'You can count me out,' said Nicolette immediately. 'It does not start until nine. I shall never get up in the morning.'
Nicolette's early nights were becoming something of a joke and David said, 'I think you must have someone hidden in your room, you spend so much time
there. Aren't you going to let us into your secret?'
The French girl laughed good naturedly. 'It is Amber who has the secrets, not me. Why. don't you ask her about her secret admirer?' adding mischievously, 'I expect he would like to go to her room.'
Nicolette !' exclaimed Amber in horror. 'There's nothing like that. Why, I don't even like the man. He's a bore, pushing his nose in where he's not wanted. If he turns up tonight I'll jolly well going to put him in his place ! '
'That should be quite interesting.'
Amber watched in horror as her companions raised their eyes above her 'head in the direction of the voice. She herself looked round more slowly at the man who was fast becoming less of a stranger. His words had belied his real feelings. Interest was the last thing she read there. Cold disapproval was predominant, followed closely by tightly checked anger. His eyes were darker than she remembered seeing them; like black ice, she thought, and shivered.
'Eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves,' she challenged, 'and besides, I only spoke the truth.'
`Then I should like to hear some more truths.' He looked at the three people seated round the table, their mouths agape, watching this byplay with interest. 'If you will excuse, Miss Christy, I feel this is something we should discuss in private.'
Nicolette was the first to recover. 'But of course. Lovers' tiffs are always best settled—alone.' She looked up at Hamed Ben Slouma with something approaching reverence.
Amber felt disgusted. No doubt this was the effect he had on most women. How fortunate that she could
claim to be a little different, but wait until she got Nicolette alone! Lovers' tiff indeed! Hamed Ben Slouma and she were not even friends, yet alone lovers. The fact that she went hot at the thought of such an association was something that she preferred not to dwell on. 'I'm not sure that I want to be alone with you,' she said. 'Can't it be dealt with here and now?'
His lips tightened. 'I have no desire to air our differences in public.'
'But these are my friends,' insisted Amber. Suddenly she did not want to be alone with this man. His nearness disturbed her. Even now his presence caused a tingling sensation through her veins, as though some magnetic impulse attracted her to him. How could she retain that cool she had planned, feeling this way? 'Whatever has to be said can be said in front of them.'
'I think not.' Again that masterful attitude. He moved to her side and put his hand beneath her elbow, giving her little choice but to go with him.
She cast a pleading glance at her companions, but they, it appeared, had eyes only for Hamed Ben Slouma and were totally oblivious to Amber's anguish. She could almost read their minds. 'What a handsome man,' they were thinking. 'What a fool Amber must be to spurn his advances.' Especially Nicolette. It was the first time she had seen him, but it was not difficult to imagine which way her thoughts ran. She could have him willingly, thought Amber, if he would only leave her alone.
He led her to a table at the other end of the room. Defiantly she sat opposite rather than at his side, not missing the sudden tautening of his expression as she did so. She sat back, trying to appear relaxed—difficult
when inside she was curled as tightly as a spring. In contrast Hamed Ben Slouma sat on the edge of his seat, legs apart, elbows resting lightly on his knees, his hands linked together. She found herself looking at his hands. They were well shaped with long lean fingers; strong hands that could either caress—or inflict pain. Now why should she think that? she asked herself. He had never hurt her. Yet somehow she knew. A man as ruthless as he would not be adverse to meting out punishment if he thought fit.
'So I am a bore,' he said in a low controlled voice. `Do you consider you know me well enough to judge my character?'
Amber lifted her eyes to his face. He was studying her intently, as if trying by his very thoroughness to read her mind. 'I know you as well as I'm ever likely to—and in that respect, yes, I do consider you a bore. Any man who pushes in where he's not wanted I would place in the same category.'
`Do you categorise all men?'
