LITMIR.BIZ

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swallowed hard. “So it’s you I have to thank for getting me medical help so fast. I—I’m indebted to you,” she stammered. It was hard to believe she was actually inside the palace instead of looking at it from the outside like any tourist.

      He flashed her a white smile that trapped the air in her lungs. “Grateful enough to let me call you Lauren?”

      The way he said her name in his deep voice with that beautiful accent made it sound exotic.

      “Of course.”

      “I saw it printed in your passport, which I have in my possession.” His piercing dark eyes traveled over her, missing nothing. “Lauren is a beautiful name, almost as beautiful as its bearer.”

      Heat spread through her body like wildfire. “What do I call you?” she asked rather breathlessly.

      Something flickered in the dark recesses of his eyes as he ate his food. “Rafi. It’s easier than the rest of my name which is too long and difficult for a foreigner to pronounce.”

      Her lips curved into a smile. “I like the shortened version. It reminds me of the spaniel I once had.”

      “Why is that?”

      “Her name was Taffy,” she rattled on before realizing he probably thought she was flirting with him. You are flirting with him, Lauren. Her escape from death had turned her into someone she didn’t recognize. She tried to gather her wits, but this was all still like a dream. “Did you ever have a pet growing up?”

      “Several, but they may not be the kind you imagine.”

      “That sounds intriguing.”

      His eyes glimmered in the candlelight before he asked her another question. “Where were you intending to stay after you arrived here?”

      She let out a small cry. “That’s right—my reservations—I don’t know the name. The documents from the travel agency in Montreux are in my small suitcase. I’m afraid I’m not thinking too clearly yet.”

      “That’s because you’ve been in a sandstorm and have come out of it with your life irrevocably changed.”

      Irrevocably. Because of this man, that was the precise word.

      “I’ll be happy to explain the circumstances to the concierge if you’ll give me the information. The staff placed your suitcases in your bedroom. Would you like me to get it for you?”

      “No, thank you. I’ll do it.” She stood up, but she still felt fragile. “Just a moment, please.”

      Lauren felt his eyes on her back as she walked through to the bedroom and knelt down to open her small case. She found the envelope that held all her travel plans on top and shut the lid, then went back to the other room.

      With a wordless exchange he took it from her. Their fingers brushed, sending warmth through her nervous system before he opened the flap to peer inside. When he found what he was looking for, he pulled out his phone and made a call. Except for a few words, she understood no Arabic. The conversation went on for several minutes before he hung up.

      He eyed her with an enigmatic gaze. “Is there anyone else you need to inform about what’s happened? Anyone to let know where you are?”

      “No.” With her grandmother gone, she was quite alone.

      “Don’t tell me there’s no man in your life missing you, because I wouldn’t believe you.”

      “There’s no one important in my life. Only Paul, a friend, who is probably out on a new, exciting assignment for his French newspaper at the moment.”

      “Won’t Paul want to know you are safe from harm?” His voice had fierce undertones. He talked with so much authority, she found herself opening up to him.

      “Actually, I would prefer it if Paul didn’t know about what happened to me. You see, he proposed to me before I came here and I turned him down. I’m not in love with him and it would seem wrong of me to ask him to come to my aid now. I think it’s best if he moves on with his life and finds a woman who will love him in return.”

      Rafi stared at her over the rim of his coffee cup. “After meeting you, I daresay I doubt he’ll ever get over you.”

      “That’s very flattering, but of course he will.”

      “I wasn’t flattering you.” His remark set her body trembling. “What about other friends?”

      “They don’t expect to hear from me this trip.”

      “Why not?”

      “Because I came to try and get over the worst of my pain after losing my grandmother recently. They know that,” she muttered, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice, but not succeeding very well.

      “You were close to her?”

      There was something about this man that made her want to confide in him. Maybe it was because he’d saved her life by getting her to the doctor in time. Whatever the reason, she didn’t feel like holding back.

      “Very. Both my parents died when I was six months old. She was the only mother I ever knew. I miss her horribly.”

      “I can understand your wanting to get away for a while, but why the desert, why here? This part of the Nafud is particularly harsh.”

      “I suppose it’s because it’s one place I’ve never visited, and it holds no past memories for me.” Only Celia’s.

      “You’re a world traveler?”

      “Yes, from the time I was a little girl.”

      A definite stillness filled the room before he said, “Under the circumstances, I’ll leave you alone to grieve. Silence is the medication for sorrow. If you need anything, you have only to pick up the phone by your bed. Nazir, one of my assistants, will take care of you and send for me or the doctor should you need us.”

      “Thank you.” She lowered her head. “I’d be very remiss if I didn’t tell you how grateful I am to you for saving my life.”

      “I only sped up the time so your recovery could take place under Dr. Tamam’s care.”

      “I’m still thankful,” she insisted. “Be assured, you and your staff will be well paid for your services.”

      Without giving her a response, he started to leave. Being the head of security, she supposed he had too many calls on his time for her to expect his company like this again but she selfishly wished he didn’t have to leave yet. “Rafi?”

      He turned his dark head in her direction. “Is there something else you need?”

      There were a lot of things she discovered she needed. “No, but you’re obviously on intimate terms with the king. Please let him know how grateful I am for everything. The room is beautiful beyond description.”

      “It’s part of the garden suite.”

      Lauren sucked in her breath. King Malik had arranged for her grandmother to stay in a private part of the palace with its own garden. Was it possible this suite was the one? The hairs lifted on the back of her neck.

      He studied her for a moment. “Are you all right, Lauren?”

      “Yes.”

      “You need a lot more rest before I’m convinced of that. When you’re up to it, you’re welcome to walk out and enjoy the flowers through that portico. Some are quite exotic. On occasion, the queen herself tends the garden.”

      She put a hand to her throat. “I don’t know why I’m so lucky.”

      After a slight pause he said, “When word of your near-tragedy reached King Umar, he insisted you remain in this suite as his guest for as long as you want.”

      His guest.

      Lauren’s

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