The Sheikh’s Pregnant Love: The Karawi Sheikhs Series, #3

By Leslie North

Danielle Greenski's life is going to change in a big way. Single and newly pregnant, her days of traveling the globe for work and living a life of adventure are about to end. But not just yet—when she meets a gorgeous man who's the perfect "last fling" before she settles down to mommyhood. After an amazing weekend with Sheikh Riyad Karawi, she's totally fine with saying good-bye—until she's kidnapped by rebels who think she's carrying the Sheikh's baby. Apparently, in addition to being a Sheikh, her weekend lover has some other big secrets he hasn't shared. Like how he's part of the country's elite military squad. And wanted by rebels. And maybe the most intriguing man she's ever met… 

The last thing this womanizing charmer needs is to fall for a pregnant woman—it would completely blow the playboy persona he's been using to get close to the rebel forces. But that's what Sheikh Riyad is faced with after he meets American firebrand, Danielle. He can't figure out why he feels the need to protect a woman he's just met, why he can't seem to get her out of his system—no matter how hard he tries—and why the thought of her going home is punching him in the gut. For now, he'll just keep her around until he knows she's safe. Or maybe, until he can convince her to stay. 

If only he can make Danielle believe that he's not just the playboy she met, but a man she could love forever. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leslie North
• Release date: Jun 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393167341

Book preview

1

The sun had long since gone down, and though the night was clear, the air remained sticky. Riyad scanned the Rooftop Lounge, looking for his target. It was a busy night, what with both his brothers celebrating: one, a wedding and the other, a wedding anniversary. Everyone was out partying, eager to rub elbows with the rich and famous, and Riyad was glad to be out of the palace. While he loved his family, especially his nieces, a man like him could take only so much.

Tugging at his bowtie to loosen it, he smirked at how he must look. Normally clean-shaven, he’d allowed his hair to grow out, and a beard now masked the lower part of his face, making him less recognizable as the youngest Karawi sheikh, perfect for his line of work as an agent for the small kingdom’s intelligence agency.

Riyad had spent the past three years using his playboy lifestyle as a cover to help keep his family safe. For much of that time, the job had been easy. He loved women, he loved traveling, and he loved making his oldest brother’s head spin. Now that a rebel faction was targeting the royal family, however, the cat was half out of the bag.

After his work to bring down the cell that had targeted Bahir, his brother, and Amy, his new sister-in-law, Riyad had faced intense inquiries from his brothers, but he’d managed to deflect them. Now was not the time to come forward with the truth. It was easier if everyone, even his brothers, thought he was nothing more than a wealthy playboy.

Accepting his drink from the waiter, he turned to survey the room again, easily spotting his target sitting off to the side, telltale newspaper resting conveniently on the corner of the table. The man held a phone in his hand, like most of the other patrons, but his fingers weren’t tapping at the screen, and from the tilt of his chin, it was obvious he was aware of everything going on around him.

Riyad could feel the flash drive in the pocket of his tux, waiting to be delivered to the man on the other side of the lounge. First, though, he needed to make sure no one else was paying attention.

That was when he saw her. A woman sat at a table opposite the man Riyad was watching. She’d wrapped her hijab carelessly, and it had already half slipped off, revealing blonde hair reminiscent of gold. She was fingering a full glass of wine, staring at it with an expression he couldn’t decipher.

His body immediately responded to her. She was an obvious beauty with full red lips and large blue eyes. This was the type of woman who turned heads wherever she went, but tonight, she seemed to be trying to hide.

Why?

Thanks to his sisters-in-law, Haamas had started getting more tourists, so seeing her shouldn’t have surprised him, but if anyone clearly didn’t belong in the Rooftop Lounge, it was this woman.

Was she a plant, dangled bait in hopes of getting information on him?

Needing to kill time to make the drop look more casual, Riyad strolled over to her table and leaned on the adjacent railing. It’s supposed to cover your hair, he said softly. The woman’s eyes immediately widened as she reached for the hijab, and he shook his head. You don’t have to fix it. This kingdom is a little more relaxed when it comes to tourists. I only wanted to let you know.

He saw her fingers tighten slightly on her glass, and she cocked her head. What makes you think that I’m a tourist?

American. Slight Southern accent. He nearly groaned at the thought of her moaning his name. For one, even the palest person colors under our sun, and your skin is still creamy and soft. Also, he nodded at the tabletop as he spoke. Your passport is sitting on the table.

