Page 39 of The Sheikh's Willing Captive

"I see we left some things behind the last time we were here," she told him.

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

She tilted her head in the direction of the tent. "The trunk in the sleeping area. It still has some of my things there. Don't say you didn't know."

Of course, he knew, he told himself. He'd left those things there when he'd discovered them on one of his solitary trips out to the encampment. It had seemed like the right thing to do. A part of him had hoped Paige would return and that she would be pleased to find some of her belongings here.

"I knew the stuff was there," he admitted.

"And you didn't think to tell me?"

"I didn't have a chance," he explained.

Paige lifted a skeptical brow at him and glanced over his shoulder. "I see you're getting ready to serve dinner."

"It isn't that late," he replied. "I think we'll wait until the sun goes down." He smiled at her. "Unless you're really starving."

She pouted. "I hate to think what's in that storage area. The last time I came, I seem to recall it was pretty basic stuff. And some things I definitely wouldn't want to put in my mouth."

As if realizing what she had just said might have another meaning, Paige's face turned red.

Razim laughed. "It isn't anything you'd find on the table of the palace dining room," he admitted. "Desert food. Figs. Some dried meat. Crackers. And water."

"Mmmm," she said and shook her head. "That sounds just yummy. A feast. I can hardly wait."

Razim grinned. "Maybe later. In the meantime, you want to take a walk?"

She rolled her eyes. "We're in the middle of the desert. Where exactly did you have in mind?"

Once again he smiled at her. "You'd be surprised at how interesting this place can be."

She quirked a brow at him. "Especially since you are an expert guide, I suppose," she said with obvious good humor.

"I think I know my way around here," he replied ironically.

This time it was her turn to laugh. Her pretty features broke out into a beautiful smile. Her eyes brightened in that special way which was unique to her.

Razim was glad to see that she had relaxed slightly. He loved it when Paige displayed her natural good humor. It was one of the things he found most attractive about her. One of things he'd never tire of enjoying.

They walked away from the camp, heading up onto the peak of a dune. Once, when she slipped, her shoes sinking into the sand, Razim reached out and took her hand. Steadying herself, she glanced up at him, but she did nothing to release her warm hand from his grasp. She smiled at him and pushed her foot into the sand, hoisting herself up.

"You can't even walk up the side of a dune," he observed with a sly grin.

Her brows furrowed and she took another few defiant steps. "Sure I can. Watch me," she exclaimed.

She strode up the sandy surface, digging her heels into the side of the dune. Razim held onto her hand as she battled her way up to the top.

Once they'd reached the summit, she released his hand, gave him a brief glance and then dusted off her hands. She gazed out across the desert vista and let out an appreciative sigh.

"Beautiful," Razim said. He knew she would assume he was referring to the landscape, but he knew different. What he really wanted to say was how good it was to stand here with her and gaze out across a landscape which had been burned into his soul.

Paige drew in a deep breath. As she did so, Razim couldn't resist the temptation to glance at her body. Need tightened inside him as he gazed at her curves. Paige glanced up at him, catching him looking at her. She didn't say a word, but he knew he'd been caught red-handed.

The wind from the desert blew softly against Razim's skin. He inhaled the scent, a familiar earthy mixture. But this time there was something extra. The scent of Paige's perfume mingled with it, adding a sweetness to the sharp tang of the desert aroma.

"This is so peaceful," she observed.

He nodded. "It gets into your soul," he admitted. "No matter what you do. There's something about this place that makes me feel alive."

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