AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And yet you’re still here.”
She nodded. “Liam had some...personal stuff come up.”
If he and his brothers wanted to talk about their sister’s car accident that was up to them, not her.
Korian cocked a dark brow. “And he didn’t insist you stay by his side? Interesting.”
She ignored a sharp flare of annoyance. Being a sheikh he was probably used to people bowing and scraping to him. He wouldn’t be getting that from her. “I’m not sure how things work in your country, Sheikh Korian, but over here we value our freedom. I chose to be alone and Liam respected that decision.”
That he’d probably also been hurt by it was her burden to carry.
The sheikh laughed. “My, oh my, you really are refreshing. I can see why Liam bid so high on you. My only regret now is that I didn’t double his offer.”
She lifted her chin. “I’m sure my charity would have appreciated that very much.”
“But not you so much?”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to, Harper. Not everyone is as fortunate as me. I have enough funds to keep me going for many lifetimes.”
“I’m glad you realize how blessed you are.”
“Indeed.” He lifted a hand that had to be heavy with all his chunky gold rings. “Perhaps that is why I enjoy sharing my wealth around.”
She lifted her cup to her lips and drank her hot coffee in a couple of big gulps. That it scalded her throat barely registered. All she could focus on was what the sheikh hinted at. “Oh?”
He plucked a napkin off the table and leaned across the table to dab at the coffee she’d left on one corner of her lip. “I have a proposition for you,” he said softly.
She leaned back, wary now. “I’m...listening.”
“You intrigued me from the start,” he conceded. “So I did a little digging.” He put his hands up at her outraged gasp. “Nothing too deep, just enough to know you’re looking for investors for your future bed and breakfast.”
“And if I am?”
“If you are...I’m willing to invest.”
Holy shit. All her dreams and aspirations were being answered! But was it all too good to be true? “What’s the catch?”
“Must there be one?” he asked.
“There’s always one.”
He clucked his tongue. “So cynical for such a young woman.”
“Being alone does that to a person.”
It was only then she realized how contrary she sounded. She wanted her freedom by being alone while berating the fact she was alone.
“I’m here, aren’t I?” He sat back. “Not that I can say the same for the youngest Black brother.” He gave her a crooked smile. “No matter how much you might enjoy your freedom, if I was him I’d never let you out of my sight.”
Korian nodded at Ned as he placed his coffee and muffin on the table in front of the sheikh. The moment he was gone, Korian returned his attention to Harper. “So tell me, are you interested in me investing in your business?”
Goose bumps sprang up on her arms. “What are you suggesting, exactly?”
“How does half-a-million dollars sound to get your property up and running within the next twelve months?”
She sucked in a breath, reeling by his generous offer. “And the catch?” she finally prompted.
