Not much. I just need you to pretend to be my fiancée.

Liyah had only been able to stare at the man as if he’d grown a second head.

Amira quickly stepped in to explain why the plan would work, and Asad explained why he’d chosen her. They saw Liyah as soft-spoken and unassuming. She wouldn’t create scandals, and most of the investors would quickly lose interest in her after they met her.

That wasn’t insulting at all.

The best she could manage, before she bolted for the street, was a strangled reply that she’d think about it.

Thankfully, the car was still waiting for her, and Ori drove her straight home. Her thoughts were muddled. The money was almost too good to be true, but she didn’t know Asad from a can of paint. Sharing a hookah for half an hour didn’t exactly build a bond of trust. At least Amira seemed honest and relatable.

After they reached the house, Ori stopped her as she opened the door to escape the car. “A moment, Miss!” He got out, opened the door for her, and held up a hand to forestall her. At her quizzical look, he held out a piece of paper. “It’s instructions for getting in touch with the Sheikh,” he said in a solemn voice.

She met his gaze and flushed. Did he know that Asad was trying to buy her? Not even buy, but rent? Liyah didn’t even bother to read what was written there, shoving it deep into her pocket. She needed to get away as quickly as possible. Thankfully, Mila was already at work, and Liyah quietly snuck in, hoping that she wouldn’t draw Sahaar’s attention.

The older woman didn’t even look up from the kitchen table, but Liyah suspected it had nothing to do with her own prowess and more to do with the piece of paper in Sahaar’s hand. Sahaar dropped the paper on the table and cradled her head in her hands, and her shoulder’s slumped.

Curious, Liyah quietly walked in. “I already want seconds,” she announced brightly and reached for a plate on the counter behind Sahaar.

Startled, the older woman’s head jerked up. “Liyah! You scared me! You were gone when I got back. I assumed you were out, having fun.”

Having fun? Not exactly. “Just trying to absorb the culture.” Her eyes fell to the paper on the table, and her gut tightened. A hospital bill.

Sahaar was still trying to pay off her husband’s medical bills, and she was obviously struggling.

Liyah knew right then and there that she had to take the job.

Even if the thought terrified her.

She was surprised that Mila didn’t wake her up that night to demand what had happened, but her friend waited until the next morning to barge in on her. Mila’s makeup was still streaked from last night, and her hair was a tangled mess. She was a terrifying sight.

“What happened?” Eyes wide, she sat on the bed.

Liyah had read Asad’s note carefully. She was to tell no one about the proposal, and she hated lying to both Mila and Sahaar. “The sheikh was there, but he wasn’t really the one who’d summoned me,” she said quietly. “His sister and I hit it off at the lounge that night, and she wanted to invite me to the palace, to stay, for the rest of my visit.”

Mila gasped. “Are you kidding me? That’s an amazing offer! You have to do it, and then you have to let me come visit you every single day! You are going to, right?”

“I think so,” Liyah admitted. “But I guess I’m still thinking it over.”

Smiling, her friend leaned over and hugged her. “I know you’re thinking about Sahaar, but I’ll still be here, and she’ll be fine. I bet she’ll be thrilled.”

Liyah wasn’t so sure. She had a feeling that she and Mila were filling a hole that Sahaar’s family had left behind, but she also knew that the money would save Sahaar from having to sell the house to pay the bills. Guilt settled deep in her chest. “What are you doing up so early?” she said as she squinted at the clock. “Did you get off work early?”

“No, I just couldn’t sleep. I was way too excited to talk to you. I’m going back to bed now. Liyah, you’re always doing things for other people. Even when we were young, you did everything that you could to help your mom out. Now it’s time you did something for you.”

Liyah’s mother didn’t need her help anymore. Not after she’d married that narcissistic jerk three months ago. Yet another reason that Liyah had escaped to Dubai. “Go back to bed. I’ll let you know what I decide later.”

Sahaar was still asleep, so Liyah left a note saying that she was going to have breakfast in the city. She let herself out of the house as quietly as she could manage and proceeded to follow the instructions on the note. Taking the bus to the inner city, she called the number on the paper from the payphone.

