Salim reined in his racing thoughts.
‘So you say, but your expertise remains to be proven.’
She swallowed, the movement drawing attention to the slenderness of her neck and the determined cast of her jaw.
If anyone could deliver what she promised, he had a feeling it was Rosanna MacIain, despite her lack of preparation.
It was a pity circumstances meant she’d never deliver on the unspoken promise she’d given him six months earlier. For unbridled passion. For her soft, eager body and, he was sure, pure bliss. Because their business was more important than satisfying lust. Even a lust that burned so fiercely.
He unclasped his hands and placed them palm down on the desk, annoyed more with his wandering thoughts than with her unpreparedness. After all, he’d been the one to insist she come hereimmediately.
To give himself no time to change his mind?
Being railroaded into a marriage he didn’t want nettled him.
But Salim would accept the push for him to marry and provide an heir. His country needed stability.
As absolute ruler he made his own decisions but he knew the importance of following tradition where he could. Showing respect for some of the old ways would make his reform program easier, especially among traditionalists.
His elder brother, Fuad, had done untold damage with his erratic ways while their father was dying and Salim was abroad. The Royal Council had made Salim sheikh instead of Fuad because of Salim’s reputation for hard work and integrity. But some were still wary. He’d spent the last few years overseas, pursuing investment opportunities and diplomatic goals for Dhalkur. Some even looked for signs that he, like Fuad, might develop signs of instability.
Which is why he would conform to expectation and take a bride.
Not just any bride. She had to be theperfectbride with no hint of scandal or poor behaviour in her past. Dhalkur had had enough of that with Fuad and wouldn’t tolerate any more. He wanted a woman who’d be acceptable to the conservative elements who feared change, yet a woman who’d help him implement his reforms, charming foreign investors and winning the hearts of his people. Above all, a woman with whom he could spend his life.
‘I have yet to sign the contract to employ you. In the circumstances I’ll need to consider that carefully.’
Surprisingly, instead of bursting into hurried reassurances, Rosanna MacIain stood calmly, returning his stare confidently.
Salim’s life had changed immeasurably. Returning home to his father’s death, he’d been acclaimed as sheikh and lost his brother the same day. Livid at being passed over for the crown, Fuad had taken out his anger with furious speed in his favourite sports car and paid with his life.
Within a couple of days Salim had lost his family and become absolute ruler. All eyes were on him, always, seeking answers to everything his country needed. His occasional days as an almost private citizen were over.
Now few people met his gaze. Most bowed their heads in deference, whether he wanted it or not.
Maybe that’s why this woman’s direct stare felt unusual. Her expression was serious, as befitted doing business with a monarch. Yet Salim felt the scratch of something else beneath the surface.
Challenge?
It was an intriguing thought.
‘Of course, Your Majesty. Finding a life partner is a major undertaking. When that partner will also become queen, it’s even more important to choose well. Take all the time you need to consider engaging us. Naturally I’m happy to provide any further information you need about our work.’
Salim’s eyebrows rose. She made it sound as if she were graciously granting him time to dither over his decision.
Or was that sour grapes because she hadn’t recognised him instantly?
It wasn’t as if he preferred the idea that Rosanna MacIain had schemed her way here to pursue what they’d begun in Scotland.
He wasn’t interested in an affair. Not with his work commitments.
And yet... His gaze drifted from her eyes to her mouth and that molten sensation in his belly flared hotter.
‘May I ask...?’
‘Yes?’ He was intrigued to know what made her look suddenly uncertain, her gaze dipping to his collar.
‘When you contacted Marian, Ms Best, did you know I worked with her?’