The Sheik's Ruby Read online

  Hakim led her through a pair of pillars to where a grand staircase curved upward. The stairs were made of the same white marble as the floor. On the other side of the entrance hall, an identical staircase mirrored it.

  Shanayze had disappeared, giving the pair privacy.

  Hakim wrapped his arms around her. With a sigh, he drew her close and kissed the top of her head.

  Shelby noticed the dark circles under his eyes. She breathed in his smell and rested her head against his chest. She wondered about all he had dealt with over the last few weeks with his father’s health and terrorists threatening the safety of his people and himself. The simple embrace soothed away some of her worry. But she still felt shy and unsure of how to act here, and with him.

  Taking a step back, he curled a finger under her chin to lift her face. “You have not said a word since your arrival, Shelby. Is everything all right?”

  Heat from his touch spread over her skin. “I’m just overwhelmed. I mean, you live here?”

  Hakim smiled. “I have missed you, Shelby Jo Walker.” He rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “I am so relieved to have you safely in Khali-dar.” He glanced behind her, and without releasing his embrace, said, “I am sure you are tired and anxious to wash up after your flight. Shanayze will show you to your room. I was hoping you would join me for dinner in an hour. I would love to give you a tour of the palace.”

  Shelby bid him farewell and followed Shanayze up the massive staircase, marveling at the grandeur of the palace. It was unlike any place she had seen before, and she felt as if she shouldn’t touch anything. The railing was carved with delicate gold-leafed patterns. As Shelby ran her hand over it, she wondered what a childhood would be like, growing up in a place that was more like a museum than a home.

  They didn’t stop on the first landing but climbed all the way to the third floor. The staircase ended at a wide hall with a tall ceiling. A number of doors led off of it. Sitting areas complete with couches, elegant tables, and potted plants occupied the space between the doors.

  Shanayze opened one of the doors and stood aside to allow Shelby to enter the room.

  Arched windows stretched from the floor to the ceiling, taking up an entire wall. A marvelous view of the grounds was revealed between sheer curtains that were pulled back from the windows. Stepping closer, Shelby realized the windows were all sets of sliding doors leading to a private balcony with lounge chairs and an outdoor dining set. She stepped outside. Potted palm trees and lovely plants Shelby didn’t recognize softened the edges of the stone patio. On the table, beautiful flowers spilled over the lip of a large vase.

  Walking back through the doors, Shelby paused again, drinking in every detail of the incredible bedroom. This one room was larger than the entire main floor of her parents’ house. She couldn’t believe all of this space was intended for just her. Intricate wood carvings separated the walls into sections. Between them hung various pictures, and one panel contained a large flat-screen TV.

  Shelby spent a minute admiring the artwork. One painting depicted a beautiful woman sitting beneath a tree, her head tilting demurely. Her graceful fingers held a guitar-shaped instrument. Shelby guessed she was a queen because of her gold headdress. Another picture which caught her eye showed a lion with his front paws on a tree, reaching toward a bird that wore a necklace. Shelby wondered if the lion was trying to get the necklace or eat the bird.

  A sitting area with soft couches and ornate chairs sat on a plush rug near the door to the hall. An alcove held a dark wooden desk.

  “Prince Hakim wanted me to check with you before a computer was ordered. Do you have a preference?” Shanayze asked.

  “Oh, I have my laptop here.” Shelby opened her bag and set her computer on the desk.

  “Of course.” Shanayze rested her gaze on Shelby’s old model laptop with ski resort and University of Colorado stickers on the case. “I will make sure to get a voltage adapter.”

  Shelby knew she should feel more grateful for Shanayze seeing to her needs, but the woman’s cold manner made her feel as though she was more of a burden. She got the impression Shanayze did not approve of the situation, “Thanks.”

  “You will be set up with an untraceable internet connection. The prince has given instructions that you should have the freedom to keep in contact with your family and friends. However, I would like to remind you to be careful. Do not give out any details of life in the palace which might jeopardize security. Do not mention the prince or his father by name, or discuss threats to the country, or any other political matters.”

