Read Diamond in the Desert for Free Online Page A

roads since I was a child.’
    ‘Then I’m surprised you don’t know about the hazards of melting snow.’
    He definitely deserved a session in the sauna and a dip in the freezing lake afterwards, she concluded.
    * * *
    ‘We’re nearly there,’ she said.
    ‘Good.’
    Why the smile in his voice? Was he looking forward to their stay at the isolated cabin? She squirmed in her seat at the thought that he might be and then wondered angrily why she was acting this way. It was one thing bringing her city friends into the wilderness for a rustic weekend, but quite another bringing Emir down here when there could only be one outcome—
    Unless he had had enough of her, of course, but something told her that wasn’t the case. She’d stick with her decision to enjoy him and get him out of her system, Britt concluded, explaining that the nearest hotel was too far away from the mine to stay there.
    ‘You don’t have to explain to me, Britt. I like it here. You forget,’ Emir murmured as she drew to a halt outside the ancient log cabin, ‘the wilderness is my home.’
    And now she was angry with him for being so pleased with everything. And even angrier with herself because Emir was right, the wilderness was beautiful in its own unique way, she thought, staring out across the glassy lake. It was as if she were seeing it for the first time. Because she was seeing it through Emir’s eyes, Britt realised, and he sharpened her focus on everything.
    ‘This is magnificent,’ he exclaimed as they climbed down from the Jeep.
    She tensed as he came to stand beside her. Her heart pumped and her blood raced as she tried not to notice how hot he looked in the dark, heavy jacket and snow boots. Emir radiated something more than the confidence of a man who was sensibly dressed and comfortable in this extreme temperature. He exuded the type of strength that anyone would like to cling to in a storm—
    He looked downright dangerous, she told herself sensibly, putting a few healthy feet of fresh air between them. But the lake was beautiful, and neither of them was in any hurry to move away. It stretched for miles and was framed by towering mountains whose jagged peaks were lost in cloud. A thick pine forest crept up these craggy slopes until there was nothing for the roots to cling to. But it was the silence that was most impressive, and that was heavy and complete. It felt almost as if the world were holding its breath, though she had to smile when Emir turned to look at the cabin and an eagle called.
    ‘I’ll grab our bags,’ he said.
    As he brushed past her on his way to the Jeep she shivered with awareness, and then smiled as she walked towards the cabin. She was always happy here—always in control. There would be no problems here. She’d keep things light and professional. Here, she could put what had happened between them in the boardroom behind her.
    Emir caught up with her at the door, and his first question was how far was it to the mine? With her back to him, she pulled a wry face. Putting what had happened behind her was going to be easier than she had thought. They hadn’t even crossed the threshold yet and Emir’s mind was already set on business.
    Which was exactly what she had hoped for—
    Was it?
    Of course it was, but she wasn’t going to pretend it didn’t sting. Everyone had their pride, and everyone wanted to feel special—
    Hard luck for her, she thought ruefully.
    ‘So, how far exactly is it to the mine?’ he said. ‘How long will it take by road?’
    ‘Depending on the weather?’ She turned the key in the lock. ‘I’d say around ten minutes.’
    ‘Is there any chance we can take a look around today, in that case?’ Emir asked as he held the door for her.
    He was in more of a hurry than she’d thought. Well, that was fine with her. She could accommodate a fast turnaround. ‘The mine is a twenty-four-hour concern. We can visit as soon as you’re ready.’
    ‘Then I’d like to freshen up and go