Page 41 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

Thinking about her mother, emotion welled up inside Nicole. It was at times like this that her mother was always a rock to lean on. Her mother would know what to do. She'd always been a source of wisdom and common sense. Nicole definitely needed some of those two things, right now. In spades.

Nicole sat up and sighed. Surely there must be some way she could communicate to her mother that she was safe, Nicole told herself.

Maybe Rashid could do something to help.

Nicole left her suite and made her way downstairs. She found Rashid in the sitting room reading a book.

He looked up when she walked in. "Nicole. How was your rest?" His gaze moved quickly down the length of her body and she drew in a sharp breath trying to control her own treacherous reaction at seeing him again.

"Fine," she said curtly.

Rashid put the book down on the table next to him andstood. "Is there something you want?"

Nicole wrapped her arms around herself and nodded. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

Nicole squinted at Rashid. "Is there any way that I can contact my mom?"

Rashid's brows furrowed. He hesitated before answering. "Why? Is there something wrong?"

Nicole widened her eyes and nodded. "Other than the fact that I'm stuck here and I have a revolting man waiting outside the palace to see if he can marry me." She quirked a brow at Rashid. "Other than those things, I suppose everything's just perfect."

She'd been too snarky with him. His shocked expression confirmed it. Nicole immediately felt bad. He didn't deserve that.

"Look. I know you told me you don't communicate with the outside world much. But, is there any way I can talk with my mom?" she asked.

Rashid peered at Nicole. Could he hear the desperation in her voice? He thought for a few moments and thennodded. "There is," he replied.

"Really?" she exclaimed.

Rashid nodded. "I'll get the satellite phone."

"You have a satellite phone?" she asked.

"I only use it in emergencies. It's the only kind of phone which works out here."

Nicole narrowed her eyes. "And you didn't think to mention it to me?"

"The subject hasn't really come up," he replied. "Until now."

She gave him a look that told him she wasn't too pleased with that answer. But, before she could say anything more, he told her to wait and left the room.

A few minutes later he came back holding a chunky looking cell phone. He handed it to her. She squinted at it, feeling the weight of it in her hand. "How old is this thing?" she asked.

He frowned at her. "It works. That's all that matters," he said. "I'll leave you to it," he added striding toward the door.

He paused at the door and turned to her. "Will you join me for dinner tonight?"

"Dinner?"

Rashid nodded. "On the terrace." He grinned. "Under the stars."

Nicole laughed quietly. How could she refuse such an offer? "What time?"

"Eight," he said.

"Okay," she replied.

---