‘Soft-soap?’
For the first time Ashraf looked out of his depth. Tori enjoyed that puzzled expression. It was rather endearing. For once she didn’t feel as if she were the one playing catch up.
‘Flatter me,’ she explained.
‘I never flatter. I simply speak the truth.’
Which trashed her fleeting sense of superiority.
She stood, her hand in his, staring up into liquid dark eyes and wishing—
What? Wishing that they’d met under different circumstances? Ashraf would still be a king and therefore not the man for her. Wishing that he was someone altogether different? Some guy she’d met at a weekend barbecue? But she couldn’t imagine that. Ashraf’s identity was part of what made him intriguing.
But it wasn’t the forceful, charismatic side of his personality that had made her change her mind. It was his genuine interest in Oliver. His determination to be a meaningful part of his son’s life even if that meant waking in the night and walking the floor with a teething baby. One thing she was sure of: Ashraf wouldn’t be a father who only showed up for the fun stuff. He’d be there through thick and thin.
Oliver deserved no less. Therefore Ashraf deserved more.
Belatedly she realised he still held her hand. She slipped it free. ‘Don’t get too excited. It will take me a while to organise. I’ve only recently begun this job and—’
‘Getting leave from your work will be no problem.’
Tori’s hackles rose. ‘You haven’t already asked without consulting me, have you?’
She saw him register her rising indignation.Good.She had no intention of being railroaded.
Ashraf shook his head. ‘I know the CEO of your company. He’s interested in exploring for diamonds in Za’daq.’
Tori wasn’t surprised. The possibility of finding diamonds and other gems in the region was what had taken her to the survey team in neighbouring Assara. That experience was part of the reason she’d won her current position.
‘He knows it was you I came to meet. I’m sure, if I indicate that his company can bid for the upcoming exploration contract, he’d believe it worthwhile to give you leave of absence.’
Tori opened her mouth, then shut it again. Of course he would. The company would probably pay her airfare and keep her on full pay indefinitely!
She felt cornered. She’d counted on having more time before taking Oliver to Za’daq. A year, perhaps.
‘I need to sort out a passport for Oliver.’
‘No problem. I can expedite that.’
Tori stared up at the big man holding their son and unease slipped down her spine. She reached out and took Oliver, hugging him close before putting him in his cot. The comfort of his tiny body against hers eased her nerves. No one would steal her son. Yet she took her time, trailing her knuckle over his satiny cheek, feeling her heart lurch as he turned towards her touch.
Breathing deep, she straightened. ‘You’ve already made enquiries, haven’t you?’
Ashraf’s expression confirmed it.
‘You haven’t got him a passport already?’
‘I cannot without your consent. But my staff have checked with the Australian authorities and there’s no problem.’ He paused. ‘I cancelled my schedule to come here but I need to return soon. We can leave tomorrow.’
‘Tomorrow!’ Tori crossed her arms over her body, holding in rising panic. ‘That’s impossible.’
He spread his hands in a gesture that might have seemed apologetic if not for the look of satisfaction on his face. ‘One of the perks of being a visiting head of state...’ His expression grew sombre. ‘You don’t appear happy to have these impediments removed. Didn’t you mean it about bringing Oliver to Za’daq?’
‘Of course I did.’ She rubbed her hands up her arms. ‘I just didn’t expect things to move so fast. And...’ She chewed her lip.
‘And...? Something’s bothering you? What is it?’ His gaze probed. ‘Tell me, Tori. I can’t deal with the problem if I don’t know what it is.’
She hitched a breath. ‘I feel you’re taking control. As if I have no say. That makes me wonder how much power I’ll have in Za’daq.’ She angled her chin. ‘Whether you’ll have the power to take Oliver from me there.’