***
Frank stirred and murmured in his sleep causing Amber to awaken. She snuggled closer as his arm tightened around her. He murmured again, causing her to think he was awake.
"Frank?" she whispered softly so as not to disturb anyone else nearby that might be sleeping.
"Hmmm?"
"Just seeing if you were awake," she commented, lifting her head to see his face. His eyes remained closed and his breathing was deep.
"Dreaming."
She smiled and rested her head back against him, realizing he really wasn't quite awake. He lingered somewhere in-between. "Sweet dreams, baby."
"Amber?" he asked sleepily.
"Yes, baby?"
"I love you."
Amber closed her eyes as she pressed a soft kiss to his neck. "I love you, too, Frank." She released a soft sigh when she felt his hand slide into her hair, gently twining her locks around his fingers. "More than you'll ever know."
He waved a torch slowly in front of him, searching frantically for a sign in the darkened room. She had to have disappeared somewhere near here. He turned toward Rick. "Take Evie and head down that passageway. Search for a hidden door. I'll go this way," Frank insisted, moving off without waiting for acknowledgement.
As he walked slowly down the small corridor, his free hand worked over every inch of wall he could reach. Miranda had foolishly wandered off on her own after he and Rick had nearly fallen to their deaths. Of course, she managed to slap him a good one before stomping off. He swore, if she came through this alive, he would... Would what, Ardeth? Kiss her into submission? Frank grinned inwardly for he knew that was exactly Ardeth's intention.
Three weeks of keeping Miranda Carnahan out of trouble had only managed to create more grief for Ardeth. At first, he found her annoying and rude, but as the days passed into weeks, he found her willful behavior endearing. There was no logical reason why, but he actually found himself looking forward to their arguments. Was it because she took his mind off Amber, even though she was her mirror image? Perhaps. Mostly, she made him feel alive with passion. Something he had lacked before Amber.
Miranda sparked an even more heated emotion. It was deeper somehow, although that fact surprised him. He truly had thought that Miranda was a poor substitute for Amber, but the longer he was around her, the more he knew he could never be without her.
Frank took comfort in that feeling. He realized then why he was experiencing these dreams. Although he knew better on some level, he always figured that Amber could never love him completely if she loved Ardeth. Living through Ardeth, knowing his thoughts, and feeling his emotions, was allowing him the chance to understand the kind of love that Amber and Ardeth had found. It was as Amber had told him, ethereal. Frank's love for Amber, Ardeth's love for Miranda, they matched in intensity. Frank could feel that now. As much as they were one, they were separate.
Coming to the end of the passageway, Frank backed up against the wall in frustration. Miranda couldn't have just disappeared into thin air. It had been difficult to tell in which direction she had gone after she left the group; too many footprints littered the sandy floor from the hours they had spent exploring the chambers. It was possible Rick and Evie had found her already.
Deciding to double back and check, he pushed off the wall. As he did, the toe of his boot contacted something solid protruding from the sandy floor. He crouched down to examine it, brushing the sand away. He silently prayed that it would merely open the secret passage to where he would find Miranda and not trigger some cataclysmic disaster. Holding his breath, he pressed down on the mechanism and waited.
The sound of stone against stone echoed through the chamber as a small opening in the wall directly behind him was revealed. Cautiously, he held his torch through the doorway illuminating the pitch-black room. He finally released his breath, finding Miranda huddled in the far corner of the room. Distraught, her body shook with quiet sobs and he felt his heart breaking into many, many pieces at the sight.
Where at first, he had been angry enough to punish her as he would a spoiled child who had gone against his parents' wishes, he now felt only the need to hold and comfort her. The question was...would she let him? After all, she had just slapped his face in anger.
He approached her silently, the light from the torch he carried the only indication of his presence in the room. When he was within a few feet of her, he stopped and planted the torch into the sandy floor. Kneeling before her, he reached out a tentative hand and gently laid it on her shoulder. "Everything is okay, Miranda. You are no longer trapped."
