tahir.

He’d never met an almost-nun before. Why would a pretty woman want to lock herself away from the world?

“Our Mother Superior suggested I go into teaching,” Kayleen continued. “It was a great idea. I love it. I love the children. I wanted to take a permanent position there, but she insisted I first see the world. That’s how I ended up here. Eventually, I’ll go back.”

“To the convent school?”

She nodded.

“What about a husband and a family?”

Kayleen ducked her head, but not before he saw her blush. “I don’t really expect that to happen to me. I don’t date. Men are… They don’t think of me that way.”

He recalled his earlier fantasy about seeing her naked. “You would be surprised,” he murmured.

She looked up. “I don’t think so.”

“So there has never been anyone special?”

“A boyfriend?” She shook her head. “No.”

She was in her midtwenties. How was that possible? Did such innocence truly exist? Yet why would she lie about such a thing?

He found himself wanting to show her the world she’d been avoiding. To take her places.

Ridiculous, he told himself. She was nothing to him. Only the children’s nanny.

Chapter Three

Kayleen backed out of the kitchen, her hands up in front of her, palms out. “No really. I mean it. Everything we have is terrific. I love the food. I’ve gained three pounds.”

When she could no longer see the head chef’s furious expression, she turned and hurried to the closest staircase, then ran up to a safer floor.

She’d only been offering to help, she told herself. But her offer of assistance had been taken as an insult.

With the girls gone all day and a kindly worded but clear letter from the orphan school saying it would be too awkward to have her teaching there, now that she was under Prince As’ad’s “protection,” Kayleen had nothing to do with her time. Sitting around was boring. She needed to keep busy with something. She couldn’t clean the suite she and the girls lived in. There wasn’t even a vacuum in the closet.

She wandered down the main hallway, then paused to figure out where she was. The wide doorways looked familiar. Still, what would it hurt to have a few “you are here” maps to guide newcomers?

She turned another corner and recognized the official royal offices. In a matter of minutes she was standing in front of As’ad’s assistant, Neil.

“I really need to see him,” she said.

“You do not have an appointment.”

“I’m his nanny.” It was a bluff. She was staff and she had a feeling that all staff needed an appointment.

“I’m aware of who you are, Ms. James. But Prince As’ad is very particular about his schedule.”

Neil was British, so the word sounded like “shed-ule.”

The door to As’ad’s office opened. “Neil, I need you to find—” He saw Kayleen. “How convenient. You’re the one I’m looking for.”

Guilt flooded her. “Is it the chef? I didn’t mean to insult him. I was only trying to help.”

His gaze narrowed. “What did you do?”

She tucked her hands behind her back. “Nothing.”

“Why don’t I believe you? Come inside, Kayleen. Start at the beginning and leave nothing out.”

She glanced longingly at the exit, but followed As’ad into his office. When they were both seated, he looked at her expectantly.

She sucked in a breath. “I went down to the kitchen. I thought I could maybe help out there. I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m bored. I need to do something.”

She stopped talking and pressed her lips together to hold in a sudden rush of emotion. Need—there was the word that mattered. She had to be needed.

“You have your three charges,” he said. “Many would find that enough.”

“Oh, please. They’re in school for hours at a time. Someone else cooks, cleans and I’m guessing does our laundry. So what do I do the rest of the time?”

“Shop?”

“With what? Are you paying me? We never discussed a salary. Are there benefits? Do I have a dental plan? One minute I was minding my own business, doing my job, and the next I was here. It’s not an easy adjustment.”

One corner of his mouth twitched. “If I remember correctly, you assaulted a chieftain. Not exactly minding your own business.”

She didn’t want to talk about that. “You know what I mean.”

“I do. Tell me, Kayleen. What did you teach?”

“Math,” she said absently as she stood up and crossed to the window. As’ad’s view was of a beautiful garden. She didn’t know anything about plants, but she could learn. Maybe the gardener needed some help.

“Advanced?”

“Some.”

“You’re comfortable with statistical analysis?”

“Uh-huh.” What were the pink flowers? They were stunning.

“Then I have a project for you.”

She turned. “You want me to do your taxes?”