The phone number must have been Asad’s direct line. His voice was still husky from sleep when he answered, and her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t even bother to introduce herself. “I have some questions,” she said without any preamble.

“Not over the phone,” he said quickly. “I’ll have a driver pick you up. Tell me your location.”

She waited, the city still relatively quiet around her, and she closed her eyes and enjoyed the peace. If she hadn’t been so stunned yesterday, she would have remembered to ask questions. Like—would she have to live with Asad? What was she supposed to say when people asked how the two of them met? How was Asad going to explain not inviting her to any events in the past?

The same driver picked her up, and he said nothing as he drove her to the palace. When she stepped out of the car, she was stunned by the immense structure sprawling before her. It blended the beauty of Middle Eastern architecture with the hint of a desert oasis, palm trees lining the drive in the front. Rather than stopping at the entrance, Ori had driven to the back of the mansion—building—palace. Yes, palace. For starters, Liyah could see the sun sparkling from a pool that was easily half the length of a football field.

No wonder Asad had offered her so much money. It was probably pocket change to him. “Does all this belong to Asad?” she asked quietly.

“This is the Sharif home,” Ori answered. “All four children reside in their own suites, but when the current sheikh passes, all this will belong to the eldest. More than likely, Asad will allow his brothers and sister to stay, but they are free to reside in their own homes. All of them have condos in the city, as well.”

It wouldn’t matter if all four siblings stayed here. The palace could house twenty families and still have plenty of room left over.

Feeling more out of place than ever, she slowly followed Ori from the car to what appeared to be a private back entrance. The driver pushed a button to the side of the door, motioned to her to stay where she was, and went back to the car.

When the door swung open, a slender young servant peered shyly at her. “Right this way,” she whispered and ushered Liyah in.

The short hallway led to two doors. The servant passed the one on the left and instead knocked on the door at the end. She then ducked her head in a nod and scurried away through the other door.

Once again, Liyah was being passed around.

The door swung open, and Asad stood there, dressed only in a pair of khaki shorts. His hair was dripping wet, and there was a towel slung casually around his shoulders. Liyah wondered if he’d gone for a dip in the pool or if he’d just taken a shower.

It was a wonder that she could think at all. His body was beautiful. Muscles rippled beneath the surface of his glistening olive-colored skin, and he looked so hard and smooth that, for one insane moment, she wanted to reach out and touch him.

“You’re here earlier than I expected,” he grumbled. “Please have a seat while I finish dressing.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him not to get dressed on her account, but she did as she was told.

The suite opened into a large sitting and dining area. The sun streamed in through wide windows, yet the room was perfectly temperature-controlled. As she looked around, she realized that she could fit five copies of her apartment into his living suite.

“I like your place,” she said, a ridiculous bubble of laughter rising out of nowhere. “It seems a little big for just one person. Do you have a cat? Or a dog? Maybe a goldfish. That might help take up some of the space.”

“You want a pet?” he asked from another room.

“Who, me? I love pets, but I never have time for them. Maybe one day. But I’m just saying that you should get a pet. Something big, that might take up some room. Actually, dogs aren’t really popular around here, are they? You could totally fit some horses in here.” God, she was babbling again.

Shut up, Liyah.

Too bad she wasn’t so good at following her own advice. “Would I have to live with you?” she blurted out.

When he emerged, he was fully dressed—but no less sexy. “Yes,” he said quietly. “I’ll present you as the American I’ve been secretly seeing. Now that things are official, I’ve invited you to live here with me for the duration of our engagement.”

“Right. That makes sense. Why would you be engaged to an unemployed woman living with a widow?” she muttered, looking away from him to fix her gaze on the view outside the window. “I know that you wanted someone quiet and unassuming, but aren’t people going to realize that you are way out of my league?” She turned back to him, her eyes narrowing. “I’m a teacher. Well, I was a teacher. Now I’m a hooker.” Her cheeks flushed, and she shook her head. “That came out wrong. I am not sleeping with you.”

“Liyah.”

His voice held a trace of laughter, and she gritted her teeth. Did he really think this was funny?

