by Monica Burns
The selfish thought made her wince. She’d been the cause of Jane’s accident, and it was wrong of her to even think about Per-Ramesses when her friend needed her. Setting the tray on a small table near Jane’s bed, she went to her friend and clasped her outstretched hands.
“That’s wonderful news. I’ll see that our things are packed and ready by the end of the day.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Jane said firmly as she pulled her hands free of Alex’s grasp. “His lordship has plenty of servants who’ll see to my needs. You’ve delayed your plans for Per-Ramesses long enough.”
“Plans are easily altered.” Alex shook her head.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Alex. I’ve already discussed it with Altair, and he’s agreed to make all the arrangements for you to leave in the next day or so.”
“I won’t leave you here on your own.”
She sent her friend a stubborn look and saw Jane’s eyes narrow slightly with assessment. Her friend turned her head toward her visitor.
“Altair, would you mind leaving me and Alex alone for a moment?”
“Certainly.”
He reached for Jane’s hand and brushed his mouth over the edge of her knuckles. Alex immediately suppressed the sharp emotion pricking her heart. The man’s solicitious behavior toward Jane was none of her concern. She met his gaze as he rose to his feet. She found it impossible to read his expression, and she offered him a sharp nod of acknowledgement.
When he had left the room, she turned her attention back to Jane. Before she could speak, her friend lifted her hand in a peremptory gesture.
“Don’t say a word,” Jane said with an autocratic note in her voice. “I’ve already discussed this matter with Altair, and he’s agreed to take you to Khatana-Qantir without me.”
“But when your leg is better, you—”
“Blast it, Alex. I can’t go to Khatana-Qantir with you.”
Startled, she stared at her friend in dismay. “Why ever not? We can wait—”
“That’s just it, Alex, I don’t want you to wait. It’s going be several weeks before I’m capable of walking without any assistance. That means I won’t be able to travel until the beginning of the summer.” Jane waved her hand toward the open window. “Altair tells me that getting to Khatana-Qantir is dangerous enough without making the trip in the throes of summer.”
“Then I’ll wait until the fall. It’s only a couple of months,” Alex said stubbornly.
“Listen to yourself. What happens if the British Museum sends someone to look for Per-Ramesses?”
“They won’t find anything.” She kept her tone emphatic, but fear sent a shiver down her back.
“Are you so sure?” Jane sent her a piercing look. “I know you said nothing was missing from your room, but your notes were scattered everywhere. What if that man found something in your work that he could sell to the Museum?”
She grew still at Jane’s words. Was it possible? She was reasonably certain her notes were all accounted for, but if the man had read them— Frowning, she shook her head.
“I still can’t leave you here.”
“I’ll be fine. I can always join you in a couple of months once I’m completely recovered.”
“But, it’s not—”
“For heaven’s sake, Alex. Did you or did you not come to Egypt to find Per-Ramesses?” Jane exclaimed with exasperation.
The sharpness of her friend’s tone surprised her, and all she could do was respond with a simple nod. Scowling, Jane wagged her finger in a scolding manner.
“Then it’s high time you were on your way.”
Still hesitating, Alex frowned. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Mind what—being waited on hand and foot at Lord Tunbridge’s house?” Jane laughed. “You should know the answer to that. I have never denied my love for the material things in life.”
Bending forward, Alex gave her friend a grateful hug. “I don’t know why, but I’m inclined to think you’re almost relieved at not having to come with me.”
“As I recall, you did say there were few conveniences to be had in the desert. And I do like my creature comforts.”
“Something Lord Tunbridge’s staff can offer you in great abundance?”
“And which I’ll gladly accept.” Jane nodded and smiled. “But you—you’re about to find treasure beyond your wildest dreams, my dear Alex.”
She arched an eyebrow at Jane’s grandiose statement. “That’s if I find the city.”
“Oh, I’m certain you’ll find Per-Ramesses. In fact, I’m convinced your search will unveil far more treasure than you ever imagined.”
