Bought For One Night: The Sheikh's Offer Read Online Free

twenty minutes.”
     
    “No, no,” I interrupted. “No need, it’s not that bad. Everything’s fine. I just made a decision and wanted to get it over with.”
     
    “What’s that?”
     
    I took a deep breath. “I want you to call the Sheikh, the one from Al-Dali. Tell him I’ll accept his offer.”
     
    There was dead silence on the other end of the phone.
     
    “You…you what?”
     
    I had to laugh a little. “Call that Sheikh, the offer you brought today. I’m going to do it. I’ll take his money for one day of ‘company.’”
     
    “O-Okay,” stuttered Katherine. I heard paper and the scribbling of a pen. “I’ll call him right now. You’re sure about this?” Her voice was motherly and just a little wary.
     
    “No, not even a little,” I admitted, putting my head in my hands. “But everything I’ve done to get to where I am has been a risk. I’ve lived on next to nothing and nearly been homeless trying to get noticed out here. I’ve never been sure about anything except following my gut, and so far, things have worked out. So let’s do it. And if he tries to put that card into play, well… I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I’ve gotten myself out of creepy situations before.”
     
    “Okay, if you’re sure, honey, then you got it,” said Katherine. “I’ll call you as soon as I hear back from him.”
     
    “Thanks, you’re the best.”
     
    ***

It was less than an hour after I hung up with Katherine when my phone started vibrating against the glass coffee table. She had called the Sheikh and spoken with him directly about accepting the offer. She said he was delighted that I’d accepted, and would be sending a car the following morning to pick me up.
     
    “So soon?” I asked Katherine, surprised.
     
    “Apparently,” replied Katherine. “This guy has money to burn, I’m sure rushing this kind of thing is no big deal to him. Can you be ready in time?”
     
    “Of course, look who you’re talking to; I’ve gotten ready for the Oscars in less than three hours.”
     
    “Well get on it, girl. He’s coming for you. You let me know if you need anything , okay? If something goes wrong, or if you want to come back, just call me.”
     
    “Katherine, I’m not a child,” I groaned. “I’ll be fine. He’s not going to kidnap me.”
     
    “I just worry about you, sugar plum; you know you’re my favorite.”
     
    “Yeah, I bet you say that to all the girls,” I joked. “Thanks, I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”
     
    I hung up with my agent and stared out at the LA lights glimmering under the fog in the distance. I wondered how the lights of Al-Dali would compare.

 
    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