The Sheik's Ruby Read online

  Shelby didn’t trust herself to respond. Instead, she breathed deeply and clenched her trembling hands as she left the group and went to stand next to President and Mrs. Mannen.

  Hakim hurried over and led her to a side of the room away from the crowd. His brows were pinched together. “I saw you speaking to Ghaniyah. I am sorry—I did not mean to leave you alone with her.”

  “I’m fine.” Shelby swallowed hard against the lump in her throat.

  “What did she say to you, Shelby Jo?”

  His eyes swam with a mix of anger and concern, but Shelby couldn’t think of anything light to say to ease his worry. “Let’s talk about it later, okay?” she said. “I don’t want her to ruin my night.”

  Hakim looked unconvinced and led her back to mingle with the crowd. For the remainder of the evening, he did not leave her side.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sheik Rashid, Prince Hakim, and Shelby Walker watched as the last guest left through the entrance hall, appearing on the surface to be a perfectly happy family. Hakim’s heart felt heavy, and he wished the image wasn’t merely a façade. If only his father could see how much he cared about Shelby and wanted her to be a part of their lives.

  The Sheik hadn’t been pleased when Hakim had wanted Shelby at his side to greet their guests. But Hakim had insisted. Shelby was not a secret. He was not ashamed of her, and he wished his father felt the same.

  Everyone had enjoyed themselves, and Hakim and his father had strengthened valuable alliances. The night was a success. He smiled when he thought of Shelby making sure Shanayze took her picture with the President and the First Lady. The Mannens had both hugged her before they left, and Hakim had seen her wipe her eyes when they spoke about their flight home to the U.S. He knew Shelby was homesick and wished he could make everything perfect here.

  After a curt farewell, the Sheik retired to his rooms, leaving them alone, and Shelby and Hakim walked toward the staircase.

  When they stopped, Shelby stepped out of her shoes. Limping to a nearby couch, she sat and rubbed her ankle. “Sorry, not too lady-like, I know. I guess this is when I change back into little cinder Ella.” She crossed her legs and rotated her ankle with her hands to stretch it out.

  Hakim had nearly forgotten about her injury and scrutinized her scars. Unable to stop himself, he allowed his gaze to trace the curves of her calves while her skirt was pulled up. Catching himself, he looked away and rubbed the back of his neck.

  She put her feet flat on the floor, leaned back and closed her eyes. “I need a sec to gear up before I tackle that staircase.”

  Hakim sat on the couch, wanting to scoot close, but not sure how Shelby would react. She hadn’t been the same since speaking with Ghaniyah, but he didn’t know how to broach the subject. What had Ghaniyah said? He could only imagine. She was such a shallow, spiteful woman. Over the years, he’d come to resent suggestions the two of them would be a good match.

  Shelby opened her eyes and raised her eyebrows. “What are you thinking?”

  “Truthfully, I was thinking about Ghaniyah.” The expression of shock and hurt on Shelby’s face was like an arrow in his chest. “No, Shelby.” He took her hand. “I was wondering what she said to you. I can tell it upset you.”

  Shelby swallowed before answering. “It wasn’t anything, really. She told me the two of you were promised to each other, and you are always showing up to things like this with a different girl. Just that kind of stuff.”

  Hakim sat straighter. He could tell Shelby downplayed the incident. She spoke in a light voice but couldn’t conceal her hurt. And she wasn’t telling him everything. He knew what Ghaniyah was capable of, and anger flared in his chest. He was trying so hard to dispel any kind of uncertainty Shelby may have about him and their relationship. To re-earn her trust. Of course, Ghaniyah would try to ruin it. Between her and my father, it is a wonder Shelby is even speaking to me anymore.

  “I…” He hesitated, rubbing the soft skin on the back of her hand with his thumb. “Shelby Jo, I hope you do not believe Ghaniyah.”

  “I won’t lie, the things she said hurt, but girls are mean, whether you’re in a palace or a high school bathroom. Ex-girlfriends are even meaner. Especially ones who think they still have a chance.” She smiled, but lowered her eyes. “You don’t have to explain everything you’ve ever done or everyone you have ever dated. That doesn’t matter. What matters is the future. Not the past.”

