Page 41 of The Sheikh's Desert Princess

"Maybe I should go," she stated.

Riaz glanced toward his tent. "It isn't that late," he replied.

Eva narrowed her eyes. "That's not what I meant. Maybe I should be getting back to the village where I left my car."

For a moment, she saw the surprise on his face. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, he took hold of himself and his features became impassive. He peered at her steadily. "So soon?" he asked.

Eva nodded. "I think might be for the best," she replied. "Maybe you can give me a horse tomorrow and I can be on my way."

Riaz released her arm and took a step back. He was suddenly lost in thought. He paced slowly for a few moments and then turned to her. "That might not be quite as simple as you think."

"Why not?"

He frowned. "Even if you were to be able to start back, I don't think I can let you go."

Eva felt indignation flash inside her. "You're not going to let me go. Am I some kind of prisoner here?" she snapped.

Riaz shook his head. "Of course not. You are as free as you were before you agreed to come here with me."

Eva dragged in a deep calming breath. He was right, of course, she told herself. She had consented to him bringing her to this encampment. Not only because of the danger she'd found herself in, not only to keep her safe, but also for some selfish motives of her own.

The desire to understand Riaz was still strong. Even stronger now that she'd seen, up close, just what kind of life he enjoyed.

"Are you telling me you won't give me a horse to use?" she asked sharply.

"It has nothing to do with providing you with a horse," he replied. He moved closer to Eva, his gaze darker now, his jaw tight.

"Don't tell me," she said acidly. "You think I'll come to harm on my own out there," she said pointing into the desert darkness.

Riaz shook his head. "I've no doubt you are entirely capable of looking after yourself," he said. "More than capable, in fact."

Eva saw the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth and felt a surge of annoyance. Who did he think he was? Was she some kind of plaything? Someone to be teased?

"Really?" she retorted. "Why do I think you aren't being straight with me?" she demanded.

His brows furrowed. "I would have thought you'd be used to the subjects of your work being evasive." He took a step closer and she suddenly felt his towering presence. "Isn't that all I am to you? An object of curiosity? Isn't that why you really came here?"

Eva felt her mouth open. She gazed up at him. Was that what he really thought of her? That she'd come here just to dig for a story? That she'd even been willing to exploit any excuse to witness Riaz in his natural habitat?

"You know what happened, Riaz," she objected. "You saw for yourself."

He shrugged. "I have no doubt the danger you were in was entirely real. In fact, that is the reason why I cannot allow you to leave," he said. "Not immediately, anyway," he added.

Eva squinted at him. "What do you mean?"

"The man you saw me talking to has just arrived back from visiting Ahmed's camp."

"Ahmed!" she exclaimed.

Riaz nodded. "I sent my man there this afternoon."

"Why?"

Riaz sighed. "It has to do with what happened today." Riaz's eyes narrowed. "What Ahmed tried to do to you," Riaz added slowly.

Eva felt anxiety curl in her belly. "Why did you send him to Ahmed's camp?"

Riaz straightened. "Because something must be done about what Ahmed did."

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