BACK IN THE SADDLE
Reginald and Bishop stared down solemnly at the mounds of sand. There was one for each man who had died, and a larger one where no doubt a camel was buried. Reginald demanded that one of his lesser men dig them up. He wanted to see if the man in Cairo had been telling the truth. A pucker of disgust came across Reginald's face as each body was unearthed. He hadn't had much experience dealing with the dead, especially those who were as cut up and as bloody as these. It wasn't clear how they died, of course, but the Egyptian thief had been telling the truth. The Nomads had slaughtered these men and likely kidnapped Laurel Aciquilla. After a moment, Reginald ordered the bodies buried again. He looked off in the distance. Apparently, they were following the right trail. How far away were they? Reginald ordered the men to make ready. From the look of the bodies, they would have their work cut out for them. He simply hoped that Laurel was not dead. If she were, his meal ticket was forever gone.
* * *
Laurel awoke before the sun rose. She actually couldn't sleep any longer. She had allowed Ardeth to dismiss her as if she was a child, but what other choice did she have? It was best that it was happening like this anyway. Twice he had kissed her; twice he had set alight flames of wanting need that she couldn't begin to explain or understand. It had never happened to her before and she certainly didn't know what to make of it. Just before she went to sleep last night, she had scribbled furiously in her diary, writing down each and every detail. Today, she and her father would leave, and thoughts of the brooding young man could be left behind with the village. Once in Cairo, she could then decide what it was that she needed to do. Since she had found her father, she had no intention of going back to England or facing Reginald Portafoy. It was the one nightmare she wouldn't have to face. Of course, facing Ardeth Bay wasn't going to be a joy, either. Then there was the matter of her father. They had spent quite some time talking, but she wasn't certain how she felt about him, either. He was more than happy to know her, to include her in his family, but it was awkward. There was no one with whom she could share her feelings. She would never be able to speak to her mother again. She was basically stuck and alone with her diary. Her diary would become her closest and most intimate friend.
She was awake when Ardeth's mother asked her to come eat with them. When she saw Ardeth, she gulped. There was no one else in the room and she vaguely wondered where the other two men were. She said nothing, but simply accepted the food she was offered. The moment she turned her back, Ardeth focused his eyes on her and watched her move around the room. His actions were subtle, his behavior muted, but it was far from undetected. His mother watched as her son's eyes followed the young woman about the room. Of course, he would say nothing about the girl either way, but she had no trouble seeing that he was smitten. When she turned back around, he quickly averted his gaze. Laurel did everything she could to keep her eyes off Ardeth. She wanted to look at him one last time before she left for good, but she didn't dare. At any time, she expected her father to appear.
"Mrs. Bay, do you have any idea where my father is," she asked.
When she spoke, it seemed that Ardeth jumped five inches off his seat. Fadilah smiled a little and focused her dark eyes on Laurel's face. "He and my husband rode out early this morning so that Bahir could show Ustâd the changes our village has gone through since he last visited. They should be back shortly."
Laurel nodded her thanks to Fadilah and continued to quietly finish her meal. Ardeth didn't bother finishing his. He excused himself and told his mother he would prepare the horses for the journey. Laurel wasn't sure if she was happy about his departure or not. She wanted to say goodbye, wanted to thank him again, but the last time she thanked him, he wound up kissing the breath out of her. She wouldn't mind for that to happen again, of course, but she quickly pushed the thought out of her mind. The last thing she needed was more stress, more entanglement. Hopefully by the time her father and Mr. Bay returned, Ardeth would be gone. She stepped outside to wait for her father's return and watched Ardeth from afar. She stood in a daze for several minutes, completely unaware of her surroundings until she heard a loud snort issuing from a horse. Startled, she jumped a little and had to bite the inside of her jaw to keep from crying out. It was her father and Bahir. They were speaking excitedly to Ardeth in Arabic. She watched the three men cautiously, wondering what was going on. She saw a look of mixed quality pass over Ardeth's face. It was one of surprise, irritation, and relief.
Tired of this supposed secret meeting among men, Laurel approached. "What is this?"
Bart fixed his eyes on the daughter he didn't know existed. They had just found each other, and now he was about to send her away. "We were out scouting and found some ancient scrolls. I want to stay here and help the elders interpret their meaning. Chieftain Bay will accompany you back to Cairo."
