His Irresistible Darling - Sarah Randall Page 0,11

But he quickly dropped his grip, no doubt having noticed her startled expression.

“Hmm-hm,” she replied, still shocked by the contact as he dropped his head and brushed imaginary lint from his suit trousers. She subconsciously ran her hand over where he’d just touched her. Other than a polite handshake here and there, this was the first time that he had ever really touched her…

“So tell me more about your role as a sheik. It’s fascinating and so different from anything in my country.”

“Hm, well it’s varied and actually, thinking about it, it’s not too dissimilar to your Mrs H acting as confidante and peacemaker or mediator back in your own Yorkshire village. On a practical level, which is where I prefer to focus, I give advice to the elders on business trading, the economy and how we can make sure that Dubain continues to thrive and develop for the benefit of all our people.” He crossed his ankles before continuing, “Much as it pains me to say, my father was actually quite unique in passing over the title to me whilst he was still alive. Usually, sheiks hold on to the position until their death, unwilling to give up the power even if they are hospital-bound and senile.”

“You don’t get on with your father?” It was a statement but she phrased it as a question, still spurred on for more information from him.

“No. But I don’t want to talk any more about him. Anyway, there’s still plenty of work to do but we’re getting there slowly and the foundations have been laid for Dubain’s future. We’ve come a long way from a small shack as our airport and one hotel to what we’ve got now.”

She tried to hide the disappointment at his decision to put the barriers back up. “Yeah, you can say that again. I saw the framed pictures at the airport when I was waiting to get through passport control. It’s amazing to see the pictures when this was all just desert with small tent villages and fantastic beaches. I can’t believe how much you’ve already achieved in just ten years or so.”

“The villagers are called Bedouins and there are still a few in the desert a couple of hours north of here. When I go there it’s like stepping back in time. The pace of life is slower and their priorities are so different; family is everything. There, you can just draw breath and relax.”

“Doesn’t it all get too much? I mean your work here and then being pulled all over to sort other things out as sheik?”

“No. I find it relaxing. It helps me focus my mind on what I’m trying to achieve for Dubain. We have an increasingly young working population choosing to stay here and raise families now that we can provide work in the shipbuilding yards and ancillary companies—rather than leaving for the usual ports of Dubai or Qatar—and we need to make sure we provide them with a progressive country.” Pip was enthralled as he spoke with such passion. “But I don’t want to achieve it at the cost of our history and tradition. Did you know that the archaeologists have discovered over twenty sites on the island dating back to the late Stone Age?” he asked rhetorically. “We can have both and I’ve put plans in motion to make sure we do.”

“You put so much pressure on yourself, Jumal,” she said quietly.

She watched closely as he dropped his eyes and replied quite as a matter of fact, “It’s all I’ve ever known.”

She felt the need to lighten the mood. “So do you have the costume?”

As she’d hoped, his eyes darted up and she saw the glint of amusement she’d hoped for. “Costume? I take it you mean my dress robes. They’re called dishdash, Pip, and yes, I have them,” he confirmed but at her chuckle he asked, “What’s so funny?”

“Oh nothing, you reminded me of my brother just then. ‘It’s not a baby horse, Pip. It’s called a foal.’ ” she imitated, and pretty well judging by his chuckle. “So, can I see them sometime?”

At his shocked expression she quickly clarified. “I mean, you should wear them for work sometime. Not that I was going to—oh never mind.” She felt her cheeks redden.

“I was very sorry to hear about your parents’ deaths,” he said grimly, bowing his head. “I spoke to Matt at the time but I couldn’t get back for their funerals. They were both lovely people.” Okay, seemed he’d