CHAPTER TWO
The woman had spirit, Riaz thought to himself as he entered his tent. Ahmed had been right about her. He smiled as he recalled the defiant way she'd faced him down out there.
Because that was exactly what she'd done. She'd taken a stand and defied him.
He drew in a deep breath, savoring the temporary solitude of the tent. He was grateful for this refuge away from the bustling activity outside.
He glanced around the inside of the tent and nodded approvingly. His men had laid everything out just as he'd ordered. There was the low couch in front of the small table. On the table was a tall, curved silver pot in which he expected he would find was some recently made tea.
Beneath his feet he felt the thickness of the ornately patterned rug. The walls of the tent were of heavy material, a deep shade of red. His color. The color of the blood red sky.
Outside, he could hear the sounds of preparation. There were almost a hundred men out there and, right now, Riaz didn't want to be near any of them. It was all so familiar.
However, the woman, Eva, was no safer now than she had been before he'd spoken to her.
Riaz knew he wasn't about to let that continue. She'd seemed hesitant about accepting his invitation, but he knew it would be the wisest way for him to send an important signal to the rest of the tribesmen.
Not that she belonged to him. That wasn't the message he wanted to send, he told himself. He hardly knew the woman. She was younger than him by a few years, possibly in her mid twenties. She had that familiar confidence he'd encountered in so many American women. It was as if she believed nothing could touch her, that nothing could harm her. That the world belonged to her. He smiled at that thought.
Riaz knew from experience how foolish such a belief was. Out here, in this glorious wilderness, nothing could be taken for granted. Riaz had seen how easy it was for someone to come to harm. For life to change in an instant.
Especially for someone as beautiful as Eva Braddon. Did she have any idea of the effect she would have on the men in this camp?
Of course she did, he told himself. She knew how attractive she was. He'd sensed her awareness of her beauty. There was a proud, even haughty, expression in those gorgeous blue eyes. She held her body in a confident manner, and he had to admit to enjoying the sight of that.
Riaz sighed and threw himself down into the couch. He poured himself some tea into the tiny cup and settled back. He sipped the tea, enjoying the bitter taste.
He needed something to bring him back to his senses.
Eva Braddon had thrown him off balance. It had taken barely a few minutes, but she had affected him in a way that no woman had ever done before.
How could that be?
There was undeniably something about her which triggered sensation in him. Visceral, instantaneous sensation. He needed to keep that sensation well and truly under control. He knew where such temptations could lead a man.
He drained the cup and slammed it down into the table.
Was it simply that she had defied him? Or was there something more? A promise of something he hadn't enjoyed in a very long time.
He drove that thought out of his mind. He knew that train of thought would lead him somewhere he didn't want to go.
Riaz stood and tightened his robe around his body.
He had duty to perform. Much was expected of him. It would do him no good to display any kind of interest in Eva Braddon.
All he had to was protect her while she remained here and avoid giving her too much information about himself.
That shouldn't be so hard, he told himself.
But, even as he strode toward the tent entrance, a treacherous voice murmured to him that it wasn't going to be easy at all.
****
For the rest of the afternoon, Eva did what she was good at. She observed, taking notes and photos, capturing impressions. She was a journalist and she had come here to do a job.
For the rest of the day it seemed that all of the activity of the tribesmen centred around preparing for the coming evening. Eva kept herself at a distance from the men.
Although Riaz's advice still rang in her ear, and she desperately wanted to try to communicate with some of the men and gather more information about just what was happening here, she still remembered what he had said to her. The warning he had given her.
Eva wandered around the fort making notes and taking photos whenever she felt it was safe to do so.
A huge fire had been built in the centre of the open compound. Wood had been brought from somewhere, piled high, ready to be lit.
She saw tribesman going in and out of the tents and she saw preparations for what looked like some kind of celebration during the coming evening.
And what about that coming evening, she asked herself.
As the sun was starting to sink toward the horizon, Eva sat, perched on the highest remaining solid wall and gazed out across the desert. The expanse of sand and dune was awe-inspiring. These past two years she had spent a lot of time in places like this. She wondered if Riaz really understood that. Or did he just think she was some kind of ignorant outsider?
Apparently not.
The way he'd spoken to her, it seemed as if he thought she was some kind of demure little woman who had magically appeared out of the desert and needed his protection.
She knew that wasn't the case. She needed no-one's protection, especially someone like Riaz. There was only one thing she wanted from him, and that was more information.
However, it was clear from her initial encounter with him that he wouldn't give her what she wanted without a struggle. That didn't faze her, not one but. She knew how to get what she wanted from a man.
