Windward knight

Chapter Nine

Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Café,

Al Fahidi, Dubai.

"You look incredible. I don't want to leave." Hyde traced a hand along her sleeve.

Evie looked down at her boho, floral-patterned, red dress. She felt relaxed, feminine, and sophisticated, in the floaty easy-wear style that she'd paired with a tan belt and ankle boots. The lightweight organic cotton felt cool against her skin.

"You won't be long. Besides, I have a busy day ahead, and Jamila is running the show." She looked around the courtyard at the still quiet establishment. They'd set up the charity stand to the side, and soon, the place would be filled with guests and patrons. The café owners had helped to lay out baked goodies. There was a mix of their traditional wares, along with donated cookies and cakes.

The Arabian Tea House was one of Evie's most favorite places on the planet. Set in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, in an old stone building that once belonged to a tawash—a pearl merchant—the café with turquoise benches, lace curtains, and beautiful flowers felt like a dream-like oasis in a modern city.

For Evie, it was the perfect location to enjoy a cup of gahwa—traditional Arabic tea—under the shade of their old trees.

"I have a quick meeting with HQ, and I'll head back. Scout will hitch a ride—he wants to help the seafarer cause. Can I get another chocolate cookie?"

Evie rolled her eyes. "Hyde, you ate an entire batch last night. I had to bake extra for today."

"But, they're so good. Mouthwateringly delectable—like my girl. Just one."

Laughing, Evie complied and walked with Hyde out of the stone entrance. He wolfed down the cookie in two bites. She wished they could kiss, but showing physical affection in public was frowned upon in Dubai. Instead, Hyde squeezed her hand as they headed around the corner and through a narrow lane to the small parking lot. He climbed in his truck and shot her a longing look. They both looked forward to time alone together that evening. If it weren't for her charity drive, they wouldn't have left her bed.

Sighing, Evie turned back and froze at the sound of her name. She spotted Fiona and Liam climbing from a Land Cruiser parked a few spaces down from Jamila's new Cruiser. Toyota was a popular car brand in the flashy city.

"Hey, sugar." Fiona pulled her into an embrace. "We came to help."

Evie awkwardly returned the hug, as Hyde watched from his truck.

"Uh... How did you know about the charity?"

"You mentioned it last week after class."

"Is that your boyfriend?" Liam lifted a hand in Hyde's direction.

"Yeah—No."

"What is he waiting for?"

"Probably, for me to walk back inside."

"Protective much?" Liam grinned.

Evie shrugged and stepped around the big man. Like Fiona, he loved the gym. Carved muscle packed onto a tall, athletic frame, combined with his Aussie accent, was a lot to take in.

"He cares about my safety."

Liam adjusted his backpack and loped along beside Evie. "I reckon so. I'd like to meet the big, beautiful bastard. Perhaps we can all go for dinner sometime."

Evie doubted they'd have much in common, although Fiona was growing on her. And it would be good to have extra help at the charity table.

"No more taxis?" Evie glanced back at their Toyota.

"For now. It's just a rental. Liam travels so often, and we prefer having our own transport."

Evie showed them where to stash their bags beneath the table, just as the first customers walked in. They immediately headed her way. The artsy crowd that the café attracted would support the cause. Smiling and joined by Jamila, Evie stepped forward and into her role as a "Seafarer Angel."

The day flew by, and as the café emptied after the lunchtime rush, Evie stretched her back and assessed their table. Only two gift bags remained, along with a few cakes. Jamila still chatted with a customer in Arabic. Liam and Fiona had disappeared, and it was time to call it a day. Hyde hadn't returned, and his meeting must've run long.

"Jamila, where are your keys?"

Her friend pointed towards her bag, and Evie retrieved the car keys and fished out a box of giveaways and a backpack filled with setup supplies from beneath the desk. "I'll start loading the car."

Evie headed out into the afternoon heat. Her neck immediately grew damp, and she squinted into the bright sunlight. They'd load the baked goodies towards the end to prevent a meltdown. Rounding the corner, Evie looked up just as she was about to press the unlock button for the trunk. A man huddled next to Jamila's vehicle. Something about him had Evie slowing.

The way he almost crouched as he peered in the Land Cruiser. His hand rested on Jamila's door handle. He hadn't seen Evie, and she stood frozen, deciding what to do. He wore dark clothing—a hoodie drawn tight around his face. She took note of his ratty sneakers. His hand flexed, pulling on the handle, and he muttered something unintelligible. Was he trying to steal her friend's car? He seemed distracted by his surroundings.

"Can I help you?" The words were out before Evie could stop herself.

Twisting, he turned to face her. His eyes darted from side to side—as if he were looking for an escape. His mouth firmed beneath his goatee, and he swallowed before saying something in Arabic.

"I speak English—not Arabic. That's my friend's car."

His hands gripped his heavy backpack, and he took a couple of steps back. Evie didn't move—just stared him down.

A movement to her left caught her eye, and Evie spotted Liam walking across the lot. The strange man zeroed in on the large Australian.

Someone yelled from nearby, and the suspected car thief leaped into action. He ran towards her, moving so fast that she didn't have time to leap out of the way. Shoving her box at his chest, Evie stumbled back and fell. Her palms slammed into the tarmac, sliding beneath her on loose gravel. Pain shot along her arms and into her shoulders. Pamphlets, business cards, and ribbon flew into the air, landing in a scattered heap around her sprawled form.

"Ouch." Her ass hurt—but not as much as her hands. They felt like they were on fire. Swearing, she pulled them away from the hot asphalt and groaned at the damage. Her torn palms held embedded grit and blood which oozed, before sliding down her wrists.

"Evelyn?" Liam yelled from a distance.

Rough fingers gripped her arm and hauled her to her feet. Still shocked from the fall, Evie twisted to face three angry men. One of them began yelling as he pointed a finger in her face. More Arabic.

"Let me go!" Evie shouted. One of the other men picked up her backpack and began pulling out her belongings. He waved scissors her way—like that meant something. The thugs were well dressed and seemed focused on a goal she couldn't grasp.

"Your name!" One of the men yelled.

That she could answer. "Evelyn... Evelyn Page. That man attacked me—"

"You mean your friend?"

"What? No!"

"Madha yahduth?" Jamila shouted, lifting her black abaya as she ran across the lot. "Madha yahduth! Evie, what is happening?"

"I don't know." Evie couldn't keep her voice from shaking. "A thief was trying to break into your car. I tried to stop him and fell... this man grabbed me."

"You talk to me!" Her captor pulled her around to face him. A scar ran from his mouth to his chin, and Evie watched it move as he spoke. Tears burned and ran down her hot cheeks as Liam and Jamila approached from the side.