“Horsemanship is a genteel and royal recreation approved and encouraged by the king. At five years old, it is past the proper time for Hana and Nuri to acquire the skill. It is a part of their heritage and among the many things they will need to learn.” He’d intended to initiate the lessons when the crisis arose with the last nanny. Between his business travel and the search for a replacement, riding had required an indefinite delay. “It is your job to oversee all their activities. Therefore you must be competent on horseback.”
“I won’t be teaching them. Just along for the ride—so to speak.”
“Just so. Is it not reasonable that if you can’t keep up with them, it is impossible for you to do a good job?”
“If it’s part of the duties, why wasn’t it on the list of requirements? Why didn’t the job description call for a plain woman of some intelligence who can ride a horse?”
She shifted her weight and emerged from the shadow of the stable, allowing the afternoon sun to bring out the red highlights in her brown hair. The strands were pulled away from her face and secured at her crown with a large clip, creating a softer effect. He found the result quite charming.
“Earth to Fariq?”
“Hmm?” He straightened, struggling to concentrate on her words. Ah, the requirements. “It was not necessary to find a skilled horsewoman. Other considerations were more important, since your college degree proves you are trainable and capable of learning.”
“But riding a horse is different from reciting facts from a book. It requires coordination. And a dash of athletic ability.” She glanced up at the horses beside them, and a frown marred the smooth skin of her forehead. “And backbone.”
“I’m unconcerned about that. Any woman who leaves everything familiar to travel and work in a land halfway around the world is not lacking in backbone.”
“What about the nanny you lost to homesickness?”
“You are more mature than she. And I suspect you have an acute sense of adventure. Unless, of course, you lied.”
She went suddenly still. “Excuse me?”
“To my aunt,” he explained, wondering at her reaction. “Earlier when you said you wanted to learn to ride. Did you not tell the truth?”
“Oh. That.” She released a long breath. “No. I would like very much to learn.”
“Then your reluctance puzzles me.”
“It’s just that I’m uncomfortable about taking you away from more important things. Couldn’t one of the grooms teach me?”
The lessons would require close and intimate personal contact. Another man put his hands on her? He rebelled at the thought. Because it was his duty to protect the employee responsible for his children. And for no other reason. But she seemed hesitant to spend time in his company. Could it be she found him displeasing?
Instantly he dismissed the idea. She’d given no indication of such a thing. In fact their encounters had been friendly and, he would swear, mutually engaging. He recalled her response when she’d told him of her personal agenda: travel, then love, marriage, children. Her vehemence had surprised him.
He studied her closely and saw the tension in her body, the still-fluttering pulse at the base of her throat. Could it be that his presence made her nervous? It was incomprehensible that she found him objectionable. Therefore it was reasonable to assume the opposite. She was attracted to him. Oddly, the thought pleased him.
“I will teach you to ride,” he finally said. “I have rearranged my schedule in order to do so.”
“But, Fariq—”
“I am the most competent horseman in the royal family although Rafiq would argue the point. And you are here to care for my children. Therefore it is my responsibility to instruct you—as a father and your employer.” She opened her mouth to say something and he held up his hand. “I will hear no more on the subject.”
“Okay. Then let’s do it.”
Finally. Capitulation. But he’d found the process invigorating. When was the last time he’d labored so strenuously to convince a woman to spend time in his company? More perplexing—when had it mattered to him that she did? Questions for which he had no answers. Nor did he wish to waste time finding them. Far more compelling was the prospect of touching her—in the context of teaching her. And he couldn’t help being grateful to his aunt for suggesting this opportunity.
“First you must become acquainted with your mount. This is my horse, Midnight,” he said, sliding his hand over the black stallion’s neck, then patting him. Fariq pointed to the light-colored yellow-brown one beside her. “That is Topaz. She was chosen carefully for your personal use. She is gentle-natured and will serve you well. A true jewel.”
Like Crystal? Precious, yet hard and strong. Able to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert? Time would tell.
Without hesitation she raised her hand and rubbed the horse’s nose, then imitated his movements, stroking and petting. The animal nuzzled her shoulder affectionately.
She laughed. “I think maybe we just bonded. You’re a good girl,” she crooned, then glanced inside the shaded interior. “I’ve toured the facilities. And I bet she’s a happy girl, considering these elegant surroundings. I’m no expert, but aren’t the stalls made of mahogany?”
“Yes. It is quite durable.”
Almost reverently Crystal brushed her palm over her horse’s saddle blanket and the royal crest fashioned from red, green and gold threads. “Very nice.”
“The stables are climate controlled for comfort, and the watering troughs are automatic and fashioned from stainless steel.”
“State-of-the-art stable,” she commented. “Those horses only need a microwave and a high-definition big-screen TV. There are people—maybe even some in this country—who would give anything to live a horse’s life here in the royal stable. Although that whole mono-dietetic oats thing could be a little monotonous.”
Fariq was mesmerized by her teasing smile and the way it transformed her face, making it almost beautiful. He forced himself to concentrate on her words instead. The tone she’d used was pleasant but laced with barbs. Something nettled her.
