by Cara Albany
Alaya's features colored instantly. She pouted her lips. "That's a whole different thing, Lori. I can't refuse. We have to think of professional obligations."
"Yeah, right," Lori teased, smiling at Alaya.
"I'm serious. We have to maintain the best of manners. At all times."
Lori laughed. She wasn't buying Alaya's attempt at deflection. Not one bit. "Is that a Qazhar tradition?"
"Manners are still highly prized in the kingdom. My family laid great stress on them when I was growing up. Obligations must always be met with courtesy and politeness."
Lori stared at Alaya and smiled. "Obligations? The only thing Kadir has on his mind, right now, is how he can win you over. Like for good."
Alaya squinted at Lori, but there was still a thoughtful expression in her eyes. "That's such a cute way of putting it," she said and then rolled her eyes. There was another long pause and then she surprised Lori. "But, then again, you might be right," Alaya added with a smile of satisfaction.
Lori leaned closer to Alaya and tilted her head, waiting for more. But Alaya seemed to clam up instantly upon seeing Lori's expectant features.
"I can't say anything more. For now," Alaya said.
Lori didn't express her disappointment. Instead she simple said: "He is quite charming," Lori said. "But, I already knew that, anyway."
Alaya stretched out her long legs and sighed. "He is, isn't he," she agreed with obvious pleasure in her voice.
"And pretty hot," Lori teased.
"Hot?" Alaya said, her brows rising. She thought for a moment. "A moment ago you said he was cool. Now he's hot?"
"You know what I'm saying," Lori added.
Alaya nodded. "You know, Lori, I think you might be right. I guess he is pretty hot," she added. The words sounded so cute with Alaya's Qazhar accented, almost perfect English.
Both women burst out laughing. The sound of their giggling echoed around the high-ceilinged, elegantly furnished room.
Alaya gazed up at the ceiling, at the large fan spinning lazily, casting a cooling breeze. Lori had seen both sides of her friend's character since getting to know her. There was the efficient side, which allowed Alaya to be a ruthlessly effective organizer.
Her friend also had great interpersonal skills. People just loved working for her. It was a great combination. Lori reflected that it must be a result of the good upbringing Alaya had enjoyed.
But, today, Lori had seen the other side of Alaya. The woman who wanted to be in love. The woman who had been won over by a wealthy sheikh. A woman who delighted in every little moment of attention heaped upon her by Kadir.
Everything Lori had seen this afternoon had merely confirmed her suspicions about just how much Kadir felt for Alaya. He'd focused his attention on her in so many ways throughout their time together. It was obvious there was something serious going on between the two of them.
And she was happy for Alaya. Really happy. If ever anyone deserved such happiness it was Alaya.
But earlier, over tea in the coolness of the sitting room, Lori had witnessed something that concerned her. Prince Zafar had watched Kadir and Alaya as they'd sparred playfully with one another, sharing intimate comments. Showing, in every possible way, just how strong was their mutual attraction.
Lori had savored those moments while, at the same time, observing Zafar's steady gaze, his stern features, his unconvincing attempts to join in with Kadir and Alaya. Lori had seen the care with which Zafar had scrutinized what had gone on between Alaya and Kadir.
And she had come to one conclusion.
Zafar did not approve.
The conclusion had been unavoidable, and painful for Lori. Prince Zafar did not wish Kadir to have any interest whatsoever in Alaya.
Lori had heard Zafar's reluctant laughs, his hesitant agreements, his careful glances, as if he'd been examining two people he believed should not even be sharing the same sofa.
It was that clear.
Lori had seen those same kind of looks when she had attended her college. When students had discovered Lori had been on a scholarship, and that she came from a humble Idaho background, she'd seen those exact same looks. Expressions of poorly disguised disdain.
At college she'd learned how to deal with that. Learned to push it aside and focus on the only thing which mattered.
Making the most of her life. Taking every chance which came her way to make herself the best she could be.