Miranda moaned softly, shaking her head without lifting it up to face him.
"What is it? You have no need to be frightened; you are not alone," he assured her, his voice a soft whisper.
Miranda looked up slowly, wiping her tears from her cheek. "I am not afraid of the dark, nor am I afraid of being alone."
"Then what has you so upset, little one?" He cupped her chin with one hand, gently running the pad of his thumb over her soft cheek.
"You..."
"Me?" he asked, astonished. "What have I done to upset you so?" He was mortified that his behavior had in any way instilled such fear in her. His heart lurched in his chest as he, Ardeth, realized for the first time how much she had grown to mean to him. He had been frantic when she had disappeared, but knowing that he'd hurt her, caused her pain in any way, had him thoroughly disgusted with himself.
"No, no," she protested. "You didn't do anything, I..."
Frank was stunned when she suddenly launched herself at him. Throwing her arms around his neck, she hugged him fiercely as though she was afraid he would fade away into thin air. His arms went around her and he stroked her back lovingly in an attempt to calm her. "Tell me what is troubling you, little one," he urged quietly.
"I...when I saw you fall through the floor...I..." she hiccupped and pulled away slightly, her eyes locking onto his. "I thought I would never get the chance to tell you..."
"Tell me what, Miranda?" He felt the lump enter his throat and was suddenly having trouble breathing.
"I...I love you," she admitted softly, dipping her head as though embarrassed.
He placed a finger under her chin, gently forcing her eyes to meet his. He smiled warmly as he leaned in to place a tender kiss to her forehead. "It is time for honesty."
"Oh, Ardeth...can you ever forgive me for being so horrid to you these past weeks?"
He chuckled softly as his hand slid around to cup the back of her neck. "There is nothing to forgive," he assured her. "If you promise to say those words every day for the rest of my life, I will pledge to do the same."
Miranda's eyes widened, realizing the meaning of his statement. "You...you love me?"
"Every obstinate inch of you," he admitted, smiling. "Yes, I love you, Miranda."
Frank awakened slowly. His body screamed for a good long stretch, but it was impossible in such cramped quarters. Not to mention that he still had a lovely little bundle resting against him. He shifted in his seat slightly, thankful that he didn't wake her. He watched her sleep, just taking in the vision of her beauty. He traced over her cheekbone lightly with his forefinger, gently pushing aside a lock of hair that had fallen over her face. Amber, sweet Amber. You'll never know just how much you meant to him, but I'll spend the rest of my life making sure you know what you mean to me.
***
The flight to Cairo was long, but Frank and Amber managed enough sleep to feel fairly well rested by the time they disembarked the plane. Amber had assured Frank there would be a car awaiting them when they arrived and, sure enough, as they reached the end of the jetway, Frank spied a young man with dark hair and skin dressed neatly in a chauffer uniform. He held a sign reading "Davis/Donovan".
The driver, David, made quick work of retrieving their luggage and escorting them to their vehicle. Along the drive, Frank spotted familiar areas -- houses, long established businesses. He was most fascinated with the museum, feeling an unexplainable pull toward it. All of this awareness, he was sure, came from memories he possessed of Ardeth's life. It was a bit unnerving, and yet comforting at the same time.
More than anything, he was catching Amber's excitement. Although he was well traveled and had been to the Middle East a time or three, it had always been on business. He had never taken the time to enjoy the sights; work was too pressing. Each time she 'oohed' or 'aahed' he felt the bubble of his own anticipation grow larger.
His attention was drawn from her when the car came to a stop. When he looked through the window, he was not entirely surprised to see the O'Connell's Cairo home. It was the same as when he came upon it in his past life. He could probably even guess what rooms he and Amber would be given for the duration of their visit.
Amber smiled warmly as she took Frank's offered hand when she exited the car. The heat was tremendous and it might have bothered her if her excitement level wasn't so high. Her eyes turned toward the house and the elderly gentleman who stood in the doorway.
