"You have?"

"Yes, and you need a break from the sun. Even if undercover, the rays still get through."

Nodding, she collected her belongings, adding the others, and headed inside behind Khayri, who, to her surprise, was heading towards her room. So, she trotted behind him, carrying everything in her arms.

She must remember not to leave a mess behind her. He made her feel like the house was hers, but it wasn't.

Also, she finally noticed he was wearing dark-fitted pants and a light white shirt, not a robe in sight. Perhaps he had a stash of clothes hidden away, though she stumbled at the sight of bags on the bed. She dropped the clothes she was carrying into a chair.

"I got you a few things since you had so little."

"You didn't have to do that. I was quite happy to wash daily."

"You mean the shirt you slept in? So how are you going to wear it during the day? And we are going out to dinner tonight."

"We are?" she gasped. "Where? Is there anywhere out here?" clamping her mouth shut since she was rambling again. "Thank you. Sounds like fun." The last thing she had expected. "And I had nothing suitable to wear, did I?"

Not like she brought clothes for such dining with her, did she? She's happy to have her meals in her room after exploring during the day.

She didn't want to be out after dark by herself.

Eating in her room, and looking over her treasures and photos, had been fun.

Yet removing the items from the bags was a delightful surprise. She spread clothes fitting for a desert and of the finest quality across the bed, caftan-style dresses vivid with colours and patterns that she just loved.

Vincent encouraged her to wear neutral colours when she attended his functions. Around the house, he didn't care. Although Vincent had the clothes brought to the house. A range to choose from. Nothing like this.

The function clothes were hand-picked by Vincent.

Once the same woman who had visited often brought hobo-style skirts and tops that she had loved and took them to her room straight to the wardrobe, knowing Vincent would never approve.

She also knew the woman had done that on purpose, seeing a longing in her for something more than the usual choices, hidden in black bags between other clothes.

Vincent never stayed.

She caressed them and then started to strip, only to stop at a cough, cheeks flaming.

Nikki turned towards the man still in the room, tugging her dress down, over her bathers.

"Sorry, I thought you had gone." She then rushed across and hugged him. "Thank you so much. I love them." Hesitating at first, he hugged her back, threading fingers through her hair and placing his lips on top of her head, warming all over. 

No one had ever bought her such beautiful clothes before.

Adding colour to her life, like the one in the souk she wore at night, in her room.

She loved the vibrant aspects of the Middle East, except when they came under fire, shuddering at the memory.

"Nikki?"

"I'm fine," she eased out of his hold, where his arms fell away. "I was so eager to try them on." She beamed up at him, pushing the other way. Their safety was ensured here, away from danger and in a reserve, and everyone was accounted for. "And dinner," she added, suddenly feeling energised and awake, buzzing. It's just what she needed. Laying under the sun had made her lazy.

"Then I shall leave to enjoy." He smiled at her, quickening her heart rate, watching as he turned and walked out, closing the door behind him, releasing a long breath as the buzz ebbed out of her, which she shook off and went to try on her new clothes.

Even cream linen pants and a couple of vibrant tops, so she could mix and match.

She felt so spoilt arranging the clothes after she tried them on, already knowing what she would wear that night, which was hours away.

Also, an arrangement of underwear of silk and lace, not her usual ones. She was all about cotton.

The silk and lace felt sensual against her skin, very aware under her pants and bright top, heading out to show off her new outfit to discover the room empty, so headed for his office. The door closed.

Hand raised, ready to knock, and dropped.

The door was closed for a reason, so as not to be disturbed, instead, she headed for the kitchen to make a cup of cappuccino from the coffee machine, raided the fridge for cheese and placed it on a platter adding biscuits, some cured meat, and what else she could find as a snack and placed on the coffee table.

Grabbing the book she had been reading, Nikki settled on the corner of the sofa, feet curled up at her side, sipping coffee, munching on what was on offer while reading. Her happy place, feeling very tranquil.

That is how Khayri found her, lost in her book. She didn't even hear him enter, jumping in her skin when she felt movement beside her, closing the book against her chest, and smiling up at him. "I didn't hear you."

