Fallen For The Arabian

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Upon settling in the dining room, Amir signal to the maids and they went about placing the food and utensils in front of everyone. Dinner consisted of an Arabic salad called fattoush which was a mixture of pita chips, cucumber, tomato, purple onion. It had a tangy-sweet minty dressing. The main dish was a bowl of turmeric rice, chicken covered with olive oil. As for the desert, it was a Babousa with almond. A delicacy that Sarah found herself savoring, it was made with Nestle sweetened condensed milk mixed with lemon juice and other ingredients she couldn't quite put her finger on.

Throughout dinner, the men went about their conversation in their language. Amir once in a while would stop to address her and name the dish. A gesture she found quite thoughtful of him. Neither the commander nor the Minister of defense glanced at her, to which she was ok. It was when she tasted the desert and moaned without realizing so, that all eyes turned toward her. Realizing her mistake, with a shy smile, she said "sorry, I have never tasted such delicious desert"

"Ma'am if you were to taste our dessert, you will wish to never eat anything else," says Mr. Salam

"Oh really"

"Matter of fact, my wife is an expert in these kinds of stuff, during your stay here and if Amir allows it, you can come over to our residence, I assure, you wouldn't want to leave the kitchen"

"If times permit, minister, I am sure we would be able to do such" quickly answered Amir, which ended all conversation on that matter.

Sarah went back to eating her dessert, while the men continue with their conversation.

Amir had been paying attention to Sarah throughout dinner and felt true pleasure with how she was acting. What nearly sent him flying was when she moaned, that sound vibrated his whole inside and had him slightly shift in his seat. She was all in a word innocent; her shy smile had him wanting to hug her. He was surprised by the Minister of defense invitation. It only meant one thing, he approved of Sarah. Mr. Salam was a good judge of character, for as long as he has known him; his instinct had never failed him. Thus, the reason they were currently at his home discussing politics. But the main reason was that Rashid was under observation. It seems the commander had been pulling some string he wasn't supposed to.

He knew Sarah was feeling awkward, it was visible, view the way she kept glancing about the room and trying her hardest not to eavesdrop on their conversation even though she didn't speak the language. With a nod of his head, he signals for Alfred to free her.

"Ms. Bayou, would you like some tea?"

"Yes, Alfred I would love so"

"Why don't you follow me, we'll go in the balcony that gives in to the entrance, so you could enjoy your very first night in our country under the stars"

More than happy to be freed from the table, Sarah gracefully and yet hurriedly got up from the table, excuse herself and follow Alfred.

"You just saved my life"

Chuckling, Alfred answered "I do believe Mr. Amir holds the credit for that"

"Amir?"

"Yes, Miss"

As Sarah left the table, Rashid was quick to voice his displeasure at Sarah's presence "I wonder what had gotten into your head, for you to bring about the presence of our very own enemy let alone a journalist. Had your father been here, I am sure he would not have tolerated such disrespect"

"It's a good thing, my father is not, and I advise you, commander, if you cannot respect my guesses, you may as well leave, for I will not tolerate any insolence into my house. I would gladly give you what you deserve if you step one more time out of place, commander or not" said Amir with a stern voice and a look that could kill.

The commander found himself swallowing his saliva, he knew Amir well enough to know he was quite capable of doing what he said, truth be told he didn't want to be in this so-called meeting. He tried his best to avoid it at all costs but was cornered by the presence of the Minister of defense. The government wanted Amir to have a say in all the movements of the army. The hell with this, they were questioning his authority and insulting him by placing this...

His fear was quickly replaced by insolence; he got up from the chair "I will not be brought down. Be aware Amir, for if I were you, I would watch my back" With that said he left the room, murmuring insult.

Alfred came face to face with the Commander as he was leaving and quickly step out of his way. A look to Amir told him to see the man out. He followed the man out, saw him directing his step toward his vehicle, but as he was about to step in, the commander looked up and his gaze was directed toward the balcony where Sarah was sitting. It was too dark for him to see the gaze Rashid sent toward Sarah, but the look lasted for less than five seconds. Rashid got into his car and left the compound.

Amir and Salam hadn't said a word at Rashid's attitude. They watched him leave, and as he was leaving, Amir had placed a call into which he gave the instructions for Rashid to be under strict surveillance.

"Minister of defense may I invite you for some tea," said Amir

"You sure may"

With Amir leading, they both headed on the balcony where Sarah was sipping her tea. "You don't mind us joining you," says Salam

"Not at all responded Sarah"

As they sat down, they were quickly served with a cup of tea.

"How do you find the Arabic night, Ms. Bayou?"

"You would hardly think you're in a war brewing country, it's so peaceful and the breeze is soothing to the skin"

"Ah yes, it is, I am happy you find it so. So, tell me, Ms. Bayou, how did you and my nephew meet"