Page 5 of The Sheikh's Desert Princess

"Have you already forgotten?"

"What?" she said facing him directly.

He gestured with his hand. "This place belongs to me," he said casually. "Belongs to my family."

She snorted. "From what I've heard, it seems you and your family don't quite see eye to eye on anything."

He gave her a harsh look. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't they call you the black sheep of the family?"

He seemed momentarily surprised that she would know that about him. Didn't he realize she'd done her research before coming out here?

"A foolish name," he replied dismissively.

"Isn't it true?"

"The fact that I have chosen this life is something which some find amusing. And mystifying." He shrugged. "Be that as it may."

Riaz peered into her eyes. Once again, she felt her pulse quicken. This man's effect on her was surprising. Even within such a short time since meeting him, she could sense the power in his personality.

He looked at her, a steely determination in his gaze. "I still insist that you cannot remain here, Miss Braddon."

She noted the sudden change in his manner of addressing her, as if he was trying to distance himself from her again. This was a man who probably kept everyone as far away from him as possible, she told herself.

Eva sighed. "I can't exactly just up and leave, Sheikh Al Shirah."

She saw that he'd noticed the way she'd matched his formality of addressing her.

"I came prepared for a stay," she explained. She pointed toward the corner of the compound to where her horse was tied up alongside some other horses and camels.

The sheikh peered over toward the gathering of animals. His brows furrowed.

"I brought my pack, my sleeping bag." She tilted her head at him and smirked. "Everything a gal needs," she added.

"Except what you need to ensure your safety," he answered.

Eva tightened her features. "I've been in worse situations than this, Sheikh Al Shirah," she explained.

He looked doubtful. She thought about the war zones in this region where she had worked. Much more perilous places than this, she told herself.

"I have no doubt you are experienced, Miss Braddon," he said with an acid tone.

She felt herself bristle. What exactly was he suggesting?

Eva glared at him. She was about to let loose one more defiant remark when he took a step back from her.

"I can see you are indeed a woman with a mind of your own," he said.

Eva wasn't quite sure how she should take that at first, but she decided to let it go.

He continued: "In any case, this gathering will be over by midday tomorrow. I suppose if you wish to sleep under the stars amongst a rabble like this," he said looking around at the men walking by, "then I'm not the one to prevent you."

She wanted to press him for more details of what would happen during the coming night and morning, but she saw that he probably wouldn't tell her, even if she dug further. Maybe there would be time for that later.

"I'd like to ask you some questions," she pressed, sensing he wanted to walk away.

His eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Really? Why would I want to answer your questions?"

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