The Sheik's Ruby Read online

  When it saw Hakim, the stallion nickered.

  The prince stroked his neck. “This is Khafif.” He stepped into the stirrup and, in one quick move, was atop the horse.

  Shelby adjusted the stirrup straps and mounted Al-qamar in a smooth motion. From her new vantage point, she glanced around, noticing the Sheik and his guards. She tightened her hands on the reins.

  He sat under an awning on the far side of the stables.

  Hadn’t he said he was going back to the palace? Was he keeping an eye on her? She wondered if Hakim had seen him, but decided not to mention it.

  They rode around the track a few times in order for Shelby and Al-qamar to get used to each other. The horse was well-trained and eager to please, and Shelby was a good rider.

  “This is my favorite trail,” Hakim told her. The horses ambled side by side up a slight incline until they reached the top of the hill.

  Shelby admired the view. Behind them, she could see the palace, and in the distance, the skyscrapers of the city. In front of them, the path followed the lawn and then wound through trees until it disappeared from sight. Although she knew they were inside high walls, she couldn’t see them. She felt exposed, nervous that the terrorists might see them in such an open space. “How big is this property?”

  “Nearly five miles across,” Hakim said. “This is the edge of the tended gardens. Ahead is a sort of wilderness, though it has been somewhat tamed. The gardeners water the trees and keep the paths clear.”

  “Are wild animals in there?” Shelby asked.

  “Yes, but nothing larger than a hare. My father and I often bring birds here to hunt.”

  “Let’s check it out then.” Shelby urged her horse down the path, breaking into a gallop.

  Hakim chuckled as he followed her down the hill, passing her easily. When they reached the trees, the horses slowed and Hakim led the way. “Was that another race?” He turned in his saddle to show an exaggerated innocent expression. “Because I think this time I was definitely the winner.”

  The teasing in his voice made Shelby’s heart feel light. She loved seeing him happy instead of worried. “It wouldn’t be good manners for me to beat you on your home turf.” She shrugged.

  They rode beneath the trees. The horses’ footsteps were muted as they walked through the forest.

  After the heat of the desert sun, Shelby was grateful for the coolness of the shade, and she imagined the animals must enjoy it too.

  “Shelby, there is something I wish to ask you.” He halted his horse.

  “Go ahead.” Shelby reined in next to him.

  “Tomorrow, my father is holding a reception for some…people. Guests of the kingdom. I would be very happy if you would accompany me.”

  “What kind of people?” Shelby tried to keep the nervousness out of her tone.

  “Various heads of state and ambassadors of countries who have pledged their support to our government.”

  “Okay, so it’s like a meeting?”

  “The meetings will be in the day. The reception is in the evening. That is when the leaders bring their spouses or companions to the palace for dinner and entertainment. The event will also be an opportunity for you to meet some of Khali-dar’s influential families.”

  Shelby felt her stomach tighten. Heads of State? Dinner? Reception? The last thing she wanted was to say or do something that would embarrass herself or Hakim again. And she couldn’t imagine the Sheik would be pleased to have her at an event so important.

  He watched her with his head tipped to the side.

  She ran the reins through her fingers. “Does your father know you’re asking me?”

  Hakim gazed over her shoulder and took a deep breath. “He knows.”

  “But he doesn’t want me to come, right?”

  “I will bring a companion of my choice tomorrow.” He locked his gaze onto Shelby’s and leaned toward her. “You are my choice. Will you please come?”

  The Sheik apparently doesn’t buy into the whole “guests are gifts from Allah” idea. “Of course, I would love to come.” She smiled but knew it didn’t appear convincing. She hated feeling like she was the source of their discord.

  “You are nervous. Please do not feel uncomfortable.”

  “I’m worried I’ll say or do something stupid.” She winced. “I’m not exactly a refined debutante who knows how to act in formal situations. I don’t want to embarrass you, Hakim.”

  “I do not want you to be a refined debutante. I have spent enough time with those people to know they are not what I want.” Hakim maneuvered his horse until he faced Shelby and their legs were nearly touching. He leaned closer, his gaze earnest. “What I want is you, Shelby Jo.” He cupped her cheek in his hand.

