Page 19 of The Sheikh's Unexpected Bride

Ahmed was leaving his apartment building in themorning when he was saw a limo draw up next to his.

The door opened and out stepped Rashid. The early morning air was fresh and cool. But there was nothing cool about the expression on Rashid's face. He came striding up to Ahmed. Rashid's face was red and his steady gaze was boring a hole in Ahmed's head as he approached.

Rashid halted right in front of Ahmed. "Are you happy?" he exclaimed.

Ahmed stared at Rashid and smiled. He gazed up at the sky. "It's a beautiful morning. Why wouldn't I be happy?"

Rashid clenched his fists. "You know what I'm talking about. Don't pretend you're ignorant of what you did last night."

Ahmed grinned. "I was just trying to be friendly."

Rashid drew in a deep breath. "Is that all? Friendly?"

"Of course,"Ahmed said. "I presume you're referring to the lovely Miss Ellon."

"Of course, I am. Who else would I be talking about? Haven't you seen the news?"

"No."

Rashid took out his cell phone and thrust it in front of Ahmed's face. "Look at this," Rashid ordered.

Ahmed squinted at the screen. In the early morning light he could see an image of himself and Gemma getting into Ahmed's limo. Rashid swiped the screen with his thumb. "And this."

Ahmed saw a photo of himself kissing Gemma's hand. Ahmed smiled at Rashid. "I think I look pretty happy in that one," he joked.

"This is no laughing matter, Ahmed," Rashid exclaimed.

"I don't see any problem," Ahmed replied.

"Why was she getting into your limo?" Rashid asked.

"Because I offered her a ride," Ahmed explained. This time, he made sure his voice was more emphatic. He could see how worked up Rashid was about this. Maybe the time for joking was over. Apart from that, Ahmed could sense that there was something more to this. Rashid hadn't finished explaining, yet.

"Who gave you permission to do that?" Rashid asked sharply.

Ahmed lowered his chin and peered directly into Rashid's eyes. "I wasn't aware I needed your permission to do anything, Rashid," he stated firmly.

Rashid's features were fixed into an unmoving mask as he tried to match Ahmed's defiant gaze. There was a long pause and then Rashid continued. "Have you seen what happened as a result of this innocent little encounter of yours?"

Ahmed shook his head. Rashid handed him his phone. "Read that," he ordered.

Ahmed read what was on the screen and finally understood the reason for Rashid's fury.

There were the photos and right next to them was the beginning of what looked like a very long scroll of messages prompted by the photos. One in particular caught his eye.

The Hot Sheikh and the American Virgin?

Ahmed glanced up at Rashid. "Is this for real?"

Rashid nodded emphatically and said nothing. Because no explanation was necessary as Ahmed scrolled through some of the messages.

They mostly split into two categories. One group of people expressed amazement at Gemma for being with a wealthy sheikh.

The other type of message was far less approving. In fact, some of the comments were downright mean, Ahmed told himself. They accused Gemma of being cold and calculating and getting her hooks into one of the richest, unmarried men in Qazhar.

Ahmed glanced at Rashid. "How did this happen?"

"I'll tell you how it happened. You decided to interfere in a perfectly legitimate business arrangement because you can't stand the idea that I would have something you want."

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