by Cara Albany
With regard to the mural beneath the plaster, Lori was increasingly sure she could complete her work quickly. Parts of the plaster simply came off in large flakes, leaving the mural beneath completely untouched.
The protective layer between the mural and the plaster was some kind of curious paper she hadn't seen before. It had odd qualities, most important of which was that it didn't adhere to the surface of the mural. Lori thought about how book repair experts fixed damaged leaves of precious books. It was something like that.
As the day progressed it became clear to Lori that she was dealing with an exquisite work underneath the plaster. The partially revealed surface showed what looked like two figures. Executed in broad, thick lines with bright blocks of color, she could see the figures of a man and woman embracing by an oasis.
The background to the figures showed hints of a brilliant, golden desert landscape. Because the image was so old, perhaps a few hundred years old, the style of the mural was simplistic by modern standards. But it was beautiful. And strangely touching. Haunting.
By the time the afternoon had passed, and the sun was beginning to move toward the horizon, the light began to fade in the room. Lori knew she would have to stop and said that to Zafar.
"We can leave, if you like," he said.
She agreed and they headed out of the room, Zafar locking it securely behind them. Leila was clearly disappointed that Lori and Zafar were not staying. But no amount of persuasion would make Zafar change his mind. Lori thought he seemed curiously determined.
But, eventually he got his way, with a promise that he and Lori would return the next morning. Then they were leaving in Zafar's limo. Lori stretched out on the soft leather seats. She glanced down at her dirty jeans and dust-covered shirt. "I'm making a mess of your limo, aren't I?" she asked Zafar.
He shrugged. "You need to get cleaned up, and I know just the place."
She peered at him, suspicion dawning in her mind. "And where exactly would that be?"
She saw the corner of his mouth crease with the hint of a smile. "My place, of course," he murmured.
"Oh, really," she said. "And what makes you think I'll go anywhere with you?"
He twisted on the seat, lifting a knee up onto the leather upholstery, opening himself up to her. She glanced down, and couldn't help noticing the firmness of his strongly muscled thighs. The narrowness of his hips. "Because it's too far back to Kadir's," he replied. "And my place, or my palace, is a few minutes away from here."
"Your palace?" she asked.
"Is there something wrong with that?" he asked.
For a moment she was lost for words. She'd had no idea he lived so close. The prospect of going to his own residence was tempting and worrying, all at the same time.
She wasn't sure she was ready to be alone with him.
Lori thought about what could happen while she was there. She knew there was a chance they'd just pick up where they'd left off last night. And that might just be a disaster. Or another incredible experience which would throw her and Zafar into even more chaos.
Zafar eased nearer to Lori. His brows furrowed and he looked suddenly hungry. Exactly the way he'd looked last night. "I'm sure you can't wait to get out of those dirty clothes," he said in a low voice. One brow lifted and the corner of his mouth curled.
His gaze was dark and direct. Eyes that were unshifting limpid pools. She knew he was watching for the slightest hint of objection. Ready to pounce if she tried to refuse his invitation.
She felt a quivering sensation in her middle. Her pulse started racing furiously. Lori felt heat flush her cheeks. He was teasing her. Playing with her. Again.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea," she said.
He didn't flinch. Didn't react. It was almost as if he'd expected her to say that. As if he already had a plan in place to deal with that.
"I think you'll be perfectly at home there," he retorted. "I think I can confidently say that I have everything you might need," he murmured teasingly, shifting even closer to her.
She was absolutely sure he did possess all she'd ever need. And that was the problem. It wasn't just home comforts he was promising her. He was offering so much more than that. And the nerves in her stomach told her she wasn't ready. Not yet.
Lori turned away from him and gazed out the window at the desert. "I don't know, Zafar. I'm still thinking about last night."
She heard him breath out sharply. "And so am I," he replied. "It's been on my mind every moment since."
And hers too, she told herself. Why were they torturing each other like this? She leaned her elbow on the door's soft interior and continued to look out the window.
For a while, she just listened to the quiet murmur of the limo's powerful engine. Felt the gentle movement of the car as it sped along the dark strip of highway which cut across the desert.
She knew he was waiting it out. Hoping she'd feel the need to make a decision quickly. That must be the only reason for his silence, she told herself.
He'd said his palace was a short distance away. If she wanted the limo to change course and take her back to Kadir's, she knew she'd have to make up her mind soon.
Lori thought about the situation back at his aunt's palace. There was something strange about that. Something Zafar hadn't explained to her. She wanted to know why that mural had been hidden. Wanted to know what part Zafar's aunt might have played in keeping it away from prying eyes.
If she went back to Kadir's, things might get complicated. Alaya might ask difficult questions. There was no guarantee Lori would get to continue her work. And, since she was the one who'd started it, she was determined to see it through.
Lori turned back to face Zafar. He was leaning back against the seat, arms folded and looking straight ahead, an impassive expression on his face. He glanced in her direction when he saw her facing him.
"Okay," she said. "Take me to your palace," she said, hardly believing she was saying such words. They sounded almost unreal. Just like everything that had happened since the day she'd arrived in Qazhar.
