Midnight Under The Stars: Woman in a Sheikh's World

She glanced towards the car and then back towards his rapidly vanishing figure.

‘Damn and blast.’ How could she leave him on his own? When he hurt, she hurt. It was like being physically connected and it was a bond she’d been trying to break for longer than she cared to remember.

Muttering under her breath, Avery strode after him, tugging the brim of her hat down over her eyes to shield herself from the blaze of the desert sun and the scrutiny of curious tourists. Relationships, she thought. Why did anyone bother? Her mother was right. They were nothing but trouble.

As she approached him, she tried to work out what to say.

Better now than in ten years’ time …

Lucky escape, my friend …

One in three marriages end in divorce and that’s without counting the number that carry on in faithless misery …

Truthfully, she wasn’t good at broken relationship counselling.

When friends’ relationships broke down her standard support offering was a girls’ night in. Or out. Either evening featured copious volumes of good wine combined with a boosting talk about the benefits of being single. By the time the evening was over they were generally talking about lucky escapes and exciting futures. If the malaise continued she dragged them shoe shopping, used her connections to get them a discount on a dreamy hotel in an exotic location and pointed out all the things they could do single that they couldn’t do as a couple. Unfortunately she had nothing in her armoury to prepare her for consoling a Prince who had lost his bride.

Normally she considered herself a competent person but right now she felt anything but competent. As she strolled up to his side, his shoulders stiffened but he didn’t turn.

Avery stood awkwardly, trying to imagine what he was thinking so that she could say the right thing. She knew how important this marriage had been to him. And now he had to unravel what could only be described as a mess. Despite that, he’d treated Kalila with patience and kindness—probably more kindness than she’d been shown in her life before.

The girl was a fool, Avery thought savagely, tilting her head back and staring up at the perfect blue of the desert sky. For someone dreaming of happy endings as Kalila clearly was, she couldn’t have done better than Mal.

Slowly, she turned her head to look at him, her gaze resting on the strong, proud lines of his handsome face. Not knowing what to do, she lifted her hand, hesitated, and then placed it on his shoulder, feeling the tension in the muscle under her fingers. ‘I’m sorry. I know how upset you are. And I’m sorry I couldn’t fix it.’

‘But you had to keep trying.’ His voice was harsh and she blinked, taken aback by his tone.

‘Er … yes. Obviously I was trying to persuade her to change her mind.’

‘Then let’s just be grateful you didn’t succeed.’

‘Grateful?’ Avery let her hand fall from his shoulder. ‘But you wanted this marriage! I know you wanted this marriage.’

He turned his head and the look in his eyes made her heart stutter in her chest. His mouth twisted into a cynical smile as he observed her reaction. ‘You consider yourself an expert on what I want, habibti?’

The look in his eyes confused her. Were they still talking about Kalila? ‘You have a wedding planned. We’ve just chased across a desert to find your bride. It seems reasonable to assume this is what you wanted and yet now that she’s broken it off you’re not putting up a fight and you don’t seem remotely heartbroken.’

There was a strange light in his eyes. ‘Heartbroken?’

Exasperated and confused by his lack of emotion, Avery held back her temper. ‘OK, so obviously you’re not heartbroken because you don’t have a heart. Silly me.’

‘You think I don’t have a heart?’ Under the sweep of thick dark lashes, something dangerous lurked in his eyes and Avery felt as if she’d just jumped into the ocean and found herself way out of her depth.

How had she ever become trapped in this conversation? They were supposed to be talking about Kalila.

‘All I know is that you don’t seem to be fighting to keep her. Is it pride?’ And she knew all about that, didn’t she? ‘Because honestly I think you should try and get over that. She’s perfect for you in so many ways. Go back in there now, give that muscle-bound wimp his marching orders—and by the way, she needs a new bodyguard because that one definitely isn’t fit for purpose—and talk some sense into her.’

Her words were greeted by a prolonged silence.

Just when it was becoming awkward, he breathed deeply. ‘Are you really that desperate to see me married to someone else?’

‘Yes—’ Her heart was bumping and she trod through the conversation like someone walking on quicksand. ‘Yes, I am.’

