Page 11 of The Sheikh's Desert Princess

One thing was for sure. Life would never be dull.

Eva released her hand quickly from his and wrapped her arms around her self.

Riaz started to walk slowly and she followed alongside him as they made their way through the various clusters of men.

"I told you it was nothing," he said. "Sometimes they fire the guns into the air because they're so happy," he explained.

Eva snorted. "That some kind of happiness," she replied.

Riaz nodded. "As I keep on saying, the rules are different out here," he said.

Riaz led her through the crowd and she savored the sights and sounds of this incredible spectacle. They chatted idly as they'd done in the tent before things had become heated.

Eventually, Eva just gave herself over to taking in the unique evening which seemed like something out of a fantasy. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before. She had a sudden impulse to go back into the tent and retrieve her camera. But she resisted, content to be by Riaz's side for the moment.

Eventually, they made their way around to the other side of the enclosure, where her horse was tied up.

Eva glanced toward her pack. "Well, this is where I get off," she joked. It was almost like he'd walked her home after a date, she thought to herself.

Riaz peered into the dark corner. "You're planning on sleeping here?" he asked sounding incredulous.

Eva nodded. "I'll be fine. It's a warm enough night. Under the stars and all that," she added grinning.

Riaz pursed his full lips and she could see he wasn't pleased. "I could offer a space in my tent for the night."

Eva gazed out across the busy, chaotic sight of the revellers. "And miss all this?"

Riaz's gaze followed hers and she was sure he was about to object. She cut him off by offering her hand. "Thank you for the evening," she said quickly.

Riaz glanced down at her hand, as he had done earlier. She was sure she could see him weighing up his response for a few moments. Then he took her by surprise by taking her hand and lifting it to his lips, kissing the back of her hand. She felt the softness of his moist lips against her skin. Nerves ignited and she held back a gasp.

Eva knew she must look astonished, but she did all she could to disguise her reaction.

Riaz let her hand go and bowed to her. "Sleep well, Eva," he murmured and then turned away from her.

Eva watched him weave his way through the crowd of men and wondered if she'd just made a big mistake, after all. The sheikh had asked her to stay in his tent and she had refused.

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