He pushed the thought to the back of his mind as they set off. Although he knew the area quite well, it didn’t pay to be too complacent and he needed to concentrate. There was a wadi a few miles away that he had visited several times with his father and he headed in that direction, using the vehicle’s on-board navigation system to guide him. The sun was setting now, casting deep shadows across the landscape and making it difficult to pick out familiar landmarks; however, the navigation system helped. Within a very short time they reached their destination only to discover that they weren’t the only people who had chosen to spend the evening there. A group of desert tribesmen had set up camp in the wadi. Khalid drew the vehicle to a halt, knowing that it was essential to observe the proprieties.
‘I’ll just go and introduce myself,’ he explained to the others.
‘Are you sure they’re happy to have visitors?’ Jess asked nervously, glancing at the men. Several of them were holding rifles and it was obvious that she found the sight intimidating.
Khalid smiled reassuringly. ‘The desert people are very hospitable. They will be insulted if we don’t stay. Ignore the guns. It’s tradition to be armed when you encounter strangers.’
‘Well, if you say so.’
Jess didn’t sound convinced but Khalid knew there was no reason to worry. Getting out of the car, he strode over to the leader of the group and introduced himself. It appeared that it was a stag night; the man’s son was to be married in a few days’ time and the men had come to the wadi to celebrate. They exchanged the usual courtesies and, as he’d expected, they were invited to join them. A fire had already been lit and a whole sheep was roasting on a spit.
Khalid went back and explained all this to the rest of the team, then he and their driver carried over the boxes of supplies they had brought with them so that everyone could share their food. He glanced around, feeling his spirits lift as he watched the members of his party mingling with their hosts. So far they had only come into contact with people who had needed their help and it would be good for them to be able to get a better idea of the nomadic lifestyle. Knowing how people lived was the key to a better understanding.
His gaze alighted on Sam, who was crouched down beside the fire, talking to the youngest member of the party, a boy in his early teens, and he felt his heart ache. Sam fitted in so well here. She seemed to have a genuine rapport with the people as well as an appreciation of the desert. It would be so easy to imagine that she could happily live here but it would be a mistake. A few months coping with this kind of life was one thing but it would be vastly different to live in Azad on a permanent basis and he must never forget that.
* * *
Sam accepted the plate of mutton their host offered her with a smile of thanks. Night had fallen now and beyond the circle of light cast by the fire the desert was pitch black. Somewhere in the darkness an animal screamed and she jumped.
‘A desert fox out hunting for prey,’ a voice said beside her. ‘The noise they make is really eerie, isn’t it?’
She glanced up when she recognised Khalid’s voice and did her best to control the thunderous beating of her heart. He looked so at home in this environment, so right, that she felt her senses swirl for a second before she managed to control them. She couldn’t afford to be seduced by the romance of the moment. This desert prince wasn’t going to sweep her off her feet and have his wicked way with her, if she had any sense!
‘It is. Really eerie. It sounded almost like a child screaming,’ she murmured, glad of the darkness because it helped to disguise the colour that flooded her cheeks.
She had never considered herself to be an overly romantic person; she was far too practical. However, there was little doubt that the desert seemed to be casting a spell over her. There was something beguiling about the vastness of the black velvet sky overhead, the brightness of the stars, the scent of meat roasting mingled with the sweetness of incense that stirred her senses. She felt incredibly vulnerable and it was a scary feeling in view of what had happened the other day.
Sam sighed as she bit into the succulent meat. Everything came back to that kiss. It was as though it had imprinted itself into her mind and it was impossible to shift it. Maybe it would have helped if Khalid had explained why it had happened but he seemed to have drawn a line under the event and that was it. Oh, she could try to make him explain but what was the point when he obviously wanted to forget it? The more she probed, the greater the chance that he would realise how much it had affected her, and that was the last thing she needed. She wanted him to believe that she was as indifferent to him as he appeared to be to her.
‘This meat’s delicious,’ she said, changing the subject. ‘It tastes miles better than your usual barbeque food.’
‘Probably the wood they use for the fire.’ He crouched down beside her, taking a piece of meat off his own plate and biting into it.
Sam looked away when she saw his strong white teeth close over the piece of mutton. She didn’t need anything else to stir her senses tonight. She just wanted to get through the evening and hope that tomorrow she would be back on a more even keel. Once she was able to focus on work again, it would be that much easier to take control of her emotions. It was just out here, in the desert, with the blackness of the night forming a cocoon of intimacy around them, that it was proving so difficult.
They finished their meal and accepted the cups of coffee that were served at the end. It was thick and black and incredibly sweet but delicious despite all that. Sam put the tiny cup down on the brass tray as someone started to play some music. Leaning back on her elbows, she watched as a couple of the men began to dance. They whirled around, moving faster and faster while the rest of the party clapped and cheered. When one of the men beckoned to Khalid, inviting him to join them, she didn’t expect him to comply, but he did.
