Dark Horses: (Blood Brothers #5)

by Manda Mellett

  “But I shouldn’t do it too early.” She does understand. At least on some level. “But I won’t know unless I try.”

  And there’s much truth in that.

  I put my hand on the small of her back, and electricity snaps through me, going straight to my dick. If I don’t get her out of here soon, I’ll be ravishing her on the nearest flat surface, despite my best intentions.

  “Sweetheart. You need to leave, now. I’m not trying to get rid of you, I truly have another meeting.” Ryan will be waiting for me in Nijad’s office, which he’s kindly letting me use.

  “But we are going to finish this?”

  “Finish?” I raise my eyebrows, “Sweetheart, I’m intent on planning where to start.” I give her a little push toward the door. “Trust me.”

  Her eyes gaze up into mine, and must see the sincerity there. She’s won. I’m going nowhere now I’ve admitted defeat. After a moment, she gives a little nod, and then walks, albeit reluctantly, to the door.

  The air is tinged with her arousal, and the faltering of her steps shows it’s every bit as hard for her to leave, as it is for me to see her walk away.

  The moment she’s gone, I adjust myself in my robes, grateful that the traditional clothing hides a multitude of sins. And, in this case, my extremely sinful thoughts. A niggling doubt at the back of my mind reminds me I intend to corrupt her, this innocent woman who’s never even known a man’s touch before. And soon my desire to get down and very dirty with her is going to be fulfilled. I’ve lost all compulsion to push her away. A better man might do so, but I’ve never pretended to be one.

  Having brought myself under control, well, as far as a sheikh with thoughts of defiling an innocent can, I proceed to the office allocated to me.

  The Desert Palace has a different feel to the Palace of Amahad, Nijad’s modernisations mean staff who meet me along the way greet me with a simple ‘Yawm jayid’, wishing me a good day, instead of bowing themselves almost in half as I approach. The atmosphere is light, helped by the brightness within the palace, sunlight streaming in through the windows. While I find the atmosphere in the palace in Al Qur’ah oppressive, here it feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

  Or is it an easing of mind that I, at last, have decided no longer to fight with myself. To give into temptation.

  Trying to put Janna and my developing plans for her out of my mind, on reaching the office I open the door and step inside, not surprised to see my allocated close protection officer already waiting for me.

  “Ryan,” stepping forward I shake his hand, and pull him in for a brief hug. “It’s good to see you.”

  “And you, Jasim.”

  I indicate a seat to him by the table where refreshment has already been set up, and then sit myself opposite, taking a second to admire the colourful gardens outside the window. Getting flowers to bloom in the desert is a major endeavour, and even now I see gardeners constantly working. But here the gardens are treasured by the residents of Z̧almā, and are open to all, and not just restricted for the pleasure of the Sheikh of the Southern Desert, that position currently held by my brother, Nijad.

  I fill my cup with thick and sweet coffee, and offer the pot to Ryan who shakes his head.

  “Sorry, Jasim, I’ve never developed a taste for it.”

  “I know what you mean, I’ve been living in the West for too long. I do enjoy it, but the longer I’m here, I remember my fondness for latte.” I pick up the cup, take a sip, grimace, then get down to business. “So, what’s your opinion? You’ve been to the oil field?”

  Ryan nods and sits forward, his hands clasped between his knees, “There have been no terrorist attacks since Amir al-Fahri’s last attempt, and security has been stepped up. The tribes are eager to protect their investment, so there are warriors from the tribes bolstering military presence.”

  “And the pipeline?” Ryan’s initially spoken about the operation to drill for oil in the desert, but that’s only the start of it. Once we extract the liquid gold, we’ve got to transport it to the coast. And that means several hundred miles of pipe to be laid under the sands.

  “That’s more difficult. As each section is finished, it needs to be maintained and protected. They’re doing what they can with men patrolling the length, and remote monitoring of course, but of course, it will always be a weakness.”

  “What’s your proposal?” I take another sip, it doesn’t taste much better than the first.

  His hands loosen, and he sits back, “You’ve worked remotely, haven’t you, Jasim? Have you an interest in seeing the operation on the ground?”

