Diamond in the Desert

‘I’ve got an idea,’ Sharif said quietly as he released her.

‘What?’ she said cautiously.

‘I’d like you the think about working in Kareshi as well as Skavanga— Don’t look so shocked, Britt. We live in a small world—’

‘It’s not that.’ Her heart had leapt at the thought, but she still doubted herself, doubted her capabilities, and wondered if Sharif was just saying this to make her feel better.

‘It’s not that—’ Her heart had leapt at the thought, even as doubt crowded in that for some reason Sharif just wanted to make her feel better.

‘I have always encouraged people to break down unnecessary barriers so they can broaden their horizons in every way. I’m keen to develop talent wherever I find it, and I’d like you to think about using your interpersonal skills more widely. I know you’ve always concentrated on Skavanga Mining in the past, and that’s good, but while I’m away— Well, please just agree to think about what I’ve said—’

‘I will,’ she promised as Sharif moved towards the door.

‘One month, Britt. I’ll send the jet.’

Anything connected with Sharif was a whirlwind, Britt concluded, her head still reeling as he left the room. He ruled a country— He was a warrior. He was a lover, but no more than that. But Sharif had placed his trust in her, and had put her back in charge of Skavanga mining where she could protect the interests of the people she cared about.

A month, he’d said? She’d better get started.

* * *

He had to give her time, he reasoned. He would see Britt again soon—

A month—

He consoled himself with the thought that in between times he could sort out his country and his companies—

To hell with all of it!

Without Britt there was nothing. He’d known that on the flight when every mile he put between them was a mile too far. Without Britt there was no purpose to any of this. What was life for, if not to love and be loved?

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

A MONTH WAS a long time in business, and Britt was surprised at how many of the changes were good. With new blood came new ideas, along with fresh energy for everyone concerned to fire off. The combination of ice and fire seemed to be working well at Skavanga Mining. The Kareshis brought interesting solutions for deep shaft mining, while nothing fazed workers in Skavanga who were accustomed to dealing with extreme conditions on a daily basis. Drilling was already under way, and even Britt’s sisters had been reassured by how well everyone was getting on, and how much care, time and money the consortium was putting into preserving the environment. They had always taken their lead from Britt where business was concerned and so when she explained Sharif’s plan to them, they were all for her trip to Kareshi—though their teasing she could have done without.

‘Oh, come off it,’ Eva insisted in Britt’s minimalist bedroom at the penthouse, where the sisters were helping Britt to pack in readiness for the arrival of Sharif’s jet the following day. ‘We’ve seen him now. Don’t tell me you’re not aching to see your desert sheikh again.’

Aching? If a month was a long time in business, it was infinity when it came to being parted from Sharif. ‘He isn’t my desert sheikh,’ she said firmly, ignoring the glances her sisters exchanged. ‘And, for your information, this is a business trip.’

‘Hence the new underwear,’ Leila remarked tongue in cheek.

* * *

Business trip?

Business trip, Britt told herself firmly as the limousine that had collected her from the steps of the royal flight, no less, slowed in front of the towering, heavily ornamented golden gates that led into the courtyard in front of Sheikh Sharif’s residence in his capital city of Kareshi. She had read during the flight that the Black Sheikh’s palace was a world heritage site, and was one of the most authentically restored medieval castles. To Britt it was simply overwhelming. The size of the place was incredible. It was, in fact, more like a fortified city contained within massive walls.

It was one month since she had last seen Sharif. One month in which to prepare herself for pennants flying from ancient battlements, alongside the hustle and bustle of a thriving modern city—but she could never be properly prepared, if only because the contrast was just too stark. And those contrasts existed in the Black Sheikh himself. Respectful of traditional values, Sharif was a forward-thinker, always planning the next improvement for his country.