by Cara Albany
"It's okay. I'm sharing with Yasmina," she explained.
"I saw that," he said, nodding. He looked suddenly thoughtful. "Yasmina is very friendly. And warm-hearted," he said.
Amber glanced at him. "How long have you known her?"
He tilted his head. "Yasmina is connected to some quite influential families here in the kingdom. We've bumped into one another over the years."
Amber wondered if that bumping had included anything more intimate. As if reading her mind, Sayid added quickly. "We've always been friendly." He narrowed his eyes and peered at Amber. "Nothing more than that," he added firmly, in a business-like tone.
She wondered if she should believe him. Yasmina was so attractive, Amber believed it would be difficult for any man to resist her.
They lapsed into silence for a while. It seemed as if the levity they'd indulged in had run its course. Amber could guess what he really wanted to talk about. He'd shown her his domain. She knew he would want to talk about the past.
Their past.
But, she wasn't ready. It was too soon. She'd barely gotten used to the idea that she was back in his life.
Would she ever be ready to discuss what had happened between them? She didn't even know the answer to that question. She'd only just arrived and she already felt disoriented.
Under pressure.
But that had always been the way when it came to Sayid Al Kharif. He knew exactly how to take possession of a woman's mind. How to fill it with thoughts of himself and his astonishing male presence.
Right now, the sensations whirling around her body and her mind had nothing to do with the strong coffee, she told herself. It was the potent and virile presence sitting across from her which was triggering those sensations.
She glanced at him. He really was the most extraordinary looking man, she told herself. He looked so different, dressed in his traditional robes. Somehow, the garb merely emphasized his power, his sheer primal force. He looked exotic. Like something out of a dream
Her dream.
Sayid broke the silence. "Amber. About last year," he started to say in a low voice.
She lifted a hand and shook her head. "Let's not go into that, Sayid," she said sharply.
"Why not?"
She sighed heavily. "I only just got here."
"Isn't that amazing enough?" he asked incredulously.
"What?" she asked.
He leaned forward. "That you've come back to me," he murmured. "That you've come here. Of all places in the world, you came to Meriyah."
She frowned. "What are you saying?"
He rested his chin on the back of his hand and gazed at her. She could see longing there. The same kind of need she'd witnessed so many times before. "This is destiny at work, Amber," he said quietly.
She shook her head. "It's not, Sayid. Coincidence isn't destiny."
He didn't look convinced. "I refuse to believe that," he said. "How else can you explain it?"
Amber folded her arm across her chest and leaned back against the chair. "Work. Nothing else."
Sayid smiled sarcastically. "You don't believe that, do you?"
"Why wouldn't I?" She shook her head. "In any case, I won't be here for long," she added and immediately regretted uttering the words.
His brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
She waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing. Pretend I didn't say that."
He leaned closer. "Isn't your placement here supposed to last until all the work is completed?"
She nodded. "Of course it is," she said in a flat voice. "But you know how this line of work is. I could be called away at any moment to some other crisis."
Sayid looked puzzled. And disappointed. She couldn't tell him that she was already thinking about ways to get out of this situation. Thinking of ways to get away from him again. But she knew that wasn't going to be possible. If she pulled out so soon after arriving, she might never get offered another job in the region. Her name would be mud as far as other positions were concerned. Her reputation would be ruined. If she left prematurely, it was unlikely she'd ever be offered another position.
As she considered all of that, another thought came to mind. One that was much more troubling. There was another reason she needed to get away from here. And it had to do with Sayid. She'd only been here a few hours, but already she knew one thing with absolute conviction.
Sayid could still affect her the way he had done before. He could trigger sensation with just a look. She could barely imagine what would happen if he touched her. Held her close. The way he had done before. Even sitting here at the table, looking across at him, she could sense the need in her body. She tried to ignore the sensations. Amber's mind wanted to keep Sayid in the past, but her body had completely different ideas.
And that definitely spelled trouble for her. But, there was no way she was going to tell him any of that.
"If you're only going to be here a short while, we can try and pick up from where we left things in California," he suggested.
Amber scowled at him. She leaned against the table, resting her hands next to the coffee cup. "Seriously?"
He nodded and slid his hand across the table toward her. She pulled her hands away from his. Any kind of touch was just going to complicate things, she told herself.
"I don't think that's a good idea," she said. "Not at all. I'm going to be too busy for socializing," she stated firmly. "I've got way too much work."
He frowned. "I wasn't just talking about socializing, Amber," he said slowly. His voice was deep and resonant, filled with promise and temptation. His dark eyes were pools that possessed dangerous depths in which it would be so easy to drown.
"Honestly, Sayid," she said. "I can't do this. Not right now. I should get back to the compound," she announced. She stood up and looked down at him. He seemed shocked by her sudden action.
She saw Sayid's jaw tighten. The easy promise of his gaze had changed into something harsher. Something darker. He sighed and stood. "Can I accompany you? Perhaps take you back on my horse?"
