The Sheik's Ruby Read Online Free

checks on anyone who will be there.” Nasir removed his gloves and pushed them into his coat pocket.
    Hakim blew out a frustrated sigh. “I am traveling anonymously. This snowmobile trip is merely a friendly excursion, not a trap set by an assassin. As far as Miss Walker knows, I am just a businessman on vacation. Please allow me to enjoy myself as such.”
    “I understand, Your Highness. As I am charged with your protection, I must insist on providing what security measures I deem necessary. However, at your insistence, I will do my best to use discretion.”
    “Thank you, Nasir.”
    The ski valet met them as they arrived onto the lodge porch. He wore a dark green ski coat with the Bear Creek Lodge insignia above a name tag that read, “Brent.” Hakim judged Brent to be in his early twenties.
    “How was the snow today, sir?” Brent asked in a polite voice.
    “Very nice, thank you,” Hakim replied as he removed his skis. Although the motion was subtle, he noticed Brent’s eyes narrow when he heard his accent.
    Nasir picked up both sets of skis and poles and handed them to Brent.
    The valet strapped them to a rack and ducked into the back room, returning with the men’s shoes. “I’ll get those waxed up and ready for you tomorrow morning.
    Nasir handed him a tip.
    “Thank you, sir.” Brent slid the folded bill into his pocket.
    Nasir held the door open and followed Hakim into the main lobby.
    The large area was tastefully decorated with a rustic American western feel. Chandeliers made of antlers hung from the ceiling, casting interesting shadows on the high walls. Leather couches and brightly upholstered lodge pole chairs formed small sitting areas between the pool table and bar. The space was warm and inviting after the cold darkness outside.
    Hakim was aware of the looks the other guests gave him. The instant distrust in people’s faces when they saw his dark tan skin and heard his accent. He often wondered how these same people would treat him if he revealed who he truly was. He loved the anonymity of traveling in the United States, but the discrimination often unnerved him.
    As Hakim rode the penthouse elevator, his thoughts turned to Shelby. He was still surprised with himself for not dismissing her outright as soon as she spoke. Not out of arrogance, but because of his lack of social experience. But something about her had intrigued him. Was it her easy smile? Or her competitiveness? Or the way she chewed on her lip when she was thinking?
    The elevator doors opened, and the penthouse butler stood in the suite entryway. The butler wore white gloves and an immaculate suit bearing the hotel crest on his lapel. “How was skiing, sir?”
    “Very nice, thank you.” Hakim turned to allow the butler to slide his jacket off his shoulders.
    “The chef has informed me supper will be ready in half an hour.”
    Hakim nodded and took a moment to admire the view of the darkening mountain from the penthouse window.
    The western décor theme carried throughout the lodge and into the guestrooms. A stone fireplace with a crackling flame was the focal point of the main area of the penthouse.
    Hakim waved a farewell to Nasir, who retired to his own room, and then the prince stepped past the rustic planked dining table set for one and into a hall leading to the master bedroom, so he could shower before dinner.
    For a few hours the next morning, Hakim skied, but found the activity wasn’t as appealing as the day before. Memories of the previous day distracted him. Every other thought was of Shelby—her smile as she raced him down the slope, their conversations on the lifts, the way she removed her gloves with her teeth, and chewed her lower lip when she was thinking. After a few runs, he returned to his suite, unable to concentrate.
    Shelby was, as far as he could tell, a fairly typical American woman—average height and build. Pretty, though not stunning, more of a natural beauty. His gaze had been constantly drawn to