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“I am so glad you are here,” Kale told her softly, watching her green eyes darken to a deep green as he continued to trace his fingertips lightly over her palm.
“Me..,” Shira began, clearing her throat when she heard the huskiness in it, “Me too. I can’t wait to see your Jawhara.”
“I can’t wait to show it to you. Unfortunately, it is nighttime so we will have to wait until tomorrow to go sightseeing.”
“Okay. I want to see the desert, and ride a camel, and…”
Kale laughed, “And you shall do all of those things. But first, I want you to rest and get over your jetlag. If you are wanting to ride a camel, I want to be sure you will not fall asleep on its back. Camel’s can be very temperamental, and one must be on their guard when riding one.”
Shira wasn’t sure she wanted to ride one by herself, “Couldn’t you ride with me? Like when they teach children to ride a horse?”
“Is that how you learned to ride a horse, habibiti?”
Shira shook her head, “I’ve never ridden a horse. They’re not exactly abundant in the city.”
“Never ridden a horse? Oh, little one, riding a camel is going to be an adventure. We will need to start with a short ride.”
“Why?” Shira questioned, not understanding the logic behind his comment.
“You will understand once you have ridden one. We will schedule a lesson as soon as you are settled.”
“Great! What else?”
Kale told her of the other places and things he wanted to show her as the plane began its descent. When he felt the wheels touch down, he released her hand, composing himself for the interview with his brother he knew was coming.
He had left Jawhara with the intentions of bringing back a team of six from the states; instead, he was returning with a single female, one his brother knew had Khalil’s undivided attention. His thoughts turned to the conversation he’d had with his brother several days ago.
Kamal had asked his younger brother some tough questions about his intentions towards his little American. Khalil had shared with his brother how much he liked what he knew about Shira Malone and that he intended to make her his bride.
Kamal had nodded and reminded him that according to protocols, Khalil was not able to marry until his brother had taken a bride. When Khalil had inquired about when that might happen, he had been informed that Kamal had every intention of marrying Shira’s cousin at his earliest opportunity. Khalil had been thrilled and set in place the plans that had led them to their current situation – Shira on a plane getting ready to land in Jawhara.
Chapter 5
Shira watched out the limousines windows as the car pulled away from the airport. It was nighttime, but she could see the palace as they approached, lit up like a diamond in the night sky.
The tropical plants and palms trees gave her the feeling of being in a tropical paradise and she only hoped that on the morrow, in the brightness of the day, the images in her head were brought to life.
As the car pulled up to the palace, Kale assisted her from the vehicle and she stood for a moment, breathing in the fragrant smells of the flowers that surrounded the lush gardens. She wished it were daylight so she could fully appreciate the sights, but there would be plenty of time for that later.
“Come. I will show you to our rooms.”
Our rooms? Shira was tired, but not too tired that she didn’t pick up on the significance of his verbal slip. She glanced at him quickly, only to see him turn and issue several orders in Arabic to those who had greeted them.
Placing a hand low on her back, he escorted her into the palace, ushering her up the wide circular staircase and along a several hallways. She tried to take in the splendor of her surroundings, but everything went by too quickly.
Coming to a halt in front of a set of double doors, Kale issued more orders in Arabic to the servants and bodyguards who had accompanied them, and then pushed the doors open to reveal a palatial suite.
Shira stepped over the threshold and stood for several minutes taking it all in. A large fountain took center place amongst the white marble tiles and pillars. Large potted palms was scattered around the foyer and she could see a number of doorways leading to other rooms.
“What is this?” she asked, turning to see Kale leaning against a pillar watching her with hooded eyes.
“This is the family wing of the palace.” Gesturing towards the rooms to the east, he said, “Those doors lead to the Sheikh’s private rooms. The doors on the other side lead to my rooms.”
Shira noticed there was one door directly in front of her, “Where does that door lead?”
“That door leads to the family sitting area and dining area. Kamal and I enjoy eating together as a family. When my parents were still alive, we would eat together every morning and then again each evening. We continue the tradition still.”
“That’s lovely. After my parents died, Uncle Tom and Aunt Patty always made a point to have at least one meal with all of us around the table each day. I missed that after Erin went away to college.”