Nothing in life had ever been handed to Lori on a plate. She'd worked hard to win her scholarship. She appreciated every opportunity which had been given to her.
Lori's wasn't a background of privilege. And nor was that of Alaya. Lori had found that out soon after beginning to work for Alaya. Her boss on this excavation had also pushed herself hard in life, coming as she did from a background every bit as humble as Lori's.
In many ways that went a long way to explain why Lori and Alaya had become so close. They had both striven hard to get where they were.
In contrast, Prince Zafar seemed more and more like someone to whom everything had come so easily. So effortlessly.
Lori could barely begin to imagine how privileged life had been for Zafar. It explained his entire demeanor. He seemed so prejudiced, so incredibly judgmental.
Sheikh Kadir, on the other hand, possessed some fine qualities. He had a genuine interest in the work Lori and Alaya were involved in. And Lori had heard good things about Kadir from some of the other staff on the team. Kadir's reputation was second to none.
The perfect contrast to the arrogant prince.
The same staff who had enthused about Sheikh Kadir had expressed completely opposite opinions about Zafar.
He had a reputation. And it wasn't good.
Her fellow employees had described Zafar in unfavorable terms. Apparently, he was spoiled, aloof, and unpopular with the media who constantly depicted his opulent lifestyle in intimate detail. Every one of Zafar's misdemeanors had been poured over in the media.
His various liaisons had been the subject of much speculation. Zafar was undoubtedly popular with women. Lori could see why, now that she'd been up close and almost personal with the Prince.
Right now, she didn't care about that, even if occasionally she felt a tingle of treacherous, secret pleasure when he looked at her in that special way of his.
Zafar was incredibly sexy. But he knew it. He seemed to play upon it continuously. She could tell he was used to testing women with those devastatingly tempting looks. Probing them for any weakness, any slackening of their resolve to keep him at bay. Because that was what it felt like sometimes. It was like keeping a hungry animal at arms length.
Well, Lori knew one thing for sure. She had no intention of becoming Zafar's prey. Another one of his many conquests.
Lori and Alaya finished getting ready and started to make their way downstairs. Alaya was wearing an elegant low-cut, white evening dress and low heels. She looked so incredibly different from the woman who earlier that day had been on her knees in jeans and shirt, gently uncovering precious remnants of the past. Alaya had also taken the time to add color around her eyes, making herself look alluring, even sexy.
For her part, Lori had put on a simple, figure-hugging blue dress that ended at the knees. As she walked along the palace corridor, Lori felt the dress hugging her curves. She knew that her body was fuller than Alaya's sleek, slimness.
And she'd been sure she'd seen Zafar's eyes drift appreciatively down the length of her curves today in the garden. It would have been hard for her to disguise those curves. The shirt and jeans were tight-fitting.
Lori hadn't brought that many outfits, assuming that all of her time in Qazhar would be spent excavating. Most of the clothes she'd brought with her were only suitable for work.
Outdoor, messy work. So, this one outfit was the only one she really had which she thought might be right for the dinner date.
A dinner date with a Prince and a sheikh.
FIVE
The thou
ght of what this evening promised made her slightly apprehensive. Everything about this trip was unreal in so many ways. She felt as if she'd entered an exotic world far removed from the ordinary one she'd grown up in.
As she walked down the curving staircase, Lori realized that what had been arranged by Kadir was effectively a double date of sorts. Even if, officially, neither she nor Alaya were any more than just friends with Kadir and Zafar.
When it came to Alaya and Kadir, Lori knew that wasn't strictly true. More so now that she'd listened to the way Alaya talked about Kadir.
In the case of Zafar, Lori wasn't even on friendly terms. And, as far as she was concerned, that was exactly the way it was going to stay.
Lori and Alaya entered the dining room to find Kadir and Zafar leaning casually against the long dining table which had already been set out for dinner by the palace servants.
Both men were identically dressed in dark suit and white, open-necked shirt. Lori thought they both looked elegant and, if she was completely honest with herself, pretty sexy. Two dark-haired, tall, attractive men.
