The Desert Rogues Part 1

by Susan Mallery

  A knock at the door broke through her scattered thoughts. Her stomach lurched once, then settled down. Heidi sucked in a breath, sent up a heartfelt prayer and walked toward the door.

  Jamal waited impatiently in the hallway. He didn’t want to be here at all. He didn’t have time to deal with a woman who had a thing going because he was a prince. If she’d claimed possession of anything but his new Lamborghini, he would have let one of his staff handle her. But he’d been waiting for the car for months. When the mystery woman announced it had been delivered to her by mistake, he’d wanted to get it away from her as quickly as possible. With his luck, she’d already taken it for a test drive.

  He could only hope the woman wasn’t going to be too much trouble. He wasn’t in the mood to reject anyone gently. If she planned to come on to him, she was going to find herself on the receiving end of his short temper. In fact…

  The door opened to reveal a young woman in a pitiful excuse for a dress. Jamal quickly took in the red hair, bright green eyes and well-shaped but trembling mouth. She was pretty enough, he thought, but so were thousands of others.

  “Prince Jamal,” she said, her voice low and almost familiar. “I’m Honey Martin. Please come in.” She stepped back to allow him to enter.

  Jamal held in a sigh. So she wasn’t just going to hand him the car keys and let him go. Why wasn’t he surprised? No doubt this was her one chance to meet a prince. He might as well play along. The quicker he did that, the quicker he could leave.

  “Nice to meet you, Miss Martin,” he said and reached out to take her hand.

  Apparently his gesture surprised her. She gave a little start, then put her hand in his. As she did, a warning sounded in his brain. Something wasn’t right.

  He studied the woman more closely. Her red hair curled around her face and neck in a way that brought attention to her nearly bare shoulders. Her green eyes regarded him with a mixture of anticipation and panic. She blinked several times. He couldn’t tell if she had something in her eye or if she was flirting with him. He decided he didn’t really care about either.

  He released her hand and lowered his gaze to her body. She was impressive, he admitted to himself. High, full breasts, a narrow waist and long, lovely legs. But the information was simply that—information. He didn’t care about her appearance.

  “Thanks for coming by,” she said and gave him a quick smile that didn’t come close to reaching her eyes. “I mean, I guess you had to. I have your car. It’s a great car,” she gushed. “Looks like it goes really fast. Not that I drove it, of course. I wouldn’t. I mean, I would, but I didn’t and…would you like a drink?”

  She turned tail and hurried to the bar tucked into the corner. Jamal stared after her. The woman—what was her name—was surprisingly unsteady on her feet. Was she drunk?

  “I don’t need anything except my car keys,” he said quickly. “I have a busy afternoon planned, so if you don’t mind, I need to get going.”

  The woman—Honey, he thought as he remembered her name—stopped by the bar and turned to face him. “Oh, you can’t go yet. The afternoon is young and so am I.” She gave a little trill of a laugh.

  Jamal stared at her. This wasn’t happening, he thought desperately. Women had come on to him before. Dozens of times. But at least most of them were more subtle and practiced. Honey acted like an innocent schoolgirl determined to change her status. He wanted no part of that.

  The good news was, if she wasn’t going to be subtle, he didn’t have to be either. “Miss Martin,” he began, then gave her a contemptuous once-over. “While I appreciate the thought…”

  His voice trailed off because at that moment Honey Martin folded her arms over her chest and tilted her head back. Her nose got scrunchy as she stared at him. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

  Heidi? His Heidi? The Prune Princess, as Malik liked to call her? What was going on?

  The blood left his head, making him feel as if he was going to pass out. He sucked in a breath as he tried to absorb what was happening. This was Heidi? In that dress? With that body? She’d looked great in her riding clothes but that was nothing compared with this. What the hell was she doing here?

  “Jamal,” she asked, sounding concerned. “Are you all right?”

  She’d forgotten to change her voice, he thought with some still-working part of his brain. And she’d called him Jamal, not Prince Jamal. Obviously Heidi was not very good at this game of hers.