  The reminder of the danger that had sent her cast a pall over the enchantment she felt at her surroundings. Shelby wasn’t here on a luxury vacation and the realization made the warm, sunny room feel cold. “Got it.” Shelby nodded. She turned away from Shanayze, hoping her expression did not show her apprehension, and continued to walk around the room

  Aside from the desk, other tables and chairs and furniture were spread tastefully around, flower arrangements occupied nearly every flat space. The focal point of the room, however, was the magnificent bed. Carved wooden posts rose from each corner and attached with arches, forming a high canopy. Sheer curtains fell from the cross-bars, gathered and tied with golden tasseled rope. The bedding and pillows were made of a crimson and gold brocade pattern, and bordered by a soft fringe. Shelby ran her fingers over the bedspread. She noticed a digital clock on the nightstand next to the bed. The time was nearly three o’clock.

  “In here is your bathroom.” Shanayze opened a door. “And through here is the closet. Per Prince Hakim’s instructions, a wardrobe has been ordered.”

  Shelby raised an eyebrow. The delight at what Hakim might have chosen for her mixed with unease. She was not used to being spoiled and didn’t like the feeling of not having any control over her situation.

  “I believe the prince was unsure if you would know what type of climate you would be dressing for.” Shanayze flipped on the light switch, illuminating the large walk-in closet.

  Shelby stepped past her. The closet was big enough to park her car in. The racks were filled with hanging clothes. Shoes, belts, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories filled the shelves and hung from hooks. Touching one of the soft summer dresses, she felt a thrill of excitement at all the beautiful light clothing. She was flattered and grateful Hakim had gone to all of this trouble, but she also felt an emptiness grow in the pit of her stomach.

  How long does he think I’ll be here? How could I ever reciprocate something like this? What does he expect? Her laundry basket sat on a plush bench in the middle of the closet. Behind the clothes, the closet walls were lined with mirrors, making the space appear even bigger. And among all of this opulence, Shelby felt even smaller.

  She walked into the bathroom and admired the jetted tub and marble counter with two gold sinks and an elaborately framed mirror stretching across the entire wall. Above her, a window, detailed with delicate ironwork and set with frosted glass, took the place of the ceiling. A soft light shone through it, setting the entire bathroom aglow. When Shelby reentered the bedroom, she saw a young woman standing by Shanayze.

  “Miss Walker, this is Aaliya. She will be your personal attendant. Please feel free to ask her for anything.”

  Aaliya bent forward in a small bow.

  “I will leave you to get ready and return in forty-five minutes to escort you to dinner,” Shanayze said, looking down at her watch.

  “Thank you, Shanayze,” Shelby said, and she meant it. Even though Shanayze was not a warm person, and obviously not thrilled about her assignment, she had made Shelby’s transition easier.

  Shanayze bowed and left Shelby alone with Aaliya.

  Aaliya was young and very beautiful. She moved gracefully with amazing posture. Her heart-shaped face held large dark brown eyes. She had flawless mocha-colored skin, a straight, thin nose, and long hair, braided into a rope down her back.

  Aaliya walked toward the bathroom. “You will want to wash
after your journey. May I draw you a bath?” The young woman’s voice was soft and rose and fell in melodic tones.

  “No thanks. I can do it myself.”

  Aaliya inclined her head and smiled. “I will give you privacy, then.” She stepped out of the bedroom.

  Shelby indulged in a long shower, trying to wash away the aches and tiredness of travel. She tested out some of the fancy salon products on her hair, and instead of pulling it back into a ponytail, left it down, preferring to let it curl naturally, instead of fighting it in the humidity. Choosing a summer dress and strappy sandals, wishing they hid her scars better, she dressed and then studied herself in the mirror. Even wearing beautiful clothes, she still felt like a country girl—out of place in these stunning surroundings.

  Aaliya knocked softly, and then entered the room carrying a plug adapter which she set upon the desk next to Shelby’s laptop. She bowed her head. “Is there anything I can do for you, Miss Walker?”

  Shelby shook her head. “Thanks, Aaliya. I think I’m ready.”

