Mirage

by Monica Burns

  “Come, emîra. They’ve found something.” His hand grasping hers, he picked up her wide-brimmed hat and jammed it onto her head. With a gentle tug, he pulled her out into the sunshine and down the hill toward his horse.

  “How do you know? What if someone’s hurt or sick?”

  “If it was an emergency, they would have shot off a round as a general distress call. They’ve found something. I’m sure of it.”

  Not daring to hope, Alex tried to keep her balance as he dragged her down the sandy hill at a fast pace. Reaching the ravine that separated the city from the rest of the land, they scrambled into the shady section of the gully. A beautiful black Arabian mare waited quietly in the shade, and with a quick jump, Altair was seated in the saddle. He offered her his hand, and the touch of his strong fingers gripping hers warmed her entire body. Pulling herself up behind him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. With her cheek resting against his back they galloped off through the gully toward the rear of the city.

  “Why are you going this way?”

  “If we take the west trail to the plateau, it will take longer. I found another path that runs up to where the men are. It’s narrow, but Desari won’t have any problem getting up there.”

  Deep affection for the animal echoed in his voice. In the past two months, she’d seen how passionate Bedouins were about their animals. Every night after dinner, the family rolled up one side of the tent to visit with their horses. The animals were a part of the family, and love between owner and horses was always evident.

  Now she found herself wishing she could invoke a similar emotion in Altair. Although his desire for her was more than obvious, it didn’t mean he loved her. That was something she could only hope would come with time.

  As Desari charged up the narrow trail to the top of the plateau, rocks slipped underneath the animal’s hooves and tumbled down into the gully. One glance over the edge of the incline made her stomach lurch before she turned her head away. When they were topside, she breathed a sigh of relief. It took only a few more moments for them to reach the men gathered around a hole in the side of a large mountainous section of the plateau. As they slid to a stop, the men broke out into a wild cacophony of excited shouts.

  Without waiting on Altair, she jumped to the ground and hurried forward. What had they found? From their excitement, she could tell the men thought it important. Pushing through their thin ranks, she stopped in front of the hole.

  The air whooshed out of her lungs at the sight in front of her. Stunned, she slowly sank to her knees and stared at the exposed portions of two wide columns bordering a yawning black hole. Leaning forward, she pulled a small brush from her pants pocket. With a light touch, she dusted away the sand still obliterating her view of the columns’ symbols.

  The hieroglyphics were not difficult to read and she tried to breathe. She’d found it. It was the palace. Her hand trembled as she retraced the markings to make sure it was real. A tremor shot through her as she closed her eyes. She bent her head as a shuddering sob of joy whipped through her. She’d done it. She’d done what no other man had been able to do. She’d found Ramesses’ palace, and next she would find Nourbese’s tomb.

  Dragging in a deep breath, she rose to her feet, stumbling as she did so. The magnitude of it washed over her. The sweet joy of accomplishment, the validation of ten years’ worth of work and study. Still, it was bittersweet. Her father and uncle were not here to share in the moment. A tear trailed down her cheek. She tried desperately to stem the tide of her release but couldn’t. Strong arms drew her into a warm, protective embrace, and she pressed her forehead against his chest.

  “You did it, Alex. You beat them all. Your father and uncle would have been very proud of you.” His fingers caught her chin and lifted her head so she was looking up into his eyes. A gleam of tenderness warmed her heart. “I’m proud of you, emîra.”

  She gulped at the heartwarming compliment. “Thank you.”

  “Now then, what do you want to do?”

  “Celebrate!” She choked out a laugh.

  He grinned down at her before turning his head toward the waiting men. “iHtafal, iSHâb, iHtafal.”

