"Shiek" - читать интересную книгу автора (Connie Mason)

He did not answer as he turned abruptly and returned to his bed chamber. He was back seconds later with a caftan. "When you've finished your bath, put this on and come to bed. You're safe with me tonight, or what's left of it. Neither of us would enjoy the experience. You're too worried about your father."

The charged atmosphere quickly cooled after Jamal left her to enjoy her bath in private. As Zara soaped and rinsed her body, then tackled her hair, her thoughts grew dark and dismal. What would become of her father? Would he be put to death by the sultan? What could she do to keep Jamal from releasing her father into the sultan's custody? Was there nothing she could offer Jamal to keep her father safe?

The answer came to her, clear and concise and definitely unwelcome. She had only one thing to offer Jamal... herself. She could surrender to his seduction and remain his slave forever. Even though permanent captivity would likely kill her, she'd do it for her father and all the people who depended upon him. Without Youssef to lead them, the Berbers would lose their fight against unfair taxation and might never regain their lost lands.

Her solution to the problem was not a simple matter and could not be decided upon without considerable thought. First she had to appeal to Jamal to grant her time alone with her father. She had to know how to best serve Youssef without endangering his life. If she must sacrifice her innocence to save her father's life, then so be it. Jamal wanted her. And to be perfectly honest, she'd just as soon let Jamal be the man to give her that first taste of pleasure.

Jamal was waiting for Zara when she returned to the bed chamber. He was lying in bed, gazing absently out the window at the star-studded sky. He smiled at her and held out his hand.

"Come, you must be exhausted."

"How did you know my father would come for me tonight?" Zara asked as she perched gingerly on the side of the bed. "Who betrayed him?" She needed answers before she could sleep.

"No one betrayed Youssef. I discovered the remains of a camp while hunting yesterday and put two and two together. Caravans never come this close to Paradise. It's off the beaten path. I knew Youssef would come for you sooner or later and decided to keep watch every night until he showed up."

"Let him go."

"Are you mad? I'm not anxious to commit suicide. And that's what it would be if I betrayed Moulay Ishmail. The sultan wants Youssef. Go to sleep, Zara. I'm too tired to do battle with you."

"Do you want me, Jamal?"

He sighed and closed his eyes. "More than you can imagine. But when I take you it won't be a quick coupling in the middle of the night."

"I wish to speak with my father. Will you allow it?"

"Ask me tomorrow. I may be more inclined to allow it then."

His answer instilled little confidence in Zara. She had to speak to her father before he was sent to Meknes. She took a deep, steadying breath and said, "I am willing to bargain for the privilege of seeing my father."

She finally had Jamal's attention. His eyes opened slowly and he searched her face through narrowed lids. "You have very little to bargain with, sweet vixen."

His voice was low and provocative, sending a shiver down Zara's spine. "I have something you covet, my lord."

"What I covet can be taken without your permission."

Her chin rose fractionally. "By force, my lord. Is that how you would have me?"

"Nay, sweet vixen. I want you hot and willing. We will strike a bargain, you and I. One we can both live with."





CHAPTER 7




Surrounded by the warmth of Jamal's body, Zara awoke slowly the following morning. The moment she opened her eyes she became aware of many things at once. His large hand cupped her breast and his body was curved around hers. She hadn't fallen asleep until dawn, lying stiffly at Jamal's side, waiting for him to reach for her. But he did not. His gentle snoring had finally lulled her to sleep.