Only the ones I don't like, Amber felt like saying, but that would have been a lie. Neither did she want to tell him that she had met remarkably few men in her life—and especially no one like him. His whole attitude, his bearing, was completely different. He was a cut above other men, she admitted grudgingly. Completely self-assured, never failing to get what he wanted. A man who had made his mark in life. Again she wondered what he did for a living that could allow him so much free time. 'Not particularly,' she shrugged, 'it's just that you—you—'
She hesitated and he finished for her, 'Made quite
an impression? I had hoped it was a good one, but it appears I am mistaken.'
Amber's eyes widened. 'How can it matter what I feel? Am I supposed to be eternally in your debt?' He really was expecting too much! 'Just tell me what it is you want and let's get it over with.'
'A little of your time.' His eyes never left her face, seeking her reaction.
Amber could think of only one reason why he should desire her company. `Do you mean you want an affair?' Why else should he make this strange request? And why had he singled her out in the first place? The fact that he knew so much about her filled her with misgivings.
The idea seemed to amuse him. 'It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but if that's what you're offering?'
Amber knew it would be wise to ignore his mockery, but the taunting smile and those unfathomable dark eyes incensed her and she flashed back, 'You know very well that that's not what I meant. Just who are you, Mr Slouma?'
'I am your friend,' he replied, as if the question had never been in doubt. 'I sense you are a little afraid—afraid perhaps of the unknown. You do not give yourself a chance.'
I'm not accustomed to being—picked up by strange men,' she returned haughtily.
He shook his head in annoyance. You persist in calling me a stranger. Haven't you got to know me—just a little?'
`Oh yes. I know for instance that you're a very persistent man. You must also be either very lazy or very
rich, otherwise you wouldn't be able to spend so much time spying on me.'
It was gratifying to see the effect her words had. His lips tightened and his fingers curled into fists, but he held his temper in check admirably, for when he spoke his voice was perfectly controlled. 'An unfortunate word, perhaps, when I have only your best interests at heart.'
But why me?' persisted Amber. 'Tell me that—is it too much to ask? Can't you see that it's the uncertainty that's off-putting? How do I know your motives are honourable? For all I know you could be planning to murder me! '
He looked thoughtful for a moment. 'Perhaps you are right, but even so I do not feel at liberty to disclose my reasons. I can assure you, though, that I mean you no harm.'
He sounded sincere. Amber was almost inclined to believe him, but certain niggling doubts still remained. Her brow was creased as she answered, 'I don't feel like taking that chance.'
`Then it will be up to me to persuade you. Come, let us dance.'
Amber had not even noticed that the band had begun playing or that the lounge had filled. This evening she had chosen to wear a dress that fastened high at the neck and when Hamed's hand slid round her back she was glad of the thin material that protected her skin from his touch. The tune was slow and dreamy. Hamed was an expert dancer and although Amber had never had very much time for dancing she had no difficulty in following him. He held her close, his thighs touching hers, his warm breath fanning
her hair. But even so there was nothing suggestive about his embrace. His natural rhythm indicated his love of music, and moving in unison with his steps Amber felt herself relax.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw her friends' heads turned in their direction, although the subdued lighting made it difficult to read their expressions. She guessed they would register approval. How embarrassing it was to have one's affairs watched over so closely—and no doubt they read more into it than there actually was. She had been given no choice when he suggested they dance—no matter what the others might think. There was no softening on her part. She still had no intention of becoming too friendly with this persistent stranger.
But despite her antagonism Amber could not help enjoying dancing with him. Their bodies moved as one and the pressure of his hand on her back increased fractionally. 'It is good,' he said, 'you are now relaxed. Perhaps we shall fight no more?'
Amber allowed him a weak smile. 'Perhaps.'
The rhythm changed. Popular beat music took its place and Hamed indicated that they leave the floor. Back in their seats Amber saw Nicolette and the other couple leave the room. 'I must go,' she said, grasping the excuse. 'We've arranged to go to the Night Club.'
One brow lifted sardonically. 'It looks to me as though your friends are going without you. I expect they think you would rather be with me.'
He sounded smug-and Amber sprang to her own defence. 'I doubt it. They know exactly how I feel about you.'
