Page 11 of Sheikh's Pregnant Fiancée

CHAPTER 5

It had been a mistake to come with his armed guards. He’d only done it so she could see the power he wielded, but it was obvious from her terrified look that she hadn’t known.

Of course she hadn’t known. Wasn’t that what he’d liked about her in the first place?

“Jarah, I don’t know what is going on, but this is Gwen’s birthday,” Asha admonished as she rolled her eyes. “At least wish her a happy birthday and then settle. None of us can eat if you’re just going to stand there.”

Jarah nodded at the blonde American. “Happy Birthday. I have no wish to disrupt your dinner further. Please enjoy.”

The twins returned to the table, but everyone continued to stare at him.

And at Aubrey, who hadn’t moved a muscle.

He’d wanted to talk to her in private, but how could he pull her away from the table without being obvious?

Hysani cleared his throat. “Jarah, I didn’t realize you’d be bringing the whole guard. Your men are welcome to order whatever they want from the menu and enjoy dinner. You and I can talk upstairs. Aubrey, you are my assistant, and this is a business matter. Please join us.”

Jarah nodded to the men to give them permission to eat and walked up the steps. Hysani put his arm around Aubrey and guided her up. A strange jealousy lashed inside Jarah at the sight of the two of them touching, but she still looked shell-shocked.

The second floor was for private parties and was currently empty. There was no door, so Jarah walked to the far end of the room, toward the windows, so their conversation wouldn’t be overheard down below.

“Jarah, I don’t know what’s going on, but I get the feeling you’re here for Aubrey.” Hysani kept his arm around Aubrey’s shoulders.

“I am. You can leave us.”

“I can’t leave you, because then everyone downstairs, including your sisters, will know that you’re up here alone with her. Besides, I think maybe I should stay.”

He narrowed his eyes at his friend. “You do not trust me.”

“Aubrey is in my employ, and I’m looking out for her,” Hysani said as he raised his hands in surrender.

In the entire time they’d known each other, they’d always been friends. Only during formal occasions did Hysani treat Jarah like royalty. So when Jarah almost told Hysani to have more respect for his future king, he was irritated with himself. Hysani was doing the right thing.

“Aubrey, do you want Hysani here for the conversation we’re about to have? I know what you told security at the airport.”

“What I told…?” She frowned for a moment and then closed her eyes. “Oh. Right. That. I shouldn’t have even said anything, but I panicked when I saw the scanners. They didn’t look like the ones we have in America. And of course I didn’t know that you were…you. How can you be the crown prince? How could you not tell me that?”

Her voice was getting louder and higher by the moment. Jarah bared his teeth, and Aubrey blushed and closed her mouth.

“Aubrey, do you want me to stay?” Hysani asked.

“I…yes. I want you to stay. You’re going to learn the truth anyway. I should have told you when I asked about my job. I imagine you won’t be thrilled about having an unwed pregnant woman working for you. Is that illegal here? Will you get in trouble?”

Hysani stiffened and glared at Jarah. “Are you serious? You slept with her, and you didn’t tell her who you were?”

“If you’re going to stay, stay, but sit down and keep your judgments to yourself,” Jarah growled.

Aubrey sighed. “You’re speaking Arabic, and I have no idea what you’re saying. Can you keep it in English while I’m here? I’m already feeling way out of my element.”

Jarah continued to stare at Hysani who sat down and muttered under his breath. Hoping his friend wouldn’t interrupt again, he turned to Aubrey. “How long have you known?”

“Not until just now. My roommate had to tell me, which is really embarrassing. All those people were staring…”

“Not about who I am. About the baby.”

“Oh.” She glanced down and put her hand over her belly. “A week ago. I’d been feeling a little all over the place, and I thought it was because of the vineyard. Turns out it was because I was pregnant. Surprise.” She laughed nervously and then looked like she wanted to cry.

“And you came here to tell me?”

---