Lifetime of Celebration
By Jeannette Hetfield
I must once again thank my friend and fellow Medjai warrior, Eirian. She has been a big help with my writing and is giving me so much to think about when it comes to my characters. Thank you, Eirian. I must also thank Rashid for being a BIG inspiration. LOL
Chapter 9
Warm breath on the back of her neck sent a tickling shiver up her spine. The warm breath was replaced with warm lips. She smiled in recognition and scooted back further to get as close as possible to the warmth flowing from his body. He pulled the covers up around her neck and moved his hand underneath them to tighten his arm across her shoulder and pull her back against him.
"Good morning," she murmured sleepily.
"Good morning," he said, placing another kiss just under her ear lobe. "What do you want to do today?"
"This."
"Our thoughts are one. Do you regret anything?"
"Nothing. Why do you think I would?"
"I want you to be happy with your decision and if you are not happy, you should tell me. But I cannot let you go. I will not let you go. You belong to me now." He held her close against him, allowing no room for air to pass between them. She sighed contentedly, loving the fact that he refused to relinquish her.
"Of course I'm happy with my decision. It was the smartest thing I've ever done and I don't want you to let me go. Always hold onto me."
"For the rest of my life."
"And beyond that."
"Tell me you love me."
"I love you. Do you love me?"
"I love you beyond reason. We have reached down deep and bound our souls together."
"I don't want this to end."
"It shall not. We will celebrate this union everyday."
"And then some."
He chuckled, sending delicious chills through her back from the vibration of his deep voice. "You are cold, my love?" He rubbed his large hands up and down her arms to return heat to her skin if she needed it.
"Not in the slightest. Your voice sends little chills up and down my spine," she admitted.
He pressed his chest further onto her back until the back of her head was resting underneath his chin. "Does it now," he said, dropping his voice to a lower tone.
She shivered again and he chuckled. Glancing back at him, she glared slightly at the amusement dancing in his eyes. The control he held over her was amazing, if not a little frightening. No one had ever quite made her feel this way before. There were times her feelings were out of control. All he had to do was walk into a room, and his very presence absorbed her.
He laid the side of his head against hers and sighed. "I am exhausted and it surprises me that you are not."
"Oh, I am exhausted. I just don't want to go back to sleep."
"But you would dream of everything we have shared."
"Dreams are figments of the imagination," she argued, "but we are real."
"Dreams are real too. They are windows into our minds. We see things that have happened or may happen. I have dreamed of you countless times and every dream always ended exactly as we are now. Together and in love."
"When you put it that way…"
"Please rest more. Your energy, along with mine, is spent."
"Do I look so fragile?"
"Hayati, you are anything but." Instead of a simple chuckle, he laughed. A hearty, healthy laugh. He placed a kiss at the corner of her eye. "Rest now. You need to conserve energy if you wish to keep up with the ways of a Medjai warrior."
"How am I doing so far?"
"You have exceeded my expectations," he whispered into her ear.
"Good. I didn't disappoint you."
"You could never, my love."
"Ardeth?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you…"
Jensa rolled onto her back and stretched her muscles, moaning in pleasure as her body woke up. With an outstretched arm, her hand ran over the sheets beside her to discover them cold and unoccupied. She sat up slowly and stared down beside her in confusion. Where was he? He had been there a minute ago. She threw the covers back and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The floorboards were not cold to her bare feet as the morning sun had already warmed everything.
"Ardeth?" she called out.
But of course, he wasn't there. She was the only one in the room. Then why had she just had a conversation with him? It hadn't been her imagination. Even now, the details faded some. The same way details faded away when one had a dream. It had been a dream. She didn't remember anything else except that they were lounging in bed in the morning and were talking quietly and intimately. It felt more like she was watching a scene play out before her and she was the audience, although one of the individuals in the scene had been herself. It had been an unusual dream at best, but warm and perhaps a preview of things to come.
* * *
The morning rays streamed in through the doors while she hurriedly dressed. There was still the matter of sending a wire to her parents as quickly as possible. The sooner they got to Egypt, the sooner she and Ardeth would be married.
She thought about wearing pants again as she dug through her closet, but seeing as how she probably wouldn't be on a horse anytime soon, she wanted to dress up a little. Besides, there was no doubt Ardeth would pay her a visit today and she wished to look extra special for him. He hadn't seen her in a dress in five years and she wanted to surprise him.
With a big smile, she pulled on her favorite dress. It was white with a light blue sash that tied around her waist and hung in long, loose bow from the bias cut skirt. The neckline was V-shape with sleeves that hugged her arms and delicate wrists.
Her pumps were two tone with white being the predominant color and blue accents on the heels and toes. She put on single drop aquamarine earrings, then dabbed a little lipstick and eye makeup on. It was too hot to wear much more as the heat would melt it off anyway. She plopped on her white straw hat with a blue band over her loose hair, threw one of her guns in her purse and glanced at her reflection.
Satisfied that she was presentable, she locked her door and bounded down to Kerri's room. She waited for about five minutes. "Kerri?" she called knocking again. "I guess she's already downstairs." Jensa started down the hallway and glanced at Michael's room. With a disgusted and most unladylike snort, she went past the door, hell bent on giving him the cold shoulder. Last night, when she had told her brother about her engagement to Ardeth, he wasn't exactly thrilled. He claimed to have been happy for her, but Jensa knew he was lying.
As she rounded the corner that led to the restaurant, she got the surprise of her life. Michael and Kerri sat at a table with her mother and father. Michael looked up, saw her and beckoned for her to come over. Her parents stood at her approach.
"Daddy! Mother! What are you doing here?" she cried throwing her arms around them simultaneously.
"We wanted it to be a surprise," said Mr. James. "Right after you two left, we found ourselves becoming nostalgic so we hopped on a plane. We thought about wiring ahead, but we wanted to see the look on your face."
