Helping Kismet Read online

  “Ah, I see now. You do not trust my intentions.” Layth smiled. “I can think of many things I want to do to you. Wringing that pretty little neck of yours is not one of them.”

  “Well that certainly makes me feel so much better,” Ciji said drolly and rolled her eyes.

  It actually did because her instinct told her she could trust him. That and her mind was the prized treasure of her life, and she doubted them rarely if ever at all. He spoke to the driver in the first car, and she tailed behind him as he spoke to the second man standing next to the jeep. He spoke in their native tongue, and since she was fluent in Arabic, she understood each word. She pretended not to listen while they spoke.

  “My prince, are you sure this is wise?” the driver asked. “Surely you can protect her in the cities? The desert is a dangerous place alone.”

  Layth put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Rashid, you know I spend more time in the sands than I do in the boardroom. I will be fine.”

  “Still, you should let me come to have your back as you like to say. Suppose one of the factions learns you are out there alone, or Josef could send them,” Rashid argued. “You could be in more danger for protecting a woman.”

  “She is my concern, Rashid. While I value your friendship, do not question my orders.” Layth’s voice went cold, and it told her few men dared trifle or step over the line with him. He continued to speak. “Besides, where I’m going, few people know about, and they would have to find me first. I am the scorpion of the desert, remember?”

  The man called Rashid nodded. “Very well, sire. The radios are in the dashboard of the jeep. If there is trouble, you call, and we shall come.”

  “Thank you, my friend. Go back to the palace in Jeddah with Kamir,” Layth said. “If any word comes from my father, only then contact me on the radio.”

  “As you wish, my prince.” Rashid turned away and got into the car with the man she now knew as Kamir. She made sure to look at them, her mind taking a mental picture that could never be erased. Just in case, she thought. She wasn’t worried about Layth, but like he said, anyone could be bought in that country.

  He ushered her to the jeep, and she settled inside as he climbed in beside her. The engine purred to life when he turned the key. The dark car turned to go back into the city, while Layth drove them out into the night. Going over sand dunes was like a roller coaster rides, and she held onto the passenger door with each dip and jerk. She looked over at him while he drove, and his face was calm as if he was unaffected by the bumpy ride.

  “It’s pitch black out here. Do you know where you’re going?” Ciji asked.

  “Of course,” he replied.

  Ciji sent him a sidelong glance. “Why do they call you the scorpion of the desert?”

  “So you speak our language.” It was a question, but he gave a laugh. “Of course, that very smart brain of yours.”

  “That’s not answering the question,” she pointed out.

  “I joined the military when I was nineteen. I thought it was more rewarding than being a businessman,” Layth said. “I was educated in your country and was able to work in conjunction with your military through MI5 and Interpol. From the very beginning, I showed a knack for getting in and out of sticky situations. When Iraq was invaded, with approval from my father of course, I began working counter intelligence with the same agencies and with the United States. I wanted no part of the murderous factions taking hold in our country. I fortified our own military, made sure we could root out any terrorist activity across our borders. I blended in well and was able to insert myself in major terrorist cells and get out when air raids were called in. I’d spend days in the desert, adept at going across borders that military forces would find issues with, and no one knew where I was.”

  “I don’t understand the scorpion correlation,” Ciji said.

  “Well think of it. What survives in this desert better than anyone?” Layth asked. “In the dry season, a scorpion can find the deepest crevice until the rains come. In flood they can find the highest point to survive. That’s what I did, what I still do.”

  “They are also a very deadly predator that can kill with one sting,” she added.

  “That’s very true,” he responded.

  “And are you?”

  This time it was him who gave her a direct stare. “Yes, very.”

  She had no doubt that he meant those words and could do everything he said. Layth Ghassan was proving to be more than a rich pampered child of royalty, in every way.

  “So you lived in England. It had to be a change from palace life,” Ciji said conversationally.

  “I rarely stay in the palace when I am here,” he answered.

  “The way you talk, you make it seem like the life of a royal is not as fun as it sounds.”

  Layth chuckled. “Do I seem like the type that likes my grapes peeled and fed to me while I bask in the adoring gazes of women?”

  She folded her hand across her chest. “I don’t know you to say what you like.”

  “Do you want to know me?” Layth asked.

  Her eyes flew to his, and she gave a nervous laugh. “What kind of question is that?”

  Layth smiled. “Never answer a question with a question, but it certainly is a valid one after that kiss we shared. Should I repeat?”

  “No, you don’t have to. I think you are very different than what I expected, so I would like to know you,” Ciji answered honestly. “I am certainly no princess, and even with my mind, I had to work waitressing to get my foot into community college before I could get a scholarship to Oxford. I didn’t have the wealthy background you had. In your world, I’m a commoner, so why would you want to…”

  “Like you said I’m not the usual kind of man.”

  Ciji looked at the time. It was almost eleven at night. “We’ve been driving for awhile. How long before we get to where we’re going?”

  “Before sunrise. It’s a place that I own that no one knows about,” Layth explained. “My oasis so to speak.”

  Layth forgot to mention to her that it was a village when they drove through the walled exterior into a courtyard. It was gently lit, but when she looked around, she saw only one structure between the palm trees. A large fountain graced the courtyard, and the sound of it trickling merrily filled the night.

