
Twice Upon a Time
Lovers' Leap 2
by
Olivia Cunning
Copyright 2011 Olivia Cunning
Smashwords Edition
All rights reserved.
Books Currently Available by Olivia Cunning
Sinners on Tour Series
Backstage Pass -- Sinners on Tour #1
Rock Hard -- Sinners on Tour #2
Lovers' Leap Series
Loving on Borrowed Time -- Lovers' Leap #1
Twice Upon a Time -- Lovers' Leap #2
360 days in the future...
Lara took Reece's hand in hers and gazed up at him, hoping he'd see reason. He had that look of discovery in his striking hazel eyes: passion, awe, anticipation, excitement. She had her work cut out for her here, but she had to convince him that what he proposed was dangerous. Potentially disastrous.
"You can't risk using it, Reece. You have no idea what the consequences will be." Reece ran the fingers of his free hand over the cookie-sized disc of stone on Lara's desk. He watched his fingers glide over the hieroglyphics carved into the sand-colored surface in concentric circles. He sometimes looked at Lara like that when he touched her---as if she was the greatest treasure on Earth---but at the moment, her treasure-hunting fiancé only had eyes for the ancient Egyptian artifact beneath his strong and attentive fingertips. The amulet didn't look impressive. The carvings were worn and at some point in its long history the flat stone had been broken in half. One half of the disc had a hole through it and was attached to a leather cord which was many centuries newer than the original artifact.
Using her knowledge of hieroglyphics and some reference books kept by the museum where she worked, Lara had just finished translating the symbols carved into both pieces of the stone disc. As Reece had suspected, the artifact could be used to jump through time. Or so it claimed. Lara wasn't sure if she believed any of that magic mumbo jumbo. From what Lara could garner from the symbols, a person who leapt through time using this strange piece of jewelry gave up his or her body and shared an existence with a person of that time. That wasn't what had Lara concerned. She would love to try that out herself. Not to just see the past or study it in action, but to actually live through history through the eyes of a contemporary. Amazing. The more she thought about it, the more tempted she became. She would have been onboard with Reece's desire to try the amulet's power if not for the warning message inscribed at the end of the incantation. Something had to be sacrificed to get the thing to work and ancient sacrifices didn't usually entail throwing twenty bucks in a col ection plate.
Since the body was given up when leaping into the past, Lara would put her money on the sacrifice being the time-traveler giving up his body permanently. Lara was rather attached to her fiancé's body and the rest of him for that matter. She didn't know what she'd do with herself if he died. As far as she was concerned, using the amulet wasn't worth the risk, no matter how seductive its power was.
"You know ancient civilizations put that kind of warning on everything," Reece said.
"Mostly to scare people. I'm sure it's safe. If it even works, which seems doubtful." She tugged his hand and he tore his gaze from the amulet to look at her. His hazel eyes shifted back to the amulet for a brief instant before finally fixing on hers. "Reece, please listen to me. I think that warning means you will die if you use it. Promise me you won't try it."
"I could just try it once. For a few minutes. To see if it works." Lara touched his face and stood on tiptoes to brush her lips against his. "Promise me you won't try it," she repeated. She kissed him again. This time he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. A familiar heat and longing swirled through her body encouraged by Reece's seeking tongue. At least she had his attention now and he definitely had hers.
"Are you two at it again?" a deep voice said behind Reece.
Lara reluctantly pulled away from Reece and offered his partner, Carl, a smile of greeting. "Hey, Carl."
"So were you able to work out the hieroglyphics?" Carl asked, coming to stand beside the desk so that he could stare down at the artifact. Carl stood well over six-foot tall and was built like a truck. Blond-hair. Blue-eyes. He always unsettled Lara. She wasn't sure what it was about him, but she never felt entirely safe around him and on the few occasions that she'd been alone with him, she'd wanted to flee. He'd never threatened her or been anything to her but courteous, so that feeling of unease baffled her. Reece had known him for years. They'd grown up together. Maybe she was just jealous of his relationship with Reece. Reece never shared much about his past with her. He seemed to think it would lower her opinion of him. He couldn't seem to get it through his skull that she loved him unconditional y.
"Not yet," Reece said.
Lara's brow crinkled. Why would Reece lie to his partner? Carl had half-ownership of the amulet. Perhaps there was a basis for Lara's continued uneasiness around the man.
"Can you tell what it does?" Carl asked Lara.
She opened her mouth to speak, but Reece interrupted. "Nope. We think it's just an ugly piece of jewelry."
"Really ugly," Carl said. He picked up a piece of paper next to the amulet where Lara had written down a translated incantation. She and Reece had decided the incantation was what activated the amulet, but neither of them had attempted to read it aloud. Yet. Carl held no such qualms. He read from the page and muttered the words under his breath, but as he had no knowledge of ancient Egyptian, he pronounced most of it wrong. Lara held her breath as he stumbled over the syllables. She stared down at the amulet with her heart in her throat waiting for the swath of death and destruction she feared.
Nothing happened.
"What's this?" Carl asked and ruffled the paper in his hand.
"Some nonsense," Reece said. "It doesn't mean anything. That's why we think the symbols are just there for show. To make an ugly piece of jewelry a little more interesting."
"Well, that's a shame," Carl said. "I thought we might actually be on to something big this time."
"I guess not," Reece said. "We might as well head out on another expedition. How about Central America this time? You've always wanted to go fight big bugs in the jungles."
Carl smiled. "I'm onboard for that. Maybe we'll find a horde of gold artifacts."
"Yeah, this stone sure isn't worth what we went through to get it," Reece said.
Carl's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Seems strange that a worthless piece of stone jewelry was protected by so many traps and hidden so well in that tomb." Reece shrugged. "Because the leather cord is much newer, I'm guessing that someone else found the real treasure years ago replaced it with this piece of junk." Carl nodded slightly. "That makes sense." He pounded Reece on the back. "We'l find something spectacular on this next expedition. I'll start prepping right away."
"Looking forward to it." Reece clasped wrists with Carl. He then turned and wrapped both arms around Lara. "Now where were we?" he murmured.
Reece kissed her and everything but him seemed to disappear. Lara melted against the love of her life, al owing him to turn her knees to jel y and make her heart pound with excitement.
"I'll just leave you two alone then," Carl said.
When his footsteps had receded from the room, Reece released Lara immediately and scooped the broken amulet and the inscription from her desk. He stuffed both into his pocket.
"I thought you were going to let the museum keep that piece," she said.
"I wouldn't want to risk someone getting their hands on it," he said.
She crossed her arms over her chest and lifted an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, it's a lot safer in your pocket than it would be in a locked case inside a high security museum."
"Since no one knows it exists besides me, you and Carl, it actually is safer in my pocket." He pecked her on the cheek. "I have some stuff to do to get ready for the next expedition. I'l see you tonight though, okay?"
"Do I get a massage?" she asked, her flesh already begging for his touch.
He grinned at her crookedly with promise in his gaze. "That and so much more."
"I like the sound of that." She kissed him gently. "I love you."
"I love you, too." He turned to leave and strode toward the door. Lara's gaze feasted on the perfection of his backside, which was almost as spectacular as his front.
"Don't forget that you promised not to try the amulet," she called after him.
He paused on the threshold. "I said I wouldn't. Don't you trust me?"
"Yeah." Even though she'd just witnessed how easily Reece could lie to Carl, she did trust him, because she loved him. But it hadn't always been that way.
As Reece took the stairs to the ground floor of the museum, he slipped his hand into the pocket of his cargo pants and gripped the broken amulet. He'd promised Lara he wouldn't use it. He'd promised Lara. Promised. Six months ago that promise would have meant nothing, but her love had made him a better man and he had no intention of breaking his promise to her. Even though the object in his hand could make his dreams a reality.
He shook his head at the turn in his thoughts. The only dream that mattered to him was Lara Kensington and he wasn't going to fuck that up by going back on his word.
"Central America?" Carl said from the shadows near the bottom of the stairs. "You hate jungles, Reece."
Reece hid his nervousness with a smile. "I hate deserts, too. Do you think there are any good relics in Tahiti?"
Carl grabbed Reece by both arms and pul ed him into a dark corner behind the stairs. Reece's attempts to distract him had apparently failed.
"Cut the bul shit, Reece. What's special about the amulet?" Reece shook his head unconcernedly. Carl intimidated most people, but he didn't intimidate Reece. Reece knew him too well to be scared of him. He also knew him well enough to know what drove him. It wasn't to save the world. Carl had a singular self-appreciating agenda. Reece had once been that way---that's why his partnership with Carl had been such a success---but now that Reece had Lara in his life, he knew there were more important things than fame and fortune. Carl hadn't discovered that yet.
That's why Reece had decided to hide the amulet's power from him. While Reece might be able to deny the allure of using the amulet, he knew Carl wouldn't hesitate to use it at any cost.
"Not a thing. I told Lara she could put it in one of her displays in the museum. She offered me a pretty good price for it."
"Is that why it's in your pocket?"
Reece's heart skipped a beat. "Carl..."
Carl had that eager look on his face. The one he'd sported in his youth, but had been taken from him by a hard life. "What does it do, Reece? Can it travel through time like you thought?"
"Would I be standing here if it could travel through time?"
"Yeah," Carl said, "because you handed your balls to Lara the day you asked her to marry you."
Reece scowled and shoved Carl aside. "If I wanted to try it, I would. I don't want to.
It's dangerous." Perhaps he had misplaced his balls. He sure wouldn't have been worried about danger six months ago.
Carl grinned. "If you're afraid, give it to me and I'l try it. Just tell me what to do."
"I'm not afraid. Something bad will happen if we activate it. It requires a sacrifice."
"So we throw a goat into a volcano. Problem solved." Carl's eyes lit up with wonder.
"How does it work?"
Reece pul ed the amulet from his pocket, holding the two halves together in his palm. Carl stared down at it, his tongue running over his upper lip repeatedly. It seemed a shame to toss this opportunity aside when they'd finally discovered something that might truly be remarkable. He and Carl had travelled the globe raiding tombs for almost a decade. They'd unearthed plenty of artifacts and treasures, but nothing like this.
Reece glanced up the stairwell towards Lara's office. Even though he wanted to, he'd promised her that he wouldn't use it, and he would keep that promise.
"It doesn't work," Reece lied in a last ditch effort to dissuade his partner. "We tried it and nothing happened."
"You tried it without me?"
"Yeah. It's junk. Like I said."
"I don't believe you, Reece. I can tell when you're lying to me." Carl wrapped both hands around Reece's, trapping the amulet within their combined hands. "Say the incantation, Reece. I know you know it by heart already." He did, but he wasn't going to say it. "Let it go, Carl. It doesn't work."
"Prove it."
Reece could just make something up. Carl would never know. Reece spoke the first three syllables of his fabricated incantation and the amulet in his palm began to hum.
Carl's pale blue eyes widened and he gasped with excitement. "It does work. I knew it."
Reece's heart pounded. He spoke several additional syllables of the incantation as if someone else was controlling his mouth. He wasn't sure if he were saying the real words that Lara had deciphered or making up his own, but they tumbled from his lips in rapid succession. A brilliant white light filled their hands, bursting from between their fingers. They released their grip and stared down at the disk. Yellow sparks crackled between the two broken edges of the amulet. The brilliant light faded along the stone's surface except for a series of symbols along one edge which glowed white in rhythmic pulses. Reece's heart sank when he realized the glowing symbols were the request for a worthy sacrifice. A thick black mist rose up from the disc and faded out of existence.
An instant later, the glowing symbols requesting a sacrifice flickered and changed into different symbols. Reece wasn't an expert like Lara, but he knew enough hieroglyphics to understand their meaning.
"What does it say?" Carl asked.
"The world is yours."
"So," Carl said, the excitement in his expression matching that in Reece's chest,
"when would you like to go first?"
Lara exited the elevator of the parking garage and hurried toward her car. Her thoughts were in chaos. Why had Reece taken the amulet with him? Did he mean to use it? Would he break his promise to her? Why else would he have put it in his pocket instead of leaving it at the museum?
She paused a few feet away from her car and listened. A presence lurked behind her. She reached into her purse for her can of pepper spray and turned slowly. Before she could even ask if someone was there, an inky shadow materialized in a swirl of thick fog. "Its power may only be released by someone who can offer a great sacrifice." Lara didn't actually hear the raspy words. They echoed in her mind in an obscure language that she somehow understood. Long arms extended from the shadow and col ided with her chest. Lara felt the warmth drain from her body instantly and watched a brilliant light burst from her chest before it was extinguished within the shadow. The cloaked apparition backed away and Lara crumpled, dead before she hit the ground.
In our last volume, Loving on Borrowed Time, Reece goes back in time to try to save Lara from her untimely death. Using the amulet, he arrives one year before Lara's unintentional sacrifice and convinces her that she is in grave danger. He tells her that in the future he found her dead in a parking garage and he has the newspaper clipping to prove it. Though this past Lara has never met Reece, something about the way he looks at her gains her trust. They use the half of the amulet still in Reece's possession to outrun Carl, who wants to make sure Lara stays dead. Two random leaps through time later, they are still on the run from Lara's tragic future and find themselves in a new time and place...
Lara flopped down on the hot sand and put her head between her knees. She took several deep breaths, the desert heat searing her lungs and drawing moisture from her already dehydrated body. Maybe she was overreacting. It wasn't Reece's fault that the ancient Egyptian amulet had chosen a particular man as his host. Their leaps through time were random. Reece didn't get to choose whose body he shared and neither did she. It wasn't Reece's fault that they'd left the cool, moist lands of medieval England to arrive in this brain-baking desert. It wasn't Reece's fault that someone had murdered her in the future, so they were forced to find refuge in the past. It wasn't Reece's fault that he was so sexy the thought of being unable to make love to him for three short (or more likely exceedingly long) days was unbearable. Actually, that was his fault. He should try to be less irresistible.
"Lara?" Reece's shadow blocked the glaring sun from the back of her neck. "Are you okay?"
"Oh yeah," Lara said. "Just fine. Give me a moment to adjust to this new body. I think this woman has the flu or something. I feel kind of queasy." This was no flu. Lara felt queasy because her lover would be doing no loving no matter how much she wanted him. This blew.
Lara stared at their half of the broken amulet dangling from the worn leather cord around her neck. It swayed gently in hypnotic circles. She lifted a hand and fingered the hieroglyphics carved into the artifact's stone surface. Maybe if she repeated the words represented by those strange little symbols, the freakin' thing would take them out of this place. Not in three days, like it usual y did, but now. Right now, damn it! There was nothing but hot sand in every direction. She had no idea where they were or when they were. She wasn't typically a complainer, especial y when it concerned things she couldn't control, but she had just admitted to Reece that she loved him moments before they leapt here and this had to happen. The amulet had forced Reece's consciousness to share the worst possible body. It simply wasn't fair.
Reece squatted in front of her. He took her by both shoulders and held her at arm's length until she looked up at him. Except she couldn't see him. Not Reece. She saw the even features of the young man Reece had leapt into when they left medieval England behind and landed themselves in the middle of the desert with no previsions and in Reece's case no, well...
Ugh! She shouldn't get hung up on something so dangly, but she wanted to love a real man, not a... a...
Lara squeezed her eyes shut hoping to make reality---this very bizarre reality that existed sometime in the past---disappear.
"It's just for three days, sweetheart," Reece reminded her. "You look like your world is coming to an end."
There would be no coming for her. Not when the man she loved shared a body with this guy.
"I'm sorry. I think it's the heat." She couldn't tel him the real reason she was freaking out. Jeez, he had more reason to freak out about it than she did. He was the one missing certain parts of his anatomy, not her.
"So, what do I look like?" Reece asked.
She forced herself to open her eyes and look him over. Not Reece. Well the soul was Reece's---the soul was always Reece's---but the body he was currently sharing was definitely not his. She had to admit, this new body was much better looking than the Viking of a week ago, not as easy on the eyes as the knight he'd just left behind, but still, no comparison to the real Reece. Reece Jericho treasure hunter with his broad shoulders, muscular chest and narrow hips. Hazel-green eyes. Firm, kissable lips.
Gorgeous face with a strong jaw, straight nose, masculine brow. That's who she wanted to see. The real Reece. The man she loved. Not this pretty, bronze-skinned guy who lacked certain important man-parts. Why couldn't she see past the il usion this time?
Why couldn't she see beyond the real-time physical body of the man Reece had leapt into and to the man she loved? She hadn't had this problem in their previous two leaps.
She'd been able to see Reece almost immediately. She had no idea why she couldn't see him this time.
"This guy you're possessing is very young," she said as she examined Reece's temporary body. "Pretty even. Black hair, black eyes. Smooth, deeply tanned skin." Her eyes raked down his lean body. "Lithe in an athletic way and practical y hairless. What are you, twelve?" She caught sight of the thing she'd been trying to forget she saw when they'd first arrived, and sure didn't want to see a second time. "I guess that makes sense considering your, um, little problem."
"Little problem? I don't think any man would think this guy suffers from a little problem."
Lara winced. "Okay, I don't want to think about it. What does the woman I leapt into look like?"
He reached forward and tugged the veil covering the lower half of her face aside.
"You're sharing a body with a gorgeous, dark-haired woman in a flowing red sari."
"I guess we aren't put into the bodies of certain people for a reason. We really aren't here to help troubled couples of the past find love, are we? Who we leap into is totally random and I was just wishful thinking that it might have a purpose." Reece glanced down at himself, but just as she could only see her real self, he would only see his own body, not his host's body. "It's not that bad is it?" She winced. "Yeah, it's pretty bad."
He grabbed his crotch to assess the damage. "They're completely gone?" She swallowed and nodded morosely.
He checked his nether region carefully and she averted her gaze so she didn't have to watch him inspect things she couldn't see.
"Everything feels normal," Reece said.
"Well, this guy is missing two very important parts."
"It's just wrong." He scowled, biting his lip. After a moment of staring at her, mortified, he said, "He's a eunuch? Are you sure?"
"I'm afraid so."
"This is a first," he said, hand returning to check for missing parts. "Did they take everything or just the testicles?"
"Well," she said, her face flaming. She coughed. "He still has his weeble, but the wobbles are gone."
"Not the woobles," he said, his voice cracking with distress. "I can't live in a guy without the woobles. Not even for three days."
She caught the smile he was trying to hide. Reece hadn't lost his testicles, but his host's body was seriously low on testosterone. Poor guy. "I think maybe you should take a closer look," Reece said. "Maybe his woobles are just in hiding. Perhpas he's severely dehydrated and they've shriveled to the size of raisins." She rol ed her eyes, but bent for a closer inspection.
"Careful," he said, "don't poke your eye out on the---what did you call it---the weeble."
She looked up at him, trying not to laugh. If he had a sense of humor about the situation, it was hard for her to stay out of sorts about it. She still had al of her girl bits.
At least, she thought she did. "They're definitely gone, Reece. No danglies at all."
"Lovely," he murmured. "And just when were to the part of our relationship that I might actually need them on a regular basis."
She nodded morosely. "I guess we'll just have to cuddle."
"Just to be clear, the rocket ship is intact, but the boosters are missing?" She lifted an eyebrow at him. "Right."
"I've got a piston, but no sparkplugs. A frank, but no beans. A stick, but no berries.
A noodle, but no meatbal s. A bat, but no---,"
"Reece. I think we've established that. Why are you fixating on this?"
"Because you're fixating on it, sweetheart, which means you can't see the real me.
You're hung up on pretty boy and his lack of what's hangin'."
"I'm not hung up on pretty boy or things that hang," she assured him, but he was right. She couldn't see Reece. She could only see pretty boy. This wasn't the way this was supposed to work. She should be able to see through the illusion and see the real Reece. She could hear him. Why couldn't she see him?
"Do you think I might borrow one of those layers of cloth you're sporting? I think this guy would prefer you weren't staring at his lack of woobles. He totally has a crush on you. Wel , the sexy woman you're occupying at the moment."
"He likes her? Romantically?" She gaped at him. Was it possible?
"Oh yeah. She makes him feel al tingly inside."
Maybe they were here to help this couple find love. There was more to love than the physical, though the physical was exceptional with Reece. Nervous jitters fluttered through Lara's belly. She hoped they could help this unlikely match. She'd felt good about helping Eirick and Helga become lovers during their first leap. It had felt even better to help Reg and Eleanor become man and wife in their second. Certain people were fated to be together. She believed that more and more with each leap through time. The instant Lara stopped worrying so much about the eunuch's equipment---or lack thereof---Reece materialized before her eyes. She grinned appreciatively. Much better. She'd have broken into a sweat at the sight of him, if she hadn't already been swimming in perspiration from the blazing heat.
She unwrapped her outer shawl and handed it to him reluctantly. It was easily over a hundred degrees on the baking sand, but it seemed a shame to cover up Reece's body, which had all the appropriate parts. Being naked suited him. And it definitely suited her. Reece wrapped the cloth around his torso twice and then up between his legs before tucking the end into the waistband he'd fashioned.
She grinned. "Nice MC Hammer look you've got going on there." He did an obscene gyrating dance, which drew a laugh from her. One of the things she loved most about the man was how quickly he could put her at ease and make her laugh. Even in bizarre circumstances such as these. She'd have suffered a mental breakdown by now if it weren't for him. Of course, he had a lot more experience with leaps through time than she did.
"Okay," Reece said, glancing around with a sudden seriousness. "Let's assess the situation here. Your clothing would lead me to believe that you're very rich." He took her hands and eased her to her feet. Dozens of golden bangles jingled together. "I mean, you're a walking jewelry store. Look at you. Mmm. Look at you." He stole a kiss.
"Which me are you looking at?"
"The good lookin' one."
She gave him a reproachful look.
He chuckled. "Don't tell me you're jealous of the foxy harem girl who hangs out with eunuchs."
She lowered her eyes. It was foolish, but she was jealous of the harem girl. Reece took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and urged her to look up at him.
When their eyes locked, he said, "I'm not looking at the harem girl. I'm looking at Lara Kensington and I find her body delectable, her face beautiful, her wit delightful, and her jealousy charming, though completely unnecessary." He kissed her lips again, very gently and then nibbled on the lower one before soothing it with his tongue.
"You think I'd be safe from this kind of assault when in the company of a eunuch," she said, ducking her chin to hide a grin.
He groaned. "Low blow, sweetheart."
"Can eunuchs get..." She glanced down at his crotch, now hidden behind a gauzy red cloth. "Can you get..."
"Get what?"
"Hard?" She glanced pointedly at his crotch.
"So you do want to have hot monkey sex in the sand. I was starting to worry that I'd lost more than my woobles."
She laughed. "Stop it. I'm serious. Can you?"
"I don't know. Why don't you see what you can do?" She took a step closer to him. Damn, he was hot. It was hot. The sun reflecting off the sand. Hot. Yeah. That's why she was on fire. Sure. Lara ran a hand down the muscled ridges of Reece's abdomen. Something in his improvised pants twitched.
"Is that a camel in your pants or are you happy to see me?" He laughed. "I don't think it's a camel. Might be a cobra."
