The Sheik's Ruby (25 page)

“Howdy, Kadir the skater.” She knew he didn’t understand much of what she said, but he laughed when she rhymed his name.

They entered the stable together, brushed down the mare, and made sure she had enough to eat and drink.

A few days ago, Kadir would have insisted on doing the jobs himself, but by now he knew Shelby liked to work with the horses, and she could tell he enjoyed her company. He especially liked using the new words Shelby taught him.

Once they had finished, Shelby walked toward the stable door. “All right, Kadir. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“
Adiós, muchacho
!” he called back.

Shelby was still chuckling when she closed the door behind her and stepped outside into the sun.

Aaliya was waiting. “Good morning, Shelby.”

“Morning, Aaliya. What’s up?”

“The prince had to leave this morning while you were riding. He asked me to deliver a message. Tonight, the
Al Nuaim
tribe is hosting a traditional Bedouin dinner party, and some of the guests have decided to make an outing of it. Prince Hakim would like to take you on a desert safari.”

When she thought of leaving the palace and seeing something new, Shelby felt her heart soar. “I have no idea what a desert safari is, but I totally want to go.”

“You will ride horses through the desert to the Bedouin camp. The men will take their falcons and hunt along the way.”

Perfect
. She wouldn’t mess this up. This sort of thing was right up her alley. “So, are you coming, too?”

“No.”

“Oh, I can ask Hakim.”

“I will come…if you desire it.” She left her sentence hanging like she wanted to say more.

“But with me gone, you can finally do something you want to do, right?” Shelby only had to glance at Aaliya to know she had hit the nail right on the head. Not waiting for Aaliya to continue, Shelby stopped and turned to look her right in the eyes. “I would love to have you there, but I know you hardly ever get to do anything else. Take the night off and hang out with your family or friends, or whatever you want. My feelings won’t be hurt by the fact that you have a life besides taking care of me, okay?”

Seeing the gratitude in Aaliya’s expression, she realized how much of a sacrifice this woman’s job demanded. Shelby wrapped her arm around Aaliya’s small shoulders and gave her a squeeze as they walked through the palace entrance.

****

Combing her hair after her shower, Shelby entered her bedroom. When she saw the clothes Aaliya had set out, she stopped short. A few minutes of maneuvering were needed to make sense of the different pieces. All the clothing was made of black silk. She put on a pair of wide-legged trousers that looked like a long, flowing skirt, and a blouse with gold embroidery on the cuffs. A knee-length sleeveless jacket finished off the ensemble. More of the intricate embroidery decorated the collar, flowing down the front.

Aaliya helped her tie a sash around her waist and showed her how to wrap the scarf over her head and loosely around her neck.

Shelby could lift it up to protect her nose and mouth if the wind blew sand in her face. A pair of gold earrings completed her outfit. She loved the feel of the cool silk against her skin.

“What do you think?” asked Aaliya.

“I love it,” she replied. “Plus, I look a little bit like a ninja.”

An hour later, Shelby practically floated as her light clothes swishing around her. When she saw Hakim waiting in his usual spot at the bottom of the stairs, she did a double-take, catching her breath.

His clothes were similar, although with less embroidery and more masculine pants. On his head, he wore a black head dress with the scarf pulled down under his chin.

“You look so handsome.” The words spilled out of her mouth before she could think of anything smooth to say.

“And you look like an Arabian Princess.” He brushed a kiss over her lips.

Hakim held Shelby’s hand as they strode through the entrance and down the long walkway. A slight breeze blew the mist of the fountains over them with a refreshing coolness. He touched his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the passenger side of a shiny black military-style luxury SUV where Nasir had opened the back door.

“Thanks, Nasir,” Shelby said.

Nasir closed the door and strode to the other side of the vehicle to open the door for Hakim to slide into the back seat next to Shelby.

“You don’t have to sit back here by me.”

Instead of answering, Hakim put his arm around Shelby’s shoulders and pulled her close.