  “You said an oasis not a mini mansion,” Ciji said in an amazed breathe as she stepped out of the jeep. “How in the bloody hell did you have this and not get raided?”

  “It’s an old village I found deserted years ago. The desert people who lived in it left to move into the cities, I believe. I asked my father if I could purchase the land, and I built this over the years. Every stone has been placed by my hands. As for being raided none would dare.” He folded his arms, and he looked proud standing in the darkness. “They know to fear the scorpion of the desert. And like I said, I refuse to have terrorist factions over our borders. Trust me. I have my ways to protect us both here.”

  “I have no doubt of that.” Ciji shook her head in amusement. “You are a strange one, Prince Layth Ghassan.”

  “Unfortunately, there is no staff here, so we will be on our own for food and so forth,” Layth said as he led her inside.

  “I’m a simple girl, remember?” She smiled up at him.

  “Good well then we’ll get some dinner, and I’ll show you to your room,” he said.

  They walked through the large wooden door. It was polished to perfection, but she could still see the grains and knotted circles in the wood. It was handcrafted, and she had no doubt it was made by him. He certainly wasn’t what she expected in the least, down to earth and completely happy without the frivolities of being a prince. She liked him all the more and felt less uncomfortable around him by the minute.

  The inside was immaculate with simple rugs in natural darker tones on the floors, and the sofa was creamy beige. A recliner sat in the corner. He had a flat screen television, and there was a complete stone fireplace that was in a sunk
en marbled fixture in the middle of the room. It was all very beautiful but still very meager compared to some of the palace pictures she’d seen.

  “Please sit,” he encouraged. “I’ll get the fire started. The desert gets chilly at night. Then I’ll find us a meal.”

  “I can help,” she offered.

  “You’ll do no such thing. You are my guest. Honor me by letting me make your meal,” Layth said.

  Not being accustomed to such chivalry from any man, Ciji smiled shyly. “Thank you.”

  He returned her smile, turned, and left the room. She tucked her feet under her and stared into the fire. How did I end up in such a mess? One minute she was doing her job, and the next she was on the run for her life with the prince. At least that part wasn’t so bad. As far as protectors go she couldn’t have had one more handsome than Layth. She thought of his kiss, and her body warmed, but it wasn’t from the fire. She spent much of her time with her head buried in books or traveling for her job. There was rarely any time for fun or even a man in her life. The last time she’d had sex was almost three years ago. So long!

  Her eyes widened at the thought. Ciji spent most of her time as a bookworm for the United Nations that it seemed impossible that so much time flew by without her needs popping up. Her lips tightened with her distress. She was thirty-one and thought by then a serious relationship would have been part of the package. How could you when you don’t do anything without thinking it through one hundred percent? Her last relationship was with a man from work, hardly fulfilling, and he always left before dawn. Not wanting to give the perception of impropriety between coworkers was his excuse. She knew better. It was a hook up, but she did it for a few months because it was better than nothing. Over the entire duration she didn’t even find release. Not this time, she thought firmly. Layth wanted to know her, and Ciji couldn’t deny the same feeling ran through her. For once she’d give into her whims and do something…naughty.

  Layth walked in with a large tray and set it down on a low table close to the fire pit. It carried a crystal decanter filled with wine and two glasses. A plate with roasted chicken and flat bread with fried slices of cucumbers and tomatoes. It was a custom to eat with fingers, so there was no silverware at all. He handed her one folded napkin before he sat down close to her. She could smell him and wanted to inhale deep of the manly spice. Her stomach was tied in knots with nervousness. When he handed her a glass of the wine, she drank deep and ignored the raised questioning eyebrow from him.

  He broke a piece of the flat bread and handed it to her. “Eat. I hope you like it.”

  She knew she would. The flavors in the succulent meat were the same all across the country. She didn’t know how they did it that every herb and spice was so pronounced. The simple tang of cucumber and tomatoes combined with made it a delicious combination.

  “My things are still at the hotel,” she said between bites. “Is there any way I can get them back?”

  “That has already been taken care of. Your luggage will be waiting at the place in Jeddah when we go there,” Layth answered.

  “When will that be?” Ciji asked.

  “Your safety is my priority,” he answered. “My father is conducting his own investigation and will confront the person who has taken such liberties with our family name.”

  “I take it, it’s a family member,” she said.

  “Only by marriage. You might as well know. It’s my sister’s husband Josef.” Layth sighed. “He’s what you British would call a cad, yet my sister sees no fault in him. This time he cannot hide behind her skirts and not face responsibility for stealing. He will be panicked and of course think silencing you will make it all go away. But the damage has been done. When my father sends word that he has been taken into custody after being shown proof, then we can go to Jeddah.”

  “Does he have that much power that I must hide?” Ciji inquired.

  “No, but he has many unsavory friends that would have no trouble trying to mar your beautiful skin to be in his favor.” Layth ran a finger along the curve of her cheek. “This will not happen of course.”

  She felt breathless when she spoke. “Why?”

  “I think you know, Ciji,” he answered quietly.

