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

Bossy, much? He’d already turned his back as if to dismiss her, so she left the same way that she came. Though she’d seen him drive away after dropping her off, like magic, Ori was waiting for her as she left the private entrance, holding the car door open for her.

When she’d returned home, Sahaar was just pulling out a batch of pastries from the oven. Unable to help herself, Liyah reached over and snagged one. Popping it into her mouth, she moaned over the warmth.

“Breakfast in the city and still hungry?” Sahaar teased. “My sons would be proud.”

Liyah laughed and shook her head in response. She hesitated then and chose her next words carefully. She didn’t want to hurt her exchange-mother, but she also knew that she couldn’t tell Sahaar that everything was going to be all right. “I met a friend the other day, and I was having breakfast with her. Amira Sharif. She . . .”

“Yes. I know who she is.” Sahaar waved her hand impatiently as if wanting Liyah to get to the good part.

Liyah knew that Sahaar was eager for her to make friends. “She's invited me to stay at the palace. They have a large library, and it’s a great opportunity for me to review their collection.”

“You don’t have to explain, Liyah. I’m sure it’s a wonderful opportunity for you, and I’m pleased.” Sahaar smiled warmly. “Just make sure you call and check in from time to time.”

“I will. I’ll still visit. I talked to Mila this morning about it, but I was going to say goodbye after I packed my things. There’s a driver waiting for me.”

“Mila is already gone, but I’ll pass the word on. I’m sure she’ll be visiting you soon enough.” Sahaar reached over and hugged her. “Be safe, Liyah. Remember that you are beautiful, just the way that you are.”

Sahaar clearly didn’t think that she’d return the same person, and Liyah couldn’t help but wonder if the older woman was right.

5

Several days passed, and Liyah barely saw Asad. Amira took control of the situation, took Liyah shopping, and reprimanded her every time the shock she was feeling was evident on her face. Liyah’s own life paled in comparison to the lap of luxury Asad and his family treated as a backdrop to their own perfectly sculpted features. Their mannerisms were dipped in grace and the mastery of the social arts.

Despite the independence that women were allowed in Dubai, she was expected to be submissive toward Asad when they were in public. No doubt that was why he’d chosen her instead of someone like Mila, but Liyah didn’t bother to point out that being shy didn’t make her submissive.

A few nights in a row, she heard Asad’s step—he’d walk into the suite and stop at her door for a few moments before walking on to the other bedroom, but he never knocked or asked to come in. He was always gone by morning.

Liyah wondered if that was how it was going to be, but then one day when she returned from another exhausting shopping trip with Amira, she found Asad waiting for her.

“You’ll dine with me tonight,” he ordered. “I want to see if you’re ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“Rashid’s birthday party is several days away, and many of the investors will be there. You’ll be introduced as my bride-to-be.”

Her mouth instantly went dry. She was far more comfortable in Amira’s company than what would most likely be a party—with hundreds of people.

“I have dinner plans,” Amira said at her elbow, a mischievous smile lighting her face. “How do they say it in American? You two crazy love-birds have fun.” With a wink, she saw herself out.

Liyah wasn’t afraid of Asad, but it was on the tip of her tongue to beg Amira to stay as the door was closing behind Asad’s sister.

He must have seen the look on her face, and he instantly reacted. “You’ve been sharing a wall with me for the past five nights. You don’t really think that I bite, do you?” he murmured.

A shiver went up her spine, but it wasn’t fear gathering between her legs.

He grinned, tilting his head to eye her with feigned speculation. “Although, I have to admit that in some situations, I do enjoy biting.”

Her fake boyfriend was every girl’s fantasy. It should have made it more difficult, but the flirting put her at ease.

He reached over and stroked a finger up and down her arm. “That’s it,” he said soothingly. “You’re going to have to act as though you’re comfortable with me. As though I touch you intimately every night.”

Now he was just poking fun at her. Stepping back, she scowled. “I realize that you may not know this, but this isn’t my first acting gig.”

“No?”

“Of course not,” she scoffed. “I was one of the three weird sisters in Macbeth when I was in high school.”

He barked with laughter. “A witch. Of course you were! Well, my dear, consider this dinner your audition.”