Qadir looked at his father and smiled. “You are not. You are annoyed by my refusal to do as you say, but you are secretly pleased that I will stand up to you fearlessly. It reminds you that you are an excellent father and monarch.”
One corner of the other man’s mouth twitched. “Perhaps. But that does not mean I approve of your relationship with Maggie. You will get distracted by her, then decide she will not do. By then it will be too late. You will be interested. So when you send her away, you will not be interested in another woman for months.”
“I do not see that happening,” Qadir said, lying cheerfully. With luck, his plan was going to work perfectly.
Maggie sat in the gardens, her eyes closed, her body absorbing the heat of the sun. It was still early spring, so the temperature wasn’t too hot. Compared to what the weather would be like back in Aspen, with snow and slush everywhere, this was paradise.
Unfortunately her reluctance to go inside had nothing to do with the pleasant surroundings and everything to do with what would happen when she got back to her room.
Before she could persuade herself not to put off calling Jon for another minute, a tall man in traditional clothing swept into the garden. He moved purposefully, taking long strides, his robes swirling behind him. While he was handsome, there was a deep scar on one cheek and an air of power about him. He was not the sort of man Maggie would want to argue with.
When he saw her, he came to a stop.
“An unexpected flower in my father’s garden,” he said.
That made Maggie laugh. “I’m not feeling especially flowery today, but thank you.”
“Who are you?”
“Maggie Collins.”
“Ah, yes. The woman who restores cars.”
While they were guessing identities, she said, “And you would be Kateb, the mysterious brother who lives in the desert.”
Kateb bowed low, then straightened. “Does my brother still speak of me with awe?”
She laughed. “Not so I’d noticed.”
“Then you must listen harder.”
He sat on the stone bench across from hers. Although they were outside and, in theory, not lacking in space, he seemed to fill up an excess of area.
“You are enjoying your time in El Deharia?” he asked.
“Yes. The country is beautiful. I haven’t seen that much of it, but I hope to soon.”
“Perhaps Qadir will show you his favorite places.”
Maggie eyed the other man. Did he know about her deal with Qadir?
“Perhaps,” she murmured.
“Do you often come out to the garden?” he asked.
“No. I’m avoiding something I know I have to do. Not my most mature decision of the day.”
“But you will do what has to be done?”
She sighed, then nodded. “Yes, I’ll do the right thing.”
Kateb stared at her. “Do you always?”
“It’s usually a goal. Is it the same for you?” she asked, knowing she probably shouldn’t but wanting to ruffle Kateb’s steely composure.
“When it suits me.”
“How convenient.”
“It is. I am Prince Kateb of El Deharia. I do as I please.”
She laughed. “My father would say you’re the kind of man whose mouth is writing checks the rest of him can’t cash, but in your case, I’m going to guess you’re telling the truth.”
“Your father sounds like a sensible man.”
“He was.” She stood. “It was nice to meet you, Prince Kateb of El Deharia. If you’ll excuse me, I have a phone call to make.”
“The one you’ve been avoiding?”
She nodded.
He rose and bowed again. “I have enjoyed our conversation, Maggie Collins. My brother is more fortunate than he realizes.”
Maggie watched the clock, then at the appointed time, she picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. She and Jon had e-mailed back and forth to set up the call. She’d told him speaking with him was important but hadn’t said why.
“Maggie,” he said when he answered. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“I’ve been worried.”
“I said everything was okay.”
“I know, but I couldn’t think of why you’d need to talk to me unless something was wrong. Is everything all right there? Do you need anything?”
She needed to be able to turn back time and undo that single night, she thought sadly. Or did she? Although she was terrified about being pregnant and had no idea what the next seven and a half months would bring, she couldn’t bring herself to regret the baby.
“I’m doing great,” she told him. “Work on the car is going well. I’m enjoying the country. It’s different but wonderful. Plus I’m living in a palace. How often does that happen?”
“Are you sure? I could probably get some time off and come get you.”
She frowned. “Jon, I can take care of myself.”
“I’m not convinced.”
Wait a minute. How long had he seen her as incapable? She sure didn’t like that.
“You should be. I’m a big girl. All grown-up. Let’s change the subject. How’s Elaine?”
There was a moment of silence. She wasn’t sure if he didn’t want to let go of how she might need him or if he was uncomfortable talking about Elaine.
“She’s fine.”