Page 34 of The Sheikh's Desert Princess

She walked along the riverside. When he eventually noticed her, he stood quickly, a broad smile on his face.

"How was that?" he asked.

"Perfect," she replied. "Who needs an oasis when you've got something like that."

He nodded and then she saw his gaze flicker down to her breasts. She glanced down and saw that her skin hadn't been as dry as she'd thought. The peaks of her nipples were clearly visible through the fabric of her shirt. She could feel the harshness of the cloth against her softness.

She looked at him and saw the change of color on his face. There was visible appreciation in that look, she told herself. She saw him swallow.

Eva turned away, facing back toward the camp. She inhaled, scenting an aroma coming from that direction. "I think I can smell some food cooking."

Riaz nodded. "It's about that time."

They both started back toward the camp, walking side by side. Eva was conscious she was carrying her underwear in her hand and clutched it tight, anxious he wouldn't notice it. Even if he'd seen her nakedness beneath the shirt, it would do no good to make what she'd just done that obvious.

"I'm beginning to see the attraction of living out here in a place like this," she said. "It's quite a place you've got here."

He narrowed his eyes. "That's not exactly how it works," he teased. "It's not "my place" as you put it."

Eva peered at him. "So how would you describe it?"

Riaz shook his head. "Nothing out here belongs to anyone."

Eva squinted at him, seeking more. But, once again he seemed to clam up.

Eva gazed through the trees, across the river and out to the distant dunes. The light was beginning to become softer now that the evening was starting to settle. She felt a gentle, warm breeze caress her skin. The delicate murmur of the river's water merely added to the sense of peace.

Everything around her had taken on a subtle golden glow. That was exactly the sensation she was starting to sense inside her own body. It was such an incredible contrast to how she'd felt at the fort, not to mention hours before at the hands of Ahmed's men.

She sighed. "This feels like no place I've ever been."

It was true, she thought to herself. For some people this place would seem like nothing short of paradise. She knew some who would do anything to be here. And some of her girlfriends would be encouraging her to get as close as she could to the devastatingly handsome sheikh who was, right now, walking right alongside Eva.

When she glanced at Riaz, she saw the pleasure on his face. "It has a way of burrowing into your soul," he murmured. His gaze drifted out toward the horizon. His features took on a sudden harshness. "You never feel anything like this back in the city."

"Different strokes for different folks, I guess," she said brightly.

Riaz squinted at her. "It is not for everyone," he admitted. "Perhaps only those with a soul able to appreciate this would feel peace here."

"You like to talk about souls, don't you," she said trying to lighten the tone a bit. But she could see he was still earnest. He didn't react to what she'd said.

He fell into a silence that lasted until they reached the encampment.

In the camp, Eva saw a fire had been lit, and a spit set up across the low flames. A dozen men were gathered around the fire. The heady scent of burning wood and cooking meat filled the air.

As she and Riaz re-entered the camp, none of the men even looked in their direction. She wondered if he'd issued some kind of order. His statement that her privacy meant a great deal to him seemed to have been backed up by action.

Or maybe he just wanted her to himself, with absolutely no interference from his men.

The thought occurred to her that Riaz might be planning something for the coming evening.

Just as she was about to enter the tent, one of Riaz's men called to him. He turned and she saw a flash of irritation on his features. Had he intended coming into the tent with her? She paused, holding the tent flap in her hand and watched as Riaz spoke with the man.

Riaz frowned and nodded. The man raced off.

"Something come up?" Eva asked.

Riaz nodded and she could see he wasn't pleased about whatever the man had told him. "I have to attend to something."

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