"So you can get excited. Can you come?"
"Lord, I hope so."
"Me, too." She stepped away. They'd have to test out the equipment later. She was too feckin' hot to actual y consider sex. "So where and when are we? Any ideas?" He glanced around and then appraised Lara more closely. "Rich, gorgeous, young woman in the company of a eunuch out in the middle of the desert with no travel provisions. I think we're somewhere in the Middle East or northern Africa. There were eunuchs that served and guarded harem women during the Ottoman empire. Fifteenth through the nineteenth century."
"There were also eunuchs in India who served royal women." Being a history major finally had a useful purpose.
"You look royal, but not Indian. Maybe we're in Ancient Greece."
"In the desert? What are we doing out here in this wasteland with no provisions?"
"I might say we were out on a walk, but more likely we're running from something."
"Such as?"
"I have no idea, but at least we didn't land in the middle of a battlefield this time. It's a nice change of pace. It might be hot, but at least it's non-violent." A low rumble could be heard off in the distance. Lara glanced up at the sky, expecting thunderheads, but the only thing in the clear, blue sky was the blazing sun.
The sound grew louder. She checked the broken amulet around her neck, which hummed when it was activated, but it was silent. She tucked it inside her garments.
Reece pointed over her shoulder and she turned. A cloud of dust was heading in their direction. In front of the cloud was cavalry of Ottoman soldiers, recognizable by their distinctive tufted helmets.
"I spoke too soon," Reece muttered.
The cavalry drew to a halt several yards from Lara and Reece. One of the soldiers, likely the leader, urged his horse forward.
"You are lucky we found you, Princess Farima," the soldier said in Turkish.
Lara gaped at him. Even though she understood his words, because the body she shared ( Farima) understood the words, Lara couldn't think of a single thing to say. She was too busy staring at the broom-thing attached to his helmet. Did he just cal her a princess? Not as a sentiment or an insult but because she actually was a princess?
Whoa. Surely that had some perks. The knight moved his gaze to Reece. "What are you doing here, Nasir? I thought you accompanied Governor Ashar to Mecca."
"I was charged to protect the princess in his absence," Reece said in heavily accented Turkish. It apparently wasn't his native language.
The soldier didn't look convinced. "In the desert?"
"Wherever she happens to be at the moment."
"I guess it is up to the governor to straighten this out. You better hope your claims are true. If you kidnapped her---"
"He didn't," Lara insisted. "He was trying to convince me to return home." She knew it was a lie. She could feel Farima's upset, and her need to protect Nasir. While she couldn't read her host's thoughts, she could sense her feelings. Lara was certain the princess and the eunuch had been running away together. The guy must be a great listener or something, because there was no way he was any good in the sack. Seeing as he was completely lacking in the sac department.
"Let's go," the soldier said, and reached for Lara. "Your husband will return soon and will be upset to find you missing."
Husband? The princess had a husband?
But, but, but... what about Nasir?
She tried to catch Reece's eye, but he had his attention elsewhere. Mostly on the long spear aimed at his chest. When she was seated safely in front of the lead knight, Reece mounted up with another of the soldiers. The company turned and headed back the way they'd come. Within a mile of travel, a palace seemed to appear at the edge of the sand. Apparently, Farima and Nasir weren't very good at plotting escapes.
Lara knelt on a cushion at the feet of an elegant, middle-aged woman. She peered down her nose at Farima for a long moment and then released a weary sigh. "Farima, are you not happy here?" she asked.
Lara tried to analyze the feelings of the young woman she was sharing a body with.
No unhappiness. Mistrust. Fear. Lara had no idea who or what Farima feared---maybe the imposing woman staring down at her---so Lara merely shook her head. She'd learned in her last few leaps not to say things that might get her host into trouble. Or committed to an asylum.
The woman gnawed on her lower lip and stared at the tiled ceiling as if it held all the answers. "The caravan to Mecca is once again under attack and your husband must tend to that situation. He will deal with you when he returns. I do not have the energy for this foolishness, Farima. You are to be isolated in his chambers until his return. His other wives are demanding your death for betraying him. You will be safer away from the harem."
You don't say.
Lara bowed her head at the woman. The last thing she wanted was to be isolated from Reece. Wel , second to last. Being dumped in a harem with a bunch of wives who wanted her dead didn't sound appealing either. "My guard..."
"He will continue to protect you, so long as you do as you are told. Even though I am suspicious of Nasir, Ashar continues to defend you both and seems to think you are without guilt. My son does have a blind eye when it comes to you, Farima. He's so proud to have the sultan's favorite daughter as his wife that he can't see the dissention right under his nose."
Lara was having a hard time grasping the dynamics here. The palace belonged to her husband, who was a governor. She was a princess, not because she married him, but because she was the sultan's daughter. This woman was apparently her mother-in-law. She had no idea how Nasir, the eunuch, fit into this. He was her guard, yet he had some connection with her husband. She wondered how long Farima had known Nasir.
Was this a new love or one that had begun before she'd wed? And why did the harem women want her dead? Farima obviously wasn't happy here. Maybe she'd been trying to return home to her father and Nasir had agreed to help her. She had romantic feelings for Nasir. She felt that clearly. Farima loved Nasir. She also seemed to be worried about her husband, but was it because she cared about him, or because she was afraid of what he'd do upon his return? Lara couldn't tell.
This being dumped into a body without understanding the situation was more than a challenge. Staying quiet and being obedient seemed her best course of action until she had more information.
Lara squirmed upon the cushion before the imposing figure of her mother-in-law trying to come up with a safe thing to say. "I am sorry for running away. I was frightened." That felt right. She was frightened. And so was Farima. "I will do as you ask so long as Nasir is there to protect me."
"You should be honored that my son keeps you as his favorite wife. He has not visited the harem since you arrived."
That might explain why the rest of the harem women thought she deserved to die.
Lara nodded, keeping her head bowed and her eyes downcast.
"We are happy to have you here. This union forges a strong political connection between this state and the capital in Istanbul. A child will solidify that connection. I'm sure you understand why my son keeps you in his bed." So that's why she was married to this Governor guy. It was a political union, not one forged out of love. Lara felt a keen sadness for Farima. She had been used as a tool.
And at some point had fallen for Nasir, though she was married to another.
"Now return to my son's quarters. You are to stay there until you are directed elsewhere."
She nodded. The woman clapped her hands and a large, African man appeared at her elbow.
"Escort the princess to her husband's apartments," the woman said. "Be sure she does not get lost on the way there this time." She pinned the man with an icy glare.
"Yes, madam."
The man stood inches from Lara's elbow and guided her from the chamber and through the opulent palace without actual y touching her. He used his personal space to direct her through the maze of corridors. Lara gawked at the intricate tile work and the carved arches that supported the tall ceilings. Blue and green and white tiles formed beautiful, geometric patterns on every surface. They entered a set of pavilions and passed many beautiful women---most wearing near-transparent garments undoubtedly due to the oppressive heat, all sending hateful looks in Lara's direction. The fear she felt was not feigned. Her concern was real. These women wanted her dead. She could sense it. The governor was doing Farima no favor by picking her as his favorite.
They entered a final corridor and the man guiding her stopped outside a door. He bowed to her and then turned to face the other direction, obviously standing guard.
There was another African man on the other side of the double doors. She assumed these doors led to the apartment of Farima's husband. Lara pushed the door open, hoping she wasn't supposed to knock first. She wasn't sure what to expect, but the quarters were like a series of suites in a luxurious hotel. She wandered through the rooms, which were empty except for the occasional guard standing in the shadows. She found an enormous private bathing pavilion, lounging rooms, various bedchambers, and finally a large private dining room. Upon the low table, Lara found a banquet of fragrant pilaf, roasted meat---lamb perhaps---platters of sliced vegetables decorated with olives, arugula and feta cheese.
She glanced around nervously. Was this for her? She was hungry, but more than that, her tongue felt like a salted slug within her mouth. She could really use a drink.
Lara sat at the table and one of the servants fil ed her plate with food and her goblets with water and wine. One of the eunuchs stepped beside her and took a drink of her water before she could start chugging it down. He hesitated before reaching for her wine and sampling that as well. Lara was too stunned to cuss him out. What kind of rude person drank from another's glass? He then began tasting the food on her plate.
She could not believe his audacity until after taking a bite of every dish on the table, he nodded and went to stand by the wall again. She realized he was making sure she hadn't been poisoned. Heart thudding, Lara reached for her glass of water, watching to make sure the man who'd tested her food didn't start frothing at the mouth before she took a timid sip. Her thirst won in the end and she downed the entire glass before moving on to the heavenly smelling dishes on her plate. The exotic flavors delighted her taste buds and she sampled each available dish, deciding the pilaf was her favorite though the succulent lamb was a close second.
When she'd had her fil , she leaned back into the comfortable cushions and covered her belly with one hand. The dishes she'd been using vanished from the table within seconds, carried by a lovely dark-skinned woman dressed in little more than gauzy scarves. Understandable since air conditioning had yet to be invented. The young woman smiled at her with familiarity. Lara smiled back. Lara didn't know who the girl was, but Farima did. Lara could feel Farima's affection for the servant and her happiness at seeing her. Now full and no longer thirsty, Lara stood to wander the apartments. She was surprised when she found Reece standing before one of the bedchamber doors.
"What are you doing here?" she asked in a harsh whisper. He was bare-chested, wearing nothing but a pair of loose-fitting pants and golden bracelets around his nicely shaped upper arms. The right cuff drew her attention to the tribal tattoo on his shoulder.
She suddenly wanted to trace it with her tongue.
"Apparently, I'm supposed to keep an eye on a troublesome princess until her husband returns."
"Poor, Farima. I think she's in love with Nasir."
"What's not to love? A pretty boy with no nuts. Isn't that what every woman wants?" Lara slapped him in the arm. "Be nice."
She entered the suite of rooms that were to be hers. "You know, I could get used to a place like this if I wasn't treated like a prisoner in my own home."
"I was instructed to keep the other harem women away from you, never let you out of my sight and exist with you in seclusion. Apparently, this includes pampering you, bathing you and seeing you naked. Not a bad trade off for a slightly used pair of---what did you call them? Weebles?"
"Woobles," she supplied. "A bath does sound lovely. Those Vikings weren't the cleanest of people and that cold bath in England didn't do much for my hygiene either." She crossed the sitting room and opened a door, finding a bedchamber fit for a princess. The other set of doors led to the enormous bathing pavilion, which was empty at the moment.
"Yes," she sighed. She took several running steps towards the pool of water. She had a mind to jump into the crystal-clear water fully clothed.
"Allow me to assist you, princess," Reece said from behind her. The husky timber in his voice had various parts of her anatomy throbbing.
"Are you certain that's necessary?"
"One hundred percent certain. It is my duty."
He began to unwind the various red cloths from her body. Gold adornments jingled when he turned her to face him.
"And I thought you looked hot in that Viking dress and that wedding gown. This outfit will be the death of me."
"I think you should close your eyes until I'm in the water," she said, folding her arms over her bare midriff. "Farima is a married woman."
"Not a chance. Besides, I don't see her. I see you. And you are mine, Lara Kensington." He gently removed the bangles from her arms, her gold necklaces, anklets, and the belt with the coin-shaped, gold charms dangling from it. He removed the slender golden headband from her forehead and then moved closer to remove what little remained of her clothing.
"Are you sure this is appropriate?" she asked breathlessly.
"Don't interfere with my job," he said.
"I thought you were my guard."
"A guard with benefits."
He carefully pushed the transparent sleeves of her top down her arms. His hands skimmed over her skin as he drew her hands out of the sleeves and then moved to push the bodice down. His thumbs brushed over her taut nipples as he lowered the fabric to expose her breasts. Her body tensed and her knees buckled. She laid a hand on his arm to steady herself. She didn't try to stop him when he lowered his head and flicked his tongue over one eager nipple. She gasped with need. He dropped to his knees and ran his hands up her back, releasing the clasp of her top and letting it fall away.
She looked down at him to find him staring up at her. He smiled deviously and dipped his tongue in her navel. She gasped. His hands moved over her buttocks as he pushed her underclothes down. He slid his hands slowly down her thighs, her legs, and calves until she obediently lifted one foot at a time. He slipped off her slippers and the last shred of her clothes.
Her breath caught as she gazed down at Reece who was still on his knees between her legs. She buried her hands in his hair and subconsciously beckoned him closer. He leaned forward and nuzzled the thatch of hair between her thighs. His tongue darted out to sample the juices he found there. He ran his tongue along the inside of one swollen lip and then the other before offering a playful flick of his tongue to that glorious pleasure center in the middle.
"Reece," she gasped.
He moved away and climbed to his feet. "Time for your bath, princess." Her legs were wobbly, so she dared not take a step. Reece lifted her into his strong arms and headed for the enormous bath, which was more like a multi-tiered swimming pool. There was one large central pool, several alcoves along a high wall and three or four more shal ow basins that spread out along the far edge. Reece waded in, pants and all, and slowly lowered her into the cool water.
She gasped when the water washed over her. She floated lazily in his arms as he continued to wade through the waist-deep water. She couldn't fathom what an expense it must be to have such a luxurious bath in the middle of the desert. The palace must have been built around an oasis. They entered a smal alcove, where water poured into the pool from above like a gentle waterfall. He moved her so that her back was to the wall and the water was cascading over her head and shoulders, teasing her nipples, driving her to near madness. After the heat of the desert, the cool water felt like heaven against her skin.
Here in the semi-privacy offered by the high wall of the alcove, Reece kissed her with hot, reckless abandon. She opened up to him, and he explored the recess of her mouth with his eager tongue. She wrapped her legs around his hips, drawing his thick erection against the sensitive, throbbing flesh between her thighs. She was pleased to know that eunuch or not, Reece could definitely get hard. Rock hard. Lara cursed his pants, wanting him to thrust into her, to satisfy that aching emptiness within her she felt only he could fil .
She rocked against him, knowing only a layer of cloth separated her from what she ultimately wanted.
"Reece," she panted into his mouth.
He broke the kiss, breathing hard. His hazel eyes glazed with lust as he looked at her. "My God, woman, what are you doing to me?"
"Please," she whispered.
"Slow down, sweetheart. We should savor this. It's so peaceful here. We should treasure this alone time. There is no telling when we'll have such an opportunity again.
You know how these leaps tend to throw us directly into danger."
"I don't care," she said. "I want you."
"I want you, too, obviously," he said. "I promise I'll give you everything you want and more. Allow me to take my time with you. Make it special."
"Are you telling me 'no'?" she asked him in disbelief.
He ground his hard cock against her. "Does this feel like a no? I just want to do this right."
She nodded reluctantly.
He grinned. "I love you, Lara Darlene Kensington." She wrinkled her nose. "I told you my middle name?" He had spent a year with her in the future that she had never experienced. His history with her was long. Her history with him was nonexistent. He was always surprising her with little pieces of information he shouldn't know about her. Sometimes it was a challenge to get to know him because he forgot that she didn't know as much about him as he knew about her. He'd known her intimately before she'd ever even met him. It was al very confusing at times.
"It took quite a lot of sexual teasing to get it out of you, but I was victorious."
"That must have been some tease," she said.
"I'll give you a demonstration a little later." He eased away from her. "Stay here," he said. "I'll be right back."
She reluctantly released her grip on his hard-muscled body. "Where are you going?"
"I must give my princess her bath. I'd say that requires soap." She watched him wade across the pool. When Reece climbed out of the water, a flood poured from his pants and he had a major tenting condition at his crotch. Lara bit back a laugh and admired the transparent fabric clinging to his firm backside. He went to a cabinet and began tossing things into a large, tightly-woven basket. He returned to the pool a few moments later and waded back to Lara, floating the basket ful of various bottles and other items in the water beside him. When he reached the alcove, he hopped up on the edge of the pool and set his basin of toiletries next to him.
"Come here, princess," he beckoned.
She gave him a puzzled look, but approached him, putting a hand on each of his knees.
"Lower," he instructed. She squatted down in the water, eye to eye with the thick bulge in his pants.
"And what do you think I'm going to do down here?" she asked, licking her lips, eyes trained on his crotch. She wouldn't mind taking him in her mouth. Giving him pleasure was as much a turn on to her as it was to him.
"Oh God, Lara, don't look at me that way. Turn around." She offered him a puzzled look, but did what he said and turned to face the opposite direction. Reece's strong hands moved to her hair. He was soon working fragrant soap into her thick, curling locks, drawing sighs of content pleasure from her as his strong fingers massaged her scalp. After her hair was sufficiently lathered, he hopped back into the pool with her and moved her back under the flowing water, working the suds out of her hair. She stared up at his handsome face, her body thrumming with anticipation.
"I'm sufficiently seduced," she murmured as he leaned close to get the last of the soap out of her hair.
She pulled him against her and kissed him heatedly, rubbing her breasts against the crisp hair on his chest. He let her have her way with him, his hands moving to her buttocks and roughly massaging her cheeks together, exciting her in ways she'd never imagined. After a moment, she leaned back to catch her breath and he nuzzled her neck, dropping hot, wet kisses along her throat to her ear. He took the lobe in his mouth, sucking and nibbling it until she was gasping with need.
"Reece," she panted. "Reece."
"Hmm?" he murmured. The husky sound caused her to shudder.
"I want you," she gasped. "Now."
He chuckled. "Not yet. We need to shave you first."
"Shave?"
He nodded. "One of my duties as your guard, apparently."
"They told you to shave me?"
"A lovely, African servant woman said it was required of me." Lara wondered if it was the same she had seen in the dining room. "Wel , I wouldn't want to interfere with your job." She grinned at him.
"I thought you might cooperate." He moved her through the water towards the ledge he'd recently vacated. He set her on the cool marble of the pool and she nearly leaped out of her skin.
"I'm sorry, princess," he murmured, drawing her back into the water. "How thoughtless of me." He kissed her gently. "Forgive me?" She would have forgiven him anything at that moment. He pulled a cloth from the basin of toiletries and spread it on the ledge.
"Here. This should be more comfortable." He set her on the cloth and she looked down at him, wondering what he would do next. He dropped down so that the water almost reached his chin, took her foot and placed it on his shoulder. He began to apply a thick layer of lather from her ankle all the way to her hip. He then took a sharp blade and very carefully shaved her leg. She watched him, wondering why this was the most erotic thing she'd ever experienced. When he finished with the first leg, he smoothed his hands up and down over her slick flesh looking for spots he'd missed. He kissed the instep of her foot and went to work on the other leg. A kiss to the instep of her other foot, and her legs were silky smooth. Her eyes widened when his fingers tangled in the thatch of hair between her legs.
"This goes, too," he said, his voice a husky timber.
"What?" she gasped, jerking involuntarily.
"I was given instructions to shave al of your body hair. Hold very still," he whispered, lathering her pubic area now. "I prefer to be the only one of us circumcised." She dared not move as he shaved her mound. She wondered how she could be so daring as to allow it. This was up-close and personal to the extreme. They had been intimate on several occasions, but not this intimate. Broad daylight. His face even with her spread thighs. He could see everything. She watched him draw the blade over her throbbing flesh in careful strokes. When he'd finished, he rinsed the area careful y and then set his straight razor aside before lowering his head and suckling her fully exposed clitoris. A jolt of pleasure shot down her thighs and up her belly. She clung to his hair, her head tossed back in abandon as she involuntarily gyrated against his face. A climax gripped her within seconds, leaving her a quivering mass of languorous flesh.
"Feel better, sweetheart?" he asked her.
She looked down at him, thinking she'd never seen anything so sexy in her life as him gazing up at her from between her thighs, lips moist with her juices.
"A little," she breathed and smoothed his hair tenderly.
He grinned. "There will be more where that came from," he promised. "Come in here with me."
"I'd rather come with you in me," she said feeling incredibly bold.
He chuckled. "All in due time."
She slid into the water and leaned against him. These feelings of tenderness---love and also gratitude for temporarily satisfying her seemingly insatiable lust---were completely new to her. She never wanted her time with Reece to end. He simply held her gently for a long while, fingertips tracing a lazy pattern over the skin of her back.
"Reece, tel me how you first met me."
"It's not very romantic."
"I don't care. Tell me." She always felt like she was missing out on so much since she'd never experienced the year of her life that had led to her and Reece being engaged. Though that year didn't exist in Lara's memory, it did in Reece's. When he'd traveled back in time to save her from being murdered, he'd saved her life, but he'd robbed her of memories she was certain she'd have treasured. She wanted to know as much about what she'd missed as he would tell her. She felt cheated.
"Okay, I'l tell you, but you're going to be disappointed."
"I could never be disappointed in you," she said. When she looked up at him and smiled, his gaze shifted to the empty space behind her and he drew her against him more securely.
"You were looking to buy an artifact for your Ancient Egypt display case at the museum," he said. "You contacted me to see if I had anything unique. I brought some pieces I had for sale to your office. When I told you my price, you said I was trying to rip you off."
"Were you?"
He chuckled. "No more than anyone else."
"Then what?"
"We made a deal."
"What kind of deal?"
"I let you put my items on display in exchange for sex." She jerked away and glared up at him. "You're joking," she sputtered.
He laughed. "Ah Lara. The look on your face right now is priceless." She scowled.
"Of course, I'm joking," he said, hands raised in surrender. "It took me three months to get you to agree to go for a cup of coffee."
"I don't drink coffee."
"I wish I would have known that then." He winked at her. "I'd have asked you to join me for a hot cocoa."
She smiled. "That would have been tempting."
"I told you it wasn't romantic. Not like this."
"This is very nice," she admitted.
"Are you ready to finish your bath?"
"Depends," she said.
"On?"
"Are you going to get me all hot and bothered again?"
"I hope so," he said, lowering his head to nibble on her jaw.
"Then I'm ready."
"Princess Farima?" a feminine voice cal ed from near the doorway.
Lara pulled away from Reece. "I'm in the bath!" she called back.
She expected that to deter the tall, African woman she'd seen earlier in the dining room, but instead the woman removed what little clothing she wore and entered the bath as well. When she noticed Reece, or Nasir as he appeared to everyone in this time, she hesitated.
"Have you not finished the duties I assigned?" the woman asked.
"She's been completely shaven as you instructed. I thought I might wash the rest of her now."
"That is my job." She scowled at Reece and then took the soap from his hand.
"I'm already clean, thanks," Lara said when the woman began to rub soap over her back.
"You are so tense, princess," the woman said. She spoke Turkish in halting syllables. Lara decided she was a native of Africa and like Nasir, Turkish was not her first language.
"I am having a hard time relaxing," Lara admitted. She grinned at Reece, who was watching the woman's hands move over Lara's shoulders.
"Allow me to assist you." The woman moved to stand behind her. "I will make you feel nice." Lara and Reece exchanged nervous glances as the woman's soapy hands moved from Lara's back to her collarbones and then her breasts. When Lara started to move away, Reece shook his head sharply. Lara had never been touched by a woman and for someone whose job it was to wash her, the servant was certainly spending a lot of time rubbing Lara's nipples. Rolling them between her thumb and forefinger. Plucking at them. Soaping them again. Surely they were the cleanest---and hardest---nipples on the whole damned planet.
