She waited but he said no more. Should she walk away, preserve her heart and find sanctuary elsewhere?
Or was it too late?
Had she already gone too far?
Fear spiked, pinioning her where she stood.
‘Jacqueline?’ His hands tightened on her arms.
It should have made no difference but she couldn’t help thinking how much she’d miss the sound of him saying her name in that deep, honeyed-coffee voice if she left.
‘I’ll think about it.’ She bit her lip, knowing she prevaricated.
Asim frowned. Clearly he wanted more.
So did she. Badly.
Finally he released her. Instantly she felt bereft. How could she want his touch even as she feared it was wrong to stay?
‘Think about it here. We’ll stay a few days and I’ll show you the desert.’
Jacqui goggled. ‘A few days? You can’t do that. What about your meetings? Your schedule?’ Any idea she might have harboured about his royal role being a sinecure had been shattered by the sight of his daily schedule. Often he didn’t stop work till late evening.
Which meant the time he’d devoted to her really had been precious.
Perhaps she was being naïve, expecting more when she already had so much.
‘I’d planned some down time after last night’s celebration. There will be some appointments to move and arrangements to make if we’re to stay here.’ Already he was pulling out his phone. ‘Leave it to me.’
* * *
The sun was setting, its peach and cinnamon blaze gilding the oasis as they rode back from the desert.
Jacqui’s blood tingled under her skin from excitement and exertion. Her mare snorted and she laughed in sheer delight.
‘I knew you’d make a good horsewoman.’
‘Sweet talker!’ She turned to Asim, so at ease in the saddle beside her. He looked relaxed, his smile making something flutter high and hard in her chest.
How precious this day had been. She didn’t want it to end. ‘I suspect your teaching, and the fact you chose such a well-mannered horse, had something to do with it.’ She leaned forward, whispering to the mare. ‘You wouldn’t let me fall, would you?’
‘You underestimate yourself. With more practice, you’ll be a very good rider.’
Jacqui smiled. ‘The only thing that will surprise me is if I can walk when I dismount. I suspect I’m going to be stiff and sore from my first ride.’
‘Don’t worry. A warm bath and a slow massage will do the trick. I’ll take care of it personally.’ Asim’s eyes glowed with promise and Jacqui didn’t have it in her to argue. Under that look she melted, her very bones liquefying.
All day he’d kept his distance and all day she’d chafed at his restraint.
So much for caution.
They’d spent the day exploring the faded finery of the royal pavilion—a sprawling building designed for short retreats. They’d swum in oasis pools and explored caves in a nearby hill where archaeologists had found evidence of an ancient settlement. They’d picnicked lavishly by the oasis, courtesy of staff who’d driven from the city to make the old place comfortable. Then Asim had given her a riding lesson on the most beautiful Arab mare.
‘It’s been a magical day, Asim. Thank you!’
‘I’m glad you’ve enjoyed yourself.’ The warmth in his expression made the air catch in her throat.
Her resolve to keep her distance had shattered as they’d shared their day. Somehow that proved more intimate than love-making, especially after their campfire revelations. The last twenty-four hours, even Asim’s accusations and apology, had drawn them closer.
Jacqui couldn’t stop wondering if for Asim, too, this was more than a fling, more than convenient sex.
Had it ever been that for her? She’d tried to tell herself so, but from the first this had been about far more than simple need. It was all about Asim and the wondrous way he made her feel.
They stopped by the stables and Asim swung down, passing his reins to a servant.
‘Let me help you.’ Moments later she was in his arms, pressed to the steady beat of his heart. His eyes met hers and Jacqui knew it was useless to pretend. She’d crossed the point of no return weeks ago, possibly the night Asim had first made love to her, all the while lavishing her with praise and whispered endearments.
Or perhaps it had been earlier, when she’d seen him with Lady Rania, proud yet patient and protective, revealing an emotional bond that told her he was a man capable of caring deeply.
Or even when they’d argued about her being in the palace—having access to things that had never been shared with an outsider. There was something about sparring with Asim that made her feel vibrantly alive.