“It’s an ancient law,” Mackenzie said finally. It was at least as ancient as the one proscribing the punishment for damaging the mosque. “It hasn’t been enforced in a long time, but that won’t be a problem. In fact, it’ll be the perfect solution.”
“Will it?”
“Neither country will get an advantage,” Mackenzie said simply. “The NGO owns the land, so they can hire guards from both countries to protect the site. The women’s shelter will be secure. And the rest of the land will no longer be an issue. Al-Madiza and Al-Dashalid can both post forces there, if they like. But they won’t be fighting over the fort any longer.”
Sahr clapped her hands. “So that’s that.”
“That’s that.” Mackenzie stretched and stood, going over to the window to watch the sun setting over the city. “There’s only one thing left to do.”
“What’s that?”
“I have to present this to both Issam and my brother-in-law. I’ll have to tell them that neither one will be getting any advantage over the other regarding the land; they have to work together.”
Sahr came to stand beside her, and for a moment they looked silently out at the ancient buildings sprawled before them. The city had seemed close and threatening to Mackenzie a few minutes before, but now that the problem of the women’s shelter was very nearly put to rest, she felt a strange twist of affection for Al-Dashalid. Nothing had turned out the way she thought it would. But then again, when did it ever?
“Men don’t often like to be presented with a choice like that,” Sahr mused.
“They won’t have much of a choice. The fort belongs to the NGO. And Issam doesn’t want to go to war. I doubt my brother-in-law does either. So…” Mackenzie felt it again—that prickling sensation. “There it is again.”
“There’s what?”
She put her hand on the back of her neck. “I have the strangest feeling, like someone is watching me. All the time. It’s creepy.”
“Oh,” said Sahr. “Someone’s definitely watching you.”
“What?”
Al-Dashalid’s best florist laughed. “Haven’t you noticed the patrol cars? Or the bodyguards blending in in the lobby?”
“No, I—I guess I haven’t been looking. I haven’t been out much.”
Sahr gestured toward the top of the nearest building. There was a flash of black—someone moving quickly behind the ledge. “The palace has sent security to watch over us. I don’t think they’re ever off duty.”
“Unbelievable,” Mackenzie breathed. Her heart picked up the pace. Maybe Issam did still care for her. Maybe he cared for her more than he had let on, and that was why he was still sending his men to make sure she was safe.
Or maybe it was the opposite.
Mackenzie fought against a sick sense of dread. Maybe he was only making sure that she was still in the country so that her punishment could be carried out.
No. That couldn’t be it. She thought of his hands on her body, and despite her fear, she felt a rush of desire. Surely, that’s not what Issam was doing.
Sahr turned away from the window first. “Are you hungry? I was thinking of ordering in.”
“I would love that,” Mackenzie said, mind racing.
“Are you sure? I haven’t even said what I’d order,” Sahr said with a laugh.
“I’ll love it, I’m sure.”
“It’s okay, you know.”
“What’s okay?” She turned to the florist, who had already pulled out her phone and prepared to order dinner.
“That he’s on your mind like this.”
“Our—” Mackenzie waved a hand in the air. “I wasn’t thinking of Issam. Only plans for the shelter, and how much we have to—”
“Never give up hope,” Sahr said. Then, “Hello? Yes, I’d like to place an order for delivery…”