Rasheed raised as Megan approached. "Please enter my humble abode," he addressed spreading his hand in greeting, bowing, "you are a most welcome guest, Miss Megan, and feeling better I hope." His eyes warmed with approval, at her sleeveless black evening gown that showed her long, slender curves and ample bust with a single gold chain around her neck against the high-necked dress, hair falling freely around her angelic features, cascading over her shoulders, with a dusting of makeup added.

        She stopped to glare at him causing Rasheed to frown. "Much better, thank you, however, I won't enter if you keep on using Miss. I told you beforehand to call me Megan or so help me, I will never speak to you again."

        He touched his heart, lips, then his forehead with his fingers, bowing his head slightly. "Forgive my rudeness Megan Ryder, but how would it look, to your Duchess if you return empty-handed."

        "I'm more worried about my empty stomach," she murmured, entering further still wondering why this meeting was so important

          She was taken aback by the setting of the room. She had never seen such beauty and colour of Arabian flavour. Also noticed he wasn't just wearing a traditional white robe, but also a flowing large sleeveless cloak of brown with gold trimmings, his head-dress gone showing off his thick, luscious head of raven black locks, his strong masculine features, striking, with high cheekbones and deep set eyes.

        "Please sit down," he offered, waving a hand over a lower bright-coloured divan of red, gold, and black patterned for her to do so. Only to gasp, since it was much lower than first thought, to chuckle with delight. Rasheed joined her on the other side divided between armrests with hanging tussles of red to rest against that they were nearly touching.

        "I must say this is different and very comfortable." She smiled her enjoyment, relaxing.

        "I am glad you approve Megan Ryder." Her eyes narrowed in warning. "Now what have I said?"

        She sighed. "Can't it just be Megan, no Miss, no Ryder, just Megan?"

        He laughed with joy. "I am sorry Megan, just Megan, I do tease you a little bit." He showed a small distance between his thumb and forefinger. She snatched at to have Rasheed take her hand instead and lifted to his lips to kiss, holding her gaze, sending her heart racing. "Shall I feed my just Megan?"

        "Oh, yes, please," joining in on the fun. "I am at your mercy, Mr Rasheed," he scowled. "See! You don't like it either," she jumped in with glee.

        "Not from your lips," he acknowledged, releasing her hand. "Did you enjoy your ride today, Megan?"

        "I did, very much so, Rasheed," she leaned further back into the divan tucking her legs up at her side. "So what mythical animal did I miss before, in the desert?"

        He dismissed such sighting with his hand. "It seemed I was mistaken Megan, it must have been a flicker of sunlight on the glistening sand." She eyed him suspiciously.

        "Why is it Rasheed, I don't quite believe you."

        Disbelief flashed through his eyes. "I am deeply offended, Miss Megan."

        She leaned back on the armrest closer to the man. "No, you're not, now tell me about roaming across the desert on the mighty steed or is that the beast of the desert, a camel, perhaps?" she asked, resting her chin in her hand, elbow on the armrest.

        He leaned even closer to run a finger down her bare arm, sending a tremor through her. "Maybe another time Megan, for now, we must dine." He pressed a button on the side of the divan to have the doors open. Harem-dressed women entered carrying trays, placed on the low table before them, followed by traditional coffee servers to be handed small cups and filled. Megan sipped from with a 'Shukran' and nodded with approval. The girl stood aside in waiting, though Rasheed lifted his hand, dismissing them to have the server placed on the table as well, soon to be by themselves once more. "You know our customs and language, Megan," he noted with approval.

        "Enough to see us through without a guide like yourself, mind you, we do appreciate having you, Rasheed."

        "How you flatter me, Megan," she shook her head in denial, "and handle our coffee so well, traditionally made, grounded by hand and brewed."

        "It is stronger than I am used to," she admitted, "however, it was the first thing I tried when we first arrived."

        "What else have you tasted Megan?"

        She smiled at the memories. "Your pastries are to die for, a sinful pleasure. I see it now, the Eastern world," she splayed her hand in a semi-circle going from east to the west, "to take over the Western world by our stomachs."

