Hello again! I think this chapter has a little something some of you have been waiting for... let me know what you think so far! More to come soon!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creater, Ed Naha.

Dinner was definitely not simple in the house of Cavadini. The crew sat in one of the dining rooms along a wooden table adorned with candles and flowers. They watched as the servants hustled in and out of the dining room with platters of meats, vegetables, fruits, and other sweets. One of the servants, a small framed brunette, hovered over Sinbad to pour him some wine. She looked down at him and smiled, lightly grazing her hand across the back of his shoulders before moving on to pour wine for the rest of the crew.

Jarvis saw that exchange and smiled. He turned to the crew. "I hope my servants have been taking care of you the rest of this day. Please remember, they are here for all your needs." He ended looking at Sinbad. "It is advisable you get their attention tonight before my other guests arrive for tomorrow's party." He laughed. "They do keep themselves busy."

Firouz and Anders exchanged looks, both deciding that was an odd statement to make.

"How many servants do you have?" Doubar asked while he watched one of the servants fill his plate up with, what he could guess, roasted chicken.

"I've lost track." Jarvis smiled. "Most of the men are hired help. I've got other people to manage that." He glanced at Bryn before speaking to the crew again. "Are your rooms to your satisfaction?"

"Yes." Sinbad answered. "Far more luxurious than our other stays in varies ports. Thank you for having us."

"It is my pleasure." Jarvis answered before taking a sip of his ale. He turned to Bryn, "I hope you do not feel ostracized from your crew. I always keep the women's quarters separated from the men for my guests, for their comfort of course."

"I am on the other side of the house, aren't I?" She replied. "I think every time I try to find it or the crew, I manage to get myself a little lost." She didn't want to sit there and criticize his way of running a household; after all they are his guests. "Lucky for me, your servants are more than able to help guide my way."

Jarvis places his fork down to reach for his ale again. "Are you sure we haven't seen each other before?" He waited for her answer. She saw her glance around the crew. "I am sure if you have, you'd be a little more familiar with this house."

"No, I don't believe we have." Bryn finally looked at him and answered. This common occurrence of people saying she looked familiar was starting to make her feel even more uncomfortable. She silently kept trying to will her mind to remember anything about Carthage. Nothing seemed to work.

Jarvis continued to push. "I am sure I would never forget those beautiful brown eyes of yours." He gave her a smile. "Perhaps, something will come up for you to remember."

Bryn was starting to grow irritated. He can't force her to remember anything. She controlled her manners and turned her attention back to her plate. "I hope you are right."

"Sinbad? Tell me about your travels." Jarvis instructed. "All of you must have interesting stories." He suddenly changed his mind and waved his hand at the idea. "Perhaps, you should wait to share them at the party tomorrow with my other guests." He looked to Joey, who was seated next to him. "So that your father could hear as well."

Firouz nodded his head and smiled at his captain and crew. "We definitely have a few."

"I am curious about how you all met?" Jarvis stated. He looked at Bryn, more curious about her story. If she wasn't going to be honest with him now, he will try to get it out of her later.

The discussion at the table continued on. It was really light and felt somewhat uncomfortable, each member of the crew thought. Everything felt too formal. The crew felt relieved once Jarvis excused himself for the night. He said he wanted to retire early so that he could get a good morning start. He told them to help themselves with the wine and other sweets for the rest of the evening. The crew watched as he bid them good night with one of the servants on his arm.

Once he and the rest of the servants were out of the room, the crew exchanged glances and shared a small laugh. "Well that was a little awkward." Anders pretty much expressed what was on all their minds.

"I can't wait for my father to return." Joey stated. "That man is a bit of a bore if you ask me." He smiled at them.

xxxx

Later that evening, the marble floor felt cold against her bare feet as she wandered down the halls of Cavadini's house. The house was dark and quiet in the middle of the night. It was also cold. Bryn wrapped the robe Jarvis' servants left on her bed during the evening, tightly around herself, in hopes to keep warm. As she continued her search, she rubbed her hands against her arms from the chill of the night air coming through an open breeze way. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. She knew she made it to the guests' quarters by the decorated detailed designs carved into the wooden doors. These doors were similar to where her room was located. She now knew she was near the crew. At least, she hoped so.

She heard footsteps nearby and froze in her tracks. A man turned a corner and nearly walked into her. She recognized him from earlier.

"What are you doing up?" He whispered. "What are you doing here?" His eyes widen at the sight of her. "Do you need me to help you find your room?"

"Ash!" Bryn whispered his name, glad she remembered it. She was relieved to see it was only him. She shook her head. She didn't realize she was holding her breath before she spoke. "I need to find Sinbad. Do you know where he is?"

