Page 4 of The Sheikh's Fake Fiancée

He nodded. “Both would be nice, thank you, Lisa. We might skip lunch and enjoy an early dinner.”

The stewardess nodded, then disappeared as quickly as she’d come.

Kain proffered Zania his arm. “Shall we?”

Zania had to admit the luxury yacht was stunning with its teak wooden flooring and leather seating. The roof of the upper flybridge deck not only partially covered the captain’s area, but also guest seating, with its comfortable, U-shaped white lounge and bar area, as well as an inviting spa with superb ocean views.

Cooling sea breezes drifted over them as the yacht moved gracefully through the water, leaving Holly Island far behind. Zania put her flute of champagne onto a glass-topped table, then popped a tiny chicken and cherry tomato tart into her mouth. “How lovely.”

His gaze drifted over her face. “You might not be royalty, but youareaccustomed to this kind of lifestyle.”

She nodded. “I guess so, yes.” She nodded to the stewardess who was at the bar making them each a cocktail. “But I always felt more like her. Officially Iwasan employee.”

“But unofficially?”

“I was Sheikha Aisha’s best friend. We did everything together.” She kept any and all self-pity from her voice. She’d accepted her part in their broken friendship, there was no getting around it or making excuses.

She’d made her bed.

She glanced around. That he’d chosen a smaller luxury yacht over a super yacht said a lot about him. He really didn’t give a damn about appearances. She suspected he also wouldn’t give a damn about what others thought of their supposed relationship. “Though yachting was one thing she rarely indulged in.” She smiled wryly. “Why would she when she had a private jet to take her anywhere she needed to go.”

“My private jets are mostly used for my guests these days.” He sipped his drink. “I’m afraid my fear of flying isn’t my healthiest trait.”

She arched a brow. “It’s kind of nice to know you’re not perfect.”

He laughed. “I’m far from that, shortcake.”

The stewardess placed a tropical cocktail on the glass-topped table. “If that is all, I’ll ensure your clothes are put away.”

Kain nodded. “Thank you, Lisa. That will be all.”

As the blonde left them, Zania observed, “Your stewardess is lovely.”

He nodded. “She’s good at her job.”

“I suspect she’s also a little in love with you.”

He sighed. “She is one of many who is attracted to all this,” he waved a hand out to encompass his yacht. “Wealth and power is an aphrodisiac to women.”

Zania bit her bottom lip. “She would have been perfect as your pretend fiancée.”

His gaze hardened fractionally. “Besides the fact she’s not my type, she had no motivation to keep her emotions out of the game.”

Zania pressed a hand to her chest. It was a good reminder that his proposition was a façade, nothing else. She had to keep up the wall around her heart and never again fall for the charms of a handsome man.

It should prove easy enough. Tabari had shattered her trust along with her heart. She had doubts she’d ever love anyone again. Even the people she’d thought had been her friends, and who had turned their backs on her and made her an outcast, made her more determined to never let down her guard again.

Instead she’d enjoy the luxury of being Kain’s pretend fiancée while it lasted. If she played her part well he might even set her up for years to come. She’d need every cent if she hoped to keep her mother in competent care while paving some kind of future for herself.

“What exactlyisyour type?” she asked, her mouth drying.

His eyes darkened. “Other than gorgeous pocket-rockets with long golden brown hair, a honeysuckle scent and a besmirched name?”

She ignored her accelerated pulse. “Yes, other than that.”

“Sorry, youaremy type.

“Tabari pretended I was his type, too.”

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