by Annie West
‘You have a beautiful voice and it’s a pleasure to watch you dance.’
Again that shrug. ‘The wedding dance was the first time I’ve danced in years, but I couldn’t resist.’
‘You should do it more often if it makes you happy.’ Sayid’s jaw was tight, his teeth clenched as he thought of his vibrant lover, stifling herself because singing and dancing were deemed immoral.
‘What else makes you happy, Lina?’ He sank onto a nearby chair and leaned forward, forearms on his knees, thoroughly intrigued. He knew Lina, but suddenly he wanted to know much more.
She met his eyes and blushed, making him laugh as delight coiled. ‘Apart from sex.’ He rejoiced in their shared hunger.
The blush intensified. ‘Talking to people, learning about their lives.’
That didn’t surprise him. He’d seen the way she’d bridged the gap between herself and foreign businesspeople, and local townsfolk, even his private secretary, to become fast friends. ‘What else?’
‘Languages. Stories.’ She paused, then reading his intent expression continued, this time lowering her head to what she held in her lap. ‘Sewing. Little children. Dogs. I’m quite ordinary and domestic.’
She said it dismissively. Sayid couldn’t work out why.
Domesticity wasn’t something he’d thought about. Yet in the shared silence of early morning, watching Lina pick up a needle and begin sewing again, Sayid felt an unfamiliar tranquillity, reminding him of the peace he’d known as a young child. His days and nights were crammed with work responsibilities. It was rare simply to sit and chat because he wanted to, not in his role as national leader.
Sayid sank back in his chair, wondering how much of that peace stemmed from Lina’s presence. ‘What are you doing? Is that my shirt?’
‘It is. You tore it last night.’ A smile tugged at her lips, but she didn’t look up. ‘Either you were too energetic in the archery, or riding, or...’ her smile grew ‘...undressing.’
‘You don’t need to mend it.’ He watched the needle flash with her quick, precise movements.
‘It’s just a small tear. Besides, I enjoy sewing.’
‘It’s not a chore?’ Sayid leaned back in his seat, fascinated. Who’d have thought the sexy siren who’d tormented him so long was a devoted needlewoman?
‘I don’t enjoy fine needlework. My aunt will tell you my embroidery is dreadful. But mending or making clothes I don’t mind. I make all my dresses.’
Sayid stared, remembering the gowns that had seemed demure but which, with their figure-hugging contours, were a delectable sight.
‘What?’ She looked up, as if sensing his surprise.
‘You made the dresses you’ve worn in the palace?’
Her chin lifted. ‘I thought they looked good.’
Good! He hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her.
‘Better than good.’ He shook his head. ‘I’d never have guessed. But surely your allowance covers—’
‘I liked sewing them. And I bought the fabric with money I saved when I was away.’ She paused. ‘Now that I’ve finished my schooling I prefer not to take an allowance from you. It’s enough that I’m staying here in the palace.’
Sayid’s stare hardened. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe her. He did. It was easy to read the determined set of her jaw and the challenging light in her eyes.
How many people would relinquish financial support?
He thought of previous lovers who’d been only too happy to accept jewels and expensive clothes. Lina accepted nothing but the roof over her head. She’d made a point of her determination to pay him back for the education he’d organised.
As if satisfied that he wasn’t going to argue, Lina turned back to her sewing.
He should leave. He had meetings to prepare for. Instead Sayid sat, well-being like a hum in his blood.
‘What’s that?’ He gestured to a box covered in tiny beads fashioned into a profusion of flowers.
Lina followed his glance, her hand closing around the box. ‘A sewing case my mother made.’ And precious, Sayid had no doubt, noting how her fingers lingered on it.
‘You were close to her.’
Lina’s smile was wistful. ‘She was everything to me. Friend and mother too. My father was...distant. She encouraged me to believe the world could be wonderful.’
It was something Lina had definitely absorbed. People automatically responded to her vibrant personality. He responded.