She glanced at the stallion. There was no way she was going to get on that horse, she told herself. The prospect of Sayid wrapping his arms around her, even for a short time, was unthinkable. She knew what would happen if she allowed that.
"No. I'm going to walk back." She smiled at him. She glanced down at the table. "Thanks for the coffee. And the cake."
Then she turned quickly and walked hurriedly away from him.
CHAPTER FIVE
"Amber, can I see you for a minute?" Monica asked. They were inside the main unit of the compound and Amber had been making her way to her own office after a particularly trying day out at the camp.
Amber had been passing Monica's office when she'd heard the request from her boss. She halted at the open door and saw Monica standing behind her desk. She had an expectant and concerned look on her face.
"Sure," Amber said, wondering what the problem might be.
There had been plenty to do that morning, just like every day really, Amber reflected. In the week since she'd arrived, hardly a day had passed without some crisis or other which needed her attention. Whether it was ensuring sufficient medical supplies or monitoring the care of the younger children who had been displaced with their families. It seemed there was an never-ending list of tasks for Amber to attend to.
Amber sat down in a chair in front of Monica's desk. Monica closed the door and sat opposite Amber.
Monica clasped her hands and frowned. She looked nervous about something, Amber told herself.
"I've received a request," Monica said. "Quite an unusual request, actually," she added. "And it involves you, Amber."
"Me?"
Monica nodded. "It seems Sheikh Sayid isn't happy."
Amber felt a sinking feeling in her middle. "Really?"
Monica nodded and sighed heavily. "He feels he hasn't been kept informed about the progress of the work we're doing here."
"That's ridiculous," Amber sna
pped. "He's here almost every day. How can he claim not to know what's going on?"
Monica smiled wryly. "I agree." Monica lifted a brow. "However, it seems to me as if he has been a more frequent visitor to the town. " Monica peered steadily at Amber. "Since you arrived," she added casually.
There was a long silence between the two women. Amber wondered what Monica could mean by that last remark. Amber had to admit that she'd seen Sayid every day. Although, since their encounter on the day she'd arrived, he had kept his distance from her. Maybe he'd been giving her a chance to settle in. Or perhaps he'd been offended by something she'd said on that first day. Amber wasn't sure.
"Hasn't he been kept up to speed on everything?" Amber asked.
Monica shook her head. "It seems not. So he's proposed a solution."
"What kind of a solution?" Amber asked suspiciously.
Monica sighed and leaned back on her chair. "He wants you to provide him with updates."
Amber peered at Monica. "What?"
"And he wants those updates to be delivered in person to his palace," Monica said. "By you."
"Me?"
Monica nodded. "I asked him why he wanted you specifically, but he wouldn't go into detail." Monica's brows furrowed. "Is there something I should know, Amber?"
"Like what?"
"Maybe something personal between you two?" Monica asked.
"How could I have had the time for anything like that?" Amber asked. "I've been busy every moment since I got here."
Monica nodded. She bit her lip thoughtfully for a moment. "I know you have, Amber. It's just such an unusual request. I thought I might have missed something."
Amber smiled. "Are you kidding, Monica? You run a tight ship around here. Nothing gets by you," she said.
Monica still didn't look convinced. "Nevertheless, I don't know what to do about this. The last thing I want to do is lose the good faith we've built up around here. Especially with the Sheikh."
Amber could see the concern on Monica's face. She understood the difficult position her boss had been placed in. It was important to maintain good relations so that the whole project could continue. Amber thought about what it would be like to go to Sayid's palace. Of course it would be risky, for all the wrong reasons. But, if the ground rules were established beforehand, she didn't see that it would be a serious issue.
"You're not worried about me going to his palace, are you?" Amber asked.
Monica narrowed her eyes. "You'd think about going there?"
Amber shrugged. "I guess so. I don't see why not."
Monica seemed surprised. "I didn't expect you to say that."
"Why not?"
Monica smiled. "I noticed you two didn't exactly get along on the first day you were here."
Amber shrugged. "That was nothing. I was tired. In any case, I can take Yasmina with me when I go to the Sheikh's palace."
Monica stiffened. "Now that's where you're wrong."
"Why?"
"The Sheikh has given explicit instruction that you and only you may bring the update to his palace. No-one is to accompany you."
"He said that?" Amber asked incredulously.
Monica nodded. "I did try to say that I could do it, but he insisted it had to be you. He claims he has specific questions he'd like to ask you about the work at the camp. With the families."
"And I'm the only one who can give him that?" Amber asked.
"I know," Monica said, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "It's what he wants," she said wearily.
"And the Sheikh is used to getting what he wants," Amber observed.
Monica smiled and shook her head. "I should be used to these customs and ways by now. But, I wonder if I'll ever fully accept them. I guess it's what we have to do if we're to continue our work here, I suppose," she said.
"When did he come and see you?" Amber asked.
"This morning," Monica replied. "And he wants the first report brought to him this afternoon."
"Today?" Amber exclaimed.
"He said, in this instance, he'll be satisfied with a verbal report. Nothing in writing," Monica said.