"So I saw," he reached across the table to help himself to what was on offer, and another cup was added to the table. She hadn't even heard the coffee machine. That wasn't that quiet. "You really lose yourself in his books, don't you?" Biting her bottom lip, she nodded, tucking soft hair behind her ear. "I wasn't mocking you. To lose yourself in the story is a compliment to the author."

Nikki broke out into a wide grin. She couldn't help it, and she loved talking about Cobra, yet pulled back on her enthusiasm, and instead asked if he had finished for the day.

"Yes, you have my full attention for the rest of the day." A warm glow filled her heart, and she placed her book on the table. "I didn't mean to disturb you," his eyes resting on the book.

"You not. I have read it many times."

"I suppose you know it off by heart. Word for word."

A smile broadened. "I'm not quite that bad."

"I'm pretty sure you are."

"Okay," she laughed openly. "I am that bad, but he makes me feel so alive."

Khayri shifted more towards her, raising his leg onto the sofa, their knees nearly touching. "Who? Walker or Cobra?"

"Cobra, I don't know this Walker. Nobody does."

"I'm sure that is not true."

"Well, maybe with his family and friends, but not the rest of us."

"I'm sure he doesn't want a stalker, no matter how adorable," he said, tapping her nose as her mouth parted, only to slam shut.

"I wouldn't do that," she sniffed indignantly. "As if I had money to follow someone around."

His brow arched at that, realising what she had just said, and what she was doing, eyes widening.

She pointed at him, and his smirk, eyes gleaming with delight. Then eyed him sideways, folding her arms. "Are you saying I'm a stalker?"

Thoughtfully, he stroked his chin. "I'm not sure you can stalk after a character. Sorry, my mistake, follow," he corrected at her pursed lips.

"Then blame Walker for writing this amazing character that comes so alive from the pages, and jumps out at you."

"I think it helps to have empathy with the character, and an active imagination immersing into the story. I had heard there's a new release."

"Yes," she sighed. "Released after I left."

"So you haven't read it yet?" he asked, sounding surprised.

As was she at her restraint and now looked what happened, left out in the desert with Hussy, lips pushed off to the side, she glanced across, shaking her head, regretting she hadn't.

Too late now. Yet it could be replaced, but wouldn't be the same, would it? "I'll get a copy when I get home, so as not to distract me from my trip."

He reached across, touching her hair, capturing her gaze. "I think that has already happened. Don't worry, we will get you back on track. I'm sure we can find a copy for you."

She shrugged as if it didn't matter. "I might get one for the flight home. I noticed a bookshop at the airport." Forcing a smile, aware of being watched. "And I'm enjoying this," she reached across and touched the book on the coffee table.

"Somehow I see a different version, you lining up before the shops are open, waiting to get your hand on the first copy."

She couldn't help smiling. She wished. Vincent sent every pre-ordered copy to the house by express post, ensuring arrival on release day. More to do hanging out for the postie special delivery.

"Never done that," which was true, tugging at her ear. "What?" She laughed. 

He saw far too much and told him. He broke out into a grin that softened his features, eyes twinkling, giving him a more youthful look. Not that he would be that old, closer to Vincent's age, maybe older. Yet there's wisdom in his eyes that said by experience he was much older. 

"Even better," he laughed. "How about a swim? Relax by the pool before we get ready?"

"Sounds like a plan." Grabbing the book off the table, she departed back to her room, where she changed back into her bathers, and replaced her new outfit with a bathrobe. That was easier, grabbed a towel and headed out.

The room was empty so headed outside, where she dropped the bathrobe onto a daybed, as she headed to the edge of the pool and dived in.

Refreshing cool water washed over her, which was kept at a controlled temperature, so wouldn't get too hot under the sun, surfacing to swim to the edge of the infinity edge, looking across the desert.

This might not be a part of her plans, but who could fault this once-in-a-lifetime experience? Looking across as she felt water shift around her, smiling at the man at her side.

Standing, he brushed wet hair back from his face. Water trickled down the contour of his features, down his broad shoulders and defined smooth chest, his skin in darker tones, glistening under the sunlight.