There was a hard, humourless slant to his smile. ‘Would that make it easier?’

It would have been a waste of time to pretend she didn’t know what he was talking about. Their eyes locked for a brief moment but it was long enough for her to know that she was in trouble. ‘Let’s not do this, Mal.’

But of course he didn’t listen. His hand slid beneath her chin and he forced her to look at him. ‘We’re doing this.’ This time his tone was harsh. ‘We’ve wasted enough time and taken enough wrong turnings. Just because we made a mistake once doesn’t mean we have to do it again.’

‘For crying out loud—’ the words were shaky ‘—five minutes ago you were engaged to marry another woman.’

‘That wasn’t my choice. This is.’

That didn’t make sense to her. Despite duty and responsibility, he was a man who chose his own path.

‘What the hell are you saying? Mal—’

‘Tell me why you were so determined that I marry Kalila. Tell me, Avery. Spell it out.’

‘Because you’re the marrying type and because she’s perfect for you and because—’ she choked on the confession ‘—and because I thought it would make it easier if you were married.’

Emotion flared in his eyes. ‘And did it?’

‘No.’ The words came out as a whisper. ‘No. It didn’t. Nothing does. But that doesn’t stop me hoping and trying.’

‘You don’t have to do either.’

Yes, she did. ‘Nothing has changed, Mal—’

That clearly wasn’t the answer he wanted and he looked away for a moment, jaw tense. ‘No? If that’s true then it’s just because you are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met. But I can be stubborn too.’ Without giving her a chance to respond, he closed his hand over hers and pulled his phone out of his pocket. After a brief one-way conversation during which he delivered what sounded like a volley of instructions in his own language, he hung up. ‘Is there anything in your bag that you need? Because if there is, tell me now.’

‘Need for what? Who were you phoning?’

‘Rafiq. You remember my Chief Adviser?’

‘Of course. I love him. I would have offered him a job on my team if I’d thought there was any chance that he’d leave you. So what completely unreasonable request have you placed in the poor man’s lap this time?’ As the words left her mouth she heard the sound of a helicopter approach and looked up, her brows lifting as she saw the Sultan’s insignia. ‘I see you and discretion have parted company.’

‘There is no longer a need for discretion. There is, however, a need to get the next part of the journey over as fast as possible.’

‘You’re leaving in style, Mal, I have to hand you that.’

‘We’re leaving in style.’ His grip on her hand tightened. ‘You’re coming with me.’

It was a command, not a question.

Avery’s heart stumbled but whether that was because of his unexpected words or the feel of his fingers locked with hers, she wasn’t sure. ‘What about Kalila?’

‘Can we stop talking about Kalila?’ His tone was raw. ‘She has my protection and I will do my best for her, but right now I don’t want to waste any more time thinking about it.’

‘I really ought to get back to London. I have the Senator’s party to run and I can’t just take time off.’

‘Of course you can. You’re the boss. You can do whatever you like. Call Jenny and put her in charge for a few days.’

‘I couldn’t possibly do that.’ Her mouth was dry and her heart was pounding. ‘It’s out of the question.’

‘Really? The advice you give others is to face your fears—’ ebony eyes glittered dark with mockery ‘—and yet I don’t see you facing yours.’

‘There’s nothing to face. I’m not afraid.’

‘Yes, you are. You’re terrified. So terrified that your hands are shaking.’

‘You’re wrong.’ She stuffed her hands in her pockets. ‘So if you’re such an expert you’d better tell me what it is I’m supposedly afraid of.’

‘Me,’ he said softly. ‘You’re afraid to be alone with me.’

CHAPTER SIX

MAL was braced for her to throw a million arguments why she couldn’t do this but she simply lifted her chin in the air and walked briskly by his side to the helicopter and he allowed himself a smile because although she would have hated to admit it, she was totally predictable. Because he’d challenged her, she just had to prove him wrong.

As the ever loyal Rafiq appeared, Mal delivered a series of succinct instructions, threw him the keys to the vehicle and followed Avery into the helicopter.