"I will help you," the woman said in a low purr in Lara's ear. "Relax, princess."
"Maisha, I'm fine. Really," Lara protested, but her host's body, Farima's body was eager to accept the woman's touch. It wasn't shocking or awkward, but rather routine.
Pleasant. Arousing.
Reece was watching the woman's dark hands move over Lara's creamy skin with a glazed look in his eye. Was this turning him on? To see her touched by another woman?
Maisha pressed her small breasts into Lara's back and Lara jerked. "Shh, my princess," she crooned, stil rubbing Lara's breasts. Lara didn't think there was soap involved at this point. Reece's hands moved to cover Maisha's and their combined hands massaged Lara's suddenly aching breasts. She wasn't sure when this experience had gone from awkward to arousing, but she stared into Reece's eyes and leaned back against Maisha as they stroked her skin. Lara's breathing quickened as the pair plucked at her nipples and then their hands moved lower, over her belly, her hips.
Someone's fingers brushed her clit and her knees buckled.
"Almost, princess," Maisha said. "Relax. Al ow us to ease your tension." Reece lowered his head to suck Lara's nipple, while several sets of fingers stroked her clit, her labia, the opening between them. Lara clung to Reece's hair as she Maisha's hand brought her to quickly orgasm. Lara shuddered in bliss.
Her entire body went limp and the pair sandwiched her between them.
"Feeling better, my princess?" Maisha whispered into her ear.
Lara couldn't form a coherent thought, much less a word.
"I think she needs another one," Reece said.
"She has had a stressful day," Maisha said, a hint of humor in her husky voice.
"Do you ever pleasure your princess with your mouth?" Reece asked.
Lara stiffened and her eyes widened. She couldn't believe he would ask the woman that.
"Almost daily," Maisha said.
"But not today?" Reece pressed.
"Wait," Lara said.
"You are here today, Nasir. Otherwise---"
"Don't allow my presence to interrupt your routine," Reece said.
"Nasir," Lara warned.
"Come, princess," Maisha said, wrapped one graceful arm around Lara's waist and pulled her towards the steps of the bath.
"Yes, princess," Reece said, with a grin, "come." Maisha spread a cloth on the top step and then moved Lara from the water to lie on it. Her feet still in the water, resting on the second step, Lara opened her legs and the lovely black woman moved between them, gazing at Lara's pussy as if it were a delicious feast. It felt so normal, which Lara could only attribute to Farima's ease. She wasn't sure why she wasn't completely freaking out. Apparently the princess must be pleasured by this exotic and lovely servant woman on a regular basis, because Lara felt no nervousness, no disgust, no reservations when the woman's soft hands began to stroke the insides of her thighs until she couldn't have closed her legs if she wanted to.
And she didn't. Reece seemed more than eager to watch another woman pleasure her.
It was probably one of his grandest male fantasies---watching two women make love.
Maisha massaged Lara's swollen labia with her thumbs, working the flesh with a touch that made Lara's pussy seep with excitement. Maisha flicked her tongue over Lara's clit, in a technique much different from Reece's. Lara's back arched as orgasm approached quickly. Damn, the woman knew exactly how to make her come. Maisha's massaging thumbs dipped into Lara's pussy and Lara let go. Lara was still shuddering when Maisha began to clean up her flowing juices, first with the flat of her tongue and then a gentle sponging that squirted cool water inside her stil clenching pussy.
"Are you relaxed now, my princess?" Maisha asked.
"Yes," Lara murmured hoping that would deter the pair of them from deciding she needed another orgasm to relax her. Not that she was complaining, she just wasn't sure if she could handle another one at the moment.
"I think a nap will do her good," Reece said. "The desert heat was taxing on her." No, the three orgasms within an hour were taxing on her.
Reece climbed from the water and wrapped Lara in the drying cloth she was sprawled across. He lifted her into his arms.
"Let me know if you need any help with her, Nasir," Maisha said with a calm smile.
"I'll keep that in mind," Reece said.
Lara had been kissed, towel dried, kissed some more and was now lying face down across her soft, silken bed. The smooth fabric rubbed against her skin, making her acutely aware of her shaved mound. She'd never completely shaved it before. It felt so exposed. So open. So needy. Reece straddled her thighs and worked scented oil into the skin of her back. This was a thousand times better than a day spa. Being bathed, given multiple orgasm and now a sensual massage from the sexiest man who'd ever lived. What more could a girl ask for? Reece had the perfect touch for this, firm but not harsh. Her muscles felt like well-worked clay.
"I think I could handle living like this every day for the rest of my life," she murmured. "Best leap ever. Let's stay here forever."
"You're not upset about Nasir's lack of weebles anymore?"
"Apparently you don't need them to give me pleasure."
"But what about my pleasure?"
Lara lifted her head to look at him. "Oh baby, I'm sorry. You must be suffering."
"Oddly, I'm not. I've been hard for quite a while now, but my nuts don't ache at al ." Lara cringed. "That makes me feel even worse for you. Is there something I can do for you? You've been pampering me for hours."
"You could agree to marry me."
"I thought I already said yes in the future," she said.
He was quiet for several minutes, his hands unmoving on her lower back. "But you don't remember it," he said quietly.
"Then tell me about it."
He sighed and dumped more oil on her lower back. "I've been thinking. Maybe it's best to make new memories. Ones we both remember." He leaned over and kissed her shoulder. "What do you think?"
She glanced at him over her shoulder. "I think that's a good idea." He smiled so brightly her heart faltered. "So, you'll marry me?"
"Hmm," she said. "Keep doing what you're doing while I think it over."
"Tease," he accused, shifting back and kneading her lower back again.
She sighed contentedly. His hand moved lower, caressing her buttocks now, thumbs rubbing erotic circles along the cleft between the gently rounded cheeks. Lower still, until his thumb brushed over a circle of puckered flesh and she tensed.
"Easy," he whispered, lowering his head and drawing his tongue over the same area.
She groaned. Was that supposed to feel that good? No one had ever done that to her before. She lifted her hips off the bed and he suckled her sensitized flesh until she cried out. He kissed his way up the center of her back and she felt him hard and ready against her thigh.
"Are you ready for me?" he whispered. "I don't know if I can come, but I do know that I have plenty of sensation in my cock."
She strained against him, wanting all of him. Now. He bent one of her legs to give himself better access and then slowly entered her from behind. There was an explosion of pleasure between her legs and she cried out.
"Ah, Lara," he whispered and withdrew before thrusting into her again.
His arm wrapped around her waist, his fingers moving between her thighs finding the bit of flesh that gave her the most pleasure. He stroked her as he thrust into her, and she was crying out his name within seconds, quaking and quivering, sobbing with ecstasy as she rubbed her face against the covers beneath her.
"Are you okay?" he asked, giving her no reprieve even when the aftershocks of her climax settled. He was still stroking her, stil thrusting into her with perfect rhythm. The pleasure was building again already. "Do you want me to stop?"
"God, no," she breathed.
He didn't listen. He withdrew completely and crawled to the head of the bed.
Confused, she lifted her head to watch him. He took a mass of pil ows and propped them against the wall before sitting comfortably among them. "Come here," he beckoned. "We'l find your spot."
"My spot?"
He nodded. "You'll like this."
There was more? she thought. Impossible. She crawled towards him, her damp hair caressing her shoulders as she approached.
"God, you look hot, sweetheart," he growled.
He took her by the waist when she was within reach and moved her to straddle his lap. He guided himself into her again and she sat down, taking him deep. He planted his feet on the bed and she felt his thighs against her lower back.
"Lean back," he whispered.
"What?"
"I've got you. Lean back."
She leaned back against his thighs, and he steadied her with one hand. "Now, work your magic."
She began to move. Her head fel back, her hair tickling her back and brushing against his thighs as she buried him within her time and again.
"Not quite," he murmured, shifting his hips slightly.
He rubbed something inside her just right and she cried out.
"There it is," he said, "your spot. Take it as far as you can."
"Oh, Reece," she cried. "Right there. Yes. Oh, yes." She was riding him hard and he watched her, letting her get as close as she could on her own.
"Faster," she panted, moving faster against him. Something was building.
Something different than on the other occasions. And then it stopped building and stayed just beyond her reach.
"Let go, sweetheart," he said. "Just let go."
"I can't," she whispered, frustrated with her body for withholding her pleasure.
"Lara, don't hold on. Let go."
She concentrated on the aching sensation deep inside. Wanting the pleasure it hinted at. Needing it. Everything but that sensation drifted away and she rubbed the head of his cock against that spot inside until she finally let go. A spasm gripped her so hard that her legs buckled and she col apsed. Pleasure unlike anything she could have even imagined coursed through her body and she shuddered against Reece, her mind going numb to everything but the bliss. Reece's fingers gently stroked her bel y as she slowly drifted back to reality. Oh my... She was nearly unconscious when Reece rolled her onto her back.
"That's my lady's favorite spot," he whispered before he took over to find his own pleasure. She watched him through half closed eyes as he thrust into her repetitively.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he concentrated on finding his release, his jaw-length hair sticking to the side of his face. He bit his lip, fingers digging into her hips as he rocked against her, grinding into her deeply before withdrawing. He groaned a protest against his own motion before thrusting into her again. He paused, grinding against her and holding himself deep. He urged her thighs further apart and pushed deeper stil . Her back arched and he gasped as he slid deeper still. He held that position for a moment, gently rocking his hips, savoring the joining of their bodies as if reluctant to separate from her deepest recesses for even a second. He withdrew slowly and pressed deep again, and then found a steady rhythm of penetration and withdraw. She watched his face, fascinated with expressions of ecstasy. His mouth fell open as his thrusting intensified---faster, deeper, harder. A muscle at the corner of his eye twitched and then when she was starting to wonder if he'd ever be able to let go, he shuddered, his breath coming in sputtering, jerky gasps. He opened his eyes to find her watching him and a moment of intense connection---both physical and emotional---passed between them before he collapsed on top of her.
"So you can come," Lara said, stroking his hair gently.
"Thank God," he whispered. "Took long enough. I never thought I'd get there." She kissed his temple and stroked his hair tenderly. "I didn't mind." He chuckled, warm breath tickling her ear. After several moments, he rol ed off her and collected her in his arms. "I told you that you had a spot." She chuckled, drowsily, her heart warm just because he was near. "I'l never doubt you again."
Reece moved from the bed, allowing Lara to sleep. It would be a bad situation if they were caught together---a princess and a eunuch guard. Apparently, Farima belonged to another, but Reece felt that she and Nasir had been intimate on more than one occasion. He just wasn't sure if that intimacy had occurred before or after her marriage to a powerful governor. Reece bent over the bed and kissed her shoulder, before he covered her with a sheet. He was fairly certain that Maisha knew Nasir and Farima were lovers, but wasn't sure if anyone else did. He had to protect her. Those were his feelings as well as Nasir's. He definitely saw eye to eye with his host in that regard.
Lara smiled in her sleep and nuzzled her pillow.
He watched her, guilt churning in his gut. He'd told her that a religious cult had been responsible for her murder in the future. Not his stupidity. He knew he should tell her the truth, but didn't want to risk losing her. Not when things were going so perfectly between them. If she knew that he was responsible for her death, she'd never trust him again.
She might stop loving him. He couldn't abide the thought. Even though it was what he deserved.
His pants were still damp, but he retrieved them and put them on. He then went to the bathing pavilion and cleaned up the items they'd used. He found the amulet amongst her discarded clothes and put it on. They didn't want to lose it. They had to stay ahead of Carl. In addition to wanting to return Lara to the present to meet her destined demise, Carl was certain to tell her all the things Reece wanted to hide. And not just how he'd unthinkingly activated the amulet and inadvertently offered her as a sacrifice, but other unforgivable things in his past. Things he wasn't proud of. Things he wished had never happened. Reece rubbed his face with one hand. If only he didn't feel so damn guilty for lying to her in the first place.
He heard a thud come from the princess's bedroom and then a scream that was quickly stifled. Reece's heart froze in his chest. He was running before the shock had even registered. The ebony-skinned man straddling Lara's body on the bed had one had wrapped around her throat; the other held a knife poised over her chest. Both of Lara's hands were gripping his wrist to keep the blade from plunging into her heart as she tried to suck air beneath her assailant's hand. Her arms trembled as her strength waned. The knife inched downward. Reece barely had time to register the man's serene expression before he sprang onto the bed and kicked the assassin in the side of the head. The man fel sideways and tumbled to the floor, but quickly climbed to his feet, shaking his head to clear his senses.
Reece reached for Lara. "Are you okay?"
"Look out!" she screamed.
Reece moved just in time to avoid a heavy fist to the side of the head. He used the momentum to drive a punch into the other man's stomach, catching him off guard, and then took the attacker by the back of the head and drove his face downward onto his knee. The man fell to the floor unconscious. Reece bent down to take the knife from the man's hand. He was sorely tempted to shove it between his ribs, but he no longer solved his problems that way. Not since Lara had come into his life.
Reece went to check on Lara who was sobbing uncontrol ably. She crashed into his chest as she sought comfort. He drew her near, stroking her soft hair.
"He tried to kil me," she gasped. "He was so strong. I couldn't stop him."
"You're safe now," he said, dropping a tender kiss on her forehead. She'd almost been killed right in front of him. He hugged her. He could not al ow anything to happen to her. He wouldn't be able to live through her death more than once.
The man on the floor groaned. Reece released Lara and kicked the man in the ribs.
He then put his foot on the man's throat. "Who sent you to kil Farima?" Reece asked, his voice only half as cold as his heart felt at the moment. He leaned forward, putting more of his weight on his foot. The man choked. "Tell me who sent you." There was a flash of metal, and Reece expected the knife the man had been hiding to end up through the instep of his foot, but instead the assassin stabbed himself through his open mouth and into his own brainstem. He went limp, instantly dead.
Lara screamed. Reece stepped away from the dead man on the floor and pulled Lara from the edge of the bed, dragging her to the far side of the room. She clung to him, sobbing against his chest harder now than before. He held her against him, murmuring soothing words under his breath, until several guards entered the room.
They took in the scene before them and one of them raced out of the room, apparently to find additional help. Two of the guards checked on the dead assassin. Another approached Reece.
"Is the princess safe?" the man asked.
Reece nodded. "Just frightened and maybe a little bruised." The dark man nodded. "That man is one of the Kadins' eunuchs," he said. "I'm certain the governor will wish to speak with his mistress." The Kadin. The first wife of a harem. Was that who was threatening Farima? The governor better do more than speak to her or Reece would take matters in his own hands---assuming history al owed him to intervene. He knew from past experience that he couldn't change history even if he wanted to. At least not in a way that would have an effect on the future. Reece nodded again. "I'd like to take the princess away from this room until the body is removed. Perhaps there is a different room she could use that has a bit less blood on the floor."
"The room next door is vacant," the man said.
Reece lifted Lara into his arms and carried her out to the bathing pavilion before entering the neighboring suite. This one was just as opulent as the first. Reece carried Lara to a divan and set her down. When he stood to retrieve a sheet to wrap around her nude body, she clung to his hand.
"Don't leave me alone," she pleaded.
"I won't let you out of my sight," he promised.
She reluctantly released his hand and he hurried to retrieve a cover for her before returning to the divan. He took note of the darkening marks on her long neck. If the bastard hadn't been dead already, this sight would have driven Reece to murder.
"Hold me, Reece," she requested.
He gladly complied, sitting next to her on the divan and pulling her into his arms.
"Why did he do that? Why did he kill himself?" she asked.
"I'm certain his punishment for trying to assassinate you would have been death. He chose his own death rather than reveal who sent him to kill you."
"Why would anyone try to kill me?" she asked.
He stroked her back soothingly. "A harem is a scary place," he murmured.
Lara was glad that Reece didn't leave her side for the rest of the day. Even when Farima's mother-in-law came to speak to her about the incident, he refused to leave the room. Rather than be angered by his behavior, the governor's mother seemed pleased that he was so dedicated to the princess's well-being. As night approached, a meal was brought to Farima in her room. One of the eunuchs tasted all of the dishes before leaving her alone with Reece to eat. She insisted he sit down and eat with her. He complied, but warned her of the possibility of someone entering the room and seeing he had the audacity to dine with royalty. She didn't care. Her feelings for Reece were growing stronger with each passing moment they shared. Farima loved Nasir just as much. Lara wanted the couple to be together even if it meant the end of a politically motivated marriage. They needed to find a way to be together. Just as Reece had found a way to be with her after he'd discovered her murdered in that parking garage.
"Try some of this," she said, placing a bite of perfectly seasoned pilaf on his tongue.
"It's good," he said, watching her while he chewed. That look. She knew what it meant. It didn't take a second for her thoughts to fol ow his towards the more physical expression of their growing love.
"I'm feeling sort of dirty," she whispered, glancing up at him. "Do you think you might help me through another bath?"
He grinned, and her heart skipped a beat. "I think I can handle that." She smiled and ate another bite of pilaf savoring its perfectly seasoned flavor.
Reece placed a hand on her lower back, soothingly stroking her bare skin beneath her clothes.
"I'll probably need another massage to relax me as well," she whispered.
"Not a problem."
"And I'll want you to make love to me, of course."
"I aim to please," he whispered. He kissed her gently, and she opened her mouth, pulling him closer. His fingers found the tip of her breast and stroked her pebbled nipple until she cried out with need.
"I'm feeling very dirty right now," she said, standing up and abandoning their meal.
She led him to the bath. There were a few torches lighting the bathing pavilion but the main source of light was the moonlight streaming through the arched doorways on the far side.
"I'm so glad Farima's husband has a private bath," she murmured, standing still as Reece's hands moved to remove her clothing.
"Are you sure about this, sweetheart? You've had a pretty traumatizing day." He swept her top aside and it dropped to the floor.
"I'm sure," she whispered. Every inch of her thrummed with longing for him.
He bent his head and flicked her hardened nipple with his tongue before drawing it into his mouth and sucking. She clung to his shoulders, her knees going weak. He rubbed the surface of his tongue over her nipple and then lifted his head to kiss her eager lips. His fingers brushed feather-light over the skin of her lower back as he molded her body to his. The crisp hair on his chest teased her breasts. The evidence of his excitement pressed against her lower bel y robbed her of all remaining strength.
"Reece," she moaned into his mouth.
He drew away and looked down at her. "Is now a good time to tell you how I feel about you?"
She stared up at him, her heart drumming. Shadows obscured his expression. He lifted one hand to touch her face. She couldn't have responded if she tried.
"I'll wait then," he said. He unfastened her pants and moved away to draw them down her trembling thighs.
"Don't wait. Tell me. Say it as often as you like," she gushed.
He smiled. "I want to be with you always. No matter where. No matter when. I love you, Lara."
"I love you, too."
"That's good," he said. "Sex is so much better with the one you love. You showed me that."
"Show me."
She wondered if things had always been like this between them. Had he always made her feel like a vessel of smooth, melted chocolate? Like there was a fire beneath her, turning her boneless, making her feel like she was the most delectable object on Earth. He was so familiar with every inch of her body, as if there was some Guide to the Many Erogenous Zones of Lara Kensington available at local bookstores. Reece's personal y autographed copy was dog-eared, with highlighted passages, notes in the margins, and sticky notes marking the best parts. He sank to his knees and lightly stroked the backs of her knees with his fingertips while he kissed trail along the inside of her thigh.
"Reece," she whispered. "How do you make me want you like this?" He chuckled. "I was well-trained."
He blew a cool breath across the moist flesh between her thighs and she shuddered.
"Remind me to send your teacher a thank you card."
"Save yourself a stamp and just pat yourself on the back, sweetheart. Are you ready for your bath?"
"We could skip the bath and go straight to the love making." His tongue swiped across her swollen clit before he stood. She collided with his chest, cupping his face in her hands as she kissed him eagerly. She wasn't sure when he'd removed his pants, but the smooth skin of his erection rubbed against her belly.
She moved her hand to run the length of it. He gasped into her mouth and she smiled, glad he was as affected by her as she was by him. She stroked the engorged tip of him with her thumb, encouraged by the bead of moisture she found there. God he was hard, and big. She couldn't wait until he filled her again. She moved her hand to the base and gently scraped her nails across his sac. She suddenly found herself in the air and moving towards the water.
"Enough of that," he growled. "I won't last ten seconds if you keep that up." She chuckled and gasped when he set her in the cool water of the bath. He sat her on a set of steps, the water lapping against her waist. He settled between her thighs, holding himself up with an arm on either side of her body. She opened her legs to him, eager to accept him into her body. He merely stared down at her, his eyes drifting to her breasts and then back to her face.
"You are the most beautiful woman who ever lived." He kissed her and pushed forward, seeking entrance into her hot, swollen core. Her hands eagerly moved between them and guided him home. She sheathed him as if she'd been made specifically for him and rocked her hips forward to drive him deep. He lifted her against him, driving himself deeper stil and her head fell back in undisguised bliss as he waded into deeper waters. When they were hidden in the alcove where the water trickled into the pool, he pressed her up against the wall, al owing the water to cascade over her skin. He thrust into her slowly at first and then faster, driving her to a state of pleasured delirium.
"Reece," she gasped. "Reece!"
"Shh, sweetheart," he whispered. "They'll think someone is trying to murder you again."
She couldn't help it. His hands gripped her buttocks, his fingers brushing against a part of her she'd not even realized held such erotic delight until he'd shown her earlier that day. When he pressed a fingertip into the puckered opening, the dam holding back her pleasure burst. She cried out as her body quaked with release.
"That's my kinky, girl," he whispered, sucking her earlobe into his mouth as he continued to assault her senses in a most delectable way. "Do you like my finger in your ass?"
"Yes," she admitted breathlessly, groaning when he pressed deeper.
When her body stopped convulsing, he drew away. She knew he had yet to have an orgasm of his own. She wondered why he didn't seek his own release. Reece shifted her to the edge of the pool, where earlier he had set her to shave her legs. He turned her to face the ledge now and moved behind her, he brushed her hair aside and kissed her neck before his fingers found her nipples. He plucked them, exciting her with his harsh touch as he had with the gentler one of before. She could feel him seeking entry again and she arched her back to ease his way. He slid inside her after several failed attempts and she squirmed her hips to accept him deeper. His hands glided over her rib cage and gripped her hips beneath the water, lifting her feet off the floor of the pool as he pressed forward. When he was fully inside her, he shifted his fingers to her clit and rubbed her there until a second climax enthral ed her. She gripped the edge of the pool straining against him as her sheath tightened around his cock in spasmodic waves.
"I never understood men who don't take the time to bring their woman to orgasm," he said. "They can't possibly know how good it feels to have this wonderful sensation pulling at their cock. There is nothing like it." The husky timber of his voice made her tremble deep inside.
He thrust into her hard, ruthlessly. She strained against him, wanting him to never stop. Every sensation was adding to her pleasure, the lap of the water against the tips of her breasts, the scrape of the hair of his legs against the back of her thighs, the fingers of his left hand digging into her hip, his other fingers persistently stroking her clit, the cool marble against her hands as she held her position to accept his vigorous thrusts. His breaths became shaky as he moved closer to climax. She let the sound wash over her, her only regret was that she couldn't see his face when he finally let go.
