Chapter 4
Rose pushed herself up to a sitting position in bed. It was dark outside and she had no idea what day it was, or how long she had been in Egypt. Her head was pounding still, but not nearly as badly as before. As for her mind, she felt the fuzzy veil that had enveloped it previously begin to lift and for the first time she could think clearly.
The first clear thought that entered her mind was Egypt. She could not believe she was in another country, nor could she believe Ali had brought her here. It was a very bizarre situation, and she half believed she had dreamed it all. Yet her conversation with Ali and that hard look upon his face convinced her that her situation was real.
Rose wanted to contemplate her situation further, but Yasmeen entered her room briskly, carrying a pitcher of water and a frown upon her face. Rose remembered the beautiful woman had glared at her like that before during her periods of consciousness and it bothered Rose.
"Good, you are awake," Yasmeen said with little joy. "You need to drink and maybe try to eat."
"Yes, I do," Rose agreed.
"Then you are feeling better?"
"Much better," Rose answered.
"Ali will be pleased," Yasmeen drawled and Rose noticed that Yasmeen was not pleased that she was feeling better.
"Where is he tonight?" Rose asked, anxious to see a friendly face.
"Out, preparing for our departure tomorrow."
"Departure? Where?" Rose inquired with shock. If her situation wasn't odd enough already, now she had to deal with traveling to yet another location.
Yasmeen handed Rose a glass of water and studied her face for a long moment.
"Didn't Ali explain anything to you?" Yasmeen inquired.
Rose slowly shook her head, not wanting to invoke pain from sudden movement.
"Then I will tell you only what I can," Yasmeen agreed. "We are taking you to our village. You will be safe there and amongst friends during your stay."
"And how long will I stay there?"
Yasmeen lifted an indifferent shoulder and replied, "However long Ali wants you to stay. It is his decision."
Yasmeen's tone left Rose cold. Bravely, she inquired, "But you would rather it be a short stay?"
Yasmeen moved away from the bed and smoothed at the wrinkles in her long cotton skirt. She took a long while before answering. When she did, her answer was clipped and quick.
"It does not matter what I want. Only what Ali wants."
Rose wrinkled her brow at Yasmeen's answer. Who was this woman and how exactly was she attached to Ali? It was all so confusing and Rose only wished Ali were standing before her so she could ask him all her questions.
"What does that mean, Yasmeen? And why is it that you do not like me?"
"I know too little of your personality to make such a judgement. But I will tell you that I do not like your situation. Whatever happened in your apartment in America needs some explaining."
Rose looked away. She didn't want to explain about her past.
"No it doesn't. I'm not going back there again, so it doesn't matter what happened there." Rose paused. "Unless, of course, you and Ali plan to go back there again?"
"No. I was in America only to escort Ali home. And now that he is here, he will be staying. He cannot go back to America now."
"Because of what happened in my apartment with those men that attacked me?" Rose questioned.
"No. Because he is needed here now. This is his home, this is where he will remain."
Yasmeen sounded so resolute in her declaration that Rose just had to ask about her relationship with Ali.
"You speak like you have a claim to him. Do you?"
Yasmeen laughed at Rose's question.
"A claim to him? No. I have no claim to him. I am not his wife, or even his lover."
It was strange, but Rose felt relief from Yasmeen's words. Rose too had no claim to Ali, nor had she ever sought one. Yet just the thought of Ali belonging to some other woman tore at her heart.
"Were you ever either?" Rose then boldly asked.
Yasmeen hesitated and seemed to choose her words carefully.
"Ali and I grew up together. We were childhood friends and for a short time we were.together. But that was many years ago and he has moved on."
"You haven't," Rose remarked.
Yasmeen obviously ignored Rose's comment, for her next question was on an entirely different topic.
"Would you like me to draw you a bath? It will be your last chance at hot water for the next few days," Yasmeen said, moving toward the bathroom door.
"The next few days?" Rose asked, aghast.
Her comment halted Yasmeen in her tracks.
"Yes, I told you, we are traveling through the desert to our village."
"You said we were going somewhere, you never said it was through the desert."
Taking the opportunity to taunt Rose, Yasmeen smiled mischievously and replied, "Rose, we are in North Africa, there is nothing but desert here."
"Oh, right," Rose breathed. "What's the name of this village again?"
"You needn't worry about that," Yasmeen answered.
"Will I be all right traveling through the desert?" Rose questioned, gesturing toward the bump on her head.
"We are not walking, you will be fine."
Sarcastically, Rose asked, "And you know that because you're a doctor?"
"I know that because I am a nurse. I have taken good care of you. You are fine. And I will ensure your comfort on our journey. You can trust me, regardless of what you think," Yasmeen explained.
Rose gave a small nod, though Yasmeen had done little to explain things to her and only heightened her curiosity. There was still so much that she wanted explained to her and her only hope was that Ali would fill her in later.
"In that case, I would like a bath," Rose said to Yasmeen. "And please, have Ali see me when he returns. I have much to ask him. None of this makes much sense to me."