Joining the group of men, he began to dance, his feet flying as he spun round in time to the music. He possessed a natural grace and Sam found that she couldn’t drag her gaze away. When the music finally came to an end, her heart was pounding and her breathing was as laboured as though she had taken part as well. Khalid came over to them, grinning when Anna dryly remarked that he had kept his skills as a dancer very quiet.
‘It’s been years since I danced like that,’ he admitted, sinking down onto the ground. ‘I’m afraid I’m rather rusty.’
‘You looked pretty good to me,’ Anna observed. She glanced at Sam. ‘I’d give him a gold star, wouldn’t you, Sam?’
‘I...ehem... Yes.’
Sam dredged up a smile but it was an effort. This was yet another side of Khalid that she hadn’t known existed and it was worrying to discover how little she really knew about him. Thankfully, Peter provided a welcome distraction when he accepted the men’s invitation to join them. His dancing was nowhere near as good as Khalid’s, although he gave it his best shot. He was out of breath when he came back.
‘Not really my forte,’ he gasped, flopping down on the ground.
‘Never mind. You can’t be good at everything,’ Jess assured him.
Sam saw the look that passed between them and bit back a sigh. It was obvious that Jess and Peter were growing very fond of one another and, while she was happy for them, it seemed to highlight her own single status. Her eyes drifted to Khalid, who was speaking to Tom, and she felt her heart ache.
Would she meet someone and fall in love or would her background once again prove to be the sticking point? She had honestly thought that she and Adam could make a go of things but it hadn’t worked any more than it had done with Khalid. Maybe he had wanted to protect her, but at the end of the day he must have had concerns about the embarrassment it could have caused his family to have her name linked with theirs. It might be better if she accepted that she would never enjoy the kind of close and loving relationship she had always dreamt about.
* * *
Khalid made his way to the canteen and joined Peter and Han. Once again the women had opted to sit together and he was relieved. Last night had unsettled him even more and he needed time to get himself in hand before he spoke to Sam. They’d been too busy with the move this morning but now that everything was set up, he couldn’t avoid her. After all, she was a vital member of the team and it would seem odd if he ignored her.
They were just finishing their coffee when the sound of a helicopter overhead alerted them to the fact that they had visitors. Khalid left the tent, shading his eyes as he watched it set down a short distance away. From its livery, he knew it belonged to the royal flight, although he had no idea who was on board. He smiled in delight when he saw his brother, Shahzad, alighting.
‘This is a surprise,’ he declared, hurrying forward to greet him. ‘Welcome!’ His smile widened when he saw his two little nieces being helped out as well. Bending down, he kissed them. ‘How did you manage to persuade Papa to bring you to see me?’
‘Mama keeps being sick,’ six-year-old Janan told him importantly. ‘She told Papa that she wanted to be on her own. Didn’t she, Izdihar?’
Three-year-old Izdihar nodded, her thumb sliding into her mouth, and Khalid laughed. ‘Well, I can understand that. Come. I shall introduce you to all the doctors and nurses then show you where we see all the sick people.’
‘And make them better?’ Janan put in knowledgeably.
‘Hopefully, yes.’ Khalid agreed, smiling wryly at his brother as he led the girls over to where the rest of the team were waiting. He quickly introduced everyone, his heart catching when he saw how gentle Sam was with the children and how they immediately responded to her. When she offered to show them around the camp, they begged their father to let them go with her.
‘They will be quite safe with Sam,’ Khalid said quietly, when his brother hesitated. ‘She won’t let any harm come to them.’
‘In that case, thank you.’ Shahzad bowed to Sam as she took hold of the children’s hands. He watched as they skipped along beside her as she led them to the canteen first to get a drink. Turning, he fixed Khalid with a searching look. ‘Am I right to think that Sam is the woman you were involved with some years ago?’
‘Yes.’ Khalid changed the subject. Although he and Shahzad were close, he didn’t intend to confide in him. It wouldn’t help to lay out all his uncertainties for inspection; it would just confuse the issue even more. ‘So, brother, delighted as I am to see you, is this purely a social visit or is there another reason for it?’
‘How did you guess?’ Shahzad sighed. ‘I am worried about Mariam. She is pregnant again, only this time she seems to be experiencing all sorts of problems she never suffered when she was expecting the girls.’
‘First of all, congratulations! I know how much you both want another child.’ Khalid led the way to the men’s tent and offered Shahzad the one and only chair.
‘We do. We were thrilled when we discovered she was expecting another child. But she’s been so ill—constantly sick and exhausted. I have to confess that I am extremely worried about her.’
‘I take it that Mariam has seen her doctor?’ Khalid said quietly.
‘Yes, several times, but he cannot find anything wrong with her. He keeps insisting that it will pass and that she will feel better in time but she is four months pregnant now and she still doesn’t feel right.’
‘So what do you intend to do? Seek a second opinion?’
‘Yes.’ Shahzad sighed. ‘However, Mariam feels that it would be unfair to cast any doubt on her doctor’s capabilities. You know how quickly rumours spread and it could do him untold harm so she is reluctant to take that route. I certainly don’t want her worrying at the moment so I suggested that she seek a second opinion from the obstetrician you have brought with you. If you agree, obviously.’
