CHAPTER FIVE
Ahmed was leaving his apartment building in the morning when he was saw a limo draw up next to his.
The door opened and out stepped Rashid. The early morning air was fresh and cool. But there was nothing cool about the expression on Rashid's face. He came striding up to Ahmed. Rashid's face was red and his steady gaze was boring a hole in Ahmed's head as he approached.
Rashid halted right in front of Ahmed. "Are you happy?" he exclaimed.
Ahmed stared at Rashid and smiled. He gazed up at the sky. "It's a beautiful morning. Why wouldn't I be happy?"
Rashid clenched his fists. "You know what I'm talking about. Don't pretend you're ignorant of what you did last night."
Ahmed grinned. "I was just trying to be friendly."
Rashid drew in a deep breath. "Is that all? Friendly?"
"Of course,"Ahmed said. "I presume you're referring to the lovely Miss Ellon."
"Of course, I am. Who else would I be talking about? Haven't you seen the news?"
"No."
Rashid took out his cell phone and thrust it in front of Ahmed's face. "Look at this," Rashid ordered.
Ahmed squinted at the screen. In the early morning light he could see an image of himself and Gemma getting into Ahmed's limo. Rashid swiped the screen with his thumb. "And this."
Ahmed saw a photo of himself kissing Gemma's hand. Ahmed smiled at Rashid. "I think I look pretty happy in that one," he joked.
"This is no laughing matter, Ahmed," Rashid exclaimed.
"I don't see any problem," Ahmed replied.
"Why was she getting into your limo?" Rashid asked.
"Because I offered her a ride," Ahmed explained. This time, he made sure his voice was more emphatic. He could see how worked up Rashid was about this. Maybe the time for joking was over. Apart from that, Ahmed could sense that there was something more to this. Rashid hadn't finished explaining, yet.
"Who gave you permission to do that?" Rashid asked sharply.
Ahmed lowered his chin and peered directly into Rashid's eyes. "I wasn't aware I needed your permission to do anything, Rashid," he stated firmly.
Rashid's features were fixed into an unmoving mask as he tried to match Ahmed's defiant gaze. There was a long pause and then Rashid continued. "Have you seen what happened as a result of this innocent little encounter of yours?"
Ahmed shook his head. Rashid handed him his phone. "Read that," he ordered.
Ahmed read what was on the screen and finally understood the reason for Rashid's fury.
There were the photos and right next to them was the beginning of what looked like a very long scroll of messages prompted by the photos. One in particular caught his eye.
The Hot Sheikh and the American Virgin?
Ahmed glanced up at Rashid. "Is this for real?"
Rashid nodded emphatically and said nothing. Because no explanation was necessary as Ahmed scrolled through some of the messages.
They mostly split into two categories. One group of people expressed amazement at Gemma for being with a wealthy sheikh.
The other type of message was far less approving. In fact, some of the comments were downright mean, Ahmed told himself. They accused Gemma of being cold and calculating and getting her hooks into one of the richest, unmarried men in Qazhar.
Ahmed glanced at Rashid. "How did this happen?"
"I'll tell you how it happened. You decided to interfere in a perfectly legitimate business arrangement because you can't stand the idea that I would have something you want."
Ahmed shrugged. "So what if you're right, Rashid? How does that affect me?"
"It isn't how it affects you, that matters, right now," Rashid exclaimed. "It's the problem you've given me as a result of your dishonorable actions."
Ahmed stiffened and took a step toward Rashid. But Rashid held his ground, staring defiantly at Ahmed.
Ahmed glared at Rashid. "You can say what you like to me about business, Rashid. But, do not try to suggest that I am not a man of honor."
Rashid stood rigid, obviously determined not to back down in any way.
Ahmed continued. "We might have our differences when it comes to business, but in matters of our personal integrity, you will not speak to me like that. Do you understand?"
For a few, long moments, both men's eyes were locked in silent challenge. Ahmed felt his heart pounding, sensed the tension in his body as he faced Rashid down.
Ahmed would tolerate a great deal from Rashid, but he would not accept any attempt to call into question his honor. That was something which was sacred and something upon which no man would be allowed to doubt.
"In any case, the damage has been done," Rashid said evenly. He took a few steps away from Ahmed and ran hand though his dark hair.
"What do you mean?" Ahmed asked.
Rashid peered at Ahmed and smiled sardonically. "As a result of your little escapade last night, it seems Miss Ellon has taken matters into her own, very capable hands."
Ahmed felt an involuntary chill creep up his spine. Ahmed squinted at Rashid, wondering what the man was talking about. "Has something happened to her?"
Rashid sighed. "That isn't perhaps how I would put it."
Anger flared instantly in Ahmed. He didn't like Rashid's casual tone. Didn't he realize that this was a precious woman he was talking about? Not just another employee of his organization.
Ahmed moved even closer to Rashid. He felt a sudden impulse to grab the lapels of Rashid's expensive jacket and force the truth out of him.
But, before he had a chance to do that, Rashid spoke. "Miss Ellon has gone."
"What!" Ahmed exclaimed. He felt his body stiffen.
"I called on her this morning to ask her about this, and discovered she has left her apartment," Rashid explained.
"Where is she?" Ahmed asked urgently.
Rashid shrugged. "I don't know. The concierge at the apartment said she left this morning, early and told him she would return in a couple of days. That was all she said. She also left a message on her social media channels. All of them."
