The Sheikh Doc's Marriage Bargain

by Susan Carlisle

After his brother’s death in a car accident, Tariq had taken over the responsibility of his sister-in-law’s and Roji’s welfare. Tariq would give anything to have Roji grow up with his father there. That wouldn’t happen now, but if Tariq had anything to do with it no more of his family would have to endure what Roji would. The future members of the royal family would be free of hemophilia. The cure was out there and he’d built a lab in which to find it. Now he needed the right person to lead it, and that was Dr. Martin.

  He would never put a wife and child in the same position as Zara and Roji. Despite being the only male in his family who did not have the malformed gene, he refused to take the chance on having a family. He didn’t deserve one when the others had to deal with the disease. As a doctor he understood that the ailment was thought to be passed by the female. What if he picked the wrong woman? He already lived with enough guilt.

  As a small child he had seen the suffering his brothers had gone through. Always having to have intravenous injections of replacement factor after an injury. Yet that had not helped his brother when the bleeding could not be stopped after the accident. Even with his fancy Harvard medical degree, Tariq had still been unable to save his brother’s life. That weight became heavier with each passing day.

  Medical advances were being made but not fast enough. Now Roji took the IV factor every three days prophylactically. Still a boy should be able to run and play and have no worries. Tariq wanted that for his family and others with the disease. To do that he needed Dr. Martin, yet she’d made it clear she had no interest in his offer. He must come up with some way of convincing her, make her an offer she could not refuse. Besides, he never took no for an answer when he had his mind made up.

  He had some phone calls to make. Dr. Martin must have something she wanted badly enough that he could use it to make her agree.

  * * *

  Two days later Laurel picked up the phone in her lab on the second ring.

  “Laurel, when you can get away I need to see you in my office,” Stewart said.

  Was the Prince back? She’d thought of little else since his visit. For some reason he’d stuck with her. It wasn’t as if she would ever see him again yet he’d had an effect on her. “Okay, I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

  She knocked lightly then entered Stewart’s office. They’d had a strong, friendly relationship since she had joined the lab staff five years earlier. Stewart had always left her to do her work and she’d appreciated that.

  “What’s up?” Laurel asked, both relieved and disappointed the Prince wasn’t there. She took the same chair she had sat in during that interview. This time the office felt less suffocating. Stewart didn’t generate the larger-than-life aura the Prince possessed.

  “This isn’t good news, I’m afraid. The grant was denied.”

  Laurel’s heart and hopes plunged into despair. “Your work was an add-on here. I’m sorry, you can’t continue.” Sympathy rang throughout each of Stewart’s words.

  Laurel couldn’t breathe. Her heart fluttered. Her life’s work. What was she going to do? She might have been hit in the chest for all her ability to say a word. She groaned. A breakthrough was so close. “Why, Stewart? I almost have an answer. My research is important.”

  The older man nodded his head in understanding, his eyes filled with compassion. “I know. But others’ work is equally important. Money is always an issue where research is concerned. You know that.”

  “Isn’t there some other way?” There must be. Lives were at stake. “I can’t stop now. I’m too close.”

  “As much as I hate to say it, it’s not going to happen at this lab.” He paused.

  She leaned toward him. “This isn’t right! What about the people I’m trying to save?”

  “I wish I could tell you there might be hope down another avenue but I would only be giving you false hope. Maybe you should consider the Prince’s offer after all. From what I understand, it was an impressive one. It might not be too late.”

  Her face twisted in disbelief. She couldn’t do that! Travel to a foreign land with a stranger. Where she knew no one.

  She leaned forward and gripped the edge of the desk. “Isn’t there something else you can do?”

  “As of right now, no. I would hate to lose you, but the best I could do is put you on another project.”

  This couldn’t be happening. Panic welled in her. The timing seemed off. The Prince had shown up and the next thing she’d learned was that she no longer had funding. He’d made it clear he got what he wanted. No, he didn’t have that much clout. She narrowed her eyes at Stewart. “The Prince didn’t have anything to do with this, did he?”

  “Not that I know of. I’m sure he knows people on the committee, though. You know most researchers would be glad to be offered such a wonderful opportunity.”

  “I don’t want to move. I know nothing about Zentar or Prince Tariq. I’m a home body.”

  “Maybe it’s time you stepped out of the bubble. Just think what you could do with all that research money at your disposal. A chance like that doesn’t come along more than once in a lifetime.”

  Phrased like that, she had a hard time disagreeing. If only it wasn’t so far away. And she wasn’t so affected by the Prince. She would have to guard herself where he was concerned. She had no intention of repeating her mistakes. “I like the way things are.”

  “I know you do, but maybe it’s time for a change. For you to get out of the lab and live a little. This could be your golden chance. Sometimes change can be a good thing.” Stewart was looking and sounding like the father figure she privately considered him to be.

  “I don’t want adventure or change. I want to find a way to help hemophiliacs.”

  Stewart looked over the rim of his black glasses at her. “You do realize the Prince is offering you an opportunity to do just that? You could go until funding comes through.”

