Read Online Saving the Sheikh (The Legacy Collection) by Ruth Cardello - Free Book Online Page B

now did he admit to himself that he’d hoped his return would change that.
    When Rachid met his father’s eyes again, he was surprised to see real concern there. “You take my title in a few months. There is no time for this foolishness. You must win the favor of the people, or you’ll have to earn it with your fist. If word spreads of your actions last night, it will be easy to say that you don’t care about the real dangers facing us from our neighbors. You need to be seen addressing these attacks, not partying with your American friends and using our castles like brothels. The welfare of the family must come first. What were you thinking, Rachid?”
    A man like his father would never understand how last night had been about so much more than sex. He considered it irresponsible and selfish. Worse, he was right. I gave my needs priority over the safety of those I love. Real shame settled heavily on his heart. “I wasn’t thinking, Father. I’m sorry.”
    His father approached him and laid a hand on his arm. “You’ve always done what I have asked of you. And you’ve done it well, son. You’ll succeed here, but it will not be easy.” He dropped his hand and said, “Get this woman out of the country immediately and speak to no one of this.”
    He wasn’t the weak link in the room. Rachid looked over his shoulder at his brother, who stood in response to the unspoken question. Ghalil sneered, “Unlike you, Rachid, I would never do anything to endanger Najriad. My silence will be because it’s best for our people and our family, not for you.”
    Am I not family? Rachid thought sadly, but said nothing.
    A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. The old servant entered, bowed slightly and directed his announcement to the man who held his loyalty. “A thousand apologies, Your Excellence, but the royal advisor has landed on the airfield. I thought you should know.”
    King Amir’s eyebrows met in question, but he merely said, “Bring him here.”
    “As you wish, Your Excellence.”
    Basir? Here? And Father didn’t know he was coming?
    That can’t be good.
     
     
    Dressed in a gold-embroidered blue thobe and keffiyeh, the royal advisor swept into the room. His white hair and weathered skin were a testament to the number of years he had loyally served the Hantan family. If Rachid succeeded in ascending to king, his would be the third generation to trust this man’s sage advice.
    He bowed before his king briefly and said, “I have come with a matter of great importance.”
    Amir greeted the man with a familiar a hug. “What has happened, Basir?”
    The older man held out an international English newspaper and said, “I have been fielding phone calls since this photo hit the news this morning.” His father studied the paper for a moment, then handed it to Rachid.
    There, in all of its front-page glory, was a photo of him carrying a flailing Zhang up the steps of his private plane. The headline read, najriad prince kidnaps chinese billionairess from corisi wedding. china demands her immediate return .
    Rachid skimmed the article, which was full of lies from “sources.” The validity of the picture, however, could not be denied. Shit.
    Ghalil peered over Rachid’s arm and jeered, “Do you still think your actions harm no one?”
    Rachid looked at him quickly. No, he couldn’t have. He wouldn’t have. Yes, they had their differences, but his brother wouldn’t lower himself to this.
    Amir directed his question to his advisor. “You’ve spoken with the Chinese minister of foreign affairs?”
    Basir nodded. “And the Chinese ambassador – twice this morning. They’re furious, but they don’t exactly want her back.”
    Amir nodded with understanding.
    Rachid demanded, “Then what do they want?”
    The older man turned to Rachid and said, “They’d like to see you publicly, severely punished or . . .”
    Or had to be better.
    “. . . or they want the two of you to marry immediately.”
    Rachid