Page 61 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

The corner of his mouth creased with the hint of a smile.

"Beloved," he murmured.

Emotion surged in Nicole. "Love?" she whispered. Had she heard him right?

Rashid's eyes narrowed slightly and he smiled. "Love," he whispered.

Nicole reached up and wrapped her arms around Rashid's shoulders, feeling the strength of them. He slid his arms around her back, drawing her close.

They held each other for what seemed like forever. She could feel his heart pounding against her, sense the tension in his body. It felt so good to hold him like this, even though she knew she'd soon be saying goodbye. But, would it be goodbye forever? After what he'd just said, she felt a flicker of hope grow into life.

Then they parted and gazed at each other for a few moments. Rashid turned and glanced at the helicopter. "I think he's getting impatient," he said quietly.

Nicole nodded and smiled at Rashid. "Thank you for everything," she said.

Rashid shook his head. "Don't thank me, Nicole. I feel honored to have helped you."

Nicole quirked a brow at him. "Just honored?" she teased.

Rashid smiled back at her. "I think you better go." When he said those words she saw his brows furrow, as if the mere saying of them had made him feel physical pain.

"When will I see you again?" she asked eagerly.

Rashid tilted his head and his brows furrowed. "You know what I feel about being down in Qazhar city."

Nicole felt a tinge of disappointment at that reply. "Maybe I can come visit," she asked, knowing how impractical that sounded after all that she'd been through.

"That might not be the wisest choice," he said evenly.

She squinted at him.

Behind Rashid she saw the helicopter pilot get into the cockpit. The rotor blades started circling. It was time to leave, but there was so much she wanted to say to Rashid. Would she ever get the chance, again?

They hugged again and she started toward the helicopter, but Rashid remained where he was, watching her. She paused and looked at him.

"I'm not saying goodbye," she stated firmly.

Rashid smiled at her. "Go," he ordered softly.

Then she turned her back on him and walked toward the waiting helicopter.

****

Rashid stood on the gravel path and watched the helicopter lift into the air. Behind the windscreen glass he saw Nicole seated in the cockpit, her ears covered with large headphones to protect her against the noise of the rotors.

Rashid felt buffeted by the turbulent air caused by the rotors. He stood defiantly, determined not be swayed by the force of her departure.

Nicole smiled at him and he waved back at her.

She was leaving, and he could hardly believe it. He hadn't wanted this. But he'd had no choice. She had to go home to the place where she really belonged. Even if it meant he had to give up something so incredibly precious.

The helicopter banked and started south. Rashid watched it disappear over the palace and head out across the desert. Then it became a mere speck in the distance, and that was when he really felt her absence.

It was true. The reality began to sink in.

Nicole was gone. It was that simple.

The memories of the night before still made every nerve in his body tingle, caused his heartbeat to quicken, made his blood race. He walked back toward the palace, sensing the sudden emptiness.

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