‘What was that scene with the Minister for the Interior?’
Tori’s eyebrows pinched. ‘You saw that? I didn’t think anyone had noticed.’
‘That he’d been insulting?’ Again, Ashraf felt fury burn. ‘I don’t think anyone else did—only me and Bram.’
Both had been watching their womenfolk. Yet only Bram had been sure that the women could handle the problem. Ashraf had underestimated Tori.
‘You handled him well. Now, tell me.’
She sighed. ‘He had no idea who Alison was. He saw us laughing and assumed she was simply a friend of mine or Azia’s and therefore unimportant.’
Ashraf had learned tonight that the ambassador had once been posted to Australia. She was an old friend of Tori’s mother.
Tori lifted her shoulders. ‘He made disparaging remarks about court standards slipping since shopkeepers and...and others had been invited to such events. He suggested we leave as we must feel out of place.’
Ashraf understood the reference to shopkeepers. Azia’s parents ran a shop in the main souk. But ‘others’...
‘Others?’ He was sure the colour washing Tori’s face had nothing to do with the fireworks. His jaw clenched. ‘Tell me.’
‘I’ve forgotten his exact words.’
Tori wasn’t a good liar, but before he could call her on it she continued.
‘He lost his air of superiority when I stared him down, mentioning how kind and welcoming most Za’daqis were to guests.’
Ashraf didn’t miss the emphasis onmost.
‘I introduced him to the new ambassador and Alison mentioned that her parents had run a grocery store back in the States.’
Despite his anger, Ashraf laughed. Hospitality was something Za’daqis prided themselves on. The Minister would have hated being called out on his rudeness. ‘I like your friend Alison more and more. Nevertheless, I want to know—’
* * *
Tori put her finger to his mouth, stopping his words. Touching him felt so good. How had she kept her distance this last week?
‘I’d rather forget him. He’s rude and self-opinionated—but you know that.’ She felt Ashraf’s surprisingly soft lips against her flesh and longing shivered through her. And something more profound. ‘Don’t let him spoil what’s been a wonderful night.’
‘Wonderful?’
Eyes gleaming, Ashraf captured her wrist and kissed her palm, turning that shiver into a pounding torrent of awareness.
Tori gulped, her throat closing as she looked into that strong, dear face.
She prided herself on her honesty and her willingness to face facts, no matter how unpalatable. But tonight she realised she’d hidden from the truth.
Far-fetched as it seemed, if she counted on the calendar the time they’d actually spent together, Tori was in love with Ashraf al Rashid.
In love. Not just in lust. Not just admiring of his determination to do right by Oliver and his people or grateful for his understanding of her doubts.
In love.
Totally.
When he’d given her these fabulous earrings and she’d caught his tender look the truth had struck. She’d wondered if his feelings were more deeply engaged than she’d suspected. Had she resisted his proposal so adamantly because she cared too much for him? Because she didn’t want to commit herself till she knew he felt the same way?
The thought of loving Ashraf but never having his love terrified her. It was a roiling wave in her belly whenever she dwelled too long on doubt. But tonight, as she watched him with his people and basked in his attention, she couldn’t hide from her feelings any longer.
If her abduction in the desert had taught her one thing it was to live for the moment. You never knew what was around the corner. Whether you’d have another chance to do what really mattered.