CHAPTER 4
Ali was unprepared for the volatile tone of Ardeth's voice. He sounded as though he would personally dismember anyone who would possibly harm her. But why? They barely knew each other. After thinking for a moment Ali decided it must be the map. Yes, she was sure the Ardeth was a good man and that he wanted to protect her but it must be the map.
"Ali?"
"I'm sorry Ardeth, it's just well you caught me off guard."
"I do not understand"
"It's just that well......you sounded so angry just now."
Ardeth stood and began to pace "I am angry. No man has a right to treat a woman that way. Especially you."
He did not know why he had spoken those last words. He barely knew her. But there was something....something he couldn't quite decipher. It was as if he had known Ali for a very long time, instead of just a few short hours.
Ali felt herself blushing. She didn't know why. Finally she found her voice "Thank you, Ardeth for everything." As she finished she stood and touched his arm. He instantly stopped and looked into her green eyes. They both felt the spark travel through their bodies.
Ardeth placed his hand over Ali's "Do not thank me. I am pleased to know that I have helped free you and do not worry about Hudson. I will protect you."
Ali just nodded. And as if on cue she yawned.
A smile replaced the serious look on Ardeth's face "I believe it is time to retire for the evening. You may sleep in here tonight."
"Where will you sleep?" Ali asked. Again blushing without knowing why.
"I will stay in another tent with my second, Ahmen."
"Surely the leader has his own tent"
"Yes but it is occupied, so I will make over arrangements."
As Ardeth turned to leave, Ali spoke "Ardeth, you don't have to leave. Well, in fact I think I would feel safer if you stayed." As she finished Ali cast her eyes down.
Ardeth walked back to her and took her face gently in his hand "Are you sure, Ali? I can understand you not wanting to be close to a man, any man after all you have been through."
Looking up into his warm brown eyes Ali actually smiled for the first time in months "Yes I am sure. Although I've only known you a short while, I trust you Ardeth. And like I said I would feel safer if you were close by."
Ardeth nodded and made his way to the door "I will return in a moment with another bed roll."
While he was out retrieving a spare bed roll he told Ahmen to search Stephen's body for the map. And to make sure it left with them.
When he returned, Ali had climbed under her covers and was almost asleep. Ardeth quietly laid out his bedding. He turned from Ali and started to remove his robes.
Ali watched his back as his first then his second robe was removed. She had only known violence in the past few months, so she was unprepared for the sensation she felt looking at Ardeth's strong features. His broad shoulders, his tan skin and the mysterious tattoos that covered his shoulder blades. His long black hair fell in cascades against his dark skin. Without knowing it a small 'oh' escaped Ali's throat.
Ardeth turned to find piercing green eyes taking him in. They widened as he turned and his chest was revealed.
Ali's heart beat faster as she took in the site of him standing there in nothing but his black pants. He strong arms, the muscles apparent even with his arms at rest. His structured stomach and more tattoos on his collar bones and upper arms. He looked like a god standing there. An Adonis from some long ago culture.
Ardeth could see the sparks in Ali's green eyes. He could feel the sexual tension in the air. And it surprised him. He knew that all Ali had known was violence, but yet there was a definite spark between them.
Finally Ardeth broke their gaze. He climbed under the covers, leaned over and blew out the candle that had lit the small tent. Quietly he spoke "Good night, Ali. I hope you sleep well"
After what seemed like an eternity Ali found her voice "Good night, Ardeth. I hope you sleep well too."