Nikki Langley was on such a high that she could scarcely control herself. The inner child inside of her was doing a snoopy dance, yet she refrained from doing so out in public. She also refrained from pinching herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

She's here, in Dubai, the homeland of Hussein Abdul.

The airport alone was an experience in itself. Palm trees inside, running on both sides of a one-long travelator. Friggin' palm trees. All walks of life, from robes, suits, and tourists dressed for holidays, crossed her path as she dragged her suitcase behind.

The soft toy camel backpack over her shoulder had caught much attention.

It was designed for children, but she loved it at first sight.

Those around her had thought her insane, but it went with her everywhere. Held little but was perfect for the long flight, holding her Kindle and the basic items she needed. The rest was packed away in her case, so didn't have to carry another heavy bag.

Nikki had spent many hours with Hussein, aka Agent Cobra, and his butt-kicking ways, saving the world again, and some damsel in distress, yet never gave up his heart. He hadn't found the right woman yet, someone like her, smiling to herself as she entered a bookshop.

Sam Walker's books are repeatedly read.

Her go-to author, the only one, once hooked.

Her eyes scanned over the books on the shelves. A new one was due out any day. Her eyes widened as she stopped dead, reaching out with a shaking hand, even letting out an excited squeak, not daring to believe her eyes. Dared not to hope. It could be a different cover, removed and flipped over to the back cover and in English.

Win-win.

Reading over, her heart racing, her pulse throbbing at the base of her neck. His new release. Replacing it, she reached in for the third book. The first one was likely manhandled, surprised to discover that any were remaining.

Sam Walker was an international bestselling author.

Then again, they looked as if they were fresh out of the box, even smelt the freshness as she breathed in her copy.

Holding the book to her chest, Nikki scanned the shop for the counter that she charged at, the suitcase bouncing behind her. Approaching the counter, she gently handed over the book to the assistant that was taken and scanned while she gathered her camel backpack in front of her. Unzipped and removed a credit card, and paid, placing the book into the backpack that just fitted in, zipping it up.

"That's unusual," the bag was commented on.

"Hussein and I go everywhere together."

"That's a usual name for a camel." The female assistant smiled at her.

"Named after my hero," Nikki grinned.

"Ah, a Sam Walker fan explains a lot."

"More like Agent Cobra. Where can I get a taxi?" She didn't have the confidence to ride public transport, not that she used any at home, always taken everywhere she needed to go. 

Not that she had many places to visit.

"Which hotel are you staying at?" She wished she could say Arab al-Burj, where Hussein had saved a diplomat from an assassin. Or the tallest building in the world where he had para-glided off the top tower to escape the bad guys.

No, just a basic hotel in the historical Bar district, was all she could afford.

So no special car to collect her, and finding her way there.

"Ah, yes, as you leave the terminal," she pointed in the right direction, "there are taxis. Are you by yourself?" she asked, sounding concerned.

"Yes," where she was handed her card back.

She removed another card and handed it to Nikki. "These are the most respectable ones, always sit in the back. Ah," she ducked down and back up, handing over a street map. "You will need this."

"Thank you so much," Nikki smiled, taking both and headed out of the shop, holding Hussein in front of her carrying her most treasured possession. She couldn't wait to get to her room and devour the newest Hussein Abdul story, which came alive from the pages and had stolen her heart.

No one came close to filling her heart's desire.

Not that she expected to meet anyone like that. Her own special super secret agent. Hard as rocks. No one dared go up against him and come out unscathed at the other end. Yet she had seen his vulnerable side and strangely understood him, especially when she got lost in his world.

Now she was actually in his homeland and would be part of his world. She had a lot of sights to see from the books. To see for herself, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, following in her book hero footsteps, however, there will be no daredevil antics.

She would leave them in the writer's mind.

Alas, nothing had prepared her for the heat factor as she stepped out as glass sliding doors opened to the outside. Hit by a heatwave and it's midmorning. She paused to breathe it all in, and she had done it. 

Not as scary as she had thought, stepping out into the big world by herself.

Not as scary as they made out, and everyone she had met had been so helpful. 

Time to take control of her life with both hands and this was it. Glancing around for the taxi rank, removed the card from her jean's pocket where she had placed it and read over the name, then searched the taxis as she headed towards them.

