For the first time, Ramose wasn’t sure where he ended and Tamara began. His muscles trembled in effort.
“Ramose,” she whispered.
He leaned down, nuzzling the satin soft skin of her neck. Even here, the scent of lilies rolled off her, swirling into his lungs, blending with his blood. “Hmmm?” he murmured.
“Move,” she demanded.
He raised and met her gaze. Now wide open, her eyes sent the challenge. “I won’t hurt you. Are you sure?”
“Yes, damn it.” Her hips arched, lifting above the pillows.
Her words exploded in his mind, her movement sent a wave of powerful lust through him. His universe narrowed, constricting to the heated sensation in his loins. Never before had such heat burned inside him. It eclipsed the ice he’d known forever in his blood. It burned away his doubts and his fears. It warmed his soul as no other had done before.
He eased back, drawing away from her, loving the almost pained, erotic expression on her face. Tiny gasps of pleasure slipped past her parted lips.
“More,” she demanded.
“My pleasure,” he murmured. He shoved forward. Powerful heat exploded between them, her body arching. Her scream of surprise echoed about the room, destroying the last of Ramose’s tattered control.
He thrust in and out, living in the sensation of her heat, of her tight, powerful muscles. The feminine scent of her arousal mixed with the lilies, swirling through the air around them. He tried to remember to be careful, but his mind spun out of control. There was only Tamara. Her body. Her heat. Every stroke sent tremors vibrating through their bodies.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop. She bit her lip. Damn. He was hurting her. But it was too late. Even as his body exploded, he knew she wasn’t there. Knew he hadn’t brought her to climax. Yet, still, he couldn’t stop what was already in progress. The explosion began in his spine, spiraling in both directions, rending his emotions and control.
“Tamara,” he shouted. The pleasure ripped through him in waves, shattering the last of his thoughts. He released inside her, his body throbbing in time with her pulse, each wave sending pulses of cooling seed into her body.
She arched her back, surprise flitting across her face at what he knew must be an odd sensation. She groaned, her body arching upward, welcoming his seed. Welcoming him.
Ramose’s muscles relaxed. He lowered himself to the arms of his Kha-Ib. His mate. The woman he would want for all time.
Tamara smiled. A soft, pleasure-filled smile. Her skin was still warm to the touch, and he settled into the cradle of her body.
By the gods, she was pure pleasure. He nuzzled her throat, and she purred, the vibration going all the way through to his soul.
A golden light exploded around them, centering on the Napshua’s wrapped about their arms, blinding him. Tamara jerked, guarding her eyes with her hands.
“Look,” he said, staring above them. He’d heard of this. Of the times when Kha-Ib’s truly mated. Soft, golden metal swirled, reaching, touching. Caressing one another, the serpents’ tails intertwined, joined as one. He glanced at Tamara, and she stared, her eyes open in surprise.
Heat and cold twisted about him, joining him and Tamara in the same way the serpents united.
* * * *
Tamara gawked at the spectacle above them. The exact replicas of the snakes they each wore on their arms twisted and caressed above them, bathed in a soft golden light. The imagery was so clear that at first she thought it was the actual serpents from their arm bracelets. But, no, the weight of hers remained the same.
He brushed his fingers gently across her cheek, and she turned to meet his gaze. She looked into his liquid, green eyes. In that instance, nothing mattered. The sensations faded, and the asp and cobra separated, their images settling back into their positions on their respected armbands, as though their souls had returned.
With a gentle touch, he stroked the length of her Napshua. It purred. The vibration from the armband traveled through her blood. The small metallic creature twisted, settling its hooded head into his large, calloused palm.
“What…” She searched for words. “What happened?”
“It’s called the Mer-Ib,” he said. His voice was ragged, yet soft. She could swear he sounded as awed as she was. “It’s something which only happens when Kha-Ib’s connect deeper than the physical.”
Tamara smiled. Yes, that fit. The physical was amazing, but the emotional, that shook her to her very soul. He’d shared his secrets with her, opening himself to the chance of her rejection. His trust in her was something she knew she must reciprocate soon.
