The Pharaoh's Kiss (Reincarnation Romance Chronicles Book 3)

by Dana Michelle Burnett

  “Who is it?” A gruff voice asked.

  “Hey Steve,” Alex said. “I need a favor.”

  The door opened and there stood a man about the same age as Alex. He was pale with unwashed dark hair and patchy stubble over his face.

  “Oh Alex,” Steve said with a coffee stained grin as he stepped aside. “I was starting to think you died or something.”

  Alex walked through the door pulling me with him.

  “Not quite dead,” he said. “Just working.”

  “Boring,” Steve said as he closed the door behind us.

  His apartment was dark, lit only by his various laptops. Everywhere I looked there seemed to be either a computer or plates of half eaten food. I wrinkled my nose again and stepped closer to Alex.

  The movement caught Steve’s attention, “Who is this?”

  Alex squeezed my hand, “We don’t know.”

  “What?”

  “She has some kind of amnesia,” Alex explained.

  “So why bring her here?”

  “Well,” Alex said as he pulled me forward. “We need to find out who she is. Can you run her prints or something?”

  Steve looked me up and down again, “Sure, but why don’t you take her down to the police station and have them do it? Why come here?”

  “Come on, you know how that would go for her,” Alex said. “Besides, you would do a better job.”

  Steve nodded and smiled. He went into the kitchen and came back with a paper plate and an ink pen. He set the plate on the stool and broke the pen in half. Once the ink was drained onto the plate, he tossed all the plastic remnants over his shoulder.

  One by one, he pressed my fingertips into the ink and then onto a plain sheet of paper. He scanned my prints with his phone then his laptop on the counter displayed my prints.

  “You can go wash up in the bathroom down the hall,” Steve said going to the keyboard and typing wildly.

  The bathroom was just as frightening as the main room. The toilet bowl was stained brown and black, fouling the air with its stink. The sink was just as filthy and I washed my hands quickly, touching as little as possible.

  As I was coming back up the hall, I could hear Alex and this Steve talking.

  “So who is this girl to you?” Steve asked.

  “I don’t know,” Alex said. “She showed up at Tutankhamun’s tomb and she wouldn’t leave.”

  “Is she crazy or something?”

  “I don’t think so. I think she was there for something, but she doesn’t seem to know what it was.”

  I heard the clack of the laptop keys again.

  “Nothing is showing up in the Egypt databases. It will take a few days to check everywhere else.”

  “We think she might be American.”

  “That will be a tough one, but I’ll see what I can do. How did you end up getting stuck with her?” Steve asked.

  “I couldn’t let her go to jail,” Alex said with a sigh. “You saw here. Can you picture her with the police or in the hospital?”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. I just couldn’t.” Alex said, “I need to go back and check to see what’s taking her so long.”

  Feeling like I couldn’t stall any longer, I coughed nervously to make my presence known and stepped out to join them.

  “Well,” Steve said, keeping his eyes on the computer screen. “It may take a while, but I’ll see what I can dig up. If she is American, it may take a while to get into their information.”

  “What? No facial recognition software or anything?” Alex teased.

  “This is a little harder than the stuff you usually have me work on,” Steven said with a shake of his head.

  Alex smiled and motioned for us to go.

  “Thanks,” he said as we walked to the door. “Just call me when you know something.”

  We walked back through the same streets. They didn’t seem quite as frightening, but I still gladly took Alex’s hand when he offered it.

  “Is your friend some sort of a hacker or something?” I asked.

  “Of sorts.”

  “How do you know him?”

  Alex glanced back at me and smiled, “He helped me track down some stolen artifacts on the internet a few months ago.”

  “How did artifacts from Egypt end up on the internet?” I asked.

  Alex shrugged and pushed a strand of his dark hair back behind his ear, “If there is money to be made, people find a way.”

  “Do they take things from the actual tombs?”

  “Yeah,” he said with a glance back. “There are mummies throughout Egypt, not just in the Valley of the Kings.”