“No. I want you to work with the education minister. While many girls from the rural villages are graduating from high school and going on to college, the number is not as great as we would like. For El Deharia to grow as a nation, we must have all our citizens educated and productive. I want you to find out which villages are sending the most girls to college, then figure out what they’re doing right so we can use that information to help the other villages. Does that interest you?”

She crossed back to the sofa. “You’re serious? You’re not just offering me this to keep me busy?”

“You have my word. This is vital information. I trust you to get it right.”

He spoke with a low, steady voice that seemed to pull her closer. There was something in his eyes that made her want to believe him.

Excitement grew inside of her. It was a project she could throw herself into, and still have plenty of time for the girls. It would be challenging and interesting and meaningful.

She rushed toward him. “I’d love to do it. Thank you.”

She leaned forward impulsively, then stopped herself. What was the plan? To hug him? One did not idly hug a prince and she didn’t go around hugging men.

She straightened and took a step back, not sure if she should apologize or pretend it never happened. As’ad rose and crossed to his desk. Apparently he was going to ignore what she’d almost done. Or he hadn’t noticed.

“Then we are agreed,” he said. “You’ll report your progress to me in weekly meetings.” He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a credit card. “Use this to get yourself a laptop and printer. Your suite already has Internet access.”

She hesitated before taking the card. No one had ever offered her a credit card before. She fingered the slim plastic. “I’ll, um, make sure I get a bargain.”

“You don’t have to. Kayleen, do you have any idea how wealthy I am?”

“Not really,” she admitted.

“You don’t need to shop for a bargain.”

But she would. She would be responsible with his money, even if he didn’t care.

“Okay. I’ll get right on ordering one.”

He studied her for a moment. “You may also use that to shop for yourself and the girls.”

“We don’t need anything.”

“You will. Clothes wear out. Even my limited knowledge of children tells me they grow and require new clothes.”

“You’re right.” She stared at the card. “You’re also very kind.”

“I am not. My daughters deserve the best because of who I am.”

“You don’t have a self-esteem crisis, do you?” she asked, both amused and envious.

“No. I am clear on my place in the world.”

Must be nice, she thought longingly.

“You belong here, as well,” he told her.

Because he was once again reading her mind? “Not really.”

“If I say it is so, it is.”

“Thank you” seemed the right response. He was being kind. The truth was, she didn’t belong here at all. She was just staff and easily replaceable.

She turned to leave, but he called her back.

“I’ll get you information on your salary and benefits,” he said. “I should have taken care of that before.”

She smiled. “You’re a prince. I guess you’re not into details.”

“You’re very understanding. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

His dark gaze caught hers. She told herself it was okay to go now, that they were done. But she couldn’t seem to pull away. She felt a powerful need to move closer, to…to… She wasn’t sure what, but something.

The phone rang. He glanced down and she was able to move again. As much as she wanted to stay, she forced herself to walk out of the office.

“We’re making progress,” Lina said as she curled up on her bed and held the phone close.

“There is no ‘we,’” Hassan told her. “You are in this on your own.”

“That’s not true. This was all your idea. You’re in this as deeply as I am.”

“You’re a very difficult woman.”

“I know.” She smiled. “It’s part of my charm.”

“You are charming.”

She squeezed her eyes shut and did her best not to scream. Not only wasn’t it fitting her position, but she was forty-three. Forty-three-year-old women didn’t go around screaming because a handsome man flirted with them on the phone. Even if that handsome man was the king of Bahania.

“Kayleen really likes As’ad,” she continued. “She’s having a little trouble adjusting to the palace, but who wouldn’t? Still, she’s doing well. He came and talked to me about making sure she had a salary and benefits. He wants to be generous. That’s something.”

“You may be reading too much into what he says.”

“I hope not. She would be good for him. He always holds back his emotions. I blame his father for that.”

“How refreshing,” Hassan said dryly. “One usually blames the mother.”

She laughed. “Speaking as a woman, I would say that needs to change.”

“This is my favorite part of our conversations. The sound of your laughter.”

Her heartbeat went from normal to hyperdrive in two seconds. Good thing she was lying down—otherwise, she would have fallen.

