The Sheik's Secret Bride by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online Page B

reflection.”
    Bethany giggled, then slowly reached up her hand to touch the black stallion. Alexander snuffled her palm and gave a snort of disgust.
    “He wants a treat.” Malik pointed to a small bin set against the center of the far wall. “You’ll find oats in there. You may feed him a handful, but no more. Too much will make him sick.”
    Bethany nodded, then ran over to collect the treat. She carefully flattened her hand to feed the horse and was rewarded when the animal consented to be petted. The girl sighed with pleasure.
    “When I grow up I want to own lots of horses. I’ll ride all day and learn to jump and it will feel like flying.”
    Her blue eyes sparkled as she spoke of her dreams. There was color in her pale cheeks and an energy that made him feel old. Had he ever had such simple hopes for his own future? Doubtful, he thought. He couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t known he would someday rule El Bahar . But Bethany ’s life was very different. He envied her her freedom, all the while knowing that even if given a chance he wouldn’t change his destiny.
    “You’ll need to start by learning how to ride,” he said. “I would be happy to teach you.”
    She stared at him and pressed her lips together. Her entire body quivered with excitement. “Really? You’d teach me on one of your horses?”
    “Yes. I have an old gelding who has just the right temperament. He has a white star on his forehead, which makes him very handsome, although he’s not vain like Alexander here.”
    “Thank you,” Bethany breathed reverently, then tilted her head and gave an exaggerated grimace. “Except I have to ask my mom, and I’m afraid she’ll say no.”
    “Why would she do that?”
    “I don’t know. Moms can be difficult sometimes.” Her expression brightened. “But maybe because you’re a prince and all, she won’t mind so much.” Bethany smiled. “I asked about you at school today and everyone says you’re going to be king of El Bahar one day.”
    “That does seem to be the way things are going.”
    “I think it would be very romantic to be a princess, but my mom doesn’t agree. You don’t exactly fit into her plan.”
    Of that Malik was sure. Liana’s plan included enough money for a house and her daughter’s college education. From what he could tell, the single mother had tried to think of everything. He doubted a royal prince had figured into her expectations.
    “I would still be happy to teach you to ride,” he said. “If you would like.”
    “Oh, I’d like that very much. I’ll ask her right away.”
    “Fine. If it’s all right with your mother, we’ll start tomorrow when you return from school.”
    Bethany shrieked and jumped, gave him a quick, unexpected hug, then tore out of the stable as if her shoes were on fire. Alexander snorted his displeasure, but Malik didn’t agree with the horse’s assessment. To his mind, Bethany was a most charming young lady who admired him. Now if only he could find a way to make her mother as much of a fan.

Chapter 4
    Liana paced around the living room, muttering under her breath. She could not believe this was happening to her. She felt as if she were trapped in some Victorian novel, perhaps as a governess newly arrived, only to find out that her employer had murdered his wife and was now raising the knife toward her. Ridiculous. Malik might be arrogant and annoying, but he wasn’t threatening her life, even if it did feel as if she was well and truly trapped.
    She couldn’t get Carl Birmingham’s words out of her head—he’d said Prince Malik was a member of the board of directors at the
American
School
. Not to mention the fact that she should be honored to be the prince’s guest.
    “Honored,” she grumbled as she paused in front of the French doors to the balcony. “Yeah, right. Next he’ll be telling me not to worry my pretty little head about it.”
    Her gaze settled on the view before her. The blue Arabian Sea stretched