A thrill of delight snaked down her spine, and then her third climax gripped her. She cried out in surprise and shuddered. Reece groaned in the same instant. The magic of the moment was intense as pleasure carried them away together. Lara'd had no idea that she was multi-orgasmic. Or maybe Farima was the lucky one and Lara was being taken along her path of easy bliss.
Reece leaned against Lara's back and she went limp in the water. The water supported their weary bodies as they slowly drifted back to Earth from the stars. His arms moved to circle her waist, one hand palming her breast as he cuddled up against her back.
"You're amazing," he breathed.
"Me? You're the amazing one."
He chuckled. "Yeah, well I try to please my lady. It's in the job description." He planted a gentle kiss on her shoulder.
"Your lady is definitely pleased," she murmured lethargically, "though I'm not sure you've correctly interpreted that job description. Not that I'm complaining." She could feel his smile against her shoulder. "It only took three orgasms to get you to admit you're my lady."
"I hope that doesn't mean you're going to stop working as hard to please me."
"Now I'l work even harder to keep your interest."
"No wonder I feel in love with you," she murmured. "It was definitely for your body and not for your lame jokes."
"Whatever works, sweetheart. Whatever works."
Reece was dozing in a collection of soft cushions beside Lara's bed when a eunuch brought their morning meal into the room. Reece watched through hooded eyes as the man set the platters of flatbreads, feta cheese and vegetables on the slab that served as a table. The man kept glancing over his shoulder at the sleeping princess and then her guard, whom he apparently assumed was also sleeping. His nervousness was apparent, which certainly raised Reece's suspicions. When the man moved to leave, Reece cleared his throat.
"Aren't you going to taste each dish?" Reece asked.
The man started and spun around, his dark eyes locating Reece, who was lounging comfortably among the cushions.
"I did, sir," the man said.
"I must have missed it. Perhaps, you should try it again."
"I assure you this food is safe for the princess."
"Then you'll have no problems consuming some for your own pleasure, with me watching, natural y."
"I assure you this food is safe," he said. He bowed and headed for the door.
Safe, my ass! "Where are you going?" Reece asked, climbing to his feet.
"I must bring the morning meal to the others," he said.
"You're not the same man who brought Farima's food yesterday." Lara was stirring. "Nasir," she murmured, rubbing her face drowsily and, he couldn't help but notice, looking irresistibly sexy, as usual. "What's wrong?"
"Go back to sleep, Farima," Reece said, crossing the room to stand in front of the door. This man was not leaving until he tested the food with Reece watching. "I have everything under control."
The eunuch surprised him by shoving him to the side and running out the door.
Reece shouted, "Don't eat the food, Farima," before he ran after the eunuch.
The man would have been an Olympic class sprinter in the 21st century. He raced far ahead of Reece, turning corners with the precision of an Italian made sports car.
Darting around pil ars and rushing through common areas that were empty at this early hour, the gap between them lengthened with every step. Reece pursued him, half his mind back with Lara, whom he'd left alone. What if someone decided to attack her in his absence? Or if she didn't heed his warning about the food? The man Reece was chasing ducked around a corner. Reece fol owed. When he turned the corner, the man was gone. Reece drew to a halt, breathing hard. He concentrated on quieting his breath so he could listen for receding footsteps or any sound that might alert him to the other man's hiding place. Reece glanced back down the corridor, his fear for Farima tangible.
He needed to return to her at once. He turned to go and caught a movement out of the corner of his eye.
He sidestepped just in time to miss the downward thrust of a knife. Who would have thought that a harem would be one of the most dangerous places he'd ever visited?
Reece ducked and kicked the man in the knee in the same motion. As planned, the man's knee buckled, and he staggered, but did not go down. Reece stood, looking for his next opening. The African man lunged at Reece, swinging his blade in a wide arch.
It slashed Reece across the chest. Deep enough to bleed, but not enough to kil .
Praising his martial arts training, Reece side-kicked the man in the side and then, while the man's concentration was broken, roundhouse kicked him in the jaw, knocking him to the ground. Reece would have kicked him in the balls to keep him down, but, well, a eunuch didn't have any.
On impact, the knife flew out of the man's hand, slid across the floor, and disappeared in the shadows. Reece, bent to force the man back to his feet. Sweat made the wound on Reece's chest sting, but he was too hyped on adrenaline to feel much pain. The man struggled to free himself from Reece's grasp, but a forearm to the nose settled him down.
"Who is trying to kill the princess?" Reece asked in a cold voice. When the man refused to speak, Reece slammed him into the wall, with his forearm pressed hard into the man's chest. "I'm only going to repeat this once. Who is trying to kil Farima?"
"I will not answer any of your questions," he said.
"Perhaps counsel with the governor will loosen your tongue. Or with her father, the sultan."
"I will taste the food now to prove to you it is not poisoned."
"You most certainly will not," Reece said. "I want answers, not your death."
"Is there a problem here?" a feminine voice said from behind Reece.
He glanced at the woman behind him. She was very beautiful, wearing next to nothing, and commanded an unmistakable authority.
"I believe this man was trying to poison Princess Farima."
"The best way to test your theory is to have him taste the food he has purportedly poisoned," she said.
"I offered to do so," the man said.
"Well, there you are," she said, "Problem solved."
"No," Reece said. "The problem is not solved. If he tastes the food and dies, we won't know who sent him to kil her and if he doesn't die, then I'm hard pressed to explain why he ran away like that and attacked me with a knife." The woman's cold eyes roved over Reece's chest. "You should have that wound looked at."
"The princess's safety is more important than my own."
"Depends on who you ask," she said and turned to leave, walking in graceful steps, hips swaying with practiced seduction.
Reece watched her suspiciously until she vanished around the corner.
"Who is that woman?" Reece asked.
He should have been paying attention to his captive. An elbow connected with his temple and he lost consciousness.
"Nasir," a gentle voice drifted down from above him. Reece pried his eyes open, but a brilliant flash of light made him groan and close them again. A relieved sigh graced his ears. "Open your eyes, Nasir. Please. Say something."
"Farima?"
"I'm here," she said, and gentle fingertips stroked his hair. "I want you to open your eyes and look at me."
"Don't eat the food," he murmured. "It's....poi...poisoned."
"I didn't eat it," she assured him. "Can you open your eyes for me?" He forced his eyes open and the beautiful face of Princess Farima swam in his vision before his gorgeous Lara appeared before him.
"What happened?" she asked.
"I think I saw the woman who is trying to have you killed."
"Who?"
"I don't know. One of the harem women." He sat up, groaning in protest. They were in the corridor where he'd been knocked unconscious. "What are you doing out of your room?"
"I came to look for you. When you didn't return, I got worried."
"Someone could have hurt you." His head was throbbing unpleasantly. He touched his left temple and flinched.
"I'm fine. You're the one who's been hurt. You're bleeding and you have a huge bruise on the side of your face."
"I'll be okay."
"Let's go back to the room and get you cleaned up, then we can talk to the governor's mother and see if she can do anything about this."
"I wish your husband would return," he said. He leaned heavily on her as she helped him to his feet. "I know that is strange, but I don't think they'd be as likely to hurt you with him here."
He was still a little wobbly. Lara wrapped his arm around her shoulders and supported some of his weight as they made their way back to the room.
"Somebody real y hates me," Lara said, frowning.
"It isn't you, sweetheart. No one sees you when they look at you, except me."
"Reece, will we ever get our lives back? Be ourselves? I don't real y care when I live, and seeing different times and places is exciting, but I would like to be me, not someone else."
Reece sighed. "I don't know. I really wish we had the other half of the amulet.
Maybe we could get it to work the way we want it to, instead of being at the mercy of these random leaps."
"So why don't we set up a trap for Carl? We could get the other half of the amulet from him and see if we can return to our time."
"Too risky," Reece said, heart thrumming. He didn't even want Carl to breathe near Lara. If he told her what he knew about Reece's past or that he had been responsible for her death, she'd never forgive him. He couldn't stand to lose her. Not when they were growing so close.
"We can't leap through time forever," Lara said, "and how else are we going to get the other half of the amulet? I don't think Carl is going to hand it over just because we want him to."
"I'll think about it. Carl's no push over."
"Well, neither are you," she said, her fingers gently tracing the unbroken skin above the gash across his chest. She grinned up at him. "Don't you know better than to bring a fist to a knife fight?"
He chuckled, sending a spear of pain through his skull. "I've been to a lot of dangerous places in my travels, but I don't think I've had this many malicious attacks on my life before. I never would have guessed there was so much danger in a harem."
"Well, at least your wounds don't seem to jump through time with you. That bruise you got jousting is gone."
"Yeah, but poor Reg still has to contend with it. On his wedding night."
"He'll probably be able to suffer through it."
Reece laughed and then grimaced in pain. "Sweetheart, would you mind not making me laugh? It hurts."
She examined the wound across his chest more closely. "This looks pretty deep.
You might need stitches."
"I wonder if the eunuchs have a physician."
"I'll ask Farima's mother-in-law. She seems trustworthy to me." When they arrived back at the room, the food that had been set out for the princess's breakfast was gone.
"Covering their tracks, I guess," Reece said.
"Lie down." She directed him over to the bed where he col apsed.
"I'll go get my mother-in-law."
"No!" he protested. "You aren't going anywhere without me. Just let me catch my breath and I'll come with you."
"Don't be ridiculous. You're injured. I'll be fine." He struggled out of the bed and back to his feet.
She tried to reason with him. "What good will you be to me in this condition, Nasir?" She glanced around warily and leaned closer to Reece to whisper in his ear.
"Someone's in here with us."
"How do you know?"
"Try to cal me Lara," she whispered.
"You know I'll protect you, Farima, even if I have to die to do so," he declared loudly.
"You're right," he whispered.
He wobbled around to the back of the bed where there were draperies hanging from the wall. He pushed them aside cautiously. There was no one there. Lara's heart thudded in apprehension, eyes searching the room for potential danger. A movement in the drapes surrounding the doorway to the bathing pavilion caught her attention. Reece saw it, too. He raced across the room and grabbed the figure behind the curtain by the arm.
There was a startled cry as a smal girl was pulled from her hiding place. Lara clutched her chest and let out a relieved breath. The girl's large brown eyes overflowed with tears and she let out an anguished wail. Reece released her as if she were hot to the touch.
Lara approached her and squatted down to the child's level. She couldn't have been more than seven. "Are you hurt?" she asked the girl. When the girl cried louder, Lara turned her head and scowled at Reece. "You scared her."
"Why were you hiding in there?" Reece asked harshly.
The girl rushed two steps forward and threw herself against Lara. Lara hugged her instinctively.
"Do not cry," Lara murmured to the girl. "What are you doing here?"
"Someone said you were dead."
"Who said that?" Reece asked.
The girl shook her head vigorously, her dark brown locks tumbling about her shoulders. "I don't know."
"Was it a man or a woman?" Reece demanded.
The girl flinched and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Please answer, Nasir," Lara said gently. "I enjoy living very much."
"Both." She glanced up at Reece, her gaze fixating on the wound across his chest.
"Why are you bleeding?"
"He was protecting me," Lara told her. "Can you go get your grandmother and bring her here?"
"And the healer, too?" she asked, seeming excited to be asked for help.
"Yes, the healer, too," Lara said, hugging the girl again. "Thank you for looking out for me."
"I want to help you. No one helped my mother when father was away." Lara released the girl and she dashed from the room. Lara moved to help Reece back to the bed.
"I wonder what happened to her mother," he murmured.
"Nothing, good. I'm sure of that. You don't look well," Lara told him.
"I don't feel well," he admitted. "I don't think they will al ow me to continue to be your protector if I'm wounded."
Her heart thudded to a stop before racing in her chest. "We can't be separated. We must be together to leap. We have less than two days remaining."
"I'll try to think of something. I'll try playing down my injuries, so try not to act too concerned for me when the healer arrives."
"Who said I was concerned for you?"
He collapsed on the bed and she grabbed a sheet to cover him. She spread it over him carefully, wincing when her eyes fel on the wound across his chest. The bleeding had almost stopped. She wondered how much blood he had lost. She touched her fingers to his forehead, finding his skin slightly warm to the touch.
He chuckled. "You're obviously not concerned."
Her eyes met his. "You look pale," she murmured.
"I'll be okay," he promised.
She kissed his brow. "You'd better be. I need you." He grinned. "It only took a knife wound to get you to admit that." Voices were approaching. She straightened and moved away from the bed, hoping her worry wasn't as obvious to the others as it had been to Reece. She caught herself wringing her hands and dropped them to her sides just before her mother-in-law entered the room with the young girl and an older woman carrying a satchel. The healer went to Reece, while the governor's mother went to Farima.
"Are you injured, child?" she asked, taking her wrists and holding her arms wide to look her over.
"No, Nasir protected me well."
"Safiye said he left you alone while he ran out of the room," she said disapprovingly.
"You were here when the poisoned food was brought in?" Lara asked.
Safiye nodded.
"So you know who it was?"
The girl lowered her eyes. "Roxelana's servant."
Farima's mother-in-law, Khadija, huffed an angry breath. "I should have known. She was married to the governor just before he glimpsed beautiful Farima and he promptly forgot Roxelana even existed." She smiled at Farima. "He has always been an intelligent man. Knows what's best for our territory."
"Roxelana must care for Ashar, if she is willing to kil me to have him," Lara said.
"No, like most of Ashar's wives, she thinks she will gain power by heading the household. They cannot offer him what you offer him, Farima. He is wise to choose you.
I will see that Roxelana is properly punished."
A grunt of pain drew Lara's attention to the bed. Wincing, she glanced away when she saw that the ancient healer was stitching Reece's wound, obviously without the benefit of an anesthetic.
"Ow, lady, take it easy," Reece complained.
"What say you?" the doctor asked, looking puzzled.
"Be gentle."
The doctor made a sound of annoyance. "Are you a man or a woman?"
"Obviously neither," he said. "I'm a eunuch."
Khadija laughed, and then turned her attention back to Farima. "He has been Ashar's favorite companion since childhood for a reason."
"If he is to remain Farima's personal guard, he will have to be clean shaven," the healer said. She was about half way through stitching the wound on Reece's chest already, her nimble fingers neatly laying the stitches that drew his broken flesh together.
Reece rubbed his smooth face. "I shaved this morning." The doctor chuckled. "Nice try, Nasir. You know what I mean. We'll have to remove your penis."
"Whoa!" Reece jumped out of the bed, yanking the needle and thread out of her hand. It dangled from the wound, needle swaying in front of him. He covered his crotch with both hands. "I think you're asking a bit much of him. Of me!"
"There must be some other way," Lara said, biting her lip to keep from laughing.
The horrified expression on Reece's face was priceless. Not that she blamed him. She could only imagine how traumatizing the idea would be to him or any man.
Khadija spoke. "You know only clean shaven eunuchs are al owed to serve the harem women."
"But it will cause him pain," Lara said.
"Yes," Reece agreed, his voice cracking with anxiety. "It will cause me pain." The doctor pulled a sharp knife out of her bag. "Not the way I do it." She approached Reece, brandishing her knife.
For an injured man, Reece moved spryly. He retreated to the far side of the room, looking for an escape option. "I think we need some time to consider this."
"Talk some sense into him, Farima," Khadija said. "I would feel better if he was there to protect you. My son trusts him, so I know you can trust him as well."
"Yes, Khadija," Lara agreed. "I will try to make him see reason." Though it was an entirely unreasonable request.
Reece was shaking his head back and forth in denial, eyes fixated on the doctor's knife.
"Come, Safiye, let's leave these two to talk and allow the healer to finish," Khadija said. She held a hand out to Safiye, and the child rushed forward with a bright smile.
She smiled up at the woman with unmistakable adulation. The matriarch was a bit abrasive, but her granddaughter obviously thought the world of her.
"Put the knife down," Reece said to the healer. "You're supposed to be fixing the holes already in me, not making new ones."
The woman put her knife back into her satchel. "Let me know if you change your mind," she said to Nasir.
"I know my fifth appendage does not have much of a purpose, but I am rather attached to it."
Khadija chuckled again and took Safiye's hand. "I'll send my personal servant with some breakfast for you, Farima. Make sure he tastes everything before you eat."
"Yes, I will."
Once Khadija had left with her young granddaughter, Lara busied herself with combing her hair, trying to ignore Reece's occasional grunt of pain as the doctor finished her work. Soon, a breakfast was set on the table in the room. Lara watched while the eunuch, who was one who'd led her through the palace the day before, tasted a sample of each dish before serving a plate to her. She sat down to eat, while Reece endured his treatment. Lara dined on flat bread and feta cheese. Olives and slices of cucumber. Some fish she didn't recognize but enjoyed.
"I suggest you have something to eat and drink plenty of fluids before you rest.
Dimitri will watch over Farima while you nap. Do not shirk in your duties too much," the healer said, "or you'll find yourself cleaning up after horses."
"Thank you, madam," Reece said. He rose from the bed and collected a plate from the table before moving to a divan across the room to dine.
Lara wished they were alone so they could eat together, but she understood why he was being precautious. Dimitri waited until they had finished eating before clearing the table.
"I will be back shortly and Nasir can leave to take a break in his own quarters."
"I want him to stay here," Lara said. "He's the only one I really trust." Dimitri nodded and left the room.
"You don't really think I should entertain having this guy giving up his wiener for this princess?" Reece said as soon as they were alone. "I mean helping control the pet population is completely understandable, but this is ridiculous. Don't you think he kind of needs it to go to the bathroom at the very least?"
"It should be his decision, no ours. What do you think he wants to do?" She stood up from the table and went to sit next to him on the divan.
"He'd do anything to stay with her," Reece said. "Anything. Frankly, I think the guy is nuts."
Lara laughed. "Is it possible for a eunuch to be nuts?"
"That's enough out of you, Miss Kensington. Give the guy a break."
"How about I give you a kiss, instead?"
"If you insist."
She kissed the corner of his mouth. "How's your chest?"
"And that's another thing," he said. "The guy risks his life for their princess and they don't even numb the area before they start sewing him back up."
"Did it hurt?" she asked, tracing the large white bandage across his chest with one finger.
"What do you think?"
"Poor baby," she murmured and kissed him again. "Even if they aren't grateful, I am."
"Sweetheart, don't get me excited. That eunuch guy is coming back and if he sees me in this condition, they'll cut it off just for the hell of it." Lara glanced at the tent in his pants wondering how he could be so easily excited.
"Maybe they'll just tie a string around it until it falls off." Reece covered his ears with both hands. "La la la la la. I can't hear you."
"I'm just teasing you," she said. She placed a hand on his crotch and looked up into his eyes earnestly. "I've seen what you can do with this. I'd never want anything to happen it. Go take a nap so scary eunuch Dimitri can leave us alone and we can make out."
"I'm not sure if that's safe."
"What? Napping or making out?"
"Being alone with you."
She chuckled. "I'll stop threatening Nasir's manhood if it makes you feel better."
"If he feels the need to have it removed, he can wait until I'm long gone. I'm all for new experiences but I have to draw the line somewhere."
"Where's your sense of adventure?"
"I left it in my other pants."
She laughed and hugged his arm. "Come on, my brave hero, let's get you to bed. I'll behave myself doing whatever bored harem girls are supposed to do in their free time.
A nice leisurely bath, perhaps."
Reece stretched out on the divan and closed his eyes. "I'm sleeping. I'm sleeping," he said. "Please wait until I wake up to take your bath."
"Very well," she murmured. She stood and leaned over to kiss his forehead. "But only because you said please."
When Reece opened his eyes again, the sun had set. Candles and torches kept the room well-lit. He lifted his head and lowered it again when he noticed Farima sitting in pile of cushions beside the bed. Maisha stood behind her waving a fan to keep her princess cool.
Reece reached for a cup of water sitting on the floor beside the divan and downed it in three thirsty gulps. He set the cup on the floor and lay back down. He was stil a bit woozy, but feeling much better than he had before his nap.
"Did you sleep well?" Farima asked.
No signs of Lara. She was solidly Farima. Reece wondered why. Had something happened while he'd been asleep?
Reece yawned and stretched his arms over his head. "Yes. I'm not a very good guard. Sleeping on the job."
"I watched our princess," Maisha said. "Had she been in any danger I would have awoken you immediately."
"I am glad she has a trustworthy friend in you," Reece said.
Maisha lowered her eyes. "Friend? I am but her slave." Farima reached up and took Maisha's hand. "But you are my friend, Maisha. I love you. Since the moment you came to my father's palace." Maisha released a shuddering breath. "Oh princess, I love you more than life. As a friend. As a lover."
Perhaps this was why Lara was incognito and Farima was running the show.
Watching the two women make love would be hotter than hel . Reece's cock stirred to attention at the mere thought. Nasir was definitely in agreement. The man was surprisingly randy for a guy with no balls.
"Show her how much you love her, Maisha," Reece prodded. "I'm not sure she understands."
"I give her body pleasure many times a day. How can she not understand?"
"Perhaps she thinks you do it out of duty and obligation, rather than out of love." Maisha moved to kneel before Farima. "Is that true, princess? Do you not understand I am making love to you when I give you pleasure?"
"I do understand, Maisha. I want to speak to my husband about offering you your freedom. My father would never al ow it no matter how I pleaded, but I think Ashar might be more agreeable." Farima smiled and cupped Maisha's lovely face in one hand.
"Would that please you? To be free?"
Maisha reached for the waistband of Lara's pants. "It matters less to me than pleasing you, princess. I am so full of love at the moment. I want to share it with you."
"I'm full of love, too," Nasir said. "Bring her to bed. Let's give her pleasure together." Reece allowed Nasir free will, knowing that he'd feel like he was cheating if he made love to Farima while Lara was not visible to him. Even though she was sharing a body with Farima, it wasn't her in spirit, so it wasn't her. Now if Lara made an appearance, he'd be al over that, but until then he was content to observe.
"Allow us to please you, Princess. We will give you much pleasure," Maisha said.
Farima rose to her feet and took Maisha by the hand to draw her upward as well.
She touched Maisha's lovely face and stared into her dark eyes. "Kiss me," Farima said.
"Kiss..." Maisha's breath caught. "For so long I have wanted to kiss you, Princess." When exotic Maisha claimed Farima's mouth, Nasir groaned. He climbed from the divan, slightly unsteady on his feet and moved to stand behind the only woman he'd ever loved. He cupped her breasts and rubbed his already hard cock against her ass as he watched the two women kiss. "I'm glad I'm not the jealous type," he murmured into her ear.
Farima lifted a trembling hand to stroke the pointed tip of Maisha's high breast. The woman shuddered and tore her mouth away from Farima's to gaze at her. "You would give me pleasure?" she asked.
"I want to give you much pleasure, Maisha."
"Are you going to taste her?" Nasir whispered in Farima's ear.
She nodded slightly.
