Seduced By The Sheikh Surgeon

‘She was in an accident,’ Adele said. ‘She’s very unwell and is in a nursing home. I see her every day.’

‘And you’re visiting me too!’

‘No, I like visiting you,’ she said, and then closed her eyes on the sudden threat of tears.

Adele never cried but she was suddenly close to it now as she had practically admitted the truth—she didn’t like visiting her mum.

Leila’s hand went over hers.

It was unexpected and also terribly kind, given what she had just said.

‘She can’t talk or react,’ Adele told Leila. ‘She’s just a shell of herself. I don’t even think she knows that I’m there.’

‘You know that you’re there for her, though,’ Leila said. ‘That’s the important thing.’

Finally, someone who understood, Adele thought.

Her family, friends and colleagues all encouraged her to step back. Even the nursing staff at the home gently implied that Adele didn’t need to visit quite so much.

Adele knew that she had to sort out her life—she didn’t need to be told that but it was so nice to have someone understand.

‘I’m worried about going on holiday,’ she admitted.

‘Can I tell you something?’ Leila offered. ‘I want to have a holiday. I love my country and my people but because of certain ways...’ She hesitated and then explained. ‘Always there must be a royal in residence. Fatiq was already a king when we married so I never even had a honeymoon. Now one of my sons steps in if we have to go away for formal occasions. Usually it is Zahir, but both of them have busy lives, so they only return when they must. I know that a holiday would be rejuvenating. I dream of having some time away with my husband to replenish myself, although I can’t see it ever happening. Take some time for yourself, Adele, and you will return refreshed and better able to take care of your mother.’

It helped to hear that.

The wise, gentle words made Adele feel better about taking a short break.

‘I must get back to work.’ It had been nice talking and before she went Adele wished Leila well for her operation on Monday.

‘I doubt you’ll be up to visitors on Monday night but I’ll come in after my shift on Tuesday morning.’

‘I shall look forward to it,’ Leila said. ‘Enjoy dinner tonight.’

Adele did.

Her date went well, in fact. Paul was nice, and perfectly fine, except she didn’t fancy him.

Not a bit.

And it neither started nor ended with a kiss.