Free The Return of the Sheikh by Kristi Gold Page A

he said before adding, “although I do not expect you to believe me.”
    He sounded more frustrated than angry. “I never said I didn’t believe you.”
    He sent her a sideways glance. “Then you are in the minority. Most people choose to believe the worst of me.”
    She lowered her legs and shifted slightly to face him. “Since it seems you don’t have an official press secretary, I spent the day sending out releases stating you vehemently deny fathering Keeley Winterlind’s child. The question is, did I lie?”
    “No.”
    She released the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. “Not even a remote possibility?”
    “No.”
    She truly wanted to believe him, but… “I do remember seeing photos of the two of you a couple years ago.”
    “That means nothing.” Now he sounded angry.
    “It means there’s proof you had a connection with her.”
    “A platonic connection,” he said. “I came upon her ex-lover threatening her at a social gathering and I intervened. We remained in contact because she needed someone to set her on the right path. However, she was young and impressionable and immature. The last I heard, she had reunited with the boyfriend because I could not convince her that the controlling bastard wasn’t good for her.”
    If what he’d said was true, then in essence he was a champion of women. “Do you think she’s the one claiming you’re her baby’s father?”
    “No. She contacted me this afternoon and assured me she had nothing to do with the speculation, and I trust her. She also confirmed the ex is the father.”
    “I’m relieved I told the truth when I denied the speculation.”
    “As if that will do any good.”
    He seemed so sullen, Madison felt the need to lift his spirits. “Have you seen the news footage of your speech?”
    “No, and I refuse to watch it.”
    No surprise there. “Well, you looked incredibly debonair and poised.” And absolutely gorgeous. “I’m sure you’ll start receiving requests for invitations from a slew of queen candidates.”
    “I highly doubt they would be interested in light of the recent attacks on my character.”
    Her efforts to cheer him up were on the verge of becoming an epic failure. “Hey, if they could see you in your adventurer’s gear, they wouldn’t care about your character.”
    She’d finally coaxed a smile from him. A tiny smile, but at least it was something. “I fail to understand how I could charm a woman with clothing not fit for a king.”
    “Then maybe you don’t know women as well as you think you do. Of course, it doesn’t hurt you’re the ruler of a country, and your house isn’t too shabby, either.”
    For the first time since her arrival, he gave her his full attention and a fully formed smile. “You are looking quite beautiful tonight.”
    She couldn’t immediately recall the last time any man had called her beautiful. Her shapeless aqua sundress certainly wouldn’t qualify. “Thank you, but this outfit is designed solely for comfort, not beauty.”
    “I was not referencing your clothing.” He lightly touched her cheek. “You are beautiful.”
    When Madison contacted those dark, mysterious eyes, that spark of awareness threatened to become a flame. With little effort, it could blaze out of control. Yet she recognized Zain was only attempting to divert attention from the seriousness of the situation, and possibly cover his internal turmoil. She truly wanted to provide him with a diversion, but the last thing Zain needed was a potential scandal involving his political consultant. The last thing she needed was to venture into personal involvement with him. She’d already started down that slippery slope.
    She shored up her wavering willpower. “Now that we have engaged in sufficient mutual admiration, we should probably go inside and discuss how we’re going to handle any other problems that might arise. I’d also be happy to listen to what you have planned for the council meeting