He wanted to stride around the desk and haul her to her feet and straight into his arms. Kiss her till she turned soft and melting against him as she had that first night, purring her delight at what he did to her.
But Salim was a king. He didn’t indulge in scandalous behaviour.
No matter how much he wanted to. His training and his early years in Fuad’s shadow had taught him self-reliance. Acting rashly was an indulgence he couldn’t permit.
‘You may rise, Ms MacIain, and take a seat.’
For an instant longer he met her eyes, then forced himself to look down at the petition he’d received. The text wavered and, instead of seeing words, his brain conjured an image of bright eyes.
It wouldn’t do. He wasn’t like his brother, easily diverted from duty. Salim was stronger than that. He had to be, for Dhalkur’s sake.
He needed a bride to quell the unease of his subjects about the lack of a royal heir. But it would be madness to employ this woman if they couldn’t work together.
Firming his mouth, he closed the petition and set it aside.
But when he looked up Rosanna MacIain was the picture of professionalism. She sat with her hands loosely clasped and her back straight. She met his stare with a slight smile of acknowledgement and an air of attentiveness. No challenge. No heat in those grey eyes.
Had he imagined it?
The thought sideswiped him. Had he beenlookingfor, hoping for, a personal response from her?
Surely not.
Yet he remembered how his thoughts had strayed to her again and again through last night’s video conference and diplomatic reception. And later, as he lay in bed.
‘I’ve decided to employ you.’ He watched her shoulders lower on a deep exhale. Relief? Naturally. Her company’s fee for a successful match was hefty. ‘I’ve signed the contract and it’s been sent to your principal.’
‘Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m sure you’ll be pleased with our service.’
Pleased? He’d be relieved if they found someone appropriate, someone he wouldn’t mind marrying, though he couldn’t get enthusiastic at the prospect of tying himself to anyone for life.
Salim pushed a document across the desk. ‘All that remains is for you to sign this.’
She took it, scanning the print, her brow furrowing in concentration as she caught her bottom lip with her teeth.
He felt a flicker of something deep inside but told himself it had nothing to do with the fact that she looked...cute. More likely it was satisfaction that she was concentrating on business. That soon he’d have a bride lined up and that would be one major task sorted.
‘Surely all this is covered in our standard contract.’ She looked up, frowning. ‘Absolute discretion is vital to our business success.’
‘Nevertheless, I insist. I need to be completely sure that nothing you learn while working on my behalf finds its way beyond these walls. It’s not just a matter of protecting my personal privacy. You’ll learn a lot, not just about me but other people within the palace, our processes and customs. I want that protected.’
He sat back, watching as she read, wondering if she’d refuse. She took her time and Salim felt respect rise. Many people in the presence of royalty were too eager to agree to whatever was proposed. He liked that this woman chose to inform herself about what she’d be agreeing to.
Salim saw her eyebrows rise. ‘The penalties for disclosure are incredibly harsh.’
He shrugged. ‘You’re in my world now, Ms MacIain, and I value my privacy.’
She nodded. ‘Very well.’ Seconds later she’d pulled out a pen, placed the document on the desk and signed it. ‘There you are.’
He reached out and drew the agreement to him, noting her neat signature. Strange the sense of deep satisfaction he felt. Almost as if she’d signed away something other than her guarantee of discretion.
Shaking off the odd sensation, he nodded. ‘Excellent. Now we can begin. What do you want to proceed?’
‘First it’s important to know what you’re looking for in a wife. Your likes and dislikes. Any dealbreakers, things that mean you wouldn’t consider a particular woman no matter what else she brings to the table.’
‘Such as?’
‘That’s up to you.’ When he didn’t add anything she continued. ‘For instance, some men prefer a woman who hasn’t publicly been in a committed relationship.’