        Shaking his head, he waved a finger at her in a warning. "Be careful what you say, Megan. You should not give us such ideas," his dark eyes twinkled at her. He gestured with his hand across the feast before them. "Do you think I am out to get you?"

        "What!" she laughed, resting a hand on his arm that was resting on the armrest. "No, of course not, and to prove the point, may I?" She pointed at the food. He inclined his head, watching as she leaned across, removed a date and came back towards him in an offer. He leaned closer to claim the date from her fingers with his mouth, watching her all the time as he pulled the date free, sending tingling through her, only to cry out as he started to choke.

      "Rasheed!" She jerked to her knees as he straightened, coughing. She thumped his back, hard. He raised his hand to make her stop. Megan looked around desperately, spotting glasses and a jug of water, jumped to her feet and went over to fill a glass of water and went back, handing it over for him to take a deep drink. "Are you alright?" she asked, concerned, rubbing his back.

        "Yes," he said, settling back, handing back the glass. She claimed the glass, watching him closely.

        "I wasn't trying to do you in," she said anxiously.

        "Of course not," he smiled, looking up to reach for her hand and guide her back to her seat. "Just went down the wrong way. Perhaps I should feed myself?" he noted. She nodded in agreement, taking a drink from the glass. "You have quite a hit there Megan."

        "Years of male bashing." He gave her a strange look. She blanched. She must remember this was a man's country and her sense of humour was frowned upon. "Sorry," she lowered her gaze tucking hair behind her ear. "Not really, my badminton lob, I guess." His fault really, making her feel so relaxed, and at home. She glanced sideways to see a smile on his lips. "You do like teasing me, don't you?"

        "Very much so, however, I do advise you, not everyone will appreciate your sense of humour as I do, now let's eat." He claimed a plate, handed it over before taking his own to have them filled up with different dishes from the Middle East, though, she did take a fork and dig in to enjoy, and the company at her side. She relaxed to just be herself to ask endless questions about his country and life, filled with laughter and light banter. She glowed under his company.

        "Enough," Rasheed laughed, raising a hand, "I want to hear about you, Megan Ryder."

        "Nah" she waved away, "I don't want to bore you, Rasheed, my life is very dreary."

        "I find that hard to believe, you are here, are you not? What about your Duchess, how did your paths cross?"

        She smiled at the memory, sipping coffee. "That part was easy. I answered an ad in the paper and voila, here I am in the Middle East, the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me."

        "What about your family?"

        She shrugged, "I have family, back in Australia."

        He eyed her closely. "Distant I would say by your tone."

        "Has anyone ever told you it is rude to pry?" she asked on the defensive, lowering her eyes. Her family was one subject she didn't want to talk about and especially to a stranger, and to be honest Rasheed was a stranger. Like passing ships in the night their time will be very limited, which saddened her.

        "Forgive me, you are quite correct, accept my apologies."

        She shook her head, it wasn't his fault. "No, I'm sorry, my parents are very career minded and I'm not, so bit of a disappointment to them," she stated offhandedly, focusing her gaze on the cup in her hand as if she didn't care, which was so far from the truth.

        He shifted closer to brush a strain of hair from her face receiving her eyes again. "Then it is their loss, not to see how interesting you are, my just Megan, and it is late." He straightened to stand and offered his hand to be taken and helped her to her feet. "I will see you safely back to your Duchess."

        "You know, she really isn't one, just my pet name for her, since she seems so regal, and she does like me to call her that in public with strangers, stirring up interest."

        He guided her hand through his arm, guiding her out of the dining room. "That is where you are wrong, Megan, Vivian was once married to a Duke, her second marriage, if I remember correctly."

        "Really?" came shocked, "how could you possibly know all that?" How did a guide, come to that, have such personal information about a guest and their movements?

        "I make it my business to know everything Megan Ryder, so I know how to handle situations and people, however, I must admit you were a complete surprise to me. I had no idea of your existence at all until we met that first morning in the doorway of the hotel in Dubai. A pleasant surprise I must add." She eyed him sideways, not sure how to read him. Was he only teasing her or meant every word he said? deciding to take everything he said with a pinch of salt. She couldn't afford to see more into his words than there was. How easily she could be carried away by it all.

