Page 43 of The Sheikh's Desert Princess

Could she really just walk away and leave this situation unresolved?

"What will happen if I go?" she asked. "If Ahmed isn't forced to do this thing you're talking about?"

Riaz sighed. Was that disappointment she'd just seen in his eyes?

"It might encourage Ahmed to believe he is above our laws." Riaz paused. "He might even think he has won some kind of a victory over me personally." Riaz glanced over her shoulder "And over my tribe. Some of the men might see it as shameful, even dishonorable that Ahmed escaped unpunished."

Eva scrutinized Riaz. There was more than disappointment in those eyes, she told herself. Riaz looked genuinely concerned about something. What was he hinting at? Her instincts told her there was more to this than he was willing to tell her.

"And if that happens, then what?" she asked tentatively.

Riaz shrugged. "Then it will be known that Ahmed defeated me in this matter."

"Defeated you? How?"

Riaz lowered his head and looked suddenly thoughtful. "Reputation is everything out here, Eva. I've told you that before. It isn't like back in the city, where people can do what they like with no consequences."

"What's that got to do with Ahmed apologizing publicly?"

Riaz's eyes narrowed. "If I am known to have failed to have held him to account, my standing amongst the tribal elders will be diminished." Riaz gazed at her evenly. "I would have to reconsider my decision to remain here."

Eva stared at Riaz "Are you telling me you'd have to give up all of this?"

Riaz nodded slowly. "Of course I could remain, but it would be on very different terms than those I've enjoyed up until now."

Eva took a few steps away from Riaz. "How can they do that to you?"

"It is how the strong become strong," he explained. "And how the weak assume a lower position amongst the tribes. In any case, I'm a newcomer here. Some leaders might be happy to see me leave."

Eva shook her head in disbelief. "All of that because of what he did? Surely he's the one who should suffer, not you."

Riaz shrugged. "As I have tried to explain. The way we live is different. The rules we follow must seem strange to you."

Eva snorted. "That's an understatement."

Eva thought for a few moments. It was simple really. If she left, Riaz stood to lose almost everything he'd worked so hard to achieve. Everything he valued so much. Could she do that him?

"When is Ahmed due to come here?" she asked.

For a moment he seemed surprised at what she'd said. "Within a day or two," he replied. "Possibly longer. It depends on him."

Eva nodded. If her staying here for that time meant Riaz would gain something important, wasn't that the least she could do? Especially after he'd helped her so much.

Hardly believing what she was about to say, she spoke. "I'll stay until he comes," she stated bluntly.

Riaz's brows rose. "You will?" he responded. "Are you certain?" She could tell he was trying to contain his emotion. His eyes were suddenly brighter, his voice no longer a steady, flat murmur.

Eva nodded. "I'd like to see Ahmed get what he deserves."

She didn't even think about what it would mean to remain here in this camp with Riaz in such close proximity. There wasn't any point thinking about how much of a challenge that was going to be.

Riaz smiled, obviously her last comment. But, before he'd had a chance to say anything else, Eva turned to the tent. "I'm going to retire for the night," she declared.

She saw him almost bite his tongue, and she wondered what he'd been about to say. But, all he said was: "I hope you sleep well."

She smiled at him. "Goodnight, Riaz."

He bowed slightly, and that simple gesture inexplicably touched her in some way she couldn't understand. "Goodnight, Eva," he said.

Then she walked toward the tent, opened the entrance and went inside.

---