Ash pointed behind her right shoulder. "I believe he is two doors down." He looked at her, curious of why she needed to see her captain so late in the evening.

She slowly took a step backwards. "Please don't tell your...Jarvis. I'm…"

Ash held out his palm to stop her from talking. "Your secret is safe with me." He smiled. His eyes twinkled with amusement. "I should get to bed. I've got lots of work to do tomorrow to prepare for the dinner party." He tilted his head to her before leaving. "You have yourself a good night, Bryn." He smiled with a wink.

"Thank you." She whispered. She knew he was most likely getting the wrong idea of why she was sneaking around the house at this hour. She watched him turn and walk away, heading towards a stairwell. She found Sinbad's door and waited till Ash disappeared before knocking.

She knocked lightly, not wanting to attract any more attention. "Sinbad?" He didn't answer. Not wanting to linger in the hall way any longer than she had to, she placed her hand on the door knob and let herself in. She immediately felt that his room was somewhat warmer than the hall. As she turned to close the door quietly behind her, she looked over her shoulder and saw that the fireplace was still lit, shedding enough light into the room for her to see. His room was bigger than hers. Typical.

She found Sinbad asleep on the large bed. As she slowly walked towards him, she could hear that his breathing was even and quiet. He was lying on his back. She reached out to gently wake him but paused before she touched him. "Sinbad." She whispered softly, not to startle him. His breathing changed, and he shifted slightly. She was sure that he heard her. She was disappointed when his eyes didn't open to her. She knew that she would be disrupting his sleep before she left her own room, but didn't realize it would be this difficult of a task. Guilt got to her. He looked so peaceful. This is an urgent matter. Bryn convinced herself. She needed to speak with him before Jarvis does the next morning.

She found a space on the edge of the bed for her to sit on as she faced him. She leaned forward, moving her mouth just above his ear to say his name again.

He made a sound close to a moan in his sleep. She saw that his eyes still remained closed. She smiled and thought about how adorable he looked. Without giving it much thought, she slowly brought her lips to his right cheek and planted a soft kiss.

Sinbad woke at the touch. Startled, he took in a sharp intake of breath, as he reached for his sword that he left on the bed next to him. Once he recognized who it was, he immediately relaxed.

"I'm sorry." Bryn whispered. She felt his hand touch her lap as his blue eyes searched hers, half asleep; wondering what was going on, wondering if she was alright. Bryn didn't give him a chance to question her as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his to kiss him softly. At this moment, all she wanted was to be near him. She felt relief that she wasn't at the other side of the house in that strange room alone anymore. She soon felt his lips massaging her own and she let out an uncontrolled sigh as his hands found her waist to pull her closer.

She repositioned herself and sat astride his lap. She could feel his warm hands fall on her hips as she deepened the kiss.

Sinbad felt like he was in a dream. Still half asleep, when he first woke and saw her, he forgot that he wasn't on his ship, but in a warm room within a mansion in Carthage. When she kissed him, he didn't care of where he was. Not much thought was in his mind other than the feel of Bryn against him. As she shifted to sit upon his lap, he replaced his blade onto the table next to them and let his hands find her once again. He could feel her body through the soft fabric of her night dress and robe. A part of him didn't want anything between them at all. As he continued to kiss her, he undid her robe with one tug of the belt and slowly eased it off her shoulder. He felt her shudder from the sudden cool air that touched her skin. His senses came back to him. They were not on his ship. What was he thinking? He wanted her, but not here. Not for the first time. He told himself.

He pulled his head away and looked at her. "Bryn?"

"I know. I know." Bryn repeated softly. "Stop." She stated more to herself. It was like she was reading his mind.

He slowly sat up while gently placing her on the middle of the bed. They both took the time to catch their breaths. He watched her pull the rest of her robe back over her shoulder. She was looking at him, worry was in her eyes. He reached out and placed a hand on her arm. He realized he rejected her, which may have unsettled her. He gave her a warm smile and decided to just be honest. "You know I want you, Bryn. I really do, but not here." He whispered. His voice was husky with need as he looked at her. Hoping she understood.

Bryn shook her head and smiled at the confession. "No, it's not that. I'm sorry. I just needed to come find you."

"Are you okay?" He asked. He felt worried. He didn't expect to see her at this time of night. "Come here." He pulled her closer to sit on the bed next to him and wrapped an arm around her. He felt her relax against him. "What's going on?"

"It's Jarvis, this place, this house." Bryn answered. "There is just something about him."