"Darling, you do look surprised," said her mother. "In fact, you look quite thrown. Are you all right?"
"I'm wonderful," she said taking a seat between Michael and Kerri. Her parents returned to theirs across from her. "In fact, I was going to send a wire, tell you to drop everything and come out here."
"Really? Whatever for?" asked Mr. James.
Jensa started to answer, but Michael interrupted. "There's plenty of time for that later, sis. They just got here and we were ready to order breakfast." Jensa shot daggers at him with her eyes.
"Well, if she has something to tell us, then she should," Mr. James said. He folded his hands on the table and waited expectantly.
"No, Daddy, it's all right. It can wait," she lied. It most certainly couldn't wait. This marriage was the most important thing in the world to her. Michael just brushed it off as if it were sand beneath his boots.
Her parents noticed the angry look on her face. She smiled at them, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. The last thing she wanted to do was cause tension and that was exactly what was happening.
The waiter approached the table and began taking her Mother's order. "Jensa," Kerri whispered, "Is everything all right?'
Jensa whispered back, "I'm fine, I have some wonderful news, but Michael messed everything up."
"What is it?"
Her parents were engrossed in a conversation with each other as the waiter moved over to Michael so Jensa whispered into Kerri's ear about her news. She gasped loudly and slapped a hand over her mouth as she coughed. Jensa patted her hard on the back and shoved a glass of water in her hand. She gulped down about half of the contents. Everyone watched Kerri with wide eyes.
"I'm sorry. I guess I sucked in a little too much air."
The waiter jotted down the girls' orders hurriedly, as if he had been in the profession many years and spent too much time on details. After he left, Jensa's mother took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"How have you been? I mean, really been? Your father and I have been extremely worried about you."
She smiled genuinely. "I'm feeling so much better."
"Have you been able to relax, honey?" her father asked.
"Yes. Coming back here was exactly what I needed."
Michael coughed, but Jensa maintained her smile. He wouldn't bring her good mood to a crashing halt.
"That's wonderful to hear," Mrs. James said, giving her hand another squeeze.
"Jensa, I'm so sorry that the police weren't able to find Lyle, but when they do, I'll see to it that he pays dearly," Mr. James said firmly.
"My sentiments exactly," Michael interjected. They grew quiet as the waiter came back with their coffee and resumed talking once he left.
"I wish they could find him, but if they don't, I hope he just drops off the face of the earth and we never have to see or hear from him again," Jensa said.
She itched to tell more, but needed to cool her temper off. First, she would give her brother a piece of her mind, then she could tell her parents she was getting married. So, the five of them enjoyed their reunion and talked about what they would do while they were here. Michael managed to steer the conversation clear of his real intentions for coming back to Egypt. He said they had just been relaxing and enjoying themselves. Jensa and Kerri kept quiet, but stared at him in shock, especially Jensa. How could he just lie to their parents like that?
* * *
After the meal ended, her parents went to their room to rest from their long journey.
"When you've rested would please come back down to the lobby? I've got some wonderful news for you."
"We figured as much," her father said. "Why don't you tell us now?"
"No, Daddy. I want you and Mother to relax, put your feet up. There are enough hours left in the day to tell you what's going on."
Jensa walked with her parents to their room and before they went in, she pulled her mother in for a hug. "I'm so glad you came. It was a wonderful surprise."
Before they could answer, she rushed down the hall and made her way over to Kerri's room. Her friend was standing there waiting for her with a big grin on her face, revealing deep curved dimples and sparkling baby browns.
"I can't believe this! I'm so thrilled for you!"
"I can hardly believe it myself." She tugged at her dress. The heat was swelling her skin and the material bunched up near her arms capturing the heat and making her that much more nervous about telling her parents of her matrimonial plans.
"It's like a fairy tale and you'll no doubt live happily ever after," she said dreamily.
Jensa saw Michael out of the corner of her eye. He stood just inside his doorway listening to them. He gave Jensa a look of disgust and slammed the door shut.
"If you'll excuse me, Kerri. I have to have a talk with my so called brother. Michael's protests or no Michael's protests, I'll be telling my parents today."
"Of course, we'll talk later and you can fill me in on everything."
"I promise I will." She knocked on Michael's door and when he didn't answer she pounded. The door flew open. "What's the matter with you? You want to cause a scene?"
"I have a bone to pick with you."
"I don't have time for this, Jen."
"Well, you had better make the time," she said brushing past him into the room uninvited. "Why did you stop me from telling them? How could you do that!" she yelled.
"They just arrived! They didn't need such a big shocker their first day here!"
"Because you're upset about it doesn't mean they will be."
"Maybe not," he admitted, "but you did recently break off an engagement. They might feel you're vulnerable right now, which you are, and that you're rushing into things."
"You think I'm rushing this?"
"No, I don't want you to sit back and think. I don't want you to do it at all."
"Michael, I love Ardeth and he loves me. Do have any idea how hard it was for us to be separated all those years? How much pain we both felt? Now we finally have the chance to move past all that pain…together. Last night you said you were happy for me. You lied."
"No, I changed my mind. I think Ardeth's taking advantage of your vulnerability right now. You've been abused and afraid for a long time. He waltzes back into your life and has the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. He's created this whirlwind romance to get what he wants."
"You know he'd never do that!" she retorted.
"Who's to say he doesn't already have five wives? One more wouldn't make much of a difference!"
Jensa released her anger and slapped Michael as hard as she could across his cheek. He took a step back, clutching his cheek. Hot tears burned her eyes as she slammed the door to his room on her way out.
* * *
Michael rubbed his stinging cheek and watched as his little sister slammed the door so hard a picture on the wall fell to the floor, splattering glass all over the carpet.
The Medjai had brainwashed his sister. She was about to throw her life away and there was nothing he could do about it.
"If that's what you want, Jensa. Fine. I'm not going to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life."
She probably expected him to be at her wedding. Well, he'd show her. He would refuse to go. It was no less than she deserved for her stupidity.
