I still own nothing from either movie

I still own nothing from either movie.

Return to Cairo

The city was a hive of activity as Rebecca walked down the gangplank of the ship. The moment her feet touched Egyptian ground she felt a sense of homecoming. Even with so many modern conveniences, Cairo still maintained an ancient, mysterious quality that continued to call to the explorer within. She breathed in the air, scented with spice from a nearby eatery. Suddenly hungry, she turned to find Alex at her elbow, the same expression on his face.

"As soon as we're unpacked we'll come back here." She promised him, hefting her bags in her hands.

"I can take those for you." Rick offered, already laden with his and Evy's bags.

"I think we'll manage." Rebecca laughed.

As promised, they were back at the restaurant in no time. After indulging, Rebecca leaned back, contented to sip her tea as Alex devoured desert. Evy rolled her eyes in amusement, nodding at her 'starving' boy.

"We don't feed him, you know." She informed Rebecca dryly.

"I noticed." Rebecca replied. "I spoke with the clerk at the hotel. Everything's arranged for our journey to Thebes. We can leave tomorrow."

"We can't leave until I've spoken with Ardeth." Rick interjected. "I'm going there after we're finished here. I want protection on this one."

"You're not asking him to come with." Rebecca said, half wanting him to say yes.

"I probably won't have to ask." Rick answered. "He'll be coming."

Rebecca set down her tea, clasping her hands in her lap to hide their trembling. She had not imagined this scenario. Actually she had, but had not expected her imaginings to become reality so abruptly.

"I'm going back to the hotel." She said hastily. "I want to go over the book again. See if there's anything I've missed."

"Jonathan." Rick said quietly as Rebecca rushed out.

"Yes, what?"

"Go with her."

"Rebecca? She'll be fine, she's-"

"Go." Rick said sternly, glaring as Jonathan stared mournfully at his remaining bourbon before hastily following Rebecca. He caught up with her not far from the doorway. Falling into step beside her, but saying nothing, he kept her company.

"The hotel's that way." He pointed out as she veered in the opposite direction.

"I need a walk." Rebecca said absently. "You don't have to come with me."

"Rick will have my head if I leave you alone." Jonathan told her. "How about we stop for a drink?"

Rebecca smiled. Poor Jonathan was stuck with a woman who'd rather think out her problems than drink them away.

"Alright. Just one though." She agreed, taking his hand and pulling him toward the hotel bar. "I'm not getting drunk."

"No. Last time you did that you wound up married, luv."

That was the problem. She was still married.

Later that evening:

"Why do you let him talk you into these stunts?" Evy asked with exasperation, standing above them with her hands on her hips.

"I won four hands." Rebecca said with a grin, waving her cards at Evy cheerfully. "When you lose, you drink. It's a fine game. You should join us."

"I don't think so." Evy said, wrinkling her nose in distaste. "You've had your share, and mine as well I think."

"Come on, Evy old mum. Don't be cross." Jonathan coaxed. "We've barely started."

"I think you're finished. Rick will be back from Ardeth's soon."

Rebecca's expression sobered. Ardeth. She'd fallen in love with him so quickly three years ago. It had been as if she'd known him forever. As if they'd been meant for each other. They had been, in a way. Their coming together had been foreseen. That was part of the reason she had left. She'd feared what fate had planned, and she'd feared that she was not enough for him. She knew running away had been the cowardly thing to do, but she hadn't been able to stop herself. Just like she'd not been able to force herself to admit her fears were groundless and come back. She'd avoided returning to Egypt until now.

"Fine. We'll quit." Rebecca said easily. "Just remember who was ahead, Jonathan."

She strolled out of his room, heading for her own. She took her time, waving as she passed Rick in the hallway. He paused as if to speak to her, and she looked back over her shoulder in time to see him shrug and move on. She fumbled in her pocket for the key, clutching it tightly as she aimed it at the lock. She had nearly made her goal when the door opened on its own and a hand shot out, clamping around her wrist and pulling her up against a strong male body as the door was pushed shut behind her. She gasped as strong arms wrapped around her, pushing her back against the door as her lips were covered in a kiss that stole the very breath from her lungs. Her body knew who it was before her brain did, melting immediately under the fiery intensity of the kiss. Her legs turned to jelly, and if it weren't for the arms wrapped around her she would have sank to the floor. Her fingers clutched at his robes, moving up over his chest, behind his neck and up into his hair as his lips continued to assault hers.

The kiss ended abruptly, and she sobbed out his name as he buried his face in the curve of her neck, breathing in her scent.

"Ardeth."

He raised his head and looked down at her flushed face, bringing up his hands to frame her face. His thumb brushed over her swollen lips, and the trace of a smile crossed his lips.

"Rebecca." He said softly, placing a kiss on her forehead. "My love. My wife."

He rested his forehead against hers, closing his eyes. They had much to talk about, but for now he needed to hold her. He'd done nothing but dream of this for the past three years. There had been times he had thought he would go mad, times he had nearly gone after her and dragged her back, made her his. Instead he'd waited, and here she was. He knew she didn't realize it, but she was back to stay. He'd make sure of it.