Page 30 of Her Older Sheikh

"You're usually rude to any guy I introduce you to—-"

"So?" Grandpa Paco's defensive tone only convinces me that I'm on to something. "It's simply my way of testing them and making sure they're no fortune hunter—-"

"Bingo!"I give my grandfather a smug look. "That's why you've been so unbelievably nice to Rashad, isn't it? Because you know he's super rich, and so you don't have to worry about him having any ulterior motives for dating me."

I wait for Grandpa Paco to admit that I've nailed it perfectly on the head, but my elation somewhat fades when I see that his expression has turned enigmatic once again.

"Grandpa?"

The old man glances at Rashad, and when I look at him as well, I'm stunned to see the rather grim set of his jaw.

"Rashad?"

Why do I have a feeling like I'm missing something?

"I have something to tell you."

And why does Mr. Mine sound so tense all of a sudden?

"The truth is—-"

Grandpa Paco cuts him off, saying in a grudging tone, "Alright, I admit it. You're right, you found me out. I do know who he is—-"

"Ha! Knew it."

"But I'm guessing you don't."

It's my turn to feel defensive. "Just because we haven't known each other for very long—-"

"Rashad, my dear Maddy, is one of the royal princes of Huzna."

Oh.

Okay.

Um.

Right.

Rashad takes my hand under the table, and I'm not sure what to think when his grip tightens around mine.

"Will you excuse us, Paco?" he asks my grandfather while still holding my hand like he thinks I mean to escape him. "I'd like to speak to Madeleine somewhere private."

I'm not sure how he manages it, but maybe this is just how royalty works, and the next thing I know it's the restaurant manager himself offering the use of his private office, and Rashad is gently guiding me to sit on a couch.

He waits until we're alone before crouching down in front of me.

"I'm sorry you had to find out this way."

His voice is harsh, and he takes my hands into his in a grip that makes me feel I'm more like his captive than his date.

"Are you really a prince?"

"I'm a sheikh with royal blood, yes."

A sheikh.

It sounds very exotic, and very much him, but—-

---