Yasmeen opened the bathroom door and said before entering, "And nothing about you makes much sense either, Rose." ****
By the time Ali entered Rose's bedroom, it was well into the night and she was sound asleep on her bed. Yasmeen had mentioned that Rose was feeling better and had even eaten and bathed and wanted to speak with Ali upon his return. Unfortunately, he had returned quite late, and he was unsure whether he should disturb Rose or not.
Carefully, he sat on the edge of her bed and gazed down at her peaceful slumber. There was much he wanted to ask her and he was certain she had much she wanted to ask him. Yet all the questions could wait until they were safely back at his home. There, they would be protected and all could be revealed. Here in Cairo, they were vulnerable and Ali wanted to take no chances that Rose would flee once she knew his secrets. It would be best to explain all in his village where she would have no choice but to listen and remain nearby until she digested everything.
Rose stirred slightly, and a lock of hair fell in her eyes. With a long finger, Ali pushed it back behind her ear. The faint scent of soap and shampoo clung to her body and Ali bent down closer to her face, taking in her fresh smell. He was reminded of their walks to and from work everyday in California. She had always smelled of wildflowers and scented soap then, and her tanned skin had looked so fresh and clean. Even now, in the dark, he could see that healthy glow against the dark brown of her hair. She was truly beautiful, and Ali couldn't image any man not noticing her beauty.
He had noticed it the first time he had seen her in the lobby of their office building. Yet that hadn't been his attraction. It was her humorous ways and love for life that anyone could see in her face that attracted him. He hadn't realized his attraction to her, though, until much later. He'd been drawn to her as a person immediately. But it had been that long progression of their friendship that he cherished most. And it wasn't until he had returned home for the brief visit when his father died, that he understood his true feelings for Rose. For when it had dawned on him that he would be leaving her for good to begin his new role in Egypt, he realized he loved her quite deeply.
And now, he had her with him and even if she never returned his feelings, he would vow to protect her always.
As all that ran through his mind, Ali bent nearer her face and gently pressed a kiss to her cheek. Soon, she would be in his village and he could reveal all to her.
She stirred as he kissed her and opened her eyes with a start. Reacting quickly, she jerked away and shot out, "No!"
"Rose, it is me," Ali said calmly.
Relief flooded Rose's face and she immediately fell against his chest, her breathing rapid, her arms embracing him.
"Ali, thank God. I thought." her sentence trailed off as she realized she was about to tell him too much. Her dreams had turned into nightmares of her past and when Ali had touched her, she'd been jolted awake, certain her nightmares were real. Since the incident in her apartment, Rose had a nagging feeling that her father was closing in on her whereabouts. But that was ridiculous for they were in Egypt and she was with Ali safe and sound.
Hesitantly, Ali hugged her back. Her shock upon waking again told him she was hiding from something profound and very dangerous, so he inquired, "You thought what?"
"I was just having a bad dream. A lot has happened. I'm not myself," Rose answered as she pulled away from him. It felt both odd and natural to be in Ali's arms, even if it was an innocent embrace of friendship.
"True. A lot has happened," Ali agreed. Then he added, "And there's a lot more that will happen in the next few days."
"You mean us leaving for some mysterious trek across the desert to your home?" she inquired with humor.
"That, among other things." Taking Rose by the shoulders, Ali looked at her face in what little light filtered in to the room from the window. "Look, when we arrive at my village, you and I have much to discuss."
"Such as?"
"Such as what exactly went on back at your apartment in California."
There was that hard look on his face again. Rose wanted to turn away from him, but his stare was too intense to avoid.
"I told you, Ali, what happened there will stay there," Rose insisted. "And what about you? Would you care to explain how you got me to Egypt unconscious and why you thought to bring me here to begin with? And what happened to those men in my apartment? Can you tell me that?"
All that Ali had done seemed so incredibly out of character for him. Rose wanted to know what exactly had happened in her apartment and why Ali was acting so unlike himself now. She wanted to know a lot, but from the expression on Ali's face, Rose was positive he would reveal little.
"As for those men in your apartment, don't worry about what happened to them. And as for getting you here to Egypt, it was easy. We had a private plane chartered out of Mexico. They ask few questions in that country," Ali explained.
"And do you always travel by private plane out of countries that ask few questions?" Rose inquired.
With a light smile, Ali said, "Whenever possible."
Rose smiled back, though she had a feeling he wasn't entirely joking. Suddenly, the man she'd known for two years, the average computer programmer with a nine to five job, was turning out to be something more.
"You know, I can't tell whether or not you're joking. You're different, Ali."
"I am the same person," he insisted. "However, things may change once we arrive in my village. I may appear different to you at first, but trust me Rose, I will always be that same person who's been your best friend for the past two years."
His words were cryptic, something he had never been before. Then Rose thought back on the last night they had walked home from work together. She'd been thinking then that Ali had transformed somehow. His appearance growing more striking, his attitude more closed-even to her. And now that he was telling her things may change, Rose was positive they would.
