'We were thinking of going ourselves tomorrow,' said Elsa. 'If you want to join us, you're welcome.'
But Amber shook her head, memories of this morning all too raw for her to consider venturing into Sousse again. She had no desire to bump into that man.
'I might go before the end of the holiday,' she said, 'but I'm going to spend a lazy day on the beach tomorrow,' adding light heartedly, 'I can't go back without a sun-tan!'
Nicolette said, 'I'll join you, Amber. I am definitely a lazy person. My idea of a holiday is to spend all my time in the sun.'
Amber knew that Nicolette, like herself, had come to Tunisia as a sort of pick-me-up after a recent illness, but up until now she had kept herself very much to herself, even though Amber had suggested several times doing something together. Now she said, 'That will be lovely,' glad of the opportunity of company, since it would help keep her mind off certain things that she would prefer to forget.
After dinner, as had become their practice, they all went into the lounge for coffee and drinks. Normally they remained there until it was time to go to bed. There was a resident band and a small square for dancing. It was all very pleasant and Amber had never been short of partners, although she had never encouraged anyone. She had no intention of becoming involved in a holiday romance. This holiday was supposed to help her get over the heartache of her mother's death, not involve herself in more.
Up until now she had succeeded, but tonight she found it impossible to relax, and when shortly after nine Nicolette announced she was going to have an early night Amber decided to join her. She would read a book—the one thing guaranteed to help her sleep—otherwise she could see herself lying awake half the night.
Nicolette's room was in a different block and they
chatted for a few moments outside the lounge before going their separate ways. For once Amber decided to use the lift—normally she walked up the two flights of stairs, telling herself it was good exercise—but tonight she felt lazy.
Her' finger was on the button when an unmistakable voice called, 'Miss Christy!' A prickling sensation ran down her spine and deciding to pretend she had not heard Amber remained facing the lift doors, willing it to come quickly so that she could scoot in before he reached her.
Again he called her and this time she had no option but to turn. He was closer than she expected and surprised she stepped back, vividly aware of the curious sardonic smile, the cool appraisal of those enigmatic brown eyes. His light suit enhanced the darkness of his skin, emphasised his breadth of shoulder.
`Mr—er—Slouma ! I didn't expect to see you again.'
'You are afraid of me.' It was a statement rather than a question. 'There is no need. I mean you no harm.'
Amber wore a long white dress of a clinging silky material with shoestring straps and a revealing neckline. Her hands fluttered nervously to her throat. This man seemed unable to take away his eyes and she felt as though he was mentally undressing her. 'Perhaps you don't,' she said, her voice lacking conviction, 'but I know nothing about you. So far as I'm concerned you're a complete stranger, and I object to strangers looking at me as you are now.'
He shrugged expressively. 'I am a man—and you have a very beautiful body. Why should I not admire it? Besides, everyone is a stranger at some time in their
life. Join me for a drink and we will remedy the situation:
At that precise moment the lift came Amber had never felt more thankful for anything in her life. She stepped smartly inside. `I'm sorry, Mr Slouma, but I'm tired. Goodnight.' She smiled, a tight smile that was an effort, and pressed the button for her floor. It was not until she had tried several times without success that she realised he was holding the button outside which kept the doors open.
`I said I would like you to join me.' And the way he said it and the way he looked at her told Amber that it would be advisable to agree. Otherwise she would not put it past him to step into the lift and accompany her to her room.
`Very well.' With resigned reluctance she moved towards him. He was much taller than she and at close quarters a distinct musky smell emanated from him. Clean-shaven, smart, handsome—why did she not like him? What was there about him that made her wary? Had she met. him in England his masculine virility, the foreign good looks, would have attracted her immediately. There was something about him that would fascinate most women—but here where life was so totally different she felt nothing but apprehension.
His smile, was charged with triumph and the hand on her elbow as he ushered her back towards the lounge slightly proprietorial. Amber wanted to pull away, but Hamed Ben Slouma was as yet an unknown quantity and she deemed it wise not to do so. Already she had seen the masterful side of his nature, making her aware that he was a man who knew what he wanted
and always won. She imagined him to be utterly ruthless—the determined chin and cool dark eyes told her that—and anyone who defied him would soon wish they hadn't.
The lounge was now crowded, but they managed to find two empty seats in a corner. He signalled the waiter and without asking what she would like ordered a Martini, and a whisky for himself. It was her favourite drink, but how had he known? There was so much he knew about her. Had she been secretly observed for the last few days? There was no other explanation, but the thought caused a chill to creep through her veins and it was all she could do to control a shiver.
'Now tell me why you were going to bed at such an early hour,' he said, his arm resting nonchalantly across the back of her seat. 'It is not your normal practice.'
'And how would you know what I normally do?' flashed Amber. The lights in the room were low and it was difficult to read correctly the expression on his face. His tone, though, suggested he was mocking and a flame of irritation shot through her, making her voice sharper than usual.
'I know a great deal about you,' he said, his voice softly sensuous, like a caress. 'I know, for instance, that this holiday is to help you get over a recent bereavement.'