  Shelby felt her heart flutter and her nerve endings tingle as she lost herself in the deep brown pools of his eyes.

  His thumb stroked her skin, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. He slid his hand into her hair and drew her closer, his lips covering hers.

  When she drew away, Shelby inhaled deeply and grinned. “Hearing you put it that way, how could I possibly refuse?”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Early the next morning, Shelby hurried out to the stables. This was the first time she’d left her room without anyone stopping her to see if they could help. She guessed the household was busy preparing for the big event that evening. Either that, or they figured she knew her way around by now. Choosing how she’d spend her day without advice or a companion by her side was a relief. She saw guards outside the stables and worried they might stop her.

  But they remained on the racehorse side and gave her no trouble.

  She walked toward the section where the riding horses were kept. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Kadir. “Al-salaam alaykum, Kadir,” she said in greeting.

  “Wa alaykum e-salaam.” Kadir bowed.

  “I came to see Al-qamar.”

  Kadir indicated she should follow him back into the building to the white mare’s stall. He hurried to the wall and picked up the saddle.

  Shelby shook her head. “Nope, I just came to visit this morning.” She spoke in a low voice to the horse, stroking her velvety nose and neck. She found a halter hanging on the wall and led Al-qamar out into the sunshine. The horse bobbed her head and pranced. She obviously loved being outside and obediently followed Shelby around the track.

  Shelby loved being with the mare. In the world where she still didn’t know how to fit in, being with the horse was one place she felt completely comfortable. Working with the animal made her feel like she had a purpose. When Shelby returned from their walk, she motioned to Kadir that she wanted to comb Al-qamar’s mane.

  Understanding dawned in his eyes, and he ran to fetch a small box with various sizes of brushes and combs. “Shukran,” Shelby thanked him.

  Kadir bowed his head and went about doing his regular jobs.

  Shelby spent the next half hour combing, brushing, feeding, watering, and talking to the mare. She had never spent much time around an Arabian and was amazed by how much Al-qamar liked people. The familiarity of the tasks was comforting and lessened her homesickness. She smiled as she noticed Kadir continued his duties, but he stayed close enough to be available if Shelby should need him. She was reminded of her ranch chores as she watched him feed and water the animals and heard his voice while he spoke to them.

  After Shelby put away the tools, she let herself out of the low stall door and into the main area of the stable.

  Kadir swept the walkway near the entrance. “Cowboy?” He pointed to her red boots.

  Shelby pulled up the leg of her jeans a little. “Yep, they’re cowboy boots.”

  The boy grinned.

  “‘Ilaa al-ghad, Kadir.” She made a mental note to bring the boy a treat.

  “‘Ilaa al-ghad, Miss Walker.” He bowed again.

  Shelby felt lighter than she had since she arrived. Tending to Al-qamar made her feel like herself again. She returned to her room smelling like h
orses.

  Shanayze was waiting.

  “Miss Walker, there is much to do to prepare you for the reception this evening.” Shanayze folded her arms across her chest and nodded her head once. “But first, you should eat some breakfast.” She gestured to a tray on the table behind her.

  “Thank you.” If Shanayze wondered where Shelby had been, she hid it well. Shelby helped herself to a slice of sweet bread and butter. The food tasted delicious, and she hadn’t realized how hungry she was. “What do I need to do?”

  “First of all, there is the matter of your dress. You must choose a gown as soon as possible in order to give the seamstress time for alteration. Then, you will need your hair styled, and your nails polished.”

  Shelby thought Shanayze always spoke as if she held a clipboard in her hand. “What time’s the reception?”

  “You must be at Prince Hakim’s side to greet the guests at seven o’clock.”

  Greet the guests? Shelby felt her stomach flop. She’d assumed she could find a chair in a corner somewhere and blend in while Hakim did all of the mingling. She set down the bread, no longer hungry. “Is it okay if I take a shower before trying on dresses?”

  “Of course. I will have Aaliya bring up the gowns. We will be ready when you are done.”