Nasir felt a tightening between his legs. As if he had balls. He'd been feeling a bit odd the past day. It was almost as if he wasn't in control of his own body at times and he'd always loved Farima, but not with this al -encompassing need. They made love on occasion, but never alone.
Farima took Maisha's hand and led her to the bed. Nasir followed, anticipation making his mouth water. The two beauties stretched out beside each other and embraced. Maisha cupped Farima's face with absolute tenderness and kissed her.
Nasir wanted to kiss her too. The only thing more arousing than watching Farima make love with a beautiful woman was making love with her himself. He stretched out behind Farima and trailed kisses over her shoulder. His hand circled her body to cup her soft breast. Maisha's nipple brushed the back of his hand. Nasir lifted Farima's breast to gently rub her pink nipple against the other woman's darker areola.
"Take her into your mouth, love," Nasir whispered into Farima's ear.
"I've never done this before," she whispered. "With Maisha, I've always been on the receiving end of pleasure."
Maisha kissed her forehead tenderly. "If you do not wish to---" Farima silenced Maisha's words by pressing her on to her back. "But I do wish." She slid down Maisha's body and extended her tongue. When it brushed Maisha's breast, the woman jerked and then gently stroked her lover's hair, her back bent to offer her flesh willingly.
Watching Farima tentatively flick her tongue over Maisha's nipple had Nasir's cock engorged to near bursting. She sucked one nipple in her mouth and Maisha moaned.
Nasir cursed under his breath. If watching Farima suck Maisha's breast had him this aroused, what would it be like to watch her use her mouth between Maisha's legs? He waited patiently while Farima kissed a trail down Maisha's slightly rounded belly. She continued downward and nipped the woman's shaved mound with her teeth. The three of them shuddered with excitement.
Farima pressed Maisha's thighs open and the scent of her sex---her excitement---
urged Nasir to move down Farima's delectable body. He watched her mouth move against Maisha's slick, reddened flesh for a moment and then he continued lower to position his face between Farima's legs. She groaned and bucked against his face as he suckled, licked and kissed her hot flesh.
Maisha screamed when she came, "Yes, Princess. Oh I must be a dreaming. Yes!" Farima lifted her head. "Nasir, I want you inside me." He gasped in anticipation. "Yes, Princess."
"Maisha, you will suckle me at the same time."
Nasir loved everything about this woman. He sent a silent word of thanks to her for knowing what she wanted and being unafraid to ask for it.
"Lie on your back, Nasir. Are you ready for me?"
"What do you think?" he said in a low growl. He moved up the mattress and turned onto his back. His cock pointed at the ceiling. Farima wrapped her hand around it and it twitched excitedly.
"Help me get him harder," Farima said to Maisha.
Harder? There was no way he could get any harder. Or so he thought before the two women began to flick their tongues over the head of his cock.
"Oh, nice," was the best he could come up with as the pleasure overwhelmed him.
When Farima was satisfied with his condition, she moved to straddle him. Maisha took his cock in her hand and rubbed it over Farima's clit before guiding it into her body.
Farima sank down on his cock and then leaned back, giving Maisha access to her clit while she rode him slowly. Maisha wiry hair brushed Nasir's lower belly as she bobbed her head with Farima's motions, suckling her princess's clit as requested. He watched Farima's face as she was taken to new heights of ecstasy. When Maisha's tongue moved to stroke Farima's pussy as it engulfed his cock, Nasir shuddered.
"That feels amazing," he said breathlessly.
"I crave her taste," Maisha murmured and licked Farima's fluids from Nasir's cock.
When Farima sank down to take Nasir deep again, Maisha shifted her attention to Farima's clit once more.
Farima shuddered with release, crying out in ecstasy.
"I see my wife has been well attended in my absence," a deep voice said from beside the bed.
Lara's heart stopped for several seconds. She slowly turned her head to look at the tall, good-looking man standing beside the bed. She half expected him to draw a sword and kill Farima, Nasir and Maisha in a bloody show of jealousy, but he merely smiled.
"Sorry I interrupted," he said. "Please, continue."
"Ashar, she has just claimed her pleasure if you would like to take her now," Maisha said.
"I'll take her just before the next one," he said and took a seat on the divan next to the bed.
What in the hell? Lara looked down at Reece and they stared at each other in question. Why did her consciousness decide to take charge at the most awkward moments? She'd been enjoying Farima's pleasure second hand, which was not as good as making love to Reece, but it allowed her to experience things she might never consider trying on her own. Now she was in a very compromising position. Did she stop or continued making love with Reece in front of Farima's tall, dark, and surprisingly gorgeous husband?
"Nasir," Ashar said. "Have you spent yourself already?"
"No, sir," Reece said.
"Possess her from behind."
Farima's husband was going to sit there and watch another man fuck her?
Seriously? What kind of orgies did these people engage in?
"Maisha," he murmured. It was the only instruction she needed. Maisha rose from the bed and knelt before the governor. She started to remove his clothes while Lara and Reece stared at him with wide eyes.
"I'm sorry," Ashar said. "Was I unclear in my instructions?"
"No, sir," Nasir said.
Nasir gently lifted Farima from his lap. His cock fel free of her body. He settled her on hands and knees and knelt behind her. Lara's entire body was trembling. She glanced over at the governor and found Maisha sucking his massive cock. Lara had never seen such an enormous cock before and it continued to grow at the persistent tug of Maisha's lush lips.
"Open her for me, Nasir. I'm almost ready. You always make her so wet." Always? Lara swallowed hard. So this was a normal thing in their bedroom? Reece slid into her body again. His thrusts were deep and rhythmic. He ground his cock into her in such a way that made her tremble. Lara had to wonder if Reece liked to perform in front of an audience. He was definitely getting into it. Lara was too self-conscious to relax. She turned her head to look at Farima's highly unusual husband. He had an excellent physique. Thick waves of black hair tumbled forward to surround his deep brown eyes as he enjoyed the pleasure Maisha's mouth gave him. His cock was ful y engorged now, veins strained against the skin. Lara began to rock back against Reece, suddenly craving Ashar's thick cock inside her. That had to be Farima's desire coming through, because Lara was in love with Reece. She couldn't possibly want another man inside her, no matter how beguiling she found his enormous cock to be.
The governor patted Maisha's shoulder and she moved to the bed. Lara's hips buckled when Maisha's seeking fingers slid over the slick flesh between her legs. Reece sucked an excited breath between his teeth as the woman's hand brushed his cock as it plunged into Lara again and again.
"Almost," she said to the governor and moved her fingers to Lara's clit.
Trembling uncontrollably, Lara knew she was calling out more loudly with each thrust, but she'd lost herself in an ocean of bliss where logical thought was abandoned.
"She's ready," Maisha said.
Lara groaned when Reece jerked away. An instant later, Ashar's massive cock slammed into her. If she hadn't been so wet and excited, it would have hurt, but since she was, it made her come. She screamed as her orgasm rippled through her pussy and womb, sucking at the huge cock pounding into her relentlessly. Al the strength went out of her arms and she collapsed, her face pressing against the bedding. Hands dug into the cheeks of her ass, holding her hips up as Ashar continued to drive into her.
"I know it hurts, my love. Almost done," Ashar said, "and then Nasir will bring you pleasure again."
It didn't hurt. Lara wondered why he thought that. Yes, he was huge and fil ed her beyond capacity, but she liked it. She began to move against him, urging him to take her faster. A finger slid into her ass. A mouth sucked at her breast. The heel of someone's hand ground into her clit in deep, rapid circles.
"Maisha, keep Nasir hard," Ashar said.
Lara lifted her head and watched Maisha's lips approach Reece's cock. "I want to do it," Lara gasped. "Let me."
Maisha and Nasir both looked to the governor for approval.
"If that's what she wants," Ashar said gently. "Maisha, help me climax. Farima's tender flesh can't take much more of this."
That was a lie if ever Lara had heard one, but something made her hold that thought. Perhaps it was because this arrangement allowed Farima to keep Nasir and Maisha as lovers as well as her well-endowed husband. What a little minx. Not that Lara blamed her. With a few less sensibilities and a little more time to adapt to the idea, Lara would have considered three magnificent lovers a blessing.
Lara reached for Reece, wrapping an arm around his hips to move him closer. He stroked her hair lovingly as she sucked his cock.
"Easy, love," Ashar said, "Do not make him come. He stil has work to do after I have finished."
Lara tilted her head to gaze up at Reece and found him grinning at her indulgently.
She was glad he wasn't jealous of Ashar. Instead he seemed committed to this unusual sexual partnering.
When Ashar finally let go, he held himself buried deep inside and groaned in bliss.
His cock jerked violently within Farima as he spent himself. He remained deeply buried until he went soft.
"Clench for me, Farima," he murmured, stroking the length of her spine with a loving touch.
Clench? When he started to withdraw slowly she realized he wanted her to tighten around him as he pulled free. He sucked a breath through his teeth as he moved out of her body. His fingers col ected the fluids that dribbled free. He did his best to return them to her tender pussy.
"Nasir, keep my fluid inside her," Ashar said. "We want her with child this time." Reece careful y turned Lara onto her back. He stared down into her eyes as he slowly slid into her body. She flinched. Okay, so she was a bit sore. She'd had sex more often the past few days than her entire life put together and Farima's husband had a cock not only long, but thick in girth.
Ashar stroked Farima's hair tenderly. "I'm so sorry I hurt you, my love. I tried to hurry."
"It's not so bad," she murmured.
"If I were a stronger man, I could resist your al ure." He kissed her and then turned his head and kissed Nasir. Not a brotherly kiss. One that involved plundering lips and tongue.
Lara watched with wide eyes as Reece kissed him back.
Okay. So much for getting used to the kinkiness in this bedroom. Lara prayed for Farima to take charge again. She was three seconds from total y flipping out.
Mouth still tangled with Ashar's, Reece's hips began to move as he slowly slid in and out of Lara's body. Ashar drew away and cupped Reece's cheek. His thumb skimmed over his flesh as he gazed at the younger man with obvious love. Lara knew Ashar saw Nasir when he looked at Reece, but she didn't. She saw him looking at Reece like he was succulent piece of prime rib he was about to devour. Too bizarre.
She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that when she opened them again, she'd see Ashar lusting after someone other than the man she loved.
"We are lucky to have found her, Nasir," Ashar said. "One who loves us both and accepts our love for each other."
She cracked an eye open just as the pair of handsome men turned their heads to gaze down at her. She was too stunned to respond. Ashar and Nasir were in love?
What in the hell? Just when she thought she had this complex situation straight in her head, someone threw her for another loop. So was this thing with Farima just a cover for their homosexual relationship?
"I will return in a while," Ashar said. "I've been informed that one of my wives has threatened you, wife." He kissed her and she was too slow to avoid it. "You are the only woman I need, Farima. I may have to disband my harem. It would save me many headaches." He kissed Nasir/Reece again. Deep, familiar, all-encompassing kisses.
"Treat my wife gently while I'm away. Give her untold pleasure." Reece nodded in agreement. Ashar climbed from the bed and slipped into his clothes. "Maisha," he said, his voice commanding. The beautiful woman climbed from the bed and dressed. The two left Nasir and Farima to enjoy that requested untold pleasure.
Reece waited until they were out of earshot before scrubbed his mouth with the back of his hand. He lowered his body over Lara's and murmured into her ear. "What in the hel just happened?"
"I'd say Ashar is not going to want Nasir to be clean shaven." Reece shuddered. "He kissed me. On the fucking mouth." Lara wrapped her arms around him and rubbed her nose against his jaw. "You kissed him back."
"No. Nasir kissed him back. He even likes this sloppy seconds stuff. It turns him on to have his dick coated with some other guy's come."
"Well, he loves him, doesn't he?"
Reece lifted his head to stare down at Lara. "Yeah. What about Farima? Is she just fucking her husband out of duty so she can keep Nasir or what?" Lara shook her head. "She loves both of them. And Maisha, too. What about Nasir?
Is he with Farima just to cover up his relationship with Ashar?"
"That doesn't make any sense. Maybe if just Ashar were having sex with her, but they both are. Talk about oversexed. I'm surprised the woman can walk." Lara laughed. "She knows how to get what she wants. Everyone is fal ing all over themselves to please her."
"Is that why you want to stay here forever?" Reece asked.
Lara shook her head. "This bed is a bit too crowded for my tastes. I prefer it this way. Just the two of us."
"But you'll suffer through this marathon sex with multiple partners for Farima's sake?"
Lara chuckled. "If I must. I wouldn't want to change history or anything."
"And it has nothing to do with her husband's monster cock?" Did Lara detect a hint of envy there? She hugged Reece with both arms. "I like yours better. His is waaay too big. Yours is only much too big." She knew a man in need of a stroked ego when she saw one.
"So it was painful?" he asked. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head. "Not really. I'm a bit tender because he's so rough, but I don't think it's been painful for Farima since their first time together. She's hiding that from her husband so she can keep Nasir."
Reece chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "Our princess is spoiled, isn't she?"
"Not as much as I am." She kissed the tip of his nose. "I get you. The real you. Al to myself."
He smiled and kissed her tenderly. "For that, I'm going to teach Farima's husband how to fuck her properly. Sheesh. He looked like he was trying to hammer a stake into you."
"If Ashar doesn't think he needs Nasir to please his wife for him anymore, will he send him away?"
"I doubt it. Did you see how happy it made him to share his lover with you?"
"His lover..." Lara's eyes widened. "Are you going to have sex with Ashar?" Reece shook his head. "No. No way. No chance in hell. While I'm in this nutless body, its only preoccupation is with you. If Nasir wants to bone Ashar in my absence, and for fuck's sake he does, that's his business."
"Oh," she said, feeling somewhat disappointed and not sure why. She was going to blame Farima for that feeling, since it had no business in her head. Why would she want to watch Reece get it on with that sexy hunk of a governor? She wouldn't. Though watching them kiss had been pretty hot. A bit unexpected, but hot.
"You want me to?" he asked with a stunned expression.
"Of course not," she said. "Not if it makes you uncomfortable."
"It definitely makes me uncomfortable."
"Then concentrate on our oversexed, spoiled-rotten princess." His slow, steady strokes became harder and faster. "That I can handle. Just keep looking like you, if you would please."
Reece held a sleeping Lara in his arms when Ashar returned to the room. Ashar removed his clothes, which made Reece cringe inwardly, but the man he currently possessed had a different reaction to Ashar's naked body. Nasir's ass tightened with need as he thought about being held face down and fucked. Ashar climbed into bed beside Reece and he forced himself not to tense as the powerfully built man moved up against him.
"How is your wound?" Ashar asked, his commanding voice somehow gentle. His finger traced a trail just below the row of stitches on Reece's chest. He kissed his col arbone which sent conflicting feelings of heebie-jeebieness and tenderness through the body controlled by two very different men.
"It will heal," Reece said.
Lara sighed in her sleep and her fingers clenched against Reece's belly.
"I should have never left," Ashar said. "Roxelana doesn't dare defy me, but when I am absent she forgets her place."
"Why not just send her away?" Reece asked.
"It will make me look weak. As if I have no control over my household." Ashar shifted his hand to Lara's hair and stroked it tenderly. Reece knew the man saw his wife, Farima, when he gazed at Lara like that, but it didn't make it any easier to watch him touch her. "Did you please her well?"
"I believe so." Reece hesitated for a moment, watching the attractive man beside him caress the silky skin of Lara's back. Farima's back. He mustn't let himself forget that or he'd go mad with jealousy. "Why do you drive your cock into her delicate body so forcefully?"
Ashar lifted an eyebrow at him. "You never complain when I drive it into you, Nasir." Reece recognized that predatory look on Ashar's face for what it was, but he was not going to succumb to the man. He had no interest in experiencing what it was like to be the bottom in a homosexual experience, thankyouverymuch.
"Yes, I like it," Reece forced himself to say, "but Farima is a woman. She needs a more delicate hand." Was he really going to give this guy pointers on how to fuck his woman properly? Reece didn't even know what Farima liked. But Nasir did...
"You offer her the delicate hand I cannot," Ashar said. "Or have you grown weary of pleasing her for me?"
Reece shook his head. "No, I will never grow weary of pleasing her. I love her."
"You do?"
Reece nodded. "Yes. I would do anything for her." That wasn't a lie. "She told me that it does not hurt much when you possess her. You are just a bit too rough. If you'd try a different position and be gentler..."
"I can't come when I'm gentle, Nasir. You know that. And my reason for keeping her in my bed every night is to get her with child not please her. That is a duty for you and Maisha."
Was he serious? His only reason for making love to this amazing woman was to impregnate her? "You don't love her?"
"Yes, I love her. But I love you more."
When he shifted to try to claim Reece's mouth in a kiss, Reece ducked his head and clutched his chest if his stitches were bothering him. As much fun as he'd been having on this leap when he and Lara had been alone together, he was one hundred percent ready for Carl to show up and get him out of this uncomfortable situation.
"Maybe if we try some new things, you'll be able to come without hurting me," Lara said to Ashar. Reece hadn't realized she was awake.
"We can try," Ashar said. "Nasir is weak from his injury. I do not think he will last through our usual five sessions."
Five sessions? Holy fuck, who the hel was this guy? And how could Farima not already pregnant with sextuplets? Or maybe the five sessions was the problem. How many sperm cel s could one man make in a day?
"Perhaps you should allow her to ride you," Reece said. How about day after tomorrow when we've moved on to our next leap? he wanted to add.
"You know she gets frustrated when she can't make me come," Ashar said.
"Can she make you come face to face?"
Ashar shook his head.
"Standing?"
"We've tried every position. I only come quickly when I take her from behind. Just as I take you," Ashar said.
This time when he grabbed Nasir for a passionate kiss, Reece didn't see it coming and was unable to avoid it. It seemed the guy was much more interested in getting it on with his eunuch than his wife.
"You don't need to come quickly," Lara said, wrapping an arm around Ashar's neck and saving Reece from further tongue kisses. Ashar was going to figure out something was up when he discovered Reece was in no way sexually excited. "I would like to see how long you can last if you try not to come." Reverse psychology? Did that work on bal s?
"But wife, I need to fil your body with as much of my seed as possible." Lara's eyes darted to Reece's as if he might save her from being subjected to multiple doses of this guy's seed.
"If it takes you longer to find release, you should produce more than usual," Reece said, hoping the guy would fall for it.
"I will?"
Reece nodded. Lara nodded as well. The governor shrugged. "I guess it is worth trying. We've been engaging like this every night since we wed two weeks ago and she still isn't with child."
Only two weeks? How quickly did expect to get her pregnant?
"When did I last have my menses?" Lara asked.
"We wed the day after it ended," Ashar said. "You know that."
"Yes, how could I have forgotten?" Lara said. "How do you know I'm not already pregnant?"
"I will know when my child is conceived," Ashar said with conviction. "I always know."
"How many children do you have?" Lara asked.
"Seventeen. But yours will be the most important. The most cherished. And a male child. I need an heir." Ashar rol ed onto his back. "We will try this Nasir's way tonight, my love. Make me hard."
Reece's entire body tensed when Lara slid down Ashar's body, her mouth seeking his semi-erect cock. He breathed an audible sigh of relief when Farima's consciousness took over and his beautiful Lara went into hiding. It had been hard enough for him to watch Ashar fuck Lara, Reece wouldn't have been able to stand watching her suck some other man's cock, even if it wasn't really her body that was involved. Reece felt himself losing his grip on consciousness as Nasir decided to take the upper hand.
Reece became an observer and instead of control ing what Nasir did and said, he could only watch and feel.
Farima's timid mouth was slowly gaining a response from Ashar's cock. It rose marginal y until Nasir grasped the base in a firm grip and it leapt with excitement. Nasir stroked the shaft while Farima sucked the head.
"He needs a firmer touch, Farima. You must suck harder."
"Nasir," Ashar murmured. "You do it. You know how I like it."
"She must learn to please you."
Nasir's grip tightened over Ashar's shaft, the loose skin shifting beneath his hand with each rigorous pump. He lowered his mouth to Ashar's bel y, sucking and biting a trail up his chest. Ashar's breath immediately quickened with excitement. His cock was fully hard in Nasir's hand now. They'd been lovers since their adolescent years. Nasir knew how to excite Ashar like no other. The governor liked it rough. That is why his lover preferred the touch of a man.
"Ride him now, Farima," Nasir instructed.
The beautiful princess who'd stolen his heart moved to straddle Ashar's hips. He watched her struggle to accept Ashar into her body and realized she was not yet excited enough to ease his possession. Nasir shifted his mouth from Ashar's chest to Farima's shaved mound. He suckled her gently until her juices began to flow more freely and she sank slowly down Ashar's cock.
Nasir's hand continued to stroke the base of Ashar's cock while Farima rode it hesitantly, taking little more than half of it into her body.
"Oh, that feels good," she purred, her head tilting back, long black hair flowing around her gorgeous body with the sensual movements of her body.
Thick, but not deep. Nasir took note of what gave Farima pleasure. He had to help Ashar find what he liked, too, so they could find bliss together. Nasir had an idea, but he wasn't sure if either of his lovers would enjoy what he had in mind. He shifted and poised his hard cock over Ashar's trembling lips. He thrust down into Ashar's throat.
This was nothing new for them. Ashar went stil , opening his throat to Nasir's gentle thrusts. When Nasir was certain his cock was coated with saliva he moved between Ashar's legs and curled his body up against Farima's back. His hands covered her breasts and he moved with her, rising and lowering as she rode her husband, who was Nasir's first love, but not his most precious. Farima filled that role.
"Take me," Ashar demanded. "Do it, Nasir."
That, too, was not new between them. Nasir had fucked Ashar almost as many times as Ashar had reciprocated, but that was not what he'd moved behind Farima to do.
"Not you, Ashar," Nasir said. "Her."
When the head of his cock breached her back entrance, she gasped and paused.
"What? What are you doing, Nasir?"
He pressed upward, taking her deeper.
Ashar swore under his breath. "I feel you, Nasir. Rub against me," he gasped.
"Inside of her."
Nasir pulled back several inches and both of his lovers sputtered with excitement.
Farima sank down to accept both cocks deeper into her body. Nasir helped her ride them. She never took them very deep, but she rose and fel over them faster and faster until Nasir was convinced he would die if he didn't find release soon.
"Help her come, Ashar," Nasir said as he watched the bliss build on Ashar's gorgeous face.
"H-how?" he gasped. "Oh, I'm going to explode. Soon. Soon." Nasir took Ashar's hand and directed it to Farima's clit. "Stroke her there. Not too hard, but firmly and rapidly."
Ashar obeyed. His gaze moved to Farima's face to watch her find pleasure in his body. He seemed a bit surprised that he was capable pleasing her. That she enjoyed his touch. Found bliss while his cock was filling her.
Farima's body buckled as she claimed her orgasm. Ashar and Nasir fol owed her to nirvana in rapid succession.
When their breathing began to settle and their sweaty bodies were melded together in a tangle of limbs, Ashar kissed his wife passionately. "I have never had such an intense orgasm before and have never come while a woman was in charge of the joining. You are amazing, my princess."