"And what about us, Ali? Will we still be friends once we arrive in your village?"
"Always."
"And how long will I stay there with you?" Rose remembered Yasmeen's answer to that question earlier today and she wanted to hear what Ali would say.
"As long as you are happy and content there. My home and the home of my people is open to you."
"Your people?" Rose asked. "That sounds strange."
Ali stiffened slightly, knowing that Rose was too sharp to miss any details in their conversation, so he covered by saying, "I was referring to my culture. My hometown. That is all."
Rose sighed and leaned back against the pillows on her bed.
"Tired?" Ali questioned.
Rose nodded and yawned.
"You had better rest up for your trip tomorrow. You and Yasmeen will be getting an early start to beat the heat," Ali said.
"You're not coming with us?" Rose asked, suddenly feeling fear, her exhaustion eluding her.
"I will meet you in my village in a few days. I have further business to attend to. It is urgent. But do not worry, you will be safe with Yasmeen. She is adept at finding her way through the desert."
"Yes, but is it safe?"
"Yasmeen is also adept at defending herself. No desert bandit would dare cross her," Ali said with a light, reassuring tone.
"I wasn't referring to the dangers of the desert. I was wondering if it was safe for me with Yasmeen."
When Ali glanced at her with a furrowed brow, Rose explained, "I get the feeling she doesn't like me."
Carefully, Ali said, "She is.wary. That is all. But she is.loyal.to me and you will be safe." Ali realized his statement about Yasmeen's loyalty would seem strange to Rose. After all, Rose did not understand his inherited role and how Yasmeen was loyal to him because of his place among their people and nothing more.
"Loyal?" Rose asked with a small chuckle. "That's an odd statement, Ali."
"I know. It is a long story and like I said, you and I will have much to discuss later. For now, you need to rest for your trip."
"But now you have me fearing desert bandits," Rose stated with sarcasm.
Ali chuckled at her remark and his laugh was deep and real. Rose could see that he was not wearing his glasses and she thought the look of him in casual clothes with the dark goatee and moustache upon his face made him more handsome. His computer geek image was quickly disappearing.
"Rose, you will be safe," Ali assured her. "I guarantee it."
His words were comforting, and Rose was certain he knew the future outcome of their trip.
"All right," Rose said on a yawn. "I believe you."
"Then I will bid you farewell now, and see you in a few days." Ali bent down and kissed Rose on the forehead. It was a platonic kiss and she smiled up at him with an impish grin. Just as Ali was certain Rose would leave it at that, she reached out and touched his face with a gentle caress.
"I'll miss you," she confessed. "After all, I have seen you almost everyday for the past two years."
"You have," Ali agreed. Then he reached for her hand and pulled it from his face where it left an emotional imprint upon his skin. Holding it to his lips, he kissed it and asked, "Rose, tell my why you ran from my apartment that night in California?" He had to know more about her reaction that night. Had there been something more to her embarrassment? He prayed it had been jealousy that had sent her fleeing.
"I thought I had interrupted you and Yasmeen," Rose confessed.
"And that bothered you?"
Slowly, Rose nodded. Her hand burned in his and again she found her recent physical reactions to him strange.
"I thought I knew you completely. Seeing Yasmeen there proved to me I didn't," Rose told him.
With a regretful look in his eyes, Ali remarked, "You can never know anyone completely, Rose." Then, as if he had reconsidered his statement, he added, "But you will."
It was then that he had to convey his feelings. He had to do so now before she discovered all about him. He wanted her to love the man she had known for the past two years, and not the fierce, warrior side that would soon emerge. So taking a bold chance, Ali leaned down and tenderly touched his lips to hers. His kiss was warm and simple, though it took all his resolve to keep it at that.
When he straightened to study her face, he saw only wonder.
"What is wrong?" Ali questioned quietly.
"I was just wondering why we never did that sooner," Rose admitted. "Although, I never thought much about it until recently-until I found myself jealous of Yasmeen in your apartment."
With a smile, Ali said, "You don't need to be jealous of anyone, Rose. I love only you. That is why I brought you here with me."
His words seemed to spark something in her, for she suddenly sat up, her mouth ready to explode with words.
"Ali, I must explain something to you. You have to know." If he really loved her, then he had to know who she really was.
He wouldn't allow her time to explain. His finger landed on her lips and halted her words.
"Not now, Rose," he ordered. And it was an order. Subtle, but an order none-the-less.
His finger caressed her bottom lip for a moment, causing it to quiver from the tender contact, then he quickly removed his hand as if he'd had second thoughts and said, "Now, you will rest. You and I will talk later. I just wanted you to know everything I felt so you would have something to think about while we were apart."
"It does not scare you, does it?" he suddenly questioned with rare insecurity.
"No. Not at all," Rose said, but did not return his words. Instead, she moved her arms around his shoulders and hugged him fiercely for a moment. Just as she was positive she had glimpsed muscles on his body in his apartment that one night, she was again sure she felt them now. But he broke the contact too quickly for her to be completely certain.