As she and Alaya walked into the room, Lori saw Kadir's eyes light up at the sight of Alaya walking toward him. Lori saw real delight on Kadir's face as he came toward Alaya to greet her with a polite hug and air kiss.
But it was the look on Zafar's face which made the biggest impression on Lori. Within an instant, on seeing her walk into the room alongside Alaya, Zafar's expression had changed from bland indifference and studied boredom to sudden, mesmerized attention.
His gaze locked on her. His eyes had widened and his mouth had opened slightly. If she wasn't mistaken, Lori could swear that the Prince looked like he had been completely taken aback when he'd seen how she looked. There was the same look in his eyes that she'd seen on the night of the welcome reception. Uncontrollable, instinctive appreciation.
For an instant, he seemed to struggle with self-control, to contain his surprise at seeing her transformed like this. Then she saw him raise himself up to his full height, straightening his open jacket.
Zafar came to her and halted right in front of Lori. He nodded slowly and smiled. "Good evening," he murmured glancing down the entire length of her body.
As he did that, she felt nerves tingle inside her, sensed butterflies fluttering into life in her belly. And he'd done that how? With just a look?
"Evening," she replied curtly, giving him a mischievous grin. She glanced across at Alaya and Kadir. They were both smiling at Lori and Zafar. Had they noticed something she'd missed? She shook that thought off and gazed at the table. "Set for four, I see," she said.
"Just an intimate little gathering," Zafar said casually.
"Intimate?" Lori asked. "I thought we'd get a chance to talk about archeology."
Zafar's eyes widened. "I think both of you ladies deserve a night off from work, don't you think?"
Lori glanced at Alaya and saw that she was smiling. "Zafar, you should know that we never stop thinking about work. It's our life," Alaya said.
Zafar shrugged and grinned slyly. "In that case, I can see it's going to be a long evening," he joked.
"If you don't want us to talk work, then maybe you can tell us what it's like to be a royal," Lori teased. "I'd love to find out."
Zafar looked directly at her. "Then it would really be a long evening. For all of us," he declared. "It isn't as glamorous as you'd think. I'm sure you don't really want to hear about it." Zafar glanced at Kadir. "Ask Kadir. He's had to put up with my tall tales long enough. I'm sure he doesn't want to go through all that again."
Kadir looked noncommittal. He smiled awkwardly at Alaya. "No comment," he said.
Lori narrowed her eyes at Zafar. "It must be so hard for you," she said ironically and quite sarcastically. "Being a prince, and all."
The minute she uttered those words, Lori felt a stab of regret. She'd spoken without thinking, being carried along with the teasing tone of the conversation.
She heard Alaya let out a yelp of laughter. Zafar's features colored slightly and she saw his jaw tighten. His gaze settled on Lori for a long moment.
He knew she was goading him. Knew that, right from the start, she wasn't going to let him take over control of the evening. But, she'd already decided that up in her room before coming down. She was determined that the evening wasn't going to only be about the Prince and his privileged life.
Nothing more was said after that for a while. They took their places at the dinner table. As they awaited the food, the conversation was pleasant and light. Kadir was a charming host and he kept Alaya laughing most of the time while they waited for the first course.
When it did come, Lori noticed that Zafar appeared withdrawn for the first part of the meal. She wondered if she'd really offended him somehow with her sarcastic comment. Could he be that easily upset? Or was it all just a act? Maybe it was a show he put on for others. She couldn't figure him out.
For a long while during the meal, he seemed to be doing everything in his power to ignore Lori. His gaze was fixed on either Alaya and Kadir or the contents of his dinner plate. Was he trying to cut Lori out of the evening, already? Was it that he didn't think she was even good enough to be sharing a place at a dinner table?
After a while, due to the deliberate efforts of Alaya and Kadir, Zafar began to lighten up a little. But he still seemed to be holding back from joining in fully with the conversation.
