Zahaina’s bright smile faded while he spoke. But she cleared her throat and plastered it back on. “I was thinking of Zadir’s wedding.”
“Or Amahd’s,” said Zadir, brightly. “He’s ready to take an Ubarite bride.”
Since Barbit had all but suggested that Zahaina was here to marry someone, Ronnie thought she had quite a nerve pressing the wedding thing even further. It was hard to enjoy her food with all the tension snapping around the table.
“Indeed.” Zahaina glanced down her aristocratic nose at Amahd. Ronnie suspected she found him dull. Zadir was more dashing and charismatic. “But Zadir must marry first. It’s Ubarite tradition for siblings to marry in birth order.”
“I’m working on it,” said Zadir quietly. Ronnie looked away because she didn’t know whether he was about to glance at her or not and she couldn’t stand the suspense. If he did, she’d think he was planning to marry her and it would scare the pants of her. If he didn’t she’d feel slighted.
You couldn’t win with her today, apparently!
“I’d love for you to show me around the palace after dinner.” Zahaina peered at Zadir over her glass.
“I’m afraid I’m busy tonight.” Now he did glance at Ronnie, and her chest swelled with pride that he intended to spend the evening with her and not Miss Marriage. “Perhaps Amahd could give you the tour.”
“I’d be happy to,” said Ahmad with a cool glance at his brother. “Have you seen it before?” Amahd lifted a brow. Ronnie thought for a second that he looked rather suspicious of Zahaina.
“Not since I was knee-high.” She smiled at Barbit. “My mother probably had to carry me. I don’t remember it at all.”
“I don’t remember you, either.” A frown line appeared between Amahd’s dark brows. “But we do have a large family.”
“And I’ve lived abroad for most of my life.” Zahaina forked in a tiny mouthful of chicken.
Osman steered the discussion back toward the subject of education for women, and they were able to carry on a perfectly pleasant conversation and Ronnie even managed to contribute, since she’d been to two of the most respected schools on the East Coast.
They ate some sticky deserts made of fruit and nuts, and servants poured tiny cups of strong, dark coffee. Zahaina had entirely dropped the subject of marriage and managed to come across as intelligent and interesting as she discussed the challenges of moving back to Ubar after years abroad. Barbit’s English was clearly good, although heavily accented, and Ronnie was growing curious about her background, but she rarely contributed more than a grunt.
At long last they finally rose from the table and Zadir offered her his arm. This time she took it gratefully and managed to resist casting a glance back at Zahaina to see how she’d reacted.
“I bet you’re tired. It’s been a long day and sleep on a plane is never the same as sleep in a bed.”
“So true.” She felt enervated more than tired, from all the change and newness, not to mention the coffee. “I could use some rest.” Hopefully, she’d be able to relax once she was alone in bed.
She hoped she’d be alone in bed.
The warmth from Zadir’s arm traveled through his sleeve and heated her skin. It wouldn’t take much for him to wrap his arms around him the way he had when they were alone in the desert. He smelled wonderful—masculine and inviting—she noticed as they walked back along the hallway toward the bedrooms. She could feel his smile, and the sparkle in those hypnotic blue eyes, even as she tried not to look at him.
Why did he have to be so gorgeous?
They paused outside a door. She thought it was the door to her room, but it was hard to tell because they all looked alike. She should have paid more attention to the landmarks. “Let me come in and show you something.” He shone a mysterious smile on her.
Uh-oh. She hoped he wasn’t going to show her anything too intimate. “Like what?”
He must have heard the concern in her voice because his smile grew broader. “How to open the window. The night air is cool and refreshing.” He pulled his arm from hers and strode across the room, leaving her standing there feeling foolish. And her arm felt chilly without his wrapped around it.
The window wasn’t glazed, simply covered by carved wood shutters that swung easily open. She could have handled that all by herself, and she wouldn’t have had to watch his broad shoulders moving inside his robe or see his strong hands move the shutters.
“Come here.” He smiled at her.
Could it hurt to go to the window? She moved hesitantly across the room. Dangerous things happened when she got too near.
“The garden has many night-blooming plants that fill the air with their scent.”
Curious, she moved closer and inhaled. The rich scent of honeyed nectar filled her senses. “Beautiful. I’d imagine they must take a lot of water.”
“All the water here is recycled. There’s nothing new and high tech about it. We’ve always conserved and reused water out here in the desert. It comes from high in the mountains, through underground channels that have been there for a thousand years or more.”
“Impressive.”
“There’s more to Ubar than meets the eye.”
“I can see that. I mean, not see it, exactly, but…” As she suspected, being right next to Zadir was unhinging her slightly. His rich blue eyes surveyed her with amusement and desire. His sensual mouth hitched in that seductive half smile that did something weird to her insides.
“I know what you mean.” He held her gaze, daring her to look away. She couldn’t. “Learning about a new culture and way of life is a process of absorption. There are too many details to take in right away. You have to let them reveal themselves to you one by one.”
“I won’t really be here long enough for that.” She was trying to reassure herself.
“You’ll learn enough. And you’ll bring something new. If I wanted everything done the old way, I’d have just hired some locals.”
