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Heat shot through her. He stepped away and the air around her cooled.
Laurel pulled on the long flowing jacket with full-length sleeves. When it came to the head covering she needed help once more. “I don’t know what I need to do here either.”
Tariq helped her put it in place. The material reached below her hips. He stepped back and gave her a full-body look. “You make a beautiful Zentaran princess.” Tariq kissed her lightly on the lips.
After their night together she didn’t feel as much like a fraud, but still she didn’t belong here. She was an outsider. Had become a princess under pretense. She might like the people, but would they ever embrace her? Would Tariq? They were good in bed but that didn’t mean they could have a marriage. Could she be who he needed beside him always?
Tariq quickly finished dressing and they stepped outside the tent. The young man from the day before waited. He led them through the tents.
She touched Tariq’s arm. “Where is he taking us?”
“To the leader’s tent. Just do what I do and you will be fine.”
She would try. Insulting these kind people wasn’t something she wished to do.
At the tent they were greeted by the leader. People stood as they entered. Tariq spoke warmly to everyone. She smiled and nodded. They were shown a place of honor in a circle of pillows where Tariq helped her to sit. The others only sat after she and Tariq had taken their places. The people looked as if they were dressed in their finest. The occasion was as special for them as it was for her.
She need to learn the language. That thought had never passed through her mind before. Would she ever consider staying in Zentar if Tariq asked? Become part of his life, his world? Laurel looked at the handsome, incredible man next to her. Could she?
Tariq glanced at her while talking to a man. He finished his conversation and turned his attention to her. “Is something wrong?”
What could she say? Nothing and everything was wrong. “No, I was just thinking how special all of this is. And my gown. Please thank the tribe for me.”
Tariq squeezed her hand and spoke to the leader.
Young women carried food around on trays, offering it to the guests, while others poured drink from pottery containers. After the meal had been served a group of singers performed and then some young girls danced. Laurel was enchanted. She loved every minute of the evening. What if she did belong here? What if she became the Princess in truth? Could she make a life here? Would there be a real place for her? Or was this just a short-lived dream, one that would slip through her fingers?
She all but floated back to their tent. It had been an almost flawless day. The only missing piece had been genuine commitment between her and Tariq. As soon as they were inside their tent, Tariq brought her tightly against him. “All I could think about all evening was coming back here with you.” His mouth joined hers and any of her anxiety was overshadowed by the heaven that was being in Tariq’s arms.
* * *
Tariq hated to leave the cozy bed and warm woman nestled against him the next morning but they had to return to the city. Laurel complained a bit but soon started moving. She had satisfied him more than once during the night with an impeccable blend of timid and bold and generous and demanding. He could not have asked for a more desirable partner.
They left on their trek back down at daylight. A number of the tribe were there to see them off. When they came to a semi-flat spot Tariq made the excuse that the horses needed to rest from their weight so they should walk. Really all he wanted to do was have a chance to touch Laurel. They held hands as they strolled for a while.
Around noon they arrived at the pool where they had stopped before and had lunch. By late afternoon they were back at the truck. Laurel helped with the horses and sat next to him with her head against his shoulder and arm intertwined with his as he drove. They spent the return ride talking about their trip and what more could be done for the mountain tribe.
Even the short time with Laurel gave Tariq a good feeling deep inside. He wanted more of them. The sun had set before they drove into the palace courtyard. She spoke softly to Astor and they went inside.
Tariq placed his hands on her shoulders. “I hate it, but I must check in with my office.” He gave her a kiss. “I will be as quick as I can.”
“Okay. I will miss you.” She brushed a hand over his beard.
An hour later he was still at his desk. It appeared there was no end to what he needed to get caught up on. Miss you, Laurel had said. When had someone last said that to him? Pushing back his chair, he headed for his room to clean up. Would Laurel be waiting up for him?
Wearing nothing but knit pants, he stepped across the hall and lightly knocked on Laurel’s door. There was no answer. Disappointment flooded him. Was she asleep? He knocked again. Nothing. Even if she was asleep, he was not going to bed alone.
Tariq entered. Laurel lay sleeping across the top of the bed. He gently scooped her into his arms and strode across the hall.
“Tariq?” Her arms came around his neck. She kissed his jaw.
“Habibti.”
“What’re you doing?”
“Taking my wife to my bed, where she belongs.”
“Mmm, that sounds nice.” She snuggled against him.
His wife. It did.
CHAPTER TEN
LAUREL’S LIFE HAD turned into a picture-perfect cycle of waking in Tariq’s arms, spending her day at the lab, and returning far before midnight, to join Tariq for dinner and a swim. He then took her to his bed and heaven once more.
They didn’t discuss their feelings or the future. That suited Laurel. She was content to bask in the feeling of being wanted, included. For so many years she had been the outsider. Now she was part of the royal family here, had her work and, most importantly, was the center of attention of a man she admired. Maybe with time Tariq would realize how he felt. There was no doubt she was in love.
They had been home from their trip for a week when the intercom in her lab buzzed. She placed the test tube she had been holding in the rack. “Yes?”
“There is a call for you from the United States.”
“Please ask them to hold. I’ll be right out.” Laurel headed to the door. In the outer chamber, she picked up the phone. “Dr. Al Marktum.”
“Laurel, is that you?”
Stewart. She had started thinking of herself as an Al Marktum. It came off her lips without thought. “Stewart, is that you?”
“Yes.”
“It’s so good to hear from you.” Maybe if she kept him talking he wouldn’t ask any questions about how she had answered. “How have you been?”
“I’m fine.” He sounded unsure as if quizzical about their conversation. “I have some news for you.”
Had the funding come through? It would be bitter-sweet if it had. Could she leave Tariq? Heart beating faster, she asked, “You do?”
“You have the funding. But I also found out something I think you should know.”
“That’s wonderful news about the funding.” She didn’t feel that way.
“Laurel, you should know that the Prince sabotaged you getting funding in the States.”
Her hands shook. “He what?”
“He put out the word that you were going to Zentar before you had even agreed. No one offered you funding because they believed you no longer needed it.”
It had happened to her again. She had been misled and used. All this time she’d believed Tariq was different. No! Had convinced herself he was different. Her initial impression had been right all along. He was no better than Larry. Tariq had wanted something and he’d done whatever it had taken to get it, regardless of how she might feel.
“Laurel, are you all right?”
“Yes.” To her astonishment, her voice was firm, resolute even. “I’ll see you soon. I’m excited about the fundi
ng. Thank you for letting me know.”
She hung up and called Nasser. “Please come get me now.”
When they arrived at the palace she asked him to give her directions to Tariq’s office. Although he looked perplexed and concerned, Nasser did as she asked. Minutes later, Laurel stalked into the outer chamber of Tariq’s office. His shocked assistant just stared at her wide-eyed.
“Does the Prince have anyone with him?” she snapped.
Apparently the assistant was so astonished to see her he answered with a shake of his head.
She kept walking toward Tariq’s office door.
The man rose behind his desk. “You cannot just go—”
“Try to stop me.” Laurel turned the knob and pushed the heavy door open.
Tariq looked up. Disbelief then a smile came over his face. “Laurel, this is a nice surprise. Is everything all right?”
Laurel walked right to his desk, placed her hands on it and leaned toward him. “How dare you?”
“I am sorry, Your Highness,” his assistant said.
