The Sheikh’s Reluctant Bride by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page B

jeans, then escorted her from the palace to the extensive equestrian area where he would personally instruct her. They were standing just outside the stable and the mount he’d chosen for her was saddled and waiting by the fence beside them. “Have you any experience with horses?”
    “Why do I need to learn to ride?”
    “I was under the impression that you wished to meet your family.”
    She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Call me dense, but I don’t see what one has to do with the other.”
    “You will need to learn basic riding skills if you are to meet your aunt.”
    “I can hardly wait,” she said eagerly. Her joyous expression turned to puzzlement. “But why do I need to learn to ride?”
    “The desert wanderers have settled into their summer encampment in the hills. Horseback is the favored mode of transportation.”
    She took a step back and looked up at him. “Why can’t we take the helicopter? You’ve got one, right? Your brother was telling me about the royal yacht and I’ve already seen the plane. Surely there’s a chopper in the family.”
    “There is. But the terrain is too mountainous.” He folded his arms over his chest and struggled not to smile. She had a way about her that reduced the monumental to mundane. “So—I must know what you know about horses.”
    “I’ve seen them in the movies and on TV. Does that count?” When the animal beside them shook its head and snorted, she laughed and said, “Busted.”
    But the look of wariness on her face answered his question more completely than her impudent reply. Kardahl watched the sunlight pick out the gold in Jessica’s hair.
    He decided she was much like that precious metal—gold—there was a richness to her spirit that was only uncovered when one searched deeper.
    As she continued to study the horse, she caught her top lip between her teeth. He was unwillingly reminded of the unfamiliar kind of need her kiss had unleashed inside him. It was a weakness he could not repeat. She thought him shallow and unfeeling, but he would prove that he was trustworthy and would not break his promise. Another kiss would sorely test that resolve.
    “Only hands-on experience counts,” he said and winced.
    “Okay. If that’s the only way, then point me in the direction of whoever’s going to show me what to do.”
    “I am going to teach you.”
    “You?”
    He could have assigned one of the eminently qualified grooms, but he’d been unwilling to do so. As to his motivation? It was a decision for which he had no answer.
    “Yes. I am an expert rider—” When she opened her mouth to say something, he touched his finger to her lips to silence her, and hated himself for wishing to use his mouth instead. “Do not say you have read of my exploits.”
    “I wasn’t going to.” The pink on her cheeks made it appear that she was blushing. A decidedly innocent and refreshing reaction. “I was going to say that you’ve been very generous with your time since I arrived and I’m feeling guilty about that.” She looked down at the red dirt where they stood then backed up.
    Traces of guilt lingered in her eyes, but he was certain that had more to do with what he’d revealed to her on the balcony last night. That was less important than why he’d revealed the tragedy. Perhaps her uneasiness at the barrage of media curiosity had unleashed his instinct to protect her along with some deeply buried feelings of grief.
    He nudged her chin up with his knuckle as he wished to really see into her eyes. “I do not believe it is my time that is the source of your guilt.”
    “What other reason could there be?” The question was a diversion but couldn’t hide the truth.
    “Perhaps you feel that you have misjudged me?”
    Her gaze skittered away again. “I’ll admit that I was wrong in believing you incapable of sincere feeling. But the fact is your name is linked to many women.”
    So, she still thought him a womanizer. That was good. He had