by Diana Kirk
But it was his tongue that fed her hunger and she trembled from the delirious need to devour him, to satiate the emptiness that had been her companion far too long.
Never before had need consumed all rational thought. Never before had she allowed herself the freedom of acting out her fantasies. Yet, here and now, unbearable desire drove her beyond control into wild abandon.
No, it was far too late to deny herself the pleasure of the man whose arms surrounded her. Tarik's touch had fueled an eternal flame that would not be extinguished by a single brief encounter.
From the time she'd stumbled from the tomb, their joining had been foretold, by the wind, by each grain of sand, and by the very pyramids themselves.
Whether it was the moon or Isis, herself, that bewitched them didn't matter, for now they shared an embrace that defied and transcended time.
For this one moment, she matched him kiss for kiss, touch for touch, breath for breath with a heated fury that rivaled his.
Chapter Seven
WITH ONE QUICK movement, Tarik released his kilt and pulled Alex against his need. His mouth traveled the hollow between her breasts. A rasping moan escaped her throat. She threw her head back, offering herself to him and he greedily obliged. She twined her fingers into his hair, pulling him tighter against her heated skin. He plundered the soft mounds of her flesh with his mouth and took slow, deliberate turns ravishing and teasing each tender pink bud to hardness. Alex arched her back and writhed beneath his ministrations.
He trailed his tongue up her tender neck and darted it into the recesses of her ear. She trembled her assent and answered with her lips and tongue along his jaw and around his mouth, invading and tasting his lips. She strained forward and he cupped her bottom, lifting her against him, their gasps mingling, their gazes locked. Eyes, the color of the Nile, held mystery and desire deep within. Spurred on by her moans, he slid her down slowly, along the engorged length of him. He wanted, no needed, sweet release.
She gasped and he filled her with his very essence. Tightening her arms around his neck, she found his mouth and her tongue dueled with his. Alex shook uncontrollably.
Never before had he experienced such power from a woman. The heated sensation of her quivering and tightening around him almost turned his legs to liquid.
Tarik struggled for control. An all too fleeting warning crossed his thoughts--of his spoken promise to Pharaoh. But all the fire and arousal of this strange, exotic woman were his for the taking. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to feel the soft, moist inner warmth of her surrounding him until the end of time. He could not hold back for long.
He withdrew from the heat of their joining and eased her onto a bier and, guided by a timeless rhythm, a score of passion, a song of need, trailed his hand over the tender flesh of her stomach to the dark curls between her thighs and beyond to her deepest core.
"Tarik, please," she gasped and thrust her hips against his hand. Her voice, an ancient melody only Isis could have directed, rang in his ears and he filled her once again.
"Tarik," she groaned while her mouth hungrily searched out his, fueling his excitement.
They moved together faster, higher, harder until their souls soared over the great expanse of Egypt and as one they explored the wonders of the universe. Surely, he could touch the faces of the gods, themselves. Finally, he shuddered and she cried out, and their world exploded with the force of a thousand stars.
TARIK PROPPED himself up on one elbow and gazed lazily over the naked woman asleep beside him. The moon's brightness glowed against her alabaster skin and a smile played across his lips. This, surely, was Isis, herself, for no earthly, mortal woman could beguile him like this one had.
Her hair fanned out beneath her face like a crown. Her swollen lips parted slightly and rhythmic wisps of breath escaped. He grew hard again.
When had he lost his sense of reason? Was it just hours before when she saved Nafari? Or when she dined with him in full Egyptian dress? Or shared his quarters traveling down the Nile? Or sooner yet, even the day when she had stumbled against him from the tomb?
How he'd come to feel this way was not important. All that mattered was her nearness to him, now and forever. The intensity of his passion had shocked him. He'd lain with many women only to serve a lust, a momentary need, with no thoughts of love or duty or pain. But with Alex, his emotions were different. She had pierced his heart with her spear of love and now he desired not just her body, but all of her.