There were a million things that demanded his attention, but only one that he cared about right at that moment.

And suddenly he was grateful for her pride and stubbornness because it was only those two things that had her stepping into his helicopter without an argument. It was pride that kept that back straight as she settled into her seat, pride that had her greeting his pilot with her usual warm smile and no visible evidence of tension.

As the doors closed, she turned to him, her gaze cool. ‘So here I am. By your side and unafraid. Sorry to disappoint you. You’ve lost.’

‘I’m not disappointed.’ And he certainly hadn’t lost.

‘So where are we going?’

‘Somewhere we can be sure of privacy.’ He watched as her shoulders shifted defensively and her mouth tightened as she instinctively recoiled from the threat of intimacy.

‘I’m surprised you don’t just want to return to the palace. Your wedding plans have fallen apart. Shouldn’t you be talking to your father?’

‘I’ve already spoken to him. I told him I will be back in a few days and we can discuss it further then.’

‘I would have thought the cancellation of your marriage would have taken precedence over everything else.’

‘Not everything.’ Not this. The most important thing of all.

He realised now how badly he’d got it wrong. He, who prided himself on his negotiation skills, had made so many fundamental errors with this woman who was so unlike any other woman.

He’d been complacent. Sure of himself. Sure of her.

It wasn’t a mistake he was going to make again.

The helicopter rose into the air and neither of them spoke again during the forty-minute journey. And then he saw the change in her as she finally realised their destination. ‘The Zubran Desert Spa?’

She’d used it as a venue for an event a while back. It had been the place they’d moved from friends to something more. It had significance, marking an important milestone in their relationship.

He’d chosen it for that reason. He’d wanted significance. He wanted to tear down every barrier she erected between them and when she turned to face him he knew he’d succeeded.

‘Why here?’

‘Why not?’

Blame mingled with vulnerability. ‘You’re not playing fair.’

Could he be accused of dirty tactics? Possibly, but he felt no guilt. When the stakes were this high, all tactics were justified. He was going to use everything at his disposal to get her to open up. He was going to fight for their relationship, fight her if necessary, and he’d keep fighting until he had the outcome he wanted. He hadn’t expected to get a second chance but now he had, he wasn’t going to waste it.

‘I don’t play to be fair. I play to win.’

‘You mean you have to get your own way in everything.’

‘Hardly.’ If he’d had his own way they never would have parted. It had been the first time in his life he’d felt helpless.

As the doors to the helicopter opened, they were met by the hotel manager and an entourage of excited staff.

‘They’ve mistaken you for a rock star,’ Avery murmured as she reached for her bag and stood up. ‘Do you want to break it to them that you’re no one important, or shall I?’

‘I suggest you don’t ruin their fun.’

‘When a new employee starts in my office and they’re overwhelmed by the people we deal with, I remind them that famous people are all human beings with the same basic needs.’

‘Sexual?’

Colour warmed her cheeks. ‘How typical of you to pick that need first. Others would have gone for something different.’

‘Others haven’t just been trapped in a desert with you for two days.’ Speaking under his breath, Mal urged her towards the welcoming committee.

‘Your Highness, it is a pleasure to welcome you back. We are so honoured that you have chosen to spend a few days with us.’ Clearly overwhelmed by the importance of his guest, the manager of the hotel bowed deeply. ‘Your instructions have been carried out precisely, but should you need anything else—’

‘Privacy.’ Mal’s eyes were on Avery’s taut profile. ‘My greatest need right at this moment is for privacy.’

‘And we pride ourselves on our ability to offer our guests exactly that. I will escort you straight to the Sultan’s Suite, Your Highness, and can I say once again what an honour it is to be able to welcome you.’

The Sultan’s Suite. The place they’d spent their first night together.

Avery tried to slow her pace but he gripped her hand firmly as they walked along the curving path that led to the exclusive desert villa. And it was no use pretending that he was forcing her. She was a grown woman with a mind of her own. She could have walked away at any point in the past few hours, but she hadn’t. And what did that make her? A fool, definitely.

If only he hadn’t accused her of being scared. That comment alone had made it impossible for her to refuse, and—

—he’d made it impossible for her to refuse!