"Enough for now, my darling," he said lowly, next to her ear, sending a shiver down her spine from his warm breath. "I did not come in here to seduce you, merely to tell you to have a good trip."
His words, his endearment, warmed Rose down to her toes. It felt good to be loved by someone whom she could trust, someone who would never harm her. Images of her ex-fiancé and father raced through her mind and Rose was again compelled to explain all to Ali. But he was tucking the bed-covers around her and rising to his feet like a gentleman.
"Have a good trip," he said with finality. "Now, rest."
He turned to leave and all Rose could do was wonder if his small kiss and words of love had been real or an affect of the concussion she'd suffered.
****
"It's damn hot around here," Victor complained as he swiped at the sweat building on the back of his neck. Even the night air didn't diminish the heat it seemed in this country and he couldn't wait to grab Rosalinda and return to Chicago.
"Its North Africa, Vic, home of the Sahara. What did you expect?" Tony asked with sarcasm. He was getting tired of traveling with Victor, Rosalinda's ex-fiancé and his father's right hand man. It wasn't that Victor was all that bad of company, but take him out of his element, and he grew rather testy.
Victor Gaboldon, however, had been bad company for his sister. Tony understood completely why Rosalinda had fled the family five years ago. In fact, he had even had a small hand in helping her to leave putting her in contact with people who could assist in altering identities. People who had not been associated with their father, Alfonse San Giovani. But their father had been persistent in tracking her down and by a fluke, one of their old family friends had spotted her in southern California. Their attempt to nab her in California had failed and now Tony found himself in Egypt, accompanying Victor in an effort to find Rosalinda again. Yet Tony and Victor had different reasons for wanting to find Rosa. Victor wanted her back and Tony, he just wanted to see her again.
"I'd expect some air conditioning around this place for one thing," Victor replied with his sometimes gruff manner. Victor could be a smooth operator when necessary, but also a rough man when the wrong mood hit him. And being in Egypt for two days, attempting to find a cold trail on Rosa was creating the wrong mood.
Tony said nothing more and continued to look around from the passenger seat of their rented Range Rover. They had discovered a possible contact that may have seen Rosa at the airport in Cairo and it was their only lead.
"Hey, there he is," Victor announced as a tall, lanky Caucasian man with short brown hair approached along with an old Egyptian man dressed in traditional garb.
"Who's the old guy with him?" Tony inquired.
"That's our contact," Victor explained. "The English guy is sort of an 'interpreter' who'll do anything for a few American bucks. He found that old man for us."
"Willingly?" Tony asked as he saw the Englishman's hand gripping the old man's arm tightly.
Victor only smiled, allowing Tony to draw his own conclusions and turned to the Englishman who stopped next to the driver side door.
"Here he is, just as promised," the Englishman announced.
"Hey, thanks, Jeffreys. Lets see if he has anything to divulge to us," Victor said.
Jeffreys turned to the old man and spoke in fluent Arabic. The old man seemed reluctant to answer, until Jeffreys drew a knife from his pocket and brandished it. Tony had seen such tactics a thousand times before. Though he never participated, he never stopped them either. It was easier to pretend his friends and family were law abiding than to try to reform them.
Finally, the old man spoke and it was obvious from the tone in his voice that he was doing so only under duress. Jeffreys translated.
"It seems," Jeffreys relayed, "that he heard of a private plane that arrived a few days ago. It had an American woman on it and three Egyptians."
"And where are these people and this American woman now?"
The old man spoke again and Jeffreys said, "They're at a hotel on the outskirts of Cairo. I know the place."
"Are they still there?" Victor asked.
The old man shrugged.
"Hell. Guess we'll have to find that out for ourselves," Victor mumbled.
Understanding that their need for the witness was through, Jeffreys pushed the old man away and said something in the man's language. The old man hesitated for a moment, uttered with much enthusiasm and stood as if awaiting an answer.
Jeffreys yelled at him and shooed him away. The old man again shouted out his words as he walked away. Jeffreys laughed.
"What was that?" Tony inquired.
"Aw, the old man's crazy. Says it'll be our death if we find the American woman," Jeffreys explained.
"And why's that?" Tony asked.
"He believes in some myth about a desert tribe of warriors. Says she's with them."
Victor and Jeffreys both laughed and Tony remained silent. This was a land steeped in mysterious history and Tony wouldn't completely discount the old man's words. After all, whoever had saved Rosa from Victor's men had taken them out in the process and that made Tony wary.
"Enough talk about myths," Victor insisted. "Lets find that hotel and stake it out. As soon as we see a sign of her, we'll find a safe place to take her."
"Sounds good," Jeffreys said, jumping into the back seat of the vehicle, apparently joining the hunt. "I have a couple men for backup we can call in too, if need be."
