KORD AND MONICA CLIMBED DOWN the metal support beam to the ground. He couldn’t get to her fast enough. Knowing her, she’d have a gunshot wound and not tell him. He reached for her, and she fell into his embrace. Neither was concerned about anyone watching.
“Don’t ever scare me like that again,” he said, his fingers weaving through her wet hair.
“I don’t want to scare myself like that again.” Her words were light, but she trembled. Her body shook with a cough.
He refused to comment. The FBI doctor would be making another house call.
They made their way to the Ferris wheel operator, who lowered Prince Omar and Jafar’s body to ground level. The prince held tight to Jafar’s left hand until the bomb squad stepped in to disarm the explosives.
Free of the bomb, Prince Omar stepped off the gondola, his head high and his shirt stained with blood. A bruise discolored the right side of his face. “I’m fine. The blood is Jafar’s.” He reached out and gripped Kord’s hand. “My friend, it is good to be alive. We have information to help us stop the plot.” He turned to Ali and repeated the gesture and words. With a smile he greeted his other bodyguards one by one. “Miss Alden, you saved my life.”
She was drenched, her breathing ragged. “I’m relieved you’re safe.” She averted her eyes. Kord’s girl honored the prince, although without her, he’d be dead.
“Thanks to you, the nightmare is over.”
“Everyone did their part. Mine was small. It’s been an honor to serve you.”
“How can I repay the sacrifices you’ve made?”
A smile touched her lips. “Perhaps not getting pneumonia in this weather.” A cough broke, and she clenched her chest. Kord held her tightly.
“You need medical care immediately.” The prince gestured to Kord and pointed to an ambulance. “Perhaps a paramedic can help.”
She nodded. “I’m sorry about Princess Gharam.”
“She is at peace. I’ll be escorting her body home to Riyadh as soon as arrangements are made. She fought courageously.”
“I’ll always remember her strength.”
Kord helped her walk toward the ambulance. “Are you ready to consider us?”
“I am. Scared.”
“Me too. I’m thinking an operative and an agent would be a dynamic team.”
“I’d take another round of double pneumonia to hear those words.”
He bent to kiss her. “Not necessary.”
“Remember when you said I should be kissed every day?”
“Yep.”
“I want to take you up on it.”
Kord had little to say during dinner. Exhaustion and relief left him craving sleep. When the meal was over, Prince Omar invited Kord, Monica, his sisters, Ali, and his other bodyguards and staff to the natatorium. Quiet conversation accompanied strong coffee, fruit, and dates while the pool’s fountain offered soft sounds. They spoke of Princess Gharam and how much she’d be missed.
Fatima and Yasmine hosted tear-filled eyes with Monica nestled between them. She should be in bed, but Kord knew his girl and the priority of her responsibilities. The doctor requested hospitalization, but Prince Omar insisted she be treated at his home as before, at least for tonight.
“Miss Alden, do you remember when I suggested we discuss our faiths?” the prince said.
“Yes.”
What did this mean? A conversation now?
“Thank you for showing me what yours means to you.”
Whoa. Kord hadn’t expected that comment.
“Jafar told me a few things while on the . . . ride this afternoon,” Prince Omar said and repeated Malik’s treachery. “Fatima and Yasmine, for tonight only, I give you permission to ask questions. I’ve shielded you from many things, and I will continue. But you may speak.” Lines fanned from his eyes. “I wouldn’t want either of you using self-defense on me.” He rose, took both their hands, then resumed his position.
“I’m thankful this is over,” Fatima said, “and you’re safe.”
“I’m so fortunate to have you for my brother,” Yasmine said. “I will study hard and make my family proud.”
“I can hear it in your voice,” he said.
“Did he say what lured Youssof?” Yasmine said. “I met his sisters in Riyadh, and they were kind.”
“Youth are drawn into causes, especially when those with wealth and power are depicted as the enemy. Instead of searching for reasons why actions and laws are in place, they choose rebellion. The relief is Rashid and his wife and daughters were not aware of how deeply Youssof was involved. I ordered their release earlier and spoke to Rashid.”
“Brother,” Yasmine said, “after severing the conservatives’ plot, how soon will it take for them to regroup?”
Prince Omar shook his head. “I’d say as soon as they receive word of the fate of those who are dead. Security is questioning those in power among the conservatives. They will suffer. I’m more determined to continue my plan of leasing our oil reserves. I’m sending you and Fatima home with our mother tomorrow. I’ll accompany you and return in a few days to finish my work.”
Tonight Kord refused to think of warring countries, assassination attempts, the innocent caught up in the middle of bloodshed, or one beautiful lady dodging lightning to save a man who might never fully value her gender.
Tonight he held on to peace and all he’d learned over the past two weeks about a real God, friendship, and new love.