Bought For One Night: The Sheikh's Offer Read online

Page 6

FIVE

  After snatching a couple of hours of fitful sleep, I woke before my alarm and looked to my walk-in wardrobe. Since the job was a straight twenty-four hours, I figured I had better pack for several eventualities. I pulled out a mid-sized suitcase and rolled up my pajamas, several outfits, a jacket, and an array of shoes and accessories. In a garment bag, I tucked two evening dresses—one more modest than the other, as I had no idea what to expect when it came to customs in Al-Dali. Finally, I packed up my makeup and hair supplies, along with a novel I had been trying to finish for three months. One of the crew from my last film had recommended it, but my concentration had been lacking lately with all the stress. Maybe I’d get time to finish it on the trip.

  Since I knew Al-Dali was a desert country, I opted for an outfit of light, flowing red cloth draped over a romper of the same color, with broad straps and shorts that extended down to my knees. The sheer drapery added modesty without adding weight or heat; paired with nude heels, the outfit would be perfect for summer. I leaned into the old-school Hollywood look by painting my lips red and digging out one of my wide-brim wicker hats to protect me from the sun.

  Zipping up my suitcases, I was surprised by the buzzer to my front gates ringing. I hurried through the house, my bare feet cold on the hardwood floors, to answer the call. The video display on the security system showed a limo driver waiting patiently in his idling vehicle.

  Man, that was fast, I thought as I pressed the speaker button and let him into the grounds, promising I was nearly finished packing. He politely told me to take my time.

  After throwing my luggage by the door and pulling on my shoes, I made a quick round to check doors and windows, water my plants, and ensure I hadn't left anything undone. It was only a twenty-four-hour trip, but when the trip was taking me halfway around the world, anything could go wrong and keep me away for longer. More than once, I had come home from a production that ran too long to a house full of dead plants, their poor brown leaves littering the floor. It wasn't the best welcome home.

  The limo driver moved to take my bags as soon as he saw the front door opening. He greeted me with a bow and introduced himself as Terry, handing me a card. I recognized the company he worked for, a local rental service that the Sheikh must have called to hire. He was professional and polite, but had that glow in his eyes that betrayed he was a fan that wanted desperately to gush about it all over me. Hollywood protocol tended to frown on that kind of behavior when it came from staff that had access to celebrity homes and lives, but there was no hiding the emotions.

  About halfway through the drive to the airport, Terry’s professional composure finally broke. “I loved you in Undertow,” he said without turning his head to face the back.

  I smiled and nodded, fiddling with my sunhat in my lap. “I liked that one, too. Thank you, Terry.”

  “I haven't seen you in much lately.”

  Thanks for the reminder, I thought to myself. “I've been taking a little hiatus,” I replied confidently. “Needed a vacation from the rat race.”

  “I can understand that,” replied Terry as he took a right off the freeway. The airport was in the opposite direction.

  “Where are we going?” I asked curiously, looking out the window.

  “Reynolds Airfield,” Terry said matter-of-factly.

  I frowned, only vaguely aware of its existence. “Oh? Not LAX?”

  “My instructions were to take you to Reynolds,” shrugged Terry. “It's my understanding a private jet will be waiting for you. This is a bit of an exclusive airfield.”

  I had friends with private jets, but none of them had ever used this airfield. I was suddenly more intrigued, and sat back to enjoy the unfamiliar drive until we arrived at the tiny airfield with a hangar only ten planes deep.

  We idled for a moment at the gates as we were identified by an intimidating man at an equally-intimidating security booth. He told Terry my transport was ready and waiting, and directed him to our destination. An imposing steel arm lifted, opening the driveway to us, and Terry guided the limo inside and across the open concrete.

  We stopped in front of a gorgeous red-and-white jet glistening on the tarmac, stairway lowered. Two staff members were waiting with bright smiles at its base, wind whipping at their hair. Terry immediately hopped out of the car to open my door for me. I slipped on my sunglasses and hat and watched him head for the trunk for my bags.

  “Miss Wood?” came a voice. One of the flight attendants, a beautiful young woman with dark hair and olive skin, approached with an outstretched hand. “My name is Nareem. I'll be taking care of you today, along with my associate, Raj.” She gestured to the other attendant, who bowed and smiled. “Was your drive pleasant?”