"That'll work," Victor agreed, and Tony was suddenly afraid all of this would become more complicated than they had first anticipated. ****
Rose pushed herself up to a sitting position in bed. It was dark outside and she had no idea what day it was, or how long she had been in Egypt. Her head was pounding still, but not nearly as badly as before. As for her mind, she felt the fuzzy veil that had enveloped it previously begin to lift and for the first time she could think clearly.
The first clear thought that entered her mind was Egypt. She could not believe she was in another country, nor could she believe Ali had brought her here. It was a very bizarre situation, and she half believed she had dreamed it all. Yet her conversation with Ali and that hard look upon his face convinced her that her situation was real.
Rose wanted to contemplate her situation further, but Yasmeen entered her room briskly, carrying a pitcher of water and a frown upon her face. Rose remembered the beautiful woman had glared at her like that before during her periods of consciousness and it bothered Rose.
"Good, you are awake," Yasmeen said with little joy. "You need to drink and maybe try to eat."
"Yes, I do," Rose agreed.
"Then you are feeling better?"
"Much better," Rose answered.
"Ali will be pleased," Yasmeen drawled and Rose noticed that Yasmeen was not pleased that she was feeling better.
"Where is he tonight?" Rose asked, anxious to see a friendly face.
"Out, preparing for our departure tomorrow."
"Departure? Where?" Rose inquired with shock. If her situation wasn't odd enough already, now she had to deal with traveling to yet another location.
Yasmeen handed Rose a glass of water and studied her face for a long moment.
"Didn't Ali explain anything to you?" Yasmeen inquired.
Rose slowly shook her head, not wanting to invoke pain from sudden movement.
"Then I will tell you only what I can," Yasmeen agreed. "We are taking you to our village. You will be safe there and amongst friends during your stay."
"And how long will I stay there?"
Yasmeen lifted an indifferent shoulder and replied, "However long Ali wants you to stay. It is his decision."
Yasmeen's tone left Rose cold. Bravely, she inquired, "But you would rather it be a short stay?"
Yasmeen moved away from the bed and smoothed at the wrinkles in her long cotton skirt. She took a long while before answering. When she did, her answer was clipped and quick.
"It does not matter what I want. Only what Ali wants."
Rose wrinkled her brow at Yasmeen's answer. Who was this woman and how exactly was she attached to Ali? It was all so confusing and Rose only wished Ali were standing before her so she could ask him all her questions.
"What does that mean, Yasmeen? And why is it that you do not like me?"
"I know too little of your personality to make such a judgement. But I will tell you that I do not like your situation. Whatever happened in your apartment in America needs some explaining."
Rose looked away. She didn't want to explain about her past.
"No it doesn't. I'm not going back there again, so it doesn't matter what happened there." Rose paused. "Unless, of course, you and Ali plan to go back there again?"
"No. I was in America only to escort Ali home. And now that he is here, he will be staying. He cannot go back to America now."
"Because of what happened in my apartment with those men that attacked me?" Rose questioned.
"No. Because he is needed here now. This is his home, this is where he will remain."
Yasmeen sounded so resolute in her declaration that Rose just had to ask about her relationship with Ali.
"You speak like you have a claim to him. Do you?"
Yasmeen laughed at Rose's question.
"A claim to him? No. I have no claim to him. I am not his wife, or even his lover."
It was strange, but Rose felt relief from Yasmeen's words. Rose too had no claim to Ali, nor had she ever sought one. Yet just the thought of Ali belonging to some other woman tore at her heart.
"Were you ever either?" Rose then boldly asked.
Yasmeen hesitated and seemed to choose her words carefully.
"Ali and I grew up together. We were childhood friends and for a short time we were.together. But that was many years ago and he has moved on."
"You haven't," Rose remarked.
Yasmeen obviously ignored Rose's comment, for her next question was on an entirely different topic.
"Would you like me to draw you a bath? It will be your last chance at hot water for the next few days," Yasmeen said, moving toward the bathroom door.
"The next few days?" Rose asked, aghast.
Her comment halted Yasmeen in her tracks.
"Yes, I told you, we are traveling through the desert to our village."
"You said we were going somewhere, you never said it was through the desert."
Taking the opportunity to taunt Rose, Yasmeen smiled mischievously and replied, "Rose, we are in North Africa, there is nothing but desert here."
"Oh, right," Rose breathed. "What's the name of this village again?"
"You needn't worry about that," Yasmeen answered.
"Will I be all right traveling through the desert?" Rose questioned, gesturing toward the bump on her head.
"We are not walking, you will be fine."
Sarcastically, Rose asked, "And you know that because you're a doctor?"
"I know that because I am a nurse. I have taken good care of you. You are fine. And I will ensure your comfort on our journey. You can trust me, regardless of what you think," Yasmeen explained.
Rose gave a small nod, though Yasmeen had done little to explain things to her and only heightened her curiosity. There was still so much that she wanted explained to her and her only hope was that Ali would fill her in later.
"In that case, I would like a bath," Rose said to Yasmeen. "And please, have Ali see me when he returns. I have much to ask him. None of this makes much sense to me."
