The Sheik's Ruby Read Online Free Page A

her face which was so full of life, although something else, an aspect he couldn’t quite put his finger on, attracted him. She exuded confidence—a different kind of self-confidence than he was accustomed to—a type of poise which didn’t come from beauty, money, or status. She was honest. Competitive, yes, but not in an attempt to impress him. She seemed so open, yet not naïve. Simply comfortable being herself. And for reasons he couldn’t understand, she seemed comfortable being with him.
    And did he ask too much, wanting the experiences of a regular life? To enjoy himself, to make friends, and to not worry about the finality of his future? He would be the Sheik soon enough, and such decisions would be made for him.
    Dressed in a cashmere sweater and jeans, Hakim sat in front of the massive fireplace attempting to distract himself with a book.
    “Excuse me, Your Highness.” Nasir entered the room with quiet footsteps. “I have the background check information for Miss Walker.”
    Hakim put down his book and rolled his finger, indicating for Nasir to continue.
    “Shelby Jo Walker, age twenty-four. Born in Culver Springs, Colorado. Parents are Burke and Deborah Walker. Brother is Chet Walker. None of her family has traveled outside of the country or had contact with any person or groups of interest.” Nasir spoke in a modulated tone, skimming his gaze down the page for pertinent information.
    “Aside from one speeding ticket, Miss Walker has no criminal record. She is the registered owner of a 2005 economy compact car. Attended Culver High School, degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado, where she lived with three roommates. None of whom cause any suspicion. Employed by Wintersports magazine. Currently a resident of Washington Park, where she has lived for the past seventeen months. Miss Walker was issued an American passport and traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia in April of last year. As far as we can tell, she is no threat to your safety or the national security of Khali-dar.”
    “Thank you.” Hakim took the papers from Nasir. He read over them with interest until his personal assistant, Shanayze, interrupted him with documents to sign. The prince set down the papers and resigned himself to conducting regular business matters.
    An hour later, Shanayze stood to leave.
    Hakim cleared his throat to stop her. “Shanayze, I would like you to do me a favor.”
    “Of course, Your Highness.”
    Shelby had over shadowed his thoughts all day. Had she been thinking about him, as well? American women were baffling to say the least, and he had no idea what sort of things might please this one. He looked to where his assistant waited. “Would you please speak to the concierge and arrange a floral delivery?”
    ****
    Shelby stared at her computer screen. The words just wouldn’t come. Her mind wandered again to the events of the previous day. Come on, concentrate. Remember, here in reality, there are deadlines and no handsome, exotic stranger to race down the mountain. She tucked her wavy hair behind her ears and leaned back in her chair, allowing her gaze to travel around her workspace.
    A crowded main floor office was the home of Wintersports magazine. Mismatched tables and chairs served as desks for the journalists. Shelby was the only employee sitting on the writers’ side of the office today. She heard voices in the conference room as the next month’s magazine was being laid out. The constant sound of the printing press rattled and hummed in the basement, making the floor vibrate. The walls in the office were papered in typical fashion with magazine clippings, pictures, comic strips, and photos of loved ones. Shelby only had two pictures on her desk. Her family smiled out of one frame. She studied their faces and felt the familiar twinge of homesickness.
    A snapshot of Shelby’s best friend, Lacey, holding her brand new baby, rested against the family picture. Shelby had always been a little