Free The Sheikh's Offer by Jessica Brooke, Ella Brooke

waves, almost black in the evening echoed around both of them. The beach around Yas Island was alluring, and it looked like the bluest water during the day, like something you’d see in the Caribbean.
    The to-die-for infinity pool wasn’t near this corner of the beach. They were away from the rest of the beachgoers and somewhere not far from their own private villa at the island’s hotel.
    Behind her, she could a glimpse of the flashing bright pink neon from the hotel’s signs. It made the whole island light up, like some glowing flamingo, but it was exhilarating to be in a place lit up like a festive, Floridian Christmas tree. She grinned back at her husband for the rest of the week. They were on day four, and it had been amazing so far. She remembered the trust and desire she’d first felt for him at that bachelor party long ago. But also she felt bonded from the way they’d explored one another’s bodies, from his very power to bring her screaming with pleasure.
    This man had kept his word, and had been kind and considerate to her. It was probably an ephemeral fantasy and a hopeless ploy, but she felt like every inch the princess he’d promised her she’d be.
    It continued as he placed the flatbreads, hummus, and dates before her as well as a heaping dish filled with meat so well-seasoned and delectable that she found herself drooling in eager anticipation.
    “What is that?” she asked.
    “It’s called Al Machboos , and it’s a delicacy here in the UAE.”
    “God, it smells amazing!” She took a mix of the rice, roasted eggplant, and the lamb on her plate, then put a forkful in her mouth. The flavors hit her tongue instantly. Sage and turmeric mixed with a hint of more spices and the rich broth of the tender lamb. She moaned almost obscenely and swallowed the mix. “So it’s only in the Emirates? Is that the only reason I haven’t had this before? If Alana was holding something this good out on me, I might have to kill her.”
    “It’s most certainly only a delicacy here. We rarely cook it in Al-Marasae. And you’d be a new, single mother with Gabriel to care for.”
    She laughed and shoved a date in her mouth. “Yes, but you’d be a ready and willing godfather for the little guy, so how bad could that be?”
    “That’s blissfully domestic. I have to say I approve,” he replied, starting in on his own hunk of lamb. “Maybe we’d have to work on a brood of our own if you want to stay Sheikha Hassem after Friday that is.”
    Sighing, she frowned at him. “I have two more days to think it over. I know what feels good now. Mostly, I feel for the first time in a while that things are finally working out for me. I’ve struggled so long dealing with Monique being a harsh witch and trying to live up to her demands. The thought of having a chance to own a restaurant… It’s more amazing than I could ever say. Terrifying too.”
    “Hmm,” he said then sipped his water. “How do you figure?”
    “When your name is the one plastered on the side of the building, then everyone knows. It’s one thing to be written up in culinary magazines and reviewed for magazines when I don’t own the place. People don’t know who the chef is at a place that says Paradiso on the marquee. But you have people come to Kelly’s Place or have my name prominently on everything, then it’s all on me. If I fuck up, no one will ever cook with me or hire me again.”
    “I don’t think that’s true,” he said, reaching out and stroking his beard. “Even if you set up shop in New York and failed, it could be because the competition of the city is huge. There always has to be a second chance.”
    Suddenly tired, she pushed her plate away and ran her fingers over her rings. “Do you mean that for everyone? Is that what this all is? A second chance?”
    “It’s fate. I give you that,” he said, grinning back at her. “I think whatever you do, you’ll be amazing at it. You have been so far.”
    “Does that apply to