Shocked, her eyes went from her father to Ardeth. He was no more pleased about the decision than her. Her only saving grace was the fact that she'd have her own gear and wouldn't have to rely on Ardeth for anything. Yet, she wanted to scream, to protest. She had no desire to go out alone on the desert with this man again. What would happen? She thought that after last night, she wouldn't have to deal with him again, but now everything had changed. Her father, the man she had searched for, was dumping her off before he even knew who she was. He had chosen to mess around with a batch of ancient scrolls rather than get to know her. There was no one for her. No one. She was left on her own with a man she now fantasized about nightly. It wasn't safe. Laurel said nothing, she only nodded and accepted it. If she hadn't been so shocked and hurt, she might have smacked this man. She wondered if he had treated her mother in much the same fashion.
"I'll see you in Cairo," Bart promised.
Again, a small nod was her only reaction. Without a word, she went to retrieve her bag. When she made it out, her father and Bahir were gone. The only person waiting was Ardeth. He stood by silently. She ignored him and slung the bag over her shoulder. She climbed onto the horse a bit clumsily, but managed without assistance. Ardeth followed her lead seconds later. He led the way out and she followed. They rode for a long time before she would bring herself even relatively close to being side by side with him. It wasn't that she wanted to be near him, but she had no desire to be left behind again. They didn't have an inkling of an idea that Reginald and his band of merry dunderheads were coming for them.
Ardeth glanced at her. He could see that she was upset. "Ms. Lipton, he did not abandon you," he said as if he could read her mind. "He is an honorable man and I am sure he will make amends. What he and my father have discovered is very important to our people. He sent me with you. He trusts me." Do I trust myself? She wouldn't speak to him or afford a look. He didn't know what else to say to her. "He will need time, just as you."
His words sounded as if he was making excuses for her father's behavior. Men certainly stick together. "Please, I don't want to talk about this anymore."
* * *
The ride that day was long and exhausting. By dusk, Laurel was more than ready to make camp. Together, they set up the tents, once again parodying a lover's waltz as they unfolded the materials. Instead of eating afterwards, Laurel scribbled in her diary for as long as light allowed. If she didn't get the thoughts out of her head, she might become mad. Ardeth retired long before her, but he knew there was no use in him asking that she sleep. She would only refuse. He longed to sit with her and offer the comfort she needed, but only one stray touch would cause thousands of problems for them. He left her and went to his tent. He didn't realize that she didn't move. Laurel sat outside for hours and basically stared at the stars. It was freezing, of course, but she didn't seem to notice. In fact, she really didn't care. She had a lot on her mind, and the chill was the least of her problems. Ever alert, Ardeth could hear her slight movements. Worried, he slipped into his pants and took hold of a blanket. He climbed halfway out before he wrapped the blanket around his shoulders. The girl sat in front of her own tent and hadn't moved since he retired earlier. Without a word, he walked over to her and lowered himself onto the sand. She immediately noticed his presence, his body heat, and wasn't necessarily disappointed that he had joined her.
"Are you all right," he asked.
She shook her head. "No, I'm not," she said, staring straight ahead. "Everything I've done has been a mistake. Why am I bothering with Cairo at all? What am I going to do when I get there? I've thought none of this through. My high and mighty expectations have been shattered like fine crystal." She focused her eyes on his face. She noticed that he hadn't looked away from her once. "I've even lied to you. You don't know my real name. It's not Sesha Lipton; it's Laurel Sesha Aciquilla. It's true that I came to Egypt to find my father, but something else was motivating me. The man I knew as my father wanted to marry me off to his business partner. I didn't want that because he's…evil. He wants the money and the business. I'm merely nothing more to him than a decoration and a brood mare. I'll serve him no other purpose. Like the child I am, I ran, and thought that my father would solve all my problems for me. It was naïve and stupid of me. I've caused so much undue trouble for nothing. What else can I do? I should book passage to England as soon as I get to Cairo." She turned her face and began to gaze up at the stars once again. She had no idea what motivated her to pour her heart out to this man, but she couldn't help it.
Ardeth was all too familiar with arranged marriages. It was custom amongst his people and had been done for centuries. In fact, at this moment, he knew exactly whom he was contracted to marry. He had known the girl his entire life, but he didn't love her. Yet, love wasn't relevant. Heirs were the important things. Husbands and wives who grew to love each other throughout the course of their marriage were lucky, but few and far between. His parents came immediately to mind. His father and the other elders were working furiously on his marriage contract, wanting the wedding to occur before he turned twenty-five. He wasn't happy about it and might manage to delay it. If he had his way, it wouldn't happen at all. They were in similar situations separated by very different cultures.