        She had heard the Arabs did have a way with words, so different from where she came from, no matter how magical her night had been, she had to keep her head. And true to his word, he escorted her back to the villa. He took hold of her hand and kiss, melting her heart since no man had ever done such things before. "Now I must leave you, so until tomorrow, just Megan, and you should not get so upset with me for using proper manners by dressing you as I do."

        She sighed, looking into his dark melting velvet eyes. "I see you as a friend Rasheed, and all my friends call me Megan or Megs."

        "Megs! Never!" he growled horrified stepping closer, cradling her face into his hand. "You are a rare flower to be admired, Megan Ryder."

        Holding her breath, she lost herself in his eyes, willing him closer. He took a step back. She closed her eyes, briefly, then shot up to the man who was watching her closely. "Oh Rasheed, we didn't even go over the schedule, what will I tell Vivian?" She reached out to clutch at his outer garment.

        He stepped closer to press her into the still-closed door. Her breath caught and trembled all over. "Just tell Vivian everything is under control, and I am taking you on an adventure."

        Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

        "Yes, an Arabian adventure."

        She sighed at his words running her fingers along the edge of his outer robe. "I like this Rasheed, it is called a thawb?" Lowering her eyes very aware of his closeness, he filled all her senses. Gently he raised hair from her face to push back, drawing her gaze to softly brush fingers against her lips as his head lowered, only to circle her waist with his arm and pulled her hard against him as the door opened taking them by surprise.

        "Sorry Miss Megan, I cannot allow you to wear my cloak, which is called a bisht."

        "Oh," she steadied herself blushing, "I'm so disappointed, Mr. Rasheed," following his lead.

        "Leave it with me, Miss Megan, I might find something more suitable. Good evening Mrs Vivian," he acknowledged the woman at the other end of the door releasing Megan so casually. "As you can see I brought your amazing assistant safely back."

        "Hmm," she opened the door further. Megan stepped in reluctantly.

        He bowed his head slightly. "Good evening ladies. I will have a proper schedule ready as soon as possible Miss Megan."

        "Thank you, Rasheed, it will be most appreciated, won't it Vivian? Oh," she stepped out reaching out her hand to stop his departure.

        "Miss Megan?" he inquired, ignoring her hand, which fall away.

        "What time do you want us to be ready to leave tomorrow?"

        "Have a sleep-in, enjoy breakfast. We are not leaving for a day or so. Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer and much to be explored."

        "You will join me for breakfast, young man. Goodnight." Vivian closed the door, waving Megan further inside. "Had an enjoyable evening, my dear?"

        Megan beamed. "Yes, Rasheed was the perfect host, and tried so many different dishes."

        "Which, I gather, my schedule went out the window."

        Megan blushed to gave a helpless shrug. "Sorry," she offered.

        "Yes, well just take my advice, Megan Ryder, that one will knock you sideways and off your feet if you let him. Just don't let him sweet-talk you into his bed." With that and a wave, Vivian glided back off to her bedroom, leaving Megan gasping, cheeks burning, to go to her room. She stripped, slipped on a satin nighty and slid under the clean crisp white sheets, smiling to herself as she relived her night, falling asleep with a certain man in her dreams.

      Her Arabian sheikh perched upon a mighty white stallion galloping across the Arabian desert the golden sun setting in the backdrop with her riding side-saddle in front nestled against him, his bisht ballooning out, riding off into the sunset.

        Waking hot and bothered, Megan kicked off the sheets to sit up straight to run her hands through her hair wondering where that had come from. She rose to her feet and crossed over to open her curtains, facing the morning sun looking across the creek, the seas a dark blue, and the sky pale blue, taking a deep breath.

       She had to stop fantasising about such things and such men, releasing a deep sigh and went to collect a light negligee and shrugged over her nighty and headed downstairs towards the lower floors, frozen to the spot at the sight of the man in question walking passed.

        Dark eyes warmed with approval.

       Clutching at the front of her negligee she turned around and back into her room closing the door firmly. She rushed to the adjoining bathroom, splashing cold water on her face to look up into the mirror to see colour in her cheeks and eyes sparkling, covering hot cheeks with her hands.

      This madness had to stop and now! She turned to go to the shower and turned on the cold tap and stripped to step under, cried out in shock and added heat.