The man was deadly, looking back out to what was in front of her. In the distance was a herd of oryx, feeding near the shrubs and small patch of water.

Sighing, she lowered her head on her crossed arms on the edge of the pool. "I can see why you brought this place. It's a perfect place to get away from it all."

"Usually," he agreed.

"Hey!" she protested, then smiled. "I guess I was an unexpected fly-in."

Dark eyes swept over her. "You could say that. Something I can live with."

"Gee thanks," she pushed away from the edge onto her back, kicking her legs, splashing him.

Only to squeal as he leapt forward, grabbed her leg, and went under, arms flailing. Then lifted out of the water, under her arms, that flung around him, coughing and laughing.

"That will teach you."

"Got it," she coughed. He patted her back as her breathing laboured. "Don't splash the man." She collapsed against him. "Too dangerous for my health. First shot at, then drowned."

"I did not shoot at you," he snarled.

Her head jerked back, eyes wide. "Of course you didn't." Easing out of his hold, she waded away. "Sorry, I meant nothing about that." She had a habit of saying the wrong thing. Trying to make light of it.

Someone shot at both of them. Who was the target? They had no way of knowing. Yet why would she have a target on her back, brushing hair back from her face?

Wishing now she hadn't said that. One careless remark and the mood spoilt.

"No, I am." He turned and lowered into the water and swam off.

She did the same, then eased out to stretch out on a daybed.

No matter what the mood had been broken, once dry she headed back inside to get ready for dinner, showered, and changed into one of the new dresses.

Dressed in a dress of vivid blue chiffon loaded with sequin details and patterns, overlaying a turquoise skirt, offering an elegant and sophisticated look. Its long sleeves add a touch of grace, while the turquoise belt with delicate highlights at the waist.

Nikki stood before the bathroom mirror, hands clasped, disbelieving her reflection's stunning beauty. Her hands were half covered by the wider hem of the sleeve with black edging.

It had only seemed fitting to put her hair up, and the en-suite had everything she needed to make it happen, yet couldn't help wondering how many female guests had stayed. Maybe family. All she knew about him was his name.

Leaving the bedroom, Nikki headed into the man's living area, finding Khayri already there, dressed impeccably as always.

He wore dark fitted pants that flanked his long legs, lean hips, and crisp white shirt across his broad shoulders and back, hands in his pockets, stretching the material across the contour of the shaped bottom, staring out the glass sliding doors, the pool area lit up.

Thick black wavy hair curled at the edge of his collar, unable to look away, fascinated, taking these few unwitnessed moments. He was the most stunning man she had ever met. Then he turned around.

Caught in his gaze, she warmed all over as he took her in, standing across the room dressed as she was, approval in his dark intense eyes.

"Stunning."

"I know, isn't it?" beaming she turned around, showing off the dress holding out the sides, coming full circle, where he was shaking his head. "No?" she asked, face falling.

His lips parted, shook his head. "Never mind, yes, very stunning."

"You have excellent taste."

"Shall we?" He opened the sliding door, ready to leave.

"Of course." She closed the distance, out the doors where she's followed and closed behind them, where he led down the side of the building, still daylight, yet was darkening heading to sunset, out to the back where a black four-wheel drive was parked that she waved at.

"Just on loan." The light flicked on the car, unlocking the door, where he went to open the passenger's door and helped her inside, which was higher off the ground than most cars.

He reached for the seatbelt and held it for her to take. With his height made them at eye level, holding her gaze. "The dress has nothing to do with it." He stepped back, closing the door as she sat there, stunned, holding the belt in her hand.

The last thing she had expected.

He thought she was stunning and that had nothing to do with the dress. Her mind boggled, clicking on the belt, not sure how to take that. Many have flattered her, but for all the wrong reasons, using her to get to Vincent.

Not this man, who had any reason to do so.

They bent over backwards to get Vincent's attention, like David.

She had fallen for his lies, his charm, and looks, only to find out later what a user he was, sweetening her up to get closer to Vincent.

She had overheard him bragging to his friend. If he got her as well, that was just a bonus.