'What are you?' asked Amber defensively, 'a private detective? Is it your rule to find out about girls before you make a date with them?'
Unperturbed by her angry outburst, he said, 'Only the very special ones.'
'And in what way am I special?' Amber's heart pumped erratically, her fingers clenching her bag. 'That would be telling.' A secretive smile played on
his lips. 'A little mystery adds zest to life, do you not agree?'
Out of the corner of her eye Amber saw that Elsa and David had observed her reappearance with the handsome Arab. It would be difficult trying to explain him away tomorrow. She edged away from the disturbing nearness of his arm, uneasily aware of the effect he had on her. 'Not when it means I've been spied on,' she returned hotly. 'You have no right, and I demand that you leave me alone! '
Fractionally his eyes narrowed. 'I do not think you can say that .I have disturbed you in any way. In fact before this morning you were unaware of my presence.'
'But since your—unwelcome rescue—you feel you can stake a claim on my company. Is that it?' and on a higher note, as she suddenly realised exactly what had happened, 'I knew I was in no real danger. It was all an act—your way of getting to know me. You're as bad as the rest of them! ' Amber was visibly shaking now and would have risen had her companion not laid a detaining hand on her arm.
'Calm down, Amber, or your friends over there will think I am trying to molest you.'
But she was past caring what anyone thought. 'It's Miss Christy to you,' she snapped, 'and my friends wouldn't be far wrong.' The waiter brought their drinks, but Amber ignored them and said, 'I'm going to my room now and if you stop me I shall call the management. Oh, and please don't try to see me again, Mr Slouma, because I shan't be available.'
Head erect, she rose from her seat and stiffly wove her way through the couples on the dance floor. There had been a murmur of interest around them and she
felt several pairs of eyes following her. Damn Hamed Ben Slouma, she thought expressively, try
ing not to let it show that she was in any way upset.
The stairs were only a few yards away from the lounge entrance and she had her foot on the first step when a hand on her arm swung her about. Face to face yet again with the person she had sought to escape, she opened her mouth, intending to call out to the man behind the reception desk, but hard ruthless lips suddenly descended on hers, effectively stemming her protest.
Amber could not deny the leaping response his savage kiss drew from her and the fire that coursed through her veins shook her so much that her lips trembled when he let her go. She could do nothing but look up at him, her golden eyes wide with mute appeal.
He laughed harshly, triumphantly, 'Goodnight, habibati, pleasant dreams,' and he walked out of the hotel.
CHAPTER TWO
FOR several long seconds Amber stood motionless and then with actions that were purely automatic she slowly mounted the stairs. It was not until she was safely inside her room that anger took over. Why, she asked herself, had she allowed Hamed Ben Slouma to kiss her? Why had she not struggled, screamed for help? It appalled her to think how meekly she had accepted his caress, and what was more disgusting was her own unexpected repsonse. No wonder he had laughed! His expertise was unquestionable. Did all women respond as she had? Did he enjoy flaunting his ability to attract the opposite sex?
She felt sickened and in a fit of self-loathing went into the bathroom and washed her face, scrubbing at her lips with her flannel until she was sure all traces of his kiss had been erased. If he turned up again tomorrow she really would complain to the management. Men like him needed putting behind bars!
Nor surprisingly Amber found it difficult to sleep. Each time she closed her eyes a handsome dark face with black curly hair and laughing brown eyes taunted her. Even when she tried to read his face became superimposed across the printed page, and in despair she flung the book across the room. Had she been at home she could have gone downstairs and heated herself a glass of milk, but here in the hotel there was nothing she could do. Eventually, though, mental and
physical exhaustion got the better of her and for several
hours Hamed Ben Slouma was shut out from her mind.
When morning came she was able to laugh at the events of last night, telling herself that she had overreacted. Hamed Ben Slouma was no different from the other men he had warned her about. A 'firm hand was all she needed. If he had the nerve to turn up today she would tell him politely to go away, and that would be that.
She was glad Elsa and David were absent from the breakfast table. It meant that for a while at least no awkward questions would be asked. She cut through her roll, spreading it liberally with butter, concentrating intently on her task, determined to push Hamed from her mind—an idea instantly doomed when Nicolette joined her, saying, 'What happened to you last night? I thought you were going to bed early.'
'I changed my mind, but how did you know?' replied Amber cautiously, although it was not difficult to guess that she had bumped into the Flemmings who would lose no time in telling her all about Amber's new Arab friend.
Nicolette smiled knowingly. 'I hear you were with a handsome man. How did you meet him?'
Amber shrugged, pretending indifference. 'In Sousse yesterday, didn't I tell you? He's no one in particular. Are you still going down to the beach this morning?'
Nicolette, however, had no intention of changing the subject. 'Elsa said he looked affluent. Aren't you lucky meeting someone rich—and handsome. Are you seeing him again?'
'I hope not,' returned Amber strongly. 'I told him last night to keep out of my way.'