Nasir chuckled. He'd done most of the work.
"Ashar," Farima said, "does it bother you that I love Nasir?"
"Of course not. I also love him."
"But you've known him for years. I've only known him for months."
"Did you love him before we al became lovers?" Ashar asked.
Farima nodded. "I loved him the moment I first laid eyes on him. I thought he was to be my husband when he arrived at my father's court and asked for my hand. I did not realize he was an envoy sent in your steed. I was so disappointed when I learned he was not to be mine."
"He is yours," Ashar said. "And mine."
Nasir smiled gently, his body rapidly succumbing to exhaustion.
"I thought you would be upset that I wanted Nasir for my husband."
"Do you stil ?" Ashar asked.
She laughed, the gentle sound warming Nasir's heart. "I like this arrangement," she said.
"As do I," Nasir said. He could not provide for Farima the way Ashar could. Could not give her a family or a home or a name. He accepted his role in life and, as far as roles went, a eunuch couldn't really ask for more than he had.
"I am also grateful that you allowed Maisha to come with me from my father's home," Farima said. "She has brought me much comfort. I wish to ask something of you on her behalf. I wish to ask for her freedom."
"How did you know she was incarcerated?" Ashar asked. "I never told you."
"Incarcerated? What? Why?"
"I know you are fond of her, my love, but I'm afraid she will have to be executed." Chapter Eleven
Lara had been riding on Farima's euphoric tranquility until Ashar's words sank in.
Executed? What did he mean? Certainly not what she thought he meant.
"Did I miss something?" Reece asked.
"She has been the one instigating the dissention among my harem," Ashar said.
"They were never troublesome before she joined the household."
"No," Lara croaked. "Maisha would never..." Her eyes burned and throat constricted.
"Roxelana has always been trouble," Nasir said. "She is jealous of me. Of every wife you've bedded. Of every child you've sired. And she's especially jealous of Farima, because she is the first wife you've actually had feelings for." Ashar shook his head. "Maisha admitted that she was the one who encouraged Farima to flee. And told you to go after her. As soon as you were beyond the security of the palace, she told the guard that you'd kidnapped Farima so you would be prosecuted."
"What?" Lara sputtered.
"She does not like that her princess's body has been soiled by that of a lowly eunuch," Ashar said.
"That doesn't make any sense," Reece said. "She is the one who told me to bathe Farima and prepare her for your arrival. She even suggested that the princess was tense and that an orgasm would relax her. If she didn't want me to soil her princess's body, why would she encourage me to touch her?"
Ashar's harsh glare could have frozen lava. "She told me that she despises you, Nasir. She wants you dead. Not her princess. You."
"But all of the attacks have been against Farima, not me."
"Then how is it you are injured, and my wife hasn't a scratch on her?"
"Because I was there to protect her."
"Maybe you should have been more concerned with protecting yourself," Ashar said.
"Ashar," Lara said. "Where is Maisha? I would like to speak to her."
"I do not think that is wise, Farima. She has already confessed to her crimes."
"I might believe that she tried to get Nasir in trouble, but what of the assassination attempts. A man tried to stab me yesterday. This morning another tried to poison me."
"When did you become so free with your tongue, wife? Are you questioning my decision?"
"Yes. Yes, I am! Maisha should not be charged with another's crimes."
"I agree," Reece said. "Putting me in danger is one thing. Putting her princess in danger is quite another. I do not think Maisha was responsible for the attempts on Farima's life."
Ashar pursed his lips together. "I do not wish to look as though I have lost control of my household," he said.
"So the only reason you want Maisha to take the blame is so you don't look foolish?" Lara was beyond exasperated with the governor.
"If things continue to deteriorate, I will reevaluate my position in this matter."
"So if I am killed, you'll admit that someone from your household, not mine, is responsible for my death."
"No one will harm you, my love. Not while I am present."
"But you leave me here when you must attend to your duties. We have been married but two weeks, do you honestly think that if you ignore this situation, things will get better?"
"Farima..." Ashar cupped her face in both hands and tried to kiss her, but she rol ed away from him and climbed to her feet. She had planned on storming out of the room, but too much sex had her hobbling like cowboy who owned a cement saddle.
"Take me to Maisha now or I will find her myself." She slipped a simple gown over her head and tugged her hair free from the neckline. She gave Reece a look to plead for his support.
"Perhaps you will be more lucid in the morning," Ashar said.
Lara's nostrils flared. Reece scrambled to his feet. She wasn't sure if he was aiding her or protecting Ashar from her fury.
"What harm will it do to al ow her to talk to Maisha?" Reece asked. "They have been in acquaintance for almost as long as we have. How would you feel if someone accused me of something you did not think I was capable of and threatened to execute me without allowing you to hear my side of the story?"
"But you would never threaten someone out of jealousy, Nasir. I know your character well and would not believe such accusations." Reece lifted an eyebrow at the governor as he proved his point. Ashar sighed and rose from the bed. "I suppose neither of you will allow me to sleep until this matter is settled." He slipped into a pair of loose fitting breeches.
"Would you like me to come with you?" Reece asked Lara. She stared pointedly at the amulet around his neck. The one Ashar didn't seem to notice. They probably had at least a day left on this leap, but Reece had told her that the duration of them varied, so she did not want to be away from him for even a moment. And not only because she enjoyed his company. She knew he'd protect her if someone tried to get an up close and personal view of her internal organs again.
"Please," she said with a curt nod, hoping she didn't sound too desperate.
When the three of them left the bedroom, a pair of guards fell into step several feet behind them. Lara wondered if everyone in this time period required guards to follow them around for safety or if Farima was the only lucky one.
Ashar led them to a part of the palace that made Farima nervous. Lara could feel her uneasiness in her rol ing stomach and the stiffened back of her neck. She drew to a sudden halt and Reece careened into her back.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Something bad happened here," Lara whispered.
"Farima? Are you coming?" Ashar asked from several paces ahead where he'd stopped to wait for them.
"This is why Farima is afraid. This is why she ran away with Nasir. This is where it happened," Lara didn't know what had happened. She could only feel the fear. The horror. The need to run.
"What happened?" Reece whispered.
Lara's palms were sweating, her breaths came in short gasps. "She killed her," Farima said, her strong emotions pushing Lara's consciousness to the back of her mind.
"Who kil ed who?"
"The little dog. She snapped its neck with her bare hands and said she'd done the same to the last wife who'd tried to take her station and would do so to me if I didn't leave. Maisha was there. She told me to run and to take Nasir with me for protection."
"Maisha killed a dog?" Reece asked.
"No. Ashar's first wife, Roxelana, did it."
"Why are you just mentioning this now?" Ashar asked.
Farima looked up at her husband, her eyes swimming with tears. "I've been so confused ever since I was in the desert. I haven't felt like myself at all these past two days."
Reece cringed.
One of the dark guards spoke. "I've heard of extreme heat addling a person's brains before."
"Yes, that must be why," Reece said quickly, nodding his head in exaggerated fashion.
"Maisha didn't mention a dog," Ashar said.
"She didn't?" Farima said, pressing her hand to her temple. "I was sure..." Ashar shook his head. "She took full responsibility for everything. Before many witnesses. That is why I think there is no point in you speaking with her."
"Why would she take responsibility for something she didn't do?" Farima asked and dashed forward, moving past her fear in order to seek the truth. Maisha was incapable of trying to harm her. Farima had to get to the bottom of this. To protect a person she loved who could not protect herself.
When they reached the small room where Maisha was being held, Ashar asked the guard to unlock the door. The guard held a torch high to bring light to the windowless room. Farima found Maisha huddled on the floor, her dark face tear-streaked, her knees clenched tightly to her chest. She was rocking back and forth slightly and humming to herself. Farima wasn't sure if Maisha was even aware of their presence.
"Maisha?" Farima said, entering the room and squatting in front of her friend and lover.
Maisha lowered her face. "Do not speak to me, Farima. You mustn't."
"Why have you lied to my husband?" Farima asked. "You must tel him what really happened. You are not the reason I ran from the palace with Nasir. You did not attempt to have me kil ed."
"You are mistaken, my princess," she said. "It was I. Please, leave me here to die." Chapter Twelve
Lara turned to Ashar and Nasir. "Would you leave me alone with her for a moment?
I wish to see what she has to say for herself."
"She just said that she is responsible," Ashar said. "Do you have a death wish, wife?"
"What can she do to me in here? She has no weapon. Bind her hands if it will make you feel better." She didn't expect him to actually do it. Ashar removed a sash from his waist and used it to tie Maisha's hands together. She didn't struggle, just stared at the floor in misery.
"We will be right outside," Reece said. "Call out if you need anything. We will be at your side immediately."
Lara looked up at the two men. They were genuinely concerned for her well-being.
She had Farima's feelings to go by, however, and she knew with a certainty that Maisha was not a threat. "I will," she promised, and nodded at the two men to signal she was ready to be left alone.
When the door closed, Lara moved to crouch in front of Maisha. She lifted her hand to the woman's face and stroked her cheek with her thumb. "Tell me what is really going on."
Maisha shied away from her touch. "Please go, princess. I only wish for your safety."
"My safety? I thought you were trying to have me killed." Maisha blinked. "Yes. That's what I meant."
"Who are you protecting, Maisha? Who put you up to this?" She shook her head vehemently. "No one."
"I don't believe you. You said you loved me. Do you remember?" Maisha bit her lip and shook her head.
"And I love you. Remember?" Lara pressed. Farima's heart was breaking, but Lara worked to keep her consciousness subdued so she could push through this difficult task without the excess emotion holding her back.
"Then you are a fool," Maisha said. She turned so that her back was to Lara. "Go."
"I'm not going until you tell me the truth. Who put you up to this? Was it Roxelana? I know how heartless she is. I was there when she killed that dog. You must remember that. Did she threaten to kill you?"
Maisha shook her head.
"Did she threaten to kill me?"
Maisha shook her head again.
"Who?"
"Nasir," Maisha whispered. "If I accept punishment, she will stop." Now they were getting somewhere. "Why would you care so much if she threatened Nasir? Do you have feelings for him?"
Maisha shook her head. "You do. If he dies, you will hurt."
"If you die, I will hurt."
Maisha turned to look at her. There were tears in her dark eyes.
"You don't want me to hurt, do you?" Lara pressed.
Maisha shook her head. "I would rather die than see you hurt, my princess."
"Sil y woman." Lara wrapped her arms around her and kissed her temple. "We will set this straight. You will not be punished for someone else's doing. I am going to leave you here until things are settled. If Roxelana knows that you have revealed her plan, she will target you next."
"Do not put yourself in danger for me," Maisha pleaded. She could not return Lara's embrace as her hands were secured behind her back, but she leaned against her, her flesh yielding against Lara.
"Ashar will keep me safe. Do you believe that?"
"No," she whispered, "but I believe that Nasir will. These past two days, I have witnessed how much he cares about you. I never recognized how strongly he feels for you."
Lara smiled to herself. That would be Reece's devotion to her that Maisha had witnessed. Lara was so lucky to have him beside her. She knew he would always be there and never do anything to put her in harm's way.
"I will find a way to get you out of this," Lara promised. "Be patient. Don't talk to anyone but me."
Maisha nodded. Lara released the woman and before she could rise to her feet, Farima's emotional will caused her to lean forward and kiss Maisha's trembling lips. "I do love you," she said. "I always have. No man will ever change that." Tears streamed down Maisha's cheeks and she sniffed her nose. "You are my everything, Princess."
Lara opened the cell door to find Nasir and Ashar watching for her anxiously in the corridor.
"Well?" Ashar demanded.
"She wouldn't tell me anything," Lara said, knowing that she had to find a way to get Roxelana to confess and Ashar wasn't the type to be sly. Demand and conquer was his way. "I would like a few days to try to find out more information before Maisha is executed." She wrapped both arms around Ashar's neck and plastered her body against his entire length. Reece's narrowed eyes and stiffened stance did not go unnoticed, but she wanted Ashar to agree to her request. "Will you give me that, Ashar?" She rubbed her lips along his jaw and his arms circled her body. "Please, my love."
"I see no harm in al owing her to remain a prisoner for a few more days, but you are not to visit her again."
"Do you think I'll try to release her?" Lara asked. "Don't you trust me, husband?"
"I'm not sure," he said. "You did run off into the desert with Nasir."
"I was afraid. You were not here to protect me."
Ashar's arms tightened around her. "I'm here now." And Lara would need him to get Roxelana to confess.
The next morning Lara waited for Ashar to leave the room before she stopped feigning sleep. She could have slept for several more hours. Her body was exhausted from several additional sexual encounters that had occurred in the night. Not to be outdone by the governor, Reece had insisted on participating, though his body had to be exhausted. She wished Ashar would go fuck his entire harem and give Farima a break. The man was insatiable. Too much for one princess and a faithful eunuch to satisfy.
When Lara moved to rise from the bed, Reece's arms wrapped around her waist and he drew her against him, tucking her head under his chin and holding on tight.
"Don't go," he whispered, "we finally have a moment to ourselves." She tensed. "I hope you aren't thinking about making love again. I'm sore, Reece.
Ashar is gentler now, thanks to your coaching, but now it takes him almost an hour---" Reece covered her mouth to stop her words. "Can we pretend Ashar, the well-hung, fuck-al -night governor, doesn't exist?"
Lara snuggled closer to the man she loved. "Who's Ashar?" Reece stroked her hair as she listened to his heart thud rhythmical y in his chest.
"Carl will be here sometime today," he murmured. "We need to make sure we stay close to each other so we are certain leap together. I propose we cuddle in bed all day. You can pretend you're exhausted from all the marathon sex."
"Who's pretending?"
"And I can pretend I need to recover from my knife wound." She kissed his chest above the row of stitches. "As wonderful as that sounds, we still have to help Maisha."
"Sweetheart, I know like to help, but there isn't really anything you can do. If she was executed in the past, you can't change that. And if she wasn't, it wasn't anything you did that prevented it."
"Maybe," she said, "but I still want to help. She lied about being responsible because she thinks it will keep her princess safe."
"Why didn't you just tel Ashar that? It would settle everything."
"He needs to hear it from the horse's mouth. His first wife is the jealous cow who's causing al the problems."
"So which is she?" Reece asked.
Lara's brows drew together in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Ashar's first wife. Is she a horse or a cow?"
"Both. She's also a bitch."
Reece's hands skimmed over the skin of Lara's back. "I think you should just stay away from her. Apparently she's some sort of animal." Lara laughed and melted against Reece's hard body. "When we first arrived, I thought this was the best leap ever. Luxury and pampering. I thought the only thing Farima had to worry about was how many gold bracelets to wear on a given day and who was going to supply her with her daily quota of orgasms. But al the lying and deceit that comes with this life isn't worth it. I'm so glad you're always honest with me, Reece. I could never remain in a relationship based on lies." Reece stiffened and drew away from her. "If we're going to help Maisha before we leap, we'd better get busy."
"I thought you wanted to stay in bed all day."
"I did," he said, "but holding you is making me horny. If we stay like this much longer, I'll start thinking you need several orgasms to relax you and you know Ashar will agree."
Lara struggled from his grasp and sprang from the bed. "I'm up!" Chapter Fourteen
Reece followed Lara toward the main room of the harem. He stared at the back of her head, guilt churning in his gut. What she'd said---that she could never remain in a relationship based on lies---made his heart thud with anxiety. Their entire relationship was based on a lie. He'd told her that some religious cult had kil ed her to get the amulet and that he'd found her dead, when in reality he had unintentionally sacrificed her life to activate the damned thing. Had he known that would be the outcome, he would have smashed the amulet to dust with a sledge hammer rather than put her in harm's way, but it was too late to take it back. He'd seen time and again that he couldn't change the past and while her death was part of Lara's future, it was in his past. He couldn't change it, but he could be with her here. If it was the only way he could keep her in his life, he'd take it. Stil , the lies... He was tempted to clear the air between them and tel her the truth, but worried that she'd stop loving him. He couldn't bear the thought, so he bit his lip and followed her through the palace with his hand on the hilt of his scimitar.
When Lara walked into the midst of the harem women, her head held high, Reece smiled with pride. She must be terrified, but his Lara was made of strong stuff and the threat of being ripped to shreds by two dozen jealous women didn't make her back down. Or maybe she didn't realize the danger she was in. She walked calmly and confidently to the center of the room and lounged upon a set of cushions that seemed reserved for someone of importance, which was probably not the governor's newest wife.
"I require wine," she said and even Reece was inspired to do her bidding. He stayed by her side ready to defend her life, if necessary. A silver cup was placed in her dainty hand and she lifted an eyebrow at the servant who'd brought it.
"Assure me this is safe for consumption. It seems many in this room would like to see me dead."
A hush fell over the softly speaking woman and they stared at Farima with interest.
Reece watched them, looking for any who seemed ready to strike, but he saw no malice in them. Only curiosity. The servant sipped wine from the princess's goblet and returned it to her hand before moving to stand by the wall. Farima swallowed the wine in delicate gulps. Reece noted that Lara had given in to the other woman's will and Farima was in complete control. Her confidence spoke of her regal upbringing. Within a few minutes the other women began to move closer. The young girl who they'd met the day before, Safiye, was so bold as to sit on the floor beside Farima's cushion.
"How are you today, young one?" Farima asked her.
Safiye beamed. "Quite well. I am overjoyed that you've joined us this morning." Several of the governor's wives smiled in welcome and Reece relaxed his stance slightly, but continued to monitor the actions of the women closely.
"Tell us of your life in Istanbul, princess," a lovely Persian woman said in halting Turkish. "The palace there is so grand."
Farima spoke of her home. She described the banquets and the visitors who came from all over Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa and Asia to visit with her father.
By the time she paused to take another sip of her wine, al of the harem women were seated around her collection of cushions listening with rapt attention.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Safiye said and lifted a timid hand to touch Farima's arm. "It is no wonder that father is so taken with her."
Farima flushed slightly at the compliment. "I hope to bear him a strong son soon."
"He is plagued with many daughters," one of Ashar's two dozen wives said.
There was a twitter of nervous laughter.
"Will the sultan come to welcome your son into the kingdom?" one of the women asked. "I have always wished to gaze upon the sultan. I hear he is as handsome as he is powerful."
"Then he must be blindingly handsome," one of the women proclaimed.
The women all looked to Farima for her reaction. When she laughed, they joined her. "You shall see for yourself," Farima said. "I am certain he will want to meet his grandchild. He has travelled great distances to meet the children born to my elder sisters. He loves babies."
The women of the harem talked Farima into sharing tales of her sisters. Farima had travelled to many distant lands to visit them. It seemed they had all been married off for some sort of political gain in honor of their father's wishes. Reece felt a stirring within Nasir's heart. Nasir's feelings for Farima were strong and true, yet he too saw the importance of her pairing with Ashar. She was not an ordinary woman. She had been born into a particular life and like Nasir she had accepted it.
The camaraderie between the women blossomed and bloomed as they shared stories of how they came to wed Ashar. Al iances had been forged. Wars avoided. Did Ashar really have feelings for Farima or was the attention paid to her due to what she represented? The daughter of a sultan was a prize to be coveted and cherished if attained.
A late morning meal was brought to the room and the sharing of food was added to the excited talk between the women. Khadija paid a brief visit. She'd come to remind the women of their duties, but when she saw how well they were getting along with Farima, she placed a gentle hand on the back of her newest daughter-in-law's head and said, "I think we'll take a holiday today. To celebrate Farima's addition to the harem." If the women had been hesitant to like Farima before, that proclamation sealed her fate as their favorite person of the day. Or at least the hour.
That all changed when Roxelana entered the pavilion and strode across the intricately-patterned tile floor to glare at Farima. "What do you think you are doing? That is my place. I demand you move at once."
The rest of the harem scurried away from the cushions where Farima remained comfortably reclined. The women huddled against the walls---not speaking, not making eye contact.
Farima met Roxelana's eyes evenly and said, "Your place is no longer assured, my lady. There's a new Kadin in this harem. I might not be Ashar's first wife, but I am his most superior one."
At the look of outrage on Roxelana's beautiful face, Reece's hand returned to the hilt of his sword.
"How dare you?" Roxelana sputtered. Lara expected flames to shoot from the woman's nostrils at any moment. "How dare you?"
"Oh, I dare, Roxelana. You've been allowed to be a tyrant in this harem for far too long. I am not afraid of you. Ashar will have you stripped of clothes and staked out in the desert sun to bake."
Roxelana smirked. "I spoke to Ashar last night and again this morning. I have convinced him that I am completely innocent of any wrong doing." Behind Roxelana, Lara caught sight of Ashar standing in the doorway. His face lit up when his searching gaze found her seated among the plush cushions in the center of the room. Nasir pressed a finger to his lips to stop him from alerting Roxelana to his presence.
"I'm not the first of Ashar's wives you've targeted," Lara said to Roxelana. "I know what you did to Safiye's mother. Her death was not due to illness. You slowly poisoned her to death, just as you planned to poison me."
"You have no proof."
Lara could hear Safiye's soft sobs against the shoulder of one of the women watching the confrontation from against a wall.
"I do have proof. I was able to save some of the food your servant left for me yesterday. While Nasir was chasing him down and was later slashed by the same man, I hid away some of the evidence." She was total y bluffing, but Roxelana had no way of knowing that. "And then I fed it to little gray dog that keeps the vermin away from the pantry. The food killed that poor little dog. Food that you meant for me." Roxelana eyes brightened. "You lie! I killed that dog and you know it. You watched me break its neck when I told you that if you wanted to live, you'd better leave."
"That's right," Lara said. "How could I have forgotten such cruelty? Or how you convinced Maisha that you'd do the same to me if she didn't take the fall for you."
"She's an idiot. She'll do anything to save her princess." Roxelana rol ed her eyes.
"She won't do you much good once Ashar has her head lopped off, now will she?"
"Roxelana," Ashar said, his voice deep and commanding. "I need to speak with you.
Now! And I will have no more of your lies, woman. The truth this time." All the blood drained from Roxelana's face. Trembling she turned to face her husband. Lara was glad she wasn't the one who'd angered him. A trickle of fear raced down her spine as Ashar turned on his heel and stalked from the room. Roxelana followed. "Please, my husband. Listen to me. It's not what you think. I would never---"
"I have heard enough," he bellowed. "From your own lying lips."
"But Ashar, I love you. Don't you see? Everything I do, I do it out of love."
"That speech won't save you this time, Roxelana. I've seen the black heart concealed by that beautiful bosom. You will make a fool of me no more, woman." Lara could hear her pleading with him through the corridor until eventually their voices faded into the distance. Lara glanced up at Reece and smiled. "Do you think that will help Maisha?"
"I think you're brilliant," he said.
Her smile brightened.
"I also think you need something to relax you," he said, his lips curled in a sexy smile. "A long bath. A thorough massage."
"Several orgasms?" she asked hopefully.
"Naturally."
Reece held Lara's naked body against him in the alcove where water poured down the high wall into the deep pool of water. He relished this time alone with her. He hoped their next leap was a little less dramatic. And in an unpopulated location with just the two of them. He really didn't see that happening, but there'd never been a law against hoping.