“The animals here are priceless purebreds. It’s no more than common sense to protect the investment and care for them in the best environment.”
“What about the average citizen in this country? Are they taken care of?”
Ah. A liberal—or as she’d called herself—a Republicrat. One who had much to learn—and not only about riding a horse. “We have many programs to help the people.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Pointedly she traced the intricate carving on the horse’s silver bridle and looked at him. “When do I get to sit on her?”
Apparently she chose not to pursue that line of conversation.
“Now, if you’re ready.” He checked the saddle on her horse, making sure it was secure. Then he turned his back to see to his own animal. “Remember to always mount from the left. Put your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over her rump.”
“Okay.”
He heard the creak of leather and glanced over his shoulder to find her sitting atop Topaz, smiling broadly down at him. “I missed your technique, but I see that it was successful,” he said.
“I grew up watching those B-Westerns we talked about. Some of it must have sunk in.”
“Apparently.” He experienced a vague feeling of disappointment that she hadn’t needed his assistance.
After eyeing the length of her stirrups to find they needed no adjustment, he swung up into his own saddle trying to shake off another deflated sensation. “Take both reins loosely in your left hand,” he said. Glancing at her he saw she’d already done so.
“Then I just move my hand in the direction I want her to go, right? And pull back gently if I want her to stop. Grip with my knees and thighs.”
“Yes.” When he nudged his mount forward, Topaz fell into step.
“How about them apples? I guess all those hours of watching TV weren’t wasted.”
/> He frowned.
She looked at him and grinned. “Does that look frighten women and small children, Fariq?”
“I have no look. I do not know what you mean.”
She rode beside him, but too far away to touch. “If you say so.”
“Do you doubt me?”
“That’s a loaded question. If I say yes, you might feel compelled to lie and risk the fury of a thousand sandstorms. I’m not sure I want to be collateral damage.” She shook her head. “Therefore, I have no doubt.”
“I never lie.”
“Never?” she asked. “Surely you don’t believe that sometimes it can be the lesser of two evils? A kinder thing to do? If your aunt asked you whether or not her latest designer suit made her derriere look big, what would you say?”
“The truth. Anything less would be dishonest, a character flaw I abhor.”
“I agree that certain things demand absolute veracity but sometimes small details are unimportant to the big picture. Why are you so rigid—”
“The reasons are unimportant. What is imperative for you to know is that I despise it in others and do not permit it in myself.”
“I see,” she said.
No. There was no way an innocent like Crystal could know the manner in which his wife had taught him how priceless the truth. The woman was out of his life, but the scars would always remain. The only good thing she’d given him was his children. They were everything to him. From them and all the children of El Zafir he gleaned the passion to make his country successful, valued in the new world order. To do that, he needed to solidify the El Zafirian economic base.
Man did not support himself through oil alone. Fariq was determined to diversify their financial interests. And it required meetings in other countries. Just that morning, Crystal had spoken critically about his frequent absences and the fact that Hana and Nuri had no mother. But if she’d known Fatima, she would understand that they were better off. She would also know why Johara’s wild streak and influence on his children was a source of concern.
Glancing beside him, he noticed Crystal had grown quiet and tense. Her full mouth, so tempting moments before, was pulled into a straight line. Her body was rigid and she looked as if she might shatter. Topaz shifted restlessly.
“Relax,” he said. “You’re doing quite well.”
“Thanks,” she answered, without meeting his gaze.
It was fortunate she required little instruction. His thoughts had taken a turn, distracting him from their conversation. What had they been discussing? Ah, yes. His sincerity. She’d said she had no doubts.
But he had some. Most of them about his sanity. Because he found he wanted to stroke away her unease and return the smile to her face. He wanted to touch her. He hadn’t realized how much he’d anticipated doing so until her athletic aptitude had denied him at every turn. She took to the horse like a camel to the desert. He wished for Rafiq’s glib tongue and easy way with women. The more he wrestled with those thoughts, the more he feared his frown might frighten women and children. So they rode in silence.
What was that American saying? “I touch the world, I teach.” Not in his experience this day. Something he found damnably frustrating. The truth unsettled him. But the fact remained that he must fight his temptation to discover the shape and texture of the curves she’d finally revealed to him.
After just an hour on horseback, Crystal’s backside felt black and blue, not to mention the tender area along the insides of her thighs. When she was on terra firma again, she had a feeling her legs would hold her up about as well as a couple of wet noodles. She also noticed tightness in her arms, hands and shoulder muscles. But that could have something to do with tensing up.
Following Fariq’s declaration that he never lied, they had ridden in silence for a while. Every woman knew men compromised the truth. Why did she have to work for the only one on the planet who didn’t speak with a forked tongue? Her guilt had weighed heavily, and she’d debated whether or not to tell him her secret. Payments to her mother had satisfied creditors and prevented the sale of her home. But there were still a mountain of medical bills to pay.
Then she thought of the children. Five nannies in a year. Until her arrival, they’d been shuffled back and forth between servants and family members—whoever had time for them. Now they seemed happy and content. Was it fair to rock their boat right now?