‘Of course. I’m sure that Sam will be only too pleased to help.’
‘Ah, so it is the young woman who is looking after Janan and Izdihar,’ Shahzad said quietly.
‘That’s right. Sam very kindly stepped in when the obstetrician who was originally to accompany us had to back out.’
Khalid summoned a smile although he couldn’t help feeling uneasy. Introducing Sam to his family was a step he would have preferred not to take, although not for the reasons she would undoubtedly assume. He sighed. Seeing Sam interacting with the people he loved would make it that much harder for him to view her solely as a colleague and that was what he needed to do. Desperately.
‘Then can I prevail upon you to ask her if she would be willing to see Mariam? It would be a huge relief to us both to have a second opinion. It would definitely stop Mariam worrying and that is bound to ease the situation.’
How could he refuse? Even though it was the last thing he wanted, Khalid knew that he didn’t have a choice. Shahzad’s fears for his wife would be all the greater seeing as his own mother had died giving birth to him. It would be unforgiveable to allow Shahzad to suffer any longer if he could do something to help.
‘Of course. I shall ask her when she brings the children back.’
‘Thank you.’
Shahzad clapped him on the shoulder, looking so relieved that Khalid knew that he had made the right decision. At his suggestion they made their way to Theatre so that his brother could see the equipment he had so generously paid for. There was no sign of Sam and the children and Khalid was glad. He needed to get this into perspective, stop making a mountain out of a very small molehill. So Sam was going be involved with his family for a brief time—so what? It wouldn’t change the status quo, wouldn’t make him change his mind. She could never be part of his life and that was that...only it wasn’t that simple, was it? Not simple at all to see her interacting with the people he loved.
* * *
Sam returned her young charges to their father, shaking her head when Shahzad asked her if they had been any trouble. ‘No trouble at all,’ she assured him, and meant it too. The little girls had been a positive delight, eager to see as much as they could of the camp. She laughed when they both clamoured for a kiss. Bending, she kissed their soft little cheeks, feeling a wealth of tenderness fill her. Despite their privileged background, they were lovely children and she had enjoyed spending time with them.
She straightened up, realising that it was time that she got ready for her patients. Clinic was due to begin at three and it was almost that now. She turned to leave then stopped when Khalid appeared.
‘May I have a word with you, Sam?’ he asked politely.
‘Of course.’
Sam followed as he led the way to a spot near to the perimeter of the camp. He paused, staring out across the desert, and she had the distinct impression that he had something on his mind. Turning, he summoned a smile but she could tell how tense he was and reacted instinctively. Whatever he had to say, she had a feeling it wouldn’t come easily to him.
‘So what is it, Khalid? Is something wrong? Have I done something wrong?’ she demanded, wanting to get it over as quickly as possible.
‘No, of course not.’ He drew himself up, his face expressionless as he looked at her. ‘Shahzad’s wife is expecting another child. Whilst they are both delighted, my brother is extremely worried about Mariam. She isn’t at all well and although she has consulted her own doctor, who has told her not to worry, they both feel it would help to have a second opinion.’
‘I see.’ She shrugged, unsure where this was leading. ‘Not a problem, I imagine. You told me that there is a comprehensive health care system in the cities so there must be other obstetricians your si
ster-in-law can consult.’
‘Indeed. However, they are both keen not to cast any doubts on Mariam’s doctor’s proficiency.’ His eyes met hers. ‘In a country as small as Azad, rumours soon abound, which is why Shahzad has asked if you would be willing to examine Mariam. I told him that I would ask you.’
Sam bit her lip, unsure how she felt about the request. In other circumstances, she would have agreed immediately, subject to Mariam’s own doctor’s approval, of course. However, was it wise to involve herself this way, to get to know Khalid’s family when he had gone to such lengths to keep her away from them? He had never introduced her to any members of his family. Although his brother and sister-in-law had visited London several times while they had been seeing one another, Khalid had made no attempt to introduce her to them. Sam had thought it rather strange at the time until she’d realised that he hadn’t wanted his family to become involved with a woman like her when it could reflect badly on them. Now she looked him squarely in the eyes.
‘Do you honestly believe it’s wise to involve me, Khalid? What if someone finds out and decides to dig into my past? No one can claim that I appear to be the ideal candidate to give advice about a royal baby!’
‘There is very little chance of anyone finding out, I assure you.’ His voice was harsh, edged with an arrogance that immediately put her back up.
‘You could be right. After all, you have the money and the power to call the shots, don’t you?’ She laughed bitterly. ‘It all depends what you consider is important. Obviously this is, although our relationship—such as it was—evidently wasn’t.’
‘That’s not fair. It’s not even true,’ he began, but she didn’t allow him to finish. There was no point.
She held up her hand. ‘Forget it. It doesn’t matter now. If your brother and sister-in-law feel it would help then I shall be happy to give a second opinion, subject to Mariam’s own doctor’s agreement, obviously.’
One More Night with Her Desert Prince... Page 9