by Cara Albany
Annabelle thought for a moment. "But his father has chosen to live abroad now, hasn't he?"
Belle drew in a deep breath and shook her head. "Not anymore."
Annabelle lifted her brow, obviously surprised at that news. "Are you saying he's back in Qazhar."
Belle nodded. "I met him this morning. He's not a happy man." Belle snorted. "Not at all," she added.
"He's been a through a lot," her mother said.
Belle squinted at her mother. "But, that doesn't give him the right to be mean, mom," she said.
"What are you talking about?"
Belle sighed, considering just how much about this morning she wanted to reveal. Perhaps it would be best just to forget about it and move on. After all, she wasn't going back to Khalid's palace again. Not now that his father was back in residence there. It was clear from this morning's events that Belle wouldn't be welcome there.
Belle saw that her mother was still waiting for a reply to her question. "I don't want to talk about it. Khalid and I were friends for a while. I think I should just leave it at that. It was probably a mistake, anyway."
"Why, Belle?" her mother asked softly. She leaned her elbows on the table and leaned forward. "Erin told me you and Khalid were a bit more than just good friends. At least, that's the impression she was under."
Belle sighed heavily and closed her eyes. She didn't want this conversation. Not right now. She needed to get out of these robes and shower. She had to wash away the remnants of the last few days and take some time to think all of this through. She needed space. Perhaps get away from Qazhar for a while.
"I don't want to talk about it, mom," she declared gazing at her mother.
Annabelle nodded and paused. "Have you thought about what you're going to do?"
"About Khalid?" Belle asked wide-eyed. "No," she drawled acidly.
Annabelle smiled calmly. "I wasn't talking about Khalid. I was asking about whether or not you've decided to come to Europe with me and your father."
Belle sighed and shook her head. "I don't know about that, yet. Everything's been happening so fast these past few days. I've hardly had a moment to think."
"Maybe I can help you with that," Annabelle said calmly.
Belle caught her mother's even, steady gaze. "What do you mean, mom?"
"I'm taking a short trip to the embassy in Andalia tomorrow. A preparatory trip, just to assess things. Make contacts. Get things sorted before the real move in a few weeks." Her mother smiled at Belle. "Maybe, you'd like to come with me."
"To Europe?"
Annabelle nodded. "Just for a few days."
Belle settled back in her chair. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea. It would put some distance between her and everything that had been going on. But, it would also mean leaving Khalid behind. How would he react if he found out? She knew the answer to that immediately. He'd be horrified, in case she never came back. He'd think she was leaving because of what had happened this morning at the palace. He'd probably believe it was all over between him and Belle.
Could she do that to him? Especially after everything they'd been through. She knew she didn't want to leave him; knew that the connection they'd created was real; knew that the love they felt for each other was also real.
But, she recalled the palpable resistance she'd felt this morning, and it chilled her, made the offer to let things cool down a bit appear tempting. There might be some advantages to be gained from being apart for a few days. She'd already seen how being away from Khalid had affected them both. Time was a great healer. Perhaps Abdullah needed time to some to terms with his son's love for Belle, she told herself.
Belle peered across at her mother. "You know, mom, that might be a good idea, after all."
Her mother's brows rose in surprise at Belle's rapid acceptance of her offer. "Okay," Annabelle agreed. "I'll make the arrangements. We leave tomorrow morning at eight. Sharp," she said lifting a brow at Belle. "That means you'll need to be up bright and early. Is that going to be a problem?"
Belle laughed. "Mom. I'm a grownup, now. I don't need to be dragged out of bed like I did when I was younger."
Annabelle didn't look convinced. "If you say so." She glanced down at Belle's white robes. "I take it you won't be bringing that outfit to Andalia."
Belle stood quickly and tugged at the robe. "Of course not. I can't wait to get out of this thing. It's so uncomfortable when you're not in the desert."
Belle blushed slightly when she saw the way her mother looked at her on hearing that last remark. It was time to make a swift exit, Belle told herself.
She hugged her mother and left the office, making her way upstairs, eager to get to her room and shower.
Once in her room she started to ease herself out of the white robes. A memory seized her as she did so. The memory of how Khalid had disrobed her in the tent. The expert way he'd teased the fabric away from her body while he himself stood utterly naked before her. She felt herself flush at the recollection of how that had felt.
As she finally loosened the robe from her body she threw it onto a chair. It was then that she realized she was still wearing the amulet. Khalid's amulet. The gift he had presented her with at the palace. It still hung around her neck. Belle examined it, holding the gold setting, teasing the golden chain thoughtfully. The jewel shone bright, captivating and stunningly beautiful.
Belle recalled Khalid tying it around her neck this morning back in the tent in the desert encampment. How she had quivered at his touch as he'd fastened the clasp behind her. Warm sensation settled in her heart as she remembered how he had looked at her when she had turned around, seeking his approval, wanting to see the pleasure in his gaze.
Then he had kissed her, his lips as tender as ever. She knew what it meant to him that she wore this jewel with pride and a deep sense of honor that he had seen fit to present something so precious to her.
