CHAPTER SIX
TWODAYSLATERTori peered through the window of Ashraf’s private jet, taking in tawny desert plains far below and misty blue-smudged mountains in the distance.
If it wasn’t for the high ridge of mountains this might be central Australia’s vast arid zone. But the tension prickling her skin belied the comparison.
This was where she’d been kidnapped.
Where those men—
Ashraf’s hand covered hers where it gripped the armrest. His touch quelled the shudder ripping through her.
‘Okay, Tori?’
She wasn’t. She’d told herself she could do this, that it was right to do this. But at the sight of the desert she felt terrifying memories stir. Distress prickled the back of her eyes and she feared she’d lose the exquisitely prepared meal she’d just eaten.
‘Of course.’ She blinked, keeping her focus on the view as the shudder reduced to a rippling undercurrent of unease. ‘It can’t be long till we land.’
Ashraf said nothing. He must have registered her anxiety, yet instead of pulling back and following her lead in the change of subject he leaned closer, his warmth penetrating through her jacket and shirt.
Tori caught her bottom lip, stunned at how needy she felt for more. Even now, when fraught memories threatened her fragile composure.
Ashraf’s breath caressed her cheek as he pointed to the mountains in the distance. ‘Those foothills mark the border territory between Za’daq and Assara. You were abducted there, then brought to the encampment on this side of the border.’
Tori didn’t want to think about it. Yet she craned towards the window.
‘Then you crossed back into Assara. No wonder we couldn’t find a trace of you. If you’d worked in Za’daq we’d at least have been able to identify you through your work visa.’
Tori wasn’t interested in unmarked borders or the state of record-keeping in the neighbouring country of Assara. She stared at the sharply folded hills and her stomach swooped.
‘The people there are very poor,’ he went on. ‘That’s one of the reasons I’m considering allowing mineral exploration in the region.’
‘Mining doesn’t necessarily lead to money for the locals. Some are employed for minimum wages but most companies bring in their own expertise.’
She worked in the industry but that didn’t mean she was blind to its flaws.
‘It depends on the terms negotiated,’ Ashraf responded. ‘Nothing will be endorsed unless it provides decent local employment and infrastructure. Profits will be channelled into regional initiatives.’
Tori blinked. In her experience profits went to wealthy investors, making them wealthier.
‘That’s very admirable.’
His fingers tightened, reminding her that he still held her hand. Then he withdrew, leaving her feeling ridiculously bereft.
‘You thought my interest was for personal gain?’ Ashraf’s lovely deep voice sounded different. Distant. Or perhaps affronted.
‘No.’ She swung round to meet his stare. ‘I—’
‘It’s fine, Tori.’
Though when he said her name it wasn’t with the warmth she’d become accustomed to.
‘It’s what many will think—that I’m looking for riches to spend on myself rather than the public good.’
No mistaking his bitterness.
‘But contrary to popular opinion my focus is my people, not myself.’
She was intrigued—not only by his words but also by the hint of vulnerability she’d sensed at his withdrawal. It belied the haughty cast of his expression.