Only to have a sharp tug on her shoulder and the backpack strap off. Her hold on it tightened, taken aback. No! Hussein, in her head. Dropped, twisted sideways and kicked out towards a knee, so the one who grabbed her backpack would let go to follow through. 

The attacker staggered, dressed in black from head to toe, only dark eyes were visible, like some ninja.

Those practices on Teddy had paid off, yet not high enough to do real damage.

Nikki rose unsteadily to her feet.

"Hussein!" a voice called out. 

There's a flash of movement flying passed her, taking after the one who tried to snatch her backpack. Stunned, Nikki stood there, holding the backpack to her heaving, pounding chest.

"Are you alright Miss?" Dazed, she looked up at the man who had joined her, all in white, from his headdress, and robe with dark intense eyes. Her hold tightened around Hussein's middle with its legs hanging over her arm.

"Y...yes, thank you," came out in a shaky voice.

"Was this worth risking your life for?" he patted the top of her backpack.

"Yes, how did you know his name?" She asked, still dazed by events, shaking her head. "Sorry, not the camel," she realised as another robed man joined them, taking them both in, tall darker-toned Arabs in white.

"You call your camel Hussein."

The man who had joined named Hussein raised an amused brow. 

"Yes." Nikki not explaining. Very few would understand her book hero. "Trying to be different," she smiled. He glanced at Hussein, the man.

"You are very honoured, my friend." His English was perfect with that Middle Eastern accent. "Please take our guest to the car. We will make sure you arrive safely at your destination. What just happened was a rare occurrence. The people here are friendly. I am sorry you had to endure such a cowardly act." Then turned towards Hussein and spoke softly in Arabic. "I need to see to business." Then turned back to Nikki. "We will see you safely to where you need to be," he promised her, then headed inside the airport, joining a group of robed men.

Hussein the man claimed her suitcase, which she had forgotten about, and headed towards a car waiting on the curb of the airport entrance, away from the taxis. Dazed, Nikki followed, hugging the camel close to her racing heart, and watched as the driver left the car, removing the bag and placed in the back of the long white limousine.

She stared at the man, who held the door open for her.

There's no warning tapping on her shoulder, yet she's hesitant. She didn't know who these men were, even if they came to her rescue. "Perhaps you would rather sit up front with the driver." Hussein offered, closing the door and suggesting her around to the other side. "See those flags?" she nodded, hard to miss them flapping in the breeze. "A part of the embassy."

Nikkie gulped, looking over her shoulder. "He works for the embassy?"

"Yes. If you prefer, I can organise another car to take you wherever you need to go."

"There is no need." Nikki took a step towards the back door, which was opened again, and she lowered in and settled off to the side, leaving the back seat free. Clipped in the belt, her camel safe on her lap, arm firmly around its middle. The door closed and surprised to find herself alone, yet the cooling air in the car was welcoming.

"Where are you heading, miss?" She turned towards the driver, into warm dark eyes via the rear-view mirror.

"Nikki Langley," she smiled, tucking chestnut hair behind her ear, feeling better, and stated the hotel in the Bar district without receiving a reaction. A good sign, she hoped. Maybe he's trained not to react to strange requests.

Going by the car, they would be used for VIP status.

"Very good, Miss Nikki. The Sheikh shouldn't be long." Sheikh? Wasn't that some sort of prince, or leader, depending on which country? Here it's a prince, unless he wasn't from their embassy, feeling so much better, relaxing in her seat, and giving the driver a bright smile.

"I'm in no hurry," unclipped the belt and slid across closer, asking about the area they were in, where the driver pointed out surrounding sights and history, only to straighten behind the steering wheel.

Nikki settled back into the seat, clipped in the belt and stayed closer to the driver.

The door opened and two men slipped into the backseat, belted in, as the driver merged into the traffic. Nikki twisted around to look out the window, taking in all the sights. No conversation. Taking the hint, since the Sheikh was on the phone talking in low tones and his language.

Hussein, she gathered, was his bodyguard. Important people, so wouldn't disturb them, she was happy, feeling comfortable, and seeing the sights of Dubai, like nothing she had seen before.