  A loud cry of excitement welled out of the men, and Alex laughed again through a renewed onset of tears. Happiness had never seemed so sweet. For the first time in her life, she felt lucky. She’d found Per-Ramesses and the palace, she was in the arms of the man she loved and tonight—tonight she would taste heaven once more.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The cool night air caressed her skin as Alex sipped warm camel’s milk from her wooden cup. It was interesting how the women ate their meal on one side of the fire circle, while the men sat opposite them. Earlier, when she’d said they should celebrate, she’d had no idea the Mazir would put on such a wonderful party. The sound of music filled the air, and she found her foot tapping in time to the fascinating rhythm of the instruments the musicians were using. The stringed harmonies of the al’ud and the rhythmic drumbeat of the tablah were sounds as ancient as the palace that lay buried not too far away.

  Beside her, Altair’s mother, Gameela, clapped her hands as they watched several tribesmen spring up from their seats to dance to the infectious music of the al’ud and tablah. The celebration was in full swing, and she watched as one of the men left the dancers to pull Altair to his feet.

  Laughter curved his mouth, and her heart skipped a beat at the beautiful sight. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he danced with his people. His raw sensual nature made the hair on her arms stand up on end. He was magnificent to watch.

  “My son is as handsome as his father.” Gameela’s voice made Alex jump.

  “How did you meet Altair’s father?”

  A wistful smile curved Gameela’s mouth. “I was in Cairo with my father. A runaway horse almost ran us down, but Peter saved us. My father was impressed with him right away.”

  “And you?”

  “I was lost from the first moment he smiled at me. Except for Nourbese, it was unheard of for a Mazir to marry outside the tribe, but my father knew how much I loved Peter. When he gave his permission, I thought I would live a thousand lifetimes of happiness, but I was wrong.”

  Gameela’s face twisted in pain as she looked into the blazing fire. Alex touched her on the arm in a gesture of sympathy. The grief on the older woman’s face was something she understood so well.

  “If it troubles you, we needn’t speak of it any more.”

  With a nod of her head, Gameela patted Alex’s hand. “I’m fine. Although it was many years ago, to me it feels like yesterday. Altair was only two when Peter went to visit his father. He pleaded with me to come, but I had no wish to leave the desert. His ship sank off the coast of Spain.”

  “Oh, Gameela, I’m so sorry.”

  “Thank you. My hardest moments are when I wish Peter were here to see what a wonderful son we have.” The Bedouin woman blinked quickly. “But this is a night for rejoicing, not sad memories.”

  Accepting the woman’s silent request to end the discussion, Alex returned her attention to the fire and the dancers. From where she sat, she watched the intricate steps the dancers made as they circled the campfire.

  “I am pleased you have resolved your differences with Altair.”

  “I…I’m not sure I know what you mean.” Alex’s hand trembled as she took another sip of the sweet milk in her cup.

  “Don’t you?” The older woman smiled serenely at her. “I am pleased my son has found a woman who loves the man and not his background.”

  Coughing on the drink she’d taken, Alex stared at the woman for a long moment then looked away. Gameela’s eyes were far too observant. Was her love for Altair so blatant? Did he know she was in love with him? Oh God, she wouldn’t be able to bear it if he knew and didn’t love her in return. She looked back at Gameela as the woman heaved a sigh.

  �
�You are as stubborn as Altair. Listen to me, zuRaiyar waHda—since childhood Altair has struggled to find his place in the world. There have been times when I despaired for the pain he’s suffered. A pain I’ve inflicted on him.”

  “Oh, surely not.”

  “No, it is true. My blood runs in his veins, and for that he is ridiculed and treated with disdain in England.” Gameela waved a hand as Alex started to protest. “I have my sources, and I’ve seen the pain in his eyes each time he knows he must leave the warmth of our family and return to that cold island.”

  “But if he’s unhappy there, why does he go back?”

  “Because he is an honorable man.” The beautiful Bedouin woman turned her gaze back to her son. “He gave an oath to his English grandfather that he would remain in England at least six months a year to tend to his title and holdings.”

  Alex breathed in a breath of surprise. “He never told me.”