Yasmeen opened the bathroom door and said before entering, "And nothing about you makes much sense either, Rose." ****
By the time Ali entered Rose's bedroom, it was well into the night and she was sound asleep on her bed. Yasmeen had mentioned that Rose was feeling better and had even eaten and bathed and wanted to speak with Ali upon his return. Unfortunately, he had returned quite late, and he was unsure whether he should disturb Rose or not.
Carefully, he sat on the edge of her bed and gazed down at her peaceful slumber. There was much he wanted to ask her and he was certain she had much she wanted to ask him. Yet all the questions could wait until they were safely back at his home. There, they would be protected and all could be revealed. Here in Cairo, they were vulnerable and Ali wanted to take no chances that Rose would flee once she knew his secrets. It would be best to explain all in his village where she would have no choice but to listen and remain nearby until she digested everything.
Rose stirred slightly, and a lock of hair fell in her eyes. With a long finger, Ali pushed it back behind her ear. The faint scent of soap and shampoo clung to her body and Ali bent down closer to her face, taking in her fresh smell. He was reminded of their walks to and from work everyday in California. She had always smelled of wildflowers and scented soap then, and her tanned skin had looked so fresh and clean. Even now, in the dark, he could see that healthy glow against the dark brown of her hair. She was truly beautiful, and Ali couldn't image any man not noticing her beauty.
He had noticed it the first time he had seen her in the lobby of their office building. Yet that hadn't been his attraction. It was her humorous ways and love for life that anyone could see in her face that attracted him. He hadn't realized his attraction to her, though, until much later. He'd been drawn to her as a person immediately. But it had been that long progression of their friendship that he cherished most. And it wasn't until he had returned home for the brief visit when his father died, that he understood his true feelings for Rose. For when it had dawned on him that he would be leaving her for good to begin his new role in Egypt, he realized he loved her quite deeply.
And now, he had her with him and even if she never returned his feelings, he would vow to protect her always.
As all that ran through his mind, Ali bent nearer her face and gently pressed a kiss to her cheek. Soon, she would be in his village and he could reveal all to her.
She stirred as he kissed her and opened her eyes with a start. Reacting quickly, she jerked away and shot out, "No!"
"Rose, it is me," Ali said calmly.
Relief flooded Rose's face and she immediately fell against his chest, her breathing rapid, her arms embracing him.
"Ali, thank God. I thought." her sentence trailed off as she realized she was about to tell him too much. Her dreams had turned into nightmares of her past and when Ali had touched her, she'd been jolted awake, certain her nightmares were real. Since the incident in her apartment, Rose had a nagging feeling that her father was closing in on her whereabouts. But that was ridiculous for they were in Egypt and she was with Ali safe and sound.
Hesitantly, Ali hugged her back. Her shock upon waking again told him she was hiding from something profound and very dangerous, so he inquired, "You thought what?"
"I was just having a bad dream. A lot has happened. I'm not myself," Rose answered as she pulled away from him. It felt both odd and natural to be in Ali's arms, even if it was an innocent embrace of friendship.
"True. A lot has happened," Ali agreed. Then he added, "And there's a lot more that will happen in the next few days."
"You mean us leaving for some mysterious trek across the desert to your home?" she inquired with humor.
"That, among other things." Taking Rose by the shoulders, Ali looked at her face in what little light filtered in to the room from the window. "Look, when we arrive at my village, you and I have much to discuss."
"Such as?"
"Such as what exactly went on back at your apartment in California."
There was that hard look on his face again. Rose wanted to turn away from him, but his stare was too intense to avoid.
"I told you, Ali, what happened there will stay there," Rose insisted. "And what about you? Would you care to explain how you got me to Egypt unconscious and why you thought to bring me here to begin with? And what happened to those men in my apartment? Can you tell me that?"
All that Ali had done seemed so incredibly out of character for him. Rose wanted to know what exactly had happened in her apartment and why Ali was acting so unlike himself now. She wanted to know a lot, but from the expression on Ali's face, Rose was positive he would reveal little.
"As for those men in your apartment, don't worry about what happened to them. And as for getting you here to Egypt, it was easy. We had a private plane chartered out of Mexico. They ask few questions in that country," Ali explained.
"And do you always travel by private plane out of countries that ask few questions?" Rose inquired.
With a light smile, Ali said, "Whenever possible."
Rose smiled back, though she had a feeling he wasn't entirely joking. Suddenly, the man she'd known for two years, the average computer programmer with a nine to five job, was turning out to be something more.
"You know, I can't tell whether or not you're joking. You're different, Ali."
"I am the same person," he insisted. "However, things may change once we arrive in my village. I may appear different to you at first, but trust me Rose, I will always be that same person who's been your best friend for the past two years."
His words were cryptic, something he had never been before. Then Rose thought back on the last night they had walked home from work together. She'd been thinking then that Ali had transformed somehow. His appearance growing more striking, his attitude more closed-even to her. And now that he was telling her things may change, Rose was positive they would.
