The Sheikh's Pretend Fiancée (The Sharif Sheikhs 1)

The short hallway led to two doors. The servant passed the one on the left and instead knocked on the door at the end. She then ducked her head in a nod and scurried away through the other door.

Once again, Liyah was being passed around.

The door swung open, and Asad stood there, dressed only in a pair of khaki shorts. His hair was dripping wet, and there was a towel slung casually around his shoulders. Liyah wondered if he’d gone for a dip in the pool or if he’d just taken a shower.

It was a wonder that she could think at all. His body was beautiful. Muscles rippled beneath the surface of his glistening olive-colored skin, and he looked so hard and smooth that, for one insane moment, she wanted to reach out and touch him.

“You’re here earlier than I expected,” he grumbled. “Please have a seat while I finish dressing.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him not to get dressed on her account, but she did as she was told.

The suite opened into a large sitting and dining area. The sun streamed in through wide windows, yet the room was perfectly temperature-controlled. As she looked around, she realized that she could fit five copies of her apartment into his living suite.

“I like your place,” she said, a ridiculous bubble of laughter rising out of nowhere. “It seems a little big for just one person. Do you have a cat? Or a dog? Maybe a goldfish. That might help take up some of the space.”

“You want a pet?” he asked from another room.

“Who, me? I love pets, but I never have time for them. Maybe one day. But I’m just saying that you should get a pet. Something big, that might take up some room. Actually, dogs aren’t really popular around here, are they? You could totally fit some horses in here.” God, she was babbling again.

Shut up, Liyah.

Too bad she wasn’t so good at following her own advice. “Would I have to live with you?” she blurted out.

When he emerged, he was fully dressed—but no less sexy. “Yes,” he said quietly. “I’ll present you as the American I’ve been secretly seeing. Now that things are official, I’ve invited you to live here with me for the duration of our engagement.”

“Right. That makes sense. Why would you be engaged to an unemployed woman living with a widow?” she muttered, looking away from him to fix her gaze on the view outside the window. “I know that you wanted someone quiet and unassuming, but aren’t people going to realize that you are way out of my league?” She turned back to him, her eyes narrowing. “I’m a teacher. Well, I was a teacher. Now I’m a hooker.” Her cheeks flushed, and she shook her head. “That came out wrong. I am not sleeping with you.”

“Liyah.”

His voice held a trace of laughter, and she gritted her teeth. Did he really think this was funny?

“How about I explain this to you, and then you can ask your questions.”

“Sure. That sounds good.”

“I’ve taken several trips to America over the years, so it won’t be hard to believe that I’ve been seeing you in secret. We’ll stick to the truth as much as possible. You were drawn to me because you’d already been to Dubai, and after several dates and several months of writing letters to each other, we eventually fell in love. I wanted to protect you from the public, so I kept quiet until I proposed. You were a teacher, but I swept you off your feet.” A wry grin crossed his face before he sobered and continued, “Amira will school you on our customs and how to present yourself when you’re with me. Some will approach you, but Amira is already fabricating the answers to the most common questions. You’ll stay here in the suite with me, but there is a second bedroom. You’ll sleep there. It’s unlikely that we’ll have any overnight guests, and of course, my family will know the truth. The servants will be discreet. You’ll attend certain functions with me, and we’ll make some solo public appearances, but otherwise, you’re welcome to entertain yourself. There will be a car at your disposal, and you’re welcome to visit your friend and exchange-mother whenever you’d like. I’m not here to take anything away from you that you aren’t willing to give.”

“And when it’s over?” she whispered.

“When I’m certain that the investors won’t pull out, we’ll call off the engagement. Some will pry, but we’ll just explain that in the end, we realized that we simply were not a good fit. You’ll be paid, and you can return to your life.”

“How long do you expect me to pretend?”

“I can’t say for certain,” he answered carefully. “But I should warn you that it may take a few months. I’ve already authorized an extended stay for your visit, so you don’t have to worry about applying for a work visa.”

It sounded so cut-and-dried. Professional. “When would you want me to move in?”

“You’re already here.” He shrugged. “I see no reason for you to leave.”

Liyah blinked. “I don’t have my stuff. I have to go home and get my things.”

“Amira will shop for you, to get you a suitable wardrobe,” he said dismissively. “Any personal items are better off at your exchange-mother’s.”

“I told Mila that your sister invited me to stay. She’s going to notice that I didn’t bring my things,” Liyah pointed out. “Plus, I still have to explain things to Sahaar. I need to say goodbye.”

Asad’s mouth twisted in displeasure, but he finally nodde

d his head. “Very well. I’m sure we can find some place to store your things. I’ll have a driver take you home, but you’ll say your goodbyes, pack your things, and return immediately. There is much to do—and not much time.”