“You’re the most foul-mouthed Sheikh in the world,” she says, in a mix of shyness and laughter. Then she covers her face with both hands.
“I don’t mince words.”
She looks at me. “I know. That’s why you needed me as your assistant in the first place, but you didn’t take me on the trip to Germany.”
“I thought we both needed some time apart.”
“Why?”
“I promised not to touch you when we got back to England. I wouldn’t have been able to keep that promise if you were by my side.”
She leans back in the seat and closes her eyes.
“Why did you come today, Madeline?”
“I was feeling lonely and wanted to have some fun. Still, I only came because Zarif insisted so much,” she says.
I feel my jaw tighten. “I don’t want you near him.”
“Why not? He’s your brother.”
“Can you do as I’m asking?”
“Not if the reason behind the request is that you don’t trust me. I’ve had a few boyfriends, and I’ve never cheated. Even though we’re not really together, how could you think I’d get involved with your brother?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“But I think you thought it. Otherwise you wouldn’t be making this kind ofrecommendation.”
Although my nature is combative, I decide to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Do you want to stay in Ibiza or go back to London?”
“Zarif booked a hotel room for me.”
My mood worsens again. “No. We either go back to London, or we stay at the house I have here.”
“I want to stay here. I can go back to London tomorrow, boss,” she teases. “I have one more day off.”
Even though I’m pissed that she came to meet Zarif at his fucking party, her banter makes me smile, and I bring her back onto my lap. “When do you plan on going to the doctor?”
Madeline sighs and hides her face in my chest. “As soon as we get back to England. I’m afraid of the results.”
For the first time, I try to put myself in her shoes. I am a Sheikh and need heirs. I knew that sooner or later I would marry and start a family, but I have no idea what Madeline wants for the future.
“What if I’m pregnant?”
“Then we’ll get married.”
“We’re not in the Middle Ages. I could have taken the morning-after pill.”
“That goes against what I believe.”
“Against my beliefs too, but wouldn’t that be better than subjecting yourself to a loveless marriage?”
“We have plenty of physical attraction. There are couples who get married with much less than that in their dynamic.”
“I never pictured myself in a marriage of convenience,” she says, getting off my lap and taking the seat next to me.
“It’s not uncommon for men in my position.”
