Her Desert Protector, page 5
Her silver eyes flashed at him. “Am I the first tourist or visitor who’s experienced a break-in? What makes you think I need protection? Don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit?”
He disliked he had to keep things from her, but if Kalif was somehow involved, until he had proof, he couldn’t say anything. All he could do was keep her safe. She was too calm about all of this. “No.” And he wasn’t overreacting, at least not in his book.
“There’s just no dealing with you, is there?” She waved her hands in the air.
“This is all about your safety.” Why did her flashing eyes and defiant tone turn him on so much? He tried to shake the feelings away, but they were firmly lodged in him.
“No, it’s about smothering me.” She turned away from him and stared at the other bungalows. There were winding paved paths with what looked like solar lights embedded in the ground. Zoey wrapped her arms around her waist. “You don’t even know me, and you’re trying to wrap me in cotton wool.”
Her words cut him to the bone. He wasn’t trying to smother her, but yet she felt that way. Why? Hadn’t he let Habib take her to the marketplace today? Let her take her photos without interference? His protective instincts were as high with her as they were with his family.
“Zoey.” He put his hand on her shoulder, and a shudder ran through her body. “We finally got the man who broke into your room to talk.” He’d received an update an hour ago. “He’s part of a small rebel faction. Their leader is a dangerous man. If he wants to hurt you, he will. It’s a risk I will not take.” He couldn’t let her be hurt.
“What could this ‘dangerous man’ want with me?” She didn’t turn to face him, but she didn’t pull away from his touch either. “You’re not making any sense.”
“They take women against their will.” Although they had curtailed Kalif’s kidnappings and forced labor, that was still a possibility. An icy shiver went up his spine, thinking about what might have happened with Zoey.
“You don’t know that’s why he broke in. And besides, I took care of him. I’ve told you I can protect myself.”
“You’ve said that before, but—”
Zoey’s elbow slammed into his stomach. The air whooshed out of his lungs as she twisted away from him.
“I’m not helpless.” She stomped around him and to the front of the bungalow. A second later, the front door slammed.
He let her go, as this was temporary. She wasn’t helpless, but he would not let her stay in town until he knew why she’d been targeted. The watch on his wrist buzzed, and Khalid sighed. He needed to get back to the palace and dinner. Maybe he’d come back afterward and talk some sense into Zoey.
Dinner was a lively affair with his family—his brothers and their respective women. He admired them all. They were strong women for strong men.
“So, how is the adoption of Zain going?” he asked his brother Rafi. Rafi had renounced his succession to the throne so he and his fiancée Bobbie could adopt Zain, who’d been both orphaned and burned in a house fire.
“Well, the final paperwork should be ready soon.”
“But first we have to get married,” Bobbie said.
“And how are those wedding plans going?” Khalid asked.
“Progressing,” Bobbie said. “Thanks to Catherine and Sara.” She smiled at the two women.
“The people will enjoy another royal wedding,” Khalid said, thinking about all he’d need to do to make sure his family was safe during the celebrations.
“Yes. I do have a question for you, brother,” Rafi said.
Khalid stared at his brother. “Yes.”
“Who is the woman you are keeping in the bungalow?”
All at once the room erupted.
“Woman?” Catherine stared at him.
“Explain, Khalid,” Malik said, his voice strong and stern.
Hell, how did Rafi find out about Zoey? Khalid shouldn’t be surprised. Rafi had spied on Kalif’s men for months without giving himself away to anyone, not even his own brother.
“It’s not the way Rafi is making it sound.” Khalid clenched his fingers against his thighs. “I am keeping Zoey safe.”
“Safe from what?” Hassan asked.
Khalid quickly outlined the events leading up to Zoey ending up here, including the men following her and the man who had broken into her room. Was it just the day before yesterday he’d brought her here? He felt like he’d known Zoey for much longer. She’d gotten under his skin. Even now his blood heated at the thought of being near her again, even if she was mad at him.
“Well, if that is the case, then bring her to the palace. We have the room,” Malik said. “There’s more than enough security here to keep her safe.”
Malik wasn’t wrong. Since Malik had had the palace remodeled, each brother now had his own wing of rooms. He’d made sure all the room were upgraded with bulletproof glass, panic buttons, and reinforced locks. Their parents still had their wing, although they spent more and more time at the summer place in the west.
“That’s a perfect idea,” Catherine said. “I’m sure she’d be happy to be around other women and not cooped up in the bungalow.”
“What is her name?” Sara asked.
“Zoey Lacey.” This was getting out of hand, but then his family always had a way of getting what they wanted, no matter how much he protested or tried to protect them.
“That’s a pretty name ... wait a second, did you say Zoey Lacey?” Bobbie asked.
Khalid nodded and stared at his soon-to-be sister-in-law.
“Someone you know?” Malik asked.
“Sort of.” Bobbie looked at Catherine and then Sara. “We follow her travel blog.”
“It can’t be,” Sara said.
“Khalid, don’t tell me you’re keeping her from doing her job?” Catherine asked.
He glanced toward the ceiling, willing himself not to react to the censure in Catherine’s voice. He respected her more than he could ever say. “I’m trying not to, but she has to be kept safe.”
“From what you’ve said, how do you know she’s a target?” Malik asked.
“I don’t know if the young men following her were Kalif’s or not, but the man who broke into her room was.”
“Even you said he didn’t have time to do anything, so it could have been random,” Rafi said.
Khalid didn’t want to agree with his brother. “It is possible, but my gut is telling me it’s too coincidental. Her being followed, then the same night her room is broken into.”
“Without proof she’s in danger,” Malik started, “you have a choice. Bring her to the palace or let her go. Otherwise you’re going to be dealing with three very irate sisters-in-law.”
Khalid glanced around the table and sighed. Damn, his brother was right. All three women were glaring at him. “Very well, but I want it understood, she is not to go anywhere without Habib to guard her.”
Everyone nodded, but he didn’t miss the glances between the women. He barely prevented himself from rolling his eyes. These women could be a handful. Khalid pushed back from the table. Might as well get Zoey moved tonight, otherwise he’d have no peace. Within minutes he was outside Zoey’s bungalow.
“Back for another self-defense lesson?” she asked when she opened the door.
She was still irritated at him. “May I come in?” He tried to ignore the way her light red hair cascaded around her shoulders and her face.
She stepped back and gestured for him to enter. The scent of cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, and onions teased his nose. “Whatever you were brought for dinner tonight smells delicious.”
Her shoulders relaxed, and Zoey let out a laugh. “I cooked tonight.” She gestured toward the table. “I picked up a few things in town today and made mejadra.”
Khalid glanced down at the favorable dish, and his mouth watered. Lentils, rice cooked with cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and other spices, then topped with crispy fried onions.
“Have you had dinner?” She didn’t wait for him to answer. “Sit down and have some. I made way too much for one person.” She pulled another plate out and set it on the table for him.
“You are very kind to feed me.” He waited until she was seated and then took his seat. While he’d just had dinner with his family, he hadn’t eaten much. His first bite of the food had him closing his eyes in bliss. “Where did you learn to make this?”
Zoey grinned, and he noticed her eyes dancing with pleasure. What else would make those silver eyes light up?
“About a year ago, a villager in Turkey taught me. I love the combination of spices and how savory it is. I did add chicken to this one for some protein.”
“It is delicious.” This woman had hidden depths to her. Why did that surprise him? Zoey was different from most women he knew.
“So to what do I owe the pleasure of your visiting me tonight?”
The word ‘pleasure’ bounced around in his brain. He wanted to pleasure her all right, first with a kiss, then a caress, then ... he shook his head. Keep your mind on the business at hand, not her delectable body, he told himself.
“Apparently you were discovered today by my brother, Rafi. A discussion happened over dinner, and it was determined you should move into the palace.” He didn’t say his older brother and king had demanded it.
“Discovered?” Zoey frowned. “Move into the palace? Is that really necessary?”
“It is, unless you want my three sisters-in-law down here invading your space every waking hour of the day.” He kept his voice light. He loved the women in his brothers’ lives, but they lived life their own ways. Which drove him crazy, making sure everyone was safe.
“Sisters-in-law, huh.” A grin played around her lips. “Somehow I don’t see you being browbeaten by them.”
“You have no idea.” He grinned.
“Still, is that a good idea?”
“Probably not, as I’m sure Catherine, Sara, and Bobbie will get you into all sorts of trouble, but you’ll be safe there.”
“I still don’t—” A set of knocks on the front door stopped her words.
Khalid sighed. He stood and then opened the door. “Too late,” he threw the comment over his shoulder as three women pushed by him and into the cottage.
“There she is,” Catherine said, striding over to Zoey, who had stood.
Zoey’s eyes grew wide. “Ummm ... Princess ... I mean, Queen Catherine.” Zoey curtseyed.
“None of that.” Catherine waved her hand, and Khalid had to hide a laugh. While Catherine was very down-to-earth, she had that royal wave perfected.
Bobbie walked up and pulled Zoey into a hug. “It’s great to see a fellow American. I’m a big fan of your blog, by the way.”
Zoey let out a laugh, and Khalid relaxed. Zoey could hold her own with the females of his family. That shouldn’t have surprised him. Look how well she handled him.
“May I ask what you are doing here?” Zoey asked.
“We’ve come to help you move into the palace,” Sara said. “We’ve made sure a room is ready for you.” Sara winked at Khalid.
His body froze at that wink. What had they done now? His stomach turned over.
“And since Khalid was taking so long we decided to come help,” Catherine said, throwing a glance over her shoulder at him.
“We were discussing the move when you three showed up,” Khalid said.
“What is there to discuss?” Catherine looked down at the kitchen table. “That smells delicious, what is it?”
“Mejadra,” Zoey said.
“I’ll have to ask cook to make us some,” Catherine said.
“I made it,” Zoey said quietly.
Jaws dropped open, and Khalid had to keep from laughing out loud. He loved these women, but not one of them would dare invade the kitchen in the palace.
“You made this?” Bobbie asked.
“Yes. I do a lot of traveling and have been taught a thing or two.”
“You are definitely coming up to the palace now,” Catherine linked her arm with Zoey’s. “Let us help you pack.”
Zoey looked at him, and he shrugged. “I’ll clean up down here while you go pack.”
“There isn’t much,” Zoey said, as the women led her up the stairs to the bedroom.
An hour later, Zoey marveled at her new room. If she’d thought the bungalow was fancy, this was the lap of luxury. Her room had a huge sitting room, complete with sofa and chairs. There was a small table for two by the window. A bar was complete with coffee and tea service, and there was a small fridge for snacks.
The bedroom was almost as big as the sitting room. A big king-sized bed, covered with what looked like a handwoven quilt, and the bathroom? Okay, she’d died and gone to heaven. Not only did the bathroom have a walk-in shower, but there were also a large garden tub and a closet so large she felt guilty about her meager clothing.
A smile played around her lips. Catherine, Sara, and Bobbie were sweet women, but little firecrackers as well. They’d talked to her nonstop while she packed. Apparently the women weren’t just being polite, but were true fans of her travel blog and wanted to hear about how she’d started it and why she kept doing it.
Zoey hadn’t had this kind of female companionship since college, and it felt good. She turned, walked over to the balcony doors, and opened them. The warm evening air blew the curtains as she stepped outside.
The smells of jasmine, rose, and ... she couldn’t quite figure out the last fragrance that teased her senses as she looked out into the vast garden. Her fingers itched to grab her camera. Tomorrow, in the daylight, she promised herself, as she stared at the flowers and trees.
“I’m not sure it’s safe for you to be out here.”
Zoey turned to see Khalid striding toward her on the balcony. “Why not?” Why were her nerves dancing at seeing him again? This man was dangerous to her self-preservation.
“Someone could be watching from a distance.”
“And I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.” She turned back to the garden. “I really think you’re overreacting.” He took security way too seriously.
“Maybe, but it’s my job.”
“To annoy people?” She hid a smile as she said the words.
A grin played around his lips. “To keep them safe.”
Safe? Zoey didn’t want to argue with him anymore. Heck, just being around Khalid would never be safe ... for her heart and her libido. “Why don’t we agree to disagree?”
Khalid stepped closer, and Zoey’s heart sped up. This man could disarm her so easily. It wasn’t like her to react to a man like this. Overprotective men didn’t have a place in her life.
“We could.” He ran his fingers over her cheeks. “But what fun would that be?”
Fire filled her veins from his touch. She wanted ... no, she needed ... more. Without thought she lifted her hand and curved it around his neck. It didn’t take much for her to tug him down and touch his lips to hers. One taste and that was it.
Rich, masculine flavor burst upon her taste buds at the first brush of his tongue against hers, then his arms encircled her waist, and he drew her to him.
Hot tendrils of desire wound themselves around her as he took over the kiss, parting her lips with his tongue. The second her tongue began to duel with his, Zoey knew she was lost.
This man disarmed her like no other, and while she chafed at his control and his need to protect her, she chose to allow herself this moment. To quench the need coursing through her veins, and soul.
5
Khalid hid his surprise when Zoey tugged him down and brushed her lips against his. At the soft feel of her mouth against his, he lost the battle with his own need. Her tender touch melted all his defenses. He slipped his arms around her waist and drew her close as he deepened the kiss.
She tasted of cinnamon and spice, and Khalid couldn’t get enough. His tongue dueled with hers as he explored her mouth. Her fingers caressed his neck and for the first time, he wished he had longer hair so he could feel her fingers tangle into it.
Zoey pressed her body against his, raising the temperature in the room. His blood roared through his veins as their kiss continued.
His cock pulsed as their lips parted. Khalid trailed his mouth over her cheek, to her ear, nibbling at the lobe. “You are so responsive.”
“I ... ” Her voice was soft and breathless.
“I’ve wanted to kiss you since you first ran into me.” The words flowed, and he found they were true. He’d been dying to taste her sweetness.
“It was like running into a brick wall.” Her voice was filled with laughter. She leaned back. “What are we doing, Khalid?”
“Kissing, enjoying each other.” And he wanted to do more. But first they needed to get off the balcony.
“But this can’t go anywhere.” She pushed against his shoulders, and he took a reluctant step back. “I couldn’t resist tasting you.”
“”What are you trying to say?” He was curious why she felt their attraction couldn’t go anywhere.
“I’m only here for a short time. Once Bashir’s anniversary party is over, I’ll be on to the next place. The next story.”
Khalid frowned. He didn’t want to think about her leaving, not now anyway. “We’ll—”
An explosion reached their ears, and Zoey clung to him as the ground shook. “Behind you,” she whispered.
He turned to see smoke rising from the east. The twilight sky was awash in colors. “Get inside.” He pushed her into her room, then dropped a quick, hard kiss on her lips before he turned and ran.
Ryan and his security force waited in front of the palace with an SUV idling. Khalid jumped in, and they took off. “Report?”
“Preliminary, the explosion was outside the city limits,” Ryan said, listening to the radio transmission. “No causalities that anyone can see.”
Khalid nodded as he pulled on his body armor. After the explosion that had happened in the marketplace, and other small ones, he’d taken precautions for himself and his men.