“How about I explain this to you, and then you can ask your questions.”

“Sure. That sounds good.”

“I’ve taken several trips to America over the years, so it won’t be hard to believe that I’ve been seeing you in secret. We’ll stick to the truth as much as possible. You were drawn to me because you’d already been to Dubai, and after several dates and several months of writing letters to each other, we eventually fell in love. I wanted to protect you from the public, so I kept quiet until I proposed. You were a teacher, but I swept you off your feet.” A wry grin crossed his face before he sobered and continued, “Amira will school you on our customs and how to present yourself when you’re with me. Some will approach you, but Amira is already fabricating the answers to the most common questions. You’ll stay here in the suite with me, but there is a second bedroom. You’ll sleep there. It’s unlikely that we’ll have any overnight guests, and of course, my family will know the truth. The servants will be discreet. You’ll attend certain functions with me, and we’ll make some solo public appearances, but otherwise, you’re welcome to entertain yourself. There will be a car at your disposal, and you’re welcome to visit your friend and exchange-mother whenever you’d like. I’m not here to take anything away from you that you aren’t willing to give.”

“And when it’s over?” she whispered.

“When I’m certain that the investors won’t pull out, we’ll call off the engagement. Some will pry, but we’ll just explain that in the end, we realized that we simply were not a good fit. You’ll be paid, and you can return to your life.”

“How long do you expect me to pretend?”

“I can’t say for certain,” he answered carefully. “But I should warn you that it may take a few months. I’ve already authorized an extended stay for your visit, so you don’t have to worry about applying for a work visa.”

It sounded so cut-and-dried. Professional. “When would you want me to move in?”

“You’re already here.” He shrugged. “I see no reason for you to leave.”

Liyah blinked. “I don’t have my stuff. I have to go home and get my things.”

“Amira will shop for you, to get you a suitable wardrobe,” he said dismissively. “Any personal items are better off at your exchange-mother’s.”

“I told Mila that your sister invited me to stay. She’s going to notice that I didn’t bring my things,” Liyah pointed out. “Plus, I still have to explain things to Sahaar. I need to say goodbye.”

Asad’s mouth twisted in displeasure, but he finally nodded his head. “Very well. I’m sure we can find some place to store your things. I’ll have a driver take you home, but you’ll say your goodbyes, pack your things, and return immediately. There is much to do—and not much time.”

Bossy, much? He’d already turned his back as if to dismiss her, so she left the same way that she came. Though she’d seen him drive away after dropping her off, like magic, Ori was waiting for her as she left the private entrance, holding the car door open for her.

When she’d returned home, Sahaar was just pulling out a batch of pastries from the oven. Unable to help herself, Liyah reached over and snagged one. Popping it into her mouth, she moaned over the warmth.

“Breakfast in the city and still hungry?” Sahaar teased. “My sons would be proud.”

Liyah laughed and shook her head in response. She hesitated then and chose her next words carefully. She didn’t want to hurt her exchange-mother, but she also knew that she couldn’t tell Sahaar that everything was going to be all right. “I met a friend the other day, and I was having breakfast with her. Amira Sharif. She . . .”

“Yes. I know who she is.” Sahaar waved her hand impatiently as if wanting Liyah to get to the good part.

Liyah knew that Sahaar was eager for her to make friends. “She's invited me to stay at the palace. They have a large library, and it’s a great opportunity for me to review their collection.”

“You don’t have to explain, Liyah. I’m sure it’s a wonderful opportunity for you, and I’m pleased.” Sahaar smiled warmly. “Just make sure you call and check in from time to time.”

“I will. I’ll still visit. I talked to Mila this morning about it, but I was going to say goodbye after I packed my things. There’s a driver waiting for me.”

“Mila is already gone, but I’ll pass the word on. I’m sure she’ll be visiting you soon enough.” Sahaar reached over and hugged her. “Be safe, Liyah. Remember that you are beautiful, just the way that you are.”

Sahaar clearly didn’t think that she’d return the same person, and Liyah couldn’t help but wonder if the older woman was right.