`Elsa said it looked as though you were arguing,' persisted the French girl, 'but I couldn't believe that, not on such a short acquaintance—unless he was trying to ' She broke off, looking slightly embarrassed.
Amber laughed mirthlessly. 'He was making a nuisance of himself, but not in the way you think. I'd really rather not talk about him, if you don't mind.'
Clearly Nicolette did mind, but she asked no further questions and the two girls spent a lazy morning on the beach, saying little, content to soak up the sun. Amber tried to steer her thoughts away from Hamed, but they returned with unerring accuracy. Exactly why was he interested in her? And if she had been discreetly observed for days why had he waited until now before making himself known?
Several times Nicolette looked at her curiously and Amber knew she was hardly being fair. Had the positions been reversed she herself would have wanted to ask questions, but nevertheless she chose to retain her silence. If Hamed took her at her word she would not see him again, so what point was there in discussing him?
They lunched and in the afternoon swam lazily in one of the outside pools. The weather remained fine—blue skies, sunshine, pleasant company, what more could anyone desire? Yet for all that Amber found it impossible to relax completely. All the time she was aware that Hamed might turn up—even now he could be watching her. It made her wary and constantly she scanned the figures scattered about the pool.
By four o'clock the sun began to sink. People gathered up their belongings and returned inside and Nicolette and Amber followed suit. There were still three hours before dinner, but Nicolette declared she
was going to spend them in her room and Amber somewhat reluctantly thought it might be as well to do the same.
Then she thought, why should I? Why should I let this man ruin my holiday? So she showered and changed into a pair of white jeans and a bright green knitted top. Downstairs in the lounge she ordered tea, looking about her as she sipped it, realising with something approaching sadness that she was the only one to sit alone. Until now it had not bothered her, she had been full of grief over her mother's death and had lived in a world of her own, little caring what went on outside it. Now, though, she had become alive again and felt conspicuous. She looked for a friendly face but saw only open curiosity and an occasional whisper, heads nodding in her direction. The events of last night were being discussed, at her expense. What did she do—sit here and pretend to ignore them, or get up and go? The latter was a coward's way out, but one which she was tempted to take. She finished her tea and stood up and then for some unknown reason her eyes were drawn across the room. Hamed Ben Slouma's dark eyes were upon her. She tripped and would have fallen had not a helping hand caught her arm. 'Thank you,' she smiled automatically at the gentleman who had saved her.
'It might be as well if you look where you are going,' he said kindly. 'Your admirer might be put off by a black eye or a broken arm.'
The words were meant well and had been spoken light heartedly, but Amber, annoyed that he should have seen the reason why she tripped, said hotly, 'I'll thank you to mind your own business ! '
Immediately the words were out she regretted them,
but it was too late to do anything about it. She moved swiftly out of the lounge, running up the stairs to her room, her whole body aflame with embarrassment. Once inside she sat down on the edge of the bed, breathing deeply, aware of a white-hot anger burning inside. She was angry with Hamed Ben Slouma for no other reason than his being there and angry with herself for being foolish. He had made no attempt to seek her out—maybe he had taken notice of her request—but' even so his very presence was disturbing. Her heartbeats had quickened alarmingly and she would have liked to tell herself that it was fear. But was it? She had a sneaking suspicion that they meant more than that—that it was the man himself who did this to her. With surprising clarity she realised that it was only since meeting him that she had thought less about her own grief—he had become the number one thought in her mind. Why? Was it simply because he had shown an interest in her, or could it be that her own interest in Hamed Ben Slouma went deeper than she thought? He was undeniably attractive, and for him to single her out—well, any girl would be flattered.
`I'm behaving like a, schoolgirl,' she thought in horror, 'instead of a young lady of nineteen.' But there had been no one before him, there had not been time, so she felt she could b
e forgiven for feeling as she did now. But, she told herself firmly, she could not allow this state of affairs to go on. She must pull herself together and not let Hamed Ben Slouma see that he in any way affected her.
She was presuming he would still be there that evening and if she failed to turn up he would know that she was purposely avoiding him. The best thing
to do—if he approached her—was to treat him with polite indifference, maintain a calmness she knew she would be far from feeling, but if she could keep this fact from him then she would have achieved what she set out to do.
Nicolette and Elsa and David were already at the table when Amber eventually entered the dining room half an hour later than usual. She had reluctantly gone down knowing they would bring up the subject of her dark admirer, and was pleasantly surprised when throughout the meal no mention was made of him.
Instead Elsa and David regaled them with a full description of their day in Sousse. They had enjoyed it enormously and had come back armed with all sorts of gifts. 'You should have heard David bartering,' laughed Elsa. 'He had it down to a fine art before he'd finished. He must have saved us pounds!'
'Remind me to take him with me next time,' joked Amber. 'I'm afraid I'm too soft.'
'We must all go,' suggested David. 'I believe if several of us buy a similar thing then we get it even cheaper.'
They all laughed. Thrift was obviously one of David's strong points.
In the lounge later Elsa said, 'There's a cabaret on in the Night Club tonight. Anyone fancy going?'
Stormy Affair Page 2