"How generous of him," Amber observed sarcastically.
"Yeah. He's nothing if not considerate," Monica observed wryly.
Amber sat back on her chair and sighed. "How am I supposed to get there?"
"He's sending a car for you," Monica replied. "Knowing him, it'll probably be a limo." Monica rolled her eyes. "A big one."
Amber tried not to smile. It was typical of Sayid to try to make an impression. But, she had to admit the prospect of going to his palace in a limo was intriguing. If for no other reason than it would give her a chance to speak to Sayid again. To find out what he was thinking.
She'd seen him around the camp. And she had noticed how he had looked at her from time to time. But, he hadn't come anywhere near her. Not once had he come to Amber to speak to her about the work she was doing. And, if she was honest, that had annoyed her slightly.
She'd hoped that he wouldn't let their history get in the way of her professional duties. She'd even hoped he would be curious about what she was achieving here. But it seemed she had been wrong.
She would not be intimidated into refusing his demand.
And, if she had her way, this would be the one and only time she'd be compelled to visit his palace. Amber could see how concerned Monica was about this whole setup. Amber thought that maybe she would be able to talk Sayid out of this particular demand.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Monica asked.
Amber nodded. "No problem."
Monica shook her head resignedly and then glanced at her watch. "You better get yourself ready. The limo will be here soon."
Sure enough, the limo which came to collect Amber was huge. Amber had barely finished her meeting with Monica when the limo rolled up to the gate of the compound. Amber took her bag from her desk and started to make her way to the limo.
Yasmina followed Amber out and asked what was going on. Amber quickly explained that she had to visit Sheikh Sayid. Upon hearing that explanation, Yasmina's face broke out into the broadest grin Amber had ever seen.
"It's not what you think, Yasmina," Amber said. "He wants some reports."
"And you're the only one he wants to bring them to him?" Yasmina asked.
Amber nodded. "What am I supposed to do?" she said as she headed toward the limo.
"I guess you could enjoy the visit," Yasmina said. "Although, his palace is quite modest by Qazhar standards."
"You've been there?" Amber asked sharply.
Yasmina shook her head. "I've heard about it from others. But, it might not be what you expect."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Amber asked.
Yasmina laughed. "Nothing. Enjoy yourself."
Amber frowned. "It's work, Yasmina. That's all it is."
Yasmina rolled her eyes. "Sure," she said disbelievingly.
Amber half expected to see Sayid waiting for her inside, but he wasn't there. It was just her and the driver, who seemed determined to say as little as possible. The limo drove off and headed out through the town and up onto the highway, taking a turn to the north.
While she was inside the limo, Amber composed herself. In spite of everything, she felt nervous about the upcoming meeting with Sayid. She knew there was more to this than just a desire to know more about the work she was involved in.
No. There was desire. Sayid always knew what he wanted. She was sure it had everything to do with the way Sayid still felt about Amber. She'd seen it in his eyes during their time together in the town. She'd seen it in the way he'd looked at her during the visit to the coffee shop. And she'd seen it in his frustration at the way she'd walked away from him.
Secretly, she'd been relieved he'd stayed away from her during that last week. By doing so they'd avoided making a spectacle of themselves. And, more importantly, they kept their previous involvement well and truly private.
But that hadn't meant she hadn'
t thought about Sayid. Because she had. Frequently. It would have been impossible not to. Now that she'd seen him in his natural home, in the place where he felt most powerful, she could understand what had drawn her to him a year before. There was an elemental quality to Sayid. His strength was undeniable. And, she had seen plenty of evidence of the high esteem with which he was held by every person who lived in the town.
Amber could only guess at what he had done to win that level of respect. He was the sheikh of this province. The lord and master. And he wore his authority like a fabulous cloak. Watching him pace around the compound, inspecting the work which was being done, talking quietly with the townsfolk, Amber had seen just what he meant to the people.
And now she was about to see how he lived. She felt unease tug at her middle. She drew in a deep breath and gazed out the window and wondered what awaited her at the Sheikh's palace.
CHAPTER SIX
The limo slid through the open gates and moved slowly up the long driveway. Amber gazed out the window and tried to suppress a gasp. But it was impossible.
So, this was his palace, she told herself. She shook her head. This was some place. If this was an example of a modest palace, she couldn't imagine what something opulent might look like.
The palace was huge. Its white exterior gleamed brightly in the afternoon sun. The exotic architecture was typical of the region, with ornate carvings, high curving windows and elaborate decoration covering just about every part of the palace's surface. There was a tall tower on each corner of the main building. The whole thing was breathtaking.
The entire palace was ringed by a garden which was obviously exquisitely tended. There were trees and hedgerows and a flat lawn which stretched all the way to the walls which enclosed the palace grounds.
It was like something out of a dream, she told herself. No, she thought. Much more than that. Like something out of a fairytale. She wondered what it was like for him to live here alone.
She recalled how, back in California, he had described some of his life to her. But she had been so entranced by him, so swept up in their whirlwind affair, that she hadn't given much thought to his life in Qazhar.