Page 41 of Hiding in the Sheik's Arms

Nathan was confident that he would still win the election, but he might be thrown off some of the more lucrative committee assignments.

So, the slow, romantic approach was better. Until he got her in his house and behind closed doors, that is. Once he had that bitch alone, he’d show her who was in charge!

Chapter 38

“You’re back!” Joran announced, a teasing glint in his eyes as he stood up from Khal’s desk chair. “Welcome! How was your time off?”

Khal stood in the middle of his office, looking around. Raj was sitting on the sofa, his feet propped up on the coffee table, surrounded by reports and files.

“Care to explain what’s going on?” he asked.

Raj proceeded to explain the various financial decisions that he’d made over the past three days while Khal and Tasha had been on their “honeymoon”. Then Joran went on to explain any of the non-financial related decisions he’d made.

“So, let me get this straight,” Khal said his voice stern and threatening. “You two took over for me while I spent time alone with Tasha.”

“Yes,” Joran confirmed.

“And that’s the reason no one bothered us for so long?”

“Exactly,” Raj agreed. His eyes turned curious. “Whyareyou here? We’ve been taking care of everything.”

Khal fisted his hands on his hips. “Because we weren’t disturbed. It started to feel weird, having free time!” He glowered at his brothers.

Raj chuckled and tossed the report he’d been reviewing onto the cushion beside him. “Brother dear,” he stood up, “Joran and I realized that, ever since you’ve taken over, you haven’t had any time off. You get maybe three uninterrupted nights of sleep a week. And even your weekends are generally usurped by your job.”

Joran leaned back in the leather chair. “We had no idea, Khal.” He gestured to the papers everywhere. “Seriously, we didn’t realize just how many decisions you have to make every damn day.”

Raj stood up and came towards the enormous desk, standing next to Khal. “So, we’re here to help.” Raj jerked his thumb over his shoulder at the papers. “If you’re okay with it, I’ll take over the financial issues.”

Joran stood up. “And I’ll take over the military challenges.” He looked over at Raj and they shared a smile before looking back at Khal. “And whatever other problems you want to throw at us.”

Khal looked at his brothers, stunned by their offer. “So, the reason Tasha and I have had so much time alone is…because you two have been covering for me?”

“And Marianna,” Raj added.

Khal looked around for his half-sister. “Where is Marianna?”

“She’s been working with the press office to create a press release, but she’s also,” Raj paused, his head swiveling over the array of papers on the coffee table. He reached out when he found the stack that he wanted, “wrote up proposals for things we should be doing.”

“Marianna has also decided to attend university here in Lativa. She’s already applied for admission, starting the next semester.”

Khal shook his head, dealing with the easiest issue first. “Marianna doesn’t need to apply. I can make a call and get her enrolled.”

Raj chuckled. “I offered that suggestion as well. She turned me down immediately. Our new sister doesn’t want any special treatment. She wants to apply as a regular citizen so she can attend as a regular person.”

“But she’s only sixteen! And she’s our sister!” Khal interjected forcefully. “She’s not ordinary. Not by any measure!”

Joran grinned. “Isn’t she amazing?”

Khal paused for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah. She’s…awesome.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, so if the three of you have taken over so much of my job, what’s left for me to do?”

“You need to make decisions on the health care system. According to Marianna, it needs to be revamped,” Raj said, pointing to one of the reports in Khal’s hand. “And there are new roads to be built. Bridges that need repair. Hell, the whole budget needs to be reviewed.”

Joran moved away from Khal’s desk, gathering up several files. “Don’t forget the issue with the teachers’ unions,” he said. “And there are several of those idiot diplomats that want to meet with you for various reasons.”

Khal groaned.

“And there’s also the…” Joran continued to list off a half-dozen other issues.

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