“I still haven’t said I’ll design your house.” She could feel the heat of his skin, even though they weren’t touching, and the whisper of evening breeze brushed her cheek.
“Don’t say anything until you see the site. We’ll leave after breakfast.”
“Just the two of us?”
“I’ll have to bring some security staff. We can’t ignore the spate of attacks. They’ll travel in separate cars.”
“Is someone still trying to kill you?”
His expression grew more serious. “It’s frustrating that we really don’t know who’s behind the attacks or what they want. I can only assume that I’m still a target. If you prefer we can travel in separate cars.”
This man had saved her life and she wasn’t going to be a coward now. “No, I’ll take my chances. I don’t live my life worrying about bullies.”
His eyes glittered. “I’m glad to hear it. I don’t either, though it makes sense to take reasonable precautions. The palace is well protected but once we’re out in the open we’re a bit more vulnerable. Still, nothing has happened in a while, so maybe whoever’s behind it has given up or lost interest.”
“But what about the protests that Barbit mentioned?”
“It is odd that we weren’t told of those. I’ll order a full investigation. I suppose I should be grateful that she warned us. Our security staff is conscientious but not very creative or innovative. They don’t go out looking for information nearly as much as I’d like. I suppose because things had been calm and quiet in Ubar for decades until my father’s death, they don’t have any experience with this kind of unrest.”
“You should probably hire one of those security firms from the States that’s full of ex-CIA operatives, like Blackwater, or whatever it’s called.”
He lifted a brow. “Those guys scare me more than local yahoos with pipe bombs. But I agree, we need to do something.”
His gaze rested on her face and she felt her skin heat. Why didn’t he bid her good night and disappear? So far she’d
done a good job keeping up a normal conversation with him, but she wasn’t sure how much more she could handle.
“I’m sorry the dinner conversation was rather derailed by our guests. I’d hoped for you to get to know my brothers better.”
“Zahaina seems rather intent on marrying you.” It was good to get it out in the open.
He laughed. “You wouldn’t believe how many people have come after me in the same manner. The moment you’re heir to some kind of throne, every girl who’s ever dreamed of being a queen comes scurrying out of the woodwork. If only they knew what a huge turnoff it is. It’s turning poor Amahd into a recluse. He can’t stand pushy women.”
“But you can handle them?” She smiled. It was hard not to smile at Zadir, he seemed to find even irritations amusing.
“I certainly hope so. Sometimes it’s annoying that Ubar has such a tradition of hospitality. I know Osman feels obliged to welcome anyone who can call themselves a relative. They could end up staying here for weeks.”
“She’s very beautiful.”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in my eyes Zahaina is mercenary and heartless. How could she suggest marriage when she hasn’t even spent an afternoon with us?” He shook his head.
“I guess she’s hoping you’ll feel the ancient call of destiny.” She smiled.
“And indeed I do.” He looked into her eyes, and her breath caught at the bottom of her lungs.
Was he talking about her? Impossible. They barely knew each other and she’d rudely ignored his phone calls for several weeks.
“I wish I had a real camera to take pictures for tomorrow.” She needed to change the subject—fast! “I would have brought one if I’d known I’d be surveying a site this weekend.”
“Good point. I’ll make sure to bring one.” He didn’t move. If anything he seemed to be getting closer. Or maybe she was just imagining it. The temperature in the room seemed to be rising despite the breeze from the open window. “Would you let me take a picture of you?”
“I’m not photogenic.” She never looked like herself in photos. At least not the way she saw herself. “I could take pictures of you, though.” That might be fun. She could picture herself alone, in the privacy of her D.C. loft, perusing photos of his angular features and impressive physique.
“I’d be fine with that.” His dimple appeared. “I’m not shy.”
An image of Zadir, lying naked on the desert floor, assaulted her imagination. She’d seen him without clothes, and it was a sight she might never get out of her mind. “We’ll probably be too busy looking at the terrain and considering the direction of the sunlight.” This change of subject had not led in the safe and boring direction she’d hoped.
“Quite possibly.” His gaze burned into her like the hot noon sun.
“And I don’t have any paper for sketches. I like to draw the earliest ones freehand.”
“We have paper here in Ubar.” His white teeth flashed in a smile.
“That’s a relief. I thought you might still be writing on clay tablets.” Once again his smile had proved infectious. It was hard to resist teasing him because he didn’t take anything too personally.
“I could get you some of those too, if you like.”
“That’s okay.” Why was he hovering so close to her? It was hard to think with his musky masculine smell filling her senses and depriving her of her sanity. “A small notebook and a pencil will be fine.”
“Just say the word, we’ll bring anything you need.”
“On a caravan of camels?”
“If that’s how you want it.” His eyes narrowed slightly, showing his long, thick lashes. “I’d suggest we travel there by camel but it would take about three days.”
“What? How far away is it?”
“By car, less than two hours.”
“That’s a relief. What should I wear?”
His eyes seemed to say as little as possible. “I know it looks strange to Americans, who undress whenever it gets hot, but desert people usually cover up to keep the sun off their skin. Long sleeves and long pants can be more comfortable.”
