Page 23 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

"A cowardly act," Hakim snorted.

"But one that is recognized under our tribal rules," Rashid replied in a matter-of-fact voice.

"You always were one to hide behind the rules, Rashid," Hakim said sharply.

"I do nothing more than you, Hakim. I do what I think is best. The only difference between you and I, is that I don't act with my base lusts in mind."

Hakim's eyes widened and he took a few steps toward Rashid.Once again, Rashid merely held his gaze on Hakim, refusing to move back from the gate. "How dare you say that," Hakim exclaimed.

"I can see why you thought Nicole would be a suitable wife for yourself," Rashid said. "She seems to be your perfect target. Beautiful and trusting. You obviously did a good job lying to her."

Hakim smiled sardonically. "And now you have her safe in your own palace. You aren't as different from me as you think, Rashid," Hakim sneered.

Rashid shook his head. "That's where you're wrong. Nicole is going to be perfectly safe here."

"Really?" Hakim scowled. "Why don't I believe you?"

Rashid shrugged. "I'm a man of my honor, Hakim. That's the real difference between you and I. If I say Nicole is going to be safe here for the duration of the trial, then I mean exactly that."

"The trial," Hakim said evenly. "You're invoking the trial, then?" he asked.

Rashid paused. Was he really doing that? He'd tried to avoid answering Nicole's pressing questions earlier during their journey to his palace. Rashid had felt bad not telling her the true consequences of his actions; what he had to do now that he had made a claim on her by taking her away from Hakim.

Because that was exactly what Rashid had done by abducting Nicole from Hakim's encampment.

Rashid had made a counter claim on Nicole. A claim that immediately invoked a period of testing. A trial. It sounded so harsh when described like that, Rashid told himself. But that was exactly what it was.

He thought about what the trial really meant, and tried to dismiss it as a barbaric, primitive legacy. It was, in many respects, but it was the only way Nicole would be safe in the palace. The only way he could guarantee her safety and protection.

Rashid thought about those tempting images in his mind earlier. Was he setting himself up for seven days of torment? He would keep his word. Nicole would be safe in his palace. But, would Rashid be able to resist the temptations of the beautiful American?

Rashid peered at Hakim. Rashid leaned close to the gate's metal bars and looked at Hakim.

When Rashid spoke it was with a calm, certain voice. Hakim had to understood that Rashid was absolutely serious about seeing this through. "I claim Nicole," he said to Hakim.

Hakim's brows furrowed. There was a sudden burning anger in Hakim's eyes. Rashid saw Hakim's jaw tighten and his fists became white-knuckled balls.

Hakim breathed out heavily. There were a few moments when Rashid was unsure about whether Hakim would be able to control himself. The man who stood before Rashid hardly resembled the sophisticated, urbane sheikh who inhabited the high society world of Qazhar city. Now, Hakim looked like a barbarian from the past.

Rashid wondered what people would think of Hakim if they could see him like this. They would be shocked and appalled. But Rashid wasn't surprised by the transformation. He knew what Hakim was really like.

Deciding to test Hakim, Rashid pulled on the gate and opened it up fully. Rashid stepped through the open gates and stood a few paces from Hakim. "You heard what I said, Hakim," Rashid said.

At first Hakim seemed surprised that Rashid had emerged from the confines of his palace. A tightening of Hakim's shoulders hinted at a reaction, but it was quickly contained. Hakim grinned cruelly. His gaze drifted down the length of Rashid's tall frame.

Hakim nodded. "I heard what you said, Rashid."

"And?"

Hakim sighed. Rashid could tell that Hakim knew there was nothing he could do. The rules Hakim had invoked to try and force Nicole to become his bride, were the same ones Rashid had now invoked to keep her safe. At least for seven days.

And nights.

"You agree?" Rashid asked sharply.

Hakim shoulders slumped visibly. He nodded. "Seven nights."

That was it. By speaking those words, Hakim had conceded. For now, at least. They both understood what it meant.

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