One Night with the Sheikh

He frowned. “That is over two hours away.”

“Yes, and I make the journey every Wednesday to treat the sheep farmers and their families. Today is Wednesday.”

“Why would you wish me to accompany you?”

“Because I believe it’s important you begin to understand the health care issues facing your country, including the lack of resources in remote areas.”

He appeared to mull that over before he spoke again. “The people of Diya never supported my father. It has been reported several possible insurgency camps exist there.”

“Perhaps they did not embrace being ignored by your father,” she said. “You could change that.”

He strolled around the room for a moment before turning to her again. “Would we be able to communicate by cell phone with the outside world?”

She rolled her eyes. “There are no cellular towers. The villagers only recently received regular phone service, and many do not have electricity. Some do not have adequate water supplies.”

“If I accompany you, I would require a contingent of guards for both our protection should I be recognized.”

“Not if you are unrecognizable.” She tossed him the army-green shirt and cargo pants. “If you put these on and wear sunglasses, no one will know a king walks among them.”

He unfolded the clothes and inspected them. “I doubt a change of attire would serve as an adequate disguise.”

“If you wear sunglasses and shave, that should suffice.”

He laughed. A deep, low, sensual laugh that sent chills down the length of Maysa’s body. “I have no intention of shaving.”