Her eyes narrowed dangerously.

She turned her head to look at him, the movement sending her hair whipping across her back. ‘You are an underhanded, manipulative snake.’ She kept her voice low so that the manager couldn’t overhear but clearly Mal caught the words because he smiled.

‘Save the compliments until we are alone, habibti.’

‘You made that comment about me being afraid because you knew I’d have to prove you wrong.’

‘So does that make me manipulative or you predictable?’

The fact that he knew her so well didn’t improve her mood. ‘I suppose you think you’re clever.’

‘Desperate,’ he murmured, his thumb stroking her palm. ‘Desperate would be the word I’d use. Even famous people have needs, you know.’

She did know.

And the contrast between his gentle, seductive touch and the raw desire she saw in his eyes unsettled her more than words could. The heat rushed through her and suddenly she was truly afraid. Not of him but for herself. She’d spent the past months trying to get over him. Hauling herself out of bed every day and reminding herself that she was not going to ruin her life over a man, even a spectacular man. And yet here she was, about to risk it all again.

And now there was no Kalila. There was no virgin bride. Nothing to keep them apart.

Nothing except all the usual reasons.

She tried to snatch her hand from his but his grip was unyielding. ‘This is a mistake.’

‘If it’s a mistake then I’ll take it like a man.’

That offered her no comfort because his masculinity had never been in question. From the hard-packed muscle of his wide shoulders to the powerful legs and the iron self-discipline that drove him, he was more of a man than any she’d met.

‘You’re going to regret this.’

And so was she.

When he’d told her to drop everything and come with him she should have pleaded workload or an event that couldn’t possibly continue without her personal attention. Anything that would have got her out of this situation.

But the manager was already bowing again as they reached the doorway of the exclusive villa and it was too late for her to back out.

‘The doctor is waiting for you, Your Highness, as instructed.’

Mal murmured his thanks and Avery frowned.

‘Doctor?’ She tugged her hand free of his and pulled off her hiking boots. It was a relief to be rid of them because they were heavy and hot. ‘Who needs a doctor?’

‘You do. I want you checked after that scorpion bite.’

‘Oh for goodness’ sake, I’m fine.’

‘The doctor will decide that.’

‘He might send me home,’ she muttered in an undertone. ‘Have you thought of that?’

‘Or he might send you to bed, where you are going to end up either way.’

‘You think so? Maybe you’re a little over-confident, Your Highness.’

‘And you are the most aggravating woman I’ve ever encountered. The scorpion met its match. Even now it is probably engaged in a session of psychotherapy as part of the recovery process.’ Mal stepped forward and there was a brief exchange with the doctor, during which Avery tapped her foot impatiently.

‘I am as healthy as a horse.’

‘When I hear that from a professional I will be reassured. If you go through to the master bedroom, he will examine you. And try not to take your frustration out on the doctor. He’s an innocent party.’

‘You think I’m frustrated?’

‘I truly hope so. But we’ll talk about this later.’ Maddeningly cool, Mal strolled towards the bedroom and opened the doors and her heart skidded in her chest because there in the centre was the hand-crafted bed that had witnessed the shift in their relationship from friends to lovers.

The sensual, unashamed luxury of the suite unsettled her as much as the look in his eyes.

‘What’s the doctor supposed to do? Declare me fit for action?’ Her response was flippant and she realised that she hadn’t thought about the scorpion bite for hours. She’d been too caught up in all the drama and the swirling mess of her own feelings. She’d been too busy thinking about him.

And he knew it.

He hovered while the doctor examined her and Avery almost felt sorry for the man as Mal subjected him to a volley of cross-questioning until finally he was satisfied.

Exhausted, she flopped back against the pillows. ‘You terrified that poor man. His hands were shaking. For God’s sake, Mal, ease up on people, will you?’

‘I just wanted to make sure he was thorough.’

The room was the ultimate in sophistication. Decorated with elaborate woven rugs and antique furniture, the doors opened onto an uninterrupted view of the desert. Last time she was here with him she’d taken a picture of the same view at sunset and made it her screen saver. Seeing it again now made her heart lift and ache at the same time because it brought back memories of a time when life had been close to perfect.