‘I should go.’ Yet he didn’t move, just watched her snip the thread and hold up his shirt to inspect it. There was something about sitting here with her, sharing this quiet time that made him feel...good. Refreshed.
‘What do you like, Sayid?’
‘Sorry?’ She closed her sewing box and sat, watching him.
‘What makes you happy?’ She paused, a tiny smile flirting with the corners of her mouth. ‘Apart from sex.’
He huffed out a laugh. ‘Meetings that end on time. Provincial governors who govern well.’
Lina shook her head. ‘I mean personally. What do you enjoy?’
Enjoy? Sayid hadn’t thought about personal pleasure in years, apart from brief sexual encounters. ‘A ruler hasn’t time for enjoyment.’
‘Surely not. Even kings and prime ministers have hobbies.’
Hobbies? Sayid shook his head. ‘Not this ruler. I inherited a country on the brink of war. A country that hadn’t altered appreciably in a generation. It’s taken a lot of effort from many people to turn Halarq from a nation primed for war to one ready for a peaceful future.’ He crossed his ankles, pride warming his belly. They’d come a long way.
‘Plus I wasn’t born to this role, so I’ve had to learn fast. My cousin was groomed for the position but he died a year before my uncle.’ Meningitis had struck so fast, he’d been hale and hearty one day and dead the next.
‘I’m sorry.’ Lina tilted her head as if to view him better. ‘Were you close?’
Sayid shrugged. ‘Only as children. We hadn’t seen much of each other in years.’
While Sayid was a soldier, protecting the country, his cousin had pursued a life of luxury, delighting in the perks of his position and his ability to get any woman he wanted. Would he have turned into a copy of his father? The signs had been there, signs Sayid had vowed not to emulate. Instead Sayid modelled himself on his own father, a decent, honourable man.
The whisper of silk on flesh caught Sayid’s attention and he saw Lina reach out as if to touch him. Instantly she sat back, her hand dropping to her lap.
Because of his frown? Or because, despite being lovers, he was still her Emir?
Suddenly he was aware of the gap between them, the one he conveniently ignored when they shared their bodies. Discontent stirred. He was tired of that unseen barrier between him and everyone else. Why couldn’t he be close, genuinely close to someone? Why did there always have to be this distance?
Yet Lina, being Lina, wasn’t as daunted as others might have been. She held his gaze, eyebrows arching. ‘So you’ve been busy. But you’re a man as well as a head of state. What is it that makes you happy?’
Sayid felt amusement tug at his lips. She really was unlike anyone else he knew. ‘Solving problems,’ he said without thinking. ‘Finding innovative ways to do things.’
Lina nodded. ‘That’s one of the reasons you’re so good at government.’ She said it as casually as if assessing his performance as Emir were the norm. ‘What else?’
‘Sport. Archery and team sports. I loved football in my teens and dreamed of becoming a professional, but that wasn’t an option.’ The nephew of Halarq’s Emir must serve the Crown, not do anything as frivolous as make a living kicking a ball.
‘Do you miss football?’
For a second Sayid considered, then shook his head. ‘It was fun but I prefer the challenges I�
�ve got now.’ He’d never thought of it that way, but it was true. His current role was never boring.
‘So, you like sex, solving problems and sport. That’s all?’ She looked so expectant that Sayid didn’t want to disappoint her. He thought for a moment then smiled. ‘And astronomy.’ He waggled his eyebrows. ‘Come to my room tonight and I’ll show you my big telescope. It’s very large and powerful.’
Lina burst into laughter, the sound a rich, infectious peal, making him chuckle. ‘I bet you say that to all the women.’
She looked so...pretty when she smiled at him like that. Gorgeous, yes. Sexy, of course. But...pretty and appealing too in a way that had nothing to do with sex appeal, or almost nothing. Sayid had never known a woman like her. Would he ever tire of discovering new facets to her?