There was a twinkle of mischief in Jane’s eyes, but it was impossible to fathom the reason for her amusement. She started to question her friend then immediately closed her mouth. Asking Jane a question invariably resulted in an answer she didn’t want to hear. This time would be no different. Whatever amused her friend, it was doubtful she’d find it equally entertaining.
Dawn had barely broken on the horizon as Altair checked the ropes holding one of Alex’s trunks for a second time. All around him was the cacophony of noise always associated with a caravan. The drivers yelling at their animals, the grunts and groans of the camels, the shouts of porters needing help with their loads. Out of this chaos would emerge a quiet, peaceful train of camels. Soon the desert would ring with the sound of bells tinkling in the air and the soft singing of the drivers to their animals.
In the distance, he heard Medjuel shouting orders at one of the workers they’d hired for the expedition. Despite his best efforts, his eyes were continually glancing toward the front of the large caravan where Alex talked with the lead camel driver. The blast of jealousy stiffening his fingers as he worked with the ropes irritated him. Why should he care if the woman talked with another man?
When he’d seen her toss the coins to the camel driver’s children more than a week ago, he’d wanted to shake her senseless. Her callous behavior had not only surprised him, it had set off an explosion inside him from which he was still feeling the effects. Even now, he found it difficult to comprehend her actions.
He’d been a fool to think her different from the rest of English society. At least he’d not made the mistake of developing feelings for her. He quickly silenced the mocking laugh that filled his head. Keeping his distance from Alex was the first step toward crushing this attraction he felt for the woman.
With a shake of his head, he returned his attention to the knots in the rope. It was difficult not to admire her mettle and persistence though. That day in the Pyramid, when he’d seen her defending herself against the hyena, it had been impossible not to admire her courage.
Not only that, but even though it was clear someone wanted her dead, she remained resolute in her quest. He was certain she realized someone was trying to kill her, but did she understand why?
He did. The Mazir had sought Nourbese’s tomb for a very long time—but they weren’t the only ones looking. A few water wells wouldn’t satisfy the Hoggar. Ever since his mother had rejected Sheikh Tarih as a husband, the man had been set on destroying the Mazir.
The man had been searching for Nourbese’s tomb ever since then. If Tarih found Nourbese’s treasure, the tribe might never recover from the loss. Losing such a prize to their enemy would cripple the Mazir tribe in a way nothing else could. It would destroy their spirit.
Was that the connection between the traitor Mohammed and the Hoggar? Was he providing Tarih with information about Alex and her quest? It wasn’t unreasonable to think Mohammed was giving the Hoggar information about Khatana-Qantir. Despite the Sahara’s size, news traveled quickly on the desert winds. Was that why the bastard was in league with those devils? Altair finished with the ropes and moved up the line to check the next camel.
Again, his gaze swept toward Alex. Hunger gnawed at him fo
r one more taste of her. The vision of her pale skin against his darker complexion was as tantalizing in his head as it had been in her hotel room.
“Damm gahannam,” he muttered as he shook the image from his mind.
A second later, a hand clapped him on the shoulder. Immediately, he wheeled around, his hands raised in a defensive posture. Medjuel stepped back with a surrendering gesture.
“What in God’s name is the matter with you? You’re acting more skittish than an Arabian mare.”
Grimacing, Altair shook his head and turned back to the ropes he’d been examining. “I’m just a bit edgy about this expedition.”
“I see. Then why don’t we convince Miss Talbot not to go?”
The odd note in Medjuel’s voice forced Altair to pause in his work. One hand braced on the animal’s pack, he turned and rested his opposite hand on his waist. He studied his cousin’s face for a long moment, puzzled by Medjuel’s cryptic expression. He shrugged off the uneasy feeling trickling down his spine as his mouth twisted in a grim, humorless smile.
“Obviously you’ve never tried to convince Alex Talbot of anything before. Feel free to attempt to persuade her otherwise where Khatana-Qantir is concerned, but I’m willing to bet you three spring lambs and my mare, Desari, that you’ll fail.”