  Aaliya stepped next to Shelby and studied her in the mirror. “You look very beautiful.”

  “Thanks.” Shelby chewed on her lip. She wondered if it was part of a personal attendant’s job description to say stuff like that. Standing next to Aaliya, she felt big, awkward, pale, and freckled.

  “I’d better send my parents an e-mail before I forget.” Shelby turned toward the table. “They’ll be wondering if I made it.”

  With Aaliya’s help, she set up her computer, followed the onscreen instructions to make the wi-fi connection, and typed a quick e-mail to her mom. She hit send and a pang of homesickness stung her throat. She closed her laptop, hoping everything was all right back home.

  Aaliya sat, waiting. When the computer lid clicked, Aaliya stood. “Is there anything else I can do to make you comfortable?”

  Shelby took a breath to calm her voice. She swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. “No, everything is great, Thank you.”

  “What type of drink would you like when you retire?” Aaliya asked.

  Shelby was not certain how to answer. “Um…how about hot chocolate?”

  Aaliya raised her eyebrows.

  “What? Did I say something wrong?” Shelby asked, cringing. Had she already offended Aaliya?

  “Miss Walker, Khali-dar and the entire Middle East are famous for its fragrant, delicious coffee,” Aaliya said.

  “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. Hot chocolate just reminds me of home.”

  “Then, serving hot chocolate will be my pleasure, Miss Walker.” Aaliya bowed.

  ****

  Shanayze returned right on time and held open the door.

  Shelby followed her down the staircase, through the grand entrance hall, and out to the garden.

  Hakim stood as she approached.

  The sight of him made her heart trip. How can something as simple as a necktie make a man so handsome? Shelby was glad she had put on a dress.

  He smiled and motioned for her to sit across from him. “Thank you, Shanayze.”

  Shanayze inclined her head and left.

  A man dressed in black slacks and a collarless shirt beneath an embroidered vest stepped forward to push in her chair when Shelby sat. He unfolded a napkin and draped it over her lap.

  Shelby was reminded of an expensive restaurant on the top story of a hotel in downtown Denver where her parents had taken her after college graduation. Hakim had the same service in his back yard. What must he have thought of her home and their date at Italian Garden? She thanked the server.

  The man bowed, averting his gaze.

  Her first thought was that he must be uncomfortable, but then she thought he may act this way out of respect like Nasir.

  The location was amazing. The table sat under a wrought-iron trellis hung with lanterns. Although the evening was not dark, the lanterns glowed with a golden light. A pond with large koi and goldfish surrounded them on three sides. The water cooled the air, making the temperature nearly perfect. A white tablecloth draped over the round table, adorned in the center with more fresh flowers. Shelby wondered where all of these flowers came from. Aren’t we in the middle of a desert?

  She inhaled deeply and tried to enjoy the setting, but so many thoughts pressed on her mind. Being so far from home, having to flee the country, people who weren’t supposed to talk to her, places she wasn’t allowed to go, the ambiguity about her role here, a culture she was trying to understand, and the superfluous luxury surrounding her. Topping it off was her uncertainty about her relationship with Hakim and, of course, jetlag. That was enough to make anyone a little edgy.

  ****

  Hakim gazed across the table, utterly entranced by Shelby’s beauty. His collar felt too tight. He could not believe she truly sat before him. The lantern lights made her hair glow and her eyes shine. Her remarkable eyes were a deep blue with golden flames surrounding her pupils. An old Arabian proverb declared eyes to be ‘the windows to the soul.’ Shelby’s eyes definitely fit the criteria. They sparkled with joy when she laughed, smoldered when he kissed her, and the last time he had seen her, they’d flashed, fueled by anger and hurt. Hakim had struggled, nearly unable to think of anything else for the past few weeks, and now she sat across the table from him, here, at his home.

  What will her eyes reveal about her soul today? “I hope you found everything suitable in your room.”

  She smoothed her hand over the tablecloth and glanced at him. “Everything is wonderful. Thank you. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”

  “Shelby, you are under no obligation to me or anyone here. Hospitality in Khali-dar is an important part of our culture. We believe guests are blessings from Allah.”

