The Sheikh's Fake Courtship (Halabi Sheikhs Book 2) by Leslie North

Author:Leslie North [North, Leslie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-04T00:00:00+00:00

11

Raina was nervous, so nervous she wasn’t sure she’d be able to eat. The Old City Book Club sounded innocuous enough, a pack of old ladies discussing light reads over finger sandwiches, but these were the gatekeepers of Al-Mifadhir society. Wow them, and they’d take her side against the press. Put her foot in her mouth, and who knew what they’d say?

“They’ll love you,” said Chadil. He’d been attentive since their fight, going so far as to mute his phone in her presence. All couples fought and made up, right? And she had to admit it was nice of him, coaching her through this. He could as easily have sent her etiquette coach, or maybe his sister.

“Now.” His expression turned wicked as he slid a plate of almond cakes across the table. “I’m the British ambassador’s wife, offering you a cake. But you just saw a fly land on it. How do you decline?”

Raina stared at the cakes, feeling queasy. “I...”

“Go on, dear. We’ve saved one just for you.”

She covered her mouth, suppressing laughter. “Don’t do the old lady voice.”

“I’m sure I have no idea what you mean.” Chadil’s voice rose an octave, trilling like a sparrow. He pinched her on the arm. “Come on, let us fatten you up.”

“You’re the devil.” She reached for a cake and transferred it to her own plate. “I take the cake, maybe nibble the non-fly side. Never tell ’em no.”

“Not till you’ve won them over, anyway.” Chadil nodded his approval. “And if they ask about the exposé?”

“I stick to my heartbreak over Dad’s health, how it’s got to be hitting him, seeing that in the press.”

“And?”

Raina’s eyes prickled. Chadil had turned away, clearly as uncomfortable with the subject as she was. “I don’t mention money, no matter what. I don’t know anything about that. My parents kept it from me. They wanted me to feel safe growing up. Like I could do anything I wanted. They—whatever mistakes they made, they did it all for me.”

“I’m sorry.” Chadil took her hands and held them tight. “I wish I could be there to take the brunt of it.”

“You just want the chance to use your granny voice.” Raina managed a watery smile. “Seriously, thanks. I’ll do you proud.”

“I know you will.” He kissed her forehead, soft and sweet, then ducked down to steal one on the lips. He pulled back too quickly. “Fiona will be with you. She’s an old pro with the book club. She’ll do her best to keep the conversation light. But if things do take a turn...”

“I’ll remember what it’s for.” She sat up a little straighter. She wanted to make a good impression, not just for appearances’ sake, but for Chadil’s. She’d been quick to anger when the press storm hit, and she wanted to make amends. Not only that, but she had felt something that night, and she was sure he had too. Somewhere between her arrival in Al-Mifadhir and the kiss that still lingered on her lips, their courtship had begun to feel real, complete with lovers’ squabbles.

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