The desire to keep her with him. As his.
Shock slammed into him, jerking his head back. Something cleaved through his gut. Warning? Or fear?
He was imagining things. He was just feeling the aftereffects of hours of erotic play. A connection that seemed profound because of its intensity. But soon it would begin waning.
‘Okay then, I’ll have a quick shower and dress. I’d like to get out into the countryside.’ She paused. ‘But I’ll understand if you change your mind. I could always go for a stroll by myself.’
There it was again, that hint of diffidence. It didn’t sit well with the indomitable, fascinating woman he knew.
Before Salim could answer she walked quickly to the bathroom. To forestall further discussion?
He opened his mouth to stop her then closed it. What would he say? Apologise for leaving her yesterday? But it had been the sensible thing to do, protecting her privacy and avoiding speculation.
Yet he found his jaw was clenched and his belly cramped. He didn’t like leaving the conversation that way, feeling he’d done wrong by her.
Salim forked his fingers through his hair, unaccustomed to this indecisiveness.
But one decision was obvious. No matter how much he wanted to make amends and see Rosanna’s glorious smile, he wouldnotfollow her into the shower. It would scupper anything like clear thought for a long time to come.
Salim needed all his wits about him.
What had begun as a simple solution to inconvenient lust felt far more complex than he’d anticipated.
An hour later, after breakfast at Rosanna’s favourite spot on the terrace, they were ready to set out. Rosanna was bright and seemingly full of energy.
Too much energy? Was her good cheer a little brittle?
Salim shook his head, annoyed at his imaginings, and led the way around the building and past the empty stables. Next time he visited he’d ensure the stables were restocked. The area was perfect for riding and Salim missed it.
He imagined riding with Rosanna through the mountains to some of his favourite places. Until he remembered they wouldn’t come here together again.
‘Your Majesty.’
Salim paused as a tall, familiar figure emerged from the last stable door.
‘Murad! It’s good to see you.’
The older man bent deep in a gesture of obeisance, reminding Salim abruptly of all that had passed since they’d last met.
‘Please rise.’
In other circumstances he would have embraced the old man, but Murad would feel uncomfortable since they weren’t alone. Salim had seen his gaze flick to Rosanna.
‘My sympathies on your loss, Your Majesty. Your father was a good man and an excellent ruler.’
‘Thank you, Murad. He was indeed. I hope to fulfil his expectations of me.’
‘You will, Majesty. That’s certain.’ He smiled and Salim couldn’t hold back any longer. He grasped the old man’s hand in both his.
‘I feel better for seeing you, my old friend.’ He turned to Rosanna. ‘This is Murad Darwish. He used to be caretaker at the Queen’s Palace until he retired a few years ago. I’ve known him all my life.’
He was like a de facto grandfather.
‘Murad, I’d like you to meet Ms Rosanna MacIain, who’s visiting from London.’
He watched with pleasure as the two shook hands, and Rosanna surprised him by greeting his friend in his own language then observing in the same language that it was a fine day. Naturally Murad was delighted.
‘You came to visit your family?’ Salim asked, continuing to speak English. He didn’t want Rosanna feeling excluded.