“You’re that sure of her?”
“Yes.” Altair turned away and resumed his work. Behind him, his cousin uttered a grunt of irritation before he moved away to continue oversight of the caravan. With a sidelong glance and a troubled heart, Altair watched Medjuel walk off. Something was bothering his cousin. Was he worried that Alex might bring the tribe to its knees unintentionally? It was a thought he’d already considered. If Alex found Nourbese’s tomb, it was imperative a tribe member be present. Even a half-Mazir was better than no Mazir at all.
Nourbese defined the tribe’s belief structure. Her marriage to Ramesses made her royalty, and her son had ensured her descendants were of Pharaoh’s royal house. For someone other than a Mazir to find her tomb would devastate the tribe.
The tribe would view an outsider finding the tomb as a sign of disapproval from Nourbese and Pharaoh. The Mazir would lose their identity, and the desolation sweeping through the tribe would extract its toll in a way not even the deadliest ghazous could. A raid only killed people and animals. It didn’t destroy beliefs.
Satisfied the camel packs were secure, he moved toward the front of the caravan. From behind him, he heard Medjuel cry out for the expedition to mount. Alex had heard the cry as well and moved toward her camel. He restrained himself from rushing forward to help her. Instead, he watched the lead driver assist her with the camel’s reins.
With a low growl of irritation, he proceeded to his own animal. Just as he was about to take his seat, Zada poked her head out of the bag attached to the back of the saddle. Ruffling the fur of the mongoose’s back, Altair sighed as the mammal ran up his arm and curled its body around his neck. Now was as good a time as any to let Alex get acquainted with her latest protector.
Moving quickly through the sand, he headed toward the front of the caravan where Alex’s camel was struggling to its feet. As the camel steadied itself, he reached up and touched Alex’s arm. She jumped with surprise as she looked down at him. The panic on her face quickly changed to guarded observation.
“I’ve brought you a gift.” Removing a small cloth bag from his utility belt, he handed it up to her. “This is for Zada. Once you’ve fed her three or four times, she’ll know you as a member of her pack.”
“Zada?”
Altair clucked softly and stretched out his arm to rest against the front of Alex’s saddle. The banded mongoose unwrapped itself from around his neck and scurried along his arm to rest on the saddle horn. At the animal’s movement, Alex stiffened in fear.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of. Zada is my pet, but she’s also able to protect you.”
Her eyebrows arched in disbelief. She shook her head as she warily eyed the mongoose. “Exactly how is something this small supposed to protect me?”
“Mongooses are capable of killing large snakes,” he said softly. “They have been kept by the Mazir for centuries as pets and specifically as deterrents to poisonous serpents and other unwanted creatures.”
The skepticism on her face faded some, and she nodded toward the creature eyeing her with curiosity. “Will she bite?”
“Not intentionally. Offer her the meat in the sack from the palm of your hand and she’ll not draw blood. Never feed her from your fingers. She has razor sharp teeth and might think your finger is part of the meat being offered.”
Alex shuddered at his words. The small creature seemed to understand her new mistress’s fear and moved quickly forward to curl up in a small ball at Alex’s stomach. Startled by the animal’s actions, she looked first at him then back at the mongoose. He smiled. He’d known Zada would take easily to Alex.
Gently, he stroked the banded mongoose’s brownish red-striped fur. The action caused the animal to rumble a soft growl of happiness. “She’s quite affectionate and loves to be scratched.”
Biting her lip, Alex tentatively reached out to stroke the mongoose. The small animal uttered another sound of delight. Alex’s touch grew bolder until she was caressing the mongoose as she might a house cat. Satisfied she was now comfortable with the animal, Altair made to pull his hand away, but failed to do so quickly enough. In her gentle stroking, her soft hand glided over his fingers.