The mattress dipped slightly as Mal sat down next to her. ‘You are thinking about the last time we were here.’

‘No. I don’t do that sort of thing. If you wanted sentimental then you picked the wrong woman. But you discovered that a while ago.’ Sliding away from him, Avery sprang from the bed. ‘What I was actually thinking is that I need a shower. My hair is full of sand. My clothes are full of sand. Right now I’m more camel than human.’ She shot towards the bathroom because it was the only room with a lock on the door, but he caught her easily and pulled her firmly back towards him.

‘There is nowhere to run. It’s just you and me, habibti.’

‘And you only have yourself to blame for that. I told you you’d regret it.’

‘Do I look as if I’m regretting it?’ Smiling slightly, he slid his hands either side of her face, tilting her head. ‘Do you really want to fight? Because I’ll fight if that’s what you want. Or you could listen to an alternative suggestion as to how we can spend this time we have together.’

‘No.’ The word was meant to be firm and decisive. Instead it sounded more like a pathetic plea and he frowned, the smile fading from his eyes.

‘How long are you going to keep pretending this isn’t what you want?’

‘As long as it takes for you to get the message. What I want is a shower.’ Her voice was croaky. And she was terrified. Terrified of the thought of doing this again. Of risking everything. Of being hurt.

‘Shower first?’ He lifted his hand and freed her hair.

‘First?’

‘I thought you might be hungry.’

‘Shower sounds good. But I don’t have clothes to change into. You should have thought of that before you kidnapped me.’

His fingers lingered on her hair. ‘I can solve that, too.’

‘How?’

‘Sometimes being a Prince has its advantages.’

Her heart was beating fast but whether it was the fact that he was touching her or the fact that he was standing so close to her, she didn’t know. ‘So you’ve been shamelessly using your position and influence to coerce people.’

‘Something like that.’

‘I’m not impressed. It doesn’t work on me.’

‘It never did. But you do want me. Are you going to admit it?’

‘Not until all the sand has blown from the desert.’

His eyes glittered dark. ‘Then I’ll have to use other means to get the truth from you.’

‘You resort to violence now?’

His mouth twisted. ‘Not violence. But you will be honest because I am finished with games.’

They were talking, but words were only part of the communication between them. There was the subtle brush of his hand against her cheek. The meaningful look. The sudden rapid sprint of her heart as it hammered against her ribs. It was useless to pretend he had no effect on her. That she was immune. She was as susceptible now as she always had been. And he knew it. And the fact that he knew it made her furious. Furious with herself. Even more furious with him.

Avery pulled away and stalked over to the bathroom that adjoined the master suite. She knew her way. Had been there before. But even here the memories followed her because they’d used this room for more than a shower. ‘You’re crowding me and I need time to think. Don’t follow me, Mal.’

And because she didn’t trust him not to do that, she locked the door. And then spent several minutes just staring at it, knowing he was on the other side and discovering that a locked door wasn’t enough to keep the feelings away. And that was because he wasn’t the problem, was he? The problem was her.

She stripped off her clothes, then walked into the shower and stood under the sharp needles of hot water, washing away two days of hot, sticky travelling in the desert. She lathered her hair in expensive shampoo that smelt like lotus flowers, massaged conditioner and then stood for ages with her eyes closed while the water washed over her.

But she couldn’t stay in the shower for ever.

Reluctantly, she turned off the flow of water and wrapped herself in one of the large fluffy towels that were stacked inside a glass cabinet.

Then she turned and found him standing there.

‘You forgot that the bathroom has two entrances. You only locked one door.’

‘Another man would have taken that as a hint.’

‘And you know that how?’ His ebony hair glistened dark and his broad shoulders were still damp from the shower he’d clearly taken in another bathroom. He was in the process of knotting the towel around his hips. ‘Have you had other lovers in the time we’ve been apart?’

Other lovers? The question would have made her laugh if it hadn’t hurt so much. He didn’t have a clue what he’d done to her.