Lost to the Desert Warrior

‘We will all ensure that she is protected as much as possible. She will receive a warm welcome from all of us and that will help.’

But would that be enough?

‘She isn’t used to crowds.’

‘If you sense she is bothered by it then of course you must leave early,’ Mal said immediately. ‘No one will be offended. Come up here and spend some time alone. My staff will serve you dinner—anything you need, just ask. You are like a brother to me. I hope you know that.’

Quiet words, but spoken with such sincerity that they unlocked something inside him.

‘I do know that. For the past decade you’ve—’

‘You would have done the same for me.’ Mal cut him off before he could express his thanks. ‘I am glad you’ve found Layla.’

‘She’s never danced before. Can you imagine that?’ His tone raw, Raz lifted a hand and pressed his fingers to his forehead. ‘Her life was nothing like I imagined it to be.’

He thought of two small girls, huddled together while they listened to the dogs approaching. Had an image of the scar on her arm where those dogs had come too close. Knowing how hard it had been for her to share that with him, he had no intention of sharing it with anyone else.

‘Having met both her father and Hassan on a few occasions I prefer to forget, I have no trouble believing you.’

‘She has no idea how to enjoy herself. I don’t think she knows who she really is.’

Mal hesitated and then reached out and squeezed his shoulder. ‘Give her time. Her life has changed overnight. She has lived with people she couldn’t trust, so it will inevitably take a while for her to realise she can trust you. It must be a relief to her to be living with you after the life she has led.’

Was it? He realised that since this whole thing began he’d barely thought further than his own needs. ‘I have no idea how she feels about living with me,’ Raz said honestly.

Mal raised an eyebrow. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think you underestimate your qualities. Not that I claim to be an expert on the minds of women, as my wife is always swift to point out.’

His wry tone made Raz smile. ‘Your wife is an amazing woman.’

‘She is pregnant.’ Mal spoke the words in a rough tone tinged with male pride and then gave a half smile. ‘I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone that.’

‘Congratulations.’ It was Raz’s turn to reach out. ‘I’m pleased for you both.’

‘I’d rather you didn’t—’

‘I won’t mention it.’

‘Good, because I would be in serious trouble. There will be a public announcement in due course.’

‘I shall look suitably surprised.’

Mal glanced towards the door. ‘I am the host. I should go downstairs and greet the early arrivals. Join me?’

They walked into the opulent ballroom together and Avery immediately walked up to Raz and kissed him on both cheeks.

‘It’s good to see you, my friend.’

Dressed in ivory silk, she looked stunning and Raz smiled. ‘And it is good to see you. Thank you for looking after Layla.’

‘I love her,’ Avery said simply. ‘She’s the kindest, most sweet-natured person. And very, very beautiful—but of course you’ve already noticed that because you’re a man. She’s nervous, so please say the right thing when you see her. And if you need help working out what that is, don’t be afraid to ask.’

Raz didn’t respond. He was looking over Avery’s shoulder to Layla, who was dressed like something from the Arabian Nights. Her dress was midnight-blue shot with silver, high at the neck, cut narrow at the waist. Her hair fell in a smooth sheet, dark as ink over the shimmering fabric. Her beautiful eyes were accentuated by subtle make-up.

‘And just in case you’re that guy who never asks for help, the word you’re looking for is stunning,’ Avery murmured, and then took Mal’s arm and guided him towards the arriving guests, leaving Raz alone with a shimmering, dazzling version of Layla.

She looked at him through the dark sweep of those thick eyelashes that had caught his attention from the first moment he’d seen her.

‘Did your meetings go well?’

She sounded composed but he saw the uncertainty in her face and knew that Avery was right about her being nervous.

His mouth on those lips, Raz struggled to focus. ‘Very well. And I see you and Avery had a busy afternoon.’