Read Online The Return of the Sheikh by Kristi Gold - Free Book Online

pulled back and homed in on her gaze, she released a slow, ragged breath. “Do you care to interpret what you just said to me?”
    “Later, when we have complete privacy.”
    That sent Madison’s imagination straight into overdrive and would have quite possibly, had it not been for the rap on the door, sent Madison straight into Zain’s arms.
    “Enter,” he said, his voice somewhat raspy and noticeably strained.
    Madison smoothed a hand down her jacket then over her hair as Deeb stepped in the room, looking every bit the humorless assistant. “You are cleared to proceed, Emir.”
    Zain rubbed a hand over his jaw. “The shooters are in place?”
    “Yes. Four positioned on the roof, two in the tower.”
    The reality of Zain’s importance suddenly hit home for Madison. So did the reality of what she’d almost done—kiss the king for the second time in less than twenty-four hours. Yet she didn’t have time to think about it as two bodyguards swept into the room, pulled back the curtains and escorted Zain onto the terrace.
    Madison stood to one side slightly behind the drapes while Mr. Deeb took his place beside her. When Zain positioned himself behind the podium, a series of shouts ensued above the murmuring crowd. “What are they saying?” she asked Deeb.
    “They are calling him a turncoat.”
    Ouch. She wished she could see Zain’s face, gauge his reaction, but she could only see his back and his hands gripping the edge of the wooden surface, indicating he could be stressed. But no one would know that, she realized, the moment he began to speak in words she couldn’t begin to understand.
    “What’s he saying?” she asked Deeb who remained his usual noncommittal self.
    “He is telling them he is honored to be their leader and he looks forward to serving them.”
    So far, so good. But then she heard the sounds of disapproval and didn’t feel nearly as confident. “What now?”
    “He claims he is not his father and that he will rule differently,” Deeb said. “He is also speaking of positive changes he wishes to make, such as improvements to the hospital and the schools.”
    As Zain continued, Madison noticed the temporarily dissatisfied crowd had quieted and many people, particularly women, seemed to hang on his every word. And although she couldn’t interpret his words, she could certainly appreciate his voice—a deep, mellow voice that went down as smoothly as a vintage glass of wine.
    After an enthusiastic round of applause, she turned to ask for clarification from Deeb, only to hear someone suddenly shout in English, “Is it true you fathered a child with Keeley Winterlind?”
    Though she’d been aware of Zain’s liaison with the supermodel, Madison was seriously stunned by the query, and thoroughly appalled that someone would interrupt a king’s speech in search of a sordid story. Worse, was it true?
    Zain ignored the question and continued to speak to the throng that seemed to grow more restless by the minute. Then another reporter demanded he address the pregnancy issue, prompting shouts from the masses.
    Although Madison still couldn’t see Zain’s expression, she did notice his hands fisted at his sides. She had no clue what he’d muttered, but it didn’t sound at all friendly and, considering the crowd’s angry reaction, it wasn’t. Amid the show of raised fists and verbal condemnation, Zain turned and stormed back into the study. He didn’t afford her or Deeb a passing glance, nor did he hesitate to make a swift exit, slamming the door behind him.
    Madison waited for the sentries to leave before she sought confirmation or denial from her only immediate source of information. “Is it true about the baby?”
    Deeb’s expression remained emotionless, but she saw a flicker of concern in his eyes. “I am afraid, Miss Foster, you will have to ask the emir.”
    And that’s exactly what Madison intended to do. First, she had to find him, and soon, before all hell broke