‘No, it’s true! I do have a powerful telescope.’ His lips twitched as she giggled again and slanted a look towards his groin. Instantly he felt the tight, hot swell of arousal. When she came to his room tonight they wouldn’t be looking at the stars, even if he did ask his staff to locate the telescope that had been packed away for years.
‘I’d like you to tell me about the stars. I don’t even know their names.’
‘The best place to see them is the desert, away from city lights.’ And just like that Sayid found himself planning to take Lina into the desert. There was a spot he’d camped in the old days, perfect for stargazing. After that—
‘Is that the time?’ Catching sight of his watch, Lina jumped up in a flurry of silk and curves, making his belly contract at the glimpses of toned thigh and bare breast. ‘I’m supposed to be meeting Leonor in an hour. Senhora Neves,’ she explained, tugging her robe close and depriving him of his view.
‘Then you’d better leave.’ Sayid got to his feet and wrapped an arm around Lina’s waist. Instantly she stilled, leaning into him.
Yes. That was better. Lina in his arms. He bent and kissed her full on the lips, possessing her mouth in a languorous yet purposeful caress that made her slump against him, arms around his neck. She kissed him back with an enthusiasm that threatened to seduce him from his own schedule.
Finally, breathing deep, he put her from him, pleased at her moue of regret. ‘I’ll let you go first.’ Though they each left from their own suites, he made a point of never entering or leaving his private wing with Lina. There was no reason to court speculation about their relationship. ‘I’ve got a briefing to read before my first meeting.’
Even so, Sayid registered regret when she left. He’d enjoyed simply talking with Lina, laughing and for a while being just a man, enjoying the companionship of a beautiful, intriguing woman.
Tonight he’d talk to her about their arrangement. Clearly seven days wouldn’t be enough for either of them.
* * *
Thirty minutes later Sayid left his chambers. Turning a corner into a colonnaded courtyard he paused, recognising the lush rose scent he associated with Lina. Had she just passed this way or was the perfume from the roses in the courtyard?
‘She’s so beautiful. And nice too. Not many VIPs stop to say hello to a cleaner.’ The woman’s voice came from the shadows further down the colonnade.
‘Of course she’s beautiful.’ This voice, older and irascible, was male. ‘She’s the Emir’s concubine, here to warm his bed. You don’t think he’d accept an ugly woman for sex, do you?’
‘Concubine?’ No mistaking the amazement in the woman’s voice. ‘That can’t be right. You don’t mean—?’
‘I mean she was sent here to spread her legs for His Highness. He didn’t want her then and sent her off to get a little more gloss and, if you ask me, more experience of men so she could service him better. But fancy manners and rich clothes don’t make her better than any other whore—’
‘Silence!’ Sayid’s voice cut like a lash, ripping with the force of his fury. The two staff members, cleaning ornate hanging lanterns, whipped round, dismayed. ‘Report to your supervisor now. I’ll contact him shortly. You—’ he pointed to the elder one, a sour-faced man, now cringing ‘—will be looking for a new job.’
The woman had done no wrong but would have to be reminded about the need for confidentiality regarding what she saw and heard in the palace. As for the man... Sayid would like to throw him personally into one of the old dungeons beneath the citadel.
They scuttled off, bowing out backwards, but that did nothing to dampen Sayid’s white-hot ire.
To hear Lina described like that!
He stalked the length of the colonnade then swung back, fist pounding his palm.
He’d known there’d be some people in the palace who remembered her arrival years ago. But the construction that lowlife had put on her time overseas, that she’d been sent away to acquire the skills of a whore—
Sayid swung round and slammed his hand against a marble pillar, relishing physical pain as a distraction from the ferocious agony as something inside tore asunder.
His conscience?
He’d known Lina’s reputation would suffer if she became his lover. But that hadn’t stopped him. He’d been intent on his own pleasure.
She’d been the one at his beck and call. What right had he to seduce the woman who’d been sent to him as an innocent girl? The woman he knew felt indebted to him!
The woman whose name and chance of ever finding a decent Halarqi husband one day would be destroyed if such stories got out.