Shelby snuggled into his shoulder as she surveyed the inside of the luxury SUV. Like everything else Hakim owned, this automobile was top-of-the-line. The interior was black leather and shined like someone just finished polishing it. Of course, it had all the available features. She could imagine how Chet would love it. He would have definitely wanted to ride ‘shotgun.’ She smiled when she thought of him saying something like, “This ride is totally tricked out.”

As the vehicle neared the gates, Hakim squeezed her shoulder, then pulled away his arm and sat straight. He scooted a bit closer to the door.

Shelby looked up, studying his expression.
Did I do something wrong?

He squinted and then caught her gaze, raising his brows and motioning with his lifted chin toward the gates.

Shelby recognized the apology in his gaze and remembered Shanayze’s warning about showing any affection in public. She thought back to the reception and the way Hakim hadn’t touched her, aside from squeezing her hand beneath the table, until they were alone. The idea of acting one way in public and another in private grated on her, like she was putting on a show or assuming a pretend façade. But she knew the behavior was important to Hakim and smiled to reassure him that her feelings weren’t hurt, and then scooted toward the other door.

Nasir drove through the gates and into the city.

Shelby darted her gaze around, searching for any sign they were being followed, but after a few tense minutes, she took her cue from Hakim and relaxed, enjoying the ride. As much as she loved life at the palace, Shelby was overjoyed to be doing something new. She tapped her fingers on her leg as she stared out the window to watch as the city went by. She didn’t want to miss anything. Leaving the skyscrapers behind, they drove past winding streets and crowded, narrow alleys. She saw market stalls and small storefronts. Clotheslines hung high above them. She pictured Aladdin jumping through the high windows and running over the flat rooftops.

Getting closer to the outskirts of town, the houses were spaced farther apart. Although all the buildings seemed to be made from the same tan colored stone, decorative carvings or window shape made each house unique. Palm trees and hanging plants on the various levels softened the boxy appearance of the buildings. “What are those enclosures on top of the roofs?” Shelby pointed to the wide towers with open windows that perched on nearly every rooftop.

“They are wind tunnels.” He dipped his head to look up at the tops of the buildings. “Built to capture the moving air and funnel it down inside the house to cool it, although most are purely decoration since the invention of air conditioning.” Hakim adjusted the rear vents. “Speaking of air conditioning, how is the temperature? Are you too hot?”

“No, I’m good.” Shelby adjusted the scarf around her neck.

“These clothes…” Hakim smiled. “They complement you very well.”

“You can thank Aaliya for that.” Shelby paused, thinking for a moment. “So, do you know Aaliya at all?”

“Rather distantly, I’m afraid. She is a relative of…” He stopped, widening his eyes and pressed his lips together.

“I know. She’s Ghaniyah’s cousin.”

Hakim nodded.

“Aaliya’s really smart. She speaks a bunch of languages and had one of the highest scores in her class.” Shelby glanced at Hakim before continuing. “But she didn’t go to college, because her parents couldn’t afford to send her.”

“Yes, this is a common difficulty for families with daughters, because there is no women’s university in Khali-dar.” He glanced with his brows pulled together. “Does this trouble you?”

“It seems unfair. Aaliya would love to attend the University, but can’t afford it, and then girls like Ghaniyah, who don’t even want to go, get to because their parents have more money.”

He stroked his chin and frowned. “Is it not the same everywhere?”

“Well, yes, sort of. But what about scholarships or student loans? What about the girls who have local jobs or are taking care of their families? If they want to stay in Khali-dar, there aren’t any other options. No other school they could go to that was closer and more affordable. Like a community college or something.” When he didn’t answer, Shelby said, “I hope you don’t think I’m criticizing. It’s really none of my business.”

He shook his head and turned in the seat to face her directly, then laid his hand on hers where it rested in her lap. “Shelby, you must feel free to tell me anything. I appreciate that you are concerned for Aaliya and for my people. Asking questions is not the same as being critical. This is a discussion my father and I have had before—about women’s education. But, you are right, the situation has not been resolved, and I am afraid it has slipped from my mind while other matters have taken its place. I am glad you reminded me.”

She was grateful Hakim hadn’t been annoyed. Shelby looked around for something to change the subject. They drove on a straight road between dunes that were dotted sparsely by scrawny plants. “Why aren’t the roads covered with sand?”

