Page 20 of The Sheik's Pretend Fiancee
However, he wasn’t as confident about an idea that had just popped into his head. So, instead of voicing the additional option, he nodded at the ruler. “Yes.That’s the current plan.”
Sheik Khal’s eyes slowly narrowed, but Tiro didn’t react in any way. He remained silent. Expressionless. Then he waited for the older man to understand what he’d just implied.
A moment later, Khal’s features cleared. Slowly, the leader of Lativa nodded and there was an unexpected, almost amused, expression in his eyes. He nodded again, then stood up, extending his hand.“Excellent.”
Tiro shook the man’s hand, appreciating his firm grip. “Thank you for your understanding.”
The other man chuckled, shaking his head as if he’d just come to some sort of epiphany. “You’re an impressive ass.”
Tiro grinned. “Now you’re just trying to flatter me.”
That earned him another chuckle. “I understand that my staff have arranged several days of entertainment for you and Angela.”
“Will the entertainment be public?”
“No,” he assured Tiro. “My staff will update the rest of the world through press releases. Since your time here is largely ceremonial, we didn’t think that photographic evidence of your activities would be required.”
Tiro considered for a moment, considering several angles. Then he looked up, hoping that his expression was still bland. “I think we should releasesomephotos. They don’t have to involve an invasion of Princess Angela’s privacy, but the press will be better appeased if they have something to show their readers.”
Khal’s lips pressed together as he contemplated that idea. Then he nodded. “Fine. My assistant will arrange it.”
“Excellent,” Tiro replied, already wondering when the first “entertainment” would be. He’d suggested photo ops for the press simply because he suspected that Khal and his brothers, especially Prince Raj, were going to hide Angela away while he was here.
That simply wasn’t on his agenda, Tiro thought with determination.
So, it was a surprise when he walked out of Khal’s office to find Angela in the reception area, pacing back and forth. Was she muttering to herself? Her lips were moving, but he couldn’t hear her words.
“Angela!” Khal snapped. “What are you doing out here?”
Angela spun around, her eyes wide at being caught in such an awkward predicament. But the lovely woman rallied quickly and boldly stepped forward. “Uncle Khal, you know I won’t allow Zayn or the others to hurt Tiro, right?”
Chapter 15
Angela stood in front of her uncle, shaking with adrenaline. Not because she feared her uncle’s wrath, but because Tiro was staring at her, his expression warning her she might have just insulted him. Unfortunately, she’d been around her big, annoying cousins often enough to realize she might have just maligned his manhood. That was a big no-no. She’d been tutored on the consequences of doing that often enough by Zayn, Laith, and Rafi. However, Angela wasn’t a wimp either. She knew how to fight. Her cousins might be big and muscular, but she was nimble and clever, and she’d learned how to use their size against them. It didn’t happen often, but every once in a while, Angela was able to take down her cousins, especially when they got too annoying. It helped if they weren’t expecting one of the moves that her bodyguards had secretly taught her.
Her uncle recognized the determined, stubborn expression and sighed. “Honey, we’re not going to hurt him.”
“What’s the plan then?”
He moved closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.“The plan is to play this out for a bit and see what happens.” He kissed the top of her head. “Why don’t you take your man down to the stables and introduce him to the horses?Maybe take him out for a ride?”
“That’s…,” she paused, caught off-guard by the unexpected suggestion. “That’s a good idea.”
“I thought so,” he agreed. “You love riding.” He looked to Tiro.“Do you ride?”
“Well enough,” Tiro replied, reluctantly pulling his eyes away from Angela to nod at her uncle. “I won’t fall off.”
“Excellent!” Khal said, clapping his hands. “Then go change.I’ll call down to the stable to have your mare saddled.” He looked to Tiro. “We’ll find you a suitable mount as well.”
With that, he disappeared into his office.
Angela stared at her uncle’s closed door, then glanced up at Tiro. She felt something unexpected within him, but didn’t know him well enough to understand. “We don’t have to ride if you’re not interested. There are plenty of other activities that we could do.”
“I enjoy riding,” he replied, taking her hand and lifting it to his lips to press a kiss to her fingers. “If you loveriding, then I’d like to share the experience with you.”
Her features brightened and she smiled. “Let’s do it then,” she replied.
Angela cracked up at the horrified expression on Tiro’s face when he saw the old mare that the stable hand was holding, saddled and ready for Tiro.