Eva had already seen that Riaz already seemed to harbor some kind of reluctant, instinctive attraction to her. She was used to that. During her time in this region, plenty of men had tried to win her over, tried to contain her free spirit, but Eva knew how important her career was, knew that there was no man who could tie her down.
Every once in a while though, someone would appear in her life. Someone she would convince herself was special. The one.
But, it would always end the same. She'd enjoy a brief flirtation and then come to the usual realization that relationships were not for her. Not for now, anyway.
So why was it that Riaz had affected her so much? It was undeniable that the man was handsome. He was a powerful looking figure, probably a few years older than her, but with an undeniable charisma.
Eva could imagine the effect that charisma would have on both men and women. It had a power of its own to compel obedience and even inspire love. She wondered how many women's hearts had been broken by this man.
That was an easy question to answer, she told herself. There would have been plenty of women who had fallen for those dark looks, been affected by that penetrating gaze.
Up here on this partially ruined rampart, Eva felt safe for the while. Safe to speculate on the Sheikh who had made such a strong impression upon her.
She wondered what he thought of her. Eva was sure she had seen hints of the effects that she'd had upon him. Riaz had tried hard to disguise his immediate reaction to her defiance. But she was certain that there was some part of him which had secretly enjoyed the back and forth between them.
Because that was all it was. Playful teasing, with a hint of attraction.
Eva felt the cool breeze from the desert brush against her skin. The scents of the busy encampment in the middle of the fort drifted in the cooling early evening air.
She could understand why people would want to live out here. There was an undeniable mystique about this place. So why had Riaz turned his back on civilisation? Why had he decided to deny himself all the pleasures of wealth all the trappings of influence that his family, the Al Shirah family enjoyed back in the city?
That was the mystery she had come here to solve.
And of course, if she did end up with a story worth telling it would do her career no harm. Was that selfish of her? She didn't think so. Riaz would understand. Riaz didn't look naive. On the contrary, there was a knowingness about him which was impossible to ignore.
He was a man who would not be easily fooled, and Eva had no intention of behaving towards him with anything less than perfect integrity. Perfect professional integrity of course.
Eva gaze down at the compound and saw that the fire had been lit. Men gathered around the tall stack of burning wooden blocks. Sparks flew up into the darkening sky. Excited voices rose up from the men who started to congregate in a circle around the fire.
She saw the men squatting down in groups, huddling and conversing, and she saw food been brought from inside the dozen or so tents lined up against the wall. Each tribe seemed to look after its own to the exclusion of others, Eva noticed.
Eva saw some tall figures go to their respective groups of men. The men addressed the groups of tribesmen with obvious authority, receiving deference and respect.
Eva was beginning to get a sense of the excitements these men felt being here like this. She had heard about this gathering and knew its significance, what it meant to the respective tribes. She been told that it was an opportunity for tribal leaders to trade, exchange important information, maintain trusting relationships, and to deal with any outstanding conflicts or problems between tribes.
Eva started to gingerly climb down the makeshift broken steps to the ground. The evening was beginning to settle and she knew it was time to eat. Riaz had promised an evening meal. She could feel her stomach was empty. The small amount of rations that she had in her pack would merely ensure a hungry night.
She went to her horse, packed away her small notebook, but held onto her camera. She didn't quite trust that it would remain there if she left it while in Riaz's tent.
Then, looking over toward Riaz's tent, she saw him emerge and gaze over towards her. She started to make her way towards him. He was dressed as he had been dressed before when she met him, in full traditional desert garb.
Eva had to admit he still looked amazing. She hesitated when he saw her making her way towards him. He stood by the opening of his tent.
When she reached the tent she was sure that she saw his gaze run briefly down the length of her body, and she was keenly aware that she was modestly dressed in jeans and shirt and boots. She could still feel the sand in her clothes. She paused in front of him and brushed some of the sand away from her jeans looking up at him sheepishly.
"I'm not exactly dressed for dinner," she said brightly.
Riaz regarded her carefully. When he smiled at her she felt something tumble in her middle. Ignoring that, she shrugged again. "I guess you'll have to take me as you find me," she added.
Riaz smiled again. "I think I can deal with that," he said.
Eva glanced over towards the burning fire. She could feel the heat of it and hear the sound of the crackling embers. "Seems like they're getting ready for something big tonight," she observed.
"This is what they usually do on the first night," he explained. "It's a kind of celebration, getting together after so many months apart. Even although they're from different tribes, some of these men have known each other as friends for years."
Even nodded. "Like some huge frat party," she joked.
She saw Riaz's brows furrow. She knew that he didn't quite caught that allusion to university life. Hadn't he attended an American college? She was sure she had read that in the research.
