Claimed by the Desert Sheikh: The Sheikh and the Pregnant Bride / Desert King, Pregnant Mistress / Desert Prince, Expectant Mother

“Ah, yes. The woman who restores cars.”

While they were guessing identities, she said, “And you would be Kateb, the mysterious brother who lives in the desert.”

Kateb bowed low, then straightened. “Does my brother still speak of me with awe?”

She laughed. “Not so I’d noticed.”

“Then you must listen harder.”

He sat on the stone bench across from hers. Although they were outside and, in theory, not lacking in space, he seemed to fill up an excess of area.

“You are enjoying your time in El Deharia?” he asked.

“Yes. The country is beautiful. I haven’t seen that much of it, but I hope to soon.”

“Perhaps Qadir will show you his favorite places.”

Maggie eyed the other man. Did he know about her deal with Qadir?

“Perhaps,” she murmured.

“Do you often come out to the garden?” he asked.

“No. I’m avoiding something I know I have to do. Not my most mature decision of the day.”

“But you will do what has to be done?”

She sighed, then nodded. “Yes, I’ll do the right thing.”

Kateb stared at her. “Do you always?”

“It’s usually a goal. Is it the same for you?” she asked, knowing she probably shouldn’t but wanting to ruffle Kateb’s steely composure.

“When it suits me.”

“How convenient.”

“It is. I am Prince Kateb of El Deharia. I do as I please.”

She laughed. “My father would say you’re the kind of man whose mouth is writing checks the rest of him can’t cash, but in your case, I’m going to guess you’re telling the truth.”

“Your father sounds like a sensible man.”

“He was.” She stood. “It was nice to meet you, Prince Kateb of El Deharia. If you’ll excuse me, I have a phone call to make.”

“The one you’ve been avoiding?”

She nodded.

He rose and bowed again. “I have enjoyed our conversation, Maggie Collins. My brother is more fortunate than he realizes.”

Maggie watched the clock, then at the appointed time, she picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. She and Jon had e-mailed back and forth to set up the call. She’d told him speaking with him was important but hadn’t said why.

“Maggie,” he said when he answered. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

“I’ve been worried.”

“I said everything was okay.”

“I know, but I couldn’t think of why you’d need to talk to me unless something was wrong. Is everything all right there? Do you need anything?”

She needed to be able to turn back time and undo that single night, she thought sadly. Or did she? Although she was terrified about being pregnant and had no idea what the next seven and a half months would bring, she couldn’t bring herself to regret the baby.

“I’m doing great,” she told him. “Work on the car is going well. I’m enjoying the country. It’s different but wonderful. Plus I’m living in a palace. How often does that happen?”

“Are you sure? I could probably get some time off and come get you.”

She frowned. “Jon, I can take care of myself.”

“I’m not convinced.”

Wait a minute. How long had he seen her as incapable? She sure didn’t like that.

“You should be. I’m a big girl. All grown-up. Let’s change the subject. How’s Elaine?”

There was a moment of silence. She wasn’t sure if he didn’t want to let go of how she might need him or if he was uncomfortable talking about Elaine.

“She’s fine.”

“You’re still going out?”

“Yes.”

“Come on, Jon. Details. Are things getting serious?”

“Sort of.” He drew in a breath. “They are. She’s funny. She wants a cat. She’s wanted one for a long time, but her roommate was allergic. The roommate got married a couple of weeks ago, so Elaine has the apartment to herself, but she still hasn’t gotten a cat. I finally asked her why and she said she wanted to make sure it was okay with me. I told her it was her cat.”

Men weren’t always as bright as they could be, Maggie thought humorously. “She wants to make sure you like cats, too.”

“Yeah, I got that later. It was kind of cool, you know, that my opinion mattered that much.”

“Is she getting the cat?”

“We’re going to pick one out over the weekend.”

“I’m glad.”