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

Her stricken expression must have convinced Jamal that she was devastated by his decision, for he said, "I've kept Youssef here as long as I dared. I have fulfilled my part of our bargain."

"Why can't I see to my father's care in your absence?" Zara asked. "We both know the sultan will kill him."

Jamal hardened himself against Zara's pleas. His decision was finalтАФYoussef must be sent to Meknes. "You won't be here to care for your father. I'm taking you with me."

Zara's eyes widened in shock. Obviously her plan to bind Jamal to her had worked beyond her wildest expectations. Her mouth went dry. Jamal cared for her, cared enough that he wanted her with him. Allah forgive her for what she was about to do. No matter how desperately she wanted to be with Jamal, she could not bear being his slave, nor could she endure the thought of her father's death. Escape was the only answer.

"I... have never been on a ship. Perhaps I will not like it."

Jamal pulled her against him. "I want you with me, Zara. I am not ready yet to part with you. The sultan hinted that I should return you to his harem. He's decided he wants to tame you himself, but I cannot bear the thought of Ishmail's hands upon your sweet flesh."

When Jamal started to remove her caftan, Zara demurred, saying, "'Tis difficult to accept the fact that my father will soon die, my lord. How can you expect me to respond to you when you are sending my father to his death?"

"I would keep Youssef here if I could, Zara."

"I need time to come to grips with my grief. Let me get something cool to drink. I do not feel too kindly disposed toward you right now."

"Very well," Jamal agreed. "There is food and a pitcher of apricot nectar on the table. Choose whatever you desire."

Zara walked slowly to the table and poured two glasses of nectar. Turning her back to Jamal, she poured the contents of the packet into one of the glasses and stuffed the empty paper back into her pocket. Then she returned to Jamal's side and handed him the doctored drink. Her face was devoid of all emotion as she watched him take a huge gulp of the juice. She sipped at hers, not really thirsty or hungry.

"I will speak in Youssef's behalf," Jamal promised in an effort to placate her. "I'm not hungry for his blood."

"Is that your last word?"

"Aye, my decision is made."

"Then I am no longer obliged to honor our bargain. I wish to return to the harem."

Jamal drained his glass and set it down with a bang. The glass shattered but he paid it no heed. "Nay! I will not be denied. You are still my slave and I will have you whether or not you are willing.

Didn't Zara realize he cared for her? Jamal wondered. He'd never felt this way about another woman. His feelings were so strong he couldn't endure a long sea voyage without Zara. His decision to take her with him had not been lightly made.

Zara stiffened with indignation. She'd acted the meek love slave long enough. She'd held her temper, bit her tongue and forced herself to submit to Jamal's sensual nature. Against her will he'd taught her to crave his touch and enjoy his lovemaking, but captivity was not a way of life she would ever choose. With Allah's help she would not be a slave much longer. Jamal had drunk all the draught and would soon succumb to sleep.

"Slave I may be but I do not wish to accommodate you. Our bargain is over." She started to rise.

Jamal grasped her wrist, refusing to let her leave. "Forget that ill-conceived bargain. I will have you, sweet vixen. I should have known your submission was but an act. Do you feel nothing for me?"

Feel nothing for him? Her body was aching for his touch, but to admit it would compromise what remained of her pride. "I honored our bargain; you have no complaints."

His eyes blazed with fury. "Have you played me for a fool? Did you deliberately seek to capture my heart?"

He whipped her caftan over her head and tossed it aside. Anger and desire combined to make him hard as stone.

"Nay! I never wanted your heart, only your trust." Allah, what was she saying? She must not arouse his suspicions. Jamal didn't look the least bit sleepy yet. In fact, he looked wide awake as he stripped off his own caftan and flung it aside.

Jamal pushed her back against the cushions and pinned her there with the hard length of his body. His lips flattened against his teeth, giving him a feral look. "Tell me you don't want me. Say the words and I'll send you back to the harem."