The Sheikh's Quadruplet Baby Surprise Read online

Page 7


  “The drug is meant to work with the body naturally. Rather than force patients to go to a lab and be inseminated in a sterile environment, they are to attempt to conceive as they would normally, with the female taking the drug a few weeks in advance.”

  Akim stared at her in that maddening, unreadable way he had. He sat back in his chair and linked his fingers as he placed his elbows on his desk. “So what you’re saying, in no uncertain terms, is that there is no way for this trial to be successful unless the child is conceived in the traditional sense.”

  Maddy felt her face go hot, and she tried to think about anything else but making love to Akim; seeing, feeling, touching, his toned, perfect body. It wasn’t working.

  “Well, we could attempt through artificial insemination, but the results would be practically useless were we to do so.”

  “You’re certain of that?”

  “Quite certain,” she replied.

  She could see how it looked. A young woman looking for some action, making up stories about the process needing to be natural. But that was the furthest thing from the truth. Maddy had purposely designed the drug to be more natural than any other fertility treatment on the market, and that meant that she would have to follow her intentions for how the product would be used with her boss.

  Akim’s pause was unnerving as Maddy tried desperately to look anywhere but his eyes. She didn’t think it would ever be possible to be more uncomfortable than she was in that moment.

  “You mentioned that the treatment is meant to begin a few weeks before conception. How many weeks, precisely?”

  It was turning into something more closely resembling a business meeting. Maddy reminded herself that that was a good thing. She was doing this for two good reasons, and she could live with herself because of that. She would be able to further her own professional career, as well as fulfil her greatest wish: to be a mother. She imagined the paper she could write: How I had my cake, and ate it too, by Madeline Palmerston.

  She nodded, daring to meet Akim’s eyes, and finding nothing discernable there. “Four to six, at the most. It would provide the best chance for the drug to take effect prior to insemination.” Maddy felt her cheeks burn redder as she thought about what those words meant.

  “I see,” Akim said, unlacing his fingers and sitting back against his chair. “In that case, why don’t you come to my place this evening? This is a very obviously awkward situation, and I would like us to get to know one another a little better before we get to that whole…process. Don’t you agree?”

  Maddy hadn’t really thought about getting to the baby…much. She’d been far more focused on the outcome. Akim made a decent point, and she couldn’t disagree with it.

  “I do,” she said, after a pause.

  “Wonderful,” Akim said, turning his chair and pulling out a business card. He grabbed a monogrammed ballpoint pen and began writing on the back of the card. “This is my address. You can take the elevator up to the top floor and I’ll buzz you in from there. I’ll let concierge know to expect you.”

  Maddy took the card from his outstretched fingers, and their fingertips brushed momentarily, sending shivers of awareness down her spine. How strange that one little touch could evoke such feeling. Still, Maddy knew, as every scientist did, that love was merely a chemical reaction caused by a series of factors—hormones, pheromones, and the like. Perhaps her unromantic view of love was also why she had been unable to find it.

  She glanced at the card, reading the address. “Isn’t this a hotel?” she asked.

  She thought she saw a ghost of a smile dance along Akim’s perfect lips, but he was all business a fraction of a second later.

  “It is. The Palmerian.”

  “That’s the best hotel in town. And you said you live on the top floor?”

  Akim shrugged. “I’m a sheikh. The title comes with certain perks.”

  “So I see.”

  “Will you come?” he asked.

  “I will. Say around eight?”

  “That would be fine.”

  Maddy sat awkwardly for a moment. He hadn’t verbally dismissed her, but it was clear that Akim was ready for the interaction to be over.

  “Well. Until then, then,” she said.

  She could have punched herself in the face at that point. Until then, then? She shook her head slightly at how fuzzy her brain went when looking at him—it seemed like when she got lost in his eyes, she lost her words as well.

  “Until then,” he replied, and this time he did smile at her.

  Not knowing what else to say, Maddy rose and showed herself out of his office, not looking back.

  ***

  Maddy couldn’t rid her mind of both the anxiety and excitement she had about the evening ahead, but luckily none of her team noticed her distraction. Every so often, a thought would pop into her mind about what it would be like to make love to Akim, and she would chase it away, only for another to reappear later. Dinner with the boss was something people did every day. But doing it in secret, lying to coworkers, and only going because they needed to get to know one another before they had sex for science? Not so much.

  When she got home, Maddy had only enough time to eat a quick meal and take a shower, quickly drying her hair before changing into a pair of jeans and a blouse. It wasn’t a date, so there wasn’t a need for her to dress up, right?

  Before she left, she pulled out the first round of Chlomerol, swallowing it with closed eyes.

  Please let this work, she thought, praying to any and every goddess of fertility she could think of.