  Kadar had called me back so I could make myself visible, show the tribespeople while I might live in London, I’ve got their best interests at heart. And to convince our investors of the considerable amount of oil we’ll be able to extract from below the sand. Now I’m here, I discover I’m eager to see what I’ve only read about from afar. I’ve no hesitation in answering him, “Yes, I want to see the oilfield, and perhaps visit the latest section of the pipeline.”

  As my bodyguard, Ryan’s one aim is keeping me safe. He nods slowly, “From what I’ve seen while I’ve been here, I don’t think there’s any risk in you letting yourself be seen. But I’ll take every precaution, of course. I’m working with Nijad’s security, and with Hunter. The team from Grade A are thick on the ground.” Grade A have provided specialists to help protect the oil fields, monitoring possible threats and liaising with the locals.

  “I want to get up close and talk to the workers.” I fix my eyes on him.

  He shrugs, “Of course. I’ll work out a schedule for you.”

  I can leave that to him. “And, the other matter?” The thing I’ve been thinking about since my meeting with Janna.

  He cracks a rare smile, “Yeah, since your phone call last night, I’ve managed to put something together. You still want it done fast?”

  I’d wanted it completed quickly to get Janna out of my hair. Now, my reasons might have changed, but it’s even more imperative there’s no delay. “Yes, as soon as possible.”

  “I’ve spoken to Rais, he’s up for it. His tribe are intrigued, and ready to play their part. Sheikh Fadi’s based close to the palace and wants in as well.”

  “Can they do it?”

  Another shrug, “Child’s play, apparently. A few of them are up to take lead, but I think Rais might want to play that part himself. He sees himself in the starring role.”

  I suppress a growl; no fucking way is Rais getting near my woman.

  When Ryan leaves me alone, my eyes alight on something. The package Nijad had strangely thrown into the helicopter had been brought in and placed on my desk. Curious as to what he’d sent with me, I tear it open.

  Had I opened it earlier I would have been furious. Now though I throw back my head and laugh.

  Chapter 16

  Janna

  Wow. Just wow. My head’s spinning as I walk away from Jasim. How he’d been summoned I’m not too sure, but a security guard is waiting for me outside, and explains in quite good English that he’ll take me to my accommodation. Gratefully following him through the ornate corridors of the palace, I reflect I hadn’t much expectation of the outcome when I’d challenged Jasim, but I had never dreamed it might go the way that it had.

  If I can believe him, he’s planning to take my virginity, and then initiate me into the way he likes to have sex. While my first thought is only of pleasure, there are a few doubts niggling at the back of my mind as to what exactly I’ve signed on for and whether I’ll be enough for him. I’ve read, a lot. And there’s no denying what’s always turned me on is a woman giving herself over a man’s care, letting him take her to her limits. And that Jasim is quite clearly prepared to do. And perhaps beyond. What exactly is he intending? A shiver of anticipation runs through me, the slight tinge of accompanying fear sending a feeling of arousal heading south. Whatever it is, the thought of him taking charge is turning me on. Not that I’ve really bee
n turned off since first meeting Jasim.

  When the guard stops in front of a door, indicating we’ve reached our destination, I thank him distractedly, and walk inside. It seems Sally and I have been given a luxurious suite; a central sitting room, with bedrooms off to either side. Sally is sitting at a table, helping herself to food from a buffet which has obviously recently been delivered.

  She looks up when I enter, and hastily swallows her mouthful of food. “Hey, how did you get on? Did you catch up with your sheikh? I know that’s what you were running off to do.” She smiles knowingly.

  As I’m having difficulty processing what occurred myself, I don’t feel like rehashing the conversation with her. My answer is friendly enough, but concise and dismissive, “Yes, I did. We cleared the air.”

  Cleared the air? Set it on fire more like.

  It seems my answer’s sufficient for her, she resumes stuffing her mouth with what appears to be delicious looking food, “Mmm. Come try this. It’s fantastic.”

  My appetite for food seems to have diminished in proportion to my desire for Jasim, which has ramped up to an almost unbearable level. What’s he planning? And when? How long will I have to wait? He said losing my virginity should be special. Just how is he going to go about it?

