Page 16 of The Sheik's Kiss

“Actually, I haven’t told her that I was including her as a potential candidate.”

He grunted and Raven wasn’t sure how to interpret that sound. But she watched his body language and it took a great deal of effort not to lift her fist into the air in triumph. He was very interested. And probably more accepting of his interest than Mandy, who Raven suspected wouldn’t agree easily. Something was holding Mandy back. And it didn’t have anything to do with her agency.

He put Mandy’s folder down on top of the stack of candidates. “You’ve done an excellent job, Ms. Markley. I agree with all of your points.” He checked his watch and stood up so Raven stood as well, then gathered up the folders. “I believe that the palace events coordinator, Ms. Astra Hammel, has already set up a series of parties and social events that will allow me to meet the women in question in an environment that won’t give away my intentions.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Give those names to Ms. Hammel so that she can finalize the guest lists.” He turned to go back to his desk and Raven walked to the door.

She’d just touched the doorknob when she heard his voice.

“And Ms. Markley?” he called out.

She turned, looking at him curiously over her shoulder. “Yes?”

He hesitated for a moment, then gave her a slight smile and nodded. “Excellent work.”

She smiled in return and nodded. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Raven walked back to the office that she shared with Mandy, a new bounce to her step. Searching for soul mates was a thousand times better than hunting down serial killers! She adored this job and finding the perfect mate for Sheik bin Aristi would seal her reputation!

However, it might be a challenge to get Mandy to stop thinking of him as a possible enemy. Something had happened in Mandy’s past that clearly made her distrust anyone with money and power. Now that the sheik had given her the go ahead to add Mandy to the candidate list, it was time to dig deeper and learn what had caused Mandy’s distrust.

Although, Raven wasn’t sure how to do that without invading Mandy’s privacy or betraying their budding friendship. A friendship that Raven already treasured, now that she’d gotten to know Mandy.

She’d figure it out, Raven told herself firmly, sitting down at her desk.

“Everything okay?” Mandy asked, pulling her eyes away from the screen of numbers that would have made Raven’s eyes go cross-eyed. How could the woman make sense of all that?

Pulling her eyes away from Mandy’s screen, Raven nodded, focusing on her own challenges. “Yes. He agreed with all of the candidates I selected,” she replied. An instinct warned her not to tell Mandy she was included in the list. “Thanks for the financial information on everyone. Now, I can focus on the new list while you investigate the financial issues.”

Mandy pointed to her computer screen. “I’ve already finished a preliminary review. But I can now start digging into the more serious details to confirm my initial review on each candidate.”

Raven was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. Since the door was open, they both turned their heads to find a stunning dark-haired woman stepping into their office. While Raven’s hair was silky straight, this new woman’s hair was more like a cloud of softness surrounding delicate features. And when she smiled, there was something about her expression that instantly seemed to lighten the mood.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I was told you had a list of people that I needed to include in the upcoming social events?” she asked.

Raven stood up with a nod, extending her hand. “You must be Astra Clemens, the palace events coordinator.”

The woman smiled and nodded. “That’s me. I love organizing parties!” She leaned forward and, in a conspiratorial whisper added, “Fair warning though! I have a bit of a control issue.”

Mandy and Raven laughed, not just because they liked the woman immediately, but because they had a few control issues of their own.

“I guess we all have that in common,” Mandy replied, standing up and extending her hand. “I’m Mandy. I’m doing the financial investigations.”

Astra smiled and Mandy noted that she had a firm handshake. A good sign! She was always annoyed when women had a limp handshake.

“And I’m Raven. I guess we will be working closely for the next few weeks.”

Astra grinned and nodded. “This is going to be exciting!” She pulled a grimace. “I just wish that I was interested in His Highness. He seems like a hottie.”

“You’re not?” Raven asked, tilting her head.

Mandy immediately recognized the motion. Raven was in assessment mode. It was a shock when Mandy felt a spurt of jealousy at the thought of Raven adding this stunning brunette to the list of candidates. No way!

Astra shrugged. “I respect him, but he’s not the type I’m looking for.” She looked around at the ceiling and walls. “First of all, I love the four seasons.” She leaned forward and whispered, “I hate the constant heat here in Sidrina!” Then she leaned back. “Also, as much as I love organizing a party, I would hate the constant attention that will be required to be the sheik’s wife.”

Raven nodded, but didn’t relent. “But wouldn’t there be some advantages that would outweigh those issues?”

Astra thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. “Nope.”

Mandy’s tension eased up at once, but she tried to be subtle about it. She was fully aware by now of how much Raven observed. The woman could read body language and other non-verbal clues at a glance!

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