  SEVEN

  As she entered the lobby of the Palmerian not long after, Maddy instantly felt out of place. She sensed the rich and glamourous of Elbazzar looking down their noses at her as she strolled past in her plain clothes, heading straight for the elevator. To her surprise, it actually had an attendant.

  “Good evening, miss,” the man said, nodding to her.

  “Hi,” Maddy said.

  “Can I help you?” he asked, his expression quizzical. He appeared to have no idea what she was doing there. In fact, neither did she, really.

  “I’m a guest of the Sheikh,” she said, instantly getting his attention.

  The man’s shoulders straightened a little, and he bowed again. “Of course, my apologies. The Sheikh informed us that you would be coming. Miss Palmerston, right?”

  “Correct,” she said with a sheepish smile.

  The attendant had obviously been expecting a very different kind of woman, like a debutante, or a runway model. A short blonde in jeans was not in his repertoire, further confirming speculation about Akim’s type of woman.

  It certainly wasn’t Madeline.

  This brought up a whole new series of questions about what they were about to do, and Madeline decided that she would need to have a very open and honest conversation with Akim that night. It wasn’t like they were testing weight loss supplements here. If the drug was a success, they would be creating a very alive, very human baby.

  The elevator attendant slid a key into a slot in the door before pressing the very top button. Maddy’s ears began to pop as they rose and rose into the sky, finally stopping with a muted ding. The doors pulled apart, revealing a very elaborate pair of golden doors.

  “Have a good evening, miss.”

  “Thank you,” she said, walking as though in a daze toward the gilded doors.

  What was she supposed to do, knock?

  As she stepped before the doors, Maddy noticed a small button like a doorbell or a buzzer on the side, and with a steadying breath, she pressed it firmly. Instantly the door swung open, and she stepped inside.

  The entire capital city was viewable beneath her feet, on stunning display through expansive windows. She had never been in a building so high before, and she almost felt a little nervous. Heights hadn’t ever been Maddy’s favorite, which was why she tried to get an apartment as low as she could when she moved to Elbazzar, and even that seemed a little much
at times, when the wind blew.

  The penthouse was stunning, if a little cold. The furniture was all clearly top of the line—some of it even looked as though it had historical significance—and Maddy made a mental note to be extremely careful touching anything. There was art on the walls, tastefully placed, but overall, the place seemed emotionless, vacant. There was no warmth, no sense that someone actually lived there. It was all show and no substance, and it made Maddy wonder again as to just what kind of man Akim really was.

  As if summoned by her thoughts, Akim stepped out from what looked to be the kitchen, wiping his hands on a white cloth.

  “Ah, Madeline. Welcome to my humble abode.”

  “Humble?” Maddy asked.

  Akim chuckled. It was a deep, rich sound, and Maddy found she quite liked it. “Well, if not humble, at least I have an abode, I suppose. Gratitude to the universe and all that.”

  Maddy gazed at him in wonder. “I wouldn’t have taken you for a Law of Attraction kind of person.”

  Akim shrugged. “I’ve studied religion and belief structures quite extensively over the years. There is something about the Law of Attraction that piques my interest.”

  “But you were born with everything. How can you possibly need more?”

  “Now who’s being materialistic? You believe that this is all I’ve ever desired?”

  Akim waved around the room, gesturing carelessly at all the objects within. Maddy imagined there would be many rich people who would be offended by such a dismissal of opulent beauty, and she found it quite intriguing. Just who was this man who ran her company, and what was it he wanted, more than endless riches?

  “I guess we do have a bit to learn about one another,” she said, blushing.

  It was hard not to blush in his presence. Here, in his home, Akim was dressed in comfortable slacks and a button-down shirt that was rolled up to his forearms. He was the definition of handsome, and she could feel her body reacting to him more and more every time they spoke. Akim seemed not to notice this, and he gestured back in the direction he had come.

  “You are absolutely correct. For example, did you know that I like to cook? Have you eaten?”

  Maddy lifted an eyebrow. She never would have taken Akim for a culinary artist. Not in a million years.

  “I have, but I’m always interested in trying new things.”

  “Ah, then you must come, please,” he said, holding his hand out for her to take.

  She stared at it. His hand was large and masculine, his nails perfectly rounded, his palm warm and welcoming.

  Maddy’s initial nervousness melted away at the touch of his hand, as in that moment, she glanced up at him, and he smiled. A real smile. Proof that beneath that businessman exterior there was an actual person, and he was looking at her as though she were something truly special.

  “I think you’ll like what I’ve prepared for us this evening. I figured with you being here after dinnertime that you might grab a bite in advance of coming, so I took the liberty of making us some dessert.”

 

    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)