Free The Sheikh’s Reluctant Bride by Teresa Southwick Page A

body was sudden and intense. He wanted her.
    She waved when she saw him and the children grew quiet, their dark eyes wide and shy as they warily watched him come nearer. When he stopped in front of them, the boys and girls scattered.
    Jessica’s look was teasing. “Way to clear a room, Your Highness.”
    “That was not my fault.”
    “They’re a little shy,” she admitted. “And how was your day, dear?”
    He lifted an eyebrow. “I bought a horse.”
    She looked surprised. “You don’t waste any time. Is it for you?”
    “No. My brother, Malik, asked me to pick out a suitable animal for his betrothed.”
    “I hope his bride-to-be can translate the fine print before she signs on the dotted line.”
    “He is the Crown Prince. There will be no mistakes.”
    “Famous last words,” she teased.
    “And how was your day, my sweet?”
    Now she raised an eyebrow, but did not comment on his use of the endearment. “I spent the day with my aunt in her classroom.”
    “You are frowning. Did something happen?”
    She shook her head. As they strolled along the path, she picked a leaf from a bush and rolled it between her fingers. “But education here is an uphill battle. No pun intended. There aren’t enough books for all the children and the situation is fairly primitive. There’s no access to computers or any other technology that would supplement education.”
    “To do that would take money,” he agreed.
    “In a prosperous country like this, it’s inexcusable that they don’t have more.” The look she leveled at him was taut with accusation. “And that is your fault.”
    “How so?”
    “My aunt said that several years ago her people petitioned for the necessary funds to improve education. As the minister of Finance, the appeal went to you and died on your desk.”
    “I see.”
    “Do you?” she asked.
    Two years ago he had been lost in his own pain and could not clearly recall that time. He had gone through the motions, but his heart had disconnected.
    When he did not answer, she said, “These are your people, too. I know their lifestyle makes it a greater challenge, but there must be a way to get technology to them. It’s an oil-rich country, but the children are the most precious natural resource. Someone needs to champion them.”
    He felt the weight of her reproving stare. “Your passion on this particular issue would make you an exceptional champion. It is unfortunate that you are not staying.”
    He found that was the truth. She was worthy of respect and her spirit and sense of humor were most engaging. She intrigued and delighted him, which meant he had not disconnected from her as completely as he would have liked.
    “I wish my visit could be longer,” she admitted.
    “Then you are not so very sorry you signed on the dotted line in error?”
    Her mouth curved up. “I’m still sorry about that, but not that I’m here. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to meet family.”
    “Your aunt seems like a fine woman.”
    “She is.” Jessica tore the leaf in her fingers to shreds. “I was just afraid that—”
    He stepped in front of her on the path and stopped. “What frightened you?” When she looked down, he slid a finger beneath her chin and nudged, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Tell me.”
    “I—I didn’t know whether or not there was strength of will for me to inherit. I was afraid I was destined to be like my mother.”
    “In what way?” He had made certain to read the investigative report his father had requisitioned, but did not know to what she referred.
    Jessica’s eyes turned dark and troubled. “She never married. There was one man after another in her life and each time she believed he was the one who would be her ‘happy ending.’ Every time it didn’t work out, she drank more—more wine, whiskey, vodka—whatever alcohol she could get her hands on—to help her forget. And that made it easier for men to use her. It was a vicious cycle that cut short her