"Reece," she murmured lethargically. Apparently, her three most recent orgasms had relaxed her as planned.
"Hmm?"
"I love you. I don't think I tell you that often enough."
"If you said it non-stop for the rest of your life, it stil wouldn't be often enough for me."
She chuckled. "You really are a sap."
He kissed the top of her head. "Only for you."
"If we did get the other half of the amulet and could go anyplace and anytime we chose, where would you want to go?" she asked.
"It doesn't matter as long as you're with me."
"Sap," she accused again.
"The stickiest. Keeps me stuck to you," he said.
She laughed. "You also tell lame jokes."
"So why do you love me?"
"Because you're a sap and tell lame jokes."
"And I'm a good kisser."
She lifted her head to look up at him and he lowered his head to kiss her. When he drew away, she smiled at him. "And you're a good kisser."
"Where would you want to go?" he asked.
"Ancient Egypt," she said without hesitation.
He should have guessed. Her thesis and her job both centered around that time and place. They'd met because she was interested in artifacts from that time.
"If we ever get the other half of the amulet, that will be the first place we go," he promised.
"And then I want to return to our time and marry you in the future." He stroked her hair, his heart panging in his chest. He needed to tel her about how her life had been sacrificed to activate the amulet. Their only future was in the past. He opened his mouth, the words on the tip of his tongue. She loved him. She'd forgive him for hiding the truth. She had to. She loved him. She'd said she loved him.
"Lara," he said. "I have to tell you something about the night you died." She covered his lips with two fingers. "I don't want the details," she said.
"But..." he murmured against her fingertips.
A loud hum came from the amulet hanging from the leather cord around Reece's neck. She smiled up at him with a look of anticipation. "Time to go," she said.
"Almost," he agreed as the humming grew louder. "You look eager."
"I can't wait to see where we end up next, but you have to promise me something, Reece."
He wasn't sure if he could keep a promise he made to her so he just lifted an eyebrow in question.
"This leap we're going to come up with a way to get the other half of the amulet from Carl."
"We'l think of something," he agreed.
"Reece, where the devil are you?" Carl cal ed from the bedroom. "You know you can't run forever."
But he planned to. Reece began to recite the words of the incantation that would al ow him and Lara to leap to their next destination. Lara said it with him this time and he knew for certain that they were in this together.
A loud splash came from near the pool steps. "I know you're here somewhere," Carl said. "I can hear the hum of the amulet."
Just as Carl rounded the corner of the alcove, Lara offered him a mischievous wave and the world slipped from beneath their feet. Slipping sideways through time in a rush of blurred colored and sounds, Reece tucked a finger beneath Lara's chin and kissed her. One moment she was kissing him back, the next, she held a blade against his throat.
Lara was straddling a man's waist, a long curved weapon in her hand was held to his throat. "You will pay for killing my brother," she said in Japanese. Japanese?
She was thrown backwards as the man scrambled to his feet. She lifted her weapon just in time to deflect the blow from a long-bladed sword. The Japanese man hesitated and then lowered his weapon. "Lara?"
"Reece?"
She sprang to her feet with limber precision, her weapon slashed outward of its own accord. "I will enjoy spilling your blood, you rat," she spat angrily.
Reece deflected her attack, but did not fight back. "Lara, why are you attacking me?"
"I despise you," she said. "You will die by my blade. Meet your ancestors in the afterlife, Kojiro-san."
"That is Kojiro-dono to you, Ninja wench," a voice said from behind her. Before she could turn her attack on the new arrival, she was captured from behind, her arms forced painfully above her head with the man's arm locked behind her neck. "Should I snap her neck, Kojiro-dono, or would you prefer to do so yourself?"
"Disarm her and release her," the man she'd been attacking said in a deep, commanding voice.
The weapon in her hand was wrenched free and she was tossed flat on her face on the woven mats in the room. The man put a knee in her back while he removed various weapons from her person. When he was finished, he hauled her to her feet by the back of her black shirt.
"Let go of me," she demanded. She kicked behind her, landing a solid blow in the man's knee. He grunted in pain but didn't fal . Instead, he grabbed her in the painful full nelson hold again.
"Are you certain I should not just snap her neck?" the man asked Reece, erm, Kojiro.
"Tenji-sama, I will deal with her myself," Kojiro said in a cold voice. "Leave us."
"Do you want me to bind her?" Tenji asked.
Kojiro sheathed his katana. "Yes, that would be acceptable." Lara found herself slammed onto the straw mat again and her arms were tied behind her back at the wrists and the elbows. She struggled, but to no avail. The man was stronger than she and her stealth was of no use in this circumstance. It had gotten her into the enemy camp, but it didn't seem as though it would get her back out of it.
And that was fine as long as she took out the samurai who killed her brother before she met her end.
Tenji spoke to her in a growling whisper. "I'm not sure what an honorable samurai wants with a vile shinobi, but I'd guess you'll be wishing I snapped your neck when he's finished with you."
Lara whimpered. The man was none too gentle with her as he pul ed her back to her feet. He tied her ankles together so that she could walk, but could not kick, and then forced her down onto her knees in front of the imposing figure of Reece, who she was still seeing as the Japanese samurai, Kojiro. Her disgust over being in his presence was only overshadowed by her hatred for him.
"Thank you, Tenji-sama. You may leave us now," Kojiro said.
Tenji bowed at the waist and stepped backwards before sliding open a door and disappearing from the small room. The room was sparsely furnished. A low wooden table sat in the center of the room with food, still steaming hot, at its center. Flat cushions were scattered around the table on the floor. Kojiro sat on one of the cushions and continued eating from a bowl with a pair of chopsticks.
"It seems you interrupted my dining when you crashed through my wall," he said.
He pointed to one of the thin walls made of bamboo and paper. It had a human sized hole through it. "What is your name?"
"I do not want my name to cross your vile lips," she spat. Why couldn't Lara see Reece, and why was she so entrapped in this woman's thoughts, feelings and actions?
"Then I will call you Ninja Whore. Do you like that name?" She shook her head.
"What is your name? I will not ask again."
"Hana," she said. Flower.
"Hana?" Kojiro chuckled. "Too delicate a name for an assassin." He paused reflectively. "Onihana seems more appropriate."
"Demon-flower?"
"Yes. You're more oni than hana. Though you do have the beauty of a delicate sakura blossom."
"Call me whatever you like. I hope you choke on your own tongue." He chuckled again. "Excuse me while I finish my meal, Onihana-chan. I was about to eat when I was rudely interrupted by your sickle to my throat." Her eyes narrowed. How dare he address her with such familiarity. -chan, indeed!
"What do you want with me? Why didn't you just allow your man to kill me?" Kojiro's obsidian eyes bored into her. "I am not sure. My katana refused to end your life. By the code of Bushido, one must listen to his soul." Samurai are strange creatures, she thought. Thinking their sword was their soul. "It did not refuse to end my brother's life."
He took a bite of his soba noodles, slurping noisily as he drew them into his mouth.
He chewed, swallowed and continued to watch her thoughtful y.
"It has never refused to kill before today. Perhaps if it wasn't such a rare occurrence, I would not feel so unsettled by this." She frowned. This man made no sense. "What do you think it means?" He pointed at her with his chopsticks. "A red string connects your soul to mine." Her eyes widened with shock. "You think I am your soul mate?" He nodded once and then moved more food to his mouth. For lack of anything better to do, she spat on the floor. His eyes narrowed. "Do not make me beat you so early in our acquaintance, Onihana. Rudeness will not be tolerated here." Her mouth went dry, making it impossible to do what she really wanted to do, and that was spit on his floor again.
"Tenji-sama," Kojiro called.
Tenji peaked into the room through the hole in the wall he was fixing. Kojiro pointed his chopstick in Hana's direction. Tenji nodded and then disappeared from view. A few seconds later, he slid the door open and entered the room. "Yes, Kojiro-dono."
"The lady has made a mess on my floor," he said, nodding to the drop of spittle on the floor mat. "Have her clean it up."
She thought she would have her hands untied so she could clean up her disrespectful mess, but a foot between the shoulder blades propelled her forward and she fell flat on her face on the mat.
"Clean up your mess, Ninja wench," Tenji said.
She wheezed unpleasantly, having had the wind knocked out of her. Her mess was somewhere beneath her body, so she squirmed slightly, wishing she had her weapons so she could be spared this humiliation and bathe in the blood of these men instead of her own spittle. Tenji grabbed her by the back of her tunic and set her on her knees again. The spit was gone, lost somewhere on her clothing.
"Does this please you, Kojiro-dono?" Tenji asked.
"Yes, thank you. That will be all for now," Kojiro said and continued with his meal.
Tenji bent close to Hana's ear and whispered, "When he is finished eating, I am certain Kojiro-dono will deal with your disrespect in his own way. I look forward to hearing your cries for mercy from my post outside the hole you made in his wall." She jerked away from him and almost toppled herself onto the mat again. She regained her balance and sat on her heels. Tenji left the room once more, sliding the door shut behind him.
Hana scanned the room, trying to be as subtle as possible as she looked for weapons to use against her purported soul mate. She could feel Kojiro's eyes on her, but she refused to look at him. She didn't locate any obvious weapons, except the katana at Korjiro's side, but she could probably improvise a few just by breaking pieces from the wooden frames that surrounded the paper windows. A nice, sharp spike of wood could do the trick. She had to get loose.
"Lara," Reece said.
She glanced up. She saw Reece's image for a few seconds, but he reverted to Kojiro almost at once. "I can't focus on you, Reece. Her feelings are too strong," Lara said in English.
"I'm having the same issue," Reece said. "What a crazy situation these two are in.
I'll try to remember it isn't you who is wishing my death." She smiled at him. "I guess making love is out of the question."
"Do you want me, sweetheart?" Reece grinned, and then she was seeing Kojiro again. This was maddening.
"I want you dead," she spat in Japanese.
"Of course." He pointed at his bowl with his chopsticks. "Would you like some soba noodles?"
Her stomach growled at the prospect of food, but she didn't want anything to do with this man or his strange notion of hospitality. "I would rather eat your still-beating heart."
"That is not on the menu."
He continued his meal while she continued to plot his murder. When he finished, he climbed to his feet, tucked the sheathed katana in the sash around his waist and approached her. He took her by the arm and hauled her to her feet. She struggled, kicking out at him as best she could with her feet tied. He simply held her at arm's length until she settled down, and then released her.
"We will walk now," he told her. "You will follow without making any trouble."
"Are you going to release me?"
"No."
She was not surprised. "Where are we going?"
"Nowhere in particular. It is merely a fine day for a walk. Keep in mind that I am armed, and you are not."
"I thought your sword refused to slay me."
He pulled a shorter knife from the thick sash around his waist. "Yes, my katana did not agree with your death, but my wakizashi in not so fickle." He returned the blade to hiding, and took her by the sleeve to guide her. He slid the shoji open and when they stepped out onto the engawa just outside the movable wall, Tenji stood and offered a quick bow.
"Do you need something, Kojiro-dono?"
"We are going for a walk," Kojiro said, donning his sandals.
"Do you need an escort?"
"That will not be necessary. Go find a meal for yourself. Send another to fix the damage to the wall."
Tenji bowed at the waist and then entered the room they had just left. Kojiro had to help Hana down the wooden stairs, which she found difficult to descend with her ankles tied together, and onto the dirt path in front of the house. They headed south, away from the collection of houses within the castle walls and towards a copse of blooming cherry trees.
"Tell me of your brother," Kojiro prompted.
"I do not want his memory tarnished by your ear," she said.
He sighed. "It will make you feel better. Telling me of him will make a man of the body. But if you do not wish to make him more to me than another who died in battle by my hand, that is your decision. I will not press you further." Hana wondered how far she could run before they caught her. Her feet were tied so that she could walk with little difficulty, but running would be impossible. If she could get the rope between her feet around Kojiro's neck, she could strangle him, but without the use of her arms a handstand wasn't possible. She hated this feeling of helplessness.
She was one of the top fighters in her clan. How had she been overcome some easily?
She had to do something besides stroll with him through the sakura trees and listen to his nonsense about making a man out of a body.
Hana pitched forward, crashing into him and trying to force him down onto the ground. He stumbled slightly, then turned and grabbed her by both arms, steadying her.
"Careful," he murmured.
Her eyes widened as she stared up at him. She noticed for the first time how handsome he was. She lowered her eyes, cursing her traitorous thoughts. When she glanced up again, it was Reece smiling down at her.
"This is a real y weird leap, sweetheart. How are you holding up?" he said in English.
"I'm fine. This Ninja woman is very confused."
"Kojiro isn't confused at al . It's love at first sight for him."
"Seriously? She breaks down his wall, tries to kill him, and he fal s in love? You've got to be joking."
He shook his head. "Nope. He thinks she's hot. I'd risk kissing you, but I don't think Hana is ready for that yet."
"She might throw up in your mouth."
Reece made a disgusted face and swallowed hard. "Sounds pleasant. Thanks for the warning."
"Actual y, I think she's more likely to bite off your tongue."
"I'm glad you've got my back, sweetheart."
Lara was disappointed when Kojiro's image overtook Reece's again. He reached down and plucked a soft, pink flower petal from her hair. She watched, transfixed as he brought the petal to his lips and kissed it, before allowing it to flutter to the ground.
"You are of the Nameo clan, am I right?" he asked.
Her brow furrowed. "How do you know that?"
"You resemble the people of that clan."
She shook her head rapidly, her heart thudding in her chest. "No, I'm not."
"I know you lie to protect them," he said, "but the only way to protect them is to behave obediently as a member of my household until I tire of you." She couldn't believe what he was saying. "What do you mean by that?"
"I like the look of you," he said. "I wish your submissive obedience. In return, I will not raid your village and slaughter your people for disrespecting my home and attempting to end my life."
"I cannot," she whispered, her lip trembling. "I will not give my body to you." He laughed. "I did not ask for your body," he said, "just your obedience. Taking your body would be easy. Earning your devotion, much less so." She hated to admit that her pride was wounded by his rejection of her body. She scowled at her traitorous thoughts. "I cannot give my obedience nor my devotion, either."
"Then your people will die. The ninja have been a nuisance for too long. I hoped we might form a truce, but if you insist on fighting, we will not back down. Do you understand?"
He retrieved another flower petal from her hair and turned to walk further into the copse of trees. He stroked the flower petal between his thumb and middle finger as he walked. She was too afraid not to follow. Several Ninjas in her clan had already fallen to this samurai. She didn't doubt that he would do exactly what he said.
It had been hard enough to lose her ani, but to lose her little sisters, her parents, her grandmother, her friends, and those she'd know since birth---she wouldn't be able to bear it. Especially if it was because of her own stubbornness.
"Koji-," she hesitated and forced herself to use the appropriate honorific to show her obedience and lower station. The man was of the elite class of samurai and she was but a commoner with fighting skills. "Kojiro-dono, what would you require of me?" He glanced over his shoulder, smiling slightly. "I have yet to decide," he said. His eyes travelled down her body. "But I would require you to dress as a woman, instead of a peasant man."
She lowered her eyes. She always dressed like this. Wearing a kimono was not conducive for fighting to protect her people from raiders, other ninja clans and the occasional samurai securing territory for his shogun.
"I understand," she murmured.
"Do you know how to cook?" He turned his attention to the path ahead, trusting her to keep up.
"I..."
"Perhaps I should rephrase that. Are you a good cook?" She shook her head. "No. I am skilled at fishing and apparently less so at fighting."
"Fishing? We are kindred. We shall fish tonight, and tomorrow, my mother will begin to teach you to be a woman, since your mother obviously failed at the task."
"Do not speak of my honorable mother in such a way!" He made no comment, which infuriated her further.
"You should apologize," she growled.
"Perhaps," he said, "perhaps not."
She pulled against her bound wrists, longing to strangle him, or stab him, or something equally violent.
"A woman should know her place," he added.
She shrieked in fury, before rushing forward as fast as her bound ankles would al ow. Just before she crashed into him, he stepped sideways gingerly and she fel flat on her face. She lay there for a long moment, too frustrated to care about the scrape stinging her cheek, or the bruises spreading across her shoulder, ribcage and hip. She heard Kojiro's footsteps beside her. She rolled onto her side, expecting him to haul her to her feet again, but he walked past her and continued towards the stream beyond the cherry trees.
"I'll be fishing in the stream. If you are not there to join me soon, you know what the consequences will be," he said calmly as he passed her.
"Wait," she gasped. "Can you help me up?"
"No. You got yourself into such a predicament. You figure out how to get yourself out of it."
She cursed him under her breath and lay there in the dust, trying to figure out how to get to her feet with her arms behind her back and her feet tied too close together to al ow her proper leverage. She sighed and then struggled to her knees. She closed her eyes and concentrated, using the strength in her calves to get onto her tiptoes, then slowly rose to standing position. She started walking towards a shed near the river. A few other men were standing around the shed along with Kojiro. A pair of flat boats floated in the dark water beside a dock and a collection of baskets sat on the shore.
"She will sit in my boat and watch," Kojiro was saying to one of the men.
"I believe that will upset the birds," he replied.
"My birds are always calm," Kojiro said. "Besides, I need to keep an eye on her.
She's a bit of a troublemaker."
"Which is why taking her makes no sense and keeping her makes even less."
"I told you what happened. Do you not trust in Bushido?"
"Of course. We all do." The man turned to watch Hana as she approached. "Here comes your soul mate now."
Hana scowled. She did not like it when Kojiro referred to her as his soul mate. She liked it less that he was spreading the news to his people.
"I thought we were fishing," she said to Kojiro.
"We are fishing. As soon as the sun sets, we will head out." Something moved in the basket and Hana started, taking a step backward. "What's in there?"
Rather than answer her question, he opened the basket and removed a large, black bird from the container. He held it with one hand around the creature's long neck and the other under its belly. "It's a cormorant."
She had heard of this method of fishing, but had never actually seen it before. "You use these to fish?"
"Correct. I was not always samurai. I earned that distinction. My father and his father were fishermen."
"My father is also a fisherman," she said. She knew it was not easy for a common man to earn the distinction of samurai. Kojiro must be an uncommonly brave warrior.
"And your brother?" Kojiro asked. "Was he a fisherman?" Hana shook her head. "He did not have the patience." Nor had he had the patience to be a great ninja, but that did not make Hana love him any less.
Kojiro put the bird back in its basket and turned to one of the men loading them on the boat. "Musame, do you have an extra cloth for her head?" A man dressed in a black kimono handed a long piece of black cloth to Kojiro. He wrapped it around Hana's head. "To protect you from sparks," he explained. "Can I trust you enough to remove your bindings?"
She hesitated.
"Apparently, not," he said. "Perhaps I should leave you on the shore. If you fall overboard while bound like that, you will assuredly drown."
"You could tie her to the boat," Musame suggested.
Kojiro glanced at him. "That has merit. I wish she were trustworthy. I would like to teach her to prepare the birds. They seem calm in her presence." That was almost tempting enough to get her to behave. She had heard of people who could fish using birds, but she'd never seen it done. Perhaps the skil would be of use to her people. Food was rarely in abundance. Hunger was common.
"Or I could just leave her on the shore," Kojiro said.
"No," she said hastily. She dropped her eyes respectfully. "I would like to accompany you."
Kojiro lifted a hand a wiped a smudge from her nose. When she looked up at him in question, he smiled warmly. "This is good news, Hana." The crew of men readied themselves by wrapping black cloths around their heads and putting on grass skirts over their kimonos.
Kojiro lifted Hana and put her in the boat. He untied the bonds from her hands and surprised her by not tying her to the boat. This was good, because the rocking of the vessel had her clinging to the side of the fairly flat boat with both hands. Ten baskets, each containing a bird had been loaded onto each boat. A huge lantern was lit at the bow where Kojiro stood steadily. Two other men used long paddles to propel the boat forward and turn it on its proper course. The second boat drifted behind them. Hana watched, too fascinated to consider a defensive move, as Kojiro removed a bird from one of the baskets and worked a noose around the creature's neck.
"Are you trying to kil it?" Hana asked. She wouldn't put it past him.
"The col ar must be tight enough to prevent him from swallowing our fish," he explained. "But we do not wish him harm." Kojiro set the bird in the water, holding a long string attached to the bird's neck in his left hand.
"Why do you have that fire blazing?" she asked. "Won't it frighten the birds?"
"It draws the fish towards the boat." He lifted a second bird from a basket and began the same process of tying nooses around their necks and attaching them to long strings in his left hand. By the time he had all ten birds in the water, several were swimming back towards the boat. Kojiro lifted the birds and forced the fish from their throats into a basket, before placing the cormorant back in the water.
Hana's mouth watered at the sight of the fish. "Those are Ayu. Will we eat them for supper?" she asked enthusiastically. She'd rarely had the opportunity to eat the succulent, sweet meat of that variety of fish. She would be in for a treat.
Kojiro chuckled. "That we will."
The birds swam in front of the boat, diving frequently, resurfacing with fish in their beaks and then choking them down. The fish got trapped in their distensible throats above their noose and when they became uncomfortable, they would swim towards Kojiro, and he would remove the fish from their throats before returning them to the water. When the basket was ful , Kojiro began to bring the birds back in. He removed their leash, fed them several fish and left them standing on the edge of the boat, with their large webbed feet curled over the hull and their wings spread wide.
"What are they doing?" Hana asked.
"Drying their feathers," Kojiro said, tossing another of the birds several fish from the basket.
"Why do you give them the fish?"
"They're hungry, too," he said. He stroked the nearest bird, before tossing him several fish. The birds were placed back in their bamboo baskets and the boat was directed to shore. The other two men in the boat unloaded the birds, while Kojiro brought the fish ashore and then reached for Hana. She had not considered escape until that moment, but an opportunity now presented itself. She stood up in the boat, wishing now that she'd had the foresight to untie her ankles. Stil , she had use of her arms. It was a far cry better than before. When Kojiro reached for her, she punched him twice in the face before diving for the water on the far side of the boat. She'd thought her punches would give her enough time to escape. She was wrong. Her head and upper body was submerged in water before something grabbed the back of her tunic and pulled her back onto the boat. She struggled for all she was worth, but a short blade under her chin made her still.
"For that, one person in your clan shal die. Give me a name," Kojiro whispered harshly in her ear.
"No!" she cried, immediately regretting her action.
The other five men were laughing as she was dragged back to shore. "Give me a name, or I'll chose someone myself."
"No, please, I'l do anything you say," she said, dropping to her knees at his feet and pressing her forehead to the ground.
"My choice?" he said. "Even better. I'l bring back the body to show you the consequences of your actions."
Intense revulsion grabbed her stomach in a fist. She couldn't bare it. "Kill me! If you must take another of my people, then kil me."
"That is not an acceptable compromise."
"Then what? I will do whatever you ask. I will be ful y obedient. I will not try to escape again. Just, please, do not harm any of my clan." He was silent for a long moment. "Remove your tunic," he said.
She lifted her head from the ground. "What?"