        Changed into a white sundress with shoestring straps she entered the bedroom, stopping at the sight of girls laying clothes upon her bed under Rasheed's watchful gaze, who looked across as she entered.

        "As promised, clothing more suitable for your needs, Miss Megan," he noted with a smile, dismissing the girls to close the door behind their departure, then crossed over to Megan, who looked at the clothes on her bed.

          She gasped at the range of kaftans, tailed satin tunics with matching harem pants of different colours. She moved closer to run her fingers over them, so soft and silky to the touch, then turned towards Rasheed. "I cannot accept such beautiful clothing. It must have cost you a fortune. Please take them back," she begged, bewildered.

        "Not as much as you think. I do have contacts Megan and got those at cost. The clothes you own, you will find restricting and heavy. Where we are going will be under extreme conditions. There will be no air-conditioning available, and one should never insult the giver as it is a great offence to do so."

        She shook her head in denial. "I would never insult you, Rasheed," she corrected.

        "Yet you are, please take these for what they are, a gift from one friend to another."

    She stepped closer, raising a hand to be taken in his, eyes searching his poker-faced expression, though watchful. "How can I ever thank you for your generosity?"

        He raised her hand to his lips to kiss, gaze unwavering. "You just did, and will, if you accept my gift for what it is, seeing to your needs and I did promise, did I not?"

        "Rasheed," blinking back tears she threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek taking him aback. Laughing, she stepped back, releasing him. "That is how we say thank you in Australia to our friends."

        After the shock, he smiled, brushing hair from her face. "I hope Miss Megan, you do not thank your friends too often, or others will get the wrong idea."

        "Only my very special friends," she promised with a smile, warming under his touch as he lightly brushed her cheek with fingertips tilting her head back and losing herself in his dark, compelling eyes. "I don't have that many," she noted, stepping closer as his hand threaded through her masses, his dark head closer. Only one really, she wanted to add her gaze dropping to his very inviting lips that looked so tempting, moaning inwardly.

        "I am glad to hear it. I would be most annoyed if otherwise," he stated softly as he drew her even closer, her hand pressing against his chest. "Now how did that go again? This Australian tradition?" She rose on her toes to kiss his right cheek then the other. "Actually, that is a very traditional Arab greeting." He returned the action, his lips very close to hers, breath caught in anticipation.

        "How then, do you actually thank someone in your Arab traditions?" she dared, closing her eyes, savouring his closeness. He claimed the other side of her face with his free hand and tilted her head back. Opening her eyes, she found herself looking into dark, smouldering eyes. 

        "Perhaps one day I will have reason to show you, Miss Megan." There was so much promise in his words.

        "Rasheed," she moaned. He laughed to gather her against him and kissed the top of her head, then turned her around. "I would go with the gold Caftan for today's adventure."

        She looked back up over her shoulder. "Where are we heading today, Rasheed?"

        "I thought I would show you some sights of the Abu Dhabi, however, there will be some ground rules, Miss Megan."

        Her eyes widened turning around to face him; she didn't like the sound of that. "Ground rules? Like what?"

        "To start with, there will be no cheek kissing, or any form of touching, you can walk at my side that is all."

        Irritated, she crossed her arms to eye him closely. "What is that supposed to mean? When have I ever touched you?" she asked. "In public," she added when he arched a knowing brow. "It's not like you haven't been touching me, you are always touching my hair," she pointed out, running fingers along her skin, kissing her hand and the way he looked at her made her weak at the knees.

        "It is just the way it is Megan Ryder, and now I will leave you to change," dark eyes twinkled as he leaned closer to whisper, his warm breath caressing her skin. "Not that, I would not enjoy you touching me. I have a weakness for redheads, it seems." She gasped, then turned bright red. He brushed her parted lips with his own, then departed, leaving her trembling at his briefest touch, placing trembling fingers to her lips.

        He was so breathtaking, looking back over her new clothes to cross over and remove the golden caftan mingled with reds and browns threaded in an Arabic design. Quickly she stripped down to slip the caftan over her head and pulled her hair free with her arms, then spun around, claiming her hat and sunglasses on the way out, joining a waiting Rasheed, who smiled his approval, warming her heart.