  “It was fine, thank you.” I nodded, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you both.”

  “Wonderful. Please, follow me, and we’ll get you comfortable before take-off.”

  Nareem led me up the stairs and into the plushest private jet I had ever been on, and that was saying a lot. I had traveled with movie executives, A-list celebs and even a few tech moguls who liked to feel cool and connected. The Sheikh's plane blew them all away. Every detail was personalized, and the interior was decorated with what I could only assume was the art style of his country, with sweeping calligraphy and patterns interspersed with imagery of people and animals and plants. The upholstery was beautiful white leather. There were four chairs arranged around a polished table for business purposes, several recliner-style chairs near the windows, and even a lounge area against one side of the main cabin with a couch and coffee table.

  Nareem led me to the rear of the plane and showed me a cozy cabin complete with a queen-sized bed with plush white bedding that matched the upholstery. A tiny chandelier dangled above the bed, its crystals quivering with the rumbling of the engine.

  “Per the instructions of His Highness, you are free to use the cabin as you wish,” said Nareem with a smile. “Make yourself at home. Your luggage will be stored in the main cabin should you need it. We have a menu for you to select your drinks and meals. You need only let me know when and what you would like to eat, and it would be my pleasure to serve you.”

  I might have been a movie star for years but even I was struggling not to be blown away by this level of treatment. I had never had the option of comfortably sleeping my way on a flight around the world with gourmet meals at my beck and call.

  “Thank you, Nareem... This is all so generous.”

  “The Sheikh is a generous man,” she said, her eyes glowing.

  Curious, I prodded further. “Do you work for him year-round, or did he hire you solely for this job?”

  She nodded gently. “We are the Shekih's full-time flight staff for this jet. He insisted we show you the same treatment as we would him. He wants you to be as comfortable as possible.”

  I wanted to be happy and flattered by the news, but I cut my teeth in Hollywood, and I knew that this kind of hospitality rarely came without a quid-pro-quo.

  Conscious that that wasn't Nareem's burden to bear, I flashed my best smile. “I don't think he has to worry about that. I might just sell my place and move in here instead, it's so comfortable.”

  Nareem laughed, her cheeks flushing a pretty red as she did. “Make yourself comfortable, Miss Wood. I'm going to check that preparations for takeoff are moving smoothly. We should be departing in a matter of minutes.”

 