  “None of that matters now. He has found a woman who sees his heart and nothing else. That is a love worth keeping. I believe he has feelings for you, but as I said, he is quite stubborn. He won’t admit he cares for you until he is certain of your love.”

  Alex nodded, uncertain how to reply. Could she really risk opening her heart to him, not knowing whether he loved her or not? If Gameela was wrong, the devastation such a confession would wreak could possibly destroy her. She stared out at the dancers. A group of women had replaced the dancing men; and across the fire’s flames, her eyes met Altair’s.

  He sat on the sand with one arm resting on a bent knee. It was the pose of a man born to command, born to rule. The possessive spark in his deep brown eyes sent a shiver of anticipation through her. His look said she was his. A thrill of delight cascaded through her, and she wet her dry lips. As she did so, his bronzed face took on a look of dark desire. Her breathing came fast and furious as he caressed her with his gaze across the blue and yellow flames of the campfire.

  Suddenly, someone grasped her wrist and pulled her to her feet. Startled, she recognized one of the female dancers. The woman motioned for Alex to join them. Embarrassed, she shook her head no and tried to pull away. Laughing, Gameela encouraged her.

  “Go on, Alex. Tonight is a celebration of your accomplishments. Follow Jasmin’s steps, she will help you.”

  Several of the men let out a loud cry, and her gaze found Altair’s again. Amusement curved his mouth, and he arched a challenging eyebrow at her. He didn’t think she was game enough to do it. Well, the man was in for a surprise. She’d vaguely been watching the women as their long dark tresses flew through the air or served as a curtain to cover the faces of a man they chose.

  It was a dance of seduction, and she intended to turn Altair’s look of challenge into one of complete and total need. She answered the unspoken dare with a look of audacious determination. Slowly she removed the pins holding her hair in place. As her hair tumbled down past her shoulders, a loud cheer went up around the campfire amid a large amount of laugher.

  Altair, however, wasn’t laughing. If anything, he seemed stunned by her actions. She smiled. He’d thought she’d refuse. The knowledge made her laugh as she looked at Jasmin and imitated the other girl’s steps. Another girl danced into place on the other side of her, and the three of them joined hands, their arms lifted over their heads.

  For a brief moment, she wished she had on one of the colorful robes Jasmin and the other girl wore. Then her eyes locked with Altair’s again, and she saw him swallow hard as they danced closer toward his side of the fire. Following Jasmin’s lead, Alex threw her head forward, her hair just touching the sand before she rolled her head in a circular motion so her hair twirled in front of her. She snapped herself upright, brown hair flying back, and sought out Altair’s face once more.

  He was completely enthralled. His expression glazed with desire. Smiling, she continued to mimic the steps Jasmin and the other girl made as the three of them danced around the fire. Arms extended, they swayed their bodies and hips in a slow, seductive manner. Their dance steps holding them in place where they were, Alex watched the girl beside her. The dancer leaned forward and draped her long black hair over the head of the man facing her.

  Alex hesitated as she looked down at the handsome young Bedouin grinning up at her shamelessly. Glancing toward Jasmin again, she watched the other girl shimmy forward to drape her hair over the man she’d chosen. A loud roar of approving laughter tugged her attention back to the young man in front of her. She missed a step as she saw Altair taking the young man’s place.

  Dancing forward, she flung her hair over his shoulders. A wild storm of desire flared in his eyes as she smiled down at him. Deliberately, she wet her lips. The action pulled a rough growl from his throat, and she laughed as she started to pull away.

  He quickly reached up and wrapped several locks of hair around his wrist to hold her in place. “Tonight, emîra. Tonight, I’ll make you understand that you’re mine, and no other man shall have you.”

  Astonished, she could only stare at him. As he released her hair, she straightened and danced away from him. Following Jasmin’s lead, she danced back to her seat. As the music changed, another group of dancers sprang to life, and Alex sank down onto the blanket covering the sand. Laughing, Gameela leaned toward her.