Rashid looked down at his cell phone and read out Gemma's written words from the screen. "Dear everyone. I will be taking a break for a day or two. But, I'll be back. I love you all. Bye."
Rashid looked up at Ahmed and shook his head. "This is not acceptable. Going off like that, without asking me."
Ahmed ignored that typical expression of Rashid's usual self-interest. "And she didn't say where she was going?" Ahmed asked.
Rashid shook his head. "I didn't think you would be this interested, Ahmed," Rashid said. There was a sly look on his face.
Ahmed frowned. "I am merely concerned for the safety of a young woman who has just arrived here and has obviously been the victim of an unfortunate misunderstanding."
Rashid scowled. "That is what you call it? A misunderstanding? I think I understand quite well what you were doing last night when you invited her into your limo."
"What are you suggesting, Rashid?" Ahmed demanded.
"Merely that your reputation is well known."
Ahmed nodded. "Yes. She told me you had been telling her some things about me that weren't exactly flattering."
Rashid leaned his head to one side and twisted his mouth. He seemed indifferent to the accusation. But, then again, this wasn't the first time Rashid had tried to damage Ahmed's reputation. And, no doubt it wouldn't be the last, he reflected.
"Have you done anything to find out where she is?" Ahmed asked. "After all, she is your responsibility."
"Really?" Rashid responded. "And you weren't responsible for this mess last night?"
"That's not the problem, right now. And you know it. All that matters is we find out where she's gone."
Rashid sighed. "I've made some inquiries, but to no avail. No-one knows where she may have disappeared to. For all we know, she might have run off into the desert."
Rashid's words made Ahmed freeze instantly.
The desert.
Ahmed recalled his conversation with Gemma in the garden. He remembered how curious she'd been when he'd told her about Qabiyah and his own private encampment near to the town.
She had seemed more than just curious about the isolation of the town, and how it might provide a much needed respite from her busy life. And it would guarantee anonymity, too.
Now that he thought of it, she'd seemed more than just casually interested. Perhaps this temporary disappearance was something she'd been wanting for a long time.
Maybe there was more to Miss Ellon than met the eye, Ahmed reflected. He was seized by a sudden desire to know more about the intriguing American.
Rashid was watching Ahmed closely. "What are you thinking, Ahmed?" Rashid asked. "Do you have an idea where she might have gone?"
Ahmed dragged his attention back to the present. "What? No," he muttered vaguely. "I was just thinking that I could ask a few people who might be able to look into it."
Rashid scoffed and shook his head. "I'd appreciate it of you would leave that to me. I think you've already done enough."
Ahmed squinted at Rashid. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"
Rashid frowned. "Why would I? This is entirely your fault." He narrowed his eyes. "If I didn't know better, I might think you arranged for her disappearance, yourself."
"Me? Do something like that? What are you talking about?" Ahmed exclaimed. "I might enjoy interfering in your business," he said and smiled at Rashid. "And I do enjoy that, Rashid. Ahmed ignored Rashid's customary frown at being taunted. "But, I would never be involved in making a beautiful, young woman disappear," Ahmed continued. "What do you take me for?"
"Beautiful, eh?" Rashid said sarcastically. "So you admit you find her attractive."
Ahmed shrugged and sighed heavily. Right now wasn't the time to tell Rashid just how attracted he was to Gemma. It would be better to keep that well and truly private. The man would merely take such an admission and use it against Ahmed.
And, right now, Ahmed was enjoying having the upper hand. The fact that he was almost sure he knew where Gemma had gone provided an enjoyable, private moment of victory over Rashid.
"I suppose she has a certain appeal," Ahmed said casually. "But you know how American women can be, Rashid," he said. Rashid's brows lifted with curiosity and ashamed continued. "They can be so unpredictable," Ahmed added with a sly grin.
Rashid knew when he was being played with. He ignored that last remark."Last night, it looked like she had more than just a certain appeal, as you put it," Rashid responded.
"Haven't you got better things to do than stand here arguing with me and making false accusations?" Ahmed asked.
Rashid looked at his watch. "You're right. I have some calls to make." He peered at Ahmed. "If you find out anything, you will let me know, won't you."
Ahmed smiled generously. Too generously he realized when he saw Rashid's reaction. "Of course. You can rely on me."
With one last disbelieving look, Rashid turned and headed back to his limo. Ahmed watched it drive off and then headed back toward his apartment.
As he rode up in the elevator, he thought about the situation. He was certain that Gemma must have decided the only place she could find absolute privacy would be somewhere like Qabiyah. Only there would she be anonymous. No-one would recognize her there.
The place had no connection to the outside world. She wouldn't be able to use a cell phone and there was no internet. It was the perfect place for her, right now. If she had gone there for a few days, to gather her thoughts, to let this whole crazy situation blow over, then there was only one way he was going to know for sure.
And that was by going there himself. It was worth a try. The town was a short drive to the north of the city.
And, of course, if he did find her there, then he would be able to offer her even greater anonymity.
Something to which only he had access.
His private encampment just a short horse ride west of Qabiyah.
I might take considerable persuasion on his part. But, he already knew he was more than capable of persuading her.
The prospect of taking her there triggered instant anticipation in him. His mind filled with images of her in the small encampment; of her in his tent; of her in his bed.
Ahmed drew in a deep breath.
Yes.
He would go there, and perhaps he would find her.
And if he did, he would offer her the ultimate sanctuary. The last place anyone would expect to find the beautiful American.
In his bed.