But the physical wasn’t half bad either. When he’d come, the icy cooling sensation of his orgasm, followed by an explosion of heat inside her. She hadn’t come. No, it wasn’t that. This was different. More on a cellular level, her body reacting to his seed, dragging it deeper inside her, preparing the two of them for something more to come. God, what would happen if she actually did orgasm? It might kill them both.
He met her eyes, his green orbs filled with concern. “But you didn’t—”
“No,” she said, cupping his cheek in her palm. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. “But that doesn’t mean we didn’t connect. Hell, Ramose, if I had come, we’d have probably set fire to the furniture.”
He gave her a crooked grin. “Not possible. I’d just cool you down.”
“And you would,” she agreed. “I have no doubt of it. And, later, you can prove it.” She smiled. He didn’t look convinced. “Not every woman comes with her man the first time.”
Disappointment flared in his eyes an instant before he hid his emotions.
“Stop,” she said, her fingers on his lips. “I need you to hold me. I know you have questions, and I’ll explain later, but for now,” she fought a yawn, “I need you to cool the heat inside me. I need your arms to hold me.” No need in being shy now. She was satisfied, despite his concern, but her body still needed his cool touch to relax. To fill that last, burning need inside her. To complete her.
Without hesitating, he slid beside her, dragging her into his arms, her body flush against his. “Always, Kha-Ib,” he murmured.
Never in her life had Tamara felt more protected. Ramose’s chest pressed against her back, his arms keeping her flush against his body. A body that was already readying itself for another round.
“I never thought I would hold you like this.”
She smiled. “You never told me how is it you didn’t recognize me when we met?” She twisted in his arms to face him. “I mean, I knew you the instant I looked at you.”
He grimaced. “I had thought at first you grew pale that night because you realized your cousin had left you alone.”
“No, I knew exactly who you were right off.” Her finger trailed along his jaw. So strong and masculine. “If I hadn’t, when we had that argument in my hotel room, I’d have called security if you didn’t leave.”
A slow smile curved on his face, softening the otherwise harsh visage he always seemed to provide.
“Imagine their surprise if they’d come to see the broken mirror and all the melted candles.”
She laughed softly. “True. But you didn’t answer the question.”
He rolled over to his back, dragging her with him. “Years ago, you came to me in a vision. And, in it, I thought you were saying goodbye to me. When that happened, I stopped dreaming of you. And, when I did, I couldn’t see your face anymore. It was like…” He frowned, but stared only at the ceiling. “It was like I was blocking your image, in a way, to protect myself from my disappointment. All my life, I had waited for you, and, at that moment, I thought I’d lost you. It was a lot to take.” He tightened his arms about her waist as she lay against his chest. “But the instant I saw you with that dance costume in your hand, I knew it was you.”
“Uhm, Ramose,” she began, fighting to hide a smile, “I bought that for my sister. Are you sure—”
His fingers tangl
ed in her hair and drew her face down to his. “I’m sure it’s you.” His lips met hers, and she swallowed the chuckle rising in her throat.
* * * *
Tamara lay in Ramose’s arms, sensing his every breath. His every movement. He held her tightly, as though worried for her. As though he could sense her thoughts. She didn’t know how long they’d lain on the floor before he’d carried her to his bed and crawled in to wrap his body about hers.
Tears stung the corner of her eyes. He’d revealed all of his secrets, and yet she’d revealed none of hers. Not that she had more than one, but that one had built a wall between them. A wall that had erected itself at that last instant, before the oncoming orgasm dwindled to nothing.
“I’m here for you, Kha-Ib.”
His whispered words were nearly her undoing. But how could she tell him what happened when she’d never even faced it herself? If she’d never… She couldn’t go down that road.
“Soon, Tamara. Soon you will crave my touch as much as I crave yours.”
She rolled over to look into those glorious, green eyes. And, while he looked sated, he also looked uncomfortable. As though she’d managed to hurt his feelings and he was trying to hide it.
“What makes you think I don’t crave your touch now?”