  “Well, thank you anyway. Along with everything else you have going on, getting things ready for company must have been a lot of extra work.”

  When Shelby smiled, he noticed the expression didn’t quite reach her eyes. They were dull. Is she preoccupied? Tired? Angry? Disappointed? “How was your flight?”

  “Nice. I’ve never flown in a private jet before.”

  The server returned to fill their drinks and set a platter with sliced cucumbers and pita bread cut into triangles on the table. Small bowls on the platter contained hummus.

  Hakim watched Shelby anxiously as she followed his lead and spread hummus on her bread and bit into it.

  Her eyes lit up in surprise.

  “I hope you like hummus,” he said.

  “It’s delicious.” Shelby spread more onto her bread. “I’ve heard of it but haven’t ever tried it. I always thought it resembled a blob of brown mush, but it definitely tastes better than it looks.”

  Her honesty made him chuckle. “I am glad you like it. It is a very common Arabian dish.”

  Shelby grew silent again and kept her gaze on her plate.

  Hakim searched for the words to help him figure out why. “Have you heard from your family?”

  “No.” Shelby’s face darkened. “I sent my mom an e-mail a little while ago.”

  “I am so sorry you and your family have become involved in my problems, Shelby Jo.” He reached across the table to take her hand.

  Shelby recoiled. “Hakim, do you have any idea what I’ve been through over the last forty-eight hours?” She jerked her hand away. “I came home to an apartment full of strangers who told me a terrorist group is threatening me and my family. I had to leave my home behind, and I don’t know when I can return. You say that I’m your guest, but I am locked inside high walls with guards and security. There are places I am not allowed to go and things I can’t tell my family. You’re acting like nothing has happened, like I just dropped by for a visit, and we’re out here on a date.”

  The anguished expression on her face made his lungs tight. He had no idea she was hurting like this. “Shelby…”

  “Why are we pretending there’s no eminent threat to you or your father or your country or me? In two days, my life has been turned upside down
. What will happen when I miss my rent or my car payment?” Shelby’s voice rose as she blinked back tears. Her breath came in rapid gasps.

  “Shel—”

  Her hands were clenched on the tabletop and her cheeks were flushed. “And why didn’t you call me? You left almost two months ago, and I didn’t hear a word from you.”

  Hakim stood and walked around the table. He put his hands on her shoulders. “Shelby Jo, listen to me.” He knelt so that he was looking into her eyes. “I was trying to protect you,” he said in a soft voice. “I knew if Nahl discovered you, you would be in danger.”

  Shelby still breathed quickly then she opened her mouth to speak.

  He swallowed hard against his dry throat and pressed his finger against her lips. “For the last month, I have spent every second thinking and worrying about you. I have wanted to call you or to come and find you so many times that I cannot count them. Not knowing if you were safe was torture. I read the articles you wrote for Wintersports, hoping as long as you were still working, you were all right.” He brushed his fingers over her cheek. “When I heard about the newspaper interview and your television appearance, I knew Nahl might possibly link your name to mine. I sent a team to bring you to safety.

  “The last time I saw you, you stated you did not wish to see me again. You have no idea how that haunted me. I wish I had acted differently when we first met” Shaking his head, he pushed out a deep breath. “I admit the circumstances that have brought you here are not ideal. But Shelby Jo, please, never believe I did not contact you because I do not care.” As Hakim spoke, he could feel the tension leaving Shelby’s body as he saw her shoulders relax.

  “But what about the terrorists?” she asked. “I’m just so scared.”

  Her voice had softened and instead of angry, she sounded weary. “You are safe now. Your family is safe.” He lifted her hands from her lap and held them in his. “You are not a prisoner. All of the security measures are in place to protect you. Not confine you. Trust me, Shelby Jo. Please?”

  Hakim stood, pulling her up. His arms slid around her, holding her against him. She rested her head on his chest. She was so soft and fragile. He was determined to do everything possible to protect her.