A cold thought washed over him. What of his promise to Pharaoh? He could not let her go. She was as much a part of him as the Nile was of Egypt. Its soul. The giver of life to a barren desert. Alex could simply stay hidden in his household as a servant. But, he feared it was too late for hiding. There had been witnesses to Seta's rebirth and they would talk. He was sure of it. She was too great a gift to keep for himself. Her miracles far surpassed his simple medicine. She could cure the gravely ill and raise the dead. A twinge of envy struck him at the thought. She should be the one to ensure Pharaoh's immortality, not he.
Family honor demanded he keep his promise--a promise that would tear his soul asunder. As soon as Nafari's health permitted, he must take Alex back to Thebes. There was no other choice. He'd make her understand. It was his duty.
No. Perhaps if she did not understand, so much the better. Cold resolve hardened his heart. Sometimes anger masked the pain of separation. He would say and do the exact opposite of what was in his heart and his soul. Then, Alex would go easily to Pharaoh's sanctuary.
Desire swelled him again. There would be time enough when the sun rose to do his duty. But for now...one last time...
He reached across and kissed the valley between her hips. She moaned softly and her eyes fluttered open.
"It's getting light." She moved to sit, but his lips nuzzling her belly stopped her. "You wanted something, Doctor?"
"You," he whispered. His tongue traced the inner part of her and she arched her back into him. "Only you, my magical Alex, from the days beyond tomorrow. Only you."
First light flickered over the columned walls and slashed across Alex's tired eyes. Tarik still slept, although his hand cupped her breast as though he was afraid to let go of her. Silly thought. As if she'd let him.
Happiness surged through her. She'd not only found passion and hope with a man fit for her dreams, but she'd also found a friend. One who shared her quest for learning and medicine. One who'd obviously given up that crazy thought to give her to Mentuhotep.
If she had to be stranded in time, what better place to be and what better man to be with?
For a moment, her determination to get home faltered in the light of the most recent events. A tiny laugh escaped her and Tarik's eyes blinked open.
"Good morning," she said and slipped from his grasp. "I'd better check on Nafari." She stepped into her dress, which had been carelessly discarded the night before, and tossed Tarik his kilt. "The servants. I doubt they'd appreciate your lack of dress."
He caught it in his hand and quickly covered himself. "I--we must go."
Alex noted a coldness to his voice. "What's wrong?"
"We will first check Nafari." He strode toward the door but she grabbed his arm.
"First? What's the matter with you? Tell me."
His gaze darkened and yet she could still see a lingering passion in his eyes. "We must prepare for Thebes."
"What?" She fisted her hands on her hips. "After--" She pointed to the bier. "--this?"
He cocked his head. "It meant nothing. A delightful interlude. But it changes nothing, for Mentu is waiting. He will most certainly appreciate my personal endorsement of your gifts."
"Endorse this!" Alex drew her hand up and slapped his jaw as hard as she could. "I'm not a pair of tennis shoes and you're not a basketball player."
What had he said? No. She had no doubt he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Didn't he? How could he simply discard her like so much trash?
"You bastard."
She swung again. This time he was ready and caught her wrist.
"Ah," he spat at her. "Thy viper's sting is sharp, but save it to fight off Pharaoh's charms. I have heard he likes women who struggle."
"How could you force me to be a slave?"
His voice was cold and full of cruelty. "Here and now you are a slave."
She strained against him. She couldn't cry. She wouldn't cry. He wouldn't see her weakness. Her eyes filled with tears and she blinked them away. "So, I'm nothing more than a suck up gift? Why you're no better than a--a...."
"Alex?" Seta's voice parted the air between them. Tarik's grip loosened and Alex pulled herself free.
"What?"
Seta's gaze darted from Tarik to Alex. "Nafari calls out for food. She-she flung a bowl at me."
"That's a good sign." Alex turned her back to Tarik and squared her shoulders. "She'll be all right. I may be just the help around here, but I'm a damn good doctor."
"Alex."
She ignored him. He wouldn't get the pleasure of baiting her anymore. She didn't have to be hit over the head twice to get his message. Done and over. Her stomach knotted. The thought of living out her days in someone's harem made her sick. And she'd never forgive the man who'd betrayed her.
