"Hold onto me," he ordered.
She wrapped her arms around his torso, feeling the pent up strength there, sensing the power in his body. It was just as well it was almost dark. It wouldn't do for Rashid to see the change in the color of her cheeks as she tightened her hold on his body.
Sudden relief flooded through her. He was going to save her. Rashid was going to take her away from this place. For a moment, doubt flickered in her mind. But she drew close to him. There was no other option. She had to go with him.
Rashid tightened his grip on the reins. The horse neighed, feeling the weight of the two people on its back. Nicole heard the pounding of feet on sand, and two men appeared around the side of the tent. The last thing she saw before the horse reared and raced off into the darkness was the startled look in the men's faces.
Nicole held onto Rashid, feeling the raw strength as he strained to control the horse as it pounded its way up the side of the dune.
The horse paused at the top of the dune and Nicole glanced down. Pandemonium had broken outin the encampment. They knew she was escaping. And they knew it was Rashid who was taking her away.
Then the horse lurched forward into the darkness and she held on tight to Rashid. The man who had decided to become her savior, and the man about whom she knew virtually nothing.