  To attempt to be sociable, I go and sit with her, and despite my lack of hunger, take a pastry and place it on a plate. My fingers toy with it for a moment.

  “Did the sheikh say anything about when we’ll be able to start filming?”

  “No, we didn’t discuss anything like that.” The reason behind us coming here had been the last thing on my mind.

  “It’s great, isn’t it? Exotic. I wonder if they’ll be able to make it play out the way we had planned.”

  Shaking my head, I respond honestly, “I don’t know, but no one has said it won’t work.”

  “Hmm, desert sheikhs and tribesmen on their horses.” Sally licks her lips, but whether to clean up after eating her food, or if her mouth’s watering at the romantic thought, I can’t be sure.

  We hear nothing further that evening. A guard comes to offer us a tour of the grounds, and then we eat dinner in a small dining room all by ourselves. When I retire to bed, it’s hard to stop my thoughts racing.

  When morning comes, I’m still weary, having had little sleep.

  Breakfast is delivered, and while we’re still eating, a knock sounds on the door. I go to open it, and find the English bodyguard who I remember had been there to meet Jasim off the plane.

  “Hi, I’m Ryan. I’m a Close Protection Officer. Jasim’s bodyguard.”

  Nodding to show I’d recognized know who he was, I step aside to allow him to come in. His eyes flick to Sally, and he gives her an appreciative nod. She preens in response. Hmm.

  “The scene you want filmed,” he starts, his voice deep and low, “it’s been set up for later today. Sheikh Rais, the leader of the desert sheikhs, has agreed it can be staged near one of his encampments.” He dips his head toward Sally. “You wanted it at sunset, I believe? To get the best light?”

  Her eyes light up. “I want the sun setting over sand dunes. Are there any there?”

  Ryan chuckles. “More than you can shake a stick at.”

  She’s fidgeting, as if already excited. “I’d like some time to choose the right spot. Perhaps do a practice shoot?”

  “Hey,” I butt in, “I’m the one who’ll be running my butt off in this heat. I only want one take.”

  “Spoilsport.” She pouts, flicking her long blond hair over her shoulder, but then she grins, “Just get me some time to set up the camera. I’ll need to know exactly where to position it to get the best shot.”

  Ryan’s taking it all in. “It’s all in hand. You’ll be leaving at midday. It’s a couple of hours Jeep ride from here. There’ll be plenty of time to get organized. Rais’s men will be on hand to give you advice.” He turns to me. “Lamis, who you met yesterday? She’s Cara’s maid when she’s in residence here. She’s going to bring along a selection of clothes.”

  “I brought something with me that would be suitable.” I’m not sure why I’d need more.

  With a slightly cagey look, as though he knows something I don’t, Ryan shakes his head. “Yeah, but you want to look authentic, don’t you?”

  I give a little shake of my head. “Okay.” I agree, maybe Lamis will come up with something I haven’t thought of wearing. It couldn’t hurt to see what’s on offer.

  But though we wait all morning, Lamis doesn’t appear. Gathering up some fresh shalwar kameez and thaub, I go and dress in the light trousers and tunic that I’d originally planned to wear, and make myself ready for the journey. Surprisingly, Sally dresses the same, the light blue she’s chosen complimenting her fair complexion. Before she puts on a hijab, she ties her long hair into a bun.

  When I grin at her, she looks at me and shrugs, “When you’re in the desert, look the part.”

  The guard comes to collect us, and yet again leads us through the winding maze of corridors and out to the front of the palace. I take a moment to admire the façade, it’s an incredible building. Ryan approaches, and sees my looks of veneration.

  “Some parts are over a thousand years old,” he tells me. “It’s an impressive sight, isn’t it?”

  It certainly is, and so much history here. “Is there a harem here too?” I wonder out loud, and am surprised when Ryan gives a belly laugh.

  “There certainly is,” he replies, the words stammered out through his chuckles.

  I feel my face flush, his amusement making me wonder whether it’s that part of the palace that’s been converted into a dungeon.