“Makes sense to me.” He’d given her several good outfits to choose from—loose blouses and pants, with interesting belts. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Are you?” He cocked his head slightly. “I’m glad. I did worry that whisking you here might turn you against the whole project.”
“It’s an adventure.”
“And you’re the adventurous type.” He smiled.
“Not at all.” She didn’t want him to get the wrong impression and think she was more exciting than she was.
“I beg to differ. I’ve seen your designs and they’re bold and striking. You’re a pioneer.”
“I suppose I have a restless streak when it comes to exploring new ideas. And lately I’m getting inspiration from visiting new places. I’ll tell you a secret… ” She paused, wondering if she should even admit this.
“What?” Curiosity sparkled in his blue eyes.
Adrenaline flashed through her. She hadn’t told this to anyone. “My design for the presidential library, the one everyone is talking about, was inspired by our plane crash in the desert.”
“Really?” He leaned in even closer. It was hard to breathe with him right in her space, but somehow she couldn’t summon the strength to take a step back. Maybe she just didn’t want to be rude.
“Yes, the way the plane glided to the ground with no fuel, then protected us from the harsh elements—” She didn’t mention the part about it being a cocoon for intimacy. “It inspired me to create a design with similar dynamics, and a protective aluminum skin. It doesn’t look like a plane, of course, but that’s where the idea grew from.”
“That’s brilliant.”
She laughed, embarrassed. “I’ve always had a vivid imagination.” Right now her imagination was causing her all kinds of trouble. Zadir’s arms still hung by his sides, but she could visualize them wrapping around her as they had that scary night in the desert, when he’d held her close and offered her comfort—and so much more.
And that mouth. Damn it, but she wanted to kiss him. It wasn’t fair of him to stand so close to her, those sensual lips just a few inches away, tantalizing her with the memory of them on her own. “Uh, I guess I should get some sleep.”
“Yes.” He didn’t budge. His eyes had turned ocean blue and gazed right into hers. She couldn’t move. Or breathe. How did he have this effect on her? This was exactly why she didn’t return his phone calls. Why she knew she needed to stay far, far away from him.
It happened so slowly that it didn’t quite seem real. There was certainly no conscious thought or intention involved. One moment she was thinking about how she should definitely not kiss Zadir Al Kilanjar, and the next moment she was doing it.
Their lips came together like a force of nature that couldn’t be stopped—a flash flood or a bolt of lighting striking out of the clear blue sky. Suddenly his arms were around her, just as she’d imagined, and her palms pressed into his back.
Desire raced through her with alarming force, deepening the kiss and drawing them closer. A tiny groan escaped her mouth, which should have shocked her into stopping, but she was too far gone in the all-enveloping kiss.
Zadir’s heart beat against her chest as he held her close. His passion was evident in the way he caressed and kissed her like his life depended on it.
When their lips finally parted, they were both blinking. Zadir looked as surprised as she did. “Wh—hat just happened?” Her voice sounded like it was coming from very far away.
“A kiss.” His was low and gruff. “And what a kiss.” He gazed at her through narrow eyes that blazed with desire. His big, hard body was still wrapped around hers, and she could feel his arousal like a dangerous weapon tucked below the dagger at his waist.
Luckily her arousal wasn’t so obvious, but it was no less intense. “This is why I didn’t return your calls.” She tried to get a grip on her
sanity.
Zadir looked both confused and amused. “What?”
“I had a feeling something like this would happen.” His arms felt wonderful, holding her steady. But what was the point? Enjoying his embrace only made being alone more difficult when it was over.
“And what’s wrong with that?” The dimple played in his cheek.
“I’m here on business.”
“I see no reason not to mix business and pleasure. In fact I think it’s ideal.”
Of course he would. His business was buying and converting luxury properties for his own enjoyment.
Then selling them so he could buy another.
“I’m not like that. I’m—”
“All business all the time?”
“Exactly!” She tried to pull herself back, but Zadir’s strong arms held her tight. “And I like it that way. It’s…”
“Safe?”
“Yes. Safe.” She tried again to free herself. He was too big and strong, and wriggling against him only brushed her nipples against his hard chest and shoved her pelvis against his firm erection. Desire snapped through her like stray electricity.
“Please let me go.” She tried to sound calm, but she was starting to panic. She’d never felt like she didn’t have control over her own body, her own emotions. She didn’t like the effect he had on her. It scared her.
He softened his embrace into a gentle hug, and she slipped from it, her chest heaving and her breath coming hard like she’d been running.
His arms returned to his sides, but her body didn’t return to normal. Blood rushed around it and hormones pumped unwelcome messages to stray parts of her that rarely saw any action.
“Do you feel safe now?” He cocked his head slightly and surveyed her with curiosity.
She sucked in a breath. “Not really.” She was half afraid to look at him. Her body still begged her to press it against him. “I’m not used to this kind of thing. It feels all wrong.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “You’re afraid of losing control.”
She swallowed. “Maybe.”
“Don’t be afraid. I think you’ll find that losing control is the best thing that ever happened to you.”
Desert Kings Boxed Set: The Complete Series Books 1-6 Page 27