  The deep timbre of his voice made her shiver, and she ate the rest of the meal quietly. After dinner he showed her to her room which had its own bathroom through an adjoining door that had a deep claw foot tub. She didn’t have any of her clothes and wondered what she would put on after her bath, until he opened the closet and showed her a multitude of dresses and veils in an assortment of colors. He answered her unspoken question stating simply that at times he had assisted a woman friend who helped women escape abusive relationships. This was a safe haven until they and their children, if that was the case, could be given a safe place to live. Another charming layer to the prince who acted like just another guy, and it endeared him to her all the more.

  He left her in the room with a small kiss placed on the pulse at her wrist. She swore that it sped up beneath the warmth of his lips. The door closed, and she let out the breath she was holding. Ciji wondered if she would have enough courage to go to him and…. She couldn’t even voice it in her head. Give her numbers or her work and she could defend it to the last page. Put her in a situation where she played seductress, and she became a frightened mouse. Oh how I wish I had some more of that wine.

  You can do this, she told herself and undressed to go get into the tub and take a bath. She repeated the words bold and daringly in a litany in her head. He thought she was beautiful, and that one thought made her smile. She was going to live a fantasy and have a night of pure passion. After the bath, she went to the closet, and instead of pulling out a complete dress, she became inventive. She tied one of the sheer veils around her waist like a sarong and the other across her breasts. In the mirror she could see the dark color of her skin beneath the gold material. She took the pins from her hair taking it from its severe ponytail and letting the dark tresses fall across her shoulders. Ciji took a deep breath and stepped from the room. Bloody hell, I’m doing it!

  She closed the door and walked back to the living room. Beneath her feet the tiles on the floor were cool almost cold, and she could hear the beat of her heart in her ears. He was lying on the beige leather sofa with his head leaned back and his eyes closed. He wore no shirt and loose cotton pants she knew was his country’s version of pajamas. Her gaze roamed over the smooth muscles of his chest down to where the pants were tied at the waist. Layth was big, but Ciji didn’t know how much until she saw him lying on the long chair. His body encompassed each inch. His legs hung off the edge of the chair from a little ways past his knees The sofa had to be six feet long, and still he was too big. His hair was damp. She could see the sheen of water on the dark tresses. He had showered and come back out to be close to the fire, she assumed. She could smell the scent of his soap clearly. His body tensed when he sensed she was there. His dark eyes met hers, and something flared in their depths when they roamed over her skin.

  “Ciji?” She could hear the raw desire in his voice when he said her name.

  “No, Miss Fay?” A slow smile crossed her face.

  “I find that all intelligent thought ceased when I saw you standing there,” he murmured and sat up. “I may be dreaming, so don’t wake me up.”

  “It’s not a dream. Do you like what you see?” she asked.

  “The urge to howl and stamp my foot like a cartoon character is very great right now,” Layth said and took her hand to bring her closer. “You are simply exquisite. Are you offering yourself to me, Ciji?”

  “Would I be dressed like this otherwise?” Ciji licked her lips nervously. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I mean look at me. I’m not the type of girl who ever just goes wild and naughty. But you kissed me, and my body felt things that… well…I never felt before, and I said to myself, you have to do this. But then another part of my mind says you wear glasses and you are basically a high pri
ced accountant. Why would the sexiest man I’ve ever had kiss me want this when there are princesses at his beck and call?”

  She’d talked herself into awkwardness while he looked at her. Ciji waved her hands and shook her head.

  “Okay now I am totally embarrassed, and you look like you think I’m crazy. Forget I even came out here. I’m going back to the room and try to smother myself with a pillow.”

  She turned to flee, but Layth caught her hand and jerked her against his chest. He pressed a kiss on her stomach through the sheer veil, and the heat of his mouth made her gasp.

  “Ciji, you think way too much.” He looked up at her.

  “But…”

  “Shhh, be quiet,” he ordered firmly.

  Layth pulled her onto his lap and took her lips in a kiss that left her reeling. Ciji moaned under the onslaught of his lips and tongue devouring her mouth. She went from nervous to sultry in seconds and wished he’d ripped the veils from her body and sink himself inside her. The slow caress of his hands down her body told her that it wouldn’t be the case. He would take her slow until she melted like sand into glass.

  His hands worked the loose knot that kept the gold veil across her breasts. It fell away and exposed her to his gaze. She was voluptuous on top, and the slow hiss of his breath between his lips told her he approved of what he saw.

  “Your skin glows like copper,” he murmured. “I would love to see your form made into a statue. I think I shall make one. No other artist should be allowed to view such beauty or caress it in metal. Even that would make me jealous.”

  Her lips were swollen and parted in desire, enflamed just from his words alone. Layth swooped in to take some more of her lips, and the kiss was like a feast to her senses. Ciji grew bold and delved her tongue into his mouth. The deep rumble of his moan came from his chest as he pulled her closer trying to mold them together. He tore his mouth away and roamed down her neck until he reached the swell of her breasts. He filled his hands with the heavy globes of her full breasts, bringing them to his lips to sample. She moaned as his tongue laved at her nipples. He pulled away to watch them bead to hardness under his touch.