'Oh yes, I remember, you were telling them when I so rudely interrupted. But they've gone now, so you will have to put up with my company after all.'
'There's nothing to stop me joining them.'
'Only me.' His eyes held hers, daring her to defy him, and Amber knew that there was little to be gained by so doing. He had followed her last night, he would again. She would be creating a scene for nothing. He was not a man to treat lightly, that much she had learned. But even so she could not help saying:
'Of course, I'd almost forgotten, you think only of yourself.' She spoke sarcastically; unusual for her, but then this was an unusual experience. 'It doesn't matter what I want to do.'
'On the contrary,' he said smoothly, 'I have every desire to make you happy.'
'But only when it pleases you?'
He shrugged lazily. 'Is that a bad thing? I am sure you will find me very good company. Try me tomorrow. I will take you into Tunis and show you our very fine capital.'
Amber had no intention of going anywhere with Hamed, but to say no now would mean the entire evening would be spent arguing. So she said, 'I'll see. I'll let you know later.'
He looked pleased as though sure that her ultimate answer would be yes. It would be interesting to see his reaction when he found out she had no intention of going. A subconscious smile played on her lips. She could almost look forward to it. Hamed Ben Slouma did not strike her as a man used to having his offers of friendship spurned—it could do him good. She sipped the Martini he had ordered, twisting in her
seat to watch the dancers.
The next moment she felt Hamed beside her, his shoulder brushing hers. She turned her head to look into the mirror-hard surface of his eyes. 'When I'm with a girl I like to receive her full attention,' he said coldly, 'not look at the back of her head.'
Amber inched away. 'I think I can safely say that things are somewhat different as far as we're concerned. Ours is not the normal man-woman relationship. I don't feel I owe you anything.'
`Of course you don't owe me anything,' he said impatiently, 'all I'm asking is a little common courtesy. Why must you be so difficult?'
`Am I?' asked Amber with assumed innocence. 'Perhaps it's because I hate being pestered. I didn't come here to find myself a boy-friend. I came for a rest. If you know so much about me you'll know that for the last two years I've nursed my sick mother. I feel utterly exhausted, and your persistence in trying to claim my friendship is wearing me down still further.'
He looked at her for several long moments after she had finished talking, an unfathomable expression in those deep dark eyes, then he lifted his hand and stroked her cheek gently. 'Poor Amber, alone in the big cruel world, fighting off the hand of friendship that could help her through these dark days.'
The irony in his voice annoyed her and she knocked away his arm, her eyes flashing. 'I'll say one thing for you, Mr Slouma, you're very persistent, but it's not going to get you anywhere. If you want to pick yourself up a girl you'd better try your luck with someone else. My friend Nicolette, for instance. Judging by the way she looked at you earlier you should have no
difficulty in that direction.'
'The French girl? She's attractive, certainly, but I prefer to choose my own friends.'
'Despite the fact that they might not want your friendship?' Amber countered hotly. 'Don't you ever stop to think of other people's feelings?' The more time she spent in the company of this man the more irate she became. Why could he not see that he was being a nuisance? It really was incredible the way he kept pushing himself. Was he so thick-skinned that he was unaware of her attitude, or was it pride that would not let him admit that here was one girl who did not fall immediately at his feet?
'I don't think it's a matter of me considering your feelings,' he said coolly, 'more you considering your own. Do you prefer to spend your days alone? Wouldn't you find life much more enjoyable with an attentive man at your side?'
Amber looked at him obliquely. 'I might. It would depend on the man. You don't know me very well or you'd know that I'm not the type of girl to allow myself to be picked up.'
He smiled bitterly. 'You mean had I been introduced to you formally it would make all the difference?'
She did not mean that, and he knew it. He was deliberately trying to trick her into something she would regret later. 'You know very well what I mean,' she said savagely. 'This conversation is getting us nowhere.' She picked up her drink and took a mouthful of the pale liquid, almost choking in her eagerness to appear undisturbed. He really was the most exasperating man she had ever met!
