The Sheikh's Impossible Girl - completed.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ashley looked across, where he slumped into the seat, head back. "Tarazi!" Stopping the car, she shook his shoulder. "Tarazi! Wake up, you can't sleep," she yelled, shaking him harder. "My prince, please," she begged.

Tarazi's eyes fluttered open, sitting up more, raking a hand over his face.

"I'm here."

"There's a chance you have lost too much blood. You need to stay awake; you can't drop off like that."

He sat up straighter. "You need to go through there." He pointed at the opening.

"How about I change your bandage? You said whoever shot at us didn't follow us."

"Let's get to the other side first."

Reluctantly she took off slowly, only to have spinning wheels in the thicker looser sand, stopping, not wanting to get bogged down. The last thing they needed, going into reverse and driving backwards to have some movement.

Back and forwards she went, following Tarazi's instructions until she finally broke free, jerking forward and kept on going, turning into the passageway between two dunes.

"Good girl, now don't stop until you get to the other side."

"Just stay awake. Talk to me Tarazi."

"About what?" There was amusement in his voice that lightened her heart. A good sign. They would get through this. She had to believe that to keep her sanity.

Had that been a goodbye kiss since he wanted to ship her home?

"What was it like growing up in the palace, would be a good place to start." The path was narrow. She had to keep her gaze straight ahead. One couldn't afford to look away. If he keeps talking, at least she knew he hadn't passed out.

"It is the only home I have known, just like you."

"True, but so different. You lived in a palace and have an apartment on many levels. A full wing to yourself. My entire apartment would fit into your bedroom."

"My bedroom? When have you been in my bedroom?"

"Oops." Another slip.

"Without me in it. Really, Ashley Cosgrove, you should be ashamed of yourself."

She peered briefly across to be greeted with a cheeky weak smile. His eyes were clearer, even if his features were still ashen. Breaking her heart. How did it even happen out here? Was it a freak accident or had they been targeted? If so, how? Who knew they were out here? How could they possibly find them?

"Next time," she promised. "Once we get out of this," concentrating on the narrow strip as Tarazi talked about his childhood memories that warmed her heart. He had an idyllic childhood with his family, like hers.

"I loved going out to the desert with my father and brothers for extended breaks with our birds."

"Falconry?"

"Yes, a day with the birds, nights by a blazing campfire, talking about the day. Often Father talked about our family history throughout the generations, so we knew where we came from."

"Sounds wonderful. I love my family's gatherings in the country. Just us, no one to impress, all the kids and partners. We always have game nights."

"What games?"

"My favourite's trivial pursuit. A lot of board games, charades, and cards. Lots of kids' ones until they went to bed, surrounded by our favourite comfort food. All very relaxed and good, harmless fun."

"Do you go out without your family?"

She shrugged. "Not really, between work and family. I don't have the time to go out."