The Sheikh’s Tamed Bride (The Sharif Sheikhs Series Book 2) by Leslie North (16)

American college grad Kadija is as ambitious as she is creative, so when she learns of a friend’s brother who owns an art gallery in Dubai, she leaps at the chance to jumpstart her career in the luxurious city. But her dream job quickly becomes a nightmare when she discovers her new boss is as unpleasant as he is handsome. Khalid Sharif may make her pulse race but not even his dark mystique, lithe muscles and ridiculous wealth are enough to make up for his rudeness. Kadi won't back down though, and she won't quit until Khalid realizes exactly what she has to offer.

Some say Sheikh Khalid Sharif has more love for art than for people, but he never concerns himself with the opinions of others. He's determined to expand his gallery into one of Dubai’s greatest museums and nothing will get in his way—not even his fire-haired new gallery assistant. Khalid knew it was a mistake to hire the Western woman—the determination in her amber green eyes is a distraction, and her striking beauty practically makes his blood boil.

Despite this, Khalid refuses to let Kadija alter his course.

As Kadija and Khalid continue to clash, their attraction simmers just beneath the surface. But is it enough to melt Khalid’s icy exterior or will Kadija be left out in the cold?

* * *

“Impressive.”

The man’s eyes swept over her body, and Kadi bit her tongue. Even though the massive desk between them blocked the view of her long legs, his eyes settled at the small hint of cleavage that showed beneath her purple blouse. She was certain that he wasn’t admiring the small emerald around her neck. Kadi’d had such high hopes this morning as she got ready for her interview at the Abu Dhabi museum, but it was obvious that if the man did happen to call her, it wouldn’t be for the job.

“I assume that you’re speaking about my file, but of course, you haven’t even glanced at it,” Kadi said coldly.

The man didn’t even bother to hide his lust. “Kadija—although I heard you introduce yourself to my secretary as Kadi. May I call you Kadi?”

“No. You may not.”

He ignored her. “Kadi. It’s not often that we get women of your caliber in our museum. I had doubts that someone as young as yourself would have the necessary credentials to curate our art museum, but then I saw a very impressive article about the tour you arranged several years ago. You were as beautiful as the pieces you displayed.”

Kadi tried not to roll her eyes.

She considered her options. If there was even a shred of a chance that she could get this job, she’d need to remain professional. “I was responsible for seventy-five artworks—paintings and statues—totaling more than three million dollars. The tour exceeded all of our expectations in terms of both profit and coverage—“

He interrupted, his irrelevant question making it clear that he hadn’t heard a word she’d said. “This is your first time in Dubai, correct? Are you staying with family?”

Narrowing her eyes, Kadi took a slow, deep breath. She hated it when men interrupted her. “I am not.”

“I imagine that getting a job quickly is part of your agenda. You’ll want some connections. Some protection.” A lewd smile crossed his face. “Some company.”

Abruptly, Kadi stood. “I would very much love a job here in the city, but I’m afraid the quality of the museum and the people behind it are more important to me than how quickly I am employed. I can already see that this is not going to work out.”

Without bothering to hear any answer he might muster, she let herself out of the office. She tried not to let her disappointment show. All her life, her beauty had been more of a hindrance than a help. People took one look at her unique combination of dark auburn hair, naturally tanned skin, and emerald-green eyes and didn’t even bother to attempt to get to know the women beneath. Her long legs and curves were no help.

She waved down a taxi and settled into her seat, too immersed in gloomy thoughts to appreciate the passing scenery that had seemed so enticingly exotic on her arrival. She had hoped that things would be different in Dubai, but apparently, men were the same all over the world.

Even the taxi driver was having a hard time keeping his eyes on the road.

She’d only been in Dubai a month, and while the job interview offers poured in, the outcome was always the same. The representatives for the museums and private galleries were far more interested in her beauty that her brains. They didn’t care about her impressive academic background or the projects she’d coordinated as an intern. At best, they appeared to think she would be a better fit stationed at the door or acting as an escort to museum parties for some of the more prominent artists. At worst . . .

An escort, for God’s sake. Seriously?

The taxi pulled up in front of her home. Thanking the driver, she paid and climbed out.

The past few weeks had been a little surreal. Sahaar, her exchange-host, was warm and welcoming. The older woman had hovered in the beginning and practically pushed her toward Mila and Liyah, the other two young women she’d formally hosted.

They were now both married to sheikh brothers. Kadi couldn’t believe both women had come to Dubai and ended up married. Kadi barely had time to figure out her professional life, let alone worry about her personal life. To appease Sahaar, she had lunch at least once a week with Mila and Liyah, and she was surprised to find that she enjoyed their company—but she wasn’t here to make friends.

Kadi needed money. She was up to her eyeballs in student loans, and her father wasn’t coming through on his promises. He’d withdrawn his support when she’d dropped out of business school and had decided to pursue her art history degree. When she’d gone back to school for her master’s degree, he’d stopped talked to her altogether.

Pushing the negative thoughts out of her head, she focused instead on the immediate problem as she pulled out her key.

Maybe she’d started too big. It might be far better if she took a gallery job and worked her way up rather than focusing on a curator position.

Maybe even an assistant position.

“Kadi! How did it go?”

Kadi gasped and jumped, startled, as Mila came barreling down the hall into the foyer, immediately wrapped her arms around Kadi, and pulled her into a big hug.

“Mila,” Kadi cleared her throat and awkwardly returned her new friend’s hug. “Are you talking about the interview? How did you know about that?”

“Sahaar told us. She keeps Liyah and me apprised of your interviews. She’s very proud of you!” Mila gushed.

With no idea how to respond, Kadi focused instead on the question. “I’m afraid I’m back to square one—but that’s okay. I still have some leads to follow.”

“Or you need to take a break. All you’ve done since you’ve gotten here is job hunt! This is Dubai. There is so much fun to be had! Come to the palace with me, and have some dinner with us.”

“I don’t know. My main purpose is to get a job, so I think that I really need to focus on that first before I relax and—“

“No.” Mila shook her head and planted her hands on her hips. “I’ve let you put me off for a month, but no more. You are going to take an evening to relax and have fun! Besides, there is plenty of artwork for you to admire in the palace if you’re interested. I’m told that some of the paintings are from very famous artists and that they have been in the Sharif family for generations and haven’t been shown to the public. Ever.”

Unable to help herself, Kadi smiled. “Are you bribing me?”

Though she was obviously trying to keep a straight face, a mischievous smile quirked Mila’s lips. “If that’s what it takes.”

Kadi could see that there would be no denying Mila. “All right. Just let me change.”

She headed toward the stairs before stopping suddenly. “Wait—what are you doing here?”

The smile on her friend’s face widened. “I came to have lunch with Sahaar, and I stayed to drag you back with me. Car should be picking me up in about thirty minutes.”

“I underestimated you, Mila. I thought Liyah was the devious one.”

Mila winked. “She is.”