  “Those are wise words, Shelby Jo.” Hakim was not convinced she meant what she said, based on the way she avoided his gaze.

  “I don’t have any right to be hurt by Ghaniyah. I mean, you and I have never really discussed what the future might hold.” Shelby studied their joined hands, turning over his and running her fingers along the lines in his palm.

  “I cannot imagine a future without you in it.” He tipped his head looking into her eyes, hoping to find confirmation. He saw hope. And doubt.

  “A relationship is a lot to think about, isn’t it?” she murmured.

  “Yes.”

  “Hakim”—she stood—“I had a wonderful night. I went to a royal ball with a handsome prince—I got to meet the President! I won’t allow one spiteful girl to ruin it.”

  He stood and cupped her cheeks in his hands. The feel of her soft skin made his heart trip. “I had a wonderful night, too. You were perfect. Beautiful, charming.” He rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks. “However, since you were so kind as to offer me advice after my first date, allow me to return the favor after your first ‘royal ball.’”

  “All right…” Shelby squinted.

  His wink produced her smile and his heart warmed. “Let’s just say, a girl agrees to attend a party with a guy, even though she is undoubtedly uncomfortable, and she enchants an entire table full of diplomats, while shining as the most beautiful woman in the room—proving to the guy and everyone that met her she is every bit as amazing as he knew she would be. If that is the case, he will probably expect her to kiss him.”

  Without waiting for Shelby’s response, he bent to meet her lips. His hands slid down her neck and arms. He pulled her closer, moving his mouth on hers.

  Her hands brushed up his chest, wrapping around his neck, and she sighed. Then Shelby broke the embrace.

  The moment ended too soon, making him worry that she wasn’t entirely unaffected by Ghaniyah’s words.

  “Well, I’d better go to sleep.” She picked up her shoes. “See you tomorrow?”

  Hakim drew her close once more. His pulse pounded in his ears. He gave her a soft kiss and whispered, “Goodnight.”

  Hakim was still standing at the bottom of the stairs when Nasir joined him.

  “Every guest has left, and the property is secure,” Nasir said.

  “Thank you.” Hakim walked through the entrance hall, deciding on a stroll in the gardens before retiring to his chambers.

  Nasir followed. “Your Highness, I am concerned. Nahl’s silence worries me. For months, we had reports of continual chatter on the internet, attacks were planned and carried out. Then, the search for Miss Walker, and suddenly…nothing.”

  “You are worried because the kingdom is not under attack?” Hakim glanced up at the lit windows of Shelby’s room.

  “It is their sudden silence that is troubling,” Nasir said. “It is as if they are holding their breath. Or biding their time.”

  Hakim loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar. The terrorist group had been the topic of nearly every conversation that evening, but he wondered if they were as dangerous as they’d thought. “Perhaps, Nahl was not the threat we perceived them to be. The lack of action on their part could be due to poor funding or support. The rebellion could have died out.”

  “It makes no sense, Your Highness. In my gut, I feel as though something big is coming.”

  They crossed the bridge and strode down a gravel path bordered by gardenia trees.

  “The reception tonight would have been the perfect opportunity to make some sort of state
ment, but it was uneventful. Do you think they would attempt something at the Derby in a few weeks?” Hakim breathed in the heady smells of the blossoms, hoping the fragrance would calm his anxiety.

  Nasir was silent for a moment before he answered. “No, my instincts tell me they believe their cause to be a matter of national pride. They would not take the fight to foreign soil. Although we will ensure extra security measures are in place while you travel.”

  Hakim nodded, turning down a path which led back to the palace.

  “It seems that as soon as Miss Walker was safely at the palace, the entire Nahl faction relaxed. As if they have a plan in place, and we are unaware of it.”

  Nasir’s measured tone indicated he was choosing his words carefully. Hakim stopped below Shelby’s balcony, staring at the lights glowing behind the curtained windows. He could not bear the thought of something happening to Shelby, but he had faith in his security. Nasir and his team were the best money could buy. The safety measures they had put in place left no room for error. If they could not keep Shelby safe, nobody could.