"Remove your tunic."
Was he planning on raping her? Al owing his men to rape her? They were al watching with interest.
"Why?"
"Someone who is obedient doesn't ask questions. She simply does what she is told."
"I will do as you say. I just want to know why."
"It is wet and I told you to."
Wel , she had her answer. She removed her tunic, and crossed her arms over her bare chest. She was glad it was dark so he couldn't see the heat of embarrassment flush across her face.
"Let's go, Onihana-chan."
He started back towards the village and she fol owed, her head hung low. Of all the times for Lara to feel in control, she would have picked this as being her least favorite moment. She was sure this was directly attributed to Murphy's law.
"Reece, this guy is a serious jerk," Lara whispered harshly.
"You shouldn't let her hit him in front of his men. He didn't feel like he had a choice but to save face by humiliating her." Reece turned to look at Lara. "Nice outfit," he teased. "Now, all you have to do is everything I tel you to do, and you won't find yourself in this situation again."
"Why does Kojiro keep taking control of you, and why does Hana have the upper hand with me most of the time?"
"I'm not sure, sweetheart. I think it must have something to do with the strong feelings these people are experiencing."
"Or maybe they really are soul mates." Lara shivered. "It's cold. Are you real y going to let me walk al the way to the village topless?"
"It wasn't my idea," he said. "And I wish the women walked in front of the men in this culture, so I'd have a nicer view on my journey home."
"Kojiro's severe case of asshole-ism isn't wearing off on you, is it?"
"I could never be this much of a dick. I've considered punching him in the balls three of four times already."
Lara chuckled. "Won't that hurt you?"
"Yeah, but it will hurt him, too."
"I miss the twenty first century," she said, rubbing her hands up and down her upper arms for warmth. It was spring, but the nights were still chilly.
"I'm looking forward to some of these fish," Reece said, glancing into the basket he was carrying. "Are you going to cook them for me?"
"Doubtful. For some reason I'm in a really bad mood. Maybe it's Hana's feelings. Or because Kojiro is being such a jerk. Or maybe it's because I'm half-naked."
"I'll warm you up, sweetheart, as soon as we are out of sight."
"You will not touch me," she said in Japanese.
"I guess I pissed you off again," Reece said in English. "Do not tel me what I cannot do, Onihana-chan," Kojiro said in Japanese. He sighed loudly. Was it Reece or Kojiro sighing? Probably both.
Hana followed him into his house, grateful to be indoors until she realized he could see her clearly now by lantern light. She stood just inside the door, upper arms trying to conceal her breasts.
"Turn around," Kojiro said quietly.
She turned.
"Oh my God," Reece said suddenly. "You are giving this guy such a hard on. I'll stand still if you want to kick him in the nuts." Lara laughed, and glanced at him over her shoulder. "Is that what you are hiding beneath that fish basket?"
"Maybe," he murmured. "Why don't you cook them for me and see?"
"Why don't you shove them up Kojiro's ass?"
He grinned. "I'm sorry, I've just never been inside a man who was so bad with women, yet so totally turned on by his own bad behavior."
"Well, straighten him out while you're in there." She paused. "On second thought, you'll probably only make things worse. Just let him make a mess of his life. Hana isn't going to take his shit for much longer. She's about at her limit here and if I didn't know you'd suffer as well, I'd help her cut off his bal s." Reece flinched. "One eunuch leap is plenty. Thanks. Let's see if we can find the poor girl some clothes. She'd probably like to wash up a bit, too."
"I will not accept any comforts from you," she said in Japanese.
"Here we go again," Reece muttered. "You will gladly accept my generosity and thank me for my consideration, Onihana-chan," Kojiro spat. "Or do I need to remind you of the consequences of your bad behavior again."
She lowered her head. She was going to kill this bastard in his sleep. "Thank you for your consideration, Kojiro-dono."
An hour later Hana was washed, dressed in a lovely kimono of pale green and seated across from Kojiro at his low dining table. Kojiro's mother, Ladeo, was piling fish on her son's plate. She then placed a single fish on Hana's plate before leaving the room. Hana was starving. She doubted one small fish would take the edge off her hunger, no matter how succulent it was. She waited for Kojiro to start eating before picking up her chopsticks and plucking bits of fish from the bone. It was, by far, the best thing she'd ever eaten.
"You should serve the rice now," he told her.
She glanced up. He nodded towards the large covered bowl in the center of the table. She reached across and lifted the lid. Steam rose from the mound of rice beneath. She served a bowl of rice to Kojiro and then to herself. Perhaps she would have her fill after all.
"You look lovely as a woman," he commented.
She wasn't sure if he was complimenting her or insulting her. She decided to take it as an insult. "What was I before?"
"Masculine," he murmured, his eyes seemed to caress her. "Those scrapes and bruises take away from your beauty, but they will heal soon and you will then be worthy of my attention."
She gazed at him incredulously. "Are you saying I am not worthy of your attention as I am now?"
"I require a great beauty for my wife. A lady with refined skil s, obedience and an education. You do not quite fit my idea of a suitable wife."
"I do not wish to be your wife."
"You will change your mind," he said confidently.
She doubted that with every fiber of her being.
"How is your fish?" he asked.
"Very good," she admitted.
"You could eat like this every day. Wear fine kimonos. Learn important skills."
"I already know everything I need to live as a ninja."
"You will be a ninja no more, Onihana. I have already decided that you will marry me."
"Why would you want to marry someone who loathes you?"
"You will change your opinion of me soon enough." Hana ate her rice, turning his words over in her mind. She didn't think there would ever come a day when her negative opinion of Kojiro would change for the better. Of course, there was that brief moment on the boat when she had forgotten they were enemies and was truly enjoying his company. She wondered if they had met under different circumstances if she would have a more amicable opinion of him. Well, maybe.
If he hadn't murdered her older brother.
"Lara?" Reece whispered.
She glanced up and smiled. "Good to see you."
"This is a real drag," he murmured, scooting around the table. "I want to spend time with you."
She lowered her lashes. "You don't find Hana charming?"
"She's about as charming as a rattlesnake."
"I kinda like her," Lara admitted. "She's tough. She's plotting Kojiro's murder, however. You'll probably want to hide anything remotely resembling a weapon if you want to survive the night."
Reece wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her up against his side. She winced.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I have a big bruise on my hip."
He placed a gentle kiss beneath her left ear. "Let me kiss it and make it better." His nose brushed against her earlobe and she tensed. "Don't be getting me al excited, Reece. You know you won't be able to do anything about it. Not while we're being hosted by a pair of enemies."
"I miss you," he whispered. "Why are you having such a difficult time with this leap?"
"I can't compete with Hana's hatred. It's a strong emotion."
"So her hatred of Kojiro is stronger than your desire to be yourself."
"I don't know. Why are you being so critical?"
"I don't mean to be." He touched her cheek. "You look beautiful in this kimono."
"You say that about every outfit I've worn. Are you into role playing, or something?"
"Maybe."
"Do you want me to dress up like police officer and arrest you?"
"Only if you use your handcuffs to bind me and then take advantage of my compromised position."
"Let me guess, future-me played that game with you." He shook his head. "No. I wish I would have thought of it sooner." She turned her head and found their lips only inches apart. She looked into his eyes and was instantly lost in them. He moved closer, his eyes drifting closed. She closed her eyes as well, eagerly anticipating his kiss. His lips brushed hers gently and she was consumed by a crippling fear. She struck out at him with a startled cry and tried to scramble away. She found herself on her back, looking up into the face of Kojiro. Her lower body was pinned beneath his. Her hands captured in his firm, yet gentle, grip on either side of her head.
"I will not hurt you," he promised. "Do not look at me with such fear and loathing." Her heart thudded rapidly in her chest. Her throat constricted so tightly it threatened to cut off her air supply.
"Onihana, could you ever love me?"
Her eyes widened. "How can you ask me that? Surely, you know how much I hate you."
He considered her response for a moment before speaking again. His voice, as always, was deep and calm. He never seemed unsettled by anything. "Do you really hate me, or do you hate the results of my actions in the chaos of battle?" She found that a difficult question to answer. "I don't really know you," she admitted.
"That is a fair answer," he murmured.
He continued to stare down at her, his black eyes searching hers.
"Will you let me up?" she asked finally.
"I like the feel of your body beneath mine."
Her heart rate had just returned to normal. It accelerated again. A tear leaked from the corner of her eye. She didn't know if she could allow her body to be taken by this man, even to save her people. She closed her eyes and swallowed, feeling guilty for being so selfish. She felt his lips against her cheek as he removed the tear she'd shed.
She thought of each surviving member of her clan. She had to be obedient for their sakes. Whatever he required of her, she would endure it. A trail of gentle kisses were pressed against her jaw line. Her only protest was a small sound of denial in the back of her throat. She was surprised she didn't find his kiss repulsive. It wasn't as if she wanted his kiss, but it was less horrible than she imagined it should be. His body shifted as he lifted his head to look down at her. After several moments, she opened her eyes.
She didn't know quite what to make of his expression. Tenderness? That was impossible.
He released her wrist and stroked a strand of silky black hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "Are you finished with your meal?" he asked. "What skil s do you possess for entertainment purposes?"
"Skil s?"
"Do you play a musical instrument? Sing? Dance?"
She stared at him in disbelief. "Why would I do those frivolous things?"
"What do you do for enjoyment among your clan members?" His fingers moved from her hair to trace the line of her jaw.
"Train in the martial arts."
"Are you skil ed in making love?"
Her eyes widened and a flush spread up her throat and across her face.
He smiled tenderly. "Or are you a virgin?"
She knew what he wanted to hear, so she lied. "I have taken company with many men, often and repeatedly, but I will never lie with you willingly." His eyebrow twitched. She realized this was the most unsettled she'd seen him since she'd bashed through his wall that afternoon. He moved away from her, returning to his side of the table and continued to eat. Hana sat up and picked at her delicious fish, her appetite suddenly lacking.
"Why do you lie to me, Onihana-chan?" Kojiro asked in an angry growl.
She glanced up at him. Was she so transparent? "I did not lie."
"You should wear your innocence proudly."
"I am not innocent," she said.
He snorted sardonical y. "Prove it."
She stared at him blankly.
"I doubt you've ever even kissed a man," he said.
She lowered her eyes, afraid he would see the truth behind her lies. "I have kissed many men."
"Who? Your grandfather?"
She couldn't look at him when she said, "Lovers. Many lovers."
"Show me how a woman kisses her lover."
She had an inkling that he was toying with her, but she was unaccustomed to this type of behavior in men and did not know how to react. "I would gladly do so, if you were anyone but my brother's killer."
"Then I am correct. You are a virgin. When I claim your body as mine, I will be your first, last, and only lover."
She shook her head. "You will be neither the first nor last." He chuckled. "You sound unsure of yourself."
She glanced up, surprised that his laugh sounded so warm. Their eyes met for a brief instant before she turned her unseeing gaze to the tabletop in front of her.
"Show me how a woman kisses her lover and I will spare you further humiliation this evening."
"What do you mean?"
"Kiss me now and you will still be a virgin come tomorrow." Her heart thudded. If she didn't kiss him, would he force her to lie with him? Or maybe he was being deceitful. Maybe if she kissed him, he would still force her to accept him as her lover. "I don't believe you."
"Then let us go to bed, so I can sample what so many have had before me. I prefer the tight sheath of a maiden, but an experienced woman brings certain benefits to a joining."
Mortification did not begin to describe her feelings at his words. She wasn't even sure what he meant by "tight sheath", but was certain she didn't want to know. She'd had a very awkward experience with a local boy a few years before and since then had kept her legs firmly closed.
She took a deep breath, trying not to hyperventilate. "I will kiss you, if you promise to keep your word. A kiss will be less offensive than joining with you."
"I don't know, Onihana-chan. Perhaps, I will no longer be satisfied with a mere kiss.
You must have learned many skills from your various lovers. I am interested to know what those are." It seemed as if he was teasing her, but she was too unsettled to be sure. And how was a man as cold-hearted as this samurai capable of teasing anyone?
"But you promised..."
"I did," he murmured. "One kiss tonight. Nothing more." He made no move, but instead waited for her to approach. She stood---because crawling in a kimono was next to impossible---walked slowly around the table and dropped to her knees beside Kojiro. The tightness in her chest could only be attributed to her nervousness. She licked her lips, eyes trained on his mouth. She'd never noticed how interesting his lips were. His upper lip was thinner than the lower. She leaned closer, the only sound she could hear was the blood rushing to her head. She pressed her lips to his gently, and then leaned away.
"That is how you kiss your lover?" he asked, his voice low. It didn't sound as if he were mocking her, only asking her a question.
"Yes."
"Disappointing." His fingertips brushed across her cheek. "Close your eyes."
"You promised."
"One kiss intended for a lover, not a grandmother." She closed her eyes. Was there really a difference? She felt his breath on her lips just before he claimed her mouth. So there was a difference. She could only submit to his glorious assault on her senses as he suckled her lips in abandon. He drew away and she stared up into his dark eyes.
"That is how you kiss a lover," he said.
She couldn't look away. Why wasn't she repelled by this man? She despised him.
Yet she wanted him.
"Yes."
"Go finish your rice, and then clear the table."
"Yes."
She kept her word, and he kept his. He did not try to force himself on her. Nor did he speak to her. He did watch her eat as if he were watching a fascinating Noh theatre performance. After Hana had cleaned up the remnants of the meal, Kojiro called for entertainment. A beautiful, young woman dressed in a red kimono entered the room.
She walked with a short, shuffling gait, not with the grace of a shinobi, but with feminine subservience. Her demeanor made Hana's skin crawl. The woman glanced at Hana but lowered her eyes quickly and kept her head bowed as she knelt near the wall and held a stringed instrument across her lap.
"Aika is well practiced in the koto," Kojiro said. "Many do not understand the purpose of music in these times of war, but what is life without moments of beauty?" He nodded at the lovely young woman. "Your playing would please me," he said to her.
She smiled with what Hana could only describe as adulation. Who was this woman?
Dare Hana ask Kojiro what role the young woman served in his home? In his life? Was she his concubine? Did he kiss her the way he'd just kissed Hana? Why did that thought bother her? She didn't care if Kojiro had fifty women at his disposal and kissed them all.
It would lessen the likelihood that he'd continue to want her. Hana stole a glance at the handsome samurai warrior and wondered why her heart was thudding so fiercely in her breast. He had a despicable, control ing personality. Why did she suddenly think it would be nice to give her power to him? To lessen the burden of her responsibility. To belong to this man. To al ow him to take control. To be feminine. To accept weakness as a part of who she was. Not the most important part, but a part she didn't have to deny. That would be... unfathomable. Yet strangely freeing.
Kojiro must have drugged her fish. It was the only explanation for her sudden interest in the life he offered.
When Aika started to pluck at the strings of her koto with the picks at the end of her thumb, index and middle fingers, Hana's breath caught. The music started off slowly. It had no real rhythm to it. It was more like the gentle lull of a rushing stream at first.
Cohesive, yet unpredictable. As the song increased in speed, it swept Hana along with it until al of her cares and concerns were drawn away in the current of the melody. She had never heard such beautiful music. Had never had the time to enjoy a moment of frivolity.
As Hana relaxed and let her guard drop, Lara was finally able to push her consciousness to the forefront of the warrior woman's presence. She almost collapsed with relief until she realized that she had to keep up her ruse as long as Aika was still in the room. She glanced at Kojiro and he winked at her before his form melted into a welcome sight. Reece! She forced herself not to launch her body across the table, tackle him to the floor and kiss him senseless. The confused thoughts of this Hana chick were driving Lara crazy. Was she attracted to Kojiro or not? Lara just wished she'd make up her mind.
The music began to slow again until the song eventually fel silent after one final ringing note. Lara clapped and then wondered if that was the right thing to do in this culture. The pleased smile on Aika's face led her to believe that she hadn't pulled a total faux pas.
"Would you like to learn to play the koto?" Reece asked Lara. Or was it Kojiro asking Hana? "Aika would teach you."
Lara glanced at Aika who bowed her head slightly. Lara doubted the woman had ever challenged Kojiro's wishes. No wonder the man was an insufferable pig. "I think I would enjoy that," Lara said. Heck, she didn't know. Hana had enjoyed the music. And it sure beat catching fish with birds.
"This pleases me," Reece said in Japanese. "Hana will start lessons with you tomorrow, Aika. Leave us now."
Aika bowed her head again, the somehow how managed to stand gracefully in her kimono and not drop the koto on the floor. She shuffled out of the room and slid the door shut.
"Gah, alone at last," Reece said, finally speaking English.
"This woman is driving me crazy. First, she can't decide if she hates Kojiro or not.
Now she's entertaining thoughts of submitting to his domination."
"Really?" Reece said. "Now that's interesting, because Kojiro is entertaining thoughts of dominating Hana. He is used to these women doing his bidding without question and the challenge of a woman as strong as Hana has him totally distracted." Lara struggled to her feet---floor length, tight skirts were not easy to maneuver in---
and walked in short strides to Reece's side. He reached up and tumbled her into his lap.
She laughed and wrapped both arms around his neck. "I've missed you today," she said, staring up into his hazel-green eyes.
"Me, too," he murmured and lowered his head to kiss her.
Lara could feel Hana's attempts to protest, but she kissed Reece deeper and the little warrior woman went limp with submission. Both mentally and physically.
"Dominate me," Lara murmured against Reece's lips.
Reece pul ed away and gazed down at her. "Huh?"
"That's what they want. It feels like the next step. Like this is supposed to happen between them," Lara said. "Do you think you can pul it off?"
"I've never really delved into that realm of sexuality."
"Do you have something against it?"
"Not at all. As long as both parties are in agreement."
"Oh, I'm in total agreement. I trust you. Hana isn't sure how she feels about Kojiro, but maybe if these two fuck, they'll stop fighting and we can keep them subdued for the rest of our visit."
Reece grinned that naughty grin that Lara knew meant she was about to experience multiple orgasms. Damn, but she loved this man.
"How far do you want to take this, sweetheart?"
"I want you to force me to do things."
"And if you refuse?"
"Then you get to punish me."
"How?" Searching her eyes, he stroked Lara's hair gently and dropped a tender kiss at the corner of her mouth.
"That's up to you. You are my master."
"I don't think I can bring myself to hurt you, sweetheart."
"Not even if I'm asking for it?"
His gaze roamed her face and she could see Sappy Reece fighting with Sexy Reece behind his troubled gaze. "We'l see. Do we need a safe word or what? I get the gist of this sort of thing, but I've never actual y participated."
"How about we talk ourselves through it this time?" she suggested. "That would be okay, wouldn't it? If either of us have a problem with a situation, we'll promise each other to say something."
"And if you don't say anything?"
"It means I'm okay with it."
"Let's just hope Kojiro and Hana let this happen. I think they both real y need to get laid. The sooner, the better."
Lara laughed. "I real y need to get laid. Al this angst and drama has me tense. A little release would be a welcome relief."
"A little release?" Reece teased. "I think you should plan on several large releases." Lara laughed. "Is that a promise, Reece Jericho?" He smiled gently and kissed her. "You know it is. How do you want me to talk to you?"
"The way Kojiro already talks to Hana."
"He's a fucking jerk, Lara."
Lara nodded. "Pretty much, but he's the master of his domain and he knows it. Let yourself be master of my domain."
"I want you naked," Reece said.
"Don't tel me what you want. Demand I do it."
"Stand before me and remove your clothes."
That was a little better, but he would need some practice. Lara decided not to bait him by misbehaving just yet. She'd wait until he slipped further into his dominant role before testing his limits.
"Yes, master," she murmured huskily.
He released her and she struggled to rise to her feet. The kimono was lovely, but she was having a hell of a time moving in the thing. Getting naked for Reece sounded like a wonderful plan. She unwrapped the wide, fabric belt from around her waist and tossed it aside. She turned her back to Reece and slowly let the kimono slide down her back.
"Turn," he demanded, his voice not harsh, but firm. It sent a shiver of delight down her spine.
Lara turned.
"God, you're sexy," he murmured, his appreciative gaze on her bare breasts. "Show me more."
Lara al owed the kimono to fall to the floor. She removed her split-toed socks and stood before him naked.
"Make your nipples hard for me," Reece said in that same firm voice.
Lara licked the ring and middle finger of her right hand and rubbed the moisture over her nipple until it hardened into a tight bead. She did the same for her other breast.
"Now pluck them hard, Lara. Make them ache."
Lara pinched her nipples between her thumbs and forefingers, plucking the sensitive flesh until her pussy began to throb and her womb tightened. Her head dropped back, her mouth open. Something about this really turned her on.
"Sit on the table," Reece said.
Lara sat, releasing a gasp when the cool wood surface touched her bare buttocks.
"Spread your legs. Show me your cunt."
She hesitated. Not because she didn't want to show him how wet she already was, but because she wanted to know what he would do if she disobeyed him. She met his eyes in challenge.
"Spread your legs, Lara," he repeated, his gaze dark.
Her legs opened as if on their own accord.
"Wider."
She obeyed. And she loved that she'd given him control. It felt liberating. She trusted him to make it worth her while.
When his heavy gaze moved to the hot, wet flesh between her wide open thighs, a spasm of pure delight gripped her pussy.
"I'm going to eat that cunt. Make it wet for me."
"It's already wet."
He lifted his eyes to meet hers and did not look happy with her retort.
"Tell me how to make it wetter for you," she amended.
"Rub your clit. Fast and hard, but don't make yourself come. That pleasure is mine." She reached between her legs with a trembling hand. She slid a finger into her aching pussy and received a slap on the thigh for her disobedience. Her entire body jerked. It didn't even hurt much, but it brought her entire body a new awareness.
"Follow instructions, Lara," Reece said.
"I'm sorry."
"Is that how you address me?"
She searched her chaotic thoughts for the proper response. "I'm sorry, master."
"Do what I told you to do. Nothing more. Nothing less." She rubbed her clit in slow circles at first and then short rapid strokes. She could hear how wet her pussy was getting as she worked her fingers against her flesh.
"Don't come," he reminded her. His tone was stil firm, but not harsh.
Lara squirmed, forcing back the orgasm that she so wanted to succumb to.
"That's beautiful, baby," he murmured. "Make it wetter."
"Wetter? It's already dripping down my ass."
Another slap to her thigh had her rubbing her clit harder and faster. It turned out she could make it wetter. "Oh, I'm coming."
Reece grabbed her wrists and held her arms pinned to the table on either side of her thighs. Her hips buckled. Her clit throbbed. Her pussy tightened, but she did not come.
"I told you that pleasure was mine," Reece said.
She looked down at him and he grinned.
"Lie back on the table," he demanded firmly.
She did as he said. The surface of the table was cold and hard against her back. He released her wrists.
"Hold your hands in place at your sides or I will be forced to tie you down." Tie her down? Spread eagle across the low table? Oh yeah, she liked the sound of that. She would pretend to obey him for the time being.
Reece lowered his head between her thighs. His tongue traced her opening in wide lazy circles. It made her crave cock so bad she began to tremble. She reached between her legