One Desert Night - By Maggie Cox Page 0,13

leant forward, his glance falling into a slow, leisurely examination of a pair of flawless china-blue eyes. ‘How interesting…how interesting indeed…’

CHAPTER THREE

IF THEY had been with anyone but the Sheikh of Kabuyadir, Gina would have elbowed Jake in the ribs hard for his inappropriate teasing. He was developing into quite a brilliant historian, but he scored very few points for tact. Still it really wasn't Jake at all who interested her in this discussion.

How could it be? It was the astounding discovery that it was Zahir who was "His Highness"—handsome sheikh of a historically once powerful Arabian kingdom and owner of the ancient and beautiful Heart of Courage. Never in her wildest dreams had she envisaged that that title belonged to him.

Why had he not told her the truth about who he was that night they'd spent together? And afterwards, when she'd returned home, he'd had ample opportunity to tell her when he phoned—but he hadn't. Had he feared that her decision to return would be swayed only by his exalted position and not the incredible man that he was?

'Dr Rivers and I are a team, Your Highness.' She blushed when she said his title, because it felt so surreal, yet her eyes hungrily cleaved to his strong tanned face and the long ebony hair that swung round his shoulders when he moved. He was dressed in traditional male clothing, and it was easy to see that the materials were much finer than anybody less privileged could afford. With his broad shoulders and natural air of command Zahir was every inch the esteemed ruler of his people, and seeing him again was like receiving a fresh supply of oxygen—as if for so long her ability to breathe freely had been compromised and Gina hadn't even known it.

'And we hope that our individual fields of expertise complement each other when it comes to undertaking our research,' she finished with a strained smile.

Making no immediate comment, Zahir continued to steadily hold her gaze. Gina prayed that he couldn't see the longing, regret and dashed hopes reflected there. Thankfully she heard the doors open behind her and guessed that Jamal had returned with their refreshments.

As he placed the large handmade brass tray down on the coffee table, the air was suddenly filled with the tantalising aroma of cardamom-spiced coffee. It was a delicacy that Gina had enjoyed when she was previously in Kabuyadir. Beside the small gold-rimmed cups, next to the coffee pot known as a dallah, on an ornate brass dish was an array of appetising-looking sweetmeats. One by one, Jamal served them their coffee. When he wold have gone to Zahir first, his esteemed boss redirected him to Gina.

'We have lots to tell you about the Heart of Courage, Your Highness,' Jake piped up as Jamal bowed to Zahir, then discreetly left them to talk.

'Positive things, I presume?'

'Without a doubt… Its history is incredible. It's not every day that a historian is privileged enough to research an artefact that has its roots in the ancient Persian Empire.'

'So your own enquiry into its history has corroborated what I already know to be true about its origins?' Then I am gratified that you welcomed the opportunity to research it. Were you similarly pleased, Dr Collins?'

'Of course… It's the chance of a lifetime for someone in my profession. The kind of thing we all dream of. To finally see the jewel for myself will be something I'll never forget, I'm sure.'

'Well, that will not be for a few days yet. You have both come a long way, and I would like you to relax and enjoy the hospitality of my palace first. The journey here was not too arduous for you?'

'Thanks to your kindness and generosity we travelled first class, Your Highness. I've never travelled in such luxury before. The trouble is, given the opportunity I'm afraid I could get used to it!' Jake answered, smiling.

'You have spent many weeks researching the jewel's history and provenance on my behalf, and you have travelled far to tell me what you have found. To make sure that you journeyed in comfort was the least I could do.'

'Once again, we thank you,' Gina said quietly.

A wave of heat submerged her when Zahir didn't seem to want to break his gaze from hers. How was she supposed to bear this? she wondered. How was she supposed to endure being so close to him when his high rank prohibited any possibility that they could enjoy a relationship again, even