"I am having a hard time trusting the man. He seems to mean well with his hospitality, but there is just something about him, like you said. I just can't put my finger on it. Dinner was a little weird." Sinbad agreed as he caressed her arm with a thumb. He stared into the fire place.

"He came into my room earlier tonight. He was angry with me." Bryn continued.

Sinbad looked down at her and thought of Jarvis. The idea of him touching her made him feel angry. "What? Did he hurt you?" He quickly asked.

Bryn placed a hand on his arm and shook her head. "Nothing I couldn't handle." Jarvis did kiss her roughly, but she pushed him away. She didn't want to tell Sinbad that. Perhaps that's why she kissed Sinbad just now. She wanted the last intimate moment to be with him. She watched Sinbad look a her. "He is lucky I didn't have my sword with me."

"What did he want?" Sinbad asked, trying to keep his patience.

"He says he thought he'd never see me again. Wants to know why I've come back." Bryn sighed in frustration. "I can't answer his questions because I don't remember this place or him! I tried to explain all that, but insist that I am playing some sort of game with him, as if I am pretending or I am up to something."

"What is it that he wants to say to me tomorrow?" He asked.

"That I belong here." Bryn answered. "He doesn't want me to leave. I am worried he is going to try something. I don't know what he is capable of, just that he is really controlling with everyone and everything around him. Do you see the way his servants are around him? They fear him." She continued, barely taking a breath. "Look at what I am wearing."

Sinbad raised a brow at how revealing it was. He cleared his throat. "It…ah, doesn't look very warm."

"Jarvis had his servants leave it on my bed for the night. I took a bath after dinner. I can't find my clothes, they took it, saying they were going to have it cared for." Bryn explained. She glanced around the room. "Your clothes don't seem to be out of place?"

Sinbad shook his head. "No." He got her attention with his right hand, by placing a finger under her chin. He gently coaxed her to look up at him, lifting her face so that her eyes met his. "Bryn, nothing he will say can convince me to leave you behind. You belong on The Nomad, you belong with me." He smiled. "Okay?"

"Okay." Bryn agreed.

"I am not going to let anything happen to you." Sinbad spoke softly as he leaned his head in for a kiss. He continued kissing her, at the same time, pulling her lower so she was lying down next to him. When their lips parted, he hovered over her and caressed her cheek with his right hand. She looked up at him. He pressed his mouth to hers again and his whole body melted into her. Soft kissed soon turned into more heated ones. He felt her lift her head to either meet him halfway or pull him closer. He didn't realize what he was doing until his hand landed on her. His hand touched one of her breast, which caused her to push her self into him. There was a low groan from his throat as he trailed kisses down to her neck and then he pulled back to look down at her. "I have to ask you something." He almost sounded angry. As if he didn't want to ask in the first place, or he didn't want to stop. He removed his hand from her and ran it through his hair, collecting his thoughts and his senses.

"What is it?" Bryn rested her head back down on the pillow.

"I have been meaning to ask you ever since…I don't know..." Sinbad trailed off. He decided to just say it. "Have you ever been with a man?"

Bryn let out nervous laugh. "I've thought about this, well that part of my life. The only answer I can give you is no." She truly didn't remember and she hated that. "Is this why we've been keeping our distance on the ship? Well keeping to ourselves most of the nights?"

Sinbad knew what she was talking about. Honestly, he refrained from doing anything further because he was scared. This was Bryn, he kept telling himself. He didn't want to mess anything up or move to fast with a woman for once. He really cares for her. Their friendship has grown so much since they first met. He might even love her. "I think that is part of it."

"Don't worry about it. If I am in any way uncomfortable, you will know." Bryn reached up and caressed his cheek and smiled. She felt touched by his concern. She saw his features relax. She was glad they stopped when they did. This wasn't the right place. "Do you mind if I stay here with you tonight? I don't think I want to chance my way back to my room right now."

"Of course I don't mind, Bryn." He replied. He leaned his head forward to give her a quick kiss before laying himself back down next to her. As he looked up towards the ceiling, he felt her curl up next to him, her head resting at his chest. He thought about Jarvis and what it would mean for him to find Bryn there with him, in his bed, the next morning. He knew, most likely it would be his servants, but would they say anything to him? Bryn told him Jarvis was angry with her tonight. Irritation grew in him at the thought of him even entering her room. The way he was looking at her during dinner, he then decided that would try to get them both up early so he could walk her back to her room to avoid any complications. He would then know where they placed her incase he needed to find her.

"Good night, Sinbad." Bryn mumbled against him.

He gave her a light squeeze in their embrace. "Good night, Bryn."