Tugging on Frank's hand, she made her way quickly to him. "Mr. O'Connell," Amber gushed, embracing him happily. "It's so wonderful to see you again."
Alex smiled and released his hold on Amber. "It truly is a joy that you and your friend could pay me a visit here." His aged eyes fell upon his young friend's companion. He was not at all surprised to see the resemblance between the man who stood before him and his late friend, Ardeth.
After Amber's visit in London, which only gave Ardeth's tale of her existence credence, Alex was expecting her to find her soul mate. That he appeared to be Ardeth's twin seemed only natural.
His old mind could clearly recall the depth and strength of the love that Ardeth and Miranda shared. As Frank's eyes were momentarily drawn to Amber, Alex saw the same emotion shine in his eyes. It warmed his heart knowing that the souls of Ardeth and Miranda lived on.
"Mr. O'Connell, I would like you to meet Frank Donovan," Amber said, placing her hand lightly on Frank's upper arm.
Frank reached out, accepting Alex's hand and shaking it firmly. For an instant, the sight of the small ten-year-old playing catch with his father flashed through his mind. He smiled kindly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. O'Connell," Frank assured. "I feel as though I know you already."
Alex smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you do." At Frank's perplexed expression, he smiled knowingly. "Please, come inside," he said, motioning to the door.
"Mr. O'Connell," Frank began, but was cut off when Alex clucked his tongue and shook his head.
"Please, call me Alex," he insisted.
"Very well...Alex," Frank agreed, chuckling lightly. "Thank you for your hospitality, but we really don't want to impose," he said as they entered the parlor.
Alex shook his head as he slowly lowered himself into an overstuffed chair by the fireplace. "Nonsense," Alex scoffed. "It's no imposition. I would not have made the offer to Amber in the first place had I not welcomed the thought of you staying in my home."
"Thank you, Alex," Amber interjected. "We are thrilled to be joining you."
"Yes, my dear," Alex replied as his eyes met hers. When last he saw her, her eyes bore a wealth of sadness in them. Now he saw happiness and love. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
"While we're here, Sir, we would like to see some of the ruins that Ardeth took your family to see when he first met Miranda," Frank explained hesitantly. He was a bit surprised at his own eagerness to explore these places that he had seen in his dreams and visions. Although still uncomfortable with those experiences, he could not contain his curiosity. It was beginning to get the better of him.
Alex nodded. "I expected as much, young man." He chuckled deeply when Amber began laughing softly at the perplexed expression that developed on Frank's face. "In that event, I have made arrangements for a trip to Giza to see the Pyramids. In addition to that, a private launch will be ready to take you down the Nile."
"Thank you. You are very generous," Frank said sincerely. His hand slipped over Amber's and his fingers laced with hers naturally. He felt the gentle pressure of her hand as she squeezed his in reassurance.
"Now," Alex said, rising up from the chair slowly. "Let me show you to your room." He chuckled good-naturedly when Frank and Amber exchanged a confused look. "I was young and in love once upon a time in my life, you know!"
Frank smiled and pressed a kiss to Amber's forehead as they stood to follow Alex. "We're that transparent?"
Alex nodded, leading them to the stairway. "If you'll forgive me, my old bones protest the climb certain days. You'll find your room..."
"At the end of the hall, last door on the left," Frank finished unexpectedly.
Amber gasped, but Alex just smiled. "Yes, that is the room." His wrinkled hand fell onto the banister lightly. "So you remember then?"
"As odd as it feels, yes. I remember more every day," Frank admitted. He placed a gentle hand to the small of Amber's back, softly urging her forward.
When she began climbing, he followed close behind her. She turned to question him and his knowledge of the house, but he shook his head, immediately silencing her.
"Rest for now. Dinner will be in two hours. Please join me on the terrace and we will visit more then." Alex's wise old eyes twinkled with mischief. "Tomorrow you begin a new journey."
"What did he mean by that," Amber wondered aloud, noting absently their luggage had already been brought to the room.