  And then every other thought flees my mind as my sheikh appears, his robes billowing around him in the hot desert breeze. Immediately, I squeeze my legs together in a vain attempt to ease the ache there.

  He spares me a nod, and his lips curl a little, but though he’s acknowledged me, he doesn’t come over. A parade of Jeeps turns up, as if summoned by an invisible signal. Ryan goes to join Jasim in the first, Sally and I are directed to the second.

  There’s no road to follow, as we weave our way over the sand. Our driver speaks decent English, and as he makes yet another turn on what I only see as unbroken terrain, he explains he’s avoiding patches of quick sand.

  “How do you even know where to go?”

  When he points to the GPS I feel stupid, and disappointed, expecting him to tell me it’s his innate instinct and mystical knowledge of the desert. But then feel somewhat vindicated, when he explains, “Quick sand isn’t marked, but I know what I’m looking for. See?” I follow where he’s pointing, but can’t see anything different in the ground. “There’s a patch of quick sand there.”

  Suppressing a shudder, I’m glad it’s him driving.

  We pass a herd of gazelle, see vultures hovering in the air, but there’s not much variety in the scenery except for dune after dune. There’s so much sand beneath us, broken only for a fleeting period where the ground becomes hard packed and rocky. The purr of the engine and my lack of sleep the night before, makes me doze off. I’m woken when the Jeep comes to a halt, and it appears we’ve arrived.

  The driver opens our door. As I step down onto the baking sand, I see Jasim’s already out of the vehicle in front, and is walking forward to meet one of the fiercest looking men I have ever seen in my life. He’s even taller than Jasim. Sally and I look at each other, and exchange nervous smiles.

  Jasim and the stranger approach us.

  “Sally, Janna. This is Sheikh Rais, leader of the desert sheikhs.”

  I can see why, no one would want take him on to challenge him for the title. But the big man’s face softens when he gives us a genuine smile, “Welcome to my desert home.”

  He takes our hands in turn, bowing over and placing a kiss on the back, his rough exterior seeming to hide an amorous side beneath.

  Jasim shoos him away from me, putting himself almost protectively between us.

  Rais r
aises an eyebrow, and gives a smirk, then his arm gestures with a flourish behind him. “Come, take some refreshment, and then we’ll go out to the site I believe will suit your needs.”

  My attention is drawn to what appears to be a large tent standing slightly apart from about twenty or thirty others which together make up a small settlement surrounding an oasis. The sight of the palm trees giving a welcome flash of green. Noting the ill-concealed curiosity of the tribespeople, and acknowledging them with a smile, I follow Sally and the men and enter the big black tent, immediately seeing it’s set up for meetings with a dais at the back. Now, however, there’s a low table with cushions around it, and fruit drinks in jugs with various snacks set out around.

  While we eat and drink, Sally quickly overcomes her apprehension of the ferocious looking sheikh, and starts asking him questions.

  “Is this all your tribe?”

  Quickly he shakes his head, “This is one of our bases. Many of the Hami, my tribe, are nomadic.”

  “And horses? We asked for horses?” her mouth turns down as she realizes what’s missing.

  Rais laughs, “They’ll be here shortly. Do not worry about that.”

  The sheikh seems happy to answer when she gets back onto the theme of how they eke a meagre living from the barren looking land, and my interest perks when she starts asking about schools and medical care.

  “The money from the oil will help provide mobile teachers and doctors,” Rais tells her enthusiastically, pointing to Jasim, “And that’s down to you, Sheikh, to make sure that goes smoothly.”

  I hadn’t realized what Jasim did for a living, so listen intently as he updates Rais as to where he is in negotiations with OPEC. Wow, I knew he was a diplomatic, and an owner of a BDSM club, but I hadn’t appreciated he also was responsible for the country’s oil industry.

  Our discussion is interrupted when we hear more vehicles arriving, and voices shouting outside. Rais indicates we should finish our drinks—some delicious fruit concoction— and follow him. We step outside into the heat to find men are already busy unloading horse boxes; there must be thirty animals in all. A makeshift corral is hastily assembled, and the animals herded into it. Rais explains they’re accustomed to moving horses around, as tribes often race against each other.