“It is as beautiful as the rest of you.” He paused. “Have I startled you with my confession?”

“Um, no. It’s fine. I mean, thank you.”

He sighed. “How much of this awkwardness is because I am a king and how much of it is because I am so much older?”

“None of it is because you’re the king,” she said without thinking.

His short “I see” had her backpedaling.

“No, no. It’s not about your age. I just wasn’t sure… We’ve never really talked about… I thought we were friends.”

“We are. Do you wish us to be more?”

Oh, my. Talk about putting it all out there.

Lina clutched the phone and told herself to keep breathing. She was terrified to tell the truth, to admit that she thought about him a whole lot more than she should. What if he wanted to know so he could let her down gently?

“Hassan,” she began, then stopped.

“I would like us to be more than friends,” he said. “Does that information make things easier or harder for you?”

She exhaled. “Easier. A lot easier. I want that, too.”

“Good. I did not expect to find you, Lina. You are a gift for which I will always be grateful.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, not sure what else to say. “I’m intrigued, as well.”

“Intrigued,” he repeated. “An interesting choice of words. Perhaps we should explore all the possibilities.”

As’ad walked into his suite at his usual time in the early evening. But instead of quiet, dark rooms, he found the living area bright and loud. Dana and Pepper were stretched out on the floor, watching a show on his large television. Nadine swirled and danced by the window and Kayleen stood at the dining room table, arranging flowers.

She looked up when he entered. “Oh, good. You’re here. I called Neil to ask him what time you’d be home. He didn’t want to tell me.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think he likes me.”

“Perhaps he is just trying to protect me.”

“From us?” She asked the question as if it were a ridiculous possibility. “I wanted to have dinner ready, which it is. I have to say, this calling down to the kitchen and ordering food is really fun. We each picked a dish. Which may not have been a good idea. The menu is fairly eclectic.”

She paused for breath, then smiled. “We wanted to have dinner with you.”

She wore another dress that was ugly enough to be offensive. The dull gray fabric sucked the life from her face and the bulky style hid any hint of curve. Yet when she smiled, he found his mood lifting. He wanted to smile back. He wanted to pull her close and discover the body hidden beneath.

Heat stirred, reminding him how long he had lived only for his work.

He ignored the need and the wanting, the heat that forced blood south, and set down his briefcase. He even ignored that, given her past, Kayleen had probably never been with a man, and instead focused on the fact that she and the girls were in his room.

He had made himself extremely clear. She was to keep the children away from him. They had their own suite and everything they could possibly want or need. He had only taken the sisters to keep them from a less desirable fate. Yet when he started to remind Kayleen of that, he could not seem to bring himself to say the words.

Perhaps because she looked so hopeful as she smiled at him. He did not want to squash the light in her eyes.

“I’ll get some wine,” he said, moving to the small wine rack tucked in a cabinet. Something stronger might make the evening go more quickly, but he only had wine in his rooms. He did not, as a rule, drink here. Of course he did not, as a rule, have a woman and three children to contend with.

Nadine danced over to him. “Hi, As’ad,” she said, her eyes bright with happiness, her mouth smiling. “Did you have a good day? I got every word on my spelling test except one and it was really hard. My new teacher says I’m a good speller. I’m good in all my subjects, except math, and Kayleen is gonna help me with that.”

Pepper ran over and pushed in front of Nadine. “Hi! I’m in school, too, and I’m good at math.” She stuck out her tongue at her sister, then smiled back at him. “I made a picture and I brought it for you, but you don’t have a ’frigerator, so where are we gonna put it?”

Dana stood and joined them. “He doesn’t want your picture,” she said, then sighed, as only an older sibling can. “She’s not a very good artist.”

Pepper stomped her foot. “I’m an excellent artist. You’re just a butthead.”

Dana gasped, Nadine looked worried and Pepper slapped her hand over her mouth. Terror darkened her blue eyes and she glanced between him and Kayleen. Apparently saying “butthead” was not allowed.

As’ad rubbed his temple.

Kayleen walked over and looked at Pepper. “You know that’s wrong.”

Pepper nodded frantically, her hand still over her mouth.