Born out of the desert into one of the most visited cities in the world with mind-blowing sculptured architecture buildings and an abundance of supercars. The tourists mingled with the locals, Emirates. It's strange seeing men in robes, and women dressed wearing long black cloaks with head coverings, tugging at her hair. 

She had bought mainly modest clothes, not sure if she should wear a scarf over her hair.

Hussein in her arms, chin on his head, taking it all in. She was finally in Cobra's land. She had the entire trip planned out, seeing the sights, hoping they lived up to what she had read. Having a feeling she won't be disappointed.

A lifetime dream ever since she had found Agent Cobra, where she had discovered his world of intrigue, espionage and non-stop action, so different from her own life.

Boring, boring, boring!

Look at what had happened already. Not that she had anticipated it, so out of the blue, not what she desired. She didn't need the drama, wanting to keep that in the pages of the imagination of Sam Walker.

And she didn't want to live it!

Just wanted to walk in his footsteps, seeing the sights mentioned in his book, easing back into the seat as the car slowed down, diverting she gathered to the part where she was staying, feeling guilty, sitting forward biting her lip, hugging Hussein to her chest, resting her gaze on Hussein who was watching her.

Colour flooded her cheeks.

She must appear as a stranger creature. She didn't know what was proper or protocol. None of the travel books told her how to act with royalty/ambassadors/ elite people so far removed from her world, even if her guardian in his own right, was a rich businessman.

This was on a different level.

The one on the phone looked across, black brows furrowed, looking far from amused. Hussein leaned in and whispered to be waved at and back on the phone.

Nikki gathered she was at her hotel. She couldn't see from where she was seated. After thanking the driver, she unclipped and slid across the long seat as Hussein opened the door, where he exited. Also, the driver, who went to remove her case from the boot. 

Nikki squeezed past trying not to disturb the man seated still on the phone.

Her leg brushed against his knee as she passed, sending a jolt of electrifying spark through her body that startled her, jerking out of the car. Probably an electric charge, releasing a breath,  she straightened from the car and turned, facing Hussein, who had been so helpful.

"Thank you. Can you please pass that on to the Sheikh? It was generous of him to let me join you." She broke out into a grin. "I never experienced such a ride before and can see this is going to be a fantastic visit to this beautiful part of the world. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity," she reached out to squeeze his arm, "for looking after me. I won't forget you." His dark eyes rested on the camel with the same name.

"I'm sure you won't," he agreed. "Hopefully, no more mishaps. You are in a safe place as long as you are respectful of our ways."

"Oh, I will be very respectable. I understand that." She patted the camel that carried the latest book of Cobra, who had taught her so much about his country.

"My advice is to stay in the tourist spots, around groups, especially being by yourself."

"I have a tight schedule, all planned," she promised. "Please pass on my gratitude for his generosity when there was no need. I won't hold you up any longer," she reached out to claim her case from the driver and thanked him, then headed towards the hotel that looked welcoming. 

Nikki paused to look back, watching as the limousine left, then headed inside.

And it was as she found out.

She approached the reception and was greeted warmly, signed in, paid and in no time found herself in the hotel room. Basic but perfect for her with tiled floors throughout, which was new to her, she guessed, because of the heat. Not that she had stayed in many hotels.

Not that one noticed in the air-con room.

Dumping the bag on the double-sized bed, alongside Hussein, she unzipped the case, flung it open and took everything out, and placed it on the bed. Grabbed what she needed and headed for the bathroom, where she took a refreshing shower after a fourteen-hour flight from Australia.

Also knew she shouldn't sleep until night to get her body clock back to normal function, and she had the best place in the world to see first on her list, where Agent Cobra did a death deifying feat.

Changed into suitable clothes for going out, a light long skirt of black with a loosely fitting camel-coloured shirt, slipping on sandals while grabbing Hussy and removing the book within, settling on the edge of the bed, holding it lovingly in her hands, running a hand over the handsome book cover of Hussein Abdul dressed in desert robes, looking dangerous with a dark-eyed glare.

She brought the book up to smell the freshness of it, then opened the book to the first page, letting out a scream.

Holy cow, she had just won the golden ticket!

****

"Interesting," Hussein noted as they were driven away, after dropping off their guest, while Khayri texted on his phone.

