Vanessa froze at the mention of her husband’s name. “Oh?”

  Calla nodded, sending her a breezy smile. “Yep.”

  “And…how did that go?” She hated that she was so curious. She wanted Calla to spill every last detail. How did he look? What had he said? Did he ask about her? Did he seem like he even cared that they hadn’t slept in the same bed or exchanged words in four days? Was he crying himself to sleep too?

  “Great. I have news for you. You’re going to Switzerland.”

  She blinked rapidly, the pivot distracting her from the fact that Calla had given zero details about Amad. “I am?”

  “I spoke with Marie Frechard this morning because she had some production questions about the line. She wants the brand ambassador to arrive tomorrow with the full product line…and to sign the contract.” Calla’s smile kicked up a notch. “And that’s obviously you.”

  Vanessa’s heart started racing. “Are you serious?”

  “Of course! Honey, you’ve had your hands in the project since the beginning. The maternity line is yours, as far as I’m concerned.”

  “But…you’re coming with me, right?”

  Calla shook her head. “I can’t. There’s too much to take care of back here. But you’ll be fine. I promise.”

  Vanessa wrung her hands, suddenly desperate to call Amad. She wanted him to know that this was happening. Maybe he could play the role of estranged moral support husband for the duration of the trip.

  Calla must have noticed the doubt flooding Vanessa because she added, “You’re the one who snagged Marie in the first place, remember?” Calla squeezed the sides of Vanessa’s arms. “You’re going to be fine. This is basically in the bag. She just wants to see the line, on you, and then you’ll sign the contract. It should be fairly straightforward.”

  Vanessa nodded vehemently. “Okay. Yeah. Fairly straightforward.”

  “Piece of cake,” Calla added.

  “The biggest, most decadent piece of cake,” Vanessa affirmed.

  Calla giggled, tapping Vanessa’s nose. “Perfect. So you’re leaving tomorrow.”

  Vanessa’s life turned into a blur as she started hyper-prepping for the last-minute schedule change. She packed her bags, unpacked them, then re-packed them with the same things. She planned for nearly fifteen outfits, though she’d only be in Switzerland for two days. It was physically impossible to wear them all. She just needed to be prepared.

  Because she wasn’t going to screw this up. Calla depended on her. The whole tribe was depending on her. And since Amad’s confession the other day, she now knew the entirety of the country depended on her.

  Well, she wasn’t about to let them down. She spent the whole of her private flight with a permanent smile on her face, one single thought rolling through her head on repeat: How did I make it here? A business woman in her own right, on her way to Switzerland to show off the new maternity line she helped conceive. All while pregnant. And with killer style.

  The meeting was set for first thing the following morning. The night before, she’d sent Amad a single kissy face emoji. An olive branch. After so much time without hearing from him, she had no idea what to expect. She was cycling through uncertainty and despair and hopefulness by the minute. He’d written back with a heart emoji.

  It was something, at least.

  Still, throughout the past several days of being on her own and getting lost in the business side of things, she’d had plenty of time for her mind to run rampant in the background. She’d been able to pinpoint what it was that bothered her the most. What it was that she needed.

  And the revelation was a little bit unsettling.

  After an entire adulthood lived expecting the worst of men, of believing that she’d really just end up alone no matter what happened, she realized she was ready to really try a relationship. This relationship, if Amad still wanted it.

  She was ready to let go of thinking the worst, of believing it to be temporary. She was ready to have her life partner. A man who would grow with her, support her, and share life with her.

  It was maybe backwards that this realization occurred after the marriage. But she was okay with her life being a little unconventional.

  She wanted her equal in life and in marriage. Amad was definitely equal, but it would only work if he let her in on that level.

  Vanessa wouldn’t accept less. Not now. Not when she’d finally found her footing in a business sense, with a baby on the way. She had goals and aspirations and dreams. Not just for herself, but for the baby growing inside her. There was no time to waste. And she wouldn’t waste her life by staying small or fearful or meek.

  Once she landed in Switzerland, she was swept along a carefully curated path, arranged in advance by The Powers That Plan: a chauffer waiting for her at the private airstrip; a dinner at her lavish hotel; and a surprise massage in the hotel room, delivered by a dainty woman with surprisingly strong hands.

  When the morning of the meeting came, Vanessa was regretting coming alone. She should have insisted that Calla make the trip or that they send someone along with her. A car picked her up at nine thirty on the dot, and she spent the entire ride checking the time on her phone, multiple times per minute even, and adjusting her position in the back seat, as though the perfect posture would somehow help her nerves.

  She had with her a big suitcase of the clothing that she’d be showing off. The headquarters for Le Suiz was an unassuming brick building, tucked between the medieval-looking architecture of downtown Bern. The city was breathtaking—another moment that made her think How on earth did I get here?—and she made a note to compliment Marie on her choice of headquarters.

  Inside, a polite receptionist directed her to the proper hallway and a short flight of stairs. Marie greeted her at the top, a big smile brightening her warm face.

