Page 55 of Her Older Sheikh

Adam was in genuine disbelief, but in the back of his mind was a realization of undeniable clarity. What Rashad was asking for also happened to violate his most important rule, and that was to keep his personal life entirely separate from his work.

"Both of you will require medical clearance prior to meeting," Rashad went on to explain, "and the two of you will also sign a contract to ensure everything about this remains completely confidential."

"Do you think I'm some fucking stud?”

The other man rolled his eyes. "No, of course not. But you're not exactly a saint either."

"This is fucking insane." Adam rarely wasted time repeating himself, and the fact that he was doing so right now made him feel like his subconscious had already made a decision, and it was only his conscious mind that was presently grasping at straws.

"I can guarantee she's your type."

"I don't have a fucking type."

"Of course you do. The other party is not dumb, not easily intimidated, and not a gold-digger."

Adam's lips pressed in a straight line. Ilona had beenallof those things as well, but it had still not worked out between them.

"And we both know that kind of woman is few and far between."

Actually, Adamhadmanaged to find such a woman, but maybe that was the problem in the first place.

He was so used to being in control and not making mistakes, that he had thought finding himself a woman would be just as easy. But that was obviously not true, and wasn't that why his promise to Yahweh more or less meant trustingHimto make the next move?

Whoever this girl was could be the rose Yahweh had chosen for him, and Adam cursed under his breath when he realized there was only one way for him to find out the truth.

Six

Idon't have trouble concentrating in class as a rule.

But today is an exception, since all I can think about is the call I'm scheduledandlegally obliged to make (unless I'm willing to pay the penaltyandruin my friendship with Andie, which I'm not, on either count).

I take a peek at the time on my phone, and I nearly fall out of my seat when I realize I have less than a minute left before classes end.

Stop moving so fast, Mr. Time!

But since I'm no Dr. Strange, the school bell eventually rings, and I can feel myself growing numb as I vaguely hear our professor dismiss us.

The other students are out in a flash while I find myself dragging my feet.

Am I really going to do this?

A fidgety-looking Madeleine is already waiting in the hallway when I step out of the room, and I feel my mouth turning dry as she hurries towards me.

"Do you want the good news or bad news first?"

"Bad," I answer without hesitation.

My friend makes a face. "Why am I not surprised you'd choose to hear the bad news first?"

I make a face back at her. "Just tell me what it is, Maddie."

"Long story short, I told Andie Rashad seems interested in investing in SFI, and that got her talking about the business side of things."

"Then she doesn't know I want to back out?" I ask in relief.

"Not a clue," Madeleine confirms. "However...what I did learn is that any trial candidates backing out has the potential to lower investor confidence—-"

I'm already shaking my head. "I don't want that to happen."

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