Read I Married a Sheik for Free Online

nod. "But I'm afraid there are some very sick, irrational people in this world." Ali shrugged. "I'm certain the police are doing everything they can to find the culprit."
    "Mmm…I hope so." The woman glanced around, then spotted Faith. One elegant brow lifted as she turned back to Ali with a mischievous smile. "Well, well, well, I'd say your parents' taste in women is finally improving."
    He laughed. "No, Maureen. You misunderstand." He glanced at Faith. Their eyes met, held, and Faith felt a sting of heat arc and sizzle between them. Stunned, she tried to shift her gaze, but found she couldn't. It was as if his magnetism had taken hold of her and refused to let go.
    There was warmth and humor in his eyes that softened his arrogant facade and almost took her breath away. He seemed much more human this way—and so much more dangerously attractive.
    "Maureen, this is Faith Martin, a computer consultant I've hired to handle this ridiculous problem we're having."
    Maureen looked at Faith again, then sighed. "Pity. She's lovely."
    "Yes, I agree." As Ali glanced at Faith again, their eyes met, clashed, clung, and she flushed, stunned by his comment and the look in his eyes.
    She was entirely certain no man had ever called her lovely before. Nor could she recall a man looking at her quite the way Ali had just looked at her. It made her skin flush, and her heart skip a beat.
    Still smiling he turned back to the older woman. "So tell me, to what do I owe the great pleasure of your company? It's been too long, you know. You promised to have dinner with me last month." Ali held her hand as she lowered herself into the club chair, setting her cane next to her. Ali sat on the ottoman in front of her, giving her his full attention.
    "I'm fine, Ali, truly." She sighed and adjusted herself more comfortably in the chair. "I know I promised to have dinner with you, but I don't like to leave Alfred alone in the evenings if I can help it." She smiled up at him. "You know how much he enjoys company." She reached out and took Ali's hand, holding it like a lifeline. "The staff told me you stopped to play bridge with him one afternoon last week."
    "And he beat me soundly." Ali's eyes twinkled. "But please do not let it get around that I was playing hooky." He leaned close and dropped his voice to a scandalous whisper. "I was supposed to be at an investors' meeting. If Kadid finds out I was playing hooky, heads will roll."
    "You devil." She laughed, giving his hand another affectionate squeeze.
    "So what brings you here?" There was concern on his face, in his eyes as he watched her. "You know all you have to do is call and I will come to you." She looked so troubled, he laid a hand to her cheek. "Maureen, tell me, what is it that is troubling you?"
    "You always could read me." Her smile was tremulous. "Ali, I've brought something for you to look at." With a frown, she dug an envelope out of her black leather handbag. "I received this notice from the rehabilitation center." Ali took the envelope, removed the contents, then began reading.
    "They're raising their rates again, I'm afraid." There was a small catch in her voice. "I thought I'd better bring it to you to look at." She watched him as he read. "I'm very concerned. You know, Alfred has been doing so much better there. It's the first place where he's actually shown some improvement." She bit her lower lip, a sheen of tears in her eyes. "I really don't want to have to move him, but I'm not certain I can afford to keep him there if they keep raising their rates. This is the second year in a row. I don't know how much longer—"
    "Maureen." After folding the letter back in the envelope, Ali took both of her hands in his, kissing the fingertips. "I have told you before, do not concern yourself with these financial problems. Your investments are all solid and secure, and growing day by day. You have entrusted me with these financial matters and I would never let you down. I take my responsibilities