Finally she’d decided to give it more time. When their father could see she was good for them, she would come clean and hope he’d understand. He might perceive her behavior less than honorable. But wasn’t the welfare of his children the right reason? In the meantime, she would sacrifice her body for her job. But what a way to go.
Earlier, she’d begged Fariq to let her go faster and he’d agreed. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. And he’d looked like he was enjoying himself, too. But his eyes reminded her of twin hot coals, and tension almost emanated from him.
“You did quite well for your first lesson.” He slid her a look, and something glittered in his eyes. “Your hair is coming down.”
He’d just noticed? The bouncing had caused her hair to slip from the clip a long time ago. With the very urgent need to hang on to the reins, there hadn’t been a whole lot she could do about it.
“I should have secured it better.”
But the look in his eyes said he disagreed. “There is color in your face again. Your cheeks are quite pink. You enjoyed the ride?”
“Very much,” she enthused.
He halted Midnight right outside the stable. With catlike grace, he swung his muscular leg over the horse’s rump as he dismounted. After looping the reins over the fence, he took hers and did the same.
Turning back, he looked surprised to see her still sitting in the saddle. After several moments, a slow half smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “It is one thing to watch a Western, it is quite another to star in one, is it not?”
“If you’re asking whether or not my backside is unhappy, the answer would be a resounding yes.” When his smile grew wider, she scowled at him. “And you needn’t look so pleased about it.”
He rested his hands on lean hips. “I am not pleased. That would be ungentlemanly, not to mention ungracious. Unfortunately, when one learns to ride, it takes a toll on one’s muscles—in certain vulnerable areas. Until you become used to the saddle, it is a distressing side effect.” Coming around to her left side, he held out his arms. “I will help you down.”
“Thanks, but I can do it.”
She hung on to the saddle horn and lifted her right leg to dismount, then sort of let her quivering muscles take advantage of gravity until both her feet were on the ground. There, that part wasn’t so hard. After reluctantly releasing her grip on the saddle, she turned unsteadily and started to take a step. That part was hard. When she stumbled, Fariq reached out and easily caught her.
“Perhaps I kept you out too long for your first lesson.”
“I was having a wonderful time. Besides, I think it wouldn’t have mattered how long we rode. My vulnerable areas would still be cursing you.”
Other vulnerable areas were far too happy to be nestled against his broad chest. The pressure of his strong arms holding her to him and his hard muscular thighs pressed to hers started a different sort of trembling in her that had nothing to do with her riding lesson. Her heart fluttered, then kicked in and pumped as if she’d just passed mile thirteen in a marathon.
He gave her a rueful smile. “Still, I should have been more sensitive to your inexperience. I promise to make it up to you.”
How? When the look in his eyes grew hotter, she feared she’d asked the question out loud. But she hadn’t. And he continued to stare at her as if she were a particularly desirable and delectable piece of chocolate. Like fire, the dark, dangerous expression on his face stole the oxygen from her lungs. It robbed her of the ability to think, let alone move.
In the next instant, he lowered his head to capture
her mouth. A jolt arced through her, as if she’d touched an exposed electrical wire and fried all her mental circuits. That was the only explanation for the soft, needy moan trapped in her throat.
With a harsh, almost growling sound, he slid his tongue into the moist interior of her mouth with a single sure thrust. Stunning sensation skipped along her nerve endings to her breasts then her fingertips and all the way to her toes, leaving in its wake a fluttery, feverish feeling. His breathing grew ragged as he snuggled her more securely into his embrace. Pressed together from knee to shoulder, her breasts flattened against the solid wall of his chest. She felt the powerful muscles in his thighs. And she was both shocked and thrilled at the evidence of his desire.
When he moved his hand up to cup her cheek and tangle his fingers in her hair, she gloried in the touch. His thumb caressed her jaw, and she swore sparks flew from the friction. Any second she expected to go up in flames, and for the life of her, she couldn’t seem to care. And all the while, his lips held hers prisoner.
His probing fingertips connected with the rim of her sunglasses. He raised his head, severing the bond of their questing mouths. Instantly she missed the warmth and connection.
He frowned down at her as his chest rose and fell, his breathing uneven. “You are full of surprises. As passionate and bright and mysterious as the desert.”
Her heart was racing and her pulse pounded in her ears. She didn’t know what to say. “Fariq, I—”
He let out a long breath as he touched the rim of her sunglasses. “My little jewel of the desert—Let me see your eyes.”
He was going to take off her glasses? Suddenly adrenaline rushed through her, putting her mental circuits back on line. She backed away from him, out of the circle of his arms. Her skin was clear of everything but sunscreen. Not a speck of makeup. But her hair was hanging around her face and she didn’t have on her long, shapeless clothes. Sunglasses were the only part of her disguise in place, her last defense. And defense was definitely what she needed.
An unassuming appearance was supposed to keep the lid on palace shenanigans. The king disapproved of hanky-panky with the hired help. So what the heck was that kiss all about? And who would get the blame for it? No one at the palace had accused her of being too attractive. And now this.
To Kiss a Sheik Page 6