  Could she do it? Step out of her comfort zone? She had done it once before in college and still wore the scars. Yet she was so close. Only months away from finding the key to unlocking the secret to the gene. With the Prince’s offer it might be sooner. She really wasn’t left much choice. Laurel looked at Stewart for a long moment before releasing a resigned sigh. “Do you know how to get in touch with the Prince?”

  * * *

  Tariq had been expecting Dr. Martin’s call. He had known the night before she would not be receiving her funding. He had done nothing to make her lose it but he could not say he was not pleased. What he had done was put the word out that she had funding elsewhere so that no one else would step in and she would have to turn to him.

  “Mr. Al Marktum...uh... Prince, this is Dr. Laurel Martin.”

  “Yes.”

  She sounded out of breath. “I...uh...was wondering if you were still looking for someone to oversee your lab?”

  “I am.” He waited.

  “I might be interested after all. And I’d like to meet to discuss it.” The words came out fast as if she was hurrying so not to stop herself.

  “I am flying out first thing in the morning so we will need to talk tonight.”

  “I guess that’ll have to work.”

  She sounded unsure. Was she reconsidering? He could not have her do that. Tariq leaned back in his chair. “I’m at the Chicago Hotel. Come up to the Presidential Suite. We will not be disturbed while we talk.”

  There was silence.

  “I can tell by the pause that you are thinking of refusing. I would suggest the bar but I think it will be noisy and I do not know the area well enough to propose another place. My assistant is with me so you will be safely chaperoned.”

  “I don’t require a chaperone. I’ll be glad to meet you.”

  He smiled slightly. Had she bolstered herself to make that statement? “If you say so.”

  “I’ll see you in an hour.”

 
; “I look forward to it, Dr. Martin.”

  As good as her word, one of his bodyguards announced her arrival right on time. That alone he could appreciate about her.

  Meeting Dr. Martin at the door, he escorted her across the room to one of the two sofas in the center. She was a tiny thing. Not tall and leggy like the women he usually found attractive. He mentally shook his head. This was a business meeting. He needed her to run his lab and that was it. The color of her eyes or the length of her legs did not matter. “May I get you something to drink?”

  “No, thank you, I’m fine.” She shifted her large bag cross her like it was a shield.

  “Please, sit.”

  Dr. Martin gave him a timid nod, then took a seat next to the arm of the sofa. She looked as though if he said boo she would run. That did not matter. What did was how good she was at her job. Tariq sat on the sofa across from her and crossed one ankle over the knee of his other leg. It was time to get down to business. “I understand you want to talk about my job offer.”

  “Uh... I wanted to see if you’d consider a compromise on the position you offered me.”

  “I’m listening.” He watched her. Her hair remained tightly pulled back and her glasses had slipped down her nose. She wore almost nondescript clothing and the big black bag remained hugged to her chest. Not a single piece of jewelry was visible. She seemed to dress not to be noticed. Did this woman live in a hole and crawl out to go to work in a lab?

  “I have lost my funding. I was wondering if you’d consider putting funds into the lab here where I can continue my work with the understanding that your country would have first access to any of my findings.”

  He stared, shaking his head before she’d even finished. “That will not do. I want someone working in my country. With my people.”

  Her voice contained a tight, desperate tone. “But I can’t do that.”

  “Why? I will see you have a place to live. A driver. All the comforts.” He leaned forward, watching her closely. She did have interesting eyes. There were tiny flakes of gold in them.

  “I can’t just fly off to some place I don’t know.”

  “We have already had this discussion. I am offering you a chance to continue your research. I do not think you will be disappointed in the lab I have set up. Wouldn’t you like to continue your research?”

  She tightened her arms around her bag. “I would. It’s important. I’m very close to a breakthrough.”

  Laurel wasn’t sure to what he was referring. She wasn’t planning to stop her research. Her new discovery was so close. Did he know something she didn’t? Quitting now would be impossible. She narrowed her eyes. “Why are you asking that?”

  “It was you who came to me saying that you needed funds to continue your work.”

  “That doesn’t mean that I am giving up. I can’t. I’m too close to an advance. I’ll find funding somewhere since you won’t consider providing it.”

  “I am sorry, I cannot. My funds are my people’s. I don’t have any to give you.”

  He must be a wealthy man. After all he was a prince. “You don’t have personal funds that could be used?”

  “I do not. They were invested in the lab. You should reconsider coming to Zentar.”

  She glared at him as panic grew. Why couldn’t he understand? “I cannot. I have explained that.”

  “I have only heard excuses. I have what you need. You no longer have a lab to work in here and I am offering you one. I do not understand the problem. Perhaps you do not care as much as you say you do.”

  That statement couldn’t have hurt more if he’d slapped her. Okay, that did it. He’d gone too far. She jerked to her feet, mindful of the fact this was his hotel suite. Keeping her voice low, she asked, “How dare you?”

  His look remained steady. “I dare because I need you leading my lab. There is important work to be done.”

