unconsciously putting her palms on his thighs for balance. “I know the crystal is harder than diamonds and impenetrable, but don’t your people, um, get tempted to chip off pieces?”
His voice was rough when he answered, “The people of Zulheil are happy and well cared for. They are not tempted to lose their place in this society for money.
“And the palace is considered sacred. It was carved where it stands by the one who founded Zulheil. Never in the history of our land has anyone discovered another such concentration of the crystal. It’s believed that as long as the palace stands, Zulheil will prosper.”
Hard male muscles flexed under her fingers. Jasmine jerked up her head. Blood rushed through her veins to stain her cheeks bright red. Flustered, she removed her hands and scrambled back into her seat.
“That, Mina,” Tariq said, as they came to a stop in the inner courtyard of the palace, “is something you’re permitted to do at will.”
Hot with a combination of embarrassment and desire, she muttered, “What?”
“Touch me.”
She sucked in her breath. It was clear that while Tariq had been prepared to wait for intimacy when she’d been eighteen, he was no longer so patient.
They stepped out into the heart of the palace complex—a lush garden protected from the outside by curving walls of Zulheil Rose. From where she stood, Jasmine could see a pomegranate tree heavy with fruit in one corner of the garden. A fig tree dominated the other. Bright, luxuriant and glossy flowers spread like a carpet in either direction.
“It’s like a page of the Arabian Nights come to life.” Any second now she expected a peacock to come strutting out.
“These gardens are opened every Friday to my people. At that time I meet with those who would talk with me.”
Jasmine frowned. “Just like that?”
Beside her, Tariq tightened his clasp on her hand, his big body shifting to dominate her field of vision. “You do not approve of my meeting with my people?” The bright sunlight made his hair glitter like black diamonds.
“Not that. From what I’ve read, your people adore you.” Pausing, she turned her head to avoid his penetrating gaze. “I was thinking about your safety.”
“Would you miss me, my Jasmine, if I was gone?” The question escaped Tariq’s iron control, betraying emotions he refused to acknowledge.
“What a thing to ask! Of course I’d miss you.”
Yet she’d walked away from him without a backward look, while he’d bled from the heart. “It has always been done this way in my land. Zulheil is small but prosperous. It will only stay that way if the people are content. None would hurt me because they know I will listen to their concerns.”
“What about outsiders?” Her hand clenched around his.
He was unable to restrain his smile, seeing in her intent expression echoes of the bright young girl who’d claimed his soul. “The minute a foreigner enters our borders, we know.”
“Your driver tried to convince me this was a taxi.” Her gentle laughter was as light as the desert dawn.
At the happy sound, something deep inside Tariq was tempted to awaken. He had ached for her for so long. Ruthlessly, he crushed the urge. This time, he would not give Jasmine either his trust or his heart. Not when the scars from the hurt she’d inflicted in the past had yet to heal.
“Mazeel is a good driver, but not the best of actors.” He looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps.
“Your Highness.” A familiar pair of brown eyes regarded him with barely veiled disapproval. Tariq wasn’t worried. Hiraz might let him see his anger, but his loyalty would keep him silent on what mattered.
“You remember Hiraz.” He nodded at his chief advisor and closest friend, allowing the woman in his arms to turn.
“Of course. It’s nice to see you again, Hiraz.”
Hiraz bowed, his manner stiff and formal. “Madam.”
“Please, call me Jasmine.”
Under Tariq’s hand, her back felt incredibly fragile. He didn’t fight the surge of fierce protectiveness that thundered through him. However angry he was with her, Mina was his to protect. His.
“Hiraz does not approve of my plans concerning you, Mina.” His words were a subtle warning.
“Your Highness, I would speak with you.” Hiraz blinked in understanding, but his stance remained stiff. “Your uncle and his entourage have arrived, as have all the others.”
“And he only calls me Your Highness when he wants to annoy me,” Tariq murmured. “It is not the address of our people.” It took an effort to keep his tone even after the blithely delivered message. The arrival of those who would stand witness to the events of this night, brought his plans one step closer to fruition.
Hiraz sighed and relaxed, unable to continue on in such an unfamiliar way. “So you actually did it.” His gaze settled on Jasmine. “Do you understand what he has planned?”
“Enough.” Tariq made the words an autocratic warning.
Hiraz merely lifted a brow and moved aside. He fell into step beside them as they entered the palace.
“What have you planned?” Jasmine asked.
“I will tell you later.”
“When?”
“Jasmine.” His quiet, implacable tone usually commanded instant obedience.
“Tariq.” At the unexpected echo, he paused and turned, to find Mina scowling up at him.
Hiraz’s chuckle provided welcome respite from the sudden shock of recognizing that Jasmine was no longer the fragile girl of his memories. “I see that she has grown up. Good. She will not be easy to control. You would crush a weak woman.”
“She will do as I say.”
Jasmine wanted to protest at the way they were ignoring her presence, but Tariq’s dark expression stole her faltering courage. He’d humored her in the final minutes of the journey, but the man in front of her was the Sheik of Zulheil. And she didn’t know this powerful stranger.
Inside, the palace was surprisingly comfortable, with nothing ornate or overdone. Light came in through lots of tiny carved windows, bathing the rooms in sunlight lace. Though beautiful, it was very much a home. Jasmine was still admiring her surroundings when a woman dressed in a long flowing dress in a shade of pale green materialized at her elbow.
“You will go with Mumtaz,” Tariq decreed. He lifted their clasped hands and kissed Jasmine’s wrist, his gaze locked with hers. Her blood raced through her body, frenetic with the effect of the simple caress. “I will see you in two hours.” Then he was gone, striding down the corridor with Hiraz.
Three
Mumtaz
