Leighton hung back, one arm across her middle and the other covering her mouth in amazement. If the royals hadn’t been so determined to keep her on the fringes and in subservience, she’d probably go up and touch the giraffe too. But she stayed there, being robbed of the incredible experience.
He started toward her, to urge her to enjoy this moment too, but before he’d taken two steps, Prince Rayan hooked an arm around her shoulder, motioning her forward.
Frustrated with the way the guy kept showering her with attention, Owen had the sudden and angering idea that this prince, with one kind gesture, could change everything for Leighton. If he showed the others she was accepted, the others might let her in too. No more abuse. But what if this guy had other motives?
“Come,” Aliyah said, tugging Owen’s arm. “Closer.” She drew him over and pushed past the others to get her chance. With one more turn, she lost the grip on his sleeve, allowing him to fall back.
Positioned as an outlier, he felt this strange twisting in his chest. A tightening, as Rayan laughed and got to experience the giraffes with Leighton.
Amazement spread through Leighton that, as she offered her hand, the giraffe nudged it. Then its long tongue dragged over her palm, as if rooting for a bite.
Rayan caught her shoulders. “Careful. We don’t want him to drag you away.”
She must confess—this was the most wonderful place she’d ever been to, though she did wish the prince would remove his hands. She glanced around, only then realizing she was looking for Apollo.
Wait. Where was her would-be protector? Sidestepping, she gave room for the others to pass, still amazed the prince had led her to the front of the group and nobody—like Maaz or one of the other royals—had objected.
“Rayan.”
Ah. Right on cue—that stiff voice belonged to the one and only Maaz.
“She needs to wait till Daria and the others have enjoyed the sight.”
“There is plenty of time for all, Cousin,” Rayan countered, staying near her at the edge.
A yelp erupted from the side, drawing attention to Aliyah struggling against one of the adult giraffes, which had her abaya between its teeth.
Apollo intervened, finally managing to convince the elegant animal to release it. Laughter billowed out from Aliyah and Rafi as Apollo ensured the princess was okay. She gave him a laugh, but there was definitely a coyness about that smile, wielding those cute dimples. Everything about the princess was cute—her face, her clothes, her laugh… Great mercies, how many times would she flash her dimples at Apollo? Was that what he liked?
Princess Daria’s close friend, Inas, whom she’d introduced when they first got out of the vehicles, made her way to Apollo. Joined the trio and more laughter trilled at something she said.
Aliyah stumbled and fell right into Apollo’s arms.
Oh, groan! That was as cliché as the day was long. Surely Apollo had a better head on his shoulders than to fall for something like that.
Yet he laughed as he righted her.
Just as Ghalib rushed at Owen and shoved him away. “Do not touch her! Never touch her or I will gut you!”
Startled by the outburst, the giraffes loped away.
Hands up, Owen backstepped, but a dark storm rolled into his blue eyes.
Effervescent Rafi moved between the two, holding his arms out to either side. “Whoa, whoa. Come. Back to the vehicles. Kiango says it is time to move on before the day gets too hot, like your tempers.” He laughed, but he was the only one.
“Nouri,” Rayan said, his voice neutral yet authoritative.
Something about that set Leighton’s teeth on edge. Yet, she followed him back to the Land Cruiser. This time, she hurried up into the back, hoping Rayan would wait for the others so Apollo could claim the seat next to her, but nope.
The prince was right behind and took the seat.
She didn’t get it—Rayan had to know there was no chance for anything between them. While King Faruq might keep her at Jeddah, it was only a display of power. Until Ummi was back under his control.
She tried to catch Owen’s gaze as he climbed in, but he offered his hand like a gentleman to help Aliyah into the seat before her, then he hiked in next to her.
“I am truly sorry for Ghalib’s violence,” Aliyah said, her pretty face wrought.
Without responding, Owen peered out the side window as it pulled away.