  “What do they steal?”

  “Jewelry, statues, and even the sarcophagi and the mummies themselves.”

  My mouth fell open, “You can’t be serious!”

  “I am,” he said with a nod. “It wasn’t that long ago you could still find shops selling mummy powder.”

  “What the hell is mummy powder?”

  Alex smirked, “It’s sort of gross. It’s a powder made from ground up mummies.”

  I shuddered, “Really? What was it used for?”

  “Medicine.”

  “What did it treat?”

  “It was said to cure a little bit of everything, like headaches, tumors, ulcers...Because it worked so well for the mummies.”

  I pulled at his sleeve, “Are you making this stuff up?”

  Alex glanced back at me and his smile faded, “I wish I was.”

  “So back to your friend,” I said, changing the subject. “I take it the way he tracks these things down isn’t exactly legal...And you’re okay with that?”

  Alex shrugged, “He gets the job done.”

  “So the end justifies the means?”

  “I think so.”

  As we stepped up to the car, Alex opened my door.

  “Do you mind if we stop by my office?” He asked as I got in. “My day sort of got cut short yesterday.”

  I blushed, “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” he said with a wink. “I’ve just got a few things to finish up and put away.”

  “Okay.”

  I tried not to think about where we were going or all the trouble I caused yesterday. Instead, I looked out the window at the dusty landscape as we approached the West Bank.

  Alex parked the car in the visitor section near the entrance to the valley and guided me over to the ticket office. He lead me past the crowds purchasing passes into the valley and opened a door just to the side and ushered me in.

  “I’ll just be a few minutes,” he said as he switched on the lights. Alex settled behind his desk, looking through a cardboard box of what looked like broken pottery bits and pieces. I watched him for a few moments and then turned my attention to the walls of his office.

  There were several certificates and diplomas, but what drew my attention was the photographs of him at the pyramids, and then another of him outside a building of some sort, and a smiling version of him at his desk.

  I couldn’t help but wonder if somewhere in the world there was a wall covered with framed photos of me. Would I ever see it?

  Looking down, I saw a book open to a page showing a color photograph of the painting on the column from my dream. It was exactly the same, but how could that be?

  “Alex,” I said hoarsely. “Who is this?”

  He got up from his desk and came over to me, looking down at the book.

  “Nefertiti,” he said casually.

  From somewhere came the vision of a beautiful woman lying on a bed in feverish delirium. I tried to hold onto that image, but as quick as it came, it was gone.

  “Nefertiti?” I whispered.

  “Yes,” Alex said with a nod. “She was married to Akhenaten, Tutankhamun’s father.”

  Another flash came, this time of the Pharaoh I feared in my dream. Just like before, no sooner did I see it than it was gone.

  Alex pointed to another picture of the statute. “Sh
e was also the mother of Ankhesenamun, making Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun half brother and sister.”

  No...We weren’t brother and sister...Akhenaten was not my father...

  I could feel the memory of the dream creeping closer, working in my brain, and ready to attack.

  Alex seemed oblivious to the torment going on inside my head. “There is some debate if Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun actually shared a father.”

  I felt my legs tremble and then it was as if they just went week. I staggered backward, but Alex caught my hand.

  “Are you all right?” Alex asked as he studied me.

  “Yes,” I mumbled. “I guess I just got dizzy.”

  Concern filled his eyes, “It was too much for you today.”

  “No, I’m okay.”

  “No,” Alex said with a shake of his head. “Let’s get you back to the hotel suite and get something to eat.”

  I wanted to argue, but my legs tried to give way again as he helped me towards the door.

  “I’ve got you,” he said as the held me up and pulled me close. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

  Chapter Six

  It took us nearly an hour to get back to the hotel. I felt somewhat stronger, but Alex still kept his arm around my waist. Even though I was steady on my feet by then, I leaned against him as we walked through the lobby. I could have walked on my own by then, but I loved the way he was holding me close.