"If you wanted to accept it," he began, "you would not have run. Your intentions were clear and good, but you did not choose the right path, Dâyi' nafs. Entering into unfamiliar territory could have and almost did kill you. Yet, returning to what you have run from will kill you inside. I cannot say which fate is worse, but I would rather choose to die than lose my heart. I can see that happening."
"You don't know," she said quietly.
"I do," he countered.
Laurel glanced at him, ready to rip into him. What kind of man did he think he was, trying to tell her how she felt? However, the moment her eyes met his, she didn't say a word. He did know. She wanted to look away, but she couldn't. He leaned toward her and before she knew it, his lips were on hers, gently at first, but then a bit more urgently when she began to respond. His arm came out from the blanket and his hand went to her cheek. The moment he touched her, she completely melted. The blanket began to slide away from his shoulders inch by inch, revealing the flesh hidden beneath it. As soon as his other hand was free, he took hold of her arm to bring her around to him. At that point, the kiss deepened even more, and his hands went into her hair, finally touching it, luxuriating in its softness. Although she wanted to touch him, she couldn't move. He broke the kiss only to take a breath, to allow her to do the same, and he wasn't sure he could stop tonight. Sending him out with her had been a mistake. She was a temptation he could no longer resist. What of her? What did she want? Would she know?
She didn't move away. Instead, she placed her hand on the side of his cheek and allowed it to travel down to his neck. She moved it down even further and stroked the taut flesh of his chest. He covered her hand with his and brought it up to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss on the palm of her hand before running his lips along her fingers. She was an innocent and he had no right to want her like he did. He pulled her to him and kissed her again. As if losing all sense of himself, he found one of his hands sliding down to the small of her back, and he began to slowly lower her down. She felt the weight of his body pressed against her and his body heat seemed to completely envelope her. When their kiss was broken, he gazed down into her eyes. She was blinking up at him innocently, but expectantly.
"Ba-la zamb," [innocent] he whispered down to her. "What do you want," he asked, the question sounding quite gahil [ignorant]. What she wanted was written all over her face, but she didn't have the words to express it. It wasn't that he necessarily expected an answer; he simply wanted some type of affirmation before he took another step, a step that was irreversible.
"I…I want you," she said.
After a moment of gazing down at her, he kissed her again, bringing his body over hers just a bit more. He felt her fingers, her beautiful, delicate fingers, slicing through his hair before she settled her hands on his back. When he felt them moving down, he broke the kiss and took hold of her forearms. She watched, amazed, as he took both of her wrists in one hand and drew them high over her head. Instead of immediately letting them go, he held on. He consumed her with his eyes as he allowed his free hand to drift down her arm, to her cheek, her neck, and then eventually settling it at the side swell of her breast. He kissed her again, releasing her wrists, but she didn't move them. She kept her arms over her head, as if sensing he wanted them to stay put. He broke away only a moment, but continued to shower her lips with very soft, brief kisses as his hand moved over to the front of her shirt. One by one, he released the buttons slowly, revealing a dark strip of flesh, flesh he hadn't seen the day he was spying on her during her bath. Once her shirt was unbuttoned, he slipped his hand inside it. When he brushed his thumb over her nipple, she broke away from his kisses, bit her bottom lip, and turned her face away. He simply moved to bury his face into the soft flesh of her neck. The nipple beneath his thumb was rock hard and erect. He placed one more tiny kiss to the side of her neck before he followed a trail of flesh that ended between her breasts. He opened her shirt, just revealing her left breast and allowed his lips to encircle the dark peak that had held him captive within his dreams for days. Her skin tasted sweet and salty at the same time. He ran his tongue around it, barely grazing it with his teeth, and beneath him, he could feel her squirming and heard the whimpering noises within her throat that she was trying to keep inside. After lingering on her left nipple as long as he dared, he pushed aside the material to reveal her right breast. He tasted it in much the same fashion. Each time she tried to move, he would reinforce the hold on her wrists just long enough to settle her back and then he would release her.
