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“And now?” Aisha asked.
“And now I can’t imagine life without Hamid in it.”
Aisha blinked at her. “You need to commit to him one hundred percent. This isn’t just about him. It’s about Imbranak, too.”
Holly’s stomach kicked at the thought. A whole country might soon be looking up to her. Could she handle such high expectations? She swallowed. Better that than to never see Hamid again.
She nodded. “I need to speak to him. Any idea where I might find him?”
Aisha stroked under her chin. “Actually, yes.”
It didn’t take Holly long to find the courtyard. It was ingenious the way it was tucked inside the U-shaped number of guest bedrooms, which were probably the old harem quarters. Little wonder he’d come here, and hopefully not for the memories. Plants and date palms in huge pots were strategically placed around loveseats and benches, giving it a private oasis feeling, mosaic tiles in intricate patterns of two-toned dark blue giving off a traditional Middle East vibe.
A smattering of solar lights lit up various features while leaving other parts of the courtyard in shadow. A fountain splashed and burbled in a relaxing melody. But any calming effects soon dissipated on hearing a feminine giggle.
What the fuck?
Holly rounded a huge mosaic urn to find one of the solar lights illuminating Hamid and another woman. He swayed a little as he looked blearily down at Ranna, the one and same beauty who’d been his favorite in his harem.
Holly froze, thankful the shadows concealed her while her stomach plummeted and her breath dried in her throat. Meanwhile Ranna swayed seductively as she slipped her arms behind Hamid’s head, then stood on tiptoe to slant her mouth over his.
Holly’s stomach pitched, and she pivoted to slip quietly away. She couldn’t watch what was about to unfold. She could barely focus on putting one foot in front of the other. She’d told Salman she’d return within half-an-hour. But she couldn’t face anyone right now.
She most certainly couldn’t face Hamid knowing he was about to be intimate with another woman.
She pressed a splayed hand to her torso. There was nothing she could do about the burn that was spreading through her chest. She’d finally opened up to the possibility of love and it’d come back to bite her.
She stumbled down a corridor, already half-lost and confused. Though corridor lights illuminated the way her mind had gone numb, blank. She was a mindless body with a breath and heartbeat.
“Holly. Is everything okay?”
She looked up at Dhamar as he strode toward her and said, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
She shook her head. “No. Something much worse.”
Dhamar slowed, then crossed his arms. “What?”
“Hamid and Ranna in the courtyard kissing. I-I left before I saw them go all the way.”
Dhamar’s breath hissed. “You’re sure? Hamid is—“
“I’m positive.” She blinked up at him, her mind working enough to form a plan. “You flew here by helicopter, yes?”
“I did.”
“Then you wouldn’t mind leaving now and taking me with you. I don’t expect any special treatment. Just drop me off in your city and I’ll continue on my way.”
He rubbed his nape. “That’s not a good idea. You and Hamid need to talk first and work things out, like you planned.”
“Plans change. And Hamid said I was free to leave. There is nothing more we need to discuss.” She held his dark-honey stare. “Please, Dhamar. I can’t stay here a minute longer.”
He sighed heavily and pushed a hand over his face. “What about your exhibition? You’re meant to be making a prettythank youspeech to your guests.”
“Would you mind filling in for me?” At his frown, she added, “Tell them all the proceeds raised tonight will be going to Hamid’s wildlife charity.” She managed a shaky smile. “I want to start afresh.”
“Women,” he grated, even as he nodded reluctant assent.
That his remark was a direct contrast to Aisha’s “men” comment made Holly giggle, despite her despair. “You and Aisha would make quite the pair, both hating on the opposite sex.”