The tingling shock racing up his arm made him snatch a quick breath as his fingers entangled with hers. She didn’t pull away from him, and as he searched her face for some sign of rejection, he saw none. Her hazel eyes darkened and the pink of her mouth parted slightly as she breathed in rapid breaths. Desire hardened him immediately. Beneath his gambaz, his cock stiffened and pressed outward, unrestrained by the constraints of European dress. He quickly released her hand and stepped away from the camel.
“Feed Zada a couple of meat morsels every four to five hours, and remember, let the meat rest in your palm.”
The confusion in her expression made him grimace as he turned and walked away. What had he been thinking? He should have had Medjuel take Zada to Alex. All he’d done just now was torment his cock. Throwing himself onto the back of his camel, he urged the animal to its feet. It was going to be a long day. A very long day indeed.
The heat of the day hung heavy to the ground, the atmosphere wavy in the distance from the refractions of light. Altair was only just now beginning to feel the heat. In a couple more hours, the sun would set and nighttime would bring a drastic drop in temperature. Over the past day and a half he’d watched Alex from a distance. Zada had taken well to her new mistress, and the small mongoose seemed to delight her owner as well.
Last night after the evening meal, he’d heard Alex laughing. Drawn to the infectious nature of her amusement, he’d shifted his seat at the fire to watch her and the mongoose at play. It had been an intoxicating sight, and he’d regretted showing any interest at all when several of his tribesmen teased him. He kept telling himself he didn’t feel anything for Alex, but he recognized it for the lie it was. His body didn’t hide behind lies either. It lusted after her every time she entered his sight.
She’d permanently set aside her fashionable gowns and corset for the fawn-colored trousers she favored. The white blouse she wore, she’d rolled up at the sleeves. The dark brown leather of her boots showed off a shapely calf, as she seemed fond of tucking the pants into the footwear. At the end of the day, her shirt lay plastered to her skin so that every delicious curve of her body beckoned to him. The utilitarian nature of her clothes was all the more seductive because she had no comprehension of how sensual she looked.
The gentle rocking motion of his camel suddenly changed as the animal broke out into a trot and tried to pass the mount in front of him. Tugging on the reins, Altair pulled the balking camel
out of the caravan to study the horizon. The sky behind them was brownish gray, and his heart sank.
With a loud cry of warning, he caught Medjuel’s attention and pointed to the horizon. Without waiting for a response, he swatted his crop against his camel’s hindquarters and wheeled to race toward Alex. Behind him, he heard his cousin continuing to raise the alarm, and the caravan quickly halted. Reaching Alex’s side, he dismounted from his animal before the camel had a chance to sink to the ground.
In two strides, he was at her mount’s head. Over his shoulder, he saw the distinct, and all too familiar, sand cloud racing toward them. Yanking the reins from her hands, he forced the protesting camel to its knees.
“What’s wrong? Why are we stopping?”
Ignoring her bewildered look, he roughly pulled her from the saddle and forced her down to the ground. “Sandstorm.”
“But the camels—”
“The camels have natural defenses for the sirocco. We don’t.” His fingers flew to his utility belt and undid the straps. The belt slid to the sand, and then he removed the top layer of his gambaz. Swinging the dark cloth off his shoulders, he knelt beside her and stared into her worried eyes. He forced a brief smile to his lips. “We’ll be fine as long as we remain covered and keep our eyes closed.”
He hoped they’d be fine. Siroccos could swallow up entire caravans, burying them in the sand with no hope of survival. The wind blew up sand around them. He had no need to glance over his shoulder to know the storm was almost on them. Pulling Alex close, he pressed her face into his chest. In a swift move, he threw the gambaz over their heads before guiding her down into a prone position beside him.
Eyes closed, he buried his face into her hair. Even despite the danger they were in, he found his desire for her stirring inside him. The citrus smell of the silky brown tresses filled his nostrils and senses. The soft curve of her face pressing through the thin linen of his shirt. Her body curled into his, fitting snugly against his limbs as if she were the second half of him.The thought made his throat tighten. He needed to remember there was no place in his life for any woman. Not even this woman.