* * *
Jennifer James was just finishing up the last of hanging her dresses in the closet. Absentmindedly, she rubbed the material between her fingers and stared into the dark corners of the closet. Her thoughts dwelled on her youngest child, who was no longer a child, she admonished herself. Jensa was finally looking better and it was a relief to Jennifer's worrying mind. The last year for their family had seemed just as usual as the other years that passed them by, but during that time, Jensa was sad and tormented. She was never quite herself where before her mind had always been curious and hungry for knowledge, especially about Egypt.
She sighed. Egypt. Had it really been five years since they had left? Time flies. Now they were back and it felt like coming home. Both she and her husband Samuel loved Egypt and always would. That was why it was a shock when he wished to return to the States. Jennifer hadn't wished to leave either, but it didn't take a genius to see why Samuel had wanted his family gone.
Jensa had become very close to Ardeth Bay. She smiled when she thought of the desert warrior. He was a strong man. A good man. Like his father had been, though she would not dare admit that to her husband. He still hated the Medjai as strongly as he did when Ardeth's father turned them away from Hamunaptra. Samuel detested the relationship Jensa had with Ardeth and once she reached sixteen, he told her on many occasions of his fear that Ardeth would take her away. In desert tribes, sixteen was the marrying age for many girls. He knew the tribe leader had feelings for their daughter and he put a stop to it.
Returning to New York had caused so many troubles and heartaches for Jensa. Jennifer still caught herself crying when she thought of the pain Lyle had put her baby through. She wanted him dead. It was a bit of a shock to realize that those were her feelings. She had never wished for anyone to die before, but after what Lyle had done, he did not deserve the life given to him. All he had done was waste it and dictate people.
One occasion stood out in her mind…
"Jensa, are you all right? You're so quiet."
"I'm fine, Mother."
Jennifer wasn't sure she believed her. Jensa hadn't spoken more than ten words in the last week and was spending all of her time in her room, alone.
"Are you sure?"
Jensa smiled briefly, but it was as fake as all the others. "Yes."
"Do you feel any better today? The bruises don't look quite as angry as they did several days ago."
She was startled to see the color drain from Jensa's face, but she quickly said, "I'm not quite as sore. Who knew those stairs were so treacherous?" She laughed nervously.
A few days ago, Jensa appeared at the breakfast table with bruises on her face and neck. Lyle had also joined them that morning and he said she had tripped down the stairs before he could catch her. She said nothing as he gave his explanation.
"Well, I just hope you are more careful in the future."
"I'll do the best I can, Mother."
Jennifer couldn't help but wonder if her response held a cryptic meaning. It certainly sounded odd. Why hadn't she just agreed to be more careful? 'I'll do the best I can'? That made no sense to Jennifer.
It made no sense because you're blind, Jennifer James. How could you not see the pain your child was in?
She shook her and sighed heavily. She could never forgive herself for what her daughter had had to live through and she had been all alone.
"I'm a bad mother," she said aloud.
"What?"
Jennifer turned around to find her husband staring at her in surprise.
"I'm a bad mother," she repeated.
"Jennifer, how can you say that?" Samuel asked in bewilderment. "You love Michael and Jensa. You raised them the best you could. That's all that any parent can do, is their best."
"But look at Michael. He has no job and gambles away your money. Not to mention his horrid drinking habits. And what about Jensa? She nearly died at the hands of that monster and I had no idea. How could I have not known?"
"She didn't want anyone to know. She felt ashamed. It wasn't your fault. It was mine for introducing them in the first place."
"But—"
"Jennifer, I'll say it again. You are not a bad mother. You must believe in your capabilities as a parent. Lyle is the past and Jensa has moved on. Did you not see her at breakfast earlier? There was a spring to her steps, rosy cheeks and a sparkle in her eye. She was angry about something, but I'd rather her be angry then feel terrorized all the time. Something good has come of this trip here. She can start over and when we return home, she will be a new woman."
Jennifer gave him a side-long glance. "And have you wondered what has put that spring in her step, made her cheeks rosy and made her eyes sparkle?"
He considered this for a moment. "Well, I suppose because she came back here. She has always thought of this place as her home."
"Think broader, Samuel. Think miles and miles out into the middle of the desert."
His brows drew together in thought and then his eyes widened. "No," he whispered.
"Yes."
"No, I refuse to believe that. How could he even know that she's here? She wouldn't go looking for him. Would she?"
"Samuel, despite Jensa's young age, she did love Ardeth Bay all those years ago. She still does and you know that he must have crossed her mind a thousand times over the years. He loved her too."
"Loved, as in past tense. Surely he has married and had children by now!"
"Possibly, but it is also possible that he isn't married and doesn't have children."
"You just had to go and bring Bay up, didn't you?"
"Darling," she placed her hands on his face and gently kissed him. "I'm not saying that she has even seen Ardeth, but if she has…" She left him to fill in the rest.
"Then I can't stop it this time."
"That's right."
He sighed heavily and swept his eyes around the hotel room as he weighed the words in his mind. "I've always been an optimistic person. I will just look on the bright side and hope she has come no where near him."
"Samuel…" she said, shaking her head. "You cannot stand in the way this time."
* * *
Jensa hurried down the steps of the lobby without realizing that she was still crying. Hotel employees and guests eyed her with curiosity and one particular man rushed over to her. He was of average height and build with wavy sandy blond hair and dark gray eyes. He appeared to be a man of wealth as his pin-striped suit was easily recognized by Jensa to be expensive. His eyes showed concern and his hand lightly brushed against her arm.
"Is everything all right, Miss?" His accent was clearly American. He sounded like he was from somewhere out West.
Jensa nervously wiped the tears from her eyes and stepped back away from him, embarrassed at the scrutiny with which he was looking at her. His perusal of her vulnerable appearance brought a blush to her already hot cheeks.