'Then we shall talk about something else,' he said smoothly. 'Tell me about yourself—about your childhood. Have you any brothers or sisters?'
But Amber was in no mood for pleasantries. 'Why should I discuss my personal life with you? If you really want to know I'm sure you're devious enough to find out for yourself.'
His lips firmed and the cool dark eyes glittered. As he leaned towards her Amber saw a pulse beating high in his jaw, noticed for the first time that there were lighter coloured flecks in his eyes and a barely discernible hint of grey at his temples. 'You are pushing me too far,' he said grimly. 'I am not used to being spoken to like this.' He caught her wrist between his fingers, gripping it so tightly that Amber felt certain it would break. 'I have done nothing to deserve your—contempt. I have gone out of my way to help you, to try and make your life more pleasant—and I demand some sort of response.'
'You mean I have to pay for the price of your friendship—a friendship I never wanted in the first place?' Amber hissed, her eyes narrowed, her face only inches away from his.
His fingers tightened and it was all she could do to stop herself crying out with pain. 'I mean I want your company and until you agree to come out with me I shall not leave you alone.'
He meant every word, but she was not going to let him blackmail her so easily. 'You talk big, Mr Hamed Ben Slouma, but let me tell you this, no man has ever dictated to me before and I'm quite sure you're not going to do so now. Maybe you thought I looked helpless that day you saw me in the medina, but I'm not.
I'm strong and I have a mind of my own, and if I don't want to do something no one will make me!'
For a brief space something sparked in his eyes, a touch of humour maybe, but it was gone instantly, leaving Amber tobelieve she had imagined it. 'It is good you have spirit,' he said. 'I despise weak women.' The pressure of his fingers eased slightly but still he did not release her; instead he pulled her closer towards him. 'I think that before long you will change your mind.' His breath was warm on her cheek. 'I have methods of persuasion that are rarely know to fail.'
Alarm flickered i
nside Amber, the rapid beating of her heart painful against her breast. Eyes widened with appeal, she looked into the velvet brown depths of his. They held her gaze steadily until she felt mesmerised, unable to turn one way or the other. Even when his fingers cupped her chin she remained immobile, heedless of those around her, conscious only of the dark, handsome face which blocked out everything else from her line of vision.
With infinite slowness his face drew nearer and although she knew he was going to kiss her she was powerless to move. When his mouth closed on hers she was utterly unprepared for the onslaught of her senses. She should have remembered, recalled the one other occasion when his lips had taken hers and opened up a whole new tide of emotions she had hitherto been unaware of. This was no gentle kiss, but sensual and savage, demanding a response. Her lips parted of their own volition. It was as though they did not belong to her, as though an alien being had taken over and was responding to Hamed in the manner that he desired.
Her fingers curled round his neck and she pulled his dark head close.
When he pushed her from him there was victory lighting those dark eyes. 'And now, my little passion flower, what is to be your answer now?'
CHAPTER THREE
ONCE free from Hamed's embrace Amber felt consumed by a burning shame. How easily she had given herself. How exultant he felt! Her eyes fell before his and had it been possible she would have fled the room, but after having caused a minor sensation last night she did not intend a repeat performance. 'You're a swine,' she said softly but vehemently.
His mouth quirked. 'I did not notice you resisting. I thought—no, I hoped, you had come to your senses. Was I wrong?'
'Completely,' she said with conviction. 'I didn't want to cause a scene, that's all. Your kisses don't mean that much to me,' and she flicked her fingers in contempt.
'I think you are trying to convince yourself, not me. Come—' he stood up abruptly, 'it is time we danced again.'
On the floor he held her close, his hand on her back moving with sensuous expertise, her body pressed against the hard lean strength of his. Last night he had said he wanted only her company; now it appeared he was looking for something more. She deliberately resisted him even though his nearness set her pulses racing. She could not understand why a man she despised should have this effect on her. Was it her surroundings that made her so weak—the heady exotic flavour of this North African country, or the idle life she was now spending in utter contrast to her previous stren—
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