“You need to apologize to Dana.”

Pepper, a tiny girl with long, curly blond hair, turned to her big sister. “I’m sorry I called you that.”

Dana put her hands on her hips. “That’s not good enough. You always call people—”

Kayleen cleared her throat. Dana hunched her shoulders.

“Thank you for apologizing,” she grumbled.

Kayleen touched Pepper’s shoulder. “Now you help me think of a suitable punishment. What is appropriate for what you did?”

Pepper’s eyes filled with tears. “No story tonight?” she asked in a whisper.

Kayleen considered. “That’s a little harsh. What if you have to give up your choice on movie night? Dana gets two choices instead.”

Pepper shivered slightly, then nodded. “Okay.”

“Good.” Kayleen smiled at As’ad. “We’re healed. You ready to eat?”

He opened the bottle of wine and joined them at the table. When he was seated, before he could pour, Kayleen reached for Pepper’s hand and his. He stared at her.

Pepper leaned toward him. “We have to say grace.”

“Of course.”

He took Kayleen’s hand and Nadine’s, then lowered his head while Kayleen offered brief thanks for their meal. While she served, he poured two glasses of wine and passed her one.

Kayleen handed him a plate. “I’ve never been much of a drinker.”

“Neither have I.” Although under the circumstances, he just might be starting.

This was too much, he thought. More than he’d expected or wanted. There were children at his table. And a woman he did not know and was not going to sleep with, and having sex with her would be the only acceptable reason to have her here. Yet he saw no easy way to escape.

“We go around the table and talk about our day,” Kayleen said as she passed Dana her plate. “Everyone has to say one good thing that happened. I hope that’s okay.”

And if it was not?

He glanced down at the plate in front of him. Lasagna, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and a salad.

“Perhaps some kind of menu would be helpful,” he told Kayleen.

“I know. I’ll get one made up. But the girls really wanted to order you their favorites.”

Dana talked about how she’d finished her homework early and had found a collection of medical texts in the palace’s main library. Nadine mentioned her dance class and how well she’d done.

“I hit a boy,” Pepper announced cheerfully. “He was teasing these three girls. He’s kinda big, but I wasn’t scared. So I hit him. The teacher didn’t like it but because I’m new, she said she was going to let it go this one time. I heard this other teacher saying that boy needed a good beating and maybe I’m the one to give it to him.” She beamed. “That was fun.”

Kayleen quickly covered her mouth with her napkin. As’ad saw the humor in her eyes and knew she was hiding a smile. He took a sip of wine to keep from laughing. He liked Pepper—she had the heart of a lion.

“Perhaps hitting boys is not the best plan,” he said as he set the glass down. “One day one of them might hit you back.”

“I’m tough,” she said.

“Still. Violence is a poor strategy.”

“What’s a better one?”

He hesitated, not sure what to say.

Kayleen grinned. “We’re all waiting to be dazzled by your strategy.”

“Perhaps you would like to offer a suggestion?” he asked.

“Not really. Go ahead.”

Privately he agreed with Pepper’s approach, but he doubted it would be successful as she grew.

“We’ll talk later,” Kayleen said, rescuing him. “I know hitting a bully seems like a good idea, but it’s going to get you into a lot of trouble. Not only with the teachers and with me, but as As’ad mentioned, you could get hurt.”

“All right,” Pepper grumbled. “But sometimes boys are really stupid.”

Dana looked at As’ad. “What good thing happened to you?”

“I decided on a bridge. There is to be a new one over the river. After much planning and discussion, a choice was made. I am pleased.”

All three girls stared at him. “You’re going to build a bridge?” Nadine asked.

“No. I have given my approval and told them what to do. Now they will do it.”

“Cool,” Dana breathed. “What else can you tell people to do?”

“Can you throw them in the dungeon?” Pepper asked. “Can I see the dungeon?”

“One day.”

Her eyes widened. “There’s a real one? Here? In the palace?”

“Yes, and sometimes children who do not behave are sent to it.”

They all went silent.

He chuckled. “So, Kayleen, what was your one good thing for today?”

