The Sheikh and the Christmas Bride. Susan Mallery

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?