Page 37 of At the Sheikh's Command
The guide looked at her in surprise. “You know this?”
“Dr. Cooper is an expert on the subject,” said Darrius.
“You are Dr. Cooper? Dr. Leonora Cooper?” asked the guide, visibly impressed.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself.”
“But you needed none of my information. Your reputation precedes you.”
“It was very interesting,” she said, not wanting him to feel foolish. “You are very well informed.”
“You may leave us now,” said Darrius to the guide, who hurried away, obviously embarrassed.
“You were saying it was calledSalsabil?” asked Darrius.
“That’s right. The fountain in paradise. The Qur’an has many references to gardens as an earthly paradise,” she continued. “And poets often describe water as semi-precious stones.”
He smiled. “Ah, so I was correct in my surmise that it is here you imagine you will find the diamond.” He shook his head. “Don’t you think we would have found it if it were here?”
“Maybe. Maybe not. But there are a number of references that fit, as does the timing.” She shrugged. “All I know is that sometimes what you seek is right in front of your eyes.”
“Indeed.”
There was something in the way he said it which made her shift her gaze from the central fountain to him. He wasn’t looking at the fountain, but at her.
“It seems,” he continued, “that this is something we both understand. Then why is it so difficult for you to believe?”
She knew what he was saying but refused to allow him to change the subject to the personal. Not now. Not while she was here, in a place which could make everything come right.
“In that elevated place of sensual indulgence, you shall find what you seek in the eye of heaven,”she murmured, looking up at the fountain.“I believe Lord Gleave was referring to this garden, which was known as the eye of heaven, where for centuries rulers of this kingdom enjoyed all the sensuality that was on offer. It fits, Darrius, I know it does.” When she turned to look at him, she wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but she certainly hadn’t expected such a grim look of disbelief.
“And this is all you care about?” he said, shaking his head. He indicated the fountain with a sweep of his hand. “Nothing else?”
She didn’t want this conversation. Not now. Not ever.
“Really?” he pressed.
“Please, I…” The words stuck in her throat.
He shook his head and walked away.
“Darrius!”
He didn’t miss a step.
“Darrius!”
CHAPTER18
Leonora was frozen to the spot, his words repeating in her brain.
Was her career all she cared about? Was it?
If it was, what did it matter that he walked away? He’d brought her here, the place she’d been imagining for years. It could be the answer to her dreams. So what if he walked away?
But then he turned a corner and disappeared and she let out a groan of despair and ran after him. But when she reached the place where he’d disappeared, there was no sign of him. She turned a full circle, looking down the various paths which he might have chosen. The ancient fruit trees, full of blossom, obscured her vision. But then she saw a flash of white.
“Darrius!” she cried out, following him at a run.
