Read Online The Sheik and the Runaway Princess by Susan Mallery - Free Book Online Page A

enough to buy all those expensive planes you covet.”
    Rafe grinned. “You want them, too.”
    Kardal nodded in agreement. In recent years it had become increasingly apparent that remote security cameras and irregular patrols by the nomadic tribes weren’t enough to keep the desert safe. The oil fields were increasingly vulnerable. King Hassan had contacted Kardal about starting a joint air force. Rafe was in charge of coordinating with the Bahanians.
    Kardal knew it was unusual for a man in his position to trust a foreigner with such an important job. Yet Rafe had earned his trust many times over. The blond officer carried a knife scar from a potentially lethal blow meant for Kardal. In return Kardal had permitted Rafe to wear the mark of the prince. As a result, the people of the city accepted Rafe as one of their own—honoring him with the title of sheik.
    Today Rafe wore a uniform but just as often he swept through the castle in traditional robes, his blue eyes looking startlingly out of place against his tanned face.
    Rafe’s expression changed to one of mild amusement. “There’s a rumor about a slave girl in the palace. The word is you found her in the desert and claimed her as your own.”
    Kardal glanced at his watch. “I’ve been back nearly four hours. When did you hear?”
    “About three and a half hours ago.”
    “Word travels fast.”
    Rafe shrugged. “I have good sources. Is it true? I never thought slave girls were your style.”
    “They’re not.”
    He hesitated. So far no one knew Sabrina’s true identity and that was how he preferred it. But if she needed protection, there was no one he would trust more than Rafe.
    “Her name is Sabrina. She’s Hassan’s daughter.”
    Rafe stared at him. “The one you’re engaged to?”
    “The same. She knows about the betrothal, but not the details. I don’t want people finding out who she is.”
    “Or her finding out who you are?”
    “Exactly.”
    Rafe whistled softly. “I knew this job would be interesting when I signed on. I can’t wait to meet her. I’ve never seen an honest-to-God princess in person before.”
    Kardal knew his friend was joking, but that piece of information didn’t stop the knot from forming in his gut or the sudden heat that filled him. He frowned. Anger? At what? Rafe would never bother Sabrina, and he, Kardal, shouldn’t care if his second-in-command was interested. Sabrina was nothing but a thorn in his side.
    “You’re bound to run across her,” Kardal said, rising to his feet. “I’ll instruct her to stay in her quarters. I’m sure she won’t listen. If you find her wandering around, please return her to her rooms.”
    “Where are you going?” Rafe asked lazily.
    “To prepare to do battle. If I am going to marry the wayward Princess Sabra, she must first be tamed.”

Chapter 5
    Kardal entered Sabrina’s quarters around ten the following morning. He’d given her the night to come to terms with her situation, although he doubted she would see reason on the matter. From what he could tell, Princess Sabra could be most willful.
    Interestingly enough, he found himself looking forward to their encounter. She would complain and possibly throw things, they would battle verbally, and although he would best her in the end, she would make him work for his victory.
    He was still grinning when he pushed open the door to her chambers. But before he stepped inside, some sixth sense that had saved his life more than once in the past, urged caution. He hesitated before entering, thereby avoiding a violent thrust of movement.
    Sabrina sailed harmlessly past him, her right arm extended, a small fruit knife in her hand. He caught her around the waist and lifted her from her feet.
    “Put me down, you great oaf,” she yelled.
    Unceremoniously, he carried her to the bed and dumped her on the mattress. Before she could spring back up, he flung himself on top of her, pinning her thighs between his and wrists in his hands. She