The Sheik's Secret Twins Read Free Page B

greetings didn’t break her concentration. 
    “Uh, Siri?” Linda called out.
    “Tell them I’m not here,” she called back, knowing that whoever it was could hear her comments but still hoping they would be discouraged. 
    “Um…I’m not sure this guy is going to take no for an answer.”
    That got through to Siri and she glanced up from her book.  When she saw the tall man in the dark suit standing in her kitchen, the only other area besides the den and the two bedrooms which were on opposite sides of the den, Siri jumped up, dumping her books and notes all over the orange, shag carpet. 
    “Oh!” she cried out and looked down at the papers, then back  up at the gorgeous man who was looking at her with a blank expression on his face.  He looked scarier , more intimidating, i n the bright afternoon sunshine.  And much, much taller! 
    She pulled the pen out of her hair, wishing she’d pulled on something better than leggings and an old tee shirt which had definitely seen better days and only came down to her waist.  “Sorry,” she said and grabbed Linda’s boyfriend’s shirt which was draped over the back of the only other chair in the apartment.  “I wasn’t expecting anyone today.  We were just studying.”
    “I’m sorry to interrupt,” the man replied with a slight accent which Siri couldn’t place immediately.  “I thought perhaps we might be formally introduced since we had such an amusing evening last night.” 
    Siri had to laugh despite her nervousness at this extremely large man in her apartment.  “It wasn’t so funny towards the end, but he did serve as a good amusement factor, didn’t he?”
    Malik took a step forward, his eyes looking over her beautiful skin for signs of abuse.  “He didn’t hurt you, did he?  I know that yo u confronted him at the end, and I apologize for not being there to stop him if things became physical.”
    She looked up at him curiously.  “It wasn’t your responsibility to ensure my safety, but I appreciate the thought.  I can take care of myself,” she claimed.
    Malik stopped his laughter, but only just in time.  This woman who barely reached his shoulder thought she could handle an angry man with his pride wounded in front of his future employer?  “I’m glad to hear it.”  He stepped back and smiled.  “I would like to take you out to dinner myself, if you have the time.”
    Siri was startled and not sure how to respond.  She looked to Linda who was just as awestruck.  Regrouping quickly so she didn’t appear so ridiculous, she replied, “I’m flattered, but I really don’t think that I’m I your league,” she stated softly, wishing that she could be in his league.  This man was hunk material, but also terrifying for some reason. 
    Linda really didn’t like Siri’s response and stepped forward.  “She’d be delighted,” she contradicted.  “What time and where should she meet you?” she asked, already picking up a pen and notebook and writing something down on it.
    Malik glanced at the cute redhead who interceded on his behalf, appreciating her efforts.  “Eight o’clock , tomorrow night?  I’ll pick you up here.”
    Linda nodded , ignoring Siri’s attempt to contradict her .  “That sounds perfect, “ she said, nodding her head for emphasis.  “Here’s Siri’s cell phone number in case anything comes up.  And she’ll be ready tomorrow at eight.”
    The tall, gorgeous man took the paper and bowed slightly, handing the paper to one of the large, bulky men behind him without even glancing at it.  “I look forward to our evening.  And I will work hard to ensure that I don’t mistake my philosophers since you apparently are so well versed in their doctrines.”
    With that, he stepped out of the apartment and closed the door, leaving behind two stunned women who looked at each other as if they’d just been invited to a royal ball. 
    “Who was that man?” Linda asked, when she remembered to close