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He was grudgingly impressed by her steadfast calmness. Unflappability was a trait he needed to be surrounded by. “I am here on a private matter. I require you to shield me from any speculation or interest.”
“I see,” she nodded, and though there were many gaps in his request, she understood his essential, underlying requirement.
His eyes narrowed further, and he took a step closer, as if he was trying to understand something about her that she couldn’t put into words.
“You have a confidentiality agreement?”
“Yes, of course. By engaging the agency, you are covered by that.”
“Excellent.” He waved a hand towards one of the seats.
Olivia moved with an economy of movement and settled on the edge of it.
“I will expect complete discretion. I do not want my name to be mentioned by you. It is not only my movements that must be protected.” He paused, as though he was weighing up his words. “I will be your most demanding client.” He strode to the seat opposite but he didn’t sit down. Instead, he thrust his hands onto his hips and stared beyond her, to the sparkling view of Vegas. Olivia felt at an immediate disadvantage, and wished she hadn’t sat.
“How can you be sure?” She said, trying to smooth the droll sarcasm from her voice and failing.
He shifted his gaze to her. “I have been raised to expect those in my employ to work almost slavishly for me. While I appreciate this is not your culture, I expect it while I am here.”
Olivia cracked her mouth open and made a small noise of amusement. “You’re right,” she said with a small nod. “Being slavishly devoted to anyone isn’t my caper.” She tilted her head to one side to study him thoughtfully. “But I am a perfectionist, and anticipating my clients’ needs has sort of become a matter of personal pride.”
He continued as though she hadn’t spoken. “There is a hotel room downstairs, with my staff. It is for your use.”
“That’s not necessary,” she demurred instantly. “I have an apartment that’s very central.”
His eyes bore into hers. “It is a pre-requisite. You will be called upon at all hours of the day. There will be high expectations and little rest. In return, you will be more handsomely remunerated than you have been in your life.”
“My salary is excellent.”
“Perhaps you feel that now, but the arrangement I have come to with your agency is far in excess of what you are used to receiving.”
It was on the tip of Olivia’s tongue to ask just how he knew what her salary was when she realised that this man, this powerful Sheikh Zamir Fayez, probably knew everything about her.
“How far in excess?” She pushed, curiosity getting the better of her.
“I am willing to pay your agency forty thousand dollars per week.”
“Forty … thousand …” She banked her eyes closed with a sense of bewilderment.
He dipped his head forward. “I am in Las Vegas on a matter of extreme personal importance. It is vital that my privacy is protected at this time. You are to arrange it for me.”
“I see.” She nodded. “How?”
His smile now was forced. “That is your job to work out, Miss Henderson.”
She swallowed. “Of course, sir.”
“You will report to my valet. His name is Marook. He has worked for me since I was a teenager. I trust him implicitly.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You may contact him with any questions.”
“And you will contact me through him?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I will contact you directly if I require your services.”
“Very well.” She stood, pleased to be able to bring herself closer to his eye-level. Though he was still a fair measure taller than she was, it was less of a disadvantage.