  ****

  Shelby ran her hand along the railing as she limped up the stairs, lost in thought. What in the world was she doing here? Had she really rambled on about plaster and wasps in front of the President of the United States? And how could she forget the Sheik’s not-so-subtle hint that she was the wrong person for his son? Shelby’s throat thickened as she remembered the conversation with Ghaniyah. The woman was spiteful and horrible, but was there truth to what she said? Shelby hadn’t known Hakim for very long. Did she believe him? Could she trust him? Thinking of his smile, his fathomless eyes, Shelby felt her heart scream, “Yes!” But that could just be the aftermath of his amazing kiss.

  Why did she have these doubts? What was his motivation? She believed he cared about her, but why all the lavish gifts? Was he trying to buy her affection? And what about his dad? The Sheik had basically told her Hakim would snap out of it and dump her when he figured out his duty to his country.

  “What am I doing here?” Shelby wondered out loud. She opened her door, and the smell of hot chocolate drifted toward her. She breathed out a sigh. Thank you, Aaliya! She poured herself a cup and sat at her desk, bringing the cup to her nose. A wave of homesickness washed over her, making her eyes burn.

  Mom would love the pictures from tonight. She turned on her laptop and when she opened her Inbox the first thing she saw was a note from Xan. She sighed, clicking on it. Of course, he was upset she’d left so suddenly. He missed her and hoped she’d hurry home. From the sound of it, her old job would be waiting when she returned. Good old practical, uncomplicated Xan. Life with him would be so simple and comfortable. Not to mention normal.

  A small knock sounded on the door, and Shelby looked up from the computer.

  “Did you have a nice evening?” Aaliya moved close and clasped her hands in front of her.

  Shelby shook her head. She lifted her hands and dropped them. “Honestly, I don’t know. At times, it was romantic and magical, and then other times, I wished the floor would open up and swallow me.”

  “That is unfortunate, Miss W—Shelby. Would you like to talk about it?”

  “No. Yes. I don’t know.”

  “I have been told I am a good listener.”

  Shelby thought about it for a minute. Having someone to talk to would be so nice. “Sure.” She stood and when she put weight on her ankle, a jolt of pain caused her to wince. “Let me pour you some cocoa.”

  “Shelby”—Aaliya crossed the room in an instant and led her back to the chair—“Are you injured?”

  “No, I had surgery a few months ago, and my ankle kind-of stiffened up in those heels tonight.”

  Aaliya knelt on the floor, lifting and studying Shelby’s leg. “You need a massage to loosen your muscles.”

  Shaking her head, Shelby pulled back her leg and crossed it over the other one. “No way will I sit here and make you rub my ankle, Aaliya.”

  “I will call a masseuse to work on it while you tell me about your part lovely, part disastrous evening.”

  Shelby sat straight. “It’s the middle of the night, nobody…”

  Aaliya pulled a small radio out of her pocket and spoke in Arabic, and then listened when a voice answered. “She will be here in a few minutes. I think you may prefer to change out of your gown into something more comfortable.” Aaliya slid the radio back into her pocket.

  Of course, there is a masseuse on call at all hours. Shelby didn’t think she would go a day at the palace without being surprised.

  With Aaliya’s help, Shelby removed all of her formal wear and put on pajamas. She washed her face, put her hair in a ponytail, and wrapped up in a luscious bathrobe. She had only sat again for a few seconds before Aaliya opened the door, letting in a small woman with smile lines around her dark eyes and streaks of gray in her long braided hair.

  Aaliya introduced her to Shelby as Fatima.

  Although Fatima was small and timid, her fingers were deft. As the woman kneaded and stretched Shelby’s ankle, the stiffness melted away.

  Shelby described her evening to Aaliya. When she came to the part about Ghaniyah, she saw the other girl’s face darken. “Do you know her?”

  “Ghaniyah is my cousin.” Aaliya looked down at her folded hands.