THE TRIP back to Thebes was long and painful. Not so much the length of it, but because of Alex's silence. This time, Tarik watched, afraid she might jump overboard. It was not uncommon for slaves to escape their fates by leaping into the jaws of crocodiles.
His plan to anger her had worked all too well. All during the trip, her lips had remained as sealed as a pharaoh's tomb. She had not so much as looked at him.
Seta remained curled up in the manner of a cowed dog and only spoke when serving meals. Alex refused to communicate to anyone, including Seta, and Tarik cursed his sails, for they billowed swiftly carrying his craft, floating like a feather up the Nile toward his Pharaoh.
He had so little time left to be with Alex. Yet, when he did so, she scowled at him and said nothing.
"We approach Thebes, Master."
Tarik nodded. "Prepare to dock."
Kasim smiled in the direction of Seta. She lowered her gaze seductively, but returned the smile. So, Kasim took interest in Seta? No doubt, he would ask permission to lay with her.
But Alex thought upon the woman as a friend, and Tarik had already erred once, promising Alex as so much property. Still, Seta was a slave. She was property.
He would not promise Seta to Kasim until he received her consent. No more could he condemn a woman to a fate not of her own choosing. The pain the gods had bestowed near his heart was right and fitting punishment, for he had shown false pride. Because of his actions, he would spend the rest of his days wondering of Alex's reaction to Pharaoh's hands upon her. Worse, if she would return his caresses with the same passion. His stomach knotted.
"It is time," he said. Her back was to him in the tent. She rolled over and their gazes locked. She flashed him such a look of intense hatred that he reared back from its blow. He reached out to help her, but she stalked away and stood next to Seta who was busily muttering a hasty goodbye to Kasim.
This punishment was too much to bear. A sheer blue covering made of fine gold embroidered linen caressed each swell and curve he had delighted in only days before. Each gilt thread sparkled in the sunlight and a bright glow surrounded her. Truly, she was a goddess. Her hair had been braided as was the fashion and a sheer veil covered her head. No doubt, she wore queres. He longed to be near enough to breathe in her scent and the heaviness in his chest grew unbearable. What he had done was beyond forgiveness. He had dishonored not only her, but also his Pharaoh. How could he do this and deserve to live?
"Let's get it over with," she said, grabbed Seta's hand, and stormed down the dock toward the waiting procession. Even her angry voice was welcome after her silence all during the trip.
"Hail, Tarik. Friend of Pharaoh, Lord Chief Physician to Pharaoh's infirm." Kensu, chanting Tarik's litany of titles, raised his hand in greeting. "Mentuhotep, Ra, the Lord of two countries, much desires your presence in his royal court. He awaits the presentation of your gift." He turned and bowed to Alex. "Great Healer, Daughter of Amon, Keeper of the Passageway to Netherworld."
Smiling at Kensu, she returned his greeting with a nod and laid a trembling hand in his. Before entering the litter, she slowed and turned back. Like stars colliding, their gazes locked. Contempt flashed briefly in her eyes. She clenched her jaw and turned away.
Squaring her shoulders she raised her hand in greeting to Kensu and smiled broadly. "Hail. As they say in my ti--country, take me to your leader."
Tarik stared, astonished by her cheerful voice. She had reacted so violently when he told her she meant nothing to him. Yet, now she went freely, pleasantly, almost as if she wished it. Confusion swarmed like the stinging wasps that gathered along the banks of the Nile and he shook his head hoping to clear it.
She was as he had said. Nothing more than a gift, a prized piece of property. But he regretted the words that had flown so easily from his mouth like the venom of an asp. If only he could call them back, for now they had lodged in his heart.
He prayed to go back to the moment when he had first claimed her for Pharaoh. He would not be so rash. He would claim her for himself. He raised his eyes toward the burning sun. If only the gods would hear his petition
As if his beloved Isis had turned against him, Alex walked out of his life and emptiness filled the place where his heart had been.