    The Billionaire's First Christmas - A Sweet Christmas Romance Read onlineThe Billionaire's First Christmas - A Sweet Christmas RomanceThe Tycoon's Baby Read onlineThe Tycoon's BabyThe Sheikh's Twin Baby Surprise Read onlineThe Sheikh's Twin Baby SurpriseThe Billionaire's Obsession Read onlineThe Billionaire's ObsessionHis Indecent Proposal Read onlineHis Indecent ProposalThe Billionaire Deception Read onlineThe Billionaire DeceptionThe Billionaire's Romance Read onlineThe Billionaire's RomanceMarrying The Sheikh Read onlineMarrying The SheikhHis Hired Bride Read onlineHis Hired BrideThe Sheikh's Irresistible Proposal Read onlineThe Sheikh's Irresistible ProposalThe Sheikh's Green Card Bride Read onlineThe Sheikh's Green Card BrideThe Sheikh's Triplet Baby Surprise Read onlineThe Sheikh's Triplet Baby SurpriseThe Sheikh's Secret Princess Read onlineThe Sheikh's Secret PrincessThe Sheikh's Accidental Bride Read onlineThe Sheikh's Accidental BrideThe Billionaire's Promise Read onlineThe Billionaire's PromiseThe Billionaire's Wife Read onlineThe Billionaire's WifeThe Sheikh's Captive Woman Read onlineThe Sheikh's Captive WomanThe Sheikh's Secret Love Child Read onlineThe Sheikh's Secret Love ChildThe Tycoon's Love Read onlineThe Tycoon's LoveBought For One Night: The Sheikh's Offer Read onlineBought For One Night: The Sheikh's OfferThe Sheikh's Purchased Bride Read onlineThe Sheikh's Purchased BrideWifed By The Sheikh Read onlineWifed By The SheikhFated Lovers Read onlineFated LoversThe Sheikh's Tempted Protectress Read onlineThe Sheikh's Tempted ProtectressThe Sheikh's Quadruplet Baby Surprise Read onlineThe Sheikh's Quadruplet Baby SurpriseStolen: Business or Pleasure Read onlineStolen: Business or PleasureForever His Read onlineForever HisThe Billionaire's Forgiveness Read onlineThe Billionaire's ForgivenessStolen: Meant To Be Read onlineStolen: Meant To BeStealing From The Sheikh Read onlineStealing From The SheikhThe Sheikh's Tempted Prisoner (All He Desires Book 4) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Tempted Prisoner (All He Desires Book 4)Playboy Prince, Single Dad (Love Is Priceless Book 4) Read onlinePlayboy Prince, Single Dad (Love Is Priceless Book 4)The Cowboy's All-Business Bride (Billionaire Cowboys Book 5) Read onlineThe Cowboy's All-Business Bride (Billionaire Cowboys Book 5)The Sheikh's Forbidden Tryst - A Sheikh Romance (Princes of the Middle East Book 2) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Forbidden Tryst - A Sheikh Romance (Princes of the Middle East Book 2)The Single Dad's New Twins (Billionaire Cowboy Romance) Read onlineThe Single Dad's New Twins (Billionaire Cowboy Romance)The Billionaire's Convenient Bride (Billionaire Cowboys Book 3) Read onlineThe Billionaire's Convenient Bride (Billionaire Cowboys Book 3)Her Accidental Prince - A Married by Mistake Romance Read onlineHer Accidental Prince - A Married by Mistake RomanceSingle Mom And The Sheikh (Princes of the Middle East Book 3) Read onlineSingle Mom And The Sheikh (Princes of the Middle East Book 3)Ravishing Royals Box Set: Books 1 - 5 Read onlineRavishing Royals Box Set: Books 1 - 5The Cowboy's Baby Surprise - A Billionaire Romance (Billionaire Cowboys Book 2) Read onlineThe Cowboy's Baby Surprise - A Billionaire Romance (Billionaire Cowboys Book 2)Most Eligible Single Dad - A Billionaire's Secret Baby Romance (Love Is Priceless Book 2) Read onlineMost Eligible Single Dad - A Billionaire's Secret Baby Romance (Love Is Priceless Book 2)The Sheikh's Priceless Baby Read onlineThe Sheikh's Priceless BabyMarried By Mistake (Billionaires of Europe Book 7) Read onlineMarried By Mistake (Billionaires of Europe Book 7)Million Dollar Christmas Bride - A Billionaire Romance Read onlineMillion Dollar Christmas Bride - A Billionaire RomanceAccidental Billionaire Daddy Read onlineAccidental Billionaire DaddyThe Billionaire's First Christmas Read onlineThe Billionaire's First ChristmasThe Baby Pact (Babies and Billions Book 5) Read onlineThe Baby Pact (Babies and Billions Book 5)The Sheikh's Must-Have Baby Read onlineThe Sheikh's Must-Have BabyDr. Single Dad - A British Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 6) Read onlineDr. Single Dad - A British Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 6)First Time Lucky (Billionaires of Europe Book 5) Read onlineFirst Time