Taming of the beast - Completed.

Chapter Seventeen

Of course, they did, releasing a long breath. "I do not understand why you bothered. None of it matters," he waved away as unimportant. So they had known from day one. Good to know.

"Does that mean you also know..."

"We have always known. Riyad, we left you in peace for your peace of mind. We would have welcomed you back at any time. Times have changed. People are more accepting of changes. Your changes that you have helped to put into place."

"Yes about that, why are we bleeding so much money? No way should it have cost so much. I need all the documents, all the spreadsheets. There is a leak and we need to plug it up. I need to see it all. I can look over it here if you prefer," he compromised.

"That would be appreciated. Also, you must stay here for the gala dinner event that is coming up."

Riyad stiffened. "I do not attend such things anymore. I might be here, I prefer it was kept secret."

"Oh, by keeping it under wraps, you stayed in a hotel in the middle of the city, walking the streets."

"I am sure I have been forgotten by now. A stain in the schemes of things."

Naim frowned at him concerned. "You know I was never happy about what happened to you, us. I never asked for this. This was supposed to be your place. You were trained for this from the day you were born."

"We all were, just in case something happened to me." Chest heaving, Riyad rubbed the nape of his neck under his headdress. "None of it matters, Naim. You are in the rightful place."

"I would step down anytime you are ready. I have always been a stand-in, waiting for your return to take your rightful place."

The last thing Riyad had expected to hear, staring at his younger brother. The second in line. He hasn't even thought about coming back and taking his place as ruler of his country. The possibilities of fulfilling his dreams to the fullest were something that had never crossed his mind.

Suddenly his chest felt too tight, heart-pounding rushing blood through his system. He wasn't fit enough for that role. That had already been proven to him, even if he had only been twenty-three, he still should've known better.

"I am sure father would not agree," he argued. Not that he blamed his father; after all, he had caused the death of his youngest and the favourite son, closing his eyes. Far too young to lose his life, and in such a way. He would have given up his life for Sayyid's, fighting the pain that was swamping him, and the guilt. "No," he shook his head. "Once this is done, whatever it is, I will go back to England with my wife."

"Interesting choice, she is so different compared to..." Naim fell away at the hard warning glare from Riyad. Her empty name hanging between them.

"Callie is a force of her own. She grows on you." That tightness began to ebb away, heart slowing down. The panic lifting, feeling her smile upon him, and her gentle touch, soothing him.

"Grows on you, interesting way of expressing your choice."

Riyad shrugged. "What can I say; it happened out of the blue."

"As long as you have found some happiness, peace with yourself." Had he? Crossing the room, he took a seat in front of the desk, seeing it from the other end of the business. Not once had he intimidated Callie, who actually challenged him on her first meeting with him, bringing a smile to his lips. She had a habit just popping into his head. First, it had been about irritation, more his fault than hers.

"Let's get down to what you brought me here for."

"You are quite correct, we are bleeding money. I need you to find the leak and close it up." Opening a drawer Naim removed a portable hard drive and shoved it across the desk towards Riyad. "Everything is in there." He also removed an iPad. "It is encrypted, not connected to any network." Riyad reached across and removed both. "To make sure that no one finds out what is going down. This is between you and me. Also need you to join us on royal duties, so no one would become suspicious of your sudden return."