Page 58 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

Rashid sat up. "What is it?" he asked suddenly.

When Nicole turned to look at him, there was disbelief on her face. "It's a helicopter."

"What!" Rashid exclaimed leaping out of bed. He didn't bother to throw on a robe. He didn't care about anything else except finding out what was gong on outside.

He stood behind Nicole and peered out through the windows. Sure enough, Nicole had been right. There was a helicopter out there, and it was in the process of landing on the flat area of garden to the north of the palace.

Rashid watched in amazement as the helicopter settled down on the ground. The rotors slowed and the side door opened. A figure, a man dressed in military khakis, emerged and gazed toward the palace. Rashid saw the insignia on the side of the helicopter. It was American, and this was a military craft.

He took a few steps back into the bedroom and ran a hand through his hair. When he turned to look at Nicole, he saw the concern on her face. "What's going on?" she asked.

Rashid already knew the answer to that question, even if Nicole hadn't already figured it out.

Rashid looked steadily at Nicole. "They've sent it for you," he explained.

"Who has?" she said, but he could see comprehension dawning in her eyes.

"That's a US military helicopter. Looks like the embassy has sent it to collect you." He paused and had to force the next few words out. "To bring you home."

Nicole's mouth opened in surprise. She turned and gazed out at the helicopter. She didn't say anything for a few moments and then turned back to him. "My mother sent this," she said in a flat voice.

Rashid nodded. "I suppose she wants to make sure you get home safely."

"I didn't know she could so something like that," Nicole said.

"Maybe she pulled some strings," he replied. "You are her daughter, after all."

Nicole came to him, holding the dress against her naked body. He wrapped her in his arms, savoring the feel of her body, sensing her breath becoming quicker. Would she just leave him like this? Or would she send the helicopter away and stay here?

He didn't want her to leave. Not after what they'd shared. It was destiny that had brought them together like this. He knew that for certain. Fate had played its hand and there would be no untying the bond which they had forged between them. Not if he had anything to do with it.

He felt warring emotions tussle within him. He felt indignation that, after everything they'd been through it would end like this. He also felt determined to do anything to stop this separation from happening. Because that was what it would be, if she left.

He looked down at Nicole, seeing the confusion in her eyes. She was in an impossible position. He knew she was fiercely loyal to her mother and her sisters. He recalled the way she had spoken about them, and it was clear she loved them. He knew she wouldn't do anything to hurt them.

He kissed her and for long moments they replayed the passion they'd kindled. Then their lips parted and he looked into her eyes. "You have do what's best for you, Nicole," he murmured.

Her eyes widened, but she didn't reply immediately. Her eyes betrayed the thoughts racing through her mind. This couldn't be easy for her. Her brows furrowed and he saw her jaw tighten in that way it did when she was trying to figure something out. He smiled when he saw that because it was one of those little things she did which he liked so much.

Nicole peered urgently into his eyes. "Come with me," she said sharply.

He frowned and shook his head. "I can't, Nicole," he replied. "You know what I think about life down in the city. That's not for me," he said.

"Not even if I'm there?" she asked. He could see she was desperate for his answer.

Rashid released Nicole and paced for a few moments. The sinking sensation in his stomach was warning him that what he was about to tell Nicole wasn't going to be easy.

He turned to her and gazed around the room. "This is where I belong, Nicole. This palace is where I'm at home. It's all I know."

Nicole came toward him. "You won't make an exception? Even for me? Even after last night?" she said. There was a sharp edge to her voice now. She was sensing where he was going with all of this, but there was nothing else he could do. And it was churning his insides around just to think about what was happening. What he was about to lose.

Rashid took Nicole's hands and gazed into her eyes."Last night was the most incredible thing that's ever happened to me," he said. He really meant what he'd said, and he needed her to know that. Looking into her eyes he could see doubt there, and that made his insides tumble even more.

"For me, too, Rashid," she pleaded, lifting her pretty face up to him. "We can make this work, can't we?"

He gritted his teeth, feeling his jaw tighten. He couldn't swallow because his throat had constricted into a tight knot. Emotion seized him, but he was determined to see this through. He couldn't go with her. Maybe there would be another way of dealing with this. Perhaps, at a later date. Right now, he didn't know what he could do. All he could think of was that she needed to get on that helicopter and go home, where she would really be safe.

Rashid shook his head. "I think it's best if you get ready," he said in a flat voice. He turned away from her but she grabbed his arm and pulled him around. "Get ready?" she demanded. "Is this it? You're sending me home? Just like that?"

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