Lucky (Billionaires of Europe Book 5)Wifed By The Sheikh (All He Desires Book 3) Read onlineWifed By The Sheikh (All He Desires Book 3)Bought By The Sheikh Next Door Read onlineBought By The Sheikh Next DoorFake Fiancée, Bride Forever Read onlineFake Fiancée, Bride ForeverAuctioned To The Sheikh (All He Desires Book 5) Read onlineAuctioned To The Sheikh (All He Desires Book 5)The Sheikh’s American Love - A Box Set Read onlineThe Sheikh’s American Love - A Box SetThe Greek's Green Card Bride - A Billionaire Romance Read onlineThe Greek's Green Card Bride - A Billionaire RomanceThe Billionaire's First Christmas - Contemporary Romance Read onlineThe Billionaire's First Christmas - Contemporary RomanceFake Bride Wanted - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 1) Read onlineFake Bride Wanted - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 1)Wanted By The Billionaire Cowboy - A Second Chance Romance (Billionaire Cowboys Book 6) Read onlineWanted By The Billionaire Cowboy - A Second Chance Romance (Billionaire Cowboys Book 6)His Royal Twins (Wedded to the Sheikh Book 4) Read onlineHis Royal Twins (Wedded to the Sheikh Book 4)Christmas Treats Box Set: Books 1 - 4 Read onlineChristmas Treats Box Set: Books 1 - 4Stolen: The Billionaire Deception Read onlineStolen: The Billionaire DeceptionFake Fiancée, Bride Forever (Billionaires of Europe Book 8) Read onlineFake Fiancée, Bride Forever (Billionaires of Europe Book 8)The Tycoon's Temporary Twins Read onlineThe Tycoon's Temporary TwinsSold To The Sheikh Bidder (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 4) Read onlineSold To The Sheikh Bidder (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 4)His Beloved Bride (Wedded to the Sheikh Book 3) Read onlineHis Beloved Bride (Wedded to the Sheikh Book 3)The Sheikh's Bought Ballerina (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 6) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Bought Ballerina (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 6)The Sheikh's Small Town Baby (Small Town Sheikhs Book 1) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Small Town Baby (Small Town Sheikhs Book 1)The Sheikh's ASAP Bride Read onlineThe Sheikh's ASAP BrideThe Sheikh's Bride Bet Read onlineThe Sheikh's Bride BetSold To The Sheikh: His Indecent Proposal (An Interracial Sheikh Romance Novel) Read onlineSold To The Sheikh: His Indecent Proposal (An Interracial Sheikh Romance Novel)The Sheikh's American Baby (The Sheikh's Every Wish Book 5) Read onlineThe Sheikh's American Baby (The Sheikh's Every Wish Book 5)The Sheikh's Virgin Bride - A Sweet Bought By The Sheikh Romance Read onlineThe Sheikh's Virgin Bride - A Sweet Bought By The Sheikh RomanceSeduced By The Sheikh Doctor - A Small Town Doctor Romance Read onlineSeduced By The Sheikh Doctor - A Small Town Doctor RomanceServant To The Sheikh Read onlineServant To The SheikhThe Sheikh And The Cowgirl Read onlineThe Sheikh And The CowgirlThe Sheikh's Stolen Lover - A Second Chance Sweet Romance (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 5) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Stolen Lover - A Second Chance Sweet Romance (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 5)The Prince's ASAP Baby Read onlineThe Prince's ASAP BabyAn Heir for Alexandros: The Greek Billionaire's Baby Read onlineAn Heir for Alexandros: The Greek Billionaire's BabyBought And Paid For: The Sheikh's Kidnapped Lover Read onlineBought And Paid For: The Sheikh's Kidnapped LoverThe Billionaire's Promise (An Heir At Any Price Book 3) Read onlineThe Billionaire's Promise (An Heir At Any Price Book 3)Sold To The Sheikh Bidder Read onlineSold To The Sheikh BidderThe Sheikh’s Second Chance Lover Read onlineThe Sheikh’s Second Chance LoverThe Sheikh's Baby Bet Read onlineThe Sheikh's Baby BetSold To The Sheikh: Fated Lovers (Book Two) - Sheikh Romance Read onlineSold To The Sheikh: Fated Lovers (Book Two) - Sheikh RomanceHis Bought Fiancée (Wedded to the Sheikh Book 1) Read onlineHis Bought Fiancée (Wedded to the Sheikh Book 1)The Greek Billionaire's Marriage Matchmaker Read onlineThe Greek Billionaire's Marriage MatchmakerBig Greek Baby Secret Read onlineBig Greek Baby SecretThe Prince's Triplet Baby Surprise - A Multiple Baby Royal Romance Read onlineThe Prince's Triplet Baby Surprise - A Multiple Baby Royal