Riaz gestured towards his tent. "I would be honored if you would enter my tent for dinner," he said slowly.
Eva tilted her head and watched him bow slightly. She was impressed by his manners and his apparent determination to behave like a gentleman.
Eva walked towards the entrance and he pulled the flap open. She ducked her head and stepped inside the tent. She paused for a moment and took in the sight of the interior, impressed with its surprising luxury. She turned to him and lifted a brow. "This is nice," she said wryly.
Riaz shrugged. "My home," he explained.
"The ultimate mobile home, I guess," Eva replied smirking at him.
She saw that he knew she was playing with him, trying to establish the tone for the evening ahead. There was a faint hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth as he led her to the low table which was set in front of a long, red couch.
On the table was laid out a number of dishes filled with tasty-looking food. Eva heard her tummy rumble and she looked at Riaz, sure that her face had suddenly reddened.
Riaz lifted a brow. "Hungry?"
Eva nodded. She sat down on the couch and he took his place next to her. Eva squinted at some of the foods laid out. "What is all this?" she asked examining the dishes.
"Trust me," he replied. "It all tastes lovely," he added. Riaz squinted at her suddenly. "You're not vegetarian are you?" he asked.
Eva gasped. "No."
Riaz looked relieved and then when on to explain what was on the plates. Eva tried some of the freshly baked bread and found it delicious. It only whetted her appetite to try what was on the dishes.
Riaz joined her in tasting the food, and for a while they just ate in relative silence. Eva was grateful for the food. She hadn't really eaten properly for a day or two, and it was a relief to get something decent.
She felt suddenly awkward when one of Riaz's tribesman came into the tent. He held a small tray upon which were two cups. He laid out the cups and poured dark tea into them. When she tasted the tea, Eva was impressed. It was fragrant and sweet and utterly delicious.
She managed during the meal to restrain the impulse to ask any questions. It was obvious that Riaz was trying to be courteous and she didn't want to spoil the atmosphere by starting to become intrusive. Not too quickly, at any rate.
Finally though, the meal was finished, the dishes cleared the way and it was just Eva and Riaz on the small sofa with yet more small cups of tea on the table in front of them.
Just as she was about to ask the first question, Riaz took her by surprise. "So what do you want to know?" he asked abruptly.
"I think you know that already," she replied, trying to contain her surprise at the sharpness of the question. His mood seemed to have shifted somehow within a mere moment. His gaze was suddenly serious.
"Tell me what you know about me already and I will see what I can add," he said. "Or, at least, what I'm willing to add," he said lifting a brow.
Eva paused, feeling a sudden surge of professional duty. It threatened to wipe away the informal and relaxed atmosphere established during the meal.
She told him about the research that she'd done on him before coming out to the fort. As Riaz listened to her speak, he nodded occasionally, appearing thoughtful at times as she described his life as it was known to the outside world.
She spoke about his privileged upbringing, his private education in America, his short time in business, and what was known about his dramatic decision to turn his back on all that wealth and influence. As she spoke, sitting alongside the man himself, it seemed suddenly almost unreal that she should be speaking with him, here and now.
But here he was, sitting right next to her, within touching distance. This close, and in these circumstances, he seemed suddenly like an ordinary man, not like the extraordinary legend which had been built up in the media.
As he listened to her words, she could see understanding in his eyes, a patient comprehension of just what he had left behind. Coming to the end of her account, she couldn't help asking herself whether she was about to make things worse, about to add to that legend.
Or even worse, destroy that legend.
After she finished speaking, there was a long silence. Riaz was thoughtful for a while. Finally he spoke. "That just about sums up what I thought I left behind," he said sardonically. "You appear to have researched me quite thoroughly."
The remark sounded off-hand. Even dismissive.
He gazed intently at her. "But it is all lies, you know that, don't you, Eva?" There was a sudden firmness in his voice and she was momentarily taken aback.
She didn't know what to say at first, so she waited to see if he would continue. Outside in the encampment she heard cries of delight and the sounds of music starting up. The celebration outside was beginning in earnest, she thought to herself.
Inside the tent here though, the atmosphere had suddenly changed. There was a sudden chill between them. For a moment, she wasn't sure what to do about that.
"All lies?" asked Eva.
Riaz nodded solemnly. Then he quickly stood up and started to pace in front of the table. "Of course they're all lies," he said. "How could anyone know what my life is like, especially out here in the desert," he snapped. "Amongst those people," he added glancing in the direction of the sounds.
"But that is all anyone knows," Eva said. She stood up and faced him. "That's what you left behind,"
Riaz peered at her. "Of course it is," he retorted. "That's why I left. Because no one would understand what I had to do with my life. How important it was for me to live this kind of life. Someone has to hold onto what is important," he said.