"What is that?" Khayri asked.

"You need to be more aware, Khayri. That was the most interesting person we have met in a long time."

"Camel backpack girl? Really?"

"Who has moves?" Khayri peered across, brow arched. "The moves to stop the bag snatcher. Something Cobra would do."

"No, he would've punched his lights out." Khayri went back to his phone.

"And wouldn't be caught wearing a camel backpack. A very cute camel."

"Just your type."

"Far too innocent," Hussein laughed. "Maybe a little too trusting," he added thoughtfully.

"What happened to the one who tried to grab the bag?"

"Just disappeared, vanished into thin air."

"Probably had a car waiting." Thoughtfully, Khayri peered across again, brows down. "Now, why would they target someone like her? Why a toy-sized backpack? And why would one call a bag by a name?"

"Different culture, different generation. At least she is safe." For now, he didn't add, but Khayri heard it in his tone. No matter what was happening around him, he had to stay focused, shifting in his seat, pushing away the vision of those wide innocent topaz eyes.

"Not our problem. And I have deadlines."

"Let me guess, the Khalifa. Not another death-defying feat."

"At least he wasn't climbing the outside building glass with super glue gloves or repelling down with a fire hose."

"A strapped-on paraglider is so much better," Hussein agreed.

"One has to be prepared, and should never leave home without one."

"Is your packed?"

Khayri shot him a look. "I do not plan to jump off anything soon, no matter how difficult things went. I am going for a more desert setting this time."

"Maybe you need to add an innocent with a camel backpack," Hussein suggested getting shot down in flames by his gaze.

"You're a funny man. I need to clear my head after this past week." Shutting down the phone, Khayri leaned back into the seat and looked out the window as they approached the tallest building in the world, Burj al-Khalifa, where he owned an apartment, under Hussein's name, yet couldn't push one out of his mind that he found irritating. "Are you staying or having some leave?"

While he buried himself in writing, it was the perfect time for Hussein to have some time to himself. The year had been busy. One crisis after another, signing another three book deals could be another crisis he had taken on, feeling the pressure that he didn't need, when before he had enjoyed Cobra's adventures.

Lately, it had been harder. He needed to get back into his proper mindset. Pity he couldn't take a year off. After such tough negations, he was taking time out before heading back home.

He needed time away from it all.

"I think I will stay just to chill. I have nowhere to go. The Khalifa is a great place to stay." 

A four-bedroom apartment.

"As you wish." After all, they were more friends, than boss and employee. Also, his proofreader, who called bullshit when he saw it. Maybe it would be a good thing, to have a sounding board. Something is missing. That usual sense of dry wit. His edge. Also, the last book made him darker.

Husein had brought up his concern about that and how it would affect the reader, and so did his editor. He wrote the damn book. Take it or leave it. He didn't care or compromise.

This one was the hardest book to write. The action was fine. It's more about the story, the direction, even made his head hurt when he tried too hard. Usually, it came so easily. Now it's frustrating.

Maybe he was making it far too complicated.

Or not complicated enough.

Maybe first he would take a day to relax, recharge, chill by the pool, and free his mind from the last few days, yet his real life would never allow that. What he didn't need was an innocent with a camel backpack messing with Hussein, yet would make for an interesting character.

****

Changed and rearing to go, Nikki headed out, hanging the do not disturb sign on the handle, because the room was messy and would see to it when she came back. She headed downstairs to reception, who was happy to help, loaded down with tourist maps, ordered her a taxi and headed off to her first destination.

The full Hussein Abdul aka Cobra journey had begun, and she was wide awake, her feet hitting the ground running after paying the taxi driver before heading towards Burj al-Khalifa.

Gawking Nikki tipped her phone up to the top of the Burj al-Khalifa, her head spinning at the sheer size of it, tilted backwards that she nearly toppled over, trying to video to the tip.

"This is where Cobra para-glided from the very top while being chased by the bad guys with damaging documents in his hot large hands."

Then zoomed the phone down to the ground across in the far distance, past the famous waterway and fountain kept videoing the surrounding area, and then switched over to photos.

