The Sheikh's Stubborn Lover (The Adjalane Sheikhs Series Book 2) Read Free Page A

Adjalane getting away with this. He couldn’t threaten her—and, hell, if she had to hire a firm from the States or anywhere else, she would do it.
    On the stones steps of Bashira’s office, she stopped and glanced up at the mountains. The air was hot as ever in the city, but the mountains shimmered like a purple mirage. She could see the white towers of Adjalane palace. Jaw set, she headed for her town car.
    If Adilan Adjalane thought he could push her around and win, he was messing with the wrong woman. It was time to show him two could play hardball.

Chapter 4
    Adjalane Palace sat on a slight hill overlooking the city and the sea, the purple mountains above it framing the spot. On the flight to Al-Sarid, Michelle had done her research. The Adjalane family owned oil fields, had massive real estate holdings, and controlled most of the southeastern part of the country. The family wasn’t royal, but they certainly were rich. The palace had been built a hundred years ago, and was considered one of the main tourist sights of Al-Sarid. The gardens were open to the public, but the residence wasn’t.
    A stone wall protected the massive structure that loomed up behind, but Michelle could see the main dome rising from the center of the structure, with several small domes to the sides. The white stone walls gleamed in the sunlight, a striking feature and an elaborate display of geometric shapes against the blue skyline.
    Two large wrought-iron gates provided access to the main courtyard and public gardens. Guards held the gates open, and Michelle’s driver pulled into a cobblestone courtyard that wound itself in a serpentine arc. He pulled to a stop in front of massive, oak front doors. Getting out, Michelle glanced around, her pulse quick and her throat dry. The structure reminded her of some of the mosques and even some of the Byzantine-era buildings in Istanbul, one of her favorite cities.
    Inside the courtyard, fountains and statues mixed with lush green plants, a paradise compared to the barren desert outside the city. So many colors and fragrances greeted her that she stood still for a moment, taking it all in. But she wasn’t here for pleasure—or to admire the gardens.
    She headed for the front door, thinking about how she was going to handle Adilan Adjalane. Her mother would have put on a smile and a slinky dress and simply would have seduced the man out of his socks and anything else she wanted. She wasn’t her mother, however. She hated mixing business and pleasure—look where that had gotten her with the dreadful Alan.
    It seemed she needed Adilan’s support in order to fulfill the promise she’d made to her mother about developing Al-Hilah into a viable property. But she wasn’t sure the best approach to take with him. Strong arm…or make a deal? Maybe she’d just have to play it by ear.
    She was still in deep thought about what she was going to say when she felt someone staring at her. Stopping, she glanced around, saw no one other than her drive. She looked up and was shocked to see Adilan standing on a balcony just above the entrance.
    He gave a small wave. “ Salam , Ms Reynolds . To what do I owe this pleasure?”
    He had changed into taupe trousers and a black, button-down shirt. The sleeves had been rolled up to reveal muscular forearms covered in a light dusting of dark hair. The neck of his shirt had also been left undone, and she could see more skin and dark hair there as well. He smiled, teeth white, even and the all too charming.
    He was gloating, dammit. She tightened her free hand. Don’t let emotions get in the way of getting what you need.
    She was getting a crick in her neck from looking up. She took a step back to relieve the tension and told him, “Oh, I think you know. Can we talk on a little more level ground?”
    “Of course. I shall be down directly. Go to the door and tell Hassan to show you into the morning room.”
    He disappeared from view, and Michelle took a steadying