The Sheikh's Quintuplet Baby Surprise: The Sheikh's Quintuplet Baby Surprise, #1

By Holly Rayner

Having your boss' baby is one thing, but how about five?

Since starting work at his New York art company, Nicole Hawthorne has had to admire her gorgeous, charming boss from afar—until now. Handpicked to accompany Sheikh Kadeen to track down and restore a long-lost piece of artwork, Nicole thinks she knows better than to mix work and pleasure.

Sheikh Kadeen al Zafar bin Khalaf is a lover of the finer things in life; whether they be food, art, or women. He knows true beauty when he sees it, and Nicole Hawthorne is the employee he just can't tear his gaze away from.

With the young art conservator promising herself not to act on her burgeoning attraction for her boss, they travel to the Middle East, and find the painting tucked away in a basement in a desert village. Swept away by the story of Portrait of a Princess—a boundless expression of love and devotion through the ages—Nicole finds it harder and harder to resist her boss, and it's not long before the two of them give in to their desires.

The next morning, however, Nicole is shocked to discover that the Sheikh is engaged to be married to a woman he's never met, and faces going back to work as though nothing happened between them. Little does she know that five precious reminders grow larger inside her every day…

With hearts on the line, can Kadeen step up and be the loving father this fledgling family needs?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Holly Rayner Romance
• Release date: Mar 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201969646

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

NICOLE

"U gh, not again."

Nicole pushed her black-rimmed glasses up onto her forehead as she reached for another jar of varnish. She had been working on the conservation of a particularly tricky work or art, and this would be the third jar of varnish she had gone through in a week. The painting was just over five feet tall, and she had to alternate between standing, sitting, and lying on the floor to ensure that every element was properly repaired.

Dipping her brush into the jar, she set her glasses back on her petite nose and continued the meticulous process of bringing antique art back to life.

Nicole Hawthorn was in love.

The problem was, most of the people she was in love with tended to exist in the form of lead paint. She had always been a lover of all forms of art, but paint on canvas was her absolute favorite. She had taken several art classes as a child, and while she was talented, she wasn’t anything exceptional. It was with this realization that she had decided to major in art conservation and preservation in college, with the hope that she could land one of the few full-time jobs available in that field.

After several intense interviews, she had been lucky enough to have two firms competing for her after graduation. She had ultimately chosen to work at ZbK Acquisitions because of the amazing collections they had access to, not to mention the higher salary on offer.

And of course, the gallery owner wasn’t bad to look at either.

Nicole remembered the moment she had sat in the plush leather seat across from the wide, mahogany desk in his office. She’d hoped her nervousness didn’t show.

Sheikh Kadeen had laced his fingers as he stared at her from across the divide. Why are you here, Nicole? he’d asked.

To interview for this position, sir, she’d replied, and the Sheikh had sat back in his seat and chuckled.

He was young, and distractingly handsome. Nicole would find out later that he was only two years her senior, and yet he had already accomplished so much. His hair was thick and black, with one stubborn lock curling over his forehead. Nicole had to fight to think about anything other than running her fingers along it.

His eyes were equally as dark, and though they held an intensity within them, Nicole could see kindness behind it. She’d had to remind herself that she was in an interview, and crushing on the man who would be her boss was not the smartest idea.

Yes, I’m aware that is why you are physically here. What I want to know is why you would choose this firm over another. Your credentials are impeccable. Your portfolio is outstanding. You have a lot of promise and a lot of skill. Why aren’t you sitting opposite a museum curator, looking to preserve historical masterpieces?

Nicole had shrugged, adapting to his honesty. I’ve researched you, sir, she’d started, but the Sheikh had put up a hand.

Please, call me Kadeen. There’s no need for such formalities here.

Of course, she’d agreed. I’ve looked at your collections. I’ve seen the kind of art you’re able to procure, and it’s far more rare and beautiful than many things that go into museums. Also, working in the public eye doesn’t interest me. I’d like to explore the private realm of art dealership. I think there are more interesting works behind these walls, and I want to be able to say that I saw them.

Kadeen’s lip had twitched, and Nicole had fought not to stare at his mouth, which was perfectly crafted for kissing.

"As opposed to say, the Mona Lisa, or The Last Supper, which are trifling in your eyes?"

Not at all. What I mean is, everyone knows those pieces. I want to work with art that people don’t see, the kind that is rare and beautiful.

Rare and beautiful are two glorious traits, the Sheikh had agreed, though he was watching her with a strange expression. After a moment, he’d cleared his throat. Fair enough, you’ve answered my question. I’ve got a few more written down, he’d said, before running through a list of the usual interview questions.

Nicole had answered every one honestly, until Kadeen had set his paper down and looked at her. She’d tried not to shiver under that penetrating stare.

Very good. I think you’re a perfect fit for our organization. Now, I know this is the part where I tell you we’re interviewing several candidates and will be in touch in a few weeks, but I don’t have that kind of time. I would like you to join our team as soon as possible. Here is the salary I’m offering.

He’d written down a figure and slid it across the desk to her. Nicole had lifted it and glanced at the number, her breath catching in her throat. Never in a million years had she expected to be making that much money at her first job out of college.

Maintaining her poker face, she’d glanced back up at Kadeen. This will do fine. I’d be happy to join your staff.

The Sheikh had nodded, pleased. Great. When can you start?

Is tomorrow too soon?

Yes, Kadeen had said, and Nicole had tilted her head, waiting for him to explain. We work with very exclusive, very expensive works of art, Nicole. I would be foolish not to at least subject you to a background check before allowing you to come on board. It will take about a week, and once that’s cleared we’ll get you started immediately.

Kadeen had stood, then, and Nicole had followed suit. He’d stepped out from behind his desk and held out his hand for her to shake, which she did. It had been impossible for her not to notice how warm and strong his hand was, and she’d nearly hesitated before letting go.

Thank you for this opportunity, Sheikh Kadeen. I won’t let you down.

See that you don’t. Any mistake you make will cost the company millions, and we don’t want that now, do we?

Nicole had gulped, thinking about the potential consequences of one tiny error. Still, she knew what she was doing, and was confident in her ability to get the job done well.

Absolutely not. It won’t happen on my watch.

I’m glad to hear it.

The Sheikh had escorted her from the office before seeing her out the door. As promised, the background check