“You think that she’s going to keep donating money now that you’ve fired her niece? Speaking of that position, why is Katie glued to the podium? She’s meant to walk with you, flirt, and turn the heads of the men here, to help them open their wallets.” She reached out and grabb
ed two glasses of champagne from a server.
Khalid accepted his glass. “This is her first fundraiser event. I would prefer that she observe before she engages.”
His sister gave him a withering look. “She told me just a few nights ago that she’s been looking forward to this event because charming old men is her forté. She dealt with many different events at her last job.”
“A few nights ago? She was at the palace a few nights ago?” It was starting to feel like every time he turned around, the gorgeous woman was in his home.
With Tasty written across her ass.
He hadn’t slept in weeks.
Amira didn’t seem to pick up on the annoyance in his tone. “She has three friends in the city, and we all spend quite a bit of time at the palace. So yes, she was there a few nights ago. Does that bother you, brother dearest?”
Yes. “She is my employee. I’d like it if I could maintain a respectable distance from the people who work for me.”
He saw the sly look that Amira gave him as they moved through the crowd. Finally, when they reached a private corner, she turned to face him. “You’ve grown cold these past few years, Khalid. And cynical. You’re always surrounded by beauty and culture, but it no longer has an effect on you. I worry about you, Khalid.”
“Amira . . .”
“I didn’t push Katie on you because I felt bad for her. I think she’ll be good for you. She’s warm where you’re cold. Use her, Khalid. Maybe you’ll learn something.”
“Remember your place, sister,” he said harshly. “I am neither Asad nor Rashid. I do not need you meddling in my life.”
There was a flash of pain in her eyes before she turned and walked away.
Cursing under his breath, he made his way through the crowd to apologize to her, but she had disappeared. When he reached the edge, his gaze automatically moved to the podium, and he found Katie staring at him.
There was hurt written all over her face as well. He knew she was pissed at being chained to the podium, but he wasn’t ready to give her freedom just yet. He expected her to swallow her anger like she’d been doing for the past couple of weeks . . . but there were tears gathering in her eyes.
Shaking her head, she pushed away from the podium and walked out of the festivities.
He wanted nothing more than to chase after and demand that she stay, to put his arm around her waist and pull her body up against his, but instead, he did nothing. Indeed, he hoped that maybe she would refuse to return on Monday, and maybe he’d finally be free of the erotic dreams and mental images that constantly danced in his head.
Never in his life had he ever been so dangerously attracted to a woman, but never before did giving in come with so many consequences.
Unlike his two older brothers, he had no responsibility to marry—and no need. He was fine with his quiet flings, but pissing off his sisters-in-law would cause more family drama than he was willing to face.
Even if it did mean he would never get to taste the woman who haunted his dreams.
7
“You’re here.”
Katie pulled the strap of her bag over her head and let it fall to the floor as she looked at Nadira in confusion. “It’s Monday. I’m supposed to be here. I’m even thirty minutes early so that Khalid can’t bitch that I’m late again.”
The receptionist immediately widened her eyes in panic as she glanced at the open door to the inner office.
Katie didn’t even care. All weekend long, all she could obsess about was how Khalid had ignored her from the moment he’d hired her. She knew that she wasn’t allowed to curate any collections or talk to any donors, but he wasn’t even listening to her ideas. She was nothing more than a glorified secretary and hostess.
No more.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, she leaned down and pulled out her portfolio. Today he was going to hear her ideas if she had to shove them down his throat.
“Katie, what are you doing?” Nadira hissed as Katie strolled purposefully toward the inner office. “He’s in a horrible mood. Katie!”
“Good morning, boss,” Katie announced cheerfully as she breezed into the inner office. “I’m glad to see that you’ve recovered from Saturday’s exciting events. You certainly were drinking a lot. No lingering hangover?”