"I'm fine. Thank you, sir."
"My name is Brandon Fradelle, but please call me Brandon. And I don't believe you are fine."
"Excuse me, but perhaps it is not your business. I don't know you."
"Of course you do. You know my name, therefore, you know me. And I have not yet learned your name."
She was not going to tell him name either. "Look, Mr…."
"Brandon. Brandon Fradelle," he filled in.
"Mr. Fradelle, I assure you that I'm fine."
He pulled a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and extended it to her. The tears had quit their flood down her face, but a few more squeezed out from the corners of her eyes. Reluctantly, she accepted the handkerchief and quickly dabbed at her eyes then somewhat curtly, placed it back in his hand.
"Thank you."
"Now will you tell me what is bothering you, Miss—" he tried again for her name, putting the handkerchief back in his jacket pocket.
But she still would not tell him. "Your concern is kind, but I'm suddenly feeling better. Now if you'll excuse me…"
Jensa tried to walk past him, but he grabbed her hand, pulling her back and moving his hands slowly up her arm, reining her in.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" she asked in shock. "Let go of me."
"I cannot in good conscience let an obviously distressed woman leave. Please confide in me. I only wish to help. You have lovely hair," he said picking up a strand.
She jerked back, trying to free her hair. He was flirting. He was forward. He was pushy. Many words came to her mind that described this situation.
"I'll say again that I'm fine, Mr. Fradelle. Now please let me go."
"Why do you refuse to believe that my concern is sincere?"
"I have no doubt that it is," she said dryly.
"You still have not told me your name. You know mine and I don't know yours. You have an unfair advantage over me."
"Yes, I do."
"You're very sure of yourself," he said with an amused twinkle in his eyes. "Have lunch with me."
"I have plans."
"Change them."
"You see, that is not possible."
"And why not?"
"These plans will last for my lifetime."
He looked confused.
"I'm getting married in a couple of days so I cannot possibly accept your invitation."
His face fell. "Oh, I see. You can't blame a guy for trying." At last, he let go of her.
Jensa shrugged.
"If it doesn't work out, let me know."
"I don't advise waiting, Mr. Fradelle because it would be a waste of time."
He smiled slightly and extended his hands to the side in a gesture of acceptance. "Then I wish you happiness, Miss—?"
"Good-bye, Mr. Fradelle," she said over her shoulder as she walked off.
* * *
Ardeth strode into the hotel. His presence was immediately noticed. The black robed Medjai were considered a myth to many Westerners, but the people of Egypt knew them to be no fable. They were as real as the City of the Dead they guarded. The hotel employees quickly avoided him, except for the hotel manager. He approached with caution. Ardeth could see the man was visibly shaking a little and he suppressed the urge to smile. It seemed wherever he went, intimidation was not far behind
"Excuse me, sir. Can I help you with anything?"
"No, thank you."
"Of course." The manager hurriedly walked off and the chieftain heard him breathe a heavy sigh of relief. Medjai had come to the hotel before in search of information concerning stolen artifacts or about what group of treasure seekers was planning another expedition to Hamunaptra. He knew he still had the cooperation of the hotel employees and they were useful sources of information. People from all walks of life stayed in this hotel. It was comforting to know what they planned to do once they reached Cairo, be it a mere vacation or an expedition to Hamunaptra.
He had certainly startled the manager and that left a satisfied feeling within him. The Medjai were still respected and known throughout Egypt, and even feared by many, but he was not disappointed to arouse fear in other people. They knew he was not to be trifled with.
Ardeth was in a good mood, commonly unheard of for him. He anxiously looked around for Jensa and felt his heart beating faster when he saw her coming down the stairs. He ducked into a door that led to the ballroom and watched her. Ardeth caught his breath. She was stunning in her dress. The black waves of her hair curled about her arms as she descended the steps. The plunging neckline twisted his stomach in knots. She seemed preoccupied and had apparently been crying. Her cheeks were flushed bright red. What now, he thought with a groan.
Just as he was about to find out what was troubling her, another man intercepted her. She stopped short and stared up at him. Ardeth could tell by her surprised reaction that she did not know him. They were too far for him to hear the words exchanged between them, but his eyes narrowed as the man lightly touched her on the arm. She continued to cry a little and the man, who was handsome and no doubt got whatever he wanted, considering the look of determination on his face and stance of posture. His blatant perusal of Jensa ignited Ardeth's temper. He could very easily kill the man for looking upon something that belonged to him.
She stepped around the man, but he grabbed her hand and moved his own up the length of her arm pulling her back to him. Ardeth nearly snapped the ballroom door in half. The wood cracked beneath his hands. But he was unprepared as the man took hold of a lock of her hair. She jerked away from him, trying to escape the bondage. How dare he touch the hair that only he was meant to touch!
The man was unknowingly treading on dangerous ground and Ardeth was now prepared to kill him. The expression on the man's face changed drastically and he let Jensa go. Apparently, whatever she said changed his attitude. Fortunately for him, but Ardeth was bound and determined to teach this man a lesson. He could not go about touching his woman as he pleased.
Jensa turned to go and was about to walk past the ballroom when he stepped out from his hiding place. She blinked in surprise and smiled from ear to ear, but it faded quickly. Ardeth was not looking at her, he was looking at the man who was climbing the steps to the rooms two at a time. Suddenly, his temper flared again and he started after the man.
* * *
Thankful that that was over, Jensa sighed with relief as Mr. Fradelle made no move to follow her. She wasn't really sure where she was going, but decided to head outside for a little fresh air. Suddenly, Ardeth appeared in front of her. She could not suppress the smile he always put on her face, but he was not looking at her, he was staring over her head at something else. For a moment she was confused, but his anger was more than enough to startle her. His eyes glazed with fury and his nostrils flared. She thought she could detect a growl coming from deep within his throat. He brushed past her and stalked off. She gasped when she saw his eyes were dead set on Mr. Fradelle and he looked none too pleased with the American man.
