Born In Secret. Kylie Brant

infinitesimally closer to Jasmine’s. “I am glad. But it should not be a surprise. I promised that I would return. I could not have stayed away.” The light in his dark eyes as they rested on the woman at his side was all too easy to read.

      “I am happy we could meet one more time before I returned to Tamir.” Jasmine accepted the tea the servant handed her and sipped, while Abdul exchanged a quick glance with El-Dabir.

      Walker’s inner radar interpreted the message passed and received between the two men. If he’d had any question that Abdul’s return visit had been hastened by the conversation he and Jasmine had planted earlier that day, it was erased. He only hoped that she could pull off the rest of her task.

      Issuing a sharply worded order in Arabic, El-Dabir dispatched the servant. Once the man was out of hearing, he smiled toothily. “I, too, am grateful you came by, Tariq. I believe Rose has some reservations about recommending a closer relationship between Maloun and Tamir. Perhaps you can help me convince her.”

      Walker watched narrowly as a delicate flush colored Jasmines cheeks. Could the woman actually blush on command? Her voice, when she spoke, was firm. “I must give the sheik the benefit of my perceptions gathered here.”

      “And you have concerns?” Again that quick glance exchanged between the men. Jasmine appeared to not notice. She looked for all the world like a woman out of her element, with news she was reluctant to share.

      “The Brothers of Darkness continue to be something of a mystery.”

      The prime minister’s voice was ubiquitous. “I have assured madame that the Brothers are not a rebel faction at all, but a nationalistic organization. It appears I have failed to allay her fears on the matter.”

      Jasmine buried her face in her cup. “One hears all sorts of rumors in my country.”

      “Rumors.” Abdul scoffed. “There will always be gossip about such associations. One cannot put faith in rumors.”

      A mulish expression settled over her face. It was one Walker was intimately acquainted with. “I will advise Sheik Kamal of my impressions. That is my duty to my country.”

      “Perhaps I can arrange for you to form a more accurate impression.” Abdul waited for her gaze to raise questioningly to his before going on. “The Brothers of Darkness are a discreet society, but they would not want their goals misrepresented. If I could arrange it, would you agree to stay in Maloun longer, meet with some of their spokesmen?”