The Prince and the Working Woman (Desert Prince Book 1) Read Free Page A

her off his foot but did not turn her loose. A breath hitched in her throat. A hint of woodsy cologne tickled her nostrils. Why did she notice that?
    Step away from the man. Her legs did not comply.
    “You did that on purpose." His grip tightened. “Didn’t you?”
    She pulled free and spun around to face him. "You bet your ass I did." With a slight curtsey she turned and proceeded to her seat. She stifled a shudder and slid into the intricately carved chair. Her dinner partner followed suit.
    "So who do you think won that round?" she heard Mona ask her husband. The newlyweds had better not be playing matchmakers. Not every woman wanted to be married to a prince, charming or otherwise.
     
    * * * *
     
    Hamid listened to the conversations and made appropriated responses. But he was an outsider despite the warm welcome from the Emir. His meal of escargot, followed by Coq-au-vin lived up to the restaurant’s five star reputation.  He left his knife and fork on the plate and leaned left to allow the waiter to clear the dishes. His reluctant date slid her chair away. He glanced at her food. She’d barely touched her simple bowl of vegetable soup. Had he ruined her dinner? His subjects squirmed in his presence. Employees yessed him to death. Women threw themselves at him. But never had he met someone so determined to ignore him.
    "Miss Amanda?"
    She turned in her seat to face him.  "Your Highness?"
    "Stop calling me that."
    "Was I supposed to say Your Royal highness?"
    Sarcasm? No she was serious. "Can’t you call me by my first name?"
    "Not until you give me permission according to your protocol office as printed on your website.”
    Did they really have a protocol office? He needed to check the tourist website and make sure the information was updated. Especially if the plans to increase international trade and tourism would be implemented within the next six months. Already a massive advertising campaign was in the works for Europe and the Americas.
    Mandy twisted her fingers together in her lap.
    "Tell me about yourself."
    "Why?"
    "You will be working for me beginning next month I am told. Am I not allowed to interview you?"
    Her eyes widened in surprise. "I figured you wouldn't want… I mean I thought…"
    "Did you think the offer would be rescinded because you stepped on my foot?"
    "No."
    "Because you compared me to a Star Wars villain?"
    "No," she muttered. "The other thing."
    He couldn't tell in the dim lighting but he would bet that a hot flush highlighted her cheeks. Granted no woman had ever told him screw you but that had been his biggest laugh of the year.
    "You get one mistake. But if you ever say that again it better be an offer."
    Her jaw dropped open and her huge eyes glittered. What color were they anyway? They look like a cross between golden brown and green.  They were unique like the rest of her. She said nothing but he could tell she wanted to.
    "So tell me about yourself Miss Amanda."
    "Mandy. And if you have to use a title I would preferred Ms."
    "Feminist or divorced?"
    "Does it matter?"
    "Feminist." he said.
    "Again. Does it matter?"
    "To be honest yes. You are going to get opposition to the project and I need to know that you will be able to hold your own. As an employee, the feminist works for me.” If she remained a hell-cat in bed, that would be a bonus because one way or another he would have her.
    "Why would anyone object to a center to help visitors and ex-pats?"
    "Because centers that cater to women don't generally get a lot of support."
    He knew when news of the community center became common knowledge there would be opposition. But when the proposed plan was discussed among the corporations already doing business in Touzar the response was overwhelmingly positive. The center had worked so well in Nadiar that foreign investment tripled in the past three years. Oil would not be around forever. They needed to diversify their economy.
    "Why?”
    He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Because