He tightened his arms, giving her a quick squeeze. “A man can tell.”
She frowned and traced her fingers over his face. “Then you tell wrong. I crave you with every breath. It’s why I danced for you.”
“And you did so beautifully.” His lips curved into the most sensual smile she’d ever seen, and it took all she had not to kiss him before he finished talking. “But you hold back.”
“You said the Mer-Ib was two souls merging. How could that happen if I held back?” She’d hoped he wouldn’t realize how she’d held back at that pivotal instant. She hadn’t been holding herself back from him.
“And it did, but you did hold back.” But this time he gave her a half smile, and his fingers slid across her belly. “But I am a patient man.”
Tamara sighed, and rolled away from him. “It’s not you.”
“Ah, I have heard of this ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ phrase.”
Tamara almost laughed at his amused tone, but forced herself to focus on the real problem, and sobered. Now or never. It was only fair. But she didn’t have to look at him. She could have this conversation staring at the wall.
A hand slid over hear back, easing the tensing muscles. “I am here, but you do not have to tell me what is bothering you if you do not wish.”
She didn’t wish, though he said that as if he already knew. Had he had a dream about it? By his gods, she hoped not. It was bad enough remembering it herself.
“Remember when I said I was attacked in an alley?”
“Yes,” he whispered, as though afraid she’d stop if he said much. Smart man.
“Well, it wasn’t just a mugging or anything.”
His hand stilled on her back for a split second, before continuing to rub the tight muscles. He held his tongue. Yep, he was a lot smarter than she gave him credit.
The fire in her body burned, building to match her tense muscles. “I was raped.” There, it was out. Baldly. Bluntly. Completely.
“I had guessed.” He pulled her tight, spooning against her. “You would not be so upset over a kiss unless it had been no more than a mugging. And you still suffer. We will one day find this man. I will make him pay for hurting you.”
“It was a long time ago, Ramose. We’d never find him.”
“Don’t be so sure. I have my own methods.” He tugged her hair until she looked over her shoulder at him. It was then she saw the fury in his eyes, his jaw clenched. “You will never suffer like that again. I will see to it.”
His anger caught her off guard. He held her so gently, offering her comfort, even while he must have been plotting the demise of her attacker.
“Don’t worry, Ramose.” She lifted her chin. “If anyone makes him pay, it will be me. If there’s one thing this mess with Amunkha has taught me, it’s that I have to stand up for myself.”
“We will make him pay together,” he growled.
“Agreed.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The car pulled into the circular drive of Selket’s home. “I don’t need a babysitter, Ramose. If you insist on going somewhere without me, take Jakkar with you.” Tamara opened the car door and slid out. Despite her reservations, she’d allowed Ramose to talk her into staying with Selket while he went in search of his brother. She still wasn’t quite sure why he needed to do this right this instant, but, according to Ramose, Amunkha had paid him a visit while she’d slept after the attack. He’d waited to tell her because he hadn’t wanted to frighten her. Well, shit. Did he really think if he waited she wouldn’t be afraid for him?
“I want him with you,” growled Ramose as he joined her on the stairs. “I don’t want you alone. What if I can’t find Amunkha and he comes after you?”
“And what if you find him and can’t stop him? Ramose, it took both of us last time.”
“I was unprepared.” His voice was as hard as the granite in the pyramids.
“Fine,” she grumbled, “but I’m not taking him into the bathroom with me.”
The front door opened, and Selket motioned them inside.
“Tamara, I’m so glad you’re safe. When I heard—”
“I’m fine. Just fine. And you know what?” She stormed toward Julie’s room, turning when she reached the door to glare once again at Ramose. “I bet you don’t even know where to find him.”
Ramose looked at Jakkar, who was walking in the door. The two shrugged. “And you do?”
“Yeah, I do. And, if you’d thought to ask me, I could tell you. He’s in Zoan.”
Ramose stiffened beside her. “Zoan doesn’t exist. It’s been gone for thousands of years.”
