LITMIR.BIZ

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with another smile. “I shall take care of it immediately, Ms. Martin.” In spite of her insistence that he call her Faith, he retained his thoroughly formal manner.

      Looking hesitant, Kadid took a step closer to Ali to speak privately. “I beg your pardon, Sheik El-Etra, but Mrs. Jourdan’s in the waiting room. She does not have an appointment, but she is…concerned about a matter and asked if she could wait to see you.”

      “Maureen is here?” Ali frowned, then walked around to the front of his desk. “Please show her in.” He turned to Faith. “You do not mind? This should only take a moment. Maureen is a very old and very dear friend, not to mention a client.” He straightened his tie, smoothed down his collar. “If she’s upset I need to see her.”

      “Not at all.” Faith leaned back in her chair, oddly surprised that a man like Ali would take the time to personally soothe the concerns of one client. She would think he’d leave the day-to-day business to his staff.

      “Show her in immediately, Kadid.”

      A few moments later, Kadid led a woman of about seventy into the room. Smartly dressed, she wore a sapphire-blue suit that seemed to match her eyes, and carried a wolf’s-head cane that she leaned on heavily. Her shock of silver hair was cropped close, but elegantly styled.

      “Maureen.” With a look of pure adoration that transformed his arrogant face into something almost breathtaking, Ali went to her, took her free hand in his and kissed it gallantly, making the woman smile. “It is good to see you.” He kissed her hand again, and Faith could see the genuine affection radiating from him. Curious, she couldn’t help but watch. “It’s been too long.”

      “It’s good to see you, too, Ali.” She kissed his cheek in return. “And you’re as much of a charming rascal as ever,” she said, giving his hand an affectionate squeeze.

      “I saw your parents at Joe Colton’s birthday party last night. It was good to see them again.” The woman’s brows drew into a frown. “You heard about the attempt on Joe’s life?”

      Ali nodded. “Yes, I did. I spoke with my father late last night and he told me about it.” The attempt on Joe Colton’s life, in his own home, at his own birthday party was simply beyond comprehension.

      “I can’t possibly imagine why anyone would want to hurt Joe Colton.”

      “Neither can I,” Ali concurred with a nod. “But I’m afraid there are some very sick, irrational people in this world.” Ali shrugged. “I’m certain the police are doing everything they can to find the culprit.”

      “Mmm…I hope so.” The woman glanced around, then spotted Faith. One elegant brow lifted as she turned back to Ali with a mischievous smile. “Well, well, well, I’d say your parents’ taste in women is finally improving.”

      He laughed. “No, Maureen. You misunderstand.” He glanced at Faith. Their eyes met, held, and Faith felt a sting of heat arc and sizzle between them. Stunned, she tried to shift her gaze, but found she couldn’t. It was as if his magnetism had taken hold of her and refused to let go.

      There was warmth and humor in his eyes that softened his arrogant facade and almost took her breath away. He seemed much more human this way—and so much more dangerously attractive.

      “Maureen, this is Faith Martin, a computer consultant I’ve hired to handle this ridiculous problem we’re having.”

      Maureen looked at Faith again, then sighed. “Pity. She’s lovely.”

      “Yes, I agree.” As Ali glanced at Faith again, their eyes met, clashed, clung, and she flushed, stunned by his comment and the look in his eyes.

      She was entirely certain no man had ever called her lovely before. Nor could she recall a man looking at her quite the way Ali had just looked at her. It made her skin flush, and her heart skip a beat.

      Still smiling he turned back to the older woman. “So tell me, to what do I owe the great pleasure of your company? It’s been too long, you know. You promised to have dinner with me last month.” Ali held her hand as she lowered herself into the club chair, setting her cane next to her. Ali sat on the ottoman in front of her, giving her his full attention.

      “I’m fine, Ali, truly.” She sighed and adjusted herself more comfortably in the chair. “I know I promised to have dinner with you, but I don’t like to leave Alfred alone in the evenings if I can help it.” She smiled up at him. “You know how much he enjoys company.” She reached out and took Ali’s hand, holding it like a lifeline. “The staff told me you stopped to play bridge with him one afternoon last week.”

      “And he beat me soundly.” Ali’s eyes twinkled. “But please do not let it get around that I was playing hooky.” He leaned close and dropped his voice to a scandalous whisper. “I was supposed to be at an investors’ meeting. If Kadid finds out I was playing hooky, heads will roll.”

      “You devil.” She laughed, giving his hand another affectionate squeeze.

      “So what brings you here?” There was concern on his face, in his eyes as he watched her. “You know all you have to do is call and I will come to you.” She looked so troubled, he laid a hand to her cheek. “Maureen, tell me, what is it that is troubling you?”

      “You always could read me.” Her smile was tremulous. “Ali, I’ve brought something for you to look at.” With a frown, she dug an envelope out of her black leather handbag. “I received this notice from the rehabilitation center.” Ali took the envelope, removed the contents, then began reading.

      “They’re raising their rates again, I’m afraid.” There was a small catch in her voice. “I thought I’d better bring it to you to look at.” She watched him as he read. “I’m very concerned. You know, Alfred has been doing so much better there. It’s the first place where he’s actually shown some improvement.” She bit her lower lip, a sheen of tears in her eyes. “I really don’t want to have to move him, but I’m not certain I can afford to keep him there if they keep raising their rates. This is the second year in a row. I don’t know how much longer—”

      “Maureen.” After folding the letter back in the envelope, Ali took both of her hands in his, kissing the fingertips. “I have told you before, do not concern yourself with these financial problems. Your investments are all solid and secure, and growing day by day. You have entrusted me with these financial matters and I would never let you down. I take my responsibilities seriously.”

      She scooted forward. “Oh, Ali, I know, I wasn’t questioning—”

      “Yes, I know, Maureen.” Patting her hand, he smiled at her. “You have more than enough to worry about now, and as I’ve said in the past, there is more than enough money to take care of whatever needs you or Alfred have now or in the future.”

      Some of the worry left her face. “And you’re sure, Ali? I mean, I know how expensive all of Alfred’s care is—”

      He touched her cheek again. “Please, Maureen. Trust me.”

      “Oh Ali, you know I trust you. Truly. It’s not that…” Her smile was still shaky. “I know I’m being silly but—”

      “You are never silly, Maureen. Tell me, what is it I can do to ease your mind?”

      “Just to be on the safe side, just so I’ll feel better, could you just check my account? I know you’ve been having some problems with your computers, so if you could just check—”

      “But of course.” Standing up, Ali glanced at Faith. “Is there a way you can get me into my computer so I can check a balance?”

      Faith was so stunned by the affection between Ali and this woman, it took a moment for her to realize he was speaking to her.

      “Faith?”

      “I’m sorry.” She jumped to her feet. “Of course.” She crossed the room to his desk and booted up his computer. “Ali, can you put your password

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