  “You’re here! Good morning!” Marie welcomed her into a spacious office, where the walls were full of clothing sketches and fashion show snapshots. As they settled into their seats, Marie winked. “I think I can finally tell that you’re pregnant.”

  Vanessa laughed, smoothing her palms over the growing bump. “Now I might finally do justice to the clothing!”

  They talked business for a little bit, and then Marie was ready to see the product. She led Vanessa into an adjoining room, which seemed specifically made for these types of impromptu fashion shows. A dressing room was tucked into the corner, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors backed the end of a small runway. Vanessa hurried toward the dressing room.

  “Take your time getting changed. My partners are on their way; they’ll be viewing the outfits as well. Have you heard from your colleague?”

  Vanessa lifted a brow, pausing in her walk. “Uh…colleague?”

  “One moment.” Marie hurried back to her office as the phone rang. “Perhaps that’s him.”

  Vanessa paused, unsure who she was talking about. Probably Calla. Her English wasn’t perfect. There was really no other person involved with this.

  She ignored it and went into the dressing room, hanging up the series of eight outfits she’d be showcasing to Marie. She checked her hair and makeup—everything fine—and then peeled herself out of her conservative business wear.

  When she was one foot into a swishy formal jumpsuit, one of the pet projects for her and Calla, footsteps approached the dressing room. And then a soft rap-rap-rap against the door.

  “Yes?” she asked.

  “Your colleague is here,” said a very familiar, very male voice. She froze halfway, perched on one leg, her voice drying in her throat.

  “Colleague?” was all she could force out.

  “Yes. And husband…and lover…and baby daddy,” he went on. She could hear the smile in his voice. “May I come in?”

  She couldn’t even speak. Why was Amad here?

  “I understand if you don’t want to let me in,” he said. There was a soft thud against the door—like maybe he’d tapped his forehead against it. “I wouldn’t let me in. But please do let me in. You need help, you know? With the zippers.”

  The sound of his voice sent emotion snowballing through her. She clamped a hand over her mouth to silence the sob that threatened to spill out. And yes, the tears were filling her eyes now. Why was she so emotional over his surprise appearance? She tugged open the door, the jumpsuit abandoned at her feet.

  Amad wilted visibly at the sight of her, tenderness creasing his face. “Babe.”

  “Oh, Amad,” she whispered with a thick throat, and he swept into the dressing room, his sturdy arms encircling her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, grateful for the solidness of him, the musk-and-mahogany scent of him, the way that he could fill her with so much bliss and reassurance just from the way his body fit against hers.

  The past five days without him at her side had been hell.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, a few tears spilling out.

  “I came to support you. To zip your zippers.” He tutted, swiping his thumb against your cheek. “Don’t cry. You look so beautiful. You’re going to do an amazing job.”

  “But—” she began.

  “I’m not here to step on your deal,” he said. “I promise. Marie only knows me as your colleague.”

  “But I called to add you to the list—” she started.

  “I never tried calling her again. Babe, this has been your thing from the start.”

  The sincerity in his eyes nearly split her in two. So many questions filled her, dying to spill out. But the only thing that could cross her lips was, “Why?”

  Amad cupped her face in his hands. He brushed a soft kiss over her lips, and then he said, “I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I’ve never…done this before. Shared my space with a woman.” He drew a breath, perhaps prepping himself for what came next. “But if there’s anyone I want to try with, it’s you. Because I love you, Vanessa. And I can’t live without you.”

  More tears spilled onto her cheeks, and she clutched at his arms. “I love you too, Amad. I want to try. I know it might be new for you, but it’s new for me too. I’m going to be more honest going forward. And I know we’re going to—”

  “Vanessa!” Marie’s sonorous voice filled the room. “Almost ready?”

  “Fuck,” Vanessa said quietly while Amad laughed. She cleared her throat, then said loudly, “Almost, Marie!”

  “No more talking for now. Just the bullet points. I love you, you’re going to kill it, and I’m going to spend so much money on dinner later tonight to start making this up to you.”

  She laughed, swatting at him before she tugged up her jumpsuit. “Come on, help me out. I need to go be a model real quick.”

  “Just call on your trusted zipper boy,” Amad cracked, helping her slide her arms into the shifting material of the jumpsuit.

  “You’re my zipper boy?” she asked, another swell of emotion threatening to take over.

  “Oh, yes. Your zipper boy and so much more.”

  The two of them laughed before sharing what had to be the sweetest, most tender kiss of Vanessa’s life.

  Epilogue

  ONE YEAR LATER

  “Are you ready, little Tati?” Amad cooed to his daughter as he strolled down the halls of the palace. “Mommy’s almost here!”

  Vanessa was set to arrive any moment now, and he wanted them to be the first people she saw.

  Tatiana gurgled. She’d celebrated her five-month birthday while Vanessa had been on her business trip. He wasn’t sure who it pained more—him or Vanessa.