Zafar smiled and nodded. He looked so pleased, she told herself. Too pleased, in fact.
As if needing to temper his enthusiasm, she said: "It just makes more sense than going all the way Kadir's," she explained.
"Of course it does," he agreed, sounding almost patronizing.
Indignation flared in her. "I'm being serious, Zafar," she snapped.
He smiled, looking unmoved by her reaction. "I know you are," he said.
Lori glanced toward the front of the limo. "Hadn't you better tell the driver where we're going?" she asked.
"He already knows."
"What!" she exclaimed.
"I made an optimistic guess," he explained.
Lori glared at him. "That was pretty presumptuous, don't you think?"
He peered darkly at her. "But I was right, wasn't I?"
She sat back on the seat and folded her arms. She didn't say anything to him during the remainder of the short journey. The sun was beginning to sink toward the distant horizon when the limo entered the gates of Zafar's palace grounds.
There was a long straight driveway which led up through gardens all the way to a circular courtyard at the front of the palace. In the middle of the courtyard was a fountain. The limo glided around the fountain and came to a stop at the foot of a flight of about ten steps.
Lori gazed up at Zafar's palace. It was almost exactly like his aunt's palace. What was it about this family that meant they all had to live in such incredible luxury? The kind that most normal mortals could only dream about, she reflected.
The doors were opened and she stepped out. Zafar joined her at her side and gazed up. "What do you think?"
Lori ran a lazy gaze across the front of the palace. She figured his ego had been fed enough by her agreeing to come here. "I guess if you've seen one big palace, you've seen them all," she snorted.
At first he seemed taken aback by her comment. Then he quickly regained h
is composure and smiled at her. "I'm glad you appreciate it," he said sarcastically.
They made their way inside the palace. In many ways it was just like his aunt's residence. The same huge scale, the same beautiful design, the same cavernous hallway and wide, high staircase.
"All of this is just for you?" she asked.
"Yes."
Lori shook her head. "Incredible," was all she could say.
He glanced down the length of her body. "I guess you want to go to your room and clean up."
"You already have a room ready for me?"
He grinned. "I told you. I'm optimistic by nature," he said giving her a wry smile.
"That's one explanation," she retorted. "A gal could also say you're being a bit too cocky."
She saw he was puzzled by that expression. Instead of explaining, she waved a hand dismissively at him. She pointed up the stairs. "Is my room that way?"
He nodded as she started toward the stairs. He began to follow her, but halted when she turned and paused, narrowing her eyes at him. "Did you say there was dinner?" she asked.
"No, actually I didn't," he said. He hesitated and peered at her. She guessed he knew she was trying to keep the upper hand. Keep one step ahead of him.
Lori laid a hand on her belly. "I'm starving," she said.
He laughed quietly and shook his head. "If that's the case, then I'll arrange for the staff to prepare dinner." He lifted a brow. "Immediately."
Lori ignored his teasing and started to move toward the steps, but halted again at the sound of his voice. "Do you know where you're going?"
She squinted at him, waiting for him to continue.
"I can show you to your room. If you like," he offered. "Or I could get one of the staff to accompany you."
Lori thought for a moment. There was no sense in losing the winning momentum she'd been enjoying these last few moments. "Maybe get one of the staff," she stated.
This time he seemed completely taken aback by her reply. He hadn't expected that, she told herself.
She saw his jaw drop. He frowned but said nothing.
He had probably planned to take her to her room. Murmur sweet words to her. Compliment her on the work she'd done today. The whole plan.
And then she knew what would have come next. Some repeat of last night. Some attempt to send her senses reeling. Stop her from being able to figure out what was going on between them.
Then, he did something which took her aback. He snapped his fingers, and a servant appeared from out of a nearby open doorway. Probably the servant was on some kind of instruction to be discretely present whenever the prince returned. The young woman was dressed in traditional Qazhar garb. She had friendly eyes and a patient, respectful demeanor.
He gave instructions to the woman in his own language. The woman bowed and came to Lori. The woman gestured for Lori to precede her.
Lori nodded at the woman and then looked across at Zafar. She saw the tight line of his firm jaw and his darkly hooded brows. He wasn't pleased, Lori told herself. This wasn't what he'd expected. Not what he'd wanted.
He sighed and then bowed his head to her. The habits of courtesy overrode his own personal needs, it seemed. "Until later," he said.
As she turned away from him, it struck her there was something ambiguous about the way he'd said those words. He hadn't told her he'd see her down here in the dining room. Or that he'd arrange to have food brought to her room.
He was always leaving his options open, she told herself. Again, she felt like he'd played these kind of games for much longer than she had. She was up against his experience. But she was determined he wasn't going to win. Not so easily.
Lori followed the young servant up the stairs and along the corridor. She was shown into a gorgeous suite of rooms. They were expensively furnished and bright. Large fans circulated cool air and the doors to the terrace had been opened. The suite faced west, so she could already see the sun beginning to sink toward the horizon.
