Manchester Cove Mall held the usual hustle and bustle. It was what I could expect from the midweek crowd. Santana and I were making our rounds when a text message came through my phone.

Good morning, Bella. I was on my way to bring you breakfast when I spotted the note on my door. Under any other circumstance, I would give you an ear full about leaving without security. But since you and Santana are together, I’ll let you off the hook… This time.

I smiled and giggled then covered my mouth. I’m a grown woman, giggling like a school girl. Get yourself together, Desiree. I was trying, but it was hard. I hit reply and texted him promptly.

Security? I’m sorry to say I’m not in the major leagues like you, Mr. Rose. I couldn’t hire security to save my dog never mind my life.

He responded quicker than I expected.

Don’t insult me.

This brought another saccharine smile to my face.

I’m not. I’m being so serious.

“Are we going in this store or not,” Santana asked, stepping away from the store’s window with a hand on her hip. She took note of my smile. “Who’s that, Julian?”

A text message came through.

I’m all the security you’ll need, Bella. Remember that.

My stomach churned, and my heart fluttered.

“Why does it have to be Julian,” I said to Santana. “He’s not the only guy I know.”

Santana sighed. “Whatever.”

I dropped the smile from my face and gave her a blank stare.

“Let’s go.”

We entered a clothing store tailored to modest Muslim culture. I figured if I was to keep up with my surroundings in Dubai, I should probably look the part. I rose early that morning, eating an early breakfast on the balcony, and searching Dubai for tourist dress codes. For the most part, it seemed okay to wear whatever I wanted. Except the city had a thing about bare shoulders and knees on women. When it came to religion, I grew up a born-again Christian. If my mother saw me now, she’d probably pass out. I chuckled at the thought and glided next to Santana as I sent another text.

Are you sure? I know you’ve been in the city visiting a friend. How might they feel if you have no more time for them because you’re too busy securing me?

I re-read what I wrote then chickened out and backspaced, but halfway there I decided I’d send it after all. I should admit; I’ve wanted to know about the comments Julian made to the news reporter ever since I’d seen him on TV.

“This is nice,” Santana said. “You know I’m not big on wearing dresses down to my ankles, but this looks great.”

I took my hand up and down the Arabian dress she spoke of, admiring the solid red material with a golden neckline.

“This is nice,” I agreed.

“And the material is light. So you won’t burst into flames in it either.”

We laughed. It was true, the climate in Dubai during this time of year, was beyond hot. So, I wasn’t particularly interested in something that covered me completely. As long as my shoulders and knees were covered, that was all I needed.

I don’t think she’ll mind. What do you think? Do you mind, Desiree?

I froze and stared at his words for a moment.

How would I know? You should ask her.

“Yeah, you’ll get a real good breeze in this,” Santana offered.

“And I could wear my bathing suit underneath. Looks perfect for going to the beach,” I responded, and for reasons unknown, my heart kicked up a beat.

I am asking her, Bella. But she won’t answer me, what do you suppose we do about that?

A sizzling heat crawled over me, and I paused to take a breath.

Are you saying I am her?

 

I took the dress off the rack and shuffled through for others in different colors. After picking out a blue, pink, yellow, soft green, and red, I decided that was enough when it came to dresses. I needed to calm my racing heart, but these exchanges between Julian and I were becoming more personal by the minute. I wasn’t in denial as much as Santana thought. I kept it real with myself. I wanted to know more about Julian, and it had nothing to do with being an investigative reporter. But I didn’t know what kind of games Julian played, and I didn’t want to find out.

My phone beeped again.

You’re the only reason I’m in Houston, Bella. What you do with that information is up to you.

My eyes traveled over the words again and again. If I had any doubts before, I didn’t now. Nevertheless, I had to know.

Why?

My phone beeped.

I want to know you, Desiree. In every single way. I would’ve preferred having this conversation in person and not through text.

I was stunned; my heart doing a tap dance on my chest. What Julian said, every word of it, was how I felt. Instead of responding, I put my phone inside my purse and put my mind on what I was doing at the moment.

I strolled through the aisle, and a mannequin caught my eye. Wrapped around the mannequins’ head was a hijab. I took another glance around the store to find mannequins that wore scarfs that gave the same cover without the religious semblance.

They’ve got these scarfs in all colors. Maybe I’ll grab a couple.”

Pulling the material off the figurine, I wrapped it around my head and practically covered my mouth. Doing a quick turn, I looked to Santana.

“How do I look?” My voice came out slightly muffled from the blanket of material covering my mouth.

“You look hot,” she said.

I shuffled my eyes side to side. “Hot as in, I’m going to burst into flames, or hot as in sexy,” I said lowering my voice to a feminine depth.

Santana laughed and imitated my voice. “Sexy,” she said.

I scrunched my nose. “Really? I need a mirror.” I strolled to the counter and modeled in the mirror. “Mmm, does look alluring doesn’t it?”

“Mmhmm,” Santana confirmed.

“Alright, I’ll take it.”

