Page 38 of At the Sheikh's Command
He continued walking.
“Darrius,” she said again, breathless now she’d caught up with him. “Please.” She reached out and gripped his arm.
He stopped and drew in a deep breath.
“Please, don’t go, Darrius. We’ve come this far. I need to see it through.”
“See what through, exactly? You’re chasing after a phantom, Leonora. And I don’t know why.”
“Because it’ll give me everything I want.”
His face darkened. “And what is it you desire so much?”
“A career where I’m respected.”
His lip curled. “Is thatallyou want?”
“Yes,” she whispered, unable to make her voice sound more forceful.
“You don’t sound sure. What about things most women want—families, children, love… a husband?” he said finally.
“I don’t want a family. No children.” Not ever, she thought to herself.
“Yes, you do. We used to talk about the children we would have together. It’s a wonder you didn’t fall pregnant before, when we were young and careless.”
She moved away, hurrying back to the central fountain. She wanted to focus on her work, on the diamond. She didn’t want to be forced to think about all that she had lost.
He sighed and followed her as she looked up at the magnificent fountain.
“You think the diamond is connected with the fountain,” he said quietly.
“Yes,” she said, shielding her eyes from the light with her hand. “I do.”
“Why would it be here? Why not in the throne, in a vault, anywhere but here?”
“What better place? Hidden by the water.”
“You really believe Lord Gleave didn’t take the opportunity presented to him and steal it?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Why not?”
“Truly? Because I… I can’t believe that someone who cared for such treasures could simply take them away.”
“He did with other treasures.”
She pressed her lips together ruefully. She knew it and couldn’t contradict him. But this was the Bahr Al Noor diamond they were talking about. This represented the heart of this unique country. Surely the great Lord Gleave wouldn’t rip out its heart and take it like a conqueror to a far-off land?
“I think it’s here,” she said stubbornly.
“Where?”
She pointed to the top.
“And how do you plan to check out your theory? Clamber up the side?”
“If I have to.” She hadn’t come this far to walk away now.