Lori thanked the servant who left immediately. Lori dumped her bag on the floor and took a quick look around the rooms. It was the kind of luxury she'd only ever seen on TV. The kind you saw in exclusive hotels reserved for the super rich. She felt a sudden calmness take hold of her. As if she'd arrived in a place where she could be safe.
Lori went out onto the terrace and gazed across the gardens, beyond the high walls and out to the distant dunes. There was a magical quality about this place. Since she'd arrived in Qazhar, all she'd witnessed had been a lifestyle about which most people could only fantasize.
She felt the air cooler now, the heat of the day having peaked. Nights could be cold in this country. She smiled. Except, of course, last night. With Zafar. There had been nothing cold about that.
Had she been too harsh with him downstairs? Had she even been unkind and ungrateful? Regret tugged at her as she recalled the way she'd spoken to him. At the ways she'd pushed back. And his reaction to her words. Perhaps, she'd pushed him away too hard.
She reflected on how her behavior must seem to him. As if she was trying to keep Zafar at a distance. She'd even done the same thing today when he'd been watching her work at the mural.
But, she'd known from the moment she'd arrived in his palace that he had brought her here with expectations in mind. And those expectations had nothing to do with polite conversation and walks in the garden under the moonlight.
Zafar looked impatient. She'd seen hints of his need, his desire, when he'd been sitting next to her in the limo.
She wasn't sure she was at all ready to submit to him as she'd done last night.
It was all moving so fast.
Lori tugged at her shirt, realizing just how filthy it was. She needed a shower. Now.
Lori went back inside the suite and walked to the bathroom. She gasped when she saw how big it was. The interior of the bathroom was as big as the entire apartment she'd rented when she'd been at college. There was a deep bath, multiple sinks and cabinets and a huge shower that just looked incredibly inviting.
Sighing contentedly, Lori started to take off her clothes.
FOURTEEN
Downstairs, out on the terrace, one of the servants came out carrying a phone. Zafar took the phone. "Hello?"
"Is that you, Zafar?" He recognized Alaya's voice.
"Alaya? What can I do for you?"
"It's about Lori," he heard her say. "I was wondering where she is. We were expecting her back here. And there's been no answer on her cell phone."
Zafar paused. He could hear the nervousness, the worry in Alaya's voice. He realized he should have let them know Lori's return would be delayed. But, he'd been so caught up in things, he'd completely forgotten to do so.
"Lori's staying over at my palace," he stated bluntly.
There was a long pause at the other end of the phone. Then Alaya said: "Okay. I didn't realize whatever was at your aunt's place would involve so much work."
"It's a lot more than even I thought, Alaya," Zafar said.
Another long pause. "And Lori's okay with that arrangement?"
Why did Alaya sound so uncertain? Did she think Zafar had forced Lori to stay with him. Against her will? Who did she think he was?
"She's quite happy with it," he said. "In fact, right now, she's up in her room getting ready for dinner."
"She is?" Alaya responded.
"I can get her to call you," he offered.
"That would be helpful," Alaya said. "I have some questions I'd like to ask."
It sounded as if she was about to ask those questions of Zafar. He could hardly think straight as it was. He knew if he tried to describe what had taken place at his aunt's palace, he probably wouldn't make any sense. But, he knew he had to tell Alaya at least something.
So, Zafar spoke with Alaya for a few minutes and gave her some idea of what was going on his aunt's palace. But not too much detail that it would cause Alaya to feel as of she'd need to come and see for herself. Just enough to allay her obvious worries.
"I'll let Lori tell you all about today, in her own words" he said. "She's got lots to tell you."
"I'd appreciate that Prince Zafar," Alaya said.
Had he imagined it, or had she just placed an unusually strong emphasis on his royal title? He wondered why she would do such a thing. Was she perhaps reminding him of the duty which came with his status? That somehow he should remember to treat Lori with the respect due a guest in a royal household?
"Be reassured, Alaya. Lori will be fine with me," he said.
There was a very long pause at the other end of the line. "I'm sure she will be," Alaya said in an even voice.
They said goodbye to each other and ended the call.
Zafar gazed out across the garden. The air was beginning to cool.
His tension had lessened only slightly. If anything the call had only served to make him more aware of the situation. Of the tension he was feeling.
Zafar paced the terrace and tried to figure out what was happening. He had to admit to himself that, if he was being completely honest, Lori could be so infuriating. She was demanding and never seemed to stop pushing him away. Every time he thought he was getting close to her, she did something to force him back. Whether it was with words, or a look, or a gesture, she always seemed to be one step ahead of him. Always seemed able to predict his every move.
Zafar had asked for a bottle of mineral water to be brought to the terrace. Suddenly thirsty, he drained his glass empty and slammed the glass down onto the table.
He sighed heavily. The tension in his body was almost unbearable. He felt as if he was going to burst. Every nerve was tingling and every muscle tight.
He wanted her so much, needed to feel her body against his. The sense of being one with her again. It was a primal feeling, something visceral. Impossible to ignore.
He'd never known tension like it.
He glanced toward the upper floor of the palace, knowing Lori was up there. So close and yet so far. Unattainable.
Was that what she wanted? Or was this some elaborate game she was playing? Some devious way she figured would ensnare him.
