Desert Jewels & Rising Stars

by Sharon Kendrick

  “No offence meant, Ella,” Joseph said.

  “None taken,” Khalid said. “Please, help yourselves to refreshments. I want to borrow Ella a moment to introduce her to an old friend.”

  He took her hand in his and they moved toward the man she’d seen before. Rashid and Bethanne were talking with him.

  “He was a friend of my grandparents, Hauk bin Arissi. Unfortunately he is thrilled with our engagement. It is awkward, to say the least. I do not like deceiving people.”

  “You should have thought of that.”

  “Or left you to your brother?”

  Before Ella could respond, they were beside Hauk bin Arissi. Introductions were made.

  “Ah, Khalid, you and your brother have once again surprised me. The antics you used to do. Your grandmother would be so happy today—both her precious grandsons embarking on a lifelong partnership with such beautiful women.”

  “You are most kind,” Ella said.

  “Ah, and you my dear, already speak our language.”

  “I’ve lived in Alkaahdar for several years. Studied the language before that.”

  “You speak it well.”

  “Thank you. My reading is not as proficient.”

  He waved his hand dismissively. “Have Khalid read to you. The evenings my wife and I enjoyed reading from the classics. I do miss that.”

  She glanced at Khalid, a question in her eyes.

  “We all miss her, Hauk.”

  “So how did you two meet. I’ve heard about Bethanne’s piloting.”

  “She lives on Grandmother’s estate, the one I inherited.”

  “So he inherited me,” Ella said.

  “Are you the artist? The glassmaker? Alia told me about your excellent work. I saw the vase you made for her. It looks like captured sunshine.”

  Ella smiled. “Thank you for telling me. I miss her so much.”

  Hauk studied her a moment, then looked at Khalid. “You, also, have found a treasure. See you treat her appropriately.”

  Khalid bowed slightly. Ella saw the amusement in his eyes. For a moment she wished this was real. That he would treasure her and treat her appropriately. The thought startled her. This was one evening to get through, not let their pretense slip. Soon things would go back to normal.

  By the end of the evening, Khalid’s temper was held by a thread. His mother was pushing for a wedding date, pushing to learn more, pushing period. The minister watched Ella more than Khalid thought wise. His wife had been unable to attend, and Khalid did not like the way he eyed Ella. Rashid teased him, which normally he’d accept in good stead. But tonight, it rubbed him wrong.

  He and Ella spent most of the evening together, except when she was visiting with her friends. It was growing late when she came over to him and smiled sweetly at the couple he was talking with.

  “Will you please excuse us?” she asked, drawing Khalid away.

  With the same smile on her face, she leaned closer, to speak only to him.

  “My feet hurt, my cheeks hurt, I’m getting very cranky so suggest we leave very soon.”

  He leaned forward, breathing in the scent of her perfume, something flowery that he had grown familiar with over the last few weeks.

  “I was ready to leave about two hours ago.”

  “I could have gone then. We’ve been here long enough, right? Your mother can’t complain.”

  “She will, but that’s her way. Come, follow me.”

  He led the way down a corridor and in moments they were in the primary hallway of the building. In seconds they descended in the elevator and were outside.

  Ella leaned her head back and drew in a deep breath. It was all he could do to resist leaning over and kissing her. But standing in front of the building with the doorman and valet parking attendants standing mere feet away wasn’t conducive for such activities.

  Ella was tired. The strain of pretending she was wildly happy with a new engagement, and the anxiety over her brother, was wearing on her. To make matters worse, she almost wished she and Khalid were engaged. He had been most attentive tonight, hovering over her like he couldn’t stay away. He even seemed the tiniest bit jealous when he spoke to the finance minister. He was so good in his role he almost had her convinced.

  What would it be like to be engaged to him? Fabulous. She knew that without a doubt. He would lavish attention on the woman he chose for wife. She sighed softly, wishing she could imagine herself as his wife. To share their lives, to have his support of her art would be beyond wonderful.

  Suddenly she was jealous of the unknown woman who would one day see past his own barriers and find a way into his heart. She would be the one to receive his kisses and caresses. She would be the one to share nights of passion and days of happiness. Ella could see them living on the estate his grandmother had left him—with a half dozen children running around, laughing and shouting with glee.

  “Are you all right?” Khalid asked.

  Ella hoped he couldn’t read minds. “Of course. Just tired.”

  “So no walk along the beach tonight?”

  Did he enjoy their shared time as much as she did? Unlikely. He probably liked walking and didn’t mind if she accompanied him. The darkness hid all things. Was that special for him?

  “Not tonight.” She’d have to decide how to handle this. Everything was complicated. She was drawing closer and closer to Khalid and while he seemed to enjoy her company, she wasn’t sure he was seeing her as anything but the woman who leased his cottage. Who was an impediment to his selling the estate.

  When they reached home, Ella dashed into the cottage even before Khalid got out of the car. She closed the door and hurried to her bedroom, already unfastening the necklace. She didn’t want to be thinking about kisses and caresses and dark nights alone with the man. He tantalized her with things she had thought lost forever.