RomanceSeduced By The Sheikh Doctor - A Small Town Doctor Romance (Small Town Sheikhs Book 2) Read onlineSeduced By The Sheikh Doctor - A Small Town Doctor Romance (Small Town Sheikhs Book 2)Fake Bride Wanted Read onlineFake Bride WantedThe Sheikh's Scandal Read onlineThe Sheikh's ScandalThe Sheikh's Contract Bride Read onlineThe Sheikh's Contract BrideThe Sheikh's Quadruplet Baby Surprise (The Sheikh's Baby Surprise Book 4) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Quadruplet Baby Surprise (The Sheikh's Baby Surprise Book 4)Greek Passions - A Greek Billionaire Box Set Read onlineGreek Passions - A Greek Billionaire Box SetThe Sheikh's Surrogate Bride Read onlineThe Sheikh's Surrogate BrideSheikh Obsessions - A Sheikh Romance Box Set Read onlineSheikh Obsessions - A Sheikh Romance Box SetStolen: Business or Pleasure (Contemporary Billionaire Romance) Read onlineStolen: Business or Pleasure (Contemporary Billionaire Romance)The Billionaire's Christmas Bundle Of Joy - A Secret Baby Romance Read onlineThe Billionaire's Christmas Bundle Of Joy - A Secret Baby RomanceSeduced By The Sheikh Doctor_A Small Town Doctor Romance Read onlineSeduced By The Sheikh Doctor_A Small Town Doctor RomanceThe Sheikh's Borrowed Baby (More Than He Bargained For Book 7) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Borrowed Baby (More Than He Bargained For Book 7)The Sheikh's Small Town Baby Read onlineThe Sheikh's Small Town BabyThe Sheikh's Online Bride - A Modern Mail Order Romance Read onlineThe Sheikh's Online Bride - A Modern Mail Order RomanceThe Tycoon's Triplet Baby Surprise Read onlineThe Tycoon's Triplet Baby SurpriseThe Sheikh's ASAP Baby Read onlineThe Sheikh's ASAP BabyThe Sheikh's Bride Bargain (You Can't Turn Down a Sheikh Book 4) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Bride Bargain (You Can't Turn Down a Sheikh Book 4)The Sheikh's Sextuplet Baby Surprise Read onlineThe Sheikh's Sextuplet Baby SurpriseThe Sheikh's Tempted Prisoner Read onlineThe Sheikh's Tempted PrisonerThe Sheikh's Stolen Bride-To-Be Read onlineThe Sheikh's Stolen Bride-To-BeThe Sheikh's Surrogate Bride - A Sheikh Buys a Baby Romance Read onlineThe Sheikh's Surrogate Bride - A Sheikh Buys a Baby RomanceThe Sheikh's Priceless Bride Read onlineThe Sheikh's Priceless BrideThe Sheikh's Borrowed Baby Read onlineThe Sheikh's Borrowed BabyThe Sheikh's Secret Love Child (The Sheikh's Baby Surprise Book 2) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Secret Love Child (The Sheikh's Baby Surprise Book 2)His For A Price - A Bought by the Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 4) Read onlineHis For A Price - A Bought by the Billionaire Romance (Billionaires of Europe Book 4)Secret Triplets Read onlineSecret TripletsThe Billionaire's Lessons in Christmas Read onlineThe Billionaire's Lessons in ChristmasBought By The Sheikh Single Dad_A Sweet Sheikh Romance Read onlineBought By The Sheikh Single Dad_A Sweet Sheikh RomanceThe Sheikh's ASAP Bride - A Sheikh Buys a Bride Romance (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 3) Read onlineThe Sheikh's ASAP Bride - A Sheikh Buys a Bride Romance (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 3)The Sheikh's Tempted Protectress (The Sheikh's Every Wish Book 4) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Tempted Protectress (The Sheikh's Every Wish Book 4)The Sheikh's Priceless Bride (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 1) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Priceless Bride (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 1)The Sheikh's Scheming Sweetheart Read onlineThe Sheikh's Scheming SweetheartBought And Paid For: The Tycoon's Sheikha Bride Read onlineBought And Paid For: The Tycoon's Sheikha BrideThe Sheikh's Secret Child - A Single Dad Romance (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 7) Read onlineThe Sheikh's Secret Child - A Single Dad Romance (The Sheikh's New Bride Book 7)The Sheikh's Quintuplet Baby Surprise Read onlineThe Sheikh's Quintuplet Baby SurpriseThe Prince's Scandalous Baby Read onlineThe Prince's Scandalous BabyFake Bride Wanted_A Second Chance Billionaire Romance Read onlineFake Bride Wanted_A Second Chance Billionaire RomanceThe Prince's Secret Baby (A Baby for the Prince Book 1) Read onlineThe Prince's Secret Baby (A Baby for the Prince Book 1)