The Sheikh's Contract Bride. Teresa Southwick

tried to look confident when she put her hand on the horse’s neck. She knew enough that mare meant female. “Does she have a name?”

      Malik smiled down at her, then chuckled when the horse nuzzled his shoulder. “As she is yours, you must choose what to call her.”

      “Jezebel.” It was the first name that came to mind—from one shameless woman to another. At his questioning look, she shrugged. “I like the sound of it.”

      “Then Jezebel it is. I will have two horses saddled and we can ride—”

      “No.”

      He frowned. “I do not understand. I was under the impression that my betrothed enjoyed riding.”

      “She does.” On top of everything else, Beth realized she was talking in the third person, but technically it was the truth. Addie loved riding.

      “Then I’m at a loss.”

      “It’s just that I’m a little tired—”

      “But you slept well.”

      And yet again her words came back to bite her. Oh, what a tangled web we weave…

      “I did. But I lost count of how many time zones I crossed traveling here. I guess I’m still getting used to the difference. Jet-lagged.”

      “Another time, then. I should have waited, but I was anxious to give you this gift.”

      “I’m definitely surprised,” she said, feeling like slime. “It’s very thoughtful of you.” Again, that was the truth. And, stretching it a bit, she said, “But I have to confess it’s been a long time since I’ve been on a horse. I’m probably pretty rusty.”

      “Then we must make it a priority when you are sufficiently acclimated and well rested.”

      And by that time, if Beth hadn’t alienated all the gods, Addie would have gotten her out of this situation.

      “I’ll look forward to that.” She gave Jezebel one last pat on the neck, then walked out of the stables. Standing on the bottom rung of the fence, she rested her arms on the top and stared at the mountains in the distance.

      Bha’Khar had a beauty all its own, and the air here seemed full of romance. While Malik would be nice to look at over breakfast every morning, there was more at stake than an unpleasant view. Beth had been watching her sister’s back for as long as she could remember, and she couldn’t stop now. Unless she could somehow convince Malik that this tradition was wrong there was every chance that Addie would be disowned. In Beth’s view that would be preferable to Addie marrying and falling for him, because he would probably play by the rules of powerful men and break her heart with his infidelity.

      Malik stood beside her, close enough that she could feel the heat of his skin. “You are looking most pensive about something. Would I be wrong to assume it is about our betrothal?”

      “You would not.”

      “Tell me what you are thinking.”

      She sighed. “It just seems wrong to map out a person’s life and rob them of free will.”

      “That is one point of view. Mine is that traditions are reassuring. And the custom of royal betrothal is even more reassuring than most. If you truly object to the marriage, you have only to say so.”

      “If only it were that simple,” she said softly.

      Her father would be furious. She and Addie had grown up under their father’s thumb, learning to please him and trying to earn a rare word of praise in the battle to win his love. But Beth had realized early on that rebellion garnered his attention as following the rules did not. Finally she had come to the conclusion that he would never love her. Addie would become a queen, but she, Beth, was nothing special. So she’d followed her heart and become a teacher. When he had disowned her for choosing career over waiting for marriage, as he’d ordered, she hadn’t expected it to hurt so much.

      She’d always said, What’s he going to do? Not care about me? But when he had indeed stopped caring about her, the pain of being cut off had been far worse than she’d realized. So Beth understood Addie’s hesitation to stand up to him about the marriage. When her sister had begged Beth to fill in and give Addie a little time to see if she’d met “the one”, time to find out if he was worth the price she would have to pay, Beth had agreed. Because she knew how hard it was to lose the only family you had.

      Malik leaned his shoulder against the fence and stared down at her. “I do not know what is troubling you, but it is my wish that in time you will feel comfortable confiding in me.”

      “I appreciate the offer.” He had no idea how tempted she was to do just that. If it were only about her, she’d confess in a heartbeat. But the truth wasn’t hers to tell, and it could deeply hurt her sister. “Thank you, Malik.”

      “Something else I wish to point out is that there are worse things than having a map of one’s life. Having things in perfect order is not a negative.”

      “Oh?” She met his gaze. “This from the man who likes surprises?”

      “There can be surprises even in the context of a well-ordered life,” he defended.

      “So you like surprises as long as you’re in control?” she observed.

      “You say this as if it is a bad thing.”

      “Isn’t it?”

      “No.” The sparkle in his eyes hinted at unexpected wonders, and her heart skipped twice before a deep breath steadied her.

      “How’s that working for you?”

      The sparkle disappeared for just a second before he answered. “It works well. And, while we are on the subject, are there any surprises that you wish me to provide for you?”

      “I don’t know if it’s a surprise, exactly.”

      “What is it you wish?”

      It was the other reason she’d agreed to come here. “I’d like to find my mother.”

      “Even though she has not been a part of your life for many years?” he questioned.

      So he knew about that. “Probably because of it. I just need to talk to her.”

      “Then I will arrange it,” he said, without a moment’s hesitation.

      “Just like that?”

      “Indeed.”

      “Thank you. I’m very grateful.”

      The mischievous twinkle reappeared in his eyes as his white teeth flashed in a heart-melting grin. “Might your gratitude include a kiss?”

      It might, and all he had to do was stand there looking like sin for the taking. Her lips tingled with the temptation he offered. Jumping off the fence, she turned away and started to walk.

      “I don’t think so.”

      He followed. “Have I offended you?”

      If only. “No.”

      “But I have made you uncomfortable?”

      Oh, yeah. “Not really.”

      He wrapped his fingers around her upper arm to stop her, then turned her to face him. “Tell me the truth.”

      “I am not offended.”

      “Good.” His smoldering gaze was like a magnet, refusing to release her. “Because there is something you must know.”

      “What?” she whispered.

      “I will kiss you. And soon.”

      “Oh?” The single syllable was almost a squeak.

      “When it happens, I wish it to mean something.”

      It would mean that she was