The Sheikh's Diamond (Sheikh's Wedding Bet Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

exist.”
    “And what does that have to do with a diamond?” he asked quietly.
    “Solomon’s signet ring has been often described as made of metal. With his wealth, we’re probably talking gold. It would have been flattened at the top and stamped with the Solomon Seal. It resembles today’s version of the Star of David or a six-sided pentagram. It almost too closely resembles the pagan pentagram, but that’s not the point. Everyone thought the ring commanded power. In a world where magic would have existed, we’re looking at something far more than a simple gold ring. We’re looking at something that could capture light. Something that could spark with magic.”
    “Like a diamond,” Masoud said finally. He had clearly underestimated the girl. She had done her homework.
    “Exactly. If there was a diamond imbedded in that ring, and it had the right cut and clarity, it would shine like fire to these people.” Her cheeks flushed with excitement as she leaned across the table.
    “But you’re not looking for the ring. You’re looking for the diamond.”
    “That is because somewhere along the way, the two were separated. I’m still looking for proof that the ring lost its supposed power when the diamond fell, but there are small scribblings found in ancient text about a diamond with etchings. Etchings like Solomon’s Seal,” she whispered excitedly.
    “And why do you think it’s here?”
    Fleur stood abruptly and grabbed a lantern. “Like an idiot, you invited the press to come down and take pictures.” Masoud blinked at the insult, but he realized there was no malice behind her words. “I couldn’t help but notice these edges here.” She pointed to the huge cracks in the stone. “Right now, they don’t look like anything. But this place has been ravaged with time. If the stone was flush, these marks would connect.” She ran her fingers over the edge and traced what looked like a pentagram.
    “Solomon’s Seal,” Masoud said in a dark voice. Damn. She was on to something.
    “If the stone wasn’t knocked out accidentally, then it was deliberately separated from the ring, it would have been put in a well-protected place. We’re not only talking guards. We’re talking protection with God. We’re talking seals that he believed would hide the stone away. Now I can’t prove that this place protected the diamond, but I can prove that it protected something. My peers and professors think I’m a rambling fool, like my parents, but this is real. I can feel it.”
    He abandoned the table and walked closer to her. With a wave of his hands, he sent his guards away. Her excitement was contagious, and he wanted some alone time with her. Even though he didn’t like how close she was to the truth, he couldn’t help but watch her. The way that her dress clung to her curves was driving him wild. She was humming with excitement, and he wanted to touch those nerve endings until she was screaming from pleasure.
    “Your enthusiasm is engaging. Would I be too forward in pointing out that you almost seem turned on by it?” he whispered as he moved closer to her. He reached up to capture her hand.
    “Careful,” she warned. “Don’t touch the stone.”
    “I don’t want to touch the stone,” he said as he nuzzled her neck. “I just want to touch you.” Her scent was intoxicating, and he breathed it in. Lavender and vanilla with a hint of innocence. He was pleased that she wasn’t cloaked in heavy perfumes or covered in makeup. When she was naked in his arms, she would be absolutely real and genuine.
    “Masoud,” she whispered as she turned. “I don’t think…”
    “Don’t think,” he whispered as he traced the pad of his thumb over her lips. They were trembling and opening. It was an invitation. He leaned in to drink from her.
    “Fleur!”
    With a shriek, she stumbled back and nearly fell into the wall. He grabbed her to keep her upright. “Who the hell is that?” he growled. Clearly, he had sent