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

“Asad doesn’t lose his temper easily, and when he does, it’s more of a tactical strike. I’ve known him all of his life, so I recognized the warning signs. You did quite well. It is important that you stand by his side, even in the ugliest of situations. The Sharif family has enemies, and one day, you and Asad will have to face them together. The most powerful families in Dubai sometimes enjoy tearing each other apart.”

Almost like Asad’s own family. She mentally shook away the thought and put on the most charming smile she could manage.

“I appreciate the tour,” she said, trying to muster some enthusiasm. The gold statues, stunning pieces of jewelry, and magnificent paintings were indeed impressive, but after being put on display as if she were part of the collection, they seemed to lose their mystery.

“Most women are enamored with the expensive trinkets,” he said dryly. “You are obviously not like most women. Tell me what you think of our city?”

This was a question that Liyah could answer honestly. “I was actually here five years ago as part of an exchange-student program. The mesh of cultures, the artistic souls, the loyalty and warmth of the people—it’s one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. I can honestly say that even if Asad had not come into my life, I would have returned. How can a person stay away? The romance of the city leaves the rest of the world barren in comparison.”

Bashar raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite a description. You make our home sound simply astounding.”

“It is.”

“And do you approve of the Sharif brothers’ need to continue to build on it? These condos of Asad’s and that coliseum of Rashid’s . . .”

“You’re against it? I was told that you were one of the primary investors.”

“I am, but I have my doubts. Like you, I see the romance of the city, and I’ve seen first hand what rapid expansion can do to a city. I’m afraid that these young souls see only opportunity.”

Liyah needed to choose her next words carefully and balance her own love of the city with her need to support Asad. “I believe that Dubai is welcoming enough to expand and open its doors without losing the soul that makes it so unique, and I also believe that if its people become afraid that Dubai will lose its originality, they will make a stand.”

A slow smile curved over the older man’s face. “Perhaps I was wrong about you. Perhaps you’ll be good for him, after all.”

Liyah wasn’t brave enough to ask what he meant by that.

That evening, back in their suite, Asad seemed reluctant to let her go. He loosened a few of the top buttons of his shirt and sprawled in a chair with his drink in hand, looking like the lustful playboy Imran had painted him to be.

“Join me, if you please.”

His request was polite, but Liyah knew it was more of a demand. She agreed—but only if she could change out of the dress first. Despite loving the expensive threads, it did nothing but remind her of the dresses that she had tried on for Asad. They were hidden in the back of her closet, and there they would stay.

When she returned, he stood at the sleekly cut marble bar. Pouring some expensive cognac into a pattern-cut fogged glass, he pulled out a small chiller to set the bottle in before handing her the drink.

“What did you think of Bashar?” he asked, his expression intent.

“Did you ask me to stay to unwind or to interview me about your investor?” she asked staunchly, even though she already knew the answer.

He didn’t even blink an eye. “I knew you would never sleep without a chance to relax and vent, but I am interested in what the two of you spoke about while I was gone.”

“Dubai, mostly. I think you’re mistaken about why he was so hesitant to invest in you. It’s not your youth—but what he fears about what you want for the city. He’s in love with the old soul of Dubai, and he does not want to see it so built up that people are crammed into tiny boxes stacked on top of each other.”

She looked up from her drink to see the shock in his eyes. “Does he really th

ink so little of us?”

“With the competition between you and Rashid, it’s no wonder,” she said with a shrug. “It would seem that your reputation means more to you than the city.”

“You can’t move past that, can you? Is your family so wonderful and warm that you can’t tolerate a little competition between brothers?”

Annoyed, she propped her feet up on his expensive ottoman and sipped her drink. Her bare toes wiggled as she spoke. “My family consisted of a single mother who had to work so hard that I barely saw her as I was growing up. She had only two desires in her life. To make more money and my undying affection. When those jobs never seemed to make ends meet, she smothered me. When she realized that, as an adult, I was pulling away in an attempt to discover my own path, she went and married the next man who batted his eyes at her. He’s a narcissistic pompous ass who will never give her the love she deserves, but she was too distraught over my decision not to move back in with her to see it.”

He raised an eyebrow. “So you chose to return to Dubai because we’re so warm and friendly here?”

“I came to Dubai because I consider my exchange-mother and sister to be my family. They’ve always embraced me as I am and encouraged me to find my happiness. It’s a warmth that I don’t think I’ve ever felt. I love my mother, but I was never a daughter to her. Not really. I was just someone who could love her when she could never seem to love herself.”

“I see.” He swirled his drink quietly “And you think that I am not appreciating the family that I have?”

“I think your competition with Rashid is so out of control that even your investors are talking about it—and questioning me,” she responded coldly.