She rushed up behind Ardeth and grabbed his hand trying to pull him to a stop, but she was not strong enough to halt the charge and stumbled forward with him. He stopped sharply and she slammed into his back. She felt her straw hat trying to fall off and she hastily reached behind her head to catch it. His head rotated down to look at her. The fury was still flowing from his face. He breathed heavily and she felt every rigid muscle when she slammed into his back.
After righting the falling hat, she came around to the front of him and placed her hands flat on his chest. This seemed to work best when he was angry. For some reason, the soothing circular motion she made with her fingers, calmed him. She tried to kiss him, but he grabbed one of her hands and jerked her back into the ballroom, kicking the door shut with his foot. She figured that he didn't want others to see them kiss, as he did not approve of too much public affection. This matter was far better suited in private. Before she could get a word out, she was crushed in his arms as he ravaged her mouth. There was no possible way she could stop him, not that she wanted to and he had been rough before, but never this rough. His whiskers no longer felt soft, but burned her lips and chin. The intensity of this kiss was more than passion, she realized. It was like he was staking his claim.
She knew he had been ready to do something pretty terrible to Mr. Fradelle. He must have witnessed the entire thing. No wonder he was acting so brazenly with her mouth. He wasn't just staking a claim, he was showing her that he would tolerate no other man's hand upon her. He might as well have been tattooing his name on her in the ancient language.
He sharply released her and took a step back. The anger in his eyes was still there, but the tension had lessened. He no longer looked quite so rigid. Heaven help the individual who got on the right wrong side of Ardeth. In fact, he looked very handsome at the moment. The scowl upon his face and heavy breathing made him look like a wild animal. He was ready to chase down his prey and Mr. Fradelle had gotten away. He was none too pleased for having not made the kill and the scowl was his way of pouting. His lower lip only added to the pout and she couldn't help but stare at it. He was showing his jealousy and not bothering to hide it.
Suddenly, the entire situation became very amusing to her. She tried to suppress her mirth, but the corners of her mouth had a mind of their own and upturned into a very large grin. Laughter tickled her throat and she could not keep quiet.
"Something amuses you?" he hissed.
She nodded, unable to speak as his scowl deepened.
"Would you care to share what has you laughing at me?"
Jensa's laughing stopped and she said seriously, "I'm not laughing at you, Ardeth."
"Who was that man?" he asked.
"I don't know."
"He seemed very friendly and you say you don't know him?" He stared suspiciously.
Her mouth fell open. "I tell you, I don't know him. He told me his name, but I'd never seen him before," she explained. "Yes, he was friendly, but that was only because he saw me crying. He was just trying to be helpful." It sounded like she was defending him! Why in the world did that man need defending?
"Yes, I noticed just how helpful he was."
Jensa frowned. This had upset Ardeth more than she realized.
"He touched you," he said barely above a whisper.
"So you saw the whole thing."
"I did. I also saw you pull away from him." He appeared ashamed for thinking she would do otherwise.
Jensa closed the gap between them, dropped her purse in a nearby chair and took his hands. "Ardeth, you didn't think I—"
"No, of course not," he answered quickly. "He touched your arm and your hair." He wrenched a hand free from hers and took her chin between his fingers, tilting her head up to look her in the eye. "I will not condone any other man touching you. Stay away from them. If one attempts to touch you, you will inform me of it and I shall take care of it."
She could have said something flippant to him. Her father and brother were men. She couldn't very well ignore them for the rest of her life, but it would be very unwise to dispute him on such a matter he felt strongly about. The look in his eyes was far more serious than she had ever seen in them. Suddenly, she envisioned herself being labeled as property and along with that came a tiny, niggling doubt. A doubt that had not been there before. But that was ridiculous! Ardeth did not view her as his property. Did he? No. It's not like he was a caveman dragging his woman behind him by her hair.
He did have every reason to be angry. It had been wrong for Mr. Fradelle to touch her. She certainly hadn't provoked him any, but then again, a crying woman was always a signal to men to feel pity or concern for their well being. Perhaps it had been her fault. She should have gone to her room and cried in private.
Mutely, she nodded and lowered her eyes until they were level with his chin. She blinked rapidly and felt the tip of her eyelashes tickling her skin. She was trying to keep her tears back. For some reason, they had resurfaced and threatened to fall again.
Ardeth hooked one finger under her chin forced her head up which in turn, forced her to look at his eyes. He kissed her, but this time he was gentler, less ravaging. She felt his tension relax and shivered as his fingers traced the outline of her neck, shoulders and back. She relaxed and kept her arms wrapped around his waist to support herself. With a simple kiss, he had blown away all of her doubts. Everything was right with the world again, but…
"Boy am I glad to see you," she said as they broke apart, dismissing any other doubts. "I missed you when you left last night. I really wish you could have stayed."
"All in good time, kalila." She blushed red as a beet. "You are a vision this morning." He held her at arm's length, his eyes sweeping over her.
"Don't you find this preferable to pants?" She turned around in a circle.
Ardeth's eyes narrowed as he appeared to be mulling over the thought. "It comes in a close second." He grabbed her hand and jerked her back into his arms. "Wear this dress more often," he said huskily. She nodded slowly with wide eyes. "Tell me now why you were in tears. Has someone been unkind to you?"
"I was upset, but I'm better now that I've seen you." She gathered some of his hair in her hand and twisted it around her finger.
"I am glad to know that I make you feel better," he said, "but what was wrong?"
"Oh, my brother is being difficult."
"Again?"
"Yes, he is anything but." She waved her hand through the air. "It doesn't matter anyway."
"I think that it does."
"I don't care what thinks." Her voice wavered.
"You are lying."
Her eyes sharply met his.
"Do you deny it, Jensa?"