  Shelby pressed her palm against her chest. “Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”

  “Ever since she was young, Ghaniyah has been obsessed with her goal of becoming Queen. She has unsuccessfully sought Prince Hakim’s affection and manipulated situations in order to be noticed by him, but her efforts have been in vain, and she has become very spiteful.” Aaliya swished the liquid around in her teacup. “The two of us were very close before she went away to attend the University.”

  “Didn’t you go to college, too?” Shelby asked.

  “No. And I believe this is part of the reason ill feelings exist between us. You see, Ghaniyah hated school. She fought her parents’ decision to send her to the University. While I…” Aaliya lowered her gaze.

  “You wished you could go.”

  “Yes. I was told in school that I have a natural aptitude for languages. I had the top scores in my classes. In Secondary school, I learned English and German and wished to learn more. It was my dream to be a teacher. But my parents could not to afford to send me.” Aaliya spoke matter-of-factly.

  Shelby envied her ability to speak about herself so confidently. “I’m sorry. But it’s not too late. You could still save up and go, right?”

  “I am very fortunate to have been selected for this job. I trained as an assistant under Shanayze before you came. It is quite an honor to be your assistant now.”

  “But this job isn’t what you want.” Shelby’s stomach felt hard at the unfairness of her situation. “You’re smart, Aaliya. You speak better English than I do. You have excellent taste. You’re organized. You’re the kind of person that colleges love. You should do what you want, instead of what other people want you to do.”

  “It is difficult for you to understand.” Aaliya spoke without raising her gaze. “But in Khali-dar, that is not our way.”

  Shelby was overwhelmed with sympathy for Aaliya. “I know someone who could use a great language teacher.” She touched Aaliya’s arm. “I have some books I found in the library. Would you teach me Arabic?”

  Aaliya looked up and her face brightened. “I would love to, Shelby.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Shelby couldn’t believe she had been in Khali-dar for a week. She spent every morning riding Al-qamar. A few times, Hakim had joined her, but often she rode alone. She didn’t mind the solitude—she even looked forward to it. Having time to herself was nice. In the palace, or the gardens, people were everywhere.

  This morning as she rode back to the stables, she saw Kadir waiting. He wore the cowboy hat she’d given him. Luckily, Aaliya had known where to find one. He waved and held the reins as she dismounted. “Howdy, Miss Walker,” he said, his
smile shining.

  “Howdy, Kadir the skater.” She knew he didn’t understand much of what she said, but he laughed when she rhymed his name.

  They entered the stable together, brushed down the mare, and made sure she had enough to eat and drink.

  A few days ago, Kadir would have insisted on doing the jobs himself, but by now he knew Shelby liked to work with the horses, and she could tell he enjoyed her company. He especially liked using the new words Shelby taught him.

  Once they had finished, Shelby walked toward the stable door. “All right, Kadir. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Adiós, muchacho!” he called back.

  Shelby was still chuckling when she closed the door behind her and stepped outside into the sun.

  Aaliya was waiting. “Good morning, Shelby.”

  “Morning, Aaliya. What’s up?”

  “The prince had to leave this morning while you were riding. He asked me to deliver a message. Tonight, the Al Nuaim tribe is hosting a traditional Bedouin dinner party, and some of the guests have decided to make an outing of it. Prince Hakim would like to take you on a desert safari.”

  When she thought of leaving the palace and seeing something new, Shelby felt her heart soar. “I have no idea what a desert safari is, but I totally want to go.”

  “You will ride horses through the desert to the Bedouin camp. The men will take their falcons and hunt along the way.”

  Perfect. She wouldn’t mess this up. This sort of thing was right up her alley. “So, are you coming, too?”

  “No.”

  “Oh, I can ask Hakim.”

  “I will come…if you desire it.” She left her sentence hanging like she wanted to say more.

  “But with me gone, you can finally do something you want to do, right?” Shelby only had to glance at Aaliya to know she had hit the nail right on the head. Not waiting for Aaliya to continue, Shelby stopped and turned to look her right in the eyes. “I would love to have you there, but I know you hardly ever get to do anything else. Take the night off and hang out with your family or friends, or whatever you want. My feelings won’t be hurt by the fact that you have a life besides taking care of me, okay?”