Then the thought came to her that she couldn't possibly keep this. It signified everything she wasn't sure about. He deserved better than for her to keep this while she still hadn't been able to breach the final barrier that lay between them.
Quickly, Belle removed the amulet and laid it down gently on the table. She gazed down at it, realizing that she had to do one last thing before she left with her mother. Who knew what would happen in Europe once she was there. Life had a way of springing surprises.
Belle gazed at the shining jewel. She could not possibly keep this object. It meant too much to Khalid, and probably to his father. She had a duty to return it personally to Khalid.
But, that meant one thing. And the thought of what she would have to do made butterflies tumble in her belly. Belle drew in a deep breath and tried to calm her quickening heartbeat. Was that because of the prospect of seeing Khalid again? Or was it because it might be the last time she'd ever see him? Either way, she didn't like how this felt.
Belle would have to go back to the palace and face the rejection of Khalid's father again.
There was something more difficult than that, though. She knew she would have to face Khalid again and try, one last time, to do the impossible.
Resist him.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Later that afternoon, Belle drove herself to Khalid's palace. It wouldn't take long to do what had to be done, she told herself as she drove along the black ribbon of road which stretched across the desert.
She would simply knock on the door and speak briefly with Khalid. She'd hand back the jewelled pendant and explain that she was leaving Qazhar for a few days; that she needed time to think about everything that had happened between them; that there was no use pretending that some things needed to be sorted out if they were to have any kind of future together.
Belle hoped he would understand. She hoped there wouldn't be any awkward exchanges between her and Khalid's father. Even if there were, she was determined to stand up for herself. And for her and Khalid. Surely Abdullah could remember what it had once felt like to be in love. Khalid had t
old her how much Abdullah had worshipped Khalid's mother. Maybe there was another kind of pain that was driving Abdullah to behave the way he did.
Belle arrived at the palace and parked the car in the driveway at the foot of the steps where hours before she had said goodbye to Khalid. The pain of that separation still lingered. She'd seen the way Khalid had looked at her as limo had driven away from the foot of the steps. She hated causing him pain; detested the fact that they still couldn't make their love a reality forever.
Belle walked slowly up the steps, tugging hesitantly on her blue dress, feeling suddenly small in the face of the huge mass of the palace building. The doors were closed so she hammered on the massive brass ring in the center of the tall expanse of ornately carved wood. The sound of the brass echoed around her. She held the amulet tightly in her hand, feeling the soft edge of the gold setting against her soft skin.
The door opened and Belle started to say something, assuming it would be Khalid, or one of the servants. But, the words went unspoken. Because the figure of Abdullah was the one who was opening the door.
Belle gasped, expecting to be greeted with an acid comment. Abdullah's eyes widened and he made a sudden sound indicating she must have been the last person he'd expected to see at his front door.
Belle remained silent for a moment, waiting for the expected sarcastic remark. Belle and Abdullah's eyes met in a mutually defiant, direct gaze.
Then, Belle was taken aback by one thing. The last thing she would have anticipated from Abdullah.
He smiled. Straight at her.
Belle straightened, shock rippling through her.
"Belle," Abdullah said enthusiastically, his voice bright.
Still frozen in shock, Belle simply gasped. She couldn't find the words to express how she felt.
Abdullah pulled the door wide open. "Please. Enter," he said gesturing with open arms.
Belle peered at Abdullah. What was going on? Was this some kind of trick? Was Abdullah about to unleash a tirade against her again? Maybe he didn't want it to take place in such a public space as the entrance to the palace.
Belle hesitated.
"Please," Abdullah insisted, gesturing once more. "My home is your home," he said, offering her what she knew to be the standard Qazhar welcome to a valued guest.
She took one hesitant step, her gaze fixed on Abdullah. He smiled at her again, and she squinted at him, watching him as she continued into the hallway. Abdullah closed the door and Belle prepared herself to hear some unpleasant words from Khalid's father.
But there were none. Instead, Abdullah did something even more surprising. He came to Belle and gripped her upper arms gently, smiling at her. He peered at her, as if he was seeing her afresh for the first time. This was an entirely different man from the one who had been so unpleasant to Belle earlier that morning.
Belle could hardly move as she stared at the man's face.
Then there was a sudden brightness in Abdullah's eyes. He nodded. "I can see it, now," he murmured.
Belle was aghast. "See what?" she managed to blurt out.
"What Khalid was telling me about you. I can see that he was right."
Belle gasped and squinted disbelievingly at Abdullah. "What's Khalid been saying?" she snapped.
Abdullah grinned. "Good things," he said. "True things. I can see that now."
Belle glanced around the hallway. Where was Khalid? She needed him to be here right now. Then she could give him the jewel and get out of this place.
More important, what had happened after she'd left Khalid this morning? Why the sudden change?
Abdullah released her arms, and she felt instant relief. Abdullah glanced down at Belle's hand and saw what she was holding. His eyes filled with emotion, his smile fading. "There it is," he murmured.
Belle shifted nervously. "I came to see Khalid." She opened her hand and held up the jewel for Abdullah to see. "I have to give him this back."
