The Return of the Sheikh by Kristi Gold Read Free Book Online Page A

Reportedly her efforts have been successful, from crops to livestock to humans.”
    “Interesting,” she said. “Do people have to go to the mountain to procreate, or does it have a long radius?” She followed the comment with a soft, sensual laugh. “No pun intended.”
    Discussing procreation with her so close only made Zain’s fantasies spring to life, among other things. “I suppose it’s possible, but that’s not the point I was trying to make.”
    She turned and leaned a hip against the wall. “What point were you trying to make, Your Highness?”
    She seemed determined to disregard his terms. “Zain.”
    Madison blew out a long breath. “What were you going to say before the topic turned to the baby-making mountain, Zain? ”
    He liked the breathless way she said his name. He liked the way she looked at the moment—slightly disheveled and extremely sensual. “I was going to point out that beyond the ridge there are two lakes. Perhaps I’ll take you there in the near future.”
    “That would be nice, as long as you don’t expect any baby making.”
    He certainly wouldn’t mind making love to her in the shadow of the mountain, or perhaps in the lake. Without the resulting baby, of course.
    He forced his thoughts back to business matters. “My intent would be to show you the key to Bajul’s future.”
    “What would that be?”
    “Water.”
    She appeared to be confused. “For a fishery?”
    “Food and water are commodities in the region,” he explained. “We have more rain than most, and our lakes have deep aquifers. They also have the capacity to sustain our land for many years to come, and that means bountiful crops and livestock. Those commodities could serve as an export for countries that suffer shortages as long as we make certain we protect our resources. My plans include exploring innovative and eco-friendly ways to treat and preserve the water from the lakes.”
    She laid her palm on his arm. “That sounds like a wonderful plan, Zain.”
    The simple touch sent a surge of heat coursing through his body. “That plan will not come to fruition unless I can convince the council it’s our best recourse as opposed to oil.”
    She unfortunately took her hand away. “But you’ll have your brother’s support, correct?”
    If only that were true. “He’ll be the hardest to convince. He will most likely side with the council and suggest drilling as soon as possible. I refuse to allow that unless we have exhausted all alternatives.”
    “I don’t understand why the two of you seem to butt horns at every turn.”
    This would require more than a brief explanation, yet he felt she had the right to know. “Most believe that the crown automatically passes to the firstborn son. In my family’s case, the reigning king can designate a successor, and he designated me, not Rafiq. My brother has resented that decision for years.”
    She shook her head. “I guess I assumed Rafiq was younger, although he does seem older in many ways. Not in appearance, because the resemblance between the two of you is remarkable. But he’s very stoic.”
    “He’s thirteen months older,” he said. “And he is serious about preserving traditions that should be deemed obsolete in this day and time.”
    “I take it you’re referring to arranged marriages.”
    Unfortunately, that was one change he wasn’t prepared to make, even if it impacted his own future. “The tradition of selecting a bride with a royal heritage is necessary. Only a member of royalty can understand the royal life.”
    “Of course, and keeping the blood blue must be very important.”
    He ignored the bitterness in her tone. “I know how antiquated it might sound, but yes, that does hold some importance.”
    “Then why did you give your brother such a hard time about it?”
    “Because I do not believe in committing to someone if you haven’t explored an intimate relationship prior to committing to marriage. I would never have bought my