Linda Conrad - Her Sheikh Protector

Her Sheikh Protector

Linda Conrad

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Table of Contents

Title

About the Author

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Copyright

About the Author

To Jo Ann Zimmerman, who lived one of the most romantic stories of two people meeting that I have ever read. thanks for your story! And to the amazing author and my dear friend Karen Kendall. A special thanks for solving the mystery for me. Youre the greatest!

Prologue

Rylie Hunt knew it was her own danged fault she wouldnt be on time for the presentation. Shed foolishly told her father she wasnt coming at all and then stormed off in a huff. Oh, Lordy, how would she ever make it up to him?

Finally locating a remote spot to park, she shut down the engine of her snazzy red Corvette. The parking lot of her familys newest oil-and-gas shipping facility was packed to overflowing due to the grand-opening celebration. The grand-opening celebration that her father, CEO of Hunt Drilling, had originally intended for her to officiate at as the vice president.

The mere idea of disappointing her dad gave her a sad twinge. Everyone had always said she was Daddys little girl with an attitude. But their last argument had been too bitter and had gone way too far. She and Marshall Red Hunt were too much alikeeven down to their auburn hair. They butted heads on nearly every subject. Today she was making herself crazy wild, worrying over exactly how mad her dad would be this time.

If she hadnt been late, Rylie wouldve stopped by the restaurant where she knew her mother was setting things up for the new board of directors luncheon. Her mother could give her a clue as to Daddys state of mind

and to his reactions over the rather childish way shed acted yesterday. With a wistful sigh, she prayed that her mom the peacemaker had already smoothed over this latest problem caused by Rylies big fat mouth.

But she was running late and she hadnt taken the time to find out. Shed landed her little Diamond DA42 Twin Star at Executive Airport. Then shed jumped into her car and raced toward the Houston Ship Channel, heading for the grand-opening celebration and her father. Eager to apologize, she couldnt wait to get this test of their normally loving relationship behind them.

After locking her car, she planted her feet on the hot and sticky surface of the asphalt parking lot. She jammed the keys into her jeans pocket, refusing to pay any heed to the weird vibes she was suddenly getting. Okay, maybe deep in her subconscious she knew somethingsomewherewasnt quite right.

The creepy sensation of being watched crawled down her arms, despite her attempts to shake it off. But Rylie was too late for the ceremony to pay attention. She made herself believe that the odd sensations were due only to guilt over the stupid argument with her father. Instead of looking for more trouble, she raced toward her familys new shipping facility and the big celebration.

Daddy was bound to forgive her. She hoped.

The heat off the asphalt rose around her in waves as she weaved through the massive lot full of cars. It seemed as if shed had to park a mile away today. Every news team in the state mustve turned out for this shindig.

Im sorry, Daddy. You were right.

Well, half-right, anyway. Despite her many misgivings about Hunt Drilling taking on new partners, partners by the name of Kadir who owned a huge international conglomerate that included the biggest shipping line in the world, her father had been positive that this move would assure continued success for their firm.

Rylie hadnt given a rip about the Kadirs power or money. She was more worried about the public relations aspect of a Texas company going into business with a Middle Eastern-based concern. Ever since 9/11, Americans in general had been highly suspicious of even the merest hint that terrorist-influenced groups were taking over U.S. enterprises. Congress had already blocked several attempts by Middle Eastern businesses to buy American companies or real estate, and especially the port facilities.

Given enough time, Rylie was sure she couldve found another company to come to Hunts aid, though she was well aware that few shipping firms flew an American flag these days.

Her dad remained firmly convinced he was right. Hed done his homework. The Kadirs were Bedouin, hed said. For thousands of years theyd been nomads. Not connected to any politics, religion or particular country. They were definitely not terrorists or connected to terrorism in any sense, and they could do so much to promote Hunt Drilling.

Okay, Daddy, Ive thought it over and agree. The PR might still be tricky, but you win. I agree the Kadirs arent terrorists and well find a way to win over the hearts of Americans with the right media. Shed given up her stubborn stand, but hoped her father wouldnt rub it in. If she had been the one whod won, she would have gloated, and her daddy knew that well. Chuckling, she remembered how hed always claimed shed given him his prematurely gray hair.