Eva could hear the emotion in his voice. "If you allow me to tell your story, then perhaps people will understand," she said.
Riaz shook his head. "They will never understand," he replied. There was a hint of anger and frustration in his voice, Eva told herself. Riaz took a few steps away from her and paused in the middle of the tent, turning back to look at her. "I don't see how you can help me," he said sharply.
Eva advanced toward him. "I didn't come here to help you," she replied. She immediately regretted her choice of words.
Riaz's gaze darkened. "Then why did you come here?"
"I already told you," she said.
Riaz snorted. "Of course," he snapped. "You came for a story. How could I forget?"
Now he did sound angry, she thought to herself.
Eva froze on the spot. The sudden shift in his emotions shocked her. Only a few moments ago he had been the embodiment of calmness and ease. However, now he had been transformed into something else entirely. Now, for the first time she could see the strength of feeling lurking inside his powerful frame.
From outside there was a sudden gunshot. The sound sent a jolt of fear coursing through Eva's body. She glared at Riaz, seeking explanation.
He glanced toward the entrance and then back to Eva. "Don't worry about that," he murmured. "Sometimes the men get carried away. High spirits," he added.
Eva widened her eyes at him. Surely he couldn't be serious, she said to herself. "But those were gunshots," she retorted.
Riaz extended a hand toward her. "Come with me and I will show you," he said.
Eva took his hand and for a moment she felt a galvanic tingle trace its way down her spine. It was a treacherous sensation, one she wanted to instantly deny. How could it be that simply touching his hand could cause such a sensation in her body?
Eva let Riaz lead her out of the tent. Darkness had fallen completely. The fire had burned partially down, but a few men were hastily stoking new blocks of wood onto it. She could feel the heat from the fire and smell the scent of burning wood, as well as the heady aroma of the foods which everyone had just finished eating out here.
Men were dancing, laughing, clapping to the music which rang out into the dark night. It was a riot for the senses, Eva told herself as she gazed upon the wondrous sight.
She realized she was still holding Riaz's hand. Some men turned to look at Riaz and Eva and looked curiously at the site of the powerful sheikh leader and the American stranger. She was sure people must've been talking about her, even about the simple fact that she had spent time in the sheikh's tent.
Eva looked up at Riaz and saw that he was smiling appreciatively at the sight before them. Yet again, she was astonished at the sudden change in him. He was a man of mercurial moods. In spite of herself, she found herself wondering what I could be like to be with a man like this.
One thing was for sure. Life would never be dull.
Eva released her hand quickly from his and wrapped her arms around her self.
Riaz started to walk slowly and she followed alongside him as they made their way through the various clusters of men.
"I told you it was nothing," he said. "Sometimes they fire the guns into the air because they're so happy," he explained.
Eva snorted. "That some kind of happiness," she replied.
Riaz nodded. "As I keep on saying, the rules are different out here," he said.
Riaz led her through the crowd and she savored the sights and sounds of this incredible spectacle. They chatted idly as they'd done in the tent before things had become heated.
Eventually, Eva just gave herself over to taking in the unique evening which seemed like something out of a fantasy. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before. She had a sudden impulse to go back into the tent and retrieve her camera. But she resisted, content to be by Riaz's side for the moment.
Eventually, they made their way around to the other side of the enclosure, where her horse was tied up.
Eva glanced toward her pack. "Well, this is where I get off," she joked. It was almost like he'd walked her home after a date, she thought to herself.
Riaz peered into the dark corner. "You're planning on sleeping here?" he asked sounding incredulous.
Eva nodded. "I'll be fine. It's a warm enough night. Under the stars and all that," she added grinning.
Riaz pursed his full lips and she could see he wasn't pleased. "I could offer a space in my tent for the night."
Eva gazed out across the busy, chaotic sight of the revellers. "And miss all this?"
Riaz's gaze followed hers and she was sure he was about to object. She cut him off by offering her hand. "Thank you for the evening," she said quickly.
Riaz glanced down at her hand, as he had done earlier. She was sure she could see him weighing up his response for a few moments. Then he took her by surprise by taking her hand and lifting it to his lips, kissing the back of her hand. She felt the softness of his moist lips against her skin. Nerves ignited and she held back a gasp.
Eva knew she must look astonished, but she did all she could to disguise her reaction.
Riaz let her hand go and bowed to her. "Sleep well, Eva," he murmured and then turned away from her.
Eva watched him weave his way through the crowd of men and wondered if she'd just made a big mistake, after all. The sheikh had asked her to stay in his tent and she had refused.