“The roads are cleaned off a few times a day by road sweepers. Vehicles equipped with a system using GPS so the driver can locate the pavement when the sand obscures it.”

Nasir veered off the road and parked. He opened Hakim’s and then Shelby’s door.

They both climbed out, and Shelby studied the surrounding desert. She was overwhelmed by the sameness, and the endless, peanut butter-colored sand, as far as she could see. Even the city had disappeared. Dune after dune faded into the distance. Everything felt exposed without the mountains she was used to.
How does anyone keep track of directions out here?

She walked a few feet, studying the dunes, and bent over to grab a handful of sand, letting it pour through her fingers.
Soft and fine. Perfect for a sandbox.
She brushed her hand on her pants while she turned to see what Hakim and Nasir were doing. A hissing sound caught her attention. She looked for the source and discovered Nasir was using a tool to let air out of the tires.

Shelby gasped and darted her gaze to Hakim for his reaction.
Is this okay? Does he know what Nasir is doing?

Hakim’s expression was calm.

So she relaxed and studied him. He stood a few feet away from the vehicle. Gazing out across the sand with the breeze ruffling his clothes and blowing the thin fabric of his headdress, he looked like he belonged in a movie.
All he needs is a sword and an ancient map.

Hakim turned toward Shelby with his eyebrows raised.

Her heart sped up, and her breath caught. “I don’t know whether you are aware, but your friend is sabotaging our ride.” Shelby strolled toward Hakim. “Are you planning to abandon me in the middle of the desert?”

His expression grew thoughtful. “Let me see. You are dressed to endure the arid climate—there is food and even water to be found if one knows where to look. I think you would survive.” He put his arms around her. “Although, I am afraid I would spend the rest of my life in fear, watching over my shoulder and waiting for Shelby Jo Walker to take her revenge.”

“Good.” She nodded, pretending to be serious, but inside, she was enjoying his teasing.

He lifted her chin and ran his thumb across her bottom lip. Bending, he touched his lips to hers.

His touch sent tremors down her spine. Warmth spread through her insides, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She sighed, feeling her body melt into his.

Hakim pressed on her back with one hand and cradled her head with the other. “Shelby,” he whispered into her ear.

Chills skittered down her back. “Hmmm?” she sighed.

“Perhaps I will not leave you in the desert today. I will allow you to join us.”

Shelby lifted her head and swatted at his chest.

Hakim grinned and led her toward the vehicle where Nasir waited.

This time, Nasir held the driver’s door for Hakim and led her to the passenger side. Nasir climbed in the back.

“I give up. Why are the tires flat?” Shelby asked after she closed the door.

Hakim adjusted the mirror and flashed a white smile. His gaze flicked to something over her head.

She glanced at the handle on the ceiling above the passenger window.

Hakim stepped on the accelerator, but instead of pulling back onto the road, he turned and drove straight into the desert.

Shelby gasped and grabbed onto the handle as they tore over the sand.

Hakim drove to the top of the dunes, cresting them or swerving at the last minute to slide, sending out a wave behind the tires. He pushed a button on the console and loud music blasted from the speakers. A wide grin lit his face as he turned the volume even louder.

More than once, Shelby was certain they’d roll as they drove up a particularly steep hill. The momentum tugged her toward the middle of the vehicle, and she held onto the handle with both hands.

At the last second, Hakim somehow managed to twist the car into a slide. Scaling another dune, the front of the car dipped suddenly.

Shelby felt her stomach fly into her throat. “You’re driving like an animal, but you can’t even drive a stick shift?” she yelled over the music.

Hakim laughed, and they plummeted over another steep hill, barely turning in time to keep from rolling. The rear of the vehicle fishtailed all over the place. The ride was more like a jerky, bumpy roller coaster than a trip through the desert in a luxury SUV.

Seeing Hakim relax and enjoy himself was worth the stomach rolling and white knuckles. Disoriented, Shelby wondered if he was headed in any particular direction. Her question was answered as they climbed to the top of another dune and she saw trucks and horse trailers at the bottom of the hill. A small company of people milled around, apparently waiting for them.