        Vivian ran critical eyes from where she was seated. "Charming," then turned to Rasheed. "I trust you to look after my Megan, Rasheed, and come back unharmed."

        "Of course." Rasheed inclined his head and departed, taking Megan with him to spend the most splendid day showing her the city of Abu Dhabi. Having coffee from outside venues, enjoying the local cuisine and culture, and even a stroll along a beach until it was far too hot to explore the largest shopping complex she had ever seen to do some personal shopping.

        The day went quickly and she couldn't remember when she had ever enjoyed herself this much, being with such a charming host, who saw to all her needs, and such manners. She felt like a princess that she glowed, which Vivian commented on their return.

        "Obviously, you enjoyed yourself, Megan, dear."

        "Oh, I did," Megan beamed to cross over and kissed her cheek. "Thank you." She turned back to Rasheed to take her purchases from him. "Thank you, Rasheed, I did have the most brilliant day."

        He smiled warmly. "I am glad, however, I am sorry to say I am needed elsewhere tonight. Palace business," he added at Vivian's questioning look. "I will see you both tomorrow." 

        "Make it early Rasheed," Vivian noted stopping his departure and catching his attention.

        "Is there something I should know about?" he inquired.

       "No, young man, it's just I will be busy with a visitor, and I would hate to leave Megan all alone." Megan's heart raced at the thought of another day alone with Rasheed faltering at his frown. She swallowed hard.

       "There is no need. I'm quite comfortable with my own company and I would hate to put Rasheed out any more. I have a book to read and postcards to write, so you see, I will be busy," she smiled brightly. Too brightly.

        He raised a brow with regard. "You don't want to be seen with me?"

        "What!" she gasped, blushing. "Of course not, I didn't mean to offend, it's just you have given me so much of your time already. I'm sure your time is valuable."

        "It is," he noted, "though, I do not want you to be alone. I have to go out of town for a while, so make sure you are ready by six thirty. We will be heading for Al Ain." Her whole face lit up. The Oasis city, she had read so much about.

        "Of course, and please don't change your plans for me. I'm happy to just tag along, and promise to obey your wishes."

        Vivian scoffed. "Megan, really, child, one should never be so eager to please."

        She reddened. "I just wanted to reassure Rasheed I wouldn't be a bother," she noted softly, lowering her head and clutching her parcels tighter, self-conscience. "Perhaps I should stay behind," she offered.

        "Do not be silly," Rasheed growled, crossing over to place a kiss on top of her head. "I would be honoured to have your company, Miss Megan. I just hope you will not be bored by it all." She looked up to see his concern.

        "I won't," she promised to receive his smile.

       "See Vivian, all your concerns taken care of, now I must leave. Six-thirty Megan Ryder." In wonder Megan watched him depart, mentally hugging herself. She had had the most wonderful day telling Vivian all about it when she was told to join her.

        That night she found it hard to sleep to spend most of the night on the balcony leaning against the villa wall, watching the light of the moon dance on the creek water from her view, dreamily. United Arabs she has discovered was the most romantic place in the world. She felt so alive, and all because of one man, to step out further.

        Across at an adjoining villa, Rasheed stepped out onto the balcony of his bedroom to take in the sights though missed his desert home and couldn't wait to get home to step out further, hands behind his back as he was joined by another.

        "Everything will be ready for tomorrow." Rasheed nodded, glancing sideways, only to have his attention caught, by the sight of Megan under the moonlight to watch, amazed.

      She raised her arms, spinning around for no apparent reason and stole air from his lungs as the moonlight highlight her long slender form by her nighty. The very light negligee was almost transparent and swirled around her then was leaning out over the balcony, raising her face toward the moon to hear musical laughter.

      The night was very still, gasping as she perched on the balcony rail holding onto a pillar. Had she no idea how dangerous that was? She turned to see them and run back into the room, still laughing. A sight he had never seen before in his life, such uninhibited joy. He cannot remember when he had felt that, if ever. He turned and went back to his bedroom dismissing the other with a wave of his hand.

       He wanted to be alone to lie down on his bed to have a restless night he gave up, switching on his bedside light and spotted Megan's book to take and laid back into the pillows and opened to the first page.