Fariq frowned down at Crystal as his chest rose and fell, his breathing uneven. “You are full of surprises,” he said. “As passionate and bright and mysterious as the desert.” Her heart was racing and her pulse pounded in her ears. She didn’t know what to say. “Fariq, I—” He let out a long breath as he touched the rim of her sunglasses. “My little jewel of the desert…let me see your eyes.” He was going to take off her glasses? Suddenly adrenaline rushed through her, putting her mental circuits back online. She backed away from him, out of the circle of his arms. Her skin was clear of everything but sunscreen. Not a speck of makeup. But her hair was hanging around her face and she didn’t have on her long, shapeless clothes. Sunglasses were the only part of her disguise in place, her last defense. And defense was definitely what she needed.