She lowered her gaze, embarrassed that she would let her brother get to her like this. It bothered her that she cared so much about what Michael really thought. After all, it was her life and he could not stop her from marrying whomever she wanted.
"No, I don't deny it. But why does he have to be resentful of the decisions I've made? That you and I have made together. He knows he can't stop me, but it doesn't stop him from saying such cruel things. He said he was happy for me, but it was all a lie."
"This is why you were crying."
"Yes," she confirmed.
"What did he say to you?"
"He thinks you are taking advantage of my vulnerability."
"Does he now?"
"He said that I shouldn't be marrying so soon since I just recently broke off an engagement. But this is an entirely different situation. I didn't break off my engagement with Lyle because the chemistry wasn't there. He tried to kill me for heaven's sake!"
Ardeth cupped her face in his hands. "You do know that I want to marry you because I love you."
"Oh, Ardeth. Of course I know that," she said wearily.
"Yes, you are vulnerable right now, but that will change. You must allow your mind and body time to heal. And I want to be there with you to help you overcome those fears and doubts. As time moves on, you will think on it less and less and eventually, it will disappear, leaving only a vague memory."
She nodded understandingly. The words he spoke were not only comforting, but were the honest truth. It was what he believed and if she was going to rid herself of the seeds of doubt planting in her mind, she would have to believe as well.
"I also know why Michael treats you the way he does."
"Please tell me so I can fix it."
"I do not think you can fix it, kalila."
"Why?" she said in a small voice, afraid she would not like his answer.
"Michael is jealous of you."
"Jealous?" Of all the words to come to mind, jealous would not have been her first choice. "What could he possibly be jealous of me for?"
"Jen, you have so much that he does not. You have your feet firmly planted on the ground. You have direction. Michael has never had that. He does not work. He spends your father's money shamelessly. He cannot let a day go by without a drink. Why in the name of Allah did he come to Hamunaptra? He does not need wealth, but he needs something to do. And it was difficult for him to see that he had taken the wrong path yet again.
"You said during your time together at the university that he barely passed any class he took and your father had to persuade certain people to keep him from failing. It was embarrassing for him. You did well in your studies and he struggled constantly.
"Now you are about to journey towards a new life with me, someone that he hates, and we will be happy through the years with a family to build. He has no one to love him because he makes it difficult for anyone to be his friend or something more."
"But, Ardeth—"
"I am not finished."
He was not harsh, but stern. She looked down in brief submission and let him continue.
"He is torn between his love for you and his hatred for me. He does love you, Jen. Do not doubt that, but he cannot be anything but jealous. He cannot be any other way because he knows no other way.
"This hurts you, I know. But you need to understand what is going through his mind. You love him and you defend him because he is your brother. You cannot keep defending him, Jensa. Michael will not change. He cannot change. He does not know how. I fear that one day, he will force you to choose."
"Between…you and him?" She felt tears stinging the back of her eyes.
"Yes, and it will be your decision. I cannot make it for you."
Jensa began trembling. It was true. He would make her choose one of these days and she had the feeling it would be very soon. She looked back up to Ardeth and saw him watching her uncertainly. He must think she was already trying to decide and was having trouble choosing.
"I love Michael despite all his shortcomings, but I will not betray you. When he makes me choose," she said when because it would be when and not if, "I will stand by you, Ardeth. I love you and I will not let him come between us."
He closed his eyes briefly and appeared relieved at her answer. His eyes slowly opened and brightened considerably when she smiled. Like the rest of him, his eyes were beautiful.
Breathe, Jensa…
"Guess what?" she said softly. "My parents are already here."
Ardeth stared down at her in shock. "They are?"
"Yes, I was just as surprised as you. They said they wanted to surprise us and left the day after we did. I haven't had a chance to tell them yet. They said they should be down after a little while. They're resting."
"They shall be surprised."
"Hmm, I don't think so."
"Do they suspect already?"
"Maybe. I tried telling them at breakfast this morning, but Michael intervened, rather rudely I might add, and said I shouldn't give them such a big shock their first day back. That's why I was so upset with him. We had an argument again."
"Did you argue with Michael much while you were in New York?"
Her brow furrowed as she hastily went over the last five years in her mind. "As far as I remember, I don't think too much. Why?
He ignored her question. "And since you have returned to Egypt, how much?"
"Nearly everyday."
"My name came up several times no doubt."
"No doubt," she said with a frown.
"Do you see?"
"Yes, I do. He really doesn't like you."
He chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "No."
"I'm sorry."
"You are not the one who should apologize, Jensa. You are not at fault. He is."
She pressed her body against his and sighed into his robes and felt another layer of warmth surround her as his arms closed her in. Only now did she notice that he had had a bath. His black warrior robes were crisp and carried a hint of the vanilla she was learning to recognize so well. He smelled fresh and ready to face the day.
"I am glad your parents decided to surprise you. I do not think I could have patiently waited to make you my wife."
She desperately tried not to blush, but that seemed to make her cheeks burn even hotter. She did her best to control the slight nauseous feeling in her stomach and met his smoldering gaze.
"You are lovely when you blush."
"I think you rather delight in making me."
"I relish the ability." He grinned wickedly. "I cannot help but wonder if that blush extends down to your toes."
Jensa widened her eyes and fidgeted nervously in his arms. How was it possible that this man could always reduce her to blushing, embarrassing nervousness? He seemed to sense her feelings and chuckled softly, changing the subject.
"When should we tell the rest of your family?"
"Uh," she said still trying to find her voice. "H-how about now?"
"I agree."
Ardeth took her hand and led them both over to the door. The heels of his boots echoed across the recently polished floor. She marveled at the heavy sound compared to the soft clicking of her own little pumps.
He opened the door and no sooner did they walk out of the ballroom than her parents were coming down the lobby stairs. They froze in their tracks when they caught sight of Ardeth and Jensa hand in hand, obviously surprised, to say the least. Jensa thought she detected a twitch that could be interpreted as a smile on her mother's mouth. She tightened her grip on Ardeth's hand and motioned for them to come into the ballroom. Standing aside for them to enter, Jensa shut the door again.
