Page 27 of The Sheikh's Fake Fiancée

“No thanks to the rumors,” she griped, pulling her robe closer around her.

Kain dragged on his own robe, his muscles rippling tightly before being covered up. “You might be surprised. My people appear to love you. You’ve had some great press.” She picked up her bikini when he added huskily, “Come with me, I’ll prove it to you.”

Chapter Sixteen

Zania stepped into their suite of rooms, only to find dinner was set out on their dining table, with newspapers stacked on one end.

She glanced at him. “We’re eating in tonight?”

He nodded. “I thought you might like a break from the public eye. Tomorrow night will be enough for you to handle.”

He pulled out a chair and she smiled graciously at him before she claimed it. “You’re right, I’m more than happy having tonight off.”

“Try to remember it’s not all work no play.” He took the chair across from her. “We get some R and R when needed. We’re not robots.”

She flopped back in her chair. “That’s good to know. Though since I’ll only be in your world for a month, I’m sure I can handle whatever crops up.”

His lips pinched together. “I’m sure you’ll create loads of memories to take back to your old life with you.” He retrieved a couple of the papers. “Look, we’ve made front page news.”

She blinked at the headline.

Commoner with bad rep makes good life choices.

She stared at the photo of Kain and her kissing in the back seat of his car. There was undeniable chemistry in the image, their intimate body language—one of his big hands on the back of her head and the other halfway down her spine, their eyes closed as their passion exploded—showing more than she’d ever intended.

She looked at the headline of yet another newspaper.

Passionate bride-to-be soon to be a mother-to-be?

Shock for a moment rendered her speechless. That shewaspregnant and couldn’t break the news to Kain—not without feeling even more fraudulent, made her feel queasy.

He reached over the table and ran his fingertips over the picture of them kissing. “That was genius, a masterstroke,” he mused. “Everyone wants a love story, and that’s what you gave my people.” He chuckled. “The pregnant part I’m not so sure about, though I have allowed my passion to overtake my good sense on more than one occasion,” he conceded with a wince.

“Never fear,” she said drily. “It’d be impossible for you to get me pregnant.”

He released her hand and had begun scooping some kind of gravy meat and rice concoction onto her plate, when he paused, his eyes holding hers. “So you’re on contraceptive? You should have told me. I would have gone bare every time.”

Oh, crap.This was heading into dangerous territory.

“There is still a risk of STDs.”

“True. But I’m clean. I’ve always used protection in the past and have regular checkups.”

“Right.” So he’d only ever lost control with her? Why did that make her feel better, special? She exhaled shakily. Perhaps if things had been different, they might actually have had a chance together. She pushed back the impossible yearning, then nodded at the spread on the table. “Can we enjoy our dinner now?”

He eyed her speculatively. “Of course.” He finished dishing up, and she couldn’t help but appreciate what a gentleman he was. Despite the fact he was a sheikh, his mother had obviously taught him good manners.

They ate their meal in silence, and though she appreciated how scrumptious everything was, she didn’t really taste any of it. She gave up after forcing down half the food on her plate, and instead began stacking the dishes.

“Leave it,” he instructed. “I have servants to do that. They’ll get offended if we do their work for them. Besides, you look as though you could use some sleep.” He grinned unrepentantly. “I’ve clearly worn you out.”

She nodded. “If you’re sure? I am rather tired.”

A pity she had a feeling she’d be getting very little sleep.

Yet the moment she finally climbed into bed after having a shower and cleaning her teeth, sleep claimed her. That the last thought in her head was of possibly meeting Tabari the next morning seemed to trigger the repressed memories of their last time together.

She was in her lodgings back on Holly Island, looking through the windows to the beautiful day outside. The gardens were superb, birds flitting from tree to tree, the ocean a far-off vista of sparkling turquoise blue.

---