  Her life with Alexander had been all she ever expected. And when he died, she thought a part of her had, as well. But could she find another life, one unexpected but fulfilling nevertheless? Khalid was so different from Alexander it was amazing to her she could think of him in such terms. Alexander had been kind, gentle, thoughtful. Khalid was exciting, provocative, dynamic and intense. Yet she felt more alive around him than any other time in life. Colors seemed more vivid. Experiences savored longer. Nebulous longing rose, solidifying into a desire to be with him.

  She put the pearls on the dresser and peeked out of her curtains. She could only see a small corner of the main villa from this room. Nothing to show Khalid had gone to the study or his bedroom. Or, would he take a walk on the beach tonight without her. That first night he’d not known she was there. Did he often swim alone after dark?

  Suddenly she felt daring. Taking off her dress, she slipped on her bathing suit. Just maybe she’d go swimming in the dark. So much the better if he were there, as well.

  Pulling on a cover-up, she hurried to the beach. The moon was waning, but still cast enough light over the beach to see a pile of material near the water. Scanning the sea, she thought she saw him swimming several yards offshore. Smiling at the thought of reading his mind, she dropped her own things by his and plunged into the warm water. It felt energizing and buoyant. Swimming toward him, she saw when he first realized she was there.

  Treading water, he waited for her to get closer.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked.

  “I didn’t want a walk. But a swim sounded nice,” she replied. When she drew closer, she also tread water. “Do you swim every night?”

  “Not every night. But many. I like it.”

  “Always after dark.”

  “Easier that way.”

  “How far do the scars go?”

  Khalid stared at her for a long moment, then motioned her closer. When she paddled nearer, he reached out and caught one hand, drawing her up to him. Tracing the ruined skin down his right side, he tried to gauge her reaction in the dim light. Most women would be horrified. The scarring went ac
ross part of his chest and his upper arm. It no longer pained him, except to look at.

  She kicked closer and brushed against him. Instant heat. It had been a long time since he’d slept with a woman. He was already attracted to Ella, but her touch sent him over the edge. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, kicking gently to keep them both above water. Then he forgot everything except the feel of her in his arms. Her silky skin was warm in the water. Her hair floated on the surface, tangling with one hand as he held her closer. Her kiss spiked desire for more—much more.

  The water covering them both brought him back to sanity.

  She broke away and laughed, shaking her head. Water flew from her hair, splashing against him.

  “Romantic,” she said, pushing up against him again, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Unless you drown us.” Her lips were close, then she brushed against him, teasing, tantalizing. She trailed light kisses along his lips, across to his left cheek, then to his right one. He pulled away.

  “Don’t,” she said softly, cupping his ruined cheek with her hand. “Khalid, you make me forget everything. Don’t pull away and bring reality back. This is a night just for us.” Again she kissed him and this time he didn’t hold back. He relished the feel of her in his arms, the length of her petite body pressed against his, banishing the loneliness of the last few years. He felt more aware of every aspect of life than ever before. All because she kissed him.

  They were both breathing hard when the kiss ended. Khalid wanted to sweep her ashore and make love to her on the sand. He even began swimming that way, but stopped when he realized she was swimming parallel to the shore.

  “It’s a glorious night for a swim,” she called out, swimming away with each stroke.

  He’d been fooling himself. He knew what women saw when they looked at him. The night hid the scars, but light would expose them for the awful things they were. He’d take what he could get and ignore the vague yearning for even more.

  He swiftly caught up with her.

  “I thought you said it was unsafe to swim after dark,” he said, keeping pace with her.

  “If one is alone, it is. I’m not alone, I have you.”

  Together they swam along the coast, only turning back when Khalid began to fear she would tire out before reaching their things. Ella seemed as full of energy at the end as when they started. And once their towels and clothes were in sight, she stopped and tread water again. Curious, he stopped, too, and was greeted with a wave of water. A tap on his shoulder as he shook his head to clear the water from his eyes was followed immediately by “You’re it!”

  Ella dove under the water and for a moment he didn’t know which direction she’d gone. When she resurfaced some yards away, he struck out. She laughed and dove beneath the water again. This time she appeared near the shore. Khalid laughed and reversed direction. By the time he reached her, she was already standing and hurrying up the shallow shelf to reach the beach.

  Snatching up her towel, she wrung out her hair and then dried herself, all the while moving back, watching him.

  “Dangerous games you play, Ella,” he said, walking steadily toward her.

  “It was fun.” She laughed, but kept backing away.

  Khalid pursued, gaining ground with every step.

  “It was. But you don’t play fair. Why leave the water?”

  “I’m tired. That was a long swim.” She giggled and stepped back. “I’m leaving my cover-up behind,” she said.

  “Come and get it.”

  “I’m not that dumb.”

  “No one said you were dumb,” he said, reaching out to catch her.

  She laughed but came willingly into his arms. “Khalid, you are the dangerous one,” she said just before he kissed her.

  The next morning Khalid stood on the veranda on the side of the house nearest Ella’s cottage, looking toward the sea. He’d had breakfast early, checked in with the office and debated taking a consulting job that had been offered or sending his second in command. The time away would give him some perspective. Last night replayed itself like an endless film. He should have pushed for more. But his respect for Ella wouldn’t allow him to press for more than she wanted. And it appeared as if kisses were the limit of her willingness.

