Kristi Gold - One Night with the Sheikh

Rafiq inched his palm higher. “You said no kissing.”

“Rule two: no touching.”

Despite Maysa’s assertions he did not bother to lift his hand, and she did not bother to shove it away.

“Yet you have been touching me.”

“As a physician.”

“And I have reacted as any man reacts to a woman’s touch.”

“For that reason I should go now.”

Rafiq had predicted that she would stand and leave, but she remained positioned next to him, both hands still resting lightly on his shoulders. He straightened, bringing their faces close. Their gazes connected immediately. He saw indecision in her eyes, as well as a spark of need.

And then Maysa did something Rafiq did not expect—she broke her first rule.

One Night

with the Sheikh

Kristi Gold

www.millsandboon.co.uk

KRISTI GOLDhas 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.

Recent titles by the same author:

FROM SINGLE MOM TO SECRET HEIRESS

THE RETURN OF THE SHEIKH

THE CLOSER YOU GET

Did you know these are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

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To my beautiful daughter, Kendall.

One of the best athletic trainers in the business, one of my biggest fans, and one of my major sources for chocolate.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Epilogue

Extract

One

King Rafiq ibn Fayiz Mehdi possessed keen intelligence, vast power and infinite riches. Yet none had aided him in preventing a devastating tragedy—a tragedy for which he had been partially responsible.

As the sun began to set, he stood on the palace’s rooftop veranda and peered at the panorama stretched out before him. The diverse terrain he once revered now seemed ominous, inviting disturbing recollections that cut into his composure like a well-honed blade.

A dark, winding road at midnight. Silence and dread. Flashing lights illuminating the bottom of a cliff. The twisted metal wreckage...

“If you believe you’ll move mountains by staring at them, I assure you it will not work.”

At the sound of the familiar voice, Rafiq glanced back to see his brother standing only a few steps behind him. “Why are you here?”

Zain claimed the space beside Rafiq and leaned back against the stone wall. “Is that how you greet the man who so generously handed you the keys to the kingdom over a year ago?”

The same man who had abdicated the throne for the sake of love, an emotion Rafiq had never quite embraced. “My apologies, brother. I was not expecting you for another month.”

“Since I completed my initial preparation for the water conservation project, I felt the timing was right for my return.”

Under normal circumstances, he would appreciate Zain’s company. Lately he preferred solitude. “Did you travel alone?”

“Of course not,” Zain said in an irritable tone. “I do not travel without my family unless absolutely necessary.”

Rafiq had never believed he would hear his womanizing brother utter those words. “Then Madison is with you?”

“Yes, and my children. I’ve been anxious for you to finally meet your niece and nephew.”

Rafiq did not share in Zain’s enthusiasm. Being in the presence of two infants would only serve to remind him of what he had lost. “Where are they now?”

“Madison and Elena are tending to them.”

At least he could temporarily avoid the painful introduction. “I am glad you have finally returned Elena to her rightful place. The household does not run well without her.”

“So I have heard,” Zain said. “I have also heard you are in danger of causing an uprising among the palace staff if you continue to terrorize them.”

Rafiq admittedly had trouble maintaining calm in recent days, but he did not care for the exaggerated accusation. “I have not terrorized the staff. I have only corrected them when necessary.”

“It’s my understanding you have found it necessary to correct them on a daily basis, brother. I’ve also learned you have not been cooperative with the council.”

Rafiq began to question the real reason behind Zain’s surprise appearance. “Have you been speaking with our younger brother?”

Zain’s gaze faltered. “I have been in touch with Adan on occasion.”

His anger began to build. “And you have clearly been discussing me.”

“He only mentioned you’ve been having a difficult time since Rima’s death.”

Rafiq’s suspicions had been confirmed—Zain had arrived early to play nursemaid. “Despite what you and Adan might believe, I do not need a keeper.”

Zain leaned forward, his expression suddenly somber. “We both understand how devastating it must be to lose your wife and your unborn child—”

“How could you understand?” No one would ever understand the constant guilt and regret unless they had experienced it. “You have a wife and two healthy children.”

“As I was saying,” Zain continued, “it’s understandable that you are still harboring a good measure of anger, particularly with so many unanswered questions about the accident. However, your attitude is proving disruptive. Perhaps you should consider taking a sabbatical.”

Impossible and unnecessary. “And who would run the country in my stead?”

“I would,” Zain said. “After all, I prepared many years to assume that responsibility before I gave up the position. Adan is willing to assist me.”

Rafiq released a cynical laugh. “First, Adan has no interest in governing Bajul. He’s only interested in flying planes and seducing women. As far as you are concerned, our people have not forgotten you abandoned them for a second time.”

Barely contained fury called out from Zain’s narrowed eyes. “I still have an abiding love for this country, and I am quite capable of seeing that it runs smoothly, as I promised before I returned with Madison to the States. Do not forget, I alone developed the water conservation plan that will secure Bajul’s future. And I have earned the council’s support.”

Rafiq recognized he had been wrong to criticize Zain. “My apologies. I do appreciate your support, but I assure you I do not need a sabbatical.”

“A sabbatical would allow you to assess your feelings about the situation.”

Rafiq was growing weary of the interference. “My feelings are not significant. My duties to Bajul are of the utmost importance.”