These new phones were amazing. Not so sure of her narration, turning the phone onto the famous water and buildings, where later there would be a display of dancing water fountains in time to music, at night with added lights.

She wanted to see the night display all lit up and dancing water.

Turning the video back on. "It would make a perfect scene for Cobra, running from the bad guys with the water and light show in the background, fading in and out." She recorded, that maybe one day she wrote an adventure for him.

She laughed to herself.

That would never happen.

Doing a documentary on the phone about his already-written adventures and seeing the actual sights was a dream come true. Only to have her phone ring, looking at the name. Vincent. Releasing a long sigh. He had promised to let her do this alone and wouldn't bother her.

Not one day had gone by, yet could never be rude to anyone, answering.

"Hello, Vincent."

"I know I promised. Just wanted to make sure you got there safely. I want to see photos on Instagram. So where are you?"

"At the tallest building in the world," she gushed. 

She couldn't be mad at him. He meant well, yet could be suffocating. The best thing that ever happened was winning the lotto. Not in millions, enough to do this trip, the flights, and the hotel.

Two weeks to follow Hussein Abdul's footsteps.

"I'm doing fine. So much to see. And this must be costing you a fortune. I will try to put something up tonight," she promised. "Bye." And cut the call short, then felt mean. That had been rude. She can only hope she didn't get too many calls.

For the first time in her life, she was breathing, just like when she lost herself in one of Cobra's stories, holding the phone to her chest. Hussy was on her shoulder, her special book inside, not understanding how special until she opened it, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world, which made this adventure more exciting.

Telling her she was meant to be here. A sign as far as she was concerned.

Nikki was desperate to read his newest book and also didn't want to devour it either. And she had all this to see. So for now, it's going to be unread, living on his other adventures, yet there could be so many new places to explore. Torn in two.

 For now, she was doing this. Her days planned left very little time to add other places to the list.

Going back to her camera, adding more video and commentary, at the water end, tilting the phone to the building that raised high towards the bright blue skies, not a cloud insight.

"Now this is a pleasant surprise." A startled Nikkie spun around in mid-sentence.

"Hussein!" Nikki threw her arms around him with a hug, then turned her phone on him. "This is my new friend, Hussein. Don't you love Dubai," she gushed into the phone, then shut off the video and looked at the shocked man, then the phone in her hand. "Oh, sorry, I should've asked. You caught me in the middle of my travel journal. I'm recording every moment."

"It's alright. Just be careful what you record. Some people will find it offensive. We are private people."

"Yes, I knew that. And been very careful. Just got excited at seeing you again and so soon." It had only been a couple of hours since she'd been dropped off.

"Yes, I thought you would be resting after such a long flight, and after the interesting entry into our part of the world."

"I'm too excited to sleep. I couldn't wait to see the tallest building in the world."

Hussein eyed her, crossing his arms, robe replaced with loose dark pants and red shirt, cuffs flicked back, the top button was undone that only enhanced his darker tones, so much richer than her fair skin. "Why do I feel there is more than that?"

"Maybe, okay," she laughed at the raised brow and his sceptical look. "Something about para-gliding off it."

His lips twisted into a smile. "I see. How about getting out of the heat? Have you eaten? Had a drink?" She hesitated, calculating what she had to spend, and it was only her first day. 

Stuff that!

"I would love to. I have so many questions, maybe you could answer them for me. The little things no one ever tells you.

"Anyway, I can, shall we?" He opened his arm towards the Armani Hotel known as the Burj al-Khalifa. The last place she could afford, looking down at her clothes. Not dressed for such a place.

"You will be fine as you are, Miss Nikki," Hussein reassured her and they entered the Armani Hotel that lived up to its name with a hallmark sophisticated simplicity of elevated beauty and glamorous luxury for the super-rich.

And she felt under-dressed with a camel backpack.

Surely that had to be a first as they headed towards the lobby, with its dark tones and where the Lounge was located. The entrance had her gawking at the steel rods' arches interlacing at the top. On each side, a semi-circle sofa perched on enormous rugs, walking down the middle on highly polished dark floors, heading towards the entry of the hotel suites.

There were two smartly dressed women standing on each side, waiting to greet you, and were waved through at the sight of Hussein, even kept straight-faced at the sight of his companion, and her furry friend.