His lips moved to the valley between her breasts and followed a straight trail down until he was met with the waistband of her pants. They zipped up the side and he slowly lowered the zipper until each tooth was separated. With very little effort, he tugged at them, sliding the material down her legs and off her body. As he had seen in the oasis, the mannish clothing hid an exquisite body. He didn't want to paw at her, to prod or poke. He wanted to do exactly as he had dreamed of, take his time and explore every single inch of her. His lips went to work placing gentle kisses down her leg as his teeth followed up with nipping bites that weren't enough to hurt, but just enough to please. Once he managed to travel down the entire length of her leg, he quickly began at the bottom of the other and worked his way back up her body. He kissed her again and was ever so tempted to crush his body down onto hers, but he held back. He wanted to do nothing to terrify her. Instead, he leaned over her as much as he could, placing his knee between her thighs. She didn't attempt to move again, because she sensed he'd only hold her wrists down. Laurel moaned within their kiss when she felt his hand sliding down her side, settling at her hip. He slid his hand inside her modest cotton undergarments and he broke away again so he could concentrate on removing them. He felt her trembling, could sense the fear that was radiating off her in waves. At any moment, he could stop this, but he didn't want to, neither did she. Ardeth again refrained from settling the full weight of his body atop her. His lips and teeth went to work on her throat again as one hand moved lightly over her body. When it touched the delicate flesh at her lower abdomen, the trembling of her body intensified. It was completely terrifying but thrilling at the same time. She didn't know if she should stop him or allow him to continue. His hand fell upon her and her body instinctively arched against him as a startled cry escaped her.
He said something against her skin, but she didn't understand. His caress did not let up and a fire began to build within her that the coolness of the desert night could not quell. It didn't take long for her to grow moist against his stroking fingers. He drew away just the slightest so that he could remove his clothing barriers. The swollen male part of him was rigid and hot against her skin. Still holding onto the last vestiges of her girlhood, she was much too shy to look at him up close. It didn't matter. He would more than likely not allow her to move anyway. He inserted his hand between her thighs and she spread them willingly enough. He settled his body over hers, propping it on one hand while he stroked her cheek with the other.
"Waga' arâda Sâr Hazz," [Pain will become pleasure] he whispered down to her.
"I don't…I don't understand," she asked, her lip quivering.
"You will soon enough, Dâyi' nafs," he replied as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
He shifted slightly and for a moment, she felt a frightening crushing sensation as he settled his body over hers. A sharp intake of breath escaped her as he made contact with her. She couldn't prevent herself from moving any longer. Her arms went around his neck and she held onto him tightly. She hissed through clenched teeth the instant he encountered and broke through her maidenhead. A hissed breath left him the moment he was fully sheathed inside her. Before he began the almost ageless, timeless movements, he kissed her again, not completely expecting her to respond. He knew he was hurting her. However, she surprised him by kissing him back, nipping his lower lip, and then she dug her fingernails into the back of his neck. So as to alleviate as much discomfort as he could, he kept his body propped on one hand. With the other, he drew her leg around him. Slowly he moved within her, taking note that with each thrust, her breathing changed. His eyes locked with hers and he realized that she finally understood what he had said. Her other leg joined its mate around him and it allowed him to move his hand, putting more of his weight over her, drawing him even deeper inside. He wanted to continue his slow pace, but the pull of her tight flesh was driving him on, pushing him over the edge. He longed to ask her if she was okay, but he couldn't vocalize just yet. However, he received his answer when she dug her nails into his buttocks trying her best to urge him on. It worked. The message came to him loud and clear. She began to meet his thrusts eagerly, helping him get to a point he needed to reach. She felt her own releases inside several times and whimpered as each one shook her harder than the rest. He wanted to pull away and out of her without meeting his release inside her. There was always the risk of making a child. It would serve as a disgrace in her world as well as his [A disgrace? Nonononono. What happened here was no disgrace]. Coherent and rational thoughts were swiftly shoved out of his mind. His body froze in ecstasy and his eyes closed tightly. For a moment, he couldn't breathe. There was simply no air.
After several minutes, he could breathe again. He didn't immediately want to settle his entire body weight upon her, but he wasn't in a big hurry to move, either. Without losing contact with her body, he sat up. He plunged his hands into her hair and brought her lips up to his. He kissed her hard and passionately. When the kiss was broken, they suddenly became aware of the chill in the air. Without a word, together, they slid into one tent.
____________________
To be continued…
