Claimed by the Desert Sheikh: The Sheikh and the Pregnant Bride / Desert King, Pregnant Mistress / Desert Prince, Expectant Mother. Susan Stephens

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СКАЧАТЬ pulling everything apart, I haven’t stopped to eat.”

      Victoria set the basket on a cart. “Let me guess. You’re one of those annoying people who forgets to eat.”

      “Sometimes.”

      “Then we’ll never be really, really close.”

      Maggie laughed. “I think you’re a strong enough person to overlook that flaw. Come on. Let’s go eat in my office. It’s cleaner there.”

      While Maggie washed her hands in the small bathroom, Victoria set out their lunch. She’d brought a salad with walnuts, arugula and Gorgonzola. Several mini sandwiches on fresh foccacia bread, fruit, drinks and chocolate-chip cookies that were still warm.

      “I thought I was supposed to avoid dessert,” Maggie said as she took her seat.

      Victoria settled in the one opposite. “It’s your fault. I had to placate the cooks.” She slipped off her high heels and wiggled her toes. “Heaven.”

      “Why do you wear those if they hurt?”

      “They don’t all hurt. Besides, without them, I feel short and unimpressive. Plus men really like women in high heels.”

      Maggie laughed. “I’ve never thought about being impressive. And I’ve never tried to get a man that way. By being attractive.”

      “You could in a heartbeat,” Victoria told her as she speared a piece of lettuce. “I would kill for your bone structure.”

      The compliment pleased Maggie. She’d always thought of herself as a tomboy. Girls like Victoria usually avoided her.

      “How is it working with Qadir?” Victoria asked.

      “Great. He really wants me to make the car perfect, which is what I want, too. I love not having a budget. It’s very freeing. The progress is going to be slow at first, which he understands. I appreciate that. He’s—”

      She pressed her lips together as Victoria raised her eyebrows. “What?” Maggie asked.

      “Nothing. I’m glad he’s an excellent boss.”

      “That’s what you asked me.”

      “I meant as a man.”

      “Oh.” Maggie grabbed a sandwich. “He’s fine.”

      Victoria laughed. “He’s a sheik prince worth billions. He’s one of the most sought-after bachelors in the world and all you can say is he’s fine?”

      Maggie grinned. “How about really fine?”

      “Better, but still. You’re really not interested in him.”

      “Not as anything but the man who pays me.”

      “Interesting. Then I guess you won’t be angling for an invitation to the ball.”

      Maggie nearly choked. “There’s going to be a ball?”

      “Uh-huh. To celebrate Prince As’ad’s engagement to Kayleen. They’ve been together for a while now, but no one was supposed to know. The official announcement was put off until Princess Lina, the king’s sister, married King Hassan of Baharia a few weeks ago. Anyway, the ball is where the news is made public and everyone who works in the palace is invited. Apparently when the guest list is a thousand, what’s a couple hundred more?”

      “I’ve never been to a ball,” Maggie admitted. Her only frame of reference was cartoons with princesses as stars and she hadn’t really been into watching them.

      “Me, either, but I’m very excited. It’s sort of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to wear a formal gown and dance with a handsome prince. I’ll be hoping Nadim finally sees me as a person and not his efficient secretary.”

      “But you don’t love him,” Maggie said.

      “I know. I wasn’t kidding before—love is for suckers. But if he offered me a sensible marriage of convenience, I sure wouldn’t say no. I think I could be a good wife to him. Better than some of those plastic bimbos his father parades around the palace. Anyway, my point is, you should come to the ball. It will be great fun. You can tell your grandchildren about it.”

      Maggie wasn’t exactly tempted, although the idea was a little intriguing. She’d come to El Deharia to get away, but also to experience something new in her life.

      “I’m not much of a dancer.”

      “They lead, you follow. I have an appointment to try on dresses. Come with me. It’ll get you in the mood.”

      “I don’t think so. I haven’t actually been invited.”

      “You will be. Ask Qadir.”

      “Ask me what?”

      They both turned and found the prince in her office. Victoria started to stand, which told Maggie she should be doing the same. Qadir waved them both back into their seats.

      “Ask me what?” he repeated.

      “I was telling Maggie about the ball celebrating Prince As’ad’s engagement. As all live-in employees are invited, Maggie said she would love to come.”

      Maggie scrambled to her feet. “I didn’t. I’m not interested in the ball.” She knew Victoria meant well but she, Maggie, didn’t want Qadir thinking she was using him or their relationship. She motioned to the coveralls she wore. “I’m not exactly ball material.”

      Qadir nodded slowly. “Perhaps not today,” he said slowly. “But I see possibilities.”

      “That’s what I was saying,” Victoria told him.

      Possibilities? What did that mean?

      Maggie told herself not to read too much into the word. Besides, what did she care about Qadir’s opinion on anything but the car? He was just some guy. Royal, but still.

      “I already have some dresses ordered,” Victoria continued. “I could have them send a few more in Maggie’s impossibly skinny size. With her hair up and in high heels, she could be a princess.”

      Maggie glared at her friend. What was Victoria up to?

      “I agree.” Qadir nodded. “Maggie, you will attend the ball.”

      With that, he turned and left.

      Maggie waited until she was sure they were alone, then glared at Victoria. “What were you doing?”

      “Throwing you in the path of a handsome prince. My quest for a royal connection has failed miserably, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful.”

      “But I’m not interested in him that way.” She didn’t think she would ever be interested in another man. Loving and losing Jon had been too painful.

      “Can you honestly look at me and tell me you aren’t the tiniest bit excited by the thought of dressing СКАЧАТЬ