The Sheikh's Stubborn Assistant (The Sharif Sheikhs 3)

Great. Couldn’t there be a buffer? Taking a deep breath, Katie mentally reminded herself that she was good. She deserved this job.

Khalid sat at his desk, head bent over some paperwork.

When he didn’t lift his head, she cleared her throat.

“Close the door,” he said gruffly without looking up.

Annoyed, she quietly closed the door behind her. “I was surprised to hear from you.”

Khalid finally looked up and studied her. “Why? Do you not think you’re qualified?”

“I’m very qualified. I just got the feeling that I wasn’t what you were looking for when you kicked me out of the studio.”

He lifted his eyebrows, and she mentally berated herself. Talking too much was what had gotten her in trouble the last time. “Just tell me that you aren’t hiring me because your sister and sisters-in-law begged you,” she said quietly.

“I’m not in the habit of letting my family make decisions about my business,” he said shortly. “I’m offering you the assistant position in the gallery. I don’t have a curating position—but just so we’re clear, even if I did, you do not have the necessary experience to curate in a place like this. Dubai is still Old World, and traditions are important. It takes years of experience to make a dent in this city.”

“And a penis?” she asked without thinking. “Sorry. Slipped out.”

She could have sworn she saw his lips twitch, but it didn’t quite turn into a smile. “Nadira will show you your duties.” Opening a drawer, he pulled out a large booklet. Locking gazes with her, he slammed it down on the desk, and she jumped. “Your handbook. Have it read tonight.”

“Sure.” Shaking her head, she reached out and grabbed the manual. “It’s not like I had any other plans tonight.”

“Good. Nadira will give you a tour and an overview of what you’ll be dealing with. Be prepared for paperwork tomorrow, and you’ll get started on your duties.”

“Sounds good.” Folding her arms over the manual, she waited expectantly.

He looked at her, annoyance plain. “You may go.”

“Right. Thanks,” she muttered as she turned to leave the office. Was she expecting a welcome to the team or glad to have you on board?

Yes, but she really should have known better.

“Katie, one last thing.”

Ah. Here it is. A warm welcome. “Yes?”

“I am now your boss. Please remember that. Even in social situations, I will ask that you conduct yourself accordingly. That is all.”

Her jaw dropped, but it didn’t matter. His attention was already elsewhere.

Nadira was waiting outside the office to escort her around the building. The art museum was impressively large and filled with contemporary and historical masterpieces. Many of the exhibits were on loan from private collectors, some were property of the museum itself, and there were two touring exhibits in the gallery.

“The sheikh handles the collectors, donors, and exclusive members of the museum. You’ll be responsible for most of the paperwork and will help with hosting events, but the planning and curation will be done by him.”

A man’s privilege. Katie didn’t roll her eyes, but the urge was hard to resist. She knew that Khalid had been right. Although she was trained and ready, she didn’t have the experience, and it looked like it would be a long time before she could prove herself.

She’d have to make the best of things. At least she was starting off somewhere, but she had a feeling that working for Khalid was going to be an adventure, all in itself.

6

The first couple of weeks were beyond boring. Katie printed out tickets every day and ended up recycling most of them when the museum closed. It was a waste of paper, but when she tried to point out that getting a stamp would be cheaper than printing the dates on the tickets, Khalid just gave her a frosty look.

She answered the phones, filed paperwork, and sketched out a marketing plan with a newsletter, but Khalid shut it down without even hearing it.

“This is ridiculous,” she grumbled. The museum was raking in money from donors, but they weren’t averaging more than ten visitors a week. They weren’t reaching the masses. They were targeting the same circles, keeping it exclusive and in the hands of the rich.

Hadn’t Khalid talked about sharing her views?