Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 49415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
The sheikh was once again a figure of reserved authority, someone whom everyone looked up to but would always stand apart from the people, while Hyacinth was naught but the sheikh’s young and studious intern.
In other words, this couple was amazing, and Gadi could only watch with pride as both Hyacinth and the sheikh set to work in separate but similarly efficient ways. In the boardroom, Rayyan Al-Atassi easily commanded everyone’s attention as he delivered a powerfully motivating speech about the kingdom’s economic prospects. Meanwhile, the sheikh’s young secret lover worked diligently behind the scenes, refilling people’s drinks without being intrusive, distributing handouts just as the sheikh moved on to the next topic, and just being perfect all around.
The sheikh’s PA wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. This, he thought fondly, must be how parents felt upon seeing their children find their soulmates. Granted, the sheikh was actually a lot older than him, but surely this wonderful feeling of pride had to be close?
When the meeting was over and they were back at the palace, Hyacinth was surprised when the sheikh invited her to take a walk through the palace’s secret tunnels.
“What for?” Hyacinth asked suspiciously even though she was already following him into the underground passageway, which also had a direct connection to the sheikh’s private office.
“Relax, anisdi.” Amusement tinged the sheikh’s tone. “I’m not going to do anything to you—-” Rayyan paused. “Or is that it? Do you wish me to do something...” His words ended in a chuckle as Hyacinth marched past him with a muttered curse.
“You swear too much,” he commented.
“Jealous?” she asked sweetly.
The sheikh laughed, and her pleasure disappeared.
Shit.
The mere sound of his laughter was enough to make her catch her breath, and the way it echoed intimately around the tunnel just made things worse. It seemed to emphasize the fact that they were all alone, this one place in the world that it was just her and him, a place that she could pretend she was just a girl, standing in front of –
WHOA, H.
Have you sunk so low you’re going to quote Notting Hill now?
Rayyan noticed Hyacinth scowling. “What’s wrong?”
YOU, motherfucker.
You’re what’s wrong, goddamn—-
“Dare I even ask how many times you’ve cursed me in your mind?” the sheikh asked dryly.
Shit!
Hyacinth let her eyes go wide. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He snorted.
“Honest.” She crossed her fingers behind her back. “I was just thinking about work, really.” More or less. “In case you haven’t noticed, today’s a Saturday—-”
After a moment, she said emphatically, “Yes.”
Rayyan smirked. “Liar.”
Fuck. He had her there. Dammit.
“I hate you.”
“Nem, nem. What’s new?”
“I mean it this time!”
“I believe you.”
But they were both lying, and they both knew it, too.
DAMMIT!
“Speaking of work...”
Hyacinth frowned at the sheikh’s too-casual tone.
“What did you think of today’s discussion? Did you enjoy it?”
“Why does it matter if I do or not?”
The sheikh shrugged. “I hear you’re good with numbers.”
Her frown deepened, her wariness growing with every word the sheikh uttered. “So?”
“I was merely wondering if banking was something you could see yourself doing in the future.”
“Hell, no—-”
“Then why list it down in your career counseling form?”
Hyacinth let out a gasp. “I knew it! Did Mrs. B. tattle on me?”
“She didn’t have to.”
“What do you mean—-” She let out another gasp. “Wait a minute. Are you saying you had me investigated?”
“Naturally.”
“There’s no naturally about it,” she snapped. “And really, I should sue you for invasion of privacy, but since you’re going to be my boyfriend in the future...”
Rayyan coughed hard. Even after all this time, he thought with a shake of his head, this girl could still manage to surprise him. “You truly believe there’s a chance I’ll fall in love with you?”
“Naturally.”
A smile curved over the sheikh’s lips at the way she mockingly mimicked his tone, and Hyacinth’s heart skipped a beat.
Oh, you have got it so, so, so bad for him, H.
“Very well then...”
The sheikh’s words made her blink in confusion. “Umm, what?” Had she missed something here?
“A reward for today’s work,” Rayyan murmured huskily.
“A r-r-reward?”
He almost smiled when the girl’s words came out a squeak but managed not to. God knew what crazy things Hyacinth’s pride would provoke her into doing if she realized how easily he could read her.
“Nem,” he said lazily. “A reward.” He stopped walking to face her fully. “Or rather, a chance...”
“A c-chance?” Hyacinth was so badly tempted to pinch herself. What was happening? Was this still real? Or was she dreaming?
“Yes, Hyacinth.”
Oh, shit.
It was so rare to hear the sheikh say her name that every inch of her body instantly burned, and her knees started shaking uncontrollably.
“A chance...” The velvety purr in the sheikh’s tone was making her feel dizzy. “To give it your best shot.”
His gaze captured hers, and Hyacinth had the most embarrassing urge to see if it was possible for her to swoon.