Page 32 of Defenders of Jawhara

As the limo pulled up to the palace, Kale assisted her from the vehicle, and she stood for a moment, breathing in the heady scents of the flowers that bordered the palace. She wished it were daylight so she could fully appreciate the sights, but there would be plenty of time for that later.

“Come. I will show you to our rooms.”

Our rooms?

Shira was tired, but not so tired that she didn’t pick up on the significance of his verbal slip. She glanced at him quickly, only to see him turn and issue several orders in Arabic to those who had greeted them.

Placing a hand low on her back, he escorted her into the palace, ushering her up the wide, circular staircase and along several hallways. She tried to take in the splendor of her surroundings, but everything went by too quickly.

Coming to a halt in front of a set of double doors, Kale issued more orders in Arabic to the servants and bodyguards who had accompanied them, and then pushed the doors open to reveal a fantastical suite.

Shira stepped across the threshold and stood for several moments taking it all in. An ornate fountain took center stage among the white marble tiles and pillars. Large potted palms were scattered around the room, and she could see a number of doorways leading to other rooms.

“What is this?” she asked, turning to see Kale leaning against a pillar, watching her with hooded eyes.

“This is the family wing of the palace.” Gesturing toward the rooms to the east, he said, “Those doors lead to the sheikh’s private quarters. The doors on the other side lead to my rooms.”

Shira noticed there was one door directly in front of her. “Where does that door lead?”

“It leads to the family sitting area and dining area. Kamal and I enjoy eating together as a family. When our parents were still alive, we would eat together every morning and evening. We continue the tradition when we are able.”

“That’s lovely. After my parents died, Uncle Tom and Aunt Patty always made a point to have at least one meal with all of us around the table each day. I missed that after Erin went away to college.”

Shira pulled herself from her sad thoughts. “I’m starting to feel a little sleepy. Would you mind saving the rest of the tour until tomorrow?”

“Not at all. This way.” Kale turned toward his own rooms, stopping when Shira didn’t immediately follow him. “Is there a problem?”

“I thought you had just misspoken when you saidour rooms.”

Kale retraced his steps to her, stopping a few inches away to take her face between his hands and placing a kiss on her lips. When Shira instinctively parted her lips to deepen the kiss, he pulled away with a sigh. “No. I made you a promise, one I intend to keep. There are several bedrooms through that doorway. While I want nothing more than to take you to my bed, for tonight, you may choose one of the other rooms.”

“And tomorrow?” Shira couldn’t help asking.

“Tomorrow—tomorrow I would love to have you join me in my bedroom. So do not become too comfortable in whichever room you choose for the rest of this night. It will only be temporary. I hope.”

The knowledge that Kale didn’t want to wait any more than she did was a relief to her. Shira followed him, choosing the first room he showed her as it didn’t matter in the long run. She wanted to insist that he take her to his bed now, but she also realized the amount of self-control he was exercising on her behalf. She’d never had a man treat her like this, and while she yearned for more of his kisses and caresses, she knew that the wait would be well worth it come tomorrow.

Kale showed her where everything was located as three maids brought in her luggage. When they started to unpack her belongings, he stopped them with a few words in Arabic, which sent them scurrying from the room.

Shira looked at him and asked, “What did you tell them?”

“The truth. That you would not be staying in this room past tomorrow, so there was no need to unpack your suitcases.”

Shira felt a blush stain her cheeks. “You didn’t tell them I was moving into your rooms, did you?”

Coming to her side, he touched her arm and replied, “Shira, the first thing you must learn about palace life is that nothing is a secret. That does not mean that rumors or information floats freely around the kingdom, but the staff know most everything that occurs in the palace. They must in order to carry out their duties.”

Sensing a presence at her back, she turned to see one of Kale’s bodyguards standing just outside the doorway. “Why is he there?”

“That is another thing you must get used to. From now on, you will always have at least one bodyguard with you.”

“Is your country so dangerous, then?” Shira asked, perplexed as to why she would need to be guarded while she slept.

“Danger is everywhere. In the past, there have been attempts by our enemies to sneak into the palace. I do not believe they would be successful at this time, but I will take no chances with you.”

Shira digested this news for a moment before asking, “Why would anyone want to harm me?”

“You became a target the minute I let it be known that I was interested in you.”

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