This, Kayleen thought as she tried not to stare at the handsome man at the head of the table. This dinner, this moment, with the girls having fun and As’ad acting like they were all part of the same family.

It wasn’t real—she knew that. But all her life she’d wanted to be a part of something special, and here it was.

Still, she had to say something. “There are stables nearby,” she told the girls. “I found them when I was out walking.”

All three of them turned to him. “Horses? You have horses?” Dana asked.

“We love horses,” Nadine told him.

“I can ride.” Pepper paused, as if waiting for As’ad to be impressed. “I’ve had lessons.”

He turned to Kayleen. “At the orphanage?”

“A former student left several horses to the school, along with the money to pay for them. Many of the children ride.”

“Do you?”

There was something about his dark eyes, she thought, knowing she could stare into them for hours and never grow tired of the effect of the changing light.

“Badly,” she admitted. “The horse and I never figured out how to talk to each other.”

“That’s because horses don’t talk,” Pepper told her, then turned to As’ad. “Kayleen falls off a lot. I try not to laugh, because I don’t want her to hurt herself, but it’s kinda funny.”

“For you,” Kayleen murmured.

The main door to the suite opened and a tall, gray-haired man strode into the suite.

“As’ad. There you are. Oh. You’re having dinner with your family.”

“Father,” As’ad said as he rose.

Father? Something nagged at the back of Kayleen’s mind, before bursting free. Father? As in the king?

She jumped to her feet and motioned for the girls to do the same. Once they were standing she didn’t know what to do next. Bow? Curtsy?

As’ad glanced at her, then the girls. “Father, this is Kayleen, the girls’ nanny.” Then he introduced each of the sisters. “Ladies, this is my father, King Mukhtar.”

Three mouths dropped open. Kayleen kept hers shut by sheer force of will.

The king nodded graciously. “I am delighted to meet all of you. Welcome to the royal palace of El Deharia. May you live long, with happiness and health in abundance. May these strong walls always protect you and provide solace.”

Kayleen swallowed. As greetings went, it was a really good one.

“Thank you so much for your hospitality,” she murmured, still trying to accept the fact that she was in the presence of a real live king. Which meant As’ad really was a prince.

She knew he held the title, but she didn’t think of him as royal or powerful. Yet he was.

The king motioned to the table. “May I?”

Kayleen felt her eyes widen. “Of course, Your Highness. Please. We weren’t expecting you, so the meal isn’t exactly…traditional.”

The king took a seat. As’ad motioned for them to resume theirs. Mukhtar studied the various serving bowls, then scooped some macaroni and cheese onto a plate.

“I haven’t had this in years.”

“It was my pick,” Pepper told him. “It’s my favorite. They make it really good here. Sometimes, at the orphanage, Kayleen would sneak us into the kitchen and make the kind in a box. That’s good, too.”

The king smiled. “So my chef has competition.”

“Not really,” Kayleen told him. “His food is amazing. I’m honored just to eat it.”

As’ad looked at his father. “In an effort to fill her day, Kayleen went down to the kitchen and offered to help. It did not go well.”

Kayleen felt herself flush. “He was a little insulted. There was a crash. I’m guessing he threw stuff.”

“Was that the night my soufflé was burned?” the king asked.

“I hope not,” Kayleen told him.

He smiled. “So what conversation did I interrupt?” he asked.

“We were talking about horses,” Nadine told him. “We rode and took lessons at the orphanage.”

The king looked at his son. “Horses. I believe we have a stable, do we not?”

As’ad glanced at the girls. “The king is teasing. The palace stables are world famous.”

Dana leaned toward him. “Do you have horses that go fast?”

“Faster than would be safe for a novice rider.”

She wrinkled her nose. “If we took more lessons, we would be experts.”

“Exactly,” As’ad told her.

The king nodded. “I agree. All young princesses should know how to ride. I will speak to the head groom myself and arrange lessons.” He glanced at Kayleen. “For all of you.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, because it was expected.

“You do not look excited,” As’ad whispered to her.

“Pepper wasn’t kidding about me falling. It happens all the time.”

“Perhaps you need more personal instruction.”