  Laurel had been on the verge of losing her temper. The idea of going halfway around the world terrified her. What would her parents say, her siblings, about her living in Zentar? She just couldn’t do it. Or could she? The Prince wasn’t leaving her any choice. Laurel released a heavy breath.

  “We can agree on the need for more research. Since you’ll not relent I will come to Zentar and set up your lab. In return you will see to it that I get to do a study of your families that have two generations of the disease. Beyond that I make no promises.”

  “Excellent.” His smile reminded her of a conquering hero’s. “I will delay my return one day so that you can get your affairs in order.”

  She gaped at him in disbelief. “One day?”

  He put his foot on the floor. “I am sorry but that is all the time I can allow.”

  Her lips formed a tight line and her gaze went to somewhere over his shoulder. She had so much to do.

  “My assistant can help you with anything you might need.”

  She blinked. “I won’t have time to see my family.”

  “I’m sorry. Once the lab is operational you may return for a visit.” At least he sounded sincere.

  Straightening her shoulders, Laurel moved to the edge of the cushion. “Well, if I’m to be ready to go then I need to be headed home. I have a lot to do.”

  Tariq followed her toward the door. “There is just one more matter.”

  She looked at him. “Yes?”

  “You will need to marry me.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  “WHAT? ARE YOU CRAZY?” Laurel stood with her mouth gaping open. There was no way she was going to marry him! It was taking all she had in her to even travel to Zentar. Marrying some man she didn’t know was out of the question. “What do you mean, I have to marry you?”

  “My country still holds to traditional values. They expect a single woman to be under the care of a man. No one is going to answer your personal health questions without you having a man’s name associated with yours. Our social rules have not changed that fast.”

  “You have to be kidding.” Her bag swung at her side.

  He gave her a direct look. “I assure you I am not.”

  “You don’t want to marry me.” Laurel couldn’t believe the turn this conversation had taken.

  “It’s true. I had no plans to marry. Ever.” His words came out flat and to the point.

  “Then why would you marry me?”

  “Because I know your work is important and I know what must be done to get you to come to Zentar.”

  “And you’re willing to put your personal life on hold?” This man was unbelievable.

  “If that is what is necessary.”

  She watched him closely. “If I agree, this will be a marriage in name only. You understand?” The idea of getting tangled up with the Prince made her shudder. She was so out of her depth. Once before she’d been in this position and she’d vowed never to go there again. Who would have thought lightning would strike twice in the same place?

  “I would expect nothing less.”

  He made it sound like the thought had never crossed his mind to treat it as a real marriage. Or had it? Laurel wasn’t sure she liked being dismissed so easily. The hot sizzle of attraction she felt apparently didn’t go both ways. That suited her just fine, or did it? “Couldn’t we just say we’re married and not make a further deal of it?”

  “No. If the media discovers that, my people would feel deceived.”

  “They want this way?”

  “How I live in my home is my business. They need not know.”

  She couldn’t do that to her parents. “Can I at least tell my family? They can be trusted.”

  “No. The media may ask them about it. I don’t want them to be forced to lie or for their faces to show something different from what our Minister of Communication may have put out.”

  Her chest hurt with the thought of her mother and father. “My paren
ts are going to be so hurt.”

  “In time you can explain it to them.” He sounded determined rather than sympathetic.

  There was no way they would ever understand. Maybe she could slip off and be back before they had to know much about what was going on. She could just tell them she would be out of town for a while for work. “What’s your family going to think when you show up with an American woman they have never heard of?”

  “The King knows who you are. The others I will tell that I have chosen you as my wife and that will be it.” He said that like a man who didn’t make a habit of answering to anyone.

  “You say your country is very traditional. Will they accept me with no questions?”

  “I did not say there would not be questions. Many, I am afraid. But in the end it will not change my decision.”

  “Me coming with you is that important?”

  “It is. We are agreed?”

  Laurel pursed her lips then finally nodded.

  “Then I will make the arrangements. We marry as soon as we arrive in Zentar.”

  * * *

  Two days later Laurel gripped the armrest of the luxury airplane seat and squeezed her eyes tight. She questioned her sanity for the thousandth time, leaving all she had ever known for a far-flung kingdom in the Middle East to work for a man she hardly knew in a lab she’d never seen. And to top it off—marry him. What had happened to her happy, ordered life?

  “We are in the air now,” the Prince said from the seat across from her. The mirth in his voice rang clear. “You can open your eyes.”

  “I’d rather not.”

  “So what is your plan? To spend the next ten hours with them closed?” His humor had turned to disbelief.

  “Maybe.” She sounded childish but she didn’t care.

  His hand came to rest over hers for a second. A shiver of awareness zipped through her. “You do not want to miss this view of Chicago.”

  Laurel opened an eye a slit. She met the Prince’s look.

  “Look out here.” He nodded toward the oval window but made the statement with enough authority she didn’t dare not do as he requested. With her eyelids raised only enough to make out the window, she leaned toward it.