"And what about us, Ali? Will we still be friends once we arrive in your village?"
"Always."
"And how long will I stay there with you?" Rose remembered Yasmeen's answer to that question earlier today and she wanted to hear what Ali would say.
"As long as you are happy and content there. My home and the home of my people is open to you."
"Your people?" Rose asked. "That sounds strange."
Ali stiffened slightly, knowing that Rose was too sharp to miss any details in their conversation, so he covered by saying, "I was referring to my culture. My hometown. That is all."
Rose sighed and leaned back against the pillows on her bed.
"Tired?" Ali questioned.
Rose nodded and yawned.
"You had better rest up for your trip tomorrow. You and Yasmeen will be getting an early start to beat the heat," Ali said.
"You're not coming with us?" Rose asked, suddenly feeling fear, her exhaustion eluding her.
"I will meet you in my village in a few days. I have further business to attend to. It is urgent. But do not worry, you will be safe with Yasmeen. She is adept at finding her way through the desert."
"Yes, but is it safe?"
"Yasmeen is also adept at defending herself. No desert bandit would dare cross her," Ali said with a light, reassuring tone.
"I wasn't referring to the dangers of the desert. I was wondering if it was safe for me with Yasmeen."
When Ali glanced at her with a furrowed brow, Rose explained, "I get the feeling she doesn't like me."
Carefully, Ali said, "She is.wary. That is all. But she is.loyal.to me and you will be safe." Ali realized his statement about Yasmeen's loyalty would seem strange to Rose. After all, Rose did not understand his inherited role and how Yasmeen was loyal to him because of his place among their people and nothing more.
"Loyal?" Rose asked with a small chuckle. "That's an odd statement, Ali."
"I know. It is a long story and like I said, you and I will have much to discuss later. For now, you need to rest for your trip."
"But now you have me fearing desert bandits," Rose stated with sarcasm.
Ali chuckled at her remark and his laugh was deep and real. Rose could see that he was not wearing his glasses and she thought the look of him in casual clothes with the dark goatee and moustache upon his face made him more handsome. His computer geek image was quickly disappearing.
"Rose, you will be safe," Ali assured her. "I guarantee it."
His words were comforting, and Rose was certain he knew the future outcome of their trip.
"All right," Rose said on a yawn. "I believe you."
"Then I will bid you farewell now, and see you in a few days." Ali bent down and kissed Rose on the forehead. It was a platonic kiss and she smiled up at him with an impish grin. Just as Ali was certain Rose would leave it at that, she reached out and touched his face with a gentle caress.
"I'll miss you," she confessed. "After all, I have seen you almost everyday for the past two years."
"You have," Ali agreed. Then he reached for her hand and pulled it from his face where it left an emotional imprint upon his skin. Holding it to his lips, he kissed it and asked, "Rose, tell my why you ran from my apartment that night in California?" He had to know more about her reaction that night. Had there been something more to her embarrassment? He prayed it had been jealousy that had sent her fleeing.
"I thought I had interrupted you and Yasmeen," Rose confessed.
"And that bothered you?"
Slowly, Rose nodded. Her hand burned in his and again she found her recent physical reactions to him strange.
"I thought I knew you completely. Seeing Yasmeen there proved to me I didn't," Rose told him.
With a regretful look in his eyes, Ali remarked, "You can never know anyone completely, Rose." Then, as if he had reconsidered his statement, he added, "But you will."
It was then that he had to convey his feelings. He had to do so now before she discovered all about him. He wanted her to love the man she had known for the past two years, and not the fierce, warrior side that would soon emerge. So taking a bold chance, Ali leaned down and tenderly touched his lips to hers. His kiss was warm and simple, though it took all his resolve to keep it at that.
When he straightened to study her face, he saw only wonder.
"What is wrong?" Ali questioned quietly.
"I was just wondering why we never did that sooner," Rose admitted. "Although, I never thought much about it until recently-until I found myself jealous of Yasmeen in your apartment."
With a smile, Ali said, "You don't need to be jealous of anyone, Rose. I love only you. That is why I brought you here with me."
His words seemed to spark something in her, for she suddenly sat up, her mouth ready to explode with words.
"Ali, I must explain something to you. You have to know." If he really loved her, then he had to know who she really was.
He wouldn't allow her time to explain. His finger landed on her lips and halted her words.
"Not now, Rose," he ordered. And it was an order. Subtle, but an order none-the-less.
His finger caressed her bottom lip for a moment, causing it to quiver from the tender contact, then he quickly removed his hand as if he'd had second thoughts and said, "Now, you will rest. You and I will talk later. I just wanted you to know everything I felt so you would have something to think about while we were apart."
"It does not scare you, does it?" he suddenly questioned with rare insecurity.
"No. Not at all," Rose said, but did not return his words. Instead, she moved her arms around his shoulders and hugged him fiercely for a moment. Just as she was positive she had glimpsed muscles on his body in his apartment that one night, she was again sure she felt them now. But he broke the contact too quickly for her to be completely certain.
