The Sheikh & the Princess Bride by Susan Mallery Page A

stepped back.
    “Leave the dog at home.”

Chapter 6
    Billie stood in front of her closet and reviewed her array of clothes. She believed in shopping, both as a sport and a way to relax, so there were plenty of outfits to choose from. She already knew she wanted something both sexy and sophisticated, with a touch of elegance thrown in. Which pretty much left out anything with feathers, rhinestones or too much beading.
    She tilted her head, then straightened quickly as the curlers started to loosen.
    Tonight required perfect hair, which meant an hour spent in electric curlers and a double dose of hair spray.
    “Everyone looks good in black,” she murmured as she pulled out a clinging black dress with a deep vee and see-through sleeves. “But it’s so predictable.”
    Maybe she should try a color. Not red. Somehow that just made her look trashy.
    “Maybe blue,” she said as she reached for a midnight-blue dress that had cost her nearly a month’s salary in Paris.
    The hand-painted bias-cut skirt fluttered just above her knees. The sleeveless bodice wasn’t that low cut because the appeal lay elsewhere. From the waist up, the fabric was completely sheer. However the same hand-painted pattern that graced the hem of the skirt swirled across her breasts and the built-in bra in such a way that everything was perfectly covered. Yet there was the promise of being naked!
    “This one,” she said, carrying the dress into the bathroom. She had a perfect pair of high-heeled strappy sandals that made her ankles look as slender as swizzle sticks and some really high-end fake jewelry.
    Billie had to admit her excitement about the evening was about more than just the whole “dine with a prince” thrill. Part of her was really happy that Jefri wanted to see her after his defeat earlier. That had never happened before and it gave her hope for his entire gender. While she believed her brothers had a part in warning men off, she couldn’t help but think there had to be one or two willing to deal with their potential wrath unless their bruised egos had put them out of the mood.
    A knock at the door made her panic. She glanced at the clock, but it was way too early for Jefri .
    “Who is it?” she called from the center of the living room.
    “Doyle.”
    She walked to the door and opened it. “Make it snappy,” she said. “I’m busy.”
    He pushed past her into the room, then looked her over. “You don’t look busy to me. You look like you’re not doing much of anything. I need your help with some of the equipment.”
    “Not my area of expertise.”
    “Billie, I’m serious. The mechanics want to talk to you about one of the engines they’re tuning. You know how you can tell what’s wrong from the sound.”
    “Yes, it’s a gift and one we can all take advantage of tomorrow. Now get out of here.”
    She pushed on her brother, but as he was about ten inches taller and oh, sixty pounds of muscle heavier, he didn’t budge.
    “What’s your problem?” he demanded.
    “I told you. I’m busy.”
    Doyle folded his arms over his chest and raised his eyebrows. “With what?”
    She planted her hands on her hips and did her best to look stern.
    “I have a date.”
    His expression hardened. “With whom?”
    She knew he was mad whenever he started using really correct grammar. “I’m over twenty-one and you don’t own me, so I don’t have to say.”
    “I’m not leaving until you give me all the particulars.”
    She laughed. “Doyle, this isn’t the nineteenth century. There aren’t any particulars. A man asked me to dinner and I said yes. Get over it.”
    “You have a responsibility to this company.”
    “Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. “How many times have I covered for you? A thousand? I would say I’m entitled to a night off when I want it.”
    His gaze narrowed as he studied her. “It’s that damn prince, isn’t it?”
    “I’m not sure you want to swear in front of his title. They might string you up