"You certainly didn't waste any time," Mr. James sneered at Ardeth.
"Samuel!" her mother chided harshly.
He went on as if he hadn't heard her. "I assume you have something to do with the news she was trying to tell us about earlier?" Mr. James asked, his eyes never left those of Ardeth.
"I do," he said curtly.
"Daddy, before you launch into a tirade, please hear us out," Jensa pleaded.
To their left, tables and chairs lined the wall of the ballroom. She took her parents by the arms and herded them over to the table. They both stared up at her as they sank down into the chairs. Her father's face had paled some. Her mother had a twinkle in her eyes. Ardeth pulled out the chair for Jensa and took the seat next to her, but not before moving it closer to her. She watched her father watching Ardeth. His eyes narrowed and she noticed how his gaze followed every movement Ardeth made towards her.
"We should start from the beginning. You both know what this past year was like. It was a living nightmare. The best thing I could've done was to come back here." Jensa laced her fingers together with Ardeth's. "I'd hoped I'd see Ardeth when I returned. It was a bit of a surprise when we saw one another at Hamunaptra."
Oops! She hadn't planned on mentioning that. It just slipped out.
"Hamunaptra!" her father cried.
"What in the world possessed you to go back there, sweetheart?" her mother asked.
"Michael's greed. He didn't tell me he was planning on going until we got here."
"He didn't say anything about this to us earlier," Mrs. James shook her head.
"He lied."
"Obviously," said her father through gritted teeth. "I'm going to have a talk with him."
"Why would he want to go all the way out there?" questioned Mrs. James.
"I don't know," she said glancing at Ardeth. She knew exactly what he was thinking because she was thinking the same thing. Of course she knew why Michael had planned an expedition, but now was not the time to discuss her brother. All that mattered to her now was the man sitting next to her.
Mr. James nodded towards Ardeth. "You saw each other out there, I presume?"
"Yes," he said nodding slowly.
"And you attacked," he accused.
"Yes, we did attack them," Ardeth interjected. Mr. James' lips quivered with anger. "As you can see, nothing came of the attack. It was stopped. Everyone left." Ardeth glanced at Jensa, reading her thoughts again, she guessed. It would be the wrong step to tell her parents they had nearly killed each other.
"Yet you could have killed my son and my daughter!"
"Daddy, please! Will you just listen to us?"
"Fine," he said harshly.
She nodded towards Ardeth to urge him in continuing. "We want to be married."
Mrs. James cried out in delight and jumping up, ran behind them, leaning down to plant a kiss on both their cheeks. "I knew it! I just knew something wonderful was going to happen! We have so many plans to make. I've been thinking about this for a while." She pulled her chair around the table, plopped down by Jensa and rapidly spouted out her ideas.
* * *
"Mr. James, I wish to ask for your blessing."
He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "You'd marry my daughter even if I didn't give you my blessing."
Ardeth smirked at him. He was no fool. Even if everyone in her family protested, he would have whisked Jensa off in the night and taken her back to his village.
Mr. James said, "You love her. You always have. I knew it back then. You're part of the reason I wanted to leave Egypt. I didn't want my girl living in the middle of nowhere with your people."
"We are more civilized than you think."
"Perhaps, but I'm also talking about what you do. Guarding Hamunaptra is dangerous and I know from personal experience it can be fatal as well. My concern is for my daughter's safety."
"I will protect Jensa with my life always."
"Yes, I suppose so. You did prove that all those years ago when you rescued and brought her back to us."
"Twice," Ardeth reminded him. He quickly recalled the little lost Western child in the souk and the girl tied to the statue of Anubis. "I saved her life twice."
"You will remind me of this often, no doubt."
"I only remind you because you forget too easily. My feelings for your daughter are not mere infatuation. They are very real and very powerful. I would do anything for her and I assure you, she will be safe and well-cared for. It is not only the City of the Dead we guard, but our home as well."
Mr. James closed his eyes and sighed. He pushed his chair back and stood up with his hand outstretched towards Ardeth. "I give you my blessing." Ardeth accepted the hand and was given a firm, but far from friendly, shake.
* * *
Jensa hadn't been paying very much attention to what her mother was rambling about. She had been listening to the conversation between her father and Ardeth. She went over to her father and threw her arms around him after she'd heard him give his blessing. "Thank you, Daddy. You have no idea how much this means to us," she said in his ear.
"I think I have some idea," he patted her back.
Jensa looked over at Ardeth. He held out his hand to her. She released her father and slid her hand into Ardeth's.
Jensa announced, "We want to leave right away for the Medjai village."
"You want to get married in the village?" Mrs. James asked with some disappointment.
"Yes, Mother we do. Now the both of you go pack whatever you've unpacked so we can get going."
"We're coming with you?"
"Of course, Mother. Why did you think I was going to ask you to come here? Now shoo, we don't have time to waste."
Mrs. James kissed Jensa on the cheek again. "All right, honey. We'll hurry."
After her parents left, she closed the door again and Ardeth swept Jensa off her feet and kissed her. Tendrils of anticipation crawled up her back.
"Ardeth, I can't believe it!" she squealed delightedly.
"Believe it, Jen. We will be together forever."
"Forever and ever." Her smile faded. "Do you think they'll like me?"
"Who?"
"Your family, well…everyone really."
"I told you that they will love you."
"Not just because you do?"
"Of course not, Jen. You are the most wonderful and beautiful person I have ever known. They will be drawn to you just as I was. Besides, they could not object even if they wanted to."
"How come? Because you are leader and no one dares defy you?" She said with a hint of mockery.
He chuckled. "That too, but there is something else I have not told you. After you were kidnapped, I kept you inside my tent for the rest of the day and through the next morning and then after our argument about whether or not I could keep you here, we fell asleep in each other's arms, once again in my tent."