  Shelby showered. She pulled back her wet hair into a ponytail, put on clean underwear and a robe, and opened the bathroom door. A large three-paned mirror surrounding a round, carpeted stair stood in the middle of her room. Two rolling racks full of gowns were on either side of the mirror with boxes of shoes, hosiery, jewelry, and hair accessories taking up another side of the room. Shelby’s eyes widened, and she breathed in quickly.

  Aaliya, apparently aware of the rise in Shelby’s stress level, led her to a chair. “Miss Walker, before you try on any gowns, we will establish which colors and styles you like and dislike. That will make our task much easier.”

  Shanayze and Aaliya alternated pulling gowns off the racks to show Shelby. She discovered the two women had very different tastes. Shanayze preferred dark colors and high necklines, while Aaliya chose bright, airy fabrics and styles Shelby found much more exciting. In about a half-hour, they had narrowed their selection to around ten, and Shelby began to try them on.

  She and Aaliya finally decided on a deep turquoise silk gown. It reminded Shelby of something glamorous from the Audrey Hepburn era. The gown had a sweetheart neckline and a fitted bodice which Aaliya thought flattered Shelby’s figure splendidly, while still adhering to the Arabian culture’s tradition of modesty. The hem touched the floor, and Shelby was glad the skirt hung long enough to cover the scars on her leg.

  Aaliya helped her pick out stylish gold stilettos.

  The seamstress took away the dress, and then Shanayze left.

  Shelby put her robe back on and helped Aaliya clean up the rest of the gowns.

  “Aaliya”—Shelby shook out a gown and hung it on a hanger—“Did you pick out all of these dresses?”

  Aaliya lifted her gaze to Shelby’s. “Yes.” She took the dress Shelby was holding and hung it on the rack.

  Shelby picked up another from the back of a chair. “All of this work must have taken you forever.”

  “No. It did not take long. I know where the best stores are.” Aaliya shrugged.

  Shelby ran her hand over the hanging dresses, making the skirts swish, “Which is your favorite?”

  Aaliya’s eyes sparkled as she pulled out the skirt of a soft green dress.

  Shelby took it from the rack. “So, what are you waiting for? Put it on!”

  “No, Miss Walker.” Aaliya shook her head and spread her fingers on her collarbone. “That would be very improper.”

  “I just spent at least two hours trying on dresses you picked out, and you don’t get to try on any? Come on, Aaliya, please?” Shelby extended the dress.

  “Miss Walker, I am your assistant. It is not my place.”

  Shelby saw the hesitation in Aaliya’s face. “Aaliya, I think it would be beneficial to see that dress on you. Would you please assist me and put it on?” She winked.

  Aaliya took the offered gown and stepped into the bathroom. Then she emerged, wearing it.

  Shelby took her hand and led her onto the stair in front of the mirrors. “Now, twirl around.”

  She spun and admired herself in the mirror. Aaliya’s dark skin shone in the light dress. The sheer fabric hung in layers making her look as if she were floating.

  “Aaliya, you are so beautiful,” Shelby said. “You should be going to this party instead of me.”

  “I am not the one the prince has chosen, Miss Walker.”

  “Will you do me a favor? Can you call me Shelby? I know you have to be proper and everything, but I could really use a friend here.”

  “Of course, Shelby. Although I am not sure if Shanayze would entirely approve.”

  Both women burst out laughing at this. And for the first time since she arrived in Khali-dar, Shelby didn’t feel alone.

  ****

  Waxing, filing, polishing, and tweezing occupied the rest of the day. The beautician spent nearly an hour styling and straightening Shelby’s thick hair. After the styling was through, Shelby couldn’t believe how soft it felt. Two gold combs worn low behind her ears held her hair away from her face. A makeup artist made Shelby’s freckles and the scar on her forehead disappear.

  Aaliya helped Shelby into all of the undergarments, nylons, and her gown. She stepped into her shoes and put on a tasteful gold necklace and sparkling bracelet. Staring into the mirror, Shelby couldn’t believe the transformation. An elegant, beautiful woman with sleek auburn hair gazed back. What happened to the cowgirl with the red curls and freckles?