Whenever the topic turned to the subject of the excavation, Lori was sure she saw him visibly switch off. Midway through the meal she began to think his behavior was simply verging on sullen. Reaching the point where it was simply becoming rude. Hardly what she'd expected for the evening. Especially from a Prince, she told herself. She decided to try to bring him out of himself.
"Have you ever been to America, Prince Zafar?"
He paused in the middle of lifting some broccoli to his mouth on a fork. He gazed across at her and frowned. He seemed both surprised and puzzled by the question. "America?" he asked.
She nodded. "I expect you've been plenty of times."
His brows furrowed. "On the contrary. I've never set foot in the country."
There was a hint of disdain in his voice. Lori was surprised by the revelation. "Never?"
Zafar shook his head. "I had no reason to go. The furthest west I reached was when I attended Cambridge University in England when I was younger."
She knew from her research about him that he'd attended one of the most prestigious colleges at Cambridge. And had graduated with honors. Of course. He would hardly do anything less, she told herself.
"Weren't you ever curious to see what the States is like?" she asked.
"No," he said in a flat voice. "Is there any reason why I should?"
Lori glanced across at Kadir and saw that he was obviously uneasy with Zafar's surly response. Kadir looked at Zafar. "I'm sure Lori has plenty she can tell us about her wonderful country," he said and looked across at Lori. "Isn't that right?"
"Sure," she said. And then looking across at Zafar, she added. "Only if you're interested, of course."
From the blank expression on his eyes, she saw that he wasn't in the slightest bit interested in anything she could tell him about her homeland. She didn't feel immediately hurt, nor even offended. The main emotion she felt was puzzlement.
Zafar sighed audibly and Lori frowned across the table at him. "Maybe later, " she said.
Why was he being so unfriendly toward her? What had driven him to put on such a display? He'd been far more approachable out in the garden. In fact, out there, she'd gotten the impression he was beginning to take some kind of interest in her.
But, now he was so different. Was he really as spoiled and ill-natured as she'd suspected? His moods seemed to shift so easily. Lori thought of all the women Zafar must have tormented with his stormy character.
When they'd finished eating, they all made their way to the sitting room. It was clear to Lori that Alaya and Kadir wanted to spend some time to
gether.
Alone.
Apparently Lori wasn't the only one who'd noticed that, because, right out of the blue, and very much to Lori's surprise, Zafar turned to her on the sofa where they were sitting. "It's a beautiful evening," he said in a soft voice. "Would you care to join me for a walk in the garden?"
Lori gazed at him, wondering at Zafar's sudden change. Lori glanced across at Alaya and could see how wrapped up Alaya was in every word Kadir was saying to her. Lori turned back to Zafar. "Sure," she replied curtly.
She began to follow Zafar out onto the terrace. Once out there, she saw he'd been right. It was a lovely evening. Kadir's palace was far enough away from the city that the sky was ablaze with stars. The sight reminded Lori of the countryside where she had grown up. But, the evening heat was nothing like any of the nights she'd experienced back in Idaho.
There was a soft chirping of insects from across the garden. The garden was illuminated by submerged lights placed at strategic intervals around the garden. Lori ran her gaze across the groves of trees and hedgerows. The garden was like a beautifully designed maze. A place you could get lost in, Lori reflected.
She dragged her attention back to the man standing alongside her. The prince who was now looking at her, waiting for her to follow him down the five wide marble steps which led down to the lawn.
She wondered if she'd made the right decision in coming with him. Could she really trust him, after the way he'd behaved toward them all?
A moment's thought was all she needed to answer that question. She wasn't going to allow herself to be intimidated by this handsome, dangerous and very unpredictable royal.
She was determined he wasn't going to win an easy victory over her. Especially now that he'd had more than one chance to test her, to assess her. Because she was beginning to think that he was doing exactly that. Probing her for weaknesses.
She drew in a deep breath and peered a him. "The garden looks nice. Perfect for a walk, as you said," she said.
He narrowed his eyes and nodded. He gestured toward the steps. "After you," he said.