She stared into his eyes as he spoke and found herself getting lost in his gaze. It was as if he had an energy field that pulled her closer. She had the oddest feeling he was going to touch her—and she was going to like him touching her.

“Riding is an enjoyable way to get exercise,” the king said.

“Has anyone asked the horse about that?”

She spoke without thinking—something that had often gotten her in trouble back at the convent. There was a moment of silence, then the king laughed.

“Very good,” he said. “Excellent. I like her, As’ad. This one may stay.”

“I agree,” As’ad said, still looking at her in a way that made her thighs feel distinctly weak. “She will stay.”

Would she? Kayleen wasn’t so sure. She still had her life plan to fulfill and that included leaving El Deharia in a matter of months. A situation complicated by As’ad and her promise to the girls.

Chapter Four

After the king left and dinner was finished, Kayleen sent the girls back to their suite while she lingered behind to speak with As’ad.

“There are just a couple of things I need to discuss with you,” she told him when they were alone.

“I’m learning that with you, there always are.”

She wasn’t sure what he meant by that, so decided to ignore the comment. “It’s only about six weeks until Christmas,” she said. “We have to start planning. I don’t know what happens here at the palace, but this is the girls’ first Christmas without either of their parents. We have to do something.”

He studied her for a long time. “El Deharia is a very open country. All faiths are celebrated here. No one will object if you wish to set up a tree in your suite.”

“It’s more than that,” she said, telling herself there was no reason to be afraid, even though As’ad was much taller than her and having to look up to meet his gaze gave her a crick in her neck. “You need to participate.”

He looked shocked. “I do not.”

She’d had a feeling he would be difficult.

“You’ve always had family,” she pointed out. “Your brothers, your aunt, your father. These girls have no one. The holidays are going to be sad and scary and they’re going to feel so alone.”

Kayleen spoke from experience. She still remembered waking up on Christmas morning and feeling an ache in her chest. No matter how many presents had been donated to the orphanage, no matter how the nuns tried, there hadn’t been family.

She hadn’t even had the dream that a wonderful couple would find her and want to adopt her. She had plenty of relatives—just no one who wanted her.

“They need traditions, both old and new,” she continued. “They need to feel welcome and loved.”

His expression tightened. “Then you will take care of that.”

“But you’re their father now.”

“I am someone who agreed to let them live here. Kayleen, these girls are your responsibility, not mine. Do not cross this line with me.”

“I don’t understand. You were so great with them at dinner. Are you telling me that was just an act? That you don’t care?”

“I have compassion. I have honor. That will be enough.”

Was he kidding? “That’s not enough. It will never be enough. We’re talking about children, As’ad. Lost, lonely children. They deserve more. They deserve to be loved.” She wasn’t just talking about the children—she was talking about herself. The difference was she’d already given up her dreams.

“Then they will have to find that love in you.”

She took a step back. Her throat tightened and her cheeks were hot. “You’re saying you don’t plan to love them?”

He might as well have said he was going to kill them in their sleep!

“I will honor my responsibilities. In doing so, it is necessary for me to be strong. Emotion is weakness. You are a woman—I don’t expect you to understand. Just trust me, it is so. I will see to the girls’ needs. You can take care of their hearts.”

She didn’t know what to say or where to begin to argue with him. “That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard,” she told him. “Love isn’t weakness. It’s strength and power. The ability to give means you can be more, not less.”

He actually smiled at her. “Your passion is a testament to your caring. That’s excellent.”

“So it’s okay for me to have emotions, but not you? Because you’re a man?”

“More than a man,” he reminded her. “A prince. I have responsibilities for others. It is my duty to stay strong, to not be swayed by something as changeable as feelings.”

“Without compassion, there can be no judgment,” she snapped. “Without feelings, you’re only a machine. A good ruler feels for his people.”

“You cannot understand.”

“And you can’t mean this.”

“I assure you, I do.” He took her arm and walked her to the door. “Celebrate Christmas however you wish. You have my permission.”

“Can I have your head on a stick instead?” she muttered as she jerked free and walked out into the hallway.

Of all the stupid, annoying things she’d ever heard. He wasn’t going to feel anything because he was a prince? But it was okay for her because she was a woman?

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