Swearing, Sayid stalked down the side of the courtyard, then back again and again, seeking a way to protect Lina. Knowing whatever he did it was too late. The damage was done.
An hour ago he’d bragged that he liked solving problems. Now he needed to be innovative to redress a wrong he’d caused.
Bile seared his throat.
The cleaner might have said the words but it was Sayid who’d done the damage. Times might have changed yet Halarqi society would be unrelenting in its disapproval of a woman it saw as his whore. Look at how Lina’s mother had been treated, just because she’d been a dancer.
He’d been pacing the corridor for a lifetime it seemed when the answer came to him. So simple, so effective, it hit him like a flash of lightning. Sayid’s mouth curved into a taut, hard smile. Relief surged, and determination.
He swung round and strode to his office. He had arrangements to make.
* * *
‘You wanted to see me?’ Lina did her best to sound nonchalant, but her heart tripped over itself. Sayid never sent for her. He went out of his way to maintain the appearance of distance between them.
Yet this morning as she’d sat sewing, they’d talked and, she couldn’t explain it, but something had changed. He’d changed. She’d sensed a softening, an understanding that surely had been about more than sex.
Perhaps Sayid would suggest they share more than her allotted week. Because he’d begun to feel...
Her gaze fixed on Sayid, standing by the window of his library, staring over the sprawling city. His hands were behind his back and his feet planted wide. His strong jaw was tight, his brow furrowed.
Was she kidding herself? That indefinable shift between them—had she been the only one to feel it? Had it been imagination? Or worse, wishful thinking?
‘Yes. Come in, please.’ His eyes met hers, their dark glitter sending inevitable tremors through her. They were alone yet Lina couldn’t read his expression. It wasn’t desire, nor anything as tender as she thought she’d seen earlier. As for shared laughter...definitely not.
Whatever the reason he’d sent for her, it was serious.
Lina crossed the room, halting a few steps away. Even now, alone in a room where no one, not even his secretary, would interrupt without knocking, Sayid kept his distance. Lina’s smile froze in place.
Had she really expected him to haul her close like he did when they were in his quarters? Then they were Lina and Sayid. But everywhere else,
they were Emir and subject, guardian and ward.
Lina linked her hands before her and waited, telling herself it didn’t matter that he didn’t embrace her.
Lying to herself as usual.
She didn’t know how much longer she could play this game of pretending not to care. Not when she cared too much, wanted too much.
She forced herself to speak, since Sayid seemed to be brooding on his own thoughts.
‘And you wanted to see me because...?’
A skewed smile lifted his mouth at one corner. ‘No one else speaks to me the way you do. Do you know that?’
Lina swallowed the retort that she hoped not. She was his lover after all. Instead she merely tilted her head questioningly.
‘It’s about our...arrangement,’ he said finally.
She couldn’t help it. Her heart leapt. This morning she’d believed he shared some of the emotional attachment she felt. Now, staring up at his still features, the idea seemed ridiculous, yet hope lingered. Perhaps he was going to admit he wanted her to stay longer. And if she stayed longer, who knew what might happen?
‘Yes?’ She licked suddenly dry lips and Sayid’s gaze dropped to the movement. The air thickened. Or was that her heart labouring?
‘It’s no longer appropriate.’ His hands flexed at his sides and Lina sensed he held himself still despite a strong urge for action.
‘Not appropriate?’ Her voice was anything but even.
Her heart pounded right up in her throat. Excitement soared despite her stern attempts to stay calm. Did he feel what she did? Was it possible Sayid had begun to care for her? Not as a ward or a responsibility, but as his love?
She pressed her lips together, waiting. She sensed her future happiness rested on his words.
‘That’s right.’ He smiled down at her but curiously, Lina didn’t read happiness in his expression, just determination. ‘I want you to marry me.’
CHAPTER TWELVE
THEY WERE WORDS she’d never thought to hear. Yet she’d dreamed of them. They reverberated through her whole being. Lina’s pulse pounded an ecstatic rhythm.