  He should take the job.

  “The maid said I’d find you here,” Rashid said behind him.

  Khalid turned. His casual clothes contrasted with the Western suit and tie that Rashid wore.

  “And she was right. What’s up?” he asked his brother.

  “Just came by to see you.” Rashid pulled a chair away from the small table and removed his suit jacket, hanging it across the back. Sitting, he looked at his brother, eyebrows raised in silent question.

  Khalid came across and pulled out another chair, sitting opposite his twin.

  “I heard from an oil company in Egypt. They want us to come vet their new well.”

  “Are you going?” Rashid asked.

  Khalid shrugged. “Don’t know.”

  “You usually jump at foreign assignments.”

  “I’ve been to Egypt before.”

  “More than once. Maybe your new fiancée is keeping you closer to home.”

  “I don’t need that from you. You know the entire thing escalated out of hand. Damn, I was only trying to help out my tenant. I told you.”

  Rashid smiled at that. “Right. Somehow I guess I forgot.”

  “Like you ever would. Is that why you’re here? To rehash the entire affair?”

  “Ah, you’ve moved on to an affair now.”

  “No, I have not. I stepped in to try to keep her family from pressuring her. Once her brother leaves, end of story.” He rose and paced to the edge of the stone floor, then turned back.

  “What would you have done?” he asked.

  “The same thing, I’m sure. Actually I came by to see if you were at all interested in her. She seemed devoted to you last night. Maybe this could develop into something good.”

  The scene in the water and on the sand flashed into mind. Khalid wasn’t sharing that with his brother, twin bond or not. “An act.” Had it all been an act? He hoped not.

  “A suggestion only—” Rashid began.

  “What?” Khalid felt his barriers rise.

  “Give the relationship a chance. She’s a nice woman. Talented, pretty. She loved the country, gave up her family for her first husband. Is loyal.”

  “Makes her sound like a dog or something.”

  “I’m trying to get through to you that not everyone is Damara. She was shallow and superficial and at the first setback fled. In retrospect, you got a lucky break. What if you were married and she couldn’t stay for the long haul.”

  “I’m sure she felt she caught the lucky break.” He turned back to gaze at the sea, remembering the scene in the hospital—he so doped up because of the searing pain and the one person beside his twin he thought he could count on instead shredding their relationship. As he watched the water sparkle beneath the sun, that image was replaced with a scene from last night: Ella’s splashing him and then laughing.

  Ella kissing his damaged skin. Ella.

  More than anything, he loved her laugh.

  Scowling at his thoughts, he turned back to Rashid.

  “I’m taking off. The job in Egypt will last a couple of weeks at least.”

  “Give my suggestion some thought.”

  “There’s nothing like that between us. She needed help. I gave it. She’s locked into the cottage legally—nothing I can do to get rid of her before the lease expires. We’ll muddle through. Not everyone is like you. Enjoy what you have with Bethanne. Don’t try to find a happy ending here.”

  Rashid rose, slung his jacket over his shoulder and looked at his brother. “Okay. I gave it a shot. Your life is yours. Just don’t screw it up any more than you can help.”

  Khalid laughed. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

  Once Rashid left, he went to the study and called his offi
ce. “Make the arrangements…I’ll leave this afternoon,” he told his assistant.

  Ella had expected to hear from Khalid, but he had not sent word for her to come to the main house, nor visited. She kept busy sorting the glass pieces, pleased to study some and find they were better quality than she remembered. Stepping back a bit helped her gain perspective. The piece might not have attained her vision for it, but it was still good.

  She had early pieces grouped together. Later ones separated. Definitely an improvement in the later ones. Maybe she should have a seconds sale—knock off the prices of the earlier less-than-perfect pieces. But only after she had started selling.

  The pictures she had taken in the house looked great. She’d see about contacting a printer to make them into a booklet.

  As much as she tried to concentrate on work, she was on tenterhooks for Khalid. Last night had been amazing. She’d hated to go home alone.

  But this morning—nothing.

  Finally she took a light lunch on her veranda. Maybe she should just go over and find out what he was doing. Or if he had gone into his office today. It was a workday after all. She’d gotten used to his being available whenever she wanted. How spoiled was that?

  She refused to hang around like some lovelorn idiot. She had her own life. If it coincided with his once in a while, so much the better.

  The day seemed to last forever. She cleaned her small cottage. Did a load of laundry, even cooked dinner which was not something she often did. Finally—it was dark. Normally she walked after eleven, but even though it was scarcely past nine, she couldn’t wait.

  She headed for the beach. No sign of Khalid. She knew she was early. Slowly she walked to the water’s edge. She’d wait.

  Which wasn’t easy to do when every nerve clamored for him. She sat on the warm sand, the water lapping the beach a few feet from her toes. Picking up handfuls of sand, she let it slip between her fingers. Last night had been surreal. One part at the party Khalid’s mother had given. The other—the real part—had been swimming in the warm sea. She smiled remembering how much fun she’d had. How much she liked being with Khalid.

  Glancing over her shoulder, she wondered what time it was. How long before he came?