'Do you like it?' he said, catching her smile.
She jolted back to full attention, realising that Sharif had been watching her keenly the whole time. 'I think it's magnificent,' she said as a group of men in flowing robes with curving daggers in their belts and prayer beads clicking in their hands bowed low to Sharif.
A hint of cinnamon and some other exotic spices cut the air, a timely reminder of just how far away from home she was, and how they still had quite a few issues to address. She wondered if Sharif would hand her over to some underling soon, leaving their discussions until later. She almost hoped he would to give her chance to get used to this.
'What's amusing you?' he said.
'Just taking it all in,' she said honestly. 'I'm a historic building fanatic,' she admitted, thinking that a safe topic of conversation. 'And this is one of the best I've seen.'
'The main part of the citadel was built in the twelfth century-'
As he went on she realised that Sharif really did mean to be her tour guide. She had no complaints. He was an excellent teacher, as she knew only too well.
He took her into scented gardens while her heart yearned for him to a soundtrack of musical fountains.
'We have always had some of the greatest engineers in the world in Kareshi,' he explained.
And some of the greatest lovers too, she thought. And what else but love could this exquisite courtyard have been designed for? Everything spoke of romance-the intricate mosaic patterns on the floor, the songbirds carolling in the lemon trees, and the tinkling water features. Surely it was the most romantic place on earth?
And as such was completely wasted on her, Britt concluded, as Sharif indicated that they should move on. 'I'll have someone show you your room,' he said.
So that was it. Tour over. Her heart lurched on cue as he raked his wild, unruly hair into some semblance of order. He probably couldn't wait to pass her over to someone else.
'Freshen up and then meet me in ten,' he said.
Oh...
'Unless you're too tired after your journey?'
'I'm not tired.'
'Good. Put something casual on. Jeans-'
She held back on the salute as a group of women clothed in flowing gowns in a multitude of colours appeared out of nowhere. She turned to look over her shoulder as they ushered her away, but Sharif had already gone.
* * *
'These are your rooms,' an older woman, who seemed in charge of the rest, explained as Britt gazed around in wonder.
'All of them?' she murmured.
'All of them,' the smiling woman explained. 'My name is Zenub. If you need anything you only have to ask-or call me.' And when Britt looked surprised, she added, 'This is an ancient building, but we have a very modern sheikh. There is an internal telephone system. This room leads into your dressing room and bathroom,' she explained, opening an arched fretted door that might have been made of solid gold, for all Britt knew. The door was studded with gems that seemed real enough, and probably were, Britt concluded, since Sharif had explained that every original feature inside the citadel had been faithfully restored to its former glory.
She was excited to discover that she had her own inner courtyard, complete with fountain and songbirds. The scent from a cluster of orange trees decorated with fat, ripe fruit was incredible while the fretted walls and covered walkways kept everything cool. It was just the type of place to invite exploration-the type of place to linger and to dream. Perhaps it was just as well she didn't have time.
'There are clothes in the wardrobe, should you need them,' Zenub told her as she ushered the other women out. 'And your suitcase is over here,' she added, indicating a dressing room with yet another glorious display of fresh flowers on one of the low-lying, heavily decorated brass tables. 'Please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything else.'
Britt smiled. 'I will-thank you. And thank you for everything you've done to make me so welcome.'
Amazing didn't quite cover this, Britt reflected as the women left her alone in what amounted to the most fabulous apartment. Every item must have been a priceless treasure, and it was only when she walked into the bathroom and smiled that she saw Sharif's hand in the restoration. The bathroom was state of the art too. There were the high-quality towels on heated rails, as well as fabulous products lined up on the shelves. If the harem pavilion in the desert had been a place of pure pleasure, this was sheer indulgence. It was just a shame she didn't have time to indulge. Another time, she mused ruefully, stepping into the shower.
She showered down quickly and dried off. Tying back her hair, she thought, Sharif stipulated casual, so she tugged on her jeans. A simple white tee and sneakers completed the outfit. A slick of lip gloss and a spritz of scent later and she was ready-for anything, she told herself firmly, leaving the room.
Except for the sight of Sharif wearing a tight black top that sculpted his muscular arms to perfection, and snug-fitting jeans secured by a heavy-duty belt, holding heaven in its rightful place.
And why had she never noticed he had a tattoo before?
She'd been otherwise engaged, possibly?
'Hello,' she managed lamely, while her thoughts ran crazy stupid wild.
'Britt.' He looked her over and seemed pleased. 'You fulfilled the brief.'
'Yes, I did, boss.' She raised her chin and met the dark, appraising stare with a challenging grin.
'Shall we?'
She glanced at the imposing doors, either side of which stood silent guards whose rich, jewel-coloured robes and headdresses reminded her that this was an exciting land full of rich variety and many surprises. But not half as many surprises as the man standing next to her, Britt suspected as they jogged down the steps together. She stopped at the bottom of the steps and did a double take. 'A motorbike?'
Sharif raised a sexy, inky brow. 'I take it you've seen one before?'
'Of course, but-'
'Helmet?'
'Thank you.' She buckled it on.
And yes, there were outriders. And yes, there was an armoured vehicle that might have contained anything from a rocket launcher to a mobile café, but it wouldn't have mattered, because none of the following posse could keep up with Sharif.
Riding a bike was hot without any additional inducements, like jean-clad sheikhs she had to cling to. Sharif was a great rider. She felt safe and yet in terrible danger-in the most thrilling way. By the time he stopped the big machine outside the university he could have had her on the street.
Fortunately, Sharif had more control than she had and led her through the beautifully groomed grounds, explaining that he wanted to talk to her before he introduced Britt to the students.
'You've got another idea,' she guessed.
'You know me so well,' he said, his dark eyes glinting.
I wish, she thought as Sharif ruffled his hair. 'So, what's it about?'
'We've talked about this before, in a way,' he said, perching on a wall and drawing her down beside him. 'If you agree, I'd like you to start thinking about plans to bring our two countries together by arranging exchange trips between students.'
'Is that why you've brought me here?'
'That's one reason, yes. I want you to see where your diamonds are going.'
She couldn't pretend she wasn't excited. Her world had always revolved around Skavanga, but now Sharif was offering her more-so much more and her heart soared with hope.
'You're the best person for the job,' he said. 'You'll be reporting to me, of course-'
'Oh, of course.' She tried to keep it light.
'Don't mock,' he warned.
He touched her cheek as he said this, and stared deep into her eyes. It was impossible to feel nothing. Impossible, but she tried not to show it.
'Your first task is to work on a way for our people to learn about each other's culture.'
And now the dam finally burst and she laughed. 'Birch twig switches and harem tents? That should go down well with the students-'
'Britt-'
'I know. I'm sorry. I think it's a wonderful idea.' And she could tell that it meant a lot to Sharif. This wasn't a whim on his part; this was a declaration of sorts-and maybe the only one she would ever get. But they were close. Deep down she knew this. And she wasn't fooling herself this time, because Sharif was sharing some of the things closest to his heart with her, and when he squeezed her hand and smiled into her eyes, she knew how much this meant to Sharif and was honoured to be a part of it.
'You would have to come back to Kareshi, of course,' he said, frowning.
'Of course,' she said thoughtfully.
'Once the changes have been implemented in Skavanga and everything has settled down here, I want you to tour our universities and colleges with me-art galleries, concert halls and museums. I want to share everything with you, Britt.'