Taming of the beast - Completed.

Chapter Nineteen

Riyad headed downstairs into the courtyard, heading straight for the tent area that had caught her romantic heart. That was Callie all over. As he thought, he found her in the open tent, bathed in moonlight.

A sight that should have warmed her, make her glow, however, she looked so sad. Not good, easing down at her side as troubled eyes looked up at him that he ignored as he placed down the glasses, and bottle, seeing to opening the white wine and poured out two glasses, handing a glass over to her and took the other for himself, holding up, waiting.

Giving a half-smile she clinks his glass with her own before taking a sip. "How bad was it?" she asked placing down the glass as did he.

"The truth?"

"Always. I need the truth between us, Riyad. I need that. I know I'm not a princess in the real sense and blew it big time today. I broke rank. I should've stayed with your mother, not go wandering off by myself."

"No," he corrected. "That is not true. You must always follow your heart, Callie. What you did was for a child, who would have to come first. Okay, not quite protocol, but rules should be broken if needed in such a situation. As for my mother, she is not upset at all. Nothing but good reports came back from the hospital and staff. You were a bit of a hit, which brought up something that was discussed." She looked at him stunned also interested. "We thought it might best if you only had one project to focus your time on, instead of joining mother on her daily schedule."

Thoughtfully she chewed on her bottom lip, brows furrowing down. "Probably a good thing. Do I get a choice in what I do?" she asked peering up at him, yet the sadness had left her eyes.

"Whatever you desire." A glow entered her eyes.

"The hospital. I would love to spend my day with the children." Then frowned again. "I guess you won't be joining me."

"I cannot Callie as much I would love to," he added, drawing her gaze that softened.

"Would you?"

"Of course," he reached across and brushed her hair from a cheek. "You were natural with them. May will be with you as your interpreter."

"Ah, so you knew I would want to go back and put everything into place, already. What about the ideas we were discussing today?"

"Yes about that," he leaned back into the cushions, onto his side, lifting a leg, resting his arm on, glass in hand. Callie joined him, sipping from her glass looking up at him.

Under the moonlight, they talked about what was been planned, while enjoying the taste of his country as they discussed new ideas and the plan for the children's ward, Callie's excitement growing.

Once again Riyad worked at the desk in the bedroom, while Callie settling into bed, curtains opened, though quite restless. Springing up, asking endless questions as she was hit by ideas, dropping back into the pillows.

Giving up, Riyad shut down the iPad, he would see to it tomorrow, hoping his brother wouldn't be dragging him out on some excursion. Naim was determined to bring back into the family fold. He wasn't so sure. Leaving the desk he went to get ready for the night and went to bed, where Callie twisted around facing him, bright-eyed.

Okay, the wine mightn't have been such a good idea. She did seem a bit more chirpy than normal. "So I can go back tomorrow?"

"I think it would best if you give it a day. It had been a big day. Actually, I have a better idea."

"You do?" she sat up on her elbow, the bedding falling away revealing her negligee's lacy top the hugged her full bust line. Soft against the creamy white cleavage. Moaning inwardly, he briefly closed his eyes, fighting for control.