  “You look lovely.” Aaliya clasped her hands under her chin. “The prince will be proud to have you by his side tonight.”

  Shanayze appeared in the doorway to take Shelby to the reception.

  Shelby stepped down from the podium between the mirrors. She grabbed her camera from where it sat on the desk and handed it to Shanayze. “Here goes nothing.” Shelby followed Shanayze down the grand staircase, concentrating on walking down the steps in her heels, and at first didn’t notice Hakim standing at the bottom. When she saw him, Shelby felt her butterflies return. This was the first time she had seen Hakim dressed as a prince.

  He wore a black tuxedo with a white tie and a striped sash in the colors of Khali-dar’s flag crossing his chest from shoulder to waist. He stood straight and tall. As he watched her descend, Hakim opened his mouth slightly, and he took a small step back. “You are beautiful,” he said in a quiet voice, regaining his composure and reaching for her hand.

  She glanced at their reflection in one of the mirrored walls across the room. The vision was surreal. The two of them looked like they belonged in a scene from an old-fashioned movie. “Thanks. So do you.” She motioned to Shanayze. “Is it okay if we take a picture for my mom?”

  He leaned close, brushing his whiskers on her ear. “I have a surprise for you.”

  Feeling Hakim’s breath on her neck sent shivers over her skin. She raised a brow in question.

  Hakim smiled but didn’t say any more.

  They walked through the entrance hall and joined the Sheik who wore a traditional gold robe with black edging over a simpler white robe. The wide sleeves and the silk fabric whisked around him as he moved. On his head he wore a white keffiyeh held in place by black rope.

  Shelby thought it made him appear even more Sheik-like and intimidating.

  He glanced at Hakim’s tuxedo and, for a quick second, a spark of disapproval flashed in his eyes.

  Was his father disappointed Hakim hadn’t dressed in robes, too? Shelby felt a jolt in her chest at the realization that Hakim had chosen to dress like her and not his father. Did he want to make her more comfortable? To send a message to his father? Shelby hated being the cause of bad feelings between Hakim and his father. She worried the Sheik felt as though his son was turning his back on his cult
ure and Khali-dar, too. She resolved to talk to Hakim about it later.

  The Sheik leaned his cane against a pillar, placed his hands together, and bowed a greeting.

  “As-salaamu ‘alaykum.” Shelby bowed her head as she used the formal salutation.

  “You look very beautiful tonight, Shelby Walker.”

  “Thank you.” She cast her gaze downward. How could he say such nice words and still make them feel like an insult?

  Hakim stepped between them and wrapped his arm around her waist. He led her past the entry and toward the ballroom.

  Shelby was immediately comforted by his closeness, and at the same time, her pulse sped as the heat from his arm warmed her through her dress.

  From her short glance outside as they passed through the entrance hall, Shelby saw the first cars arrive. Some were limousines with little flags on them, while others were shiny luxury cars. Shelby thought it looked like a parade. The palace swarmed with security. Guards spoke into the two-way radios on their wrists as they scanned the grounds and the guests. She saw Nasir, wearing a tuxedo and keeping a close eye on everyone, especially Hakim.

  Hakim seemed unable to take his gaze from her. The way he regarded her made her feel beautiful, and she stood a little taller and her anxieties started to melt away. No matter what happened tonight, she would make him proud.

  The reception was held in the grand ballroom. A colonnade of elegant pillars stretched down the two long sides of the large rectangular room, appearing to support a high, barrel-vaulted ceiling. Arabian-shaped archways rose between the pillars. The ceiling was the actual focus of the room. Soffits of arches were decorated with sculpted designs and the panels in between stood out, painted with geometric patterns in beautiful, bright colors. Massive gold chandeliers shaped in minarets gave the room a beautiful glow. The floor was a dark, almost black wood. The same intricately carved wood separated the wall panels on the two shorter sides of the room and framed the large entry ways. They had come in through one arched door. The other was closed, and an exquisite cloth mantle hung across it.