  “He has claimed you as his, zuRaiyar waHda. That is a start.”

  She bit back a smile as Gameela called her little one once more, then shook her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “He pushed another man aside to claim the honor of being covered with your tresses. By his actions, he has told the tribe you belong to him.”

  Alex shifted her gaze in the direction of Altair. A slow smile curled his mouth as he studied her. It was a smile of seductive triumph, and it made her heart hammer against her chest at a furious pace as she anticipated what was to come.

  Beside her, Gameela rose to her feet. “I am tired. Come—walk with me to my tent.”

  Unable to keep from grinning at the command, Alex stood up and followed the older woman as they left the campfire. There was no doubting where Altair got his authoritarian manner. Walking side by side, they moved through the camp, and Gameela turned her head toward Alex.

  “You smile as though greatly amused by something.”

  “Actually I was thinking how much you and Altair are alike.” Alex ducked her head as the woman arched her brow in a manner reminiscent of her son.

  “I think I am afraid to ask which traits you think we share.”

  “Oh, they’re not bad traits, just very similar, that’s all.”

  “I see.” Gameela halted outside her tent, turning to face Alex. The woman stared at her for a long moment before brushing a hand across her cheek. “I understand what my son sees in you, Alexandra Talbot. You are a strong woman. Strong enough to face whatever storms life may fill your path. Love him well, zuRaiyar waHda.”

  With a gentle smile, Gameela turned and entered her tent. Left alone under the starry sky, Alex turned and walked back toward her humble dwelling. Was Altair’s mother right? Did he love her? Hope lightened her heart at the possibility.

  Ahead of her, a tall figure emerged from the darkness, and Alex inhaled a sharp breath of fear. Coming to an abrupt halt, she wasn’t sure whether to scream or run.

  “It’s just me, Alex.” The deep notes of Altair’s voice filled her with relief.

  “You frightened me,” she said as she pressed her hand to where her heart pounded against her breast. “I thought…”

  As he stepped out of the shadows into the moonlight, her stomach clenched at the fire blazing in his eyes. “You thought what, emîra?”

  “I thought I was going to be attacked again.”

  “I’ve promised to keep you safe. You have to trust me,” he said in a tight voice.

  Despite the dim shadows she could see the frustration that crossed his face. His expr
ession tugged at her heart. Trusting him to keep her safe was easy compared to trusting him with her heart. Heat enveloped her as he moved to stand in front of her, his hand capturing her chin.

  Lethargy seeped into every muscle in her body as his thumb slid across her lower lip. As always, the deliciously spicy scent of him caressed her senses. The sound of her heartbeat thrummed in her head as a familiar pair of strong hands pulled her toward him. The strength of his arms reminded her that a Pharaoh’s blood flowed through his veins.

  Even if she’d wanted to, resisting him would be as impossible as asking the sands not to shift with time. The moment his mouth took hers in a heated kiss, she melted into him. All the pent-up yearning over the past several weeks filled her response to his kiss. Wrapped tightly in his arms, she knew there was no other place she wanted to be.

  Lifting his head, he cupped her face in his large hands. “Tell me, emîra, what would you have done if I’d not taken Yusuf’s place at the fireside?” There was a rough edge to his voice.

  “I don’t know. Did I do something wrong?” Puzzled, she blinked up at him.

  “Do you mean to tell me you don’t know the significance of the hair dance?”

  “No, your mother encouraged me to dance, so I did.”

  A low growl escaped him, and with the smooth grace of a leopard, he swept her up into his arms and carried her toward her tent.

  “My mother interferes where she shouldn’t,” he said gruffly. “It’s a mating dance. Young women drape their hair over the man of their choice, and the man in turn knows the woman will not reject his suit.”

  “Oh.” His words pulled the wind right out of her. She’d almost given another man the right to court her. But Altair had deliberately taken the man’s place. The memory of his possessive action thrilled her. He cared. But how deep were his feelings for her? Would he trust her with his heart?