Devastated, she went to Vincent, when she had no one else and was so inexperienced about such things. It hadn't gone past a chaste kiss, yet had been her first encounter with someone else other than Vincent, who had remained calm and said he would deal with it.

Shaking it off, she had been so young and naïve. Also, she never saw him again.

Vincent became more vigilant over those who approached her and made it very clear she was off limits. He was protecting her. As he always did.

Focusing as the car purred into life, Khayri pulled out from the car parking area and eased onto the only dirt road that led to the private residence, heading out into the desert, which was on both sides with little vegetation.

It's just a compliment, nothing else.

Yet made her feel funny inside, all a buzz.

For a while, they were the only ones in the area, then headed into a thicker build-up of trees and buildings, into a main resort area, and parked at the main building. The area lit up, giving a perfect view of the area. It's the first time in days she felt she was back in civilisation.

"How far are we from Dubai?" she asked, undoing her seatbelt.

"A forty-five-minute drive away. And before you ask, I'm waiting for the all-clear before we go anywhere. We were shot at."

She glanced across, seeing the firm jawline set in determination. "Yes, we were, and understand. You think we're safe here." She opened the door and slid off the seat and dropped onto her feet, turned to confront the man. "Ready?" She smiled up at him.

"By the look of things I am," leaving the car, he locked up and went around to her side and offered his arm that she took, and they headed inside.

Nikki found it hard to believe she was entering such a restaurant at the main resort, escorted by such a man, her shoulders back, standing straighter, chin out, head tilted towards the most gorgeous man at her side, her arm looped through his as they're greeted by the host as they entered.

They're shown through the restaurant where couples are already seated, feeling eyes upon them. No wonder he was a hard man to ignore, standing out from the crowd by height and dress, walking with a spring in her steps, sticking with the sandals with the skirt of the dress swishing around her feet.

The Lounge she had felt out of place at first, the way she was dressed, and Hussy, she was sure he was a first for the opulent hotel. Hussein had made it easy. He made her feel at ease.

This was on a different level altogether.

Her breath caught as they headed out to the outside deck, hit by the sun setting on the horizon of the golden sands that were darker, adding a pink tinge across the vast sky.

Watching as a man lit a bamboo touch, shooting flames dancing from above, reaching up towards the skies, placing her hand on his arm, heart soaring at such things.

"Nikki," a whisper in her ear, warmth touching her skin, tingling.

Blinking, she focused on Khayri. They had stopped in the doorway.

"I'm so sorry," placing her hand on her chest, stepping forward and shown to their table, out front of the deck, beside the wooden carved patterned rail, keeping them safe and the animals out.

Giving perfect views of the desert of dunes, like waves on a beach with greenery shrubs between them and the desert.

Released from Khayri's arm, her chair held out by the host that she lowered into, her napkin removed, unrolled, and placed over her knee, with a thank you. Khayri settled at her side, so they both could enjoy the views without turning to look.

"Would madam like a pre-drink?"

Nikki searched out Khayri, not sure how to answer that, not wanting to offend anyone, especially the one at her side.

The night was falling.

The light from the dancing flame glistened over his raven black hair, thick and wavy, dressed in dark pants and a white dress shirt, quickening her heartbeat, hands clammy. This was all so new to her, this strange feeling of awareness, heat pooling between her legs, clenching that she drew her knees together, licking suddenly dry lips, clearing her throat.

"Um, I wouldn't mind a glass of bubbly."

"Water?" she looked across, stunned.

They mightn't serve alcohol, not that she touched the stuff often. Rarely, but she had enjoyed it with the afternoon tea. Maybe she should wait until she was eating.

"Do you have Don Perignon?" Khayri asked, taking over much to her relief, so that settled that, she hoped. For all she knew, it could be some fancy sparkling water brand.

She might have gone to a private school, yet her education in the world was limited as she was seeing.

The school hadn't been her favourite place. Taken there, taken home, feeling isolated. They discouraged all after-school activities. If she wanted to learn tennis, since they had a tennis court, or learn the piano, tutors supplied for her, if needed.