  I could feel the heat of his skin through his clothes and I felt my own skin flushing in response. My fingers trailed along the front of his shirt; I could feel the ridges of his abs under the thin fabric.

  What is wrong with me? I shouldn’t be thinking of him like this...

  Alex guided me through the door and into his suite. He stood there for a moment, holding me close and breathing in and out slowly.

  “Do you want me to help you to bed?” He finally asked.

  Yes...Help me to bed...Kiss me...Touch me...Make me feel real...

  I bit my lip to keep from saying those things. What was I doing? What if I was married or in a relationship?

  Then whoever that man is, he should be looking for me...

  “Senna?” Alex said softly.

  I looked up at him slowly, losing myself in his dark, soulful eyes. I wasn’t even aware it was happening, but suddenly I was kissing him long and deep.

  “Wait,” he said as he pulled away. “Are you sure you want this?”

  I peeled the strap of my cami from my shoulder, never taking my eyes off of him.

  “I’m sure,” I said as I took the other one down as well.

  Alex’s eyes widened as I lowered the cotton fabric and exposed my breasts to him, the nipples hardening in the air conditioned air of the room. He stepped forward and cupped them in his hands, kneading them softly.

  I pressed myself up against him, feeling his hardness through his pants. Once again I kissed him, teasing his tongue with mine. I tangled my hands in his hair, freeing it from its pony.

  A low moan rumbled in Alex’s throat as his hands slid down my breasts, down my sides, to the waistband of my shorts. Lightening quick he had them unfastened and was pushing them down.

  My skin tingled in anticipation as I stood clad only in my lacey thong. I stepped back so that I could raise my own fingers to the buttons of his shirt and undo them as quickly as possible. I pushed the fabric back from his tanned shoulders and away from his toned abs.

  I licked my lips as I took in his honey-toned skin, his rippling muscles, and his fevered chestnut eyes. He reached out to me, pulling me closer. I nuzzled against his smooth chest, licking his skin and circling his nipple.

  “Senna,” he moaned as he fisted his hands in my hair.

  I lifted my lips to his again, kissing him until he scooped me up into his arms. I cradled my head on his shoulder as he carried me into the bedroom and laid me down on the bed.

  Alex looked down at my near naked body, making me squirm with desire before he even touched me. He leaned over me, hooking his thumbs under the sides of my thong and easing it down my legs.

  He straightened and looked down at me once more, focusing on my exposed sex.

  “I want to taste you,” Alex said hoarsely.

  He didn’t wait for my approval. He knelt down on to the bed, straddling my body. He began kissing my neck and moving slowly down to suckle at each nipple before trailing a path to my navel, his hair brushing and teasing my skin.

  I closed my eyes and savored the feeling of his lips and tongue on my skin. Behind my eyes, I saw another time. A time where the Pharaoh Tutankhamun knelt between my legs and kissed me. I shook my head to push the memory away.

  “Alex...” I moaned as he hovered over my most secret place.

  “Open,” he ordered as he shifted on the bed.

  I spread my legs and gave over to my desire as Alex worked my body over. I bucked against him as I reached my climax again and again.

  Quivering, I lay there helplessly as Alex rose from the bed. I heard him unzipping his pants and the shuffling sound of him removing them.

  I kept my eyes closed, savoring the torture of anticipation. Every inch of my skin was alive, awaiting his touch.

  When at last I felt him next to me, my body immediately responded. I opened my eyes as he moved on top of me, looking up into his eyes. Once again, our lips met in a kiss that seemed to go right through me.

  Alex positioned himself at my entrance, teasing me. He leaned upon his elbows, “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” I moaned.

  Before the word was fully out of my mouth, he was moving up inside of me, stretching and filling me in a delicious way.

  I could barely breathe as he moved each time deeper and deeper.

  “Senna,” he whispered against the base of my throat. “Senna...”

