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The women seemed unconvinced. No wonder, when her cheeks burned red. They were determined to believe she was involved in a runaway romance like the films they’d been able to watch on the Internet, thanks to their benefactor, Tyr Skavanga.
And then one of the older women took her aside. ‘Just think of it,’ she said. ‘You have already proved your worth to your brother, His Majesty, by improving the management of his racing stables. Imagine what you could do for us in Kareshi with Tyr Skavanga organising the various building programmes, while you recruit and manage the staff?’
‘What? I—? Oh, no.’ But it was a seductive thought, though what Tyr would make of it, she didn’t like to think.
* * *
Things couldn’t get any worse. Tyr was still miles from the village with a sandstorm coming. All flights were grounded. No one would be flying in or out of Wadi village any time soon to rescue Princess Jasmina. All communication links were down, and no one could predict how long the storm would last. Sensing danger approaching, his horse had started to play up, which was why he was on foot. Having tied his bandana over the animal’s eyes, he was coaxing it forward inch by torturous inch, his muscles bulging at the strain of persuading the horse to lift its hooves out of the treacherously shifting sand. He could only hope Jazz was safely housed in the village by now. He was impatient to get back and make sure of it.
The sky was an ominous greenish-yellow by the time he made it back to the village. Having fed and watered his horse, he went to find Jazz. It was his duty to do so, he told himself firmly. He found her in the village hall, where she was taking note of people’s concerns. Typical Jazz—no time like the present, even with a sandstorm brewing. She was fully veiled in deference to the traditionalists, but, even with only her expressive eyes on show, he could see enough to want her in a way he was more than certain the elders of the village would not approve of. And then she saw him and her eyes crinkled slightly. The tightening in his groin was immediate, and it was almost a relief when she turned away.
Watching Jazz amongst her people only reinforced his opinion that Jazz was needed right here in Kareshi, not in Qadar. Jazz Kareshi was one of the most valuable resources Kareshi possessed. There wasn’t a single doubt in his mind that Jazz belonged with her people.
How much more they could accomplish if they worked together.
Thoughts like that led nowhere. If they saw each other on a regular basis and he infected an innocent young girl like Jazz with his darkness, what then?
As it happened, Jazz took the decision out of his hands by approaching him, and, in spite of all his self-imposed warning, his heart warmed when Jazz stared up at him.
‘You’re back.’
For a few potent moments she stared into his eyes.
‘If you need me, Jazz, you only have to ask.’
‘As it happens...’
He followed her gaze to the bank of computers he’d installed, which were currently standing idle.
‘While I take a note of everyone’s concerns, you could show those who don’t know how to use the computers,’ she suggested.
‘You want me to teach school?’
‘Why not?’ She gave him a look. ‘That’s if you’re up to it.’
He held her gaze. ‘I think I can handle it. Though I’m pretty sure the Internet’s down.’
‘No excuses, Tyr. You can still show people plenty without it.’
‘Whatever you say, Princess.’
Did Tyr have to lower his voice and stare quite so intently into her eyes? Jazz glanced around to make sure no one had noticed.
‘There’s no point sitting around doing nothing as we wait for the storm to pass,’ she pointed out. ‘The children are bored, and this is a great opportunity for those who want to benefit from your expertise.’
Her heart raced as Tyr raised a mocking brow. ‘Would you like to benefit from my expertise too, Princess? Or are you already a computer expert?’
She let a shaking breath out with relief, and then noticed Tyr’s eyes were warm and teasing, as they had used to be when they were kids. ‘Just pretend you know what you’re doing,’ she suggested.
‘Oh, I know what I’m doing, Princess.’
There was something in Tyr’s tone that made her suck in a fast breath. She pushed it aside by raising her voice so everyone could hear.
‘Tyr has offered to help anyone interested in learning more about computers.’
The stampede made him smile. He’d been leaning against the wall with all his attention fixed on Jazz, but she’d stitched him up good and tight. She didn’t know how good she was, he reflected as he watched her settling people down in front of the screens. And her spirit had definitely returned in Wadi village. The people loved her, but, more importantly, Jazz was gaining in confidence all the time. The people trusted Jazz, and responded to her. They confided things they would never dream of confiding to a court official, let alone Jazz’s brother, Sharif. This was where Jazz belonged, and he could only be thankful that she was beginning to see that for herself.
And how about his pledge to stay away from her?
He glanced outside at the whirling sand. How was he supposed to predict they’d be sharing an enclosed space like this?
‘They like you,’ Jazz remarked to him when they broke for refreshments.
‘Don’t sound so surprised. I have been working here in the village for quite some time now.’
‘But I am surprised. You’re really good at this, Tyr. And here was me, thinking you were a confirmed loner.’
‘I am, but we’re trapped by the storm,’ he pointed out.
Jazz was so enthused, she wasn’t even listening. ‘What we need is a new school and more teachers. I put that in my last mail to Sharif, so I hope we get an answer from him as soon as this storm eases up a bit. Everyone’s so eager to learn.’
He smiled as he listened to Jazz spelling out her plan. His thoughts were somewhat less innocent. There was only one woman in this room he wanted to teach, and those lessons would have nothing to do with computer skills.
He glanced outside at the rapidly darkening sky. ‘I’m going to call a halt soon, Jazz,’ he said, breaking her off. ‘I want everyone safely under cover before this storm gets any worse. It’s going to be bad, so I’ll see the elderly home, and then come back for you.’
She bridled at that suggestion. ‘I’m quite capable of looking after myself, Tyr.’
‘Are you? Would that be the same way you looked after yourself when you were out riding?’
Feeling her bristle, he drew the back of his hand down her arm to lighten the atmosphere. He could not have anticipated Jazz’s response. To say she recoiled in horror was putting it mildly.
‘Haven’t you heard a word I’ve said, Tyr? You must not touch me.’
The skin around Jazz’s eyes had paled to ivory, but her eyes were almost solid black. He’d seen that same reaction before in a woman, but never in a situation like this. Passions were certainly roused. No one was looking, but anyone would think he had cupped Jazz’s breast, or worse. How innocent was she, exactly? Utterly innocent of all things sexual, he concluded as Jazz continued to glare at him.
‘I’ll see the children home,’ she said sharply, and with a swish of her veil she was gone from his side, but before she could round up her flock, the headman called the meeting to order.
Tyr shrugged and threw Jazz a rueful smile when she was forced back