The Sheikh's Secret Heir. Kristi Gold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      “Actually, I have been traveling abroad.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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