We both laughed and Santana shook her head.

“What?” I said. “If I have to dress the part, I might as well look good doing it, am I right?”

“Yes, that you are.”

“Alright then, the scarf works.”

I unwrapped my hair and went back to the mannequin, grabbing a few other colors including white. Back at the rack, where I found the other dresses, I scoured the stand for a white Arabian dress. When I found it, I trudged to the dressing room. I only needed to try on one to know how the rest would look and feel against my skin.

After completing my look, I stood staring at myself in the full-length mirror. My transformation stunned even me. Not only did the ankle length dress and scarf look incredible against my figure, but I was pulling off the whole Middle Eastern look as if I belonged there. My eyes traveled to my bare feet. I’d need to complete this look with sandals or wedge heels. The material was so thin I shouldn’t have a problem with the weather at all. There was a knock on the dressing room door.

“Come on out so I can see,” Santana chimed.

I opened the door and stepped out. When her eyes widened, I knew I had a winner.

“That’s absolutely gorgeous on you.”

My smile was bright, and I wiggled my eyebrows.

“You think so?”

Santana shifted her weight poking her hip out.

“Yes,” she snapped. “Sister Girl, you’re wearing that dress. How does it feel?”

I twirled. “Feels good, materials cool, thin and flowy.”

Santana nodded. “You’ve pulled it off, and you might get the attention of some brothers.”

I twisted my lips. “I’m not wearing this to get attention.”

“I know it, but still,” she said steady in her admiration of the dress.

“Okay, I’ll take them all.”

I re-entered the dressing room and changed back into my blue jeans and belly baring halter top.

“Oh, and another thing,” Santana said as we made our way to the register, “Spring is not upon us yet. As much as I know you’re ready for the season to change, you’ll just have to wait like the rest of us.”

She was referring to my halter. “Hey, what can I say, I’m a warm-blooded female. It’s my way of life.”

 We left and headed for a shoe store.

“I guess you’re not dressing the part the entire time since you only purchased enough clothes for a week,” Santana said.

“I’ve got a few other things, but it’s my normal everyday wear. From what I’ve researched, wearing leggings or maxi dresses is good.”

“As long as your shoulders and knees are covered. Gotcha,” Santana said.

“I wonder why Julian didn’t tell me this,” I pondered out loud.

Santana snickered. “Maybe because he doesn’t care what you wear, even if that’s nothing at all.”

I shook my head and smiled. Santana laughed as we entered Shoe Depot.

“Let’s try and make this quick. Our flight leaves at two.”

“I am still so jealous,” Santana said.

“You should’ve asked Fredrick to put you on assignment with me. He can be a bit anal, but he usually does whatever you want since he’s got this grade school crush on you.”

“I don’t mean the assignment. I mean the man, honey.”

She did a snap then twirl, and I laughed.

“You are tripping me out,” I said.

“Yeah, but you know it’s true.

My cell buzzed. I checked my caller ID and was instantly coated with warmth.

“Hey,” I answered.

“Bella…”

I stopped walking and shut my eyes, fighting hard not to be charmed by his charisma.

“You never texted me back. Are you busy?”

His voice sent a vibration humming through me.

“Santana and I are making our last stop before I meet you back at the hotel.” I checked the time on my phone. It was 11:30 am. We had enough time to grab some shoes, so I set forth to the store with the phone to my ear.

“Cameron?” I heard Santana say.

My head snapped up, and there he was, standing in front of me like a ghost manifesting out of nowhere. Cameron reached out and grabbed my wrist, but I pulled back.

“Cameron, what are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you.”

“Have you been following me?”

Cameron sighed. “No.”

“Let me guess, you just happened to run into me again.” I put a hand on my hip.

“Bella.” Julian’s voice brought me back from the anger I was about to release on Cameron.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” I said to Julian.

“I’m coming to you. Tell me what store you’re in.”

“That’s not necessary.” I glanced back to Cameron, and he stood there watching me with hopeful eyes.

“No,” I said to Cameron. “We’re not doing this again.” I rounded him, and he reached out.

“Desiree, just hear me out.”

“I’ve heard enough of what you have to say for a lifetime. If I see you again, I’m putting a restraining order out on you. If you don’t believe me, try me.” I retreated inside the store, and Santana hurried in behind me.

“I’m sorry, Julian.”

“Check this out,” Julian said. “Instead of meeting here, we’re going to leave from the mall. I’ll be there to pick you up shortly. Do you have everything you need?”

My mind wandered. “I have some things, but I could use a few others.”

“We can shop once we reach our destination,” he said smoothly.

“I don’t have basic necessities with me, like toiletries, underwear…” My face heated after speaking those words.

“Bella, your needs will be met. Trust me. You’ll be ready in fifteen minutes, yeah?”

Although his voice was as smooth as a caress, his words were demanding. Once again, I amazed myself by wanting to go along with whatever Julian asked without resistance. I tossed a glance over my shoulder, but didn’t see any sign of Cameron.

“Sure,” I said. “Fifteen minutes.”