Abdullah gazed at Belle. There was a moment of hesitation, as if he was considering what she had just said. Then he shook his head and reached down, taking hold of Belle's hand and curling her fingers around the jewel. "There is no need to do that," he said. He peered at her. "None at all."
What was going on? Belle let her fingers remain tightly grasping the jewel. For a long moment, Abdullah merely looked at her, as if he wanted to communicate something wordlessly to her, as if he also wanted to judge her reaction to what he'd just done.
Apparently satisfied, he released her hand.
Belle heard footsteps on the stairs, and she turned, looking up, to see Khalid come racing down toward her. He was dressed in white shirt and dark pants.
"Belle!" Khalid exclaimed.
Belle moved away from Abdullah. Khalid came to Belle and took her in his arms. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his features filled with delight.
Belle glanced back at Abdullah. "I was just telling your father," she said. She held up the jewel. "I came to give you this back, before I go," she said.
Khalid's eyes widened. "Go? What do you mean?"
Belle glanced from Khalid to Abdullah. Understanding crept into the elderly man's eyes.
"I'll be in the sitting room, my son," Abdullah said evenly as he started to move away from what he'd obviously decided should be a private conversation. Belle watched Abdullah close the door to the sitting room behind him.
Belle felt Khalid's fingers tighten on her arms. She turned and saw desperation in his gaze.
"What are you saying? Where are you going? And so soon. I thought your mother doesn't leave for a few weeks yet," Khalid demanded.
Belle tried to pull away from him, but he held her tight, his gaze penetrating, unavoidable. She'd rehearsed her words before she'd arrived. It had all been so easy in the safety of the car. But now, here with him, with his gaze desperately searching for truth, her mind was a blank, the words impossible to find.
"There's been a change of plans," she said.
Khalid's eyes widened. "Tell me why you came," he said.
Belle took his hand and placed the pendant in his open palm. "I came to give you this back."
Khalid peered down at the jewel. "Why?"
"I'm leaving for Europe, tomorrow," she explained.
Khalid's brows furrowed and his gaze darkened. "You've decided?" he growled.
"That's not it, at all, Khalid. I just need time to think."
He curled his fingers around the pendant and looked at her. "Think about what?"
Belle widened her eyes. "Us," she said softly.
Khalid drew in a deep breath and sighed. "There's nothing to think about. You know how I feel about you. And you told me you feel the same."
Belle shook her head. "It's not that simple."
"Of course it is. I love you. And you told me you love me, too. It couldn't be any simpler."
Belle gasped. "Khalid. Please, don't make this any harder than it needs to be."
"Have you already forgotten what happened between us?"
Belle shook her head. "Of course, I haven't. How could I?" she said.
How could she admit to him that she certainly hadn't forgotten what his father had said to her this morning? Then again, something had happened between her leaving and her returning. Had there been some kind of reconciliation between father and son? Why had Abdullah behaved like that toward Belle? Why the sudden change?
"What did you tell your father about me?" she asked.
Khalid drew in a deep breath and paused, suddenly thoughtful. Then he looked at Belle. "I told him how much I loved you. Told him what we had done together."
"You what!" she exclaimed.
Khalid smiled. "I told him about visiting the palace. How you'd reacted. What you'd done." Khalid looked down at the jewel. "How you had behaved honorably toward the memory of my mother."
Belle felt her heart quicken. "And? What did your father say when he heard that?"
She already knew the answer to that question, but she wanted to hear
it from Khalid. It would explain Abdullah's reaction to her when she'd returned.
"He was impressed," Khalid said softly.
"What do you mean?"
Khalid gazed at Belle and she could see how much this moment meant to him.
"He admitted he might have misjudged you," Khalid said. "That, by your honorable conduct toward the traditions of his tribe you had demonstrated a nobility that he had wrongly assumed you lacked."
Belle thought for a moment and then squinted at Khalid. "Is that your roundabout way of saying that he approves of me?" she said quizzically.
Khalid paused a while and smiled. "I suppose so," he admitted.
Belle snorted. "Well, that explains a whole lot."
Khalid's brows rose, seeking more.
"The way he greeted me now," Belle continued. "It was as if everything he said to me earlier didn't matter any more."
"It doesn't," he said.
Belle lifted her brows. "What changed?"
Khalid glanced toward the door. "He did. I think he's had time to think while he's been overseas."
"But, what about the way he reacted to me this morning?"
Khalid shrugged. "I guess he was surprised to see you. That's understandable, I suppose. You were probably the last person he expected to see in his home."
Belle frowned. "He said you told him good things about me."
Khalid nodded. "I did. We had a long talk. I told him everything I could think of about you." Khalid smiled. "Although I could have gone on for much longer about how amazing you are."
Belle felt herself blush at that last remark.
Khalid came closer and wrapped his arms around her. This time she didn't resist. It felt so good to be back in his embrace, so good to see his dark gaze drinking in the sight of her.
"I told him how much you'd helped me. What you'd done to heal the rift between me and Karim."
Belle squinted at Khalid. "But, that's not over and done with, yet."
Khalid smiled. "Karim and I will be fine. Sheikhs have ways of resolving conflict. We'll be fine in the end."