The gods had punished him greatly for his lies; for hateful words, meant to wound. Now he feared he was the one who might not survive, for it seemed he was the only one bleeding.
The swaying litter did nothing to ease Alex's anger. She ground her teeth and bit her lip until she tasted copper.
"No way!" she hissed. "No way!" at no one in particular. Seta leaned forward and touched her arm. "It is a great honor to be presented to Pharaoh."
"Honor?" She narrowed her eyes. "It's no honor to be a slave."
Seta bowed her head. "But I am a slave, Mistress, and I have honor."
"I'm sorry--I didn't mean--" She cupped Seta's chin and lifted it to meet her gaze. "You're right. But you're no slave, Seta, you're my friend and I'm sorry I offended you."
"You have done no harm. And you will find Pharaoh's quarters pleasing. As you can see he sent all his lords and soldiers and...even his wives and daughters." She pointed out the parade of gilded chariots and litters, the footmen, the colored fans, their white garments all billowing under the glowing sun of Egypt.
Alex shrugged. "The only thing that'll please me is to stake that arrogant son-of-a-bitch on the bank of his precious Nile and watch the crocodiles make lunch meat out of him."
Seta's eyes widened and she put her fingers to her lips and shook her head. "You mean, Lord Tarik?"
"--or maybe that's too good for him. He needs to suffer. I'll think of something."
All he seemed to care about was his status, his power, and his almighty duty. "Typical doctor." Alex leaned forward and folded her arms. "That's it. I'll beat him at his own game. Magic. After all, if I'm to be in the harem...I certainly can outdo him in medical tricks. I've still got my trusty bag of miracles."
Alex gathered her black valise and hugged it against her. "This'll do as long as my watch batteries hold out. He'll learn not to mess with me."
Seta's eyes widened as round as saucers.
"What's the matter with you?" Alex pressed the back of her hand to Seta's forehead. "Are you sick?"
"No, I worry about you." She shook her head. "It will do no good to rile pharaoh's court. Tarik is his closest advisor and Pharaoh always listens to him. Besides, the queen desires him."
Just what she wanted to hear. Tarik had not only made a fool of her, but he'd messed around with the pharaoh's wife.
"Don't worry. Pharaoh won't know what hit him. Within days, I'll have him eating from my hand."
Seta put her hands to her mouth. "Is ea
ting from hands a custom in your country?"
"It's just a saying. It means he'll do what I want him to."
"He will?"
Alex patted her valise. "With the help of this."
Seta shook her head. "Oh. I don't know...the king's wife is very jealous."
"Of her husband?"
"No. Of our Lord Tarik."
"Well he's not my lord, she can have him. I certainly don't want him. Even if he's the last man on earth."
"COME." KENSU held out his hand and helped Alex from the litter. "The queen will prepare you for court."
"The queen?" Alex glanced up at the bronzed specimen towering above her. He, no doubt, was a friend of Tarik's. Almost as tall, Kensu wore the pleated kilt of a nobleman and an ornate headpiece. A strong jaw and smiling face complemented his features. "Are you related to Lord Tarik?"
"Ah, you noticed. He is son of my father's sister and almost as my brother. We served Pharaoh together in the armies of Egypt, and thence I became Privy Counselor and he Chief Physician."
He leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear, "And you, my lady. I do not recognize your accent, nor your pale skin. How is it you know our language?"
She smiled. "I'm from a place so far away it takes years to get there." A few thousand in fact.
"From the north?"
"Yes."
"If I knew there was such as you in this north, I would travel there most readily."
Her cheeks burned. Kensu was flirting with her. "Tell me about Queen Tem."
He glanced around. "It is not safe here, Lady Alex. Yet, I will tell you this. Do not trust anything she tells you for she has eyes only for Tarik, and if she thinks he cares for you, she will revenge herself."
A shiver of anger passed through her. "He doesn't."
"Then why does he gaze at you as if he has a sickness in his chest."
"Why indeed?" She probably made him as sick as he made her. Odd, she hadn't noticed him looking at her that way. Of course, she'd spent a great deal of effort avoiding his gaze.