"It's hard to say," he whispered, pulling her into his embrace. He was beginning to think he would never get her alone. He looked down lovingly into her upturned face. Her lips quivered with anticipation; that slight movement stirring his desire that much more.
He closed his eyes as he dipped his head to kiss her soft lips. His mouth covered hers, and what began as a tender caress turned into demanding passion.
Amber gasped, her lungs sucking in much needed air when the all-consuming kiss ended. Frank set her entire being on fire and she felt as though she may expire from the heat. Only one thing could extinguish it, and she needed him so desperately. The thought that they were guests in someone's home was the only thing keeping her from ripping Frank's clothes off. "Do...you think we should?" she asked hesitantly.
Frank took in the sight of her skin flushed with desire. Her breasts strained against the material of her blouse as they heaved with the after effects of their heated exchange. His hands trailed slowly upward from her hips to rest at the side swell of her breasts. "Do you think we could stop?" he asked, running his thumbs over her nipples. As he felt them harden instantly to his touch, his own desire made itself known by the exquisite ache that developed in his groin.
Amber's head tipped just the slightest to allow Frank's mouth better access to the tender flesh of her neck where it met her shoulder. She shuddered against him as he nuzzled and suckled her sensitive skin. "N-no...I suppose not."
He slowly unbuttoned her blouse, his lips blazing a heated path along each inch of skin exposed. He listened to her soft, sensual moans as he caressed the sensitive area at her navel. Her fingers glided into his hair as he knelt before her, undoing the button and zipper of her slacks. As he eased the material down her hips, he continued the onslaught of tender kisses causing her to shudder expectantly with each one.
With her clothes discarded, he eased Amber down onto the bed before making quick work of his own clothes. She watched in complete fascination as each part of his body was exposed to her. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips as she took in the smooth, dark skin of his chest and washboard abdomen. Again her tongue darted out in anticipation of running along those finely toned muscles.
She eased herself up onto her elbows as he toed off his shoes and socks and then removed his slacks, kicking them off to the side. She gnawed gently at her bottom lip as her eyes fixed on his masculinity. Just the sight of him made her eager to feel him inside her. She held her arms out to him, silently conveying her desire and need for him.
Frank lowered himself alongside her. His large hands roamed her body greedily, knowing from the soft sounds that escaped her lovely throat, she was every inch his. He gently guided a fingertip over the peak of one breast, circling the nipple slowly, watching in fascination as it hardened instantly. He dipped his head to taste it, grazing his teeth over it purposefully.
Amber's hands once again sank into his silky raven locks. "Oh, God, yes," she cried, impassioned. "Please, baby," she pleaded, her need overwhelming her. "I can't wait...please, please. I want you inside me."
Frank gazed into her eyes, so glazed over with desire and yearning. He couldn't deny her even if it was within his power to do so. His own need was so great that he thought he might burst any moment, however, his control was greater. If there was one trait he was ever glad he possessed, it was control. He would never leave her unfulfilled. Not an arrogant boast, as some might think, just a promise to the woman he loved.
Amber's heated moans mixed with Frank's as he slowly entered her. She delighted in every blissful inch of him as he began his rhythmic thrusts inside her. Performing the timeless dance of lovers, they sought heights only they could find together. Amber marveled at the feelings he stirred in her, not just physically, but emotionally as well. "I love you, my darling," she whispered as she neared her climax.
Frank smiled against her shoulder. "I love you, too, baby," he replied huskily. He pushed himself up slightly to watch her face as she came closer and closer to the edge. Such passion, such power she held over him. It amazed him every day. When she opened her luscious mouth to cry out, he covered it with his, swallowing her cries as he kissed her passionately. He pulled away only to bury his face against her neck, muffling his own cries as he met his exquisite release.
"We can stop now," he panted, collapsing on top of her, exhausted from the intense effort.
"For now," she whispered lovingly, enveloping him within her arms. "For now."
***
To be continued…
