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"You know that when they discover I'm gone, there'll be trouble," she said.
He lifted a brow. "But you knew that before you decided to leave with me, didn't you?"
She tilted her head. "I guess so."
He grinned at her. "You're quite the rebellious little princess, aren't you?" he observed.
She walked past him. "You don't know the half of it," she chided.
Eliana strode across to the entrance. He opened the door for her with a security keycard and they entered the reception area. There was a concierge who stood suddenly and bowed to Kadeem. "Sheikh Al Kharif!" he exclaimed. "I had no idea you were coming," he said.
Kadeem smiled warmly at the young man. "Good evening, Ali," he said.
Then he led Eliana to the elevator. Within moments, she was standing next to him in the elevator watching the numbers on the display. She thought about her escape from the embassy compound. She'd been speaking the truth downstairs. When her absence was discovered, there'd be big trouble. So, why was it that, somehow, this little adventure with Kadeem thrilled her so much? He was still capable of surprising her.
But, there was something else tugging at her awareness. The simple fact that she had, impulsively, and dangerously, decided to be alone with him. And with none of the usual security arrangements. Did that mean she had finally found a way to trust him? Or that she was simply intrigued by him?
It didn't matter, because she wasn't intending to stay very long.
The elevator came to a halt and the door opened. She followed him out and drew in a sharp breath. Laid out all before her, she saw the huge expanse of a massive apartment. It was decorated in an ultra-modern style. The furnishings were minimalist. The color scheme was darkly brooding, but elegant at the same time.
What you'd expect in an apartment which was obviously used for private get-togethers between Kadeem and others, she told herself. And it was a place he could bring whoever he was currently gracing with his attentions.
Was it her turn to be the subject of those attentions?
He led her into the open central space in the middle of the apartment. He offered her a drink, but she declined. "I think you better tell me why you came to the embassy."
"Now that we're alone," he said with a note of appreciation in his voice.
She folded her. "Now that there's no-one to eavesdrop."
He smiled. "I like the sound of that."
She scowled at him. "I think you should get to the point, Kadeem," she stated firmly.
He moved closer to her, but she held firm, just watching him as he approached her. She wasn't going to fall for any of his tricks. Not tonight.
He halted and gazed at her. "It's about your father," he said.
"What about him?"
Kadeem frowned. "Has he been putting pressure on you?"
"What kind of pressure?" she asked.
He tilted his head. "You know the kind. Trying to make you think you've got no choice."
She hugged herself tighter, knowing where he was going with this. "About an engagement?"
"Our engagement," Kadeem said sharply.
"There isn't going to be any," Eliana retorted.
His brows furrowed and he looked suddenly serious. "That isn't what your father seems to think," he said.
"How do you know that? Have you been talking with him behind my back?" she asked. She felt the emotion rising and knew that she was probably starting to look annoyed.
To her surprise, Kadeem shook his head. "You know what he thinks of me."
