CHAPTER TWELVE
FOURDAYSLATERAshraf’s words still echoed in Tori’s ears. She recalled each nuance, the deep cadence of his voice, the searing look in those impossibly dark eyes, the feel of his hands, hard and warm but so gentle, clasping hers.
He’d made her feel cared for.
Special.
Tori bit her lip. She’d never been special to anyone except her mother. It was a strange feeling, both wonderful and nerve-racking.
Ifshe believed him.
That wasn’t fair. Shedidbelieve Ashraf. He meant every word. Tori had no doubt his intentions were good. But would good intentions be enough when his heart wasn’t engaged? For, despite the shivery excitement his words, his look, his intensity had conjured in her, it was impossible to believe that after spending just a few short weeks together the King of Za’daq had fallen in love with her.
And without love how could she commit to marriage? She knew what a lack of love did to a family.
Yet Ashraf wasn’t her father. He’d told her that but she’d known it from the first. Ashraf was—
‘What’s taking you so long, Tori? Do you need help with the zip?’
Azia’s voice came from the bedroom, jerking Tori into the present. She blinked and took in the unfamiliar image in the mirror. It had been so long since she’d dressed up she barely recognised herself. And she’d never looked as she did in this dress.
‘Just coming,’ she called, smoothing her palms down the black velvet. It was reassuringly soft...like Ashraf’s voice when they made love.
The thought sent another flurry of nerves jittering through her. Instead of making life easier, abstinence from sex had left her a wreck. The wanting hadn’t stopped. It grew stronger daily. Especially since she knew Ashraf slept in the room neighbouring her own bedroom, connected to hers by a single closed door.
She caught her wide eyes in the mirror and dragged in air. This wouldn’t do. She couldn’t think about that if she was going to get through tonight’s reception.
Smartly she stepped across the tiled floor and opened the door to the bedroom, sweeping in, her long skirts flaring. Azia waited, looking fabulous in the shimmery lime-green that complemented her sable hair and dark eyes.
‘Ah...’ Azia drew the syllable out, gesturing for Tori to turn. Obediently she did. When she faced her friend again, Azia nodded. ‘Perfect. You’ll stun them all.’
‘That’s what I’m afraid of.’ Tori grimaced. ‘You’re sure it’s not too much?’
‘Too much?’ Azia laughed. ‘You’re the guest of one of the richest men on the planet. How much is too much?’
‘Well, the glitter, for a start. Though I love the silver embroidery. It’s exquisite.’
Azia nodded. ‘It’s some of the best work I’ve seen, especially given how little time they had to make it.’
The dress had been made by a friend of Azia’s, a designer just starting her own business with a couple of seamstresses.
‘I wouldn’t change a thing.’
‘It’s not too revealing?’
Tori had wondered about that, but left the detail to the designer, who’d been so excited and grateful to make a gown for a formal court event. Tori had told herself a local designer would know what was appropriate in Za’daq. But the narrow silver straps over her shoulders left a lot of bare flesh.
‘Does itfeelrevealing?’
Tori shook her head. It felt wonderful. If she weren’t so nervous she’d feel like Cinderella heading for the ball. She’d never possessed a dress so glamorous, or one that made her feel beautiful.
‘Of course it doesn’t.’ Azia’s tone was firm. ‘The neckline’s not too low and though the dress is contoured to your body it’s not tight. You look sophisticated and elegant. I can’t wait to see the look on Ashraf’s face.’
The thought of him washed heat across Tori’s cheeks but Azia, bless her, pretended not to notice.
‘I’m glad you chose black instead of the deep red. It’s perfect with your colouring. Besides,’ she added with a twinkle, ‘you can wear red for the next one. Or maybe that gorgeous kingfisher-blue we saw.’
Tori smiled automatically but her heart wasn’t in it. Would therebea next time? She remembered Ashraf talking about having her horse shipped to Australia. And he hadn’t pressed her again to accept marriage.