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

Zara shrugged.

"I shall return by nightfall. Hammet has orders to bring you to my chamber when I return."

"Will you grant me a favor, Jamal?"

Jamal sent her a brilliant smile. "Since you pleased me so well last night, I am in an expansive mood. What is it you wish, Zara?"

"I wish to visit the village. I've been cooped up in your palace too long. I'm bored. I'm accustomed to vigorous exercise in the sun and the wind."

Jamal's dark brows rose. "Isn't what we've been doing nightly exercise enough? Perhaps I'll request your presence in my bed in the afternoons as well as the nights. Will that satisfy your craving for exercise?"

Zara retained her temper through sheer grit. Did Jamal think of nothing but coupling? "That's not what I meant and you know it."

"Tell me what you need and I'll buy it for you," Jamal said, skirting the issue. "Silks, satins, jewels? Do you like rubies?"

"I want to walk to the village and visit the souk myself. Send a guard along, if you wish, but do not deny me the pleasure of walking through the souk." If her plan to free her father was to work, she needed the freedom to seek help in the village.

Jamal wavered uncertainly. Since Zara had submitted to him she had changed. She seemed more at peace with her captivity. Though she hadn't agreed to become his wife, she hadn't refused outright. His own feelings were contradictory and confusing. Asking Zara to marry him had shocked even himself. The offer had been rash, but he couldn't bring himself to regret it. When had he become so obsessed with Zara? he wondered. Did he trust her enough to allow her more freedom?

"Please, Jamal," Zara said, hating the way he made her beg for so small a privilege. "Your concubines are allowed to go where they please."

"They are not slaves," Jamal reminded her.

Green fire ignited in the centers of Zara's eyes. Being reminded of her lowly station was a stunning blow to her pride. She bit her bottom lip to keep from venting her spleen. Yet anger wasn't the only emotion warring within her. She had feelings for Jamal she didn't dare explore. When she was in his arms, experiencing the enchantment of his unique loving, she felt as if she belonged there.

Jamal wasn't cruel like the sultan. He didn't treat his women badly. As his slave she had suffered nothing but the erotic pleasure of his loving. And in a moment of weakness he had asked her to marry him. Which, of course, was out of the question. It was important that she banish all tenderness for the handsome sheik from her mind and heart and concentrate on escape. Her father's life depended on her ability to remain unmoved by Jamal's sensual assault. She could not allow herself to fall in love with him. All she wanted from Jamal was his trust.

"Are you going to refuse my request?" Zara asked shortly.

"I'm going to humor you. You may visit the souk. Haroun will assign two men-at-arms to guard you. Ask Hammet for a djellaba and veil your face well."

Elated, Zara bowed her head in acquiescence to Jamal's conditions. "Thank you, my lord. If it pleases you, I will visit my father now."

Jamal frowned. He was surprised that word hadn't already reached the sultan concerning Youssef's presence at Paradise. Soon he must place Youssef into Ishmail's keeping whether Zara liked it or not.

"Aye, visit your father. I must prepare for my journey to Meknes. But firstтАФ"

Pulling her down beside him on the bed, he rolled her beneath him, spread her legs and thrust inside her. He smiled, pleased to find her as ready for him as he was for her. She was moist and soft and yielded sweetly to the deep penetration of his rock-hard erection. If he lived to be one hundred he'd never understand his consuming need for Zara. But right now he didn't care. His thoughts were focused entirely on the woman beneath him and giving her pleasure.

Zara moved with Jamal, her loins thrusting up against him, wanting, needing everything he could give her. She'd been surprised to find her body ready to receive him even though she'd been given no warning of his intention. There was no dryness, no pain at his abrupt entrance. Only pleasure. Rocked by jolts of ecstasy spiraling through her, she wondered how she would live the rest of her life without Jamal.

Much later, after they were both dressed and ready to leave, Jamal opened a small casket sitting on a lacquered chest and removed a large brass key. He called Hammet, who appeared instantly, handed him the key and told him to escort Zara to her father. It wasn't the first time Zara had seen Jamal remove or replace the key in the casket, but she was happy to learn that it was still kept there.





Zara was shocked by Youssef's appearance. He was pale and wan and looked as if he'd lost considerable weight. He was a man accustomed to living with the elements, racing his camel over mountains and through valleys with the sun and wind in his face. If she didn't free him soon, she feared he would waste away in his dark prison, deprived of sunshine and fresh air.