Authors: Jennifer Moore
“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.
Chapter Thirteen
Shelby had never enjoyed a lovelier meal. Delicious food, fantastic setting, and after her meltdown, she appreciated Hakim’s efforts to steer the conversation toward neutral, pleasant topics. The sun had started to set, bathing them in twilight. The setting seemed perfect. Once Hakim had convinced her the threat to her family was obsolete, she relaxed and her worry lessened.
After they ate, Hakim stood and pulled back her chair. “Would you like to see the palace?” He lifted her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips over her knuckles.
His whiskers tickled her fingers and the kiss sent goose bumps down her arms despite the warm weather. “I’d love to.”
Hakim led her through the gardens, down a different path than the one she had taken with Shanayze. Birds called from the trees above them. As the night grew darker, the garden glowed with beautiful soft lights that added to the ambiance.
“Everything here seems magical,” Shelby said as they crossed a small bridge.
They strolled through the gardens, enjoying the quiet of the evening. In the distance, Shelby could see various buildings through gaps in the foliage. She followed Hakim through another entrance back inside, gaping at the amazing detail carved and painted onto every inch of the palace.
Hakim pointed. “Down this corridor are state offices, meeting rooms, and the press release area.”
“So, is that where you work?” She took a step down the hall.
“Yes, my office is in this hallway. But let us not waste our time visiting an ordinary office when there are far more interesting things to see.”
He led her through another long hall and they turned down another high-arched hallway toward a different wing. “Here is the area of the palace used for entertaining guests.”
They walked through a dining room with a table that could easily seat a hundred people. He showed her a theater with both a stage and movie screen. A music room contained every instrument she could imagine and quite a few she had never seen before.
Shelby could feel Hakim’s gaze upon her, studying her reaction to everything. He rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous gesture and seemed almost desperate for her approval. She squeezed his hand and smiled to reassure him.
How could he worry about impressing me?
Another archway led to a hall containing a library that rivaled many museums. Beside the immense number of books, the treasures and history of Khali-dar were displayed. Hakim pointed out especially valuable and significant artifacts and told her the collection contained books in nearly every language.
Shelby made a note to come back when she could spend more time examining everything.
As they admired room after room, Hakim told her of the history of the palace—what the various areas were used for, when different sections were built, and pointed out pictures and statues, explaining their meanings and origins.
Shelby was overwhelmed with the scope of the history within these walls. He must have considered Culver Springs to be quaint and insignificant since his world was so much wider. Her cheeks tingled in embarrassment at the way she’d given him the tour, bragging about her home town. Her mind buzzed and her muscles ached. “Is it all right if we sit for a minute?” She pointed toward a small couch nestled between pillars and potted palms.