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A slow smile spread over his face and he shook his head. “Minx.”
After a surprisingly good time at the market, Rashid took Mila back home and even offered to drive her to work. She knew that her co-workers would ask too many questions if they saw the two of them together, so she declined his request and took a cab. Even though the thought loomed that in less than two weeks, she wouldn’t have a job, she was in a wonderful mood as she worked. Whistling and joking with the guests, she was light on her feet. Those few hours with the sheikh had put her in a good mood.
It wasn’t until Fatima confronted her with an ugly expression on her face that Mila’s mood plummeted. “You know, I used to admire you,” the woman spat. “I used to think that you were this independent woman, but you’re no better than that friend of yours. I guess instead of getting a job and working hard, you’d rather ensnare a wealthy man. Gold-digger.”
Mila paused from polishing a tray of silverware and stared at her. “What are you talking about?”
“As if you don’t know. It’s all over the television!” Fatima pointed to the screen in the corner, and Mila lifted her head and gasped.
There, for the restaurant to see, was a clear video of Rashid leaning over her in the marketplace. Even though she knew that he was just reaching for a necklace behind her, the picture looked surprisingly intimate.
As did the fact that when he straightened, he looked directly into the camera and put his hand on her back.
“It looks like love is in the air once again for the Sharif brothers, only this time, it’s Sheikh Rashid, the famous playboy, with an unknown beauty on his arm. Will this be another scandal for Sheikh Rashid, or is this one true love?” the news anchor asked.
Mila felt a wave of dread wash over her. The patrons at the bar all turned and stared at her. “It’s not like that,” she explained hurriedly. “We were just hanging out and getting to know each other as friends.”
“You do look real friendly,” one guest said with a wink. “Maybe we can be friends?”
Mila ignored him. What were the chances that Rashid had known that the camera was there? “Excuse me,” she muttered, and she made a mad dash to the back. Slipping out the back door to the alley behind the lounge, she pulled out her phone and dialed the number that he’d given her.
“Miss me already?” Rashid crooned when he picked up.
“Have you seen the news?” she demanded. “The press all but have us engaged to each other. Please tell me that you did not plan that.”
“You’re overreacting,” he said dismissively. “I’m in the news all the time. The public will forget all about it soon enough.”
He didn’t deny it. Mila couldn’t even begin to express her anger, so she did the one thing no one had probably ever done to him.
She hung up.
5
Rashid barely slept that night. He was too stunned that Mila had hung up on him. Part of him wanted to call her back, but he’d never had to chase after a woman before, and he wasn’t about to start now.
It was late when he finally stopped pacing in anger and went to sleep. He didn’t wake up again until the sun was high in the sky.
Amira sat in the chair in his bedroom, studying her nails. “It’s after noon. You haven’t slept this late since your partying days. Should I be worried?”
Rashid pushed himself up on his elbows and stared at her. “How do you have a key to my suite?” he growled.
“I have a key to all your suites,” she said with a smile. “Who do you think keeps stealing your cash?”
“That’s you? I told Father that I wanted the maid fired.” Rashid sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. “She had a serious shopping problem,
you know that?”
“I don’t have access to the family accounts.”
“Because you have a shopping problem. What are you doing here?”
“I saw the news yesterday, and so did Asad. I imagine that he left you some interesting messages on your phone. He’s flying in tonight to make an appearance at the gala, and I’d suggest that you have Mila on your arm if you don’t want him to make a scene.”
Wonderful. “Mila saw the news as well. I hadn’t factored in the televisions at the restaurant. Suffice to say, she’s not jumping at the chance to see me again.”
Amira arched one perfectly plucked eyebrow. “You pissed the girl off after one day of wooing?” She tilted her head. “I think I like her.”
“You would,” Rashid grumbled. He rubbed his hand over his face and tried to think of the best way to handle the situation.
