“Someone like Talib?” P J asked, biting her lip as Slade stopped talking and blushed. I just love doing that to him!
“Yes, as a matter of fact. Talib seems to fit every one of my points. Now, Blaine is going to drive you back to the palace. I will see that everything here is wrapped up nice and tight.” He started to walk away, but then turned back to give her a tender look, “Tony would have liked Talib.”
PJ’s eyes widened and tears formed as she stoically sniffed them back. Swallowing, she nodded in acknowledgement of his opinion. Turning to see the chopper fly just out of sight, she wrapped her arms around herself and then lifted her head to the sky. Tony, you really would have liked Talib! He’s a lot like you.
When she heard her name being called by Blaine, she grabbed her personal things and jumped into the vehicle, anxious to get back to the palace and Talib. She was done entertaining any doubts she might have had about a relationship between the two of them. If he was willing to explore their attraction to each other, she was all in!
Chapter 16
PJ jumped from the vehicle, hearing Blaine’s chuckle follow her as she entered the palace and then stopped to listen. Hearing the echo of male voices to her left, she followed the sound, stumbling into a large sitting room a few moments later to see a small gathering of people.
Her eyes searched until they found those of Talib and she visibly relaxed.
Hearing someone enter the room, all eyes had turned to see the identity of the newcomer and Talib had smiled as he watched PJ look around for him and then relax upon finding his gaze. Holding out a hand to her, he called to her, “PJ, come. There is someone I would like you to meet.”
PJ skirted around the others in the room, coming to Talib’s side and wishing she had stopped long enough to clean herself up a bit. She had removed the colorful native robe, but that had left her only in her fatigues and a thin t-shirt. She was feeling very underdressed at the moment and hoped she didn’t have too much sand sticking to her.
Talib saw the self-doubt in her eyes and hurried to dispel it, “I know you’re probably anxious to shower and clean up after such a long night, but I would like to introduce you to Sheikh Kamal before he leaves us.”
PJ heard the excuse he had already prepared for her and smiled gratefully at him. “It’s very nice to meet you, Your Majesty.”
Kamal took the young woman’s hand, noticing that her gaze hadn’t strayed far from Talib’s since she had entered the room. Very interesting! Talib has an admirer! Kissing the back of her hand, he informed her, “I and my family are forever in your debt for your part in rescuing Erin from her kidnapper.”
“I’m so glad things turned out the way they did. Is she going to be alright?” PJ asked, concern in her voice for the lovely young woman who had suffered so much.
Kamal smiled; pleased to see that this woman already had developed feelings for his bride. She will make an excellent companion and security guard for Erin. “She is resting at the moment. The doctor has already been to see her, and other than severe dehydration and a horrible case of morning sickness, she should make a full recovery.”
PJ smiled, “That is good news. I look forward to getting better acquainted with her in the near future.”
“I know that you and my Erin will get along very well. She has been ordered to stay in bed for the next twenty-four hours, so there is no need for you to concern yourself with her well-being until that time.”
PJ smiled her gratitude, “Thank you. I have to confess I can probably sleep most of that.”
Kamal chuckled, “I will have Talib show you to your chambers, that way you two can update each other on security matters at the same time.”
PJ noticed there seemed to a twinkle in his eyes when he offered Talib’s assistance, and as Talib took her elbow and escorted her from the room, she wondered if the Sheikh wasn’t playing matchmaker just a bit.
She didn’t get a Brock to meet the rooms other occupants, but figured there would be plenty of time for that in the days to come.
Talib led her through a series of hallways, and staircases before coming to a stop in front of a double set of doors. Pushing them open, PJ was shocked at the luxury that confronted her. Looking at Talib, she slowly stepped inside the room and looked at the furnishings surrounding her. “There must be some mistake…”
“No mistake. Miss Malone is currently residing in the family apartments with Kamal. The door to your right gives you access to her private sitting room and office area. These rooms are all for your personal use.”
PJ heard him, but was still trying to take everything in. “God, I must be more tired than I realize. All I really want right now is a shower and a bed.”
Talib stepped behind her, laying his hands upon her shoulders and guiding her through the room to the opulent bathroom beyond. Pushing her down to sit on the toilet, he started the bath water, checking the temperature as he went.
“Talib, I am capable of taking my own shower.”
“I am aware of that. At the moment, however, you are dead on your feet. I did not see your luggage, so while you wash the sand from your very lovely person, I
will go in search of something for you to wear to bed once you are done.”
PJ blushed as Talib let his gaze travel over her thin t-shirt, feeling her nipples harden and her breathing quicken. Talib abruptly turned from her, shutting off the water and then backing from the room, “Take a bath. I will knock when I return with a change of clothing.”
PJ nodded, “Okay. My luggage is bright red, if that helps.”
Talib smiled at her, “That helps a lot. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”