"So?"
"So, the village elders already consider us to be married."
Jensa stared blankly at him. It took a few seconds for this news to register properly. "What?"
"We spent the night in my tent together. That clearly represents a union."
"But I was unconscious! And we didn't do anything!" she said rather embarrassed.
"You were unconscious for one night only and it would have been seen as a minor technicality. We were entwined in each other's embrace. As well as the night before last."
She stared at him dumbfounded. "You're telling me that we've been married for five years?" He grinned and nodded once. "And you're telling me this now? Why not sooner? Why not then?" Then something else dawned on her. "If you had told me this five years ago, we'd be married now and I would have never left! I would have never met Lyle and he would never have—"
"Jensa," he interrupted, "the elders would not have objected. They would have been prostrate with relief, but your father would have fought it every step of the way. You were still very young. I wanted to keep you here, but I could not take you away from your family."
"I understand," she said quietly.
"Do you?"
"Yes. I'm sorry for getting angry."
"That is all right. It is not everyday a woman finds out she is married and did not know it.
"We're really married already?"
"Yes. Does that bother you?"
A smile slowly spread across her face. "No, it doesn't bother me. I've wanted to be your wife for a long time."
"I know," he softly.
"Thinking back, I wished many times that you would appear on my doorstep and take me home."
"It crossed my mind."
"I'll bet. Well, it's all in the past. We should just move on. Put me down."
"No."
"Why not?"
"I do not want to."
"Surely your arms must be tired by now."
"They are not. I could hold you like this for eternity."
"Fine by me." She rested her head on his shoulder. "If we're already married then why a ceremony?"
"It is another minor technicality and I do not want to deprive you of having a wedding ceremony. I know how much it means to a woman to have one."
"That's very thoughtful." She rose her head up again to look at him. "Now, there's not going to be a wedding unless you put me down."
"Oh, all right," he relented and dropped her feet lightly to the floor, but kissed her before she opened the ballroom door. As she stared at her "husband", a very contented feeling settled in her heart. With a dreamy sigh, she started to walk out, but stopped. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
She narrowed her eyes. "You don't already have three or four wives do you?"
"What?" he asked with surprise.
"Well, I know in this culture it's common to have more than one wife."
He laughed. "I believe there should only be one husband and one wife in a marriage. Jensa, I assure you I only have one wife and that, is you."
"Good," she grinned.
* * *
She had only been angry for a few minutes. He had expected her to be, but he was glad her anger had passed quickly. That proved to him how much she was ready to be his wife.
"Now may I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"If I did have more than one wife, what would you do about it?" He folded his arms giving her a curious look.
"That's simple. I'd kill them. You see, I sometimes have a problem with sharing what belongs to me, especially where my husband is concerned," she said giving him a syrupy sweet smile.
It was exactly the answer he had been expecting from her. "Lucky for the women of my village. Now there will not be any preordained death sentences hanging over their heads."
Jensa shook her head and left him standing there. Ardeth could hear her laughing all the way up the stairs as she climbed them to her room.
* * *
He was sitting at the bar with a half-empty bottle of whiskey in front of him. Jensa already knew he'd be there. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as she sat down on the bar stool next to him.
Jensa had changed into a pair of black pants and a pastel green top. As always, she wore her black jacket with her gun holsters underneath. She was ready to make the long trip across the desert and needed to be prepared. As much as she loved having dressed up earlier that morning, pants were so much more comfortable.
"Michael, we're ready to leave."
"So long."
"You're not coming?"
"What makes you think I'd want to be there?" he raised his glass to her. "Have a nice life."
Jensa started to say something, but tears stung the back of her eyes. She jumped off the stool and ran out of the bar. Ardeth, the rest of the Med-jai, Kerri and her parents were mounted and waiting.
"Where's your brother?" asked Mrs. James.
Jensa brushed the one tear that managed to escape, hoping no one had noticed and mounted Asal. "He's not coming."
"Not coming? Why not?" questioned Mr. James.
"Does it matter?" she said brusquely.
"Yes, it does," he said, "He should be at his own sister's wedding."
"Well, he's not so can we just go now?"
* * *
Jensa tried masking her emotions, but Ardeth clearly saw the one tear she had allowed to run down her face.
"Jensa, I just remembered something I must take care of. I will be back in a few minutes."
He dismounted Ahmar and went back inside…to find Michael. As Ardeth guessed, he was sitting in the bar. He grabbed Michael by the arm and yanked him off the bar stool. Michael struggled, but he was no match for the vice-like grip Ardeth held onto him with. He dragged him through the kitchens and out the back door. He ignored the people who stopped working and stared straight ahead, wearing a deadly expression and continued dragging the struggling Michael against his will.
Once outside, Ardeth released Michael by shoving him a few feet ahead of him. "What is wrong with you? Do you realize how much pain you are causing your sister?" he yelled angrily.
"I don't need a lecture from you!" Michael shot back.
"Michael, for once, would you stop thinking of only yourself? Jensa wants you to be there and you should be."
"I'm not thinking of myself. I care about the well-being of my sister."
"She is crying and you say you care? You have a strange way of showing it."
Michael threw his fist back and punched Ardeth across the mouth. He didn't fall, but took a few steps back. A small trickle of blood appeared at the corner of his lip. He put his hand to his mouth and wiped it off. Ardeth stared down at the blood on his fingers and then at Michael. Michael flinched at the icy menace in Ardeth's eyes.
He straightened up and said, "Go ahead. Retaliate. I know you want to."
Ardeth stalked over to him and stopped within inches of his face. "Have no doubt that if you were anyone but Jensa's brother, I would kill you where you stand." Ardeth backed off leaving Michael with one final thought.
"If you are not there, you will permanently damage your relationship with your sister. She may never be able to forgive you." With that, Ardeth left Michael standing alone in the sun.