Tamara shrugged. Now he was telling her she was wrong? “Then you better find it. It’s there, somewhere, and that’s where you will find Amunkha and his cronies.”
“How do you know? Did he tell you?” Ramose demanded.
Shrugging her shoulders, she met his eyes. “I don’t know. All I know is the name popped into my head when you said you were going after him.”
“But Zoan is a dead city. Djanet was built over it. Hell, it’s on its third name. It’s now called Tanis. Zoan has been gone since before we arrived on this planet.”
“Yet you seem to know all about it, don’t you.” Ramose sighed and closed his eyes. Patience, she could almost hear him murmur in his mind.
Anger rumbled inside her, but she swallowed it. Now wasn’t the time to push. She’d seen his look of worry when he’d awakened her. He had tried to call one of his friends, and the man seemed to be missing. She didn’t know much about Darius, but, apparently, he didn’t go off to places without letting people know. Ramose was more than worried.
And the instant he’d mentioned Darius’s name, the name Zoan had appeared in her head. Somehow, she knew it was imperative Ramose go to Zoan. Something about Darius niggled at the back of her mind. A premonition?
“Let’s say you’re right, and he’s at Tanis. There’s nothing there but a necropolis and ruins of temples from the time long after Zoan. Zoan itself no longer exists. There’s nothing more than rubble and a few empty graves.”
“But I’m right.” It didn’t matter what they said, the name echoed in her mind like someone had screamed it from the highest of the pyramids. She shook her head, her arms folded. “All I can tell you is you need to go to Zoan.”
The two men eyed one another, and then Jakkar nodded, leaving the two of them alone.
“Don’t leave me here,” Tamara said. She couldn’t believe she was doing this, begging to have him take her with him. “I can help.” If Amunkha was really there, she didn’t want him to meet him alone. What if Ramose had to kill him? It would destroy him, and she couldn’t let that happen. She had a brother, and she’d always fo
ught with him, but to kill him, that was something altogether different. Even if Trey had turned evil, as Amunkha had, she could never kill him. Never. The idea drew a shudder from her spine.
“Not a chance,” he growled, shaking his head. “I want you safe, here, taking care of your cousin.”
“But—”
“No, Tamara. I don’t want you near him. Amunkha isn’t the man I once knew. Something’s happened to him, and he’s evil. I won’t have you anywhere around him. Together, Mereruka and I can take him. If he’s truly at Zoan, all we have to do is find him.” When she moved to argue, he stopped her, his hands cupping her face. “Trust me, Tamara. I can’t do this if I’m worried about you.”
Tamara sensed the worry in him, in the tenseness of his fingers as he gently held her cheeks. His eyes glittered with… Pain? “What happened, Ramose? Why are you so worried all of a sudden?”
His lids fluttered half closed then opened again. “I can’t let him near you, Tamara. I can’t let you experience fear the way you did yesterday ever again. But that’s what Amunkha would want to do to you. Use you to get what he wants.”
“And what does he want?”
“I don’t know,” he growled. “All I know is you are his target.”
She shook her head. “No, Ramose. You’re wrong. I’m his tool. You are his target.”
* * * *
Ramose jumped into the car, slammed it into gear, and was off. While Tamara had slept, he’d thought of Amunkha’s unexpected visit. If he could do that, slip into Ramose’s apartment unheeded, he could get to Tamara any time he wanted, and that couldn’t happen.
Amunkha had grown too powerful, too dangerous for them to take on one at a time, and he was going to need help. Mereruka was going to meet him at the safe house, but, so far, he’d been unable to find Darius to ask for his assistance, and that was more than worrisome. He’d called four times as they’d driven to Selket’s, and each time he’d connected only to Darius’s voice mail. That was unlike him.
His fingers tightened on the steering wheel. The ruins of Tanis sat north of Cairo, close to the Mediterranean, its banks filled with lush, green vegetation. But the ruins sat upon reddened sand, similar, yet so different, than the site at Giza. In Giza, the power and memories of a great city held the world enthralled.
Visions of Fire and Ice (The Petiri) Page 21