"Enough for now, my darling," he said lowly, next to her ear, sending a shiver down her spine from his warm breath. "I did not come in here to seduce you, merely to tell you to have a good trip."
His words, his endearment, warmed Rose down to her toes. It felt good to be loved by someone whom she could trust, someone who would never harm her. Images of her ex-fiancé and father raced through her mind and Rose was again compelled to explain all to Ali. But he was tucking the bed-covers around her and rising to his feet like a gentleman.
"Have a good trip," he said with finality. "Now, rest."
He turned to leave and all Rose could do was wonder if his small kiss and words of love had been real or an affect of the concussion she'd suffered.
****
"It's damn hot around here," Victor complained as he swiped at the sweat building on the back of his neck. Even the night air didn't diminish the heat it seemed in this country and he couldn't wait to grab Rosalinda and return to Chicago.
"Its North Africa, Vic, home of the Sahara. What did you expect?" Tony asked with sarcasm. He was getting tired of traveling with Victor, Rosalinda's ex-fiancé and his father's right hand man. It wasn't that Victor was all that bad of company, but take him out of his element, and he grew rather testy.
Victor Gaboldon, however, had been bad company for his sister. Tony understood completely why Rosalinda had fled the family five years ago. In fact, he had even had a small hand in helping her to leave putting her in contact with people who could assist in altering identities. People who had not been associated with their father, Alfonse San Giovani. But their father had been persistent in tracking her down and by a fluke, one of their old family friends had spotted her in southern California. Their attempt to nab her in California had failed and now Tony found himself in Egypt, accompanying Victor in an effort to find Rosalinda again. Yet Tony and Victor had different reasons for wanting to find Rosa. Victor wanted her back and Tony, he just wanted to see her again.
"I'd expect some air conditioning around this place for one thing," Victor replied with his sometimes gruff manner. Victor could be a smooth operator when necessary, but also a rough man when the wrong mood hit him. And being in Egypt for two days, attempting to find a cold trail on Rosa was creating the wrong mood.
Tony said nothing more and continued to look around from the passenger seat of their rented Range Rover. They had discovered a possible contact that may have seen Rosa at the airport in Cairo and it was their only lead.
"Hey, there he is," Victor announced as a tall, lanky Caucasian man with short brown hair approached along with an old Egyptian man dressed in traditional garb.
"Who's the old guy with him?" Tony inquired.
"That's our contact," Victor explained. "The English guy is sort of an 'interpreter' who'll do anything for a few American bucks. He found that old man for us."
"Willingly?" Tony asked as he saw the Englishman's hand gripping the old man's arm tightly.
Victor only smiled, allowing Tony to draw his own conclusions and turned to the Englishman who stopped next to the driver side door.
"Here he is, just as promised," the Englishman announced.
"Hey, thanks, Jeffreys. Lets see if he has anything to divulge to us," Victor said.
Jeffreys turned to the old man and spoke in fluent Arabic. The old man seemed reluctant to answer, until Jeffreys drew a knife from his pocket and brandished it. Tony had seen such tactics a thousand times before. Though he never participated, he never stopped them either. It was easier to pretend his friends and family were law abiding than to try to reform them.
Finally, the old man spoke and it was obvious from the tone in his voice that he was doing so only under duress. Jeffreys translated.
"It seems," Jeffreys relayed, "that he heard of a private plane that arrived a few days ago. It had an American woman on it and three Egyptians."
"And where are these people and this American woman now?"
The old man spoke again and Jeffreys said, "They're at a hotel on the outskirts of Cairo. I know the place."
"Are they still there?" Victor asked.
The old man shrugged.
"Hell. Guess we'll have to find that out for ourselves," Victor mumbled.
Understanding that their need for the witness was through, Jeffreys pushed the old man away and said something in the man's language. The old man hesitated for a moment, uttered with much enthusiasm and stood as if awaiting an answer.
Jeffreys yelled at him and shooed him away. The old man again shouted out his words as he walked away. Jeffreys laughed.
"What was that?" Tony inquired.
"Aw, the old man's crazy. Says it'll be our death if we find the American woman," Jeffreys explained.
"And why's that?" Tony asked.
"He believes in some myth about a desert tribe of warriors. Says she's with them."
Victor and Jeffreys both laughed and Tony remained silent. This was a land steeped in mysterious history and Tony wouldn't completely discount the old man's words. After all, whoever had saved Rosa from Victor's men had taken them out in the process and that made Tony wary.
"Enough talk about myths," Victor insisted. "Lets find that hotel and stake it out. As soon as we see a sign of her, we'll find a safe place to take her."
"Sounds good," Jeffreys said, jumping into the back seat of the vehicle, apparently joining the hunt. "I have a couple men for backup we can call in too, if need be."
"That'll work," Victor agreed, and Tony was suddenly afraid all of this would become more complicated than they had first anticipated. ****