  As if the name he gave me was some sort of incantation, I climaxed again. He twisted my hair and pulled my head to the side as he nibbled at my neck. I moaned as each thrust, every kiss, sent me over the edge again.

  He waited until I quieted and then rolled, taking me with him so that I was on top of him. Some primal part of me took over, gyrating against him as he clutched at my hips.

  I took his wrists and pushed them away, pinning them to the pillows with my tiny hands. Even though he could have overtaken me, he allowed me to hold him there until he was writhing in his own orgasm.

  Yes...Yes...

  Exhausted, I fell down onto him. He wrapped his arms around me and held me against his chest. I could feel his heart pounding under my fingers as I rested my head on his shoulder..

  “Senna,” he mumbled into my hair. “You are full of surprises.”

  Chapter Seven

  The rational part of me knew that it was only a dream, but it seemed real enough to make me doubt myself. It was too vivid to just be a dream, but what else could it be?

  I saw myself in a bath of perfume-scented water. I lay back and could see a golden ceiling overhead and the reflection of the crimson flower petals floating on the surface of the water.

  All around me, the walls glowed in the light of burning torches, and the heady scent of the oils and perfumes in the water made the world hazy as the maids moved about almost silently, laying out a gown of sheer gold.

  From somewhere in the palace, I could hear the sound of the celebration. It was faint and distant, but there nonetheless.

  They are still celebrating the marriage...

  A tingle went through my body. It was my marriage they were celebrating. I was now the wife of Tutankhamun... I was now the queen of Egypt.

  I couldn’t help but to think back on a few short days ago when I was called to the chamber of the then Prince of Egypt. I remembered how dark his rooms were, dark but for the candle near the basin where Tutankhamun washed his bloodied hands.

  At that moment, he was no longer my brother. He was the man that protected me and would go on to protect all of Egypt as Pharaoh. In that secret moment, he became his destiny...And I becam
e his.

  I could see his frightened eyes as he glanced back at me and then back down at his bloodstained hands.

  “He came to your door,” he said in a shaking voice as he scrubbed at the blood. ““I’ve kept my promise. You are safe.”

  You kept your promise...

  The sound of the maid’s footsteps coming closer brought me out of my reverie.

  “My Queen?”

  “Yes,” I said in a trembling voice.

  Why am I so nervous?

  “It is the Pharaoh,” she said with a bow. “He has arrived.”

  My breath caught in my throat. I closed my eyes and breathed in and out slowly.

  My husband... The Pharaoh... Has arrived...

  I stepped from the bath and allowed the maids to dry my skin, even their touch seem soft and sensual as they prepared me for the Pharaoh. They eased a sheer gown over my head and down over my arms. The thin material brushed against the taunt peaks of my breasts and floated about my legs, but concealed nothing. I allowed my servants to brush my hair so the thick ebony weight of it fell over my shoulders. The maids all looked at me with knowing smiles as they backed away and opened the chamber door.

  Taking a deep breath, I held my head high as I entered the bedchamber of the Pharaoh... My husband.

  I knew what it was that took place between a man and a woman, but nothing prepared me for the fluttering in my stomach at the sight of Tutankhamun. He stood in the dim light. His bronzed back broad and his long black hair so rich it almost seemed blue.

  I dismissed the maids with a flick of my wrist and bowed deeply, “My Pharaoh.”

  He turned, but it was not the man from a previous dreams. It was Alex. Alex standing there, half dressed in the clothes of the Pharaoh.

  No... It can’t be...

  He walked over to me and took my hand. I looked into his eyes and saw not the queen I was moments before reflected in the dark pupils, but the mysterious me that I saw in the mirror that morning. The me that Alex lead out of the tomb.

  “You will always be my queen,” he said as he took my face in his hands. He kissed me, devouring my lips before trailing down my neck.

  It’s Alex...Why is it Alex...

  Even though I knew it was a dream, I lost myself in the sensation of his hands on my body, pulling the thin dress away. He knelt before me, breathing his steamy breath on my moist folds.