Aren’t you observant, she chuckled as she slipped the passport into her purse. I arrived last week. A friend of mine passed through here a few years ago, and she’s been talking about it ever since. I thought it was time for a visit.

So you’re here for pleasure. Aren’t we lucky? he teased. My name is Riyad.

He felt compelled to give her his real name; he wasn’t quite sure why. Usually, he only used his own name if he knew that his target would recognize him as a sheikh. Otherwise, he’d create a new identity for himself. Still, if she was as new as she seemed, chances were good that she hadn’t done enough research to learn the name of the third royal brother. And if she was a plant, well, she’d already know his name.

After a moment of hesitation, she extended her hand. Danielle.

Her skin was soft and smooth. She was expecting a handshake, but Riyad wanted more than a passing greeting from this woman. Taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips and softly kissed the velvety skin.

Gasping, she quickly tugged her hand back. My friend didn’t mention how friendly the men were here, she said in a shaky voice.

If you let anyone else take such liberties with you, feel free to slap them, he said dryly.

That got him a small smile. I have a feeling you wouldn’t be pleased if I slapped you. Tilting her head, she eyed him quizzically. Or maybe you’d like it.

It was his turn to be surprised. Chuckling, he pulled a package of mints from his pocket, dragging with it a piece of paper that fell to the floor as he popped a mint in his mouth. Maybe later this evening, you’ll find out.

His mouth went dry when she shifted in her chair, and he found himself staring at her as she uncrossed her legs, leaned down to pick up the piece of paper, and delicately held it out to him before resettling in her chair.

Are all the men in Haamas this forward? she asked him, not missing a beat.

I don’t believe in wasting time when I see something I like. As he took the paper from her fingers, he made a point of lightly caressing her hand, carefully watching her response. While not a betting man, Riyad would put money on Danielle being nothing more than a tourist. A very beautiful tourist. Excuse me for a moment.

Turning, he crushed the paper in his hand, moved to the trash can, and tossed in the crumpled ball. Almost in the same smooth move, he dropped the flash drive behind the centerpiece on his contact’s table. He never looked at the man who, to his credit, didn’t react.

When he returned, Danielle was already reaching for her purse. Have you decided not to waste time, either? he asked as he settled into the chair across from her.

She nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and Riyad had to admit that the gesture didn’t seem practiced. I thought it might be best if I walk away from temptation. I don’t even know you.

So give me a chance and get to know me. He spoke in his most persuasive tone. Gesturing to the untouched glass of wine in front of her, he added, If you’re finished with your drink, we can take a stroll. I’ll give you a tour of my beautiful city, and you can decide for yourself if your friend was right. Then, maybe we can have breakfast.

She straightened in surprise. You want to talk all night and then have breakfast? What then?

A slow smile spread across his face. You’re thinking too far ahead. His tone brightened. You’re on vacation. Live in the moment.

A shadow crossed her face, and for a moment, he thought he’d lost her, but she bit her lower lip and nodded.

Satisfied, Riyad relaxed.

Perhaps the night wouldn’t be a complete loss after all.

2

Her heart was racing, and the night air crackled with energy as they walked the emptying streets of Haamas. The stranger next to her was everything she needed to put more distance between her and the past, but she wasn’t sure she could go through with it.

Danielle’s vacation had two purposes: decide on a new path for her life and immerse herself in the kind of torrid romance that would help her cleanse herself of the sin that stained her skin. Yesterday’s news had impacted the former.

Now was her chance to check off the latter.

Riyad was the kind of man she never would have touched back in the States. He had an edge of danger to him, and despite his charm, his intentions were clear.

Danielle had always been a romantic. She wanted a steady man, someone she could build a future with, and Riyad was clearly not that man.

Of course, going after some steady man was the reason she was hiding out in a small kingdom in the Middle East to begin with.

My friend was right, she said softly as she felt his hand brush against hers. Haamas is beautiful. Mysterious. Exotic. Magical. I can see why she fell in love with it.

Magical, huh? I’d be more than happy to show you how magical this place can be, he murmured.

Danielle chuckled. In the past few hours, she’d learned nothing substantial about him, and he hadn’t asked her any personal questions, either. It was exactly what she needed. It’s nearly three in the morning. Are the nights always this lively so late?

Not at all. Most observe a curfew, but a large party is happening at the palace tonight. A lot of big names are in our little kingdom at the moment, and everyone is out with their cameras, hoping to catch a glimpse or take a picture that will earn them a nice coin or two.

Hugging herself, she looked up at him and studied his profile. There was something strangely intense about him. She half-expected him to blend