The Sheikh’s Secret Heir(11)
Frustrated, Tarek moved to the onboard bar, reached into the upper cabinet above the refrigerator and retrieved a bottle of wine that he had reserved for a special occasion. Apparently Kira did not see anything special about traveling with him. At the moment, he needed something to cut through the tension, even if it came from a glass of twenty-thousand-dollar French premier cru.
Once he returned to his seat, he found her flipping through random pages. “What are you reading?”
She paused and lifted the magazine from her lap, then set it back down. “Just something to pass the time.”
“I have never had an affinity for tabloids.”
That had earned him Kira’s undivided attention and a scornful look. “It’s not a tabloid. It features book and movie reviews and human interest stories.”
“If one is interested in reading about adultery, illegal drug use and secret pregnancies involving Hollywood stars. Of course, the secret is soon revealed when paparazzi capture photos of the expectant actresses on the beach and release them to the general public. The concept sickens me.”
She raised a thin brow. “The photos or the pregnant starlets?”
“Both, in a sense. It seems it is a rite of passage among the rich and famous to populate the world, with or without the benefit of matrimony.”
“Now I understand. You’re a traditionalist when it comes to marriage before the baby carriage.”
She did not truly understand at all, nor would she without knowing his goal. “I am a pragmatist. It is immaterial to me whether someone marries or not before giving birth. I strongly believe that one should consider the atmosphere into which they are bringing a child. In my opinion, thrusting someone so young into the spotlight could be detrimental to their well-being.”
Her gaze drifted away momentarily before she tossed the magazine back in the bag. “I suppose since everyone knows your business when you’re in the spotlight, that’s definitely a risk.”
He took a drink of the wine and set it into the holder built into the seat’s arm. “I would not wish to be placed under a microscope on a daily basis.”
“But you have no problem having your face splashed across financial publications. And yes, I’ve seen a few of those covers featuring your smiling face.”
He briefly wondered if perhaps someone in the royal family had known of his existence prior to their introduction. “Where did you come by this knowledge?”
“The internet. I did some research before you visited the palace the first time.”
“An order from the king?”
“No. I took the initiative on my own. I make a point to learn about guests of the royal family.”
He relaxed somewhat. “What else do you know about my life?”
She shrugged. “Not all that much, other than you’re in the top fifteen on the list of the wealthiest men in the world.”
“Top ten.”
“Forgive me for my ignorance. I also know that you are somewhat of a philanthropist. I read an article where you opened an orphanage in Mexico City a while back.”
A pet project he had felt compelled to complete for personal reasons. “There was a need, and I had the means to fulfill that need.”
“I’m sure the tax write-off doesn’t hurt.”
He bristled at her continual questioning of his motives. “I have global holdings in several countries with varying tax structures. I assure you that compassion, not company write-offs, drives my charitable efforts.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, sounding somewhat contrite. “I tend to be wary of men with an overabundance of money.”
“Why is that?”
“Personal reasons.”
He suspected he knew what those reasons might be. “Who was he?”
“I don’t understand what you’re asking.”
The way she shifted in her seat and looked away indicated she chose to be evasive, confirming his conjecture. “Who was the wealthy man who broke your heart?”
“What makes you think this has anything to do with a man?”
“I can sense these things.”
She sighed, then hid a yawn behind her hand. “Yes, my attitude stems from a former relationship. Actually, he was my fiancé. And if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not discuss it. I didn’t sleep well last night and I’d like to take a nap.”
He vowed to revisit the topic at a later time. “We have still have hours before we arrive in Cyprus. That should give you ample time to rest. You will find the sleeping quarters at the rear of the plane.”
“I really don’t need a bed to take a nap. I’ll be fine right here.”