  The two of them had fallen head over heels in love with this little peanut. Tatiana ruled their lives. Amad even brought her to business meetings in the baby carrier, where she’d nap against his chest as he met with the tribal leaders.

  He was the first man in all of Amatbahn history to do such a thing…and he liked the distinction.

  Even his ultra-progressive brother Fatim probably wouldn’t do that with his baby.

  Ever since he and Vanessa had taken those terrible five days of solitude, he’d spent each day trying to show her just how big of a man he could be. But now, his definition was more refined than before. Now, it included conferring about business roadblocks and inspiration. Coming to her for suggestions and ideas. Treating her with the respect that she’d deserved from the beginning.

  Not to say that she didn’t want some of the luxury that he could offer her. He still made sure she went for luxurious spa days and that she received the occasional decadent gift. Even she wouldn’t deny him that.

  Heels clicked down the smooth palace floor. Amad gasped, looking at Tati.

  “You hear that, baby girl? Let’s go see if that’s Mommy!”

  He shifted arms so she could see out ahead of them. She was holding her head up like a pro these days, and her wide, brown eyes skated around, taking everything in. He’d selected a ruffled dress for Vanessa’s arrival—a prototype of a new western-inspired line that Vanessa was working on with Calla, strictly for little girls.

  “Tati? Amad?” Vanessa’s voice rang out through the hallway, and then her footsteps clicked faster. She rounded the corner and gasped, holding out her arms as she hurried toward the two of them. Her chestnut brown hair was swept back into a professional bun, her plump lips painted vixen red. Amad’s heart skipped a beat as he beheld her. Only four days apart and it had felt closer to four years.

  He didn’t like much separation anymore. Not since the Terrible Five Days.

  “There’s Mommy!” Amad used Tati’s hand to wave, and their baby girl let out a shriek.

  Amad held out his arm to receive Vanessa as she rushed toward them. And then she was against him, the scent of her hair a welcome relief as she showered kisses across Tati’s face. Then she tipped her head back, and Amad captured her lips in a long, sweet kiss.

  “I’ve been waiting to do that for four days,” he said softly, swiping his thumb over her chin. She grinned up at him, that haze of adoration a sight he’d never tire of. “How was your visit with Marie?”

  “Great. She loves the new additions to the line and has signed on for another season with the tribe.” She clucked her tongue, swaying back and forth with her arms wrapped around his waist.

  “Nailed it,” he said, stroking her silky hair. “My beautiful, sexy-as-hell, businesswoman wife.”

  Vanessa hummed with happiness. “Marie joked that I’d need to get pregnant again to model the newest options,” she said.

  “Well?” Amad hoisted Tati higher in his arms. “Should I call the nanny so we can have a little private time?”

  Vanessa laughed like she thought it was a joke, but it died quickly. “Actually, yes. Not to make another baby, though. Just to practice.”

  He grinned, liking the sound of that. “I love practicing.”

  “I love you,” she said, pushing up onto her tiptoes.

  He’d never tire of hearing those words. Or of having his two favorite people under the same roof. “I love you more,” he whispered before pressing a kiss to her lips.

  Every last bit of this life was perfect for him. And he couldn’t imagine having it any other way.

  End of The Sheikh’s Instant Family

  The Safar Sheikhs Series Book Two

  The Sheikh’s Wife Arrangement, 15 August 2019

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  The Sheikh’s Instant Family, 22 August 2019

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  The Sheikh’s Sham Engagement, 29 August 2019

  PS: Do you love hot blooded Sheikhs? Then keep reading for exclusive extracts from The Sheikh’s Sham Engagement and The Sheikh’s Pregnant Lover.

  Thank you!

  Thank you so much for purchasing my book. It’s hard for me to put into words how much I appreciate my readers. If you enjoyed this book, please remember to leave a review. Reviews are crucial for an author’s success and I would greatly appreciate it if you took the time to review the book. I love hearing from you!

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  About Leslie

  Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women's contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres.

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  BLURB

  Nassar Safar isn’t what you’d call a long-term man. Over the last few years he’s been raising funds for an education initiative for his Tribe, and while he’s still focused on that, he’s also been playing the field, trying to outrun the memory of the woman who left him. She chose her love for her sister over her love for him. It’s a wound that still haunts Nassar, even while he continues the education project that had been their shared dream.

  Willow Everstone left the only man she’d ever loved after he’d given her an ultimatum: stay with him, or leave to care for her cancer-ridden sister and let him go. It was the hardest decision she ever had to make, and in the end she lost her chance at a future with the love of her life. Now, with her sister in remission, Willow is ready to follow her dream of bringing education to all parts of the world. Her first project? A newly minted international initiative...in Nassar’s country.

  Neither Nassar nor Willow are happy having to work together to create the Tribe’s new school. But when a visa issue almost kicks Willow out of the country—leaving her education initiative in limbo—Nassar offers an unconventional solution: a fake engagement.