Page 10 of The Sheikh's Desert Princess

She spoke about his privileged upbringing, his private education in America, his short time in business, and what was known about his dramatic decision to turn his back on all that wealth and influence. As she spoke, sitting alongside the man himself, it seemed suddenly almost unreal that she should be speaking with him, here and now.

But here he was, sitting right next to her, within touching distance. This close, and in these circumstances, he seemed suddenly like an ordinary man, not like the extraordinary legend which had been built up in the media.

As he listened to her words, she could see understanding in his eyes, a patient comprehension of just what he had left behind. Coming to the end of her account, she couldn't help asking herself whether she was about to make things worse, about to add to that legend.

Or even worse, destroy that legend.

After she finished speaking, there was a long silence. Riaz was thoughtful for a while. Finally he spoke. "That just about sums up what I thought I left behind," he said sardonically. "You appear to have researched me quite thoroughly."

The remark sounded off-hand. Even dismissive.

He gazed intently at her. "But it is all lies, you know that, don't you, Eva?" There was a sudden firmness in his voice and she was momentarily taken aback.

She didn't know what to say at first, so she waited to see if he would continue. Outside in the encampment she heard cries of delight and the sounds of music starting up. The celebration outside was beginning in earnest, she thought to herself.

Inside the tent here though, the atmosphere had suddenly changed. There was a sudden chill between them. For a moment, she wasn't sure what to do about that.

"All lies?" asked Eva.

Riaz nodded solemnly. Then he quickly stood up and started to pace in front of the table. "Of course they're all lies," he said. "How could anyone know what my life is like, especially out here in the desert," he snapped. "Amongst those people," he added glancing in the direction of the sounds.

"But that is all anyone knows," Eva said. She stood up and faced him. "That's what you left behind,"

Riaz peered at her. "Of course it is," he retorted. "That's why I left. Because no one would understand what I had to do with my life. How important it was for me to live this kind of life. Someone has to hold onto what is important," he said.

Eva could hear the emotion in his voice. "If you allow me to tell your story, then perhaps people will understand," she said.

Riaz shook his head. "They will never understand," he replied. There was a hint of anger and frustration in his voice, Eva told herself. Riaz took a few steps away from her and paused in the middle of the tent, turning back to look at her. "I don't see how you can help me," he said sharply.

Eva advanced toward him. "I didn't come here to help you," she replied. She immediately regretted her choice of words.

Riaz's gaze darkened. "Then why did you come here?"

"I already told you," she said.

Riaz snorted. "Of course," he snapped. "You came for a story. How could I forget?"

Now he did sound angry, she thought to herself.

Eva froze on the spot. The sudden shift in his emotions shocked her. Only a few moments ago he had been the embodiment of calmness and ease. However, now he had been transformed into something else entirely. Now, for the first time she could see the strength of feeling lurking inside his powerful frame.

From outside there was a sudden gunshot. The sound sent a jolt of fear coursing through Eva's body. She glared at Riaz, seeking explanation.

He glanced toward the entrance and then back to Eva. "Don't worry about that," he murmured. "Sometimes the men get carried away. High spirits," he added.

Eva widened her eyes at him. Surely he couldn't be serious, she said to herself. "But those were gunshots," she retorted.

Riaz extended a hand toward her. "Come with me and I will show you," he said.

Eva took his hand and for a moment she felt a galvanic tingle trace its way down her spine. It was a treacherous sensation, one she wanted to instantly deny. How could it be that simply touching his hand could cause such a sensation in her body?

Eva let Riaz lead her out of the tent. Darkness had fallen completely. The fire had burned partially down, but a few men were hastily stoking new blocks of wood onto it. She could feel the heat from the fire and smell the scent of burning wood, as well as the heady aroma of the foods which everyone had just finished eating out here.

Men were dancing, laughing, clapping to the music which rang out into the dark night. It was a riot for the senses, Eva told herself as she gazed upon the wondrous sight.

She realized she was still holding Riaz's hand. Some men turned to look at Riaz and Eva and looked curiously at the site of the powerful sheikh leader and the American stranger. She was sure people must've been talking about her, even about the simple fact that she had spent time in the sheikh's tent.

Eva looked up at Riaz and saw that he was smiling appreciatively at the sight before them. Yet again, she was astonished at the sudden change in him. He was a man of mercurial moods. In spite of herself, she found herself wondering what I could be like to be with a man like this.

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