  “Yes. Thank you. But I will take that drink. Scotch on the rocks, please.”

  “Of course.”

  While he sank onto a white cushion in the center of the sofa, she poured his drink, then hobbled over to hand it to him.

  He couldn’t believe this was actually happening to him. What was she thinking? Was she concerned that he would be unfaithful to her? Was she trying to trap him? Jamal frowned as he took a sip of his drink. While the idea had merit, he couldn’t see Heidi being anything but direct with him. Wouldn’t she just ask first, before attempting this elaborate scheme?

  He didn’t know if he should be furious or burst out laughing. His wife was acting the part of a seductress—at least he thought that was her plan. She wasn’t very good at it, which was nice to know. But his main question remained. Why?

  She settled into one of the club chairs and gave him a bright smile. “Better?” she asked.

  “Yes. I’m fine.”

  Should he say something or play along? Jamal opened his mouth to ask her what the hell she thought she was doing, then closed it. Maybe he would wait and find out where she was going with the charade.

  If nothing else, he was getting a view of his wife he hadn’t had before. Those ugly shapeless dresses of hers had been concealing an impressive body. He eyed her breasts and wondered why she’d never gone braless around him before. She had great legs, he thought, studying her thighs. Then he returned his attention to her face.

  The transformation was impressive. He didn’t care for the red hair, but the curls flattered her. She must be wearing contacts, which explained the incessant blinking. Her eyes were green. He preferred her natural hazel. But her makeup emphasized her pale skin while highlighting her pretty features.

  She was as lovely and appealing as she’d ever been. He found himself getting turned on just looking at her. He wanted to pull her close and kiss her, then touch all of her, both under and over that slip of a dress. But he didn’t. He didn’t know why she’d transformed herself on the outside, but he doubted she was any different on the inside. The last he’d heard, she hadn’t changed her opinion of sex, and he wasn’t about to humiliate himself again.

  “I’m really enjoying my visit to El Bahar,” she said, clasping her hands together in front of her. “It’s my first time. I’m here with my brother.”

  “You have a brother?”

  “Actually four.” She gave a low laugh. “I’m the middle child, and the only girl. It was a mess, let me tell you. I had to learn to be just as tough as the boys so that I could survive. It was quite a life lesson.”

  Where was she coming up with this stuff? he wondered. Had she sat down one evening and written a history for “Honey Martin,” or was the personal past from someone she knew?

  “My youngest brother, Steve,” she went on, “is here studying oil production. He’s going to be taking over that part of the family empire.” She flashed him a smile. “I guess compared to what you’re used to dealing with it’s not much of an empire, but we like it.”

  He wasn’t sure of his next line. Heidi stared at him expectantly, blinking every half second or so. He wanted to tell her that he was confused as hell. He wanted to say it was okay for her to take out her contacts and put her glasses back on, that he actually liked her in glasses. He wanted to say a lot of things. Instead, he decided to keep playing along.

  “So you’ll be in El Bahar for a while?” he asked, wondering if he sounded as inane as he felt.

  “Oh, yes.”

  She wiggled
in her seat. He wasn’t sure if that was to get more comfortable or if she thought the move was sexy. Actually it did make her breasts sway back and forth, but he was trying not to notice.

  “I’ll be here for quite some time. While Steve is off learning his trade, I’m on my own.”

  “Does he stay here in the suite with you?”

  She looked blank. “Who?”

  “Steve. Your brother?”

  “Oh.” She blinked several times. “Ah, no. He has his own room here at the hotel. In fact, I rarely see him. He prefers it that way.”

  Jamal forced himself not to smile. He decided to let her off the hook. “Maybe we should go get my car.”

  Heidi brightened. “What a good idea. It’s down in the parking garage. I’ll go with you.” She rose unsteadily to her feet, then seemed to sway as she regained her balance.

  “Maybe I should go by myself,” he said, eyeing her high heels doubtfully. Would she be able to walk that far without tripping? He didn’t want her hurt on his account.

