Page 26 of The Sheikh's Unexpected Bride

He glanced back at his mount. "Because where we're going, there aren't any roads for cars," he said turning back and squinting disapprovingly at her vehicle.

"Where we're going?" she repeated.

He nodded. "It's just desert all the way," he explained.

"What makes you think I'm going anywhere with you?" she snapped.

"You're not staying here," he announced imperiously, as if there wasn't going to be any argument.

"Who says?"

He moved toward her. Now there was barely a few inches separating them. She was tempted to reach out and push him away and get back into her car, but restrained the impulse, curious to hear his answer.

"You can't stay here, Gemma," he told her in a soft, but firm voice.

Her eyes met his. "This place is safe enough, isn't it? You said so yourself," she murmured.

"Of course it's safe," he agreed. "That isn't what I'm worried about."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that everyone here knows who you are," he replied.

Her eyes widened. "How can that be? They don't know anything about me."

He smiled softly. "They know one thing. That you are a friend of mine."

She gasped. "Have you been spreading rumors since you got here?"

He shook his head. "When I was asking if anyone had seen a young foreign woman, I couldn't help adding that you were a very dear friend of mine. Someone important to my family."

Gemma was about interrupt him, but he insisted on continuing, telling her with a narrowing of his eyes that he wouldn't be stopped. "And, since I'm a member of the most ancient family who, a very long time ago, used to own this small town, I suppose they were eager to tell me where to find you. And here I am."

The self-satisfaction in his voice was just mildly irritating, she told herself. There was a long pause and Gemma didn't know whether to be flattered or indignant.

What did he mean, this town had once belonged to his family? He hadn't told her that back in the city.

"Are you some kind of tribal leader, here? Is that what you're telling me?"

Ahmed grinned. "Let's just say that I still have quite a bit of influence in these parts. My family is still held in high regard." He furrowed his brows. "And it is for that reason that I cannot allow you to remain sleeping in a car."

"Are you saying, if I sleep in my car, then your honor will be somehow affected?"

He shrugged. "I guess you could put it that way."

"So, this isn't about me at all, then, is it? It's about your honor."

Ahmed shook his head. "I merely want to extend some hospitality to you. And I can guarantee you as much anonymity and privacy as you will get here. In fact, probably more."

She peered at him. He was inviting her to his encampment.

That was what he was doing. He actually wanted her to believe he was merely trying to be polite and courteous. But, really what he wanted was for her to go with him.

"We have traditions to honor out here," he added."And one of them is that valued guests are afforded the best hospitality available." He glanced toward the town. "Qabiyah is nice, but it does not offer the best hospitality."

Ahmed turned back to her and this time his gaze was dark. "And you deserve the best," he growled.

She felt the breath ease out of her as he said those words. They'd been uttered with such sincerity, as well as with hint of something more. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on. But, she'd heard that same tone in his voice last night.

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