The pool was her only interest; she swam. She loved water. Also, the horses they used to own until they were gone.

As a child, she used to spend a lot of time at the stables, playing with them, and bringing treats. It got to a stage with Vincent away at college, then uni, his parents didn't have the time to look after horses, so sold them.

Then she discovered Walker from the school library in her last year.

She had devoured them. Vincent had bought the books when they came out and even found old ones, so she owned every book.

Nodding, the host walked off. Nikki reached up to touch her hair, only to place it on the table instead, for she had put up her hair as she did for Vincent's functions.

"I didn't mean to offend."

"You haven't," he reached across and covered her hand, she went all gooey inside at his touch that seeped into her body, swirling through into the pit of her belly, igniting a flame of intense feeling that consumed her entire body.

"I know alcohol is not a normal drink."

"By their beliefs and faiths. I am not."

"Isn't that rather strange for a Middle Eastern man?"

"Not everyone is, even if governed by Islamic law. Where I come from, we are not, yet everyone has a right to their own beliefs. Do not concern yourself. Have whatever you desire. You deserve it after everything you have been through."

Pleasure rippled through her as his finger caressed her hand.

"Not sure I do. Didn't you as well? If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't be here."

"Do not make me into something I am not. It was instinct to survive, that is all." His hand eased away as she ached deep in her heart. "I am not Cobra."

Her eyes widened, horrified he thought she would think that. "Of course not," she swallowed hard.

Surely, she didn't come across that way. Okay, sounded obsessed. She guessed she did. The only reason she came to Dubai was because of Cobra, yet not unrealistic about it, more to do with the experiences of his lifestyle, seeing what she read to make it more real.

Also knew the cobra wasn't real, the imagination of Walker's mind that made him come so alive. "But you saved my life, Khayri. Got me to safety. No one else, you did. I could never do that myself. I don't have the skills to stay alive in the desert. You did. So I think tonight should be for both of us, surviving."

"To us then," he agreed as a server arrived with an ice bucket placed on the table beside Khayri, and placed down two fluted glasses.

Uncorked the bottle with a pop, smelt the cork before pouring it into the two glasses and placed the bottle into the ice bucket. Nikki watched on fascinated, yet kept her questions to herself.

Khayri reached for his glass and raised that she followed.

"To our survival," he toasted, touching the tip of her glass. He lifted the glass to sniff, then took a sip.

"Sniffing the glass and cork a thing?" she couldn't help herself.

"The cork's sniffed in case it's tainted. There will be an odour. Sniffing the wine, you will enjoy the first undertones of the flavour. Try it and tell me what you sensed."

That she did, then took a sip. Amazed by the difference than just taking a drink, surprised by the spicy afterbite when she had smelt tones of vanilla, and almonds, yet had a toast taste with the tingling of bubbles that danced on her tongue, giggling with delight.

Which set the mood of the evening as she relaxed.

Seated beside Khayri instead of the opposite made it easy to ask questions about items on the menu such things like beef tartare, finding out it's chopped and diced raw meat.

As was the Tuna Carpaccio that she was staying clear of. She liked her food cooked.

Though did like the sound of Prawn Arancini with Dijon mustard and fried capers, breaded and fried balls of risotto with prawn filling. Followed by a beef fillet with Bearnaise sauce, adding French fries.

Khayri had gone for the Tuna which was thinly sliced with spicy chickpea and avocado salad, also going with cube roll steak with spicy chilli, adding Mediterranean vegetables and baked potatoes.

The dancing flames added to the ambience of the night.

No one else joined them on the deck, leaving them alone. Only saw staff as they were served, and the entrée didn't disappoint her, even offered one to Khayri after her first one that melted in her mouth.

He looked at her in surprise and also accepted with a thank you. She even tried a small thin slice of tuna that wasn't as bad as she would have thought. Their table cleared away soon after, ready for the next meal.

Stretching her feet out, Nikki jerked back. Nearly taking the table with her letting out a little squeal, heart beating wildly, waving her hands frantically.

"Oh my god! I've been bitten!"

Scorpion flashed through her mind, followed by a painful death, colour draining from her face, shaking.