  “No. I need to sign for it.” She led the way to the front door, then stopped and looked around. “I need a key for the room.”

  Jamal spotted her handbag sitting on a chair in the corner. He collected it for her, then held open the door to let her through first.

  Once they were in the elevator, he didn’t know what to say. What did Heidi—in the guise of Honey—expect from him? That he would be interested in her? Did she really think that less than two weeks into his marriage he was going to cheat on his wife? He’d never been unfaithful in his life, and he wasn’t about to start now. He kept returning to the thought that she was testing him. Which didn’t make any sense. She had no reason to doubt him. So was she really trying to seduce him? He wasn’t sure if he should be pleased or wary.

  They reached the parking garage, and the elevator doors parted. Heat hit them like a wave. Between the outside summer temperature and the open areas to allow ventilation for car exhaust, the cool air didn’t stand a chance.

  Heidi gave him a quick smile, then fished in her purse for the parking ticket. She sashayed over to the attendant on duty.

  It was, Jamal noted with some chagrin, the first time she got the walk right. She didn’t stumble, she didn’t lean, she just moved with the regal grace of a beautiful woman in high heels. Her long legs strutted their stuff, and the short skirt swayed back and forth as it flirted with her thighs. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the only one who noticed. Three more parking attendants materialized, all of them vying for possession of the parking ticket and the opportunity to retrieve Heidi’s car. The only good news was that she was completely oblivious of the sensation she caused.

  Jamal moved to her side and slipped his arm around her in a gesture designed to both protect and possess. Then he shot the young men a warning look, and they backed off.

  After taking the ticket from her and handing it to one of the attendants, he drew Heidi back toward the elevators. He pushed the call button. “You’d be more comfortable upstairs. It’s too hot down here.”

  She plucked at the bodice of her dress. The completely innocent movement gave him a brief look at her bare breasts, which made his throat go dry and the rest of him heat up hotter than the parking garage.

  “I’m actually dressed to endure the heat,” she said brightly, forgetting to lower her voice into the sultry tone.

  “I can see,” he murmured. As could the waiting jackals. He had to get her back to the safety of the room. If he didn’t, he was going to have to blow her cover to get her to cooperate. “But this is no place for a woman like you.”

  “Like me?” Her voice squeaked.

  “Yes. Delicate, sexy and very beautiful.” He gazed down into her eyes. “I’m thrilled that fate has brought us together.”

  “You are?”

  “Aren’t you?”

  She stared up at him. Her green eyes watered a little, but she didn’t seem to be blinking as much.

  “Don’t you sense destiny’s hand in all of this?” he asked, focusing most of his attention on her, but still aware of their interested audience.

  “Okay. So you want to see me again?”

  He smiled slowly, giving her what one of his dates had called his “come let me make you melt” smiles. “With every breath I take.”

  She swallowed. “Wow, you’re good.” She took a step back. “I mean, yes, I would like to see you again. You can reach me here at the hotel.”

  “I’ll be in touch,” he said.

  The elevator doors opened. He hustled Heidi inside and pushed the button for her floor. Then she was gone.

  Jamal stood there feeling as if he’d been run over by a truck. He was still confused about all that had happened. One of them was crazy, and he couldn’t say for sure it wasn’t him. What was going on?

  “Sir, your car?”

  He turned and saw that his new sleek, silver Lamborghini was parked at the curb. He tipped the attendant and slipped behind the wheel.

  He didn’t notice the hand-carved wood accents or the specially designed dash and control panel. He barely acknowledged the smooth purr of the engine as he put the car in gear and headed out of the parking structure. He was too caught up in the mystery of his wife’s game. What on earth was she up to?

  Heidi danced across the room and hugged Fatima. “I did it,” she announced. “It actually wasn’t too horrible. Well, it was a little horrible. But I didn’t trip or fall, and I’m pretty sure I fooled him.”

  Fatima held her close, then released her. “Good for you. I knew you could do it. Now sit with me, and tell me everything.”

  Heidi settled onto one of the sofas in the harem’s main room. She’d already washed the red tint out of her hair and removed her contacts. She was back in one of her normal dresses with sensible, flat shoes covering her feet.

  “I was so nervous,” she admitted. “And that dress made me feel really uncomfortable. Jamal looked stunned for most of it.” She paused, remembering his reluctance when he’d first arrived. “It took him a while to warm up, but by the end he was quite friendly.”

  Fatima took the seat next to hers, and Heidi recounted the details.

  “I hope I didn’t tell him too much about my fake brother,” she said. “For a couple of minutes I was afraid he was going to ask to meet him, but he didn’t.”

  “You say he put his arm around you in the parking garage?” Fatima asked.

  “Yes. It was very strange. All of a sudden he got very friendly. But at the same time, he hustled me back upstairs.”

  Fatima smiled. “Excellent.”

  “Why?”

  The queen looked at her and shook her head. “You are so very innocent. Who else was down there with you?”

  “In the parking garage? No one. I mean the attendants were there, but we were the only customers.”

  “Exactly.” Fatima leaned forward and cupped Heidi’s face. “Other men were looking at you. You had on that silly little dress, and you looked fabulous. Jamal noticed their attention and was jealous. That’s why he wanted you to return to your room.”

  “Really?” Heidi turned the thought over in her mind. “Wow. I didn’t get that at all.” She wasn’t sure it was true, either, but it was nice to think about. After all, she’d spent her whole life being plain. It would be great to finally be attractive. Especially if Jamal thought she was pretty.

  “So it was a success,” Fatima said.

  “I think so. He said he’d be in touch.” Actually he’d said he wanted to see her again with every breath he took. And the way he’d looked at her when he’d spoken had taken her breath away. The memory made her shiver…and all this without a feather in sight.

  “You are pleased so far?” Fatima asked.

  Heidi finally had Jamal’s attention. Okay, it wasn’t as herself, but it was a start. If nothing else, she would get to know him better and then use that information to make him like his wife more. Somehow. The plan was a little sketchy, but she would work out the details. />
  “I couldn’t be happier,” Heidi said and grinned.

  Chapter Eight

  Jamal watched Heidi bait his brother. Normally he enjoyed seeing her make Malik squirm. For some reason, she was the only person on the planet who intimidated the crown prince. But tonight he was less concerned about the content of their conversation than the fact that less than five hours ago she’d been in a hotel room in the city, pretending to be someone she was not. To make matters even more confusing, he had trouble reconciling the woman he’d seen that afternoon with the one sitting across from him at the table.

  “Honey” had been dressed to tempt in a sexy dress that exposed more than it covered. Her curly red hair and green eyes had emphasized her pale skin and delicate features. She’d been teasing, smiling, and trying to be vampish with her walk and her shoes, not to mention her silly come-on lines.

  Heidi was none of those things. Tonight’s outfit was a shapeless beige dress than hung on her like a tent flapping around a pole. Her hair had been pulled back in a tight bun; she didn’t have on a speck of makeup, and her only jewelry was the carved wedding band he’d slid on her finger when they’d married.

  She looked no different than she had any other night, and if he hadn’t seen her performance earlier himself, he would never have believed her capable of dressing or acting like that.

  Heidi glanced at him, then returned her attention to Malik, but he knew that she was aware of him staring at her. He forced himself to pay attention to the conversation, even though all he wanted to do was figure out the intriguing puzzle that was his wife.

  “The good news is that the crown princes of El Bahar have a long and lustrous history of achieving glory in battle,” she was saying to Malik. “For example, in the third century there was one son of the king who single-handedly defeated an army of three thousand.”

  Malik nearly choked on his sorbet. “One man against three thousand?”

  She shrugged. “That’s what the text says.”

  “It’s ridiculous. No individual could attack so many. Not without the advantage of modern technology, and even then the odds against success are staggering.”