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He shrugged. "I don't care about that," he said sharply. "I know your father doesn't approve of me." He scoffed. "And, after today, I'm wondering if my own father even cares what happens to me. Or us."
Eliana squinted at Kadeem. "What do you mean?"
He shook his head and sighed. "Never mind. I can tell you about that some other time." He lifted a brow. "If there is another time, of course."
That remark puzzled her. She pointed to a sofa in the middle of the room. "Why don't you sit down."
He shook his head. "No," he snapped. "I came here for a reason. I have to speak to you."
There was a genuine concern and urgency in his eyes. She wondered what had driven him to come here like this.
Kadeem moved toward her. She took a step back, and peered at him. He hesitated, as if he'd interpreted her movement as somehow defensive. As if she didn't quite trust him.
"Can I speak here with confidence that no-one will overhear us?" he asked.
"That depends on what you have to say," she replied.
His brows furrowed. "It's a delicate matter," he said. "I'd hate for anyone to eavesdrop on such a sensitive discussion."
"This is my country's embassy, Kadeem. We can speak of anything you like here. Not a word of what you say will leave this room."
He didn't seem convinced. He looked agitated, as if he had something important on his mind. She took a guess at what it might be, and came to the conclusion that it must have something to do with what had happened earlier in the day. What he intended to do tomorrow.
She glanced down at his mouth, remembering how those lips had felt. How strong his embrace had been.
There was a noise from outside the room. Kadeem glanced worriedly toward the door. "How many of the staff here are from your palace?"
She frowned. "What has that got to do with it?"
"I'm thinking that your father might have instructed some of them to keep an eye on you," he said. "Especially if you receive surprise visitors."
"My father would never order anyone to spy on me," she declared, lifting her chin proudly.
He narrowed his eyes and grinned skeptically. "I think your father is a very protective man. I'm sure he would do whatever it takes to ensure your safety."
"Even here? In the embassy?"
He nodded. "Especially here," he replied.
Even as he said that, she knew he could be right. Eliana had noticed the way some of the staff had looked at her as she'd returned to the embassy earlier in the afternoon. There had been more than casual interest in those eyes, she told herself.
Kadeem's dark gaze drifted slowly downward. "I like you in that dress," he said in a low voice. "The color suits you. It brings out the beauty of your eyes."
She saw the visible appreciation on his features. In the way his gaze lingered on her body.
Instantly, she felt heat rising to her cheeks. She waved a dismissive hand. "Please, Kadeem. Don't embarrass me like that. You did enough of that earlier."
He frowned, apparently hurt by her remark. "Ouch," he said jokingly. But she could see that the remark had stung him.
She sighed. "I didn't mean it that way," she explained.
His mouth turned downward. "How else am I supposed to take that?"
She folded her arms and peered at him. "Why have you come?"
His eyes flickered toward the door. Then he took a few steps toward it and halted. Satisfied by something he'd apparently heard from outside the room, Kadeem turned to Eliana. When he spoke, it was with an unnaturally loud voice. Almost theatrical, as if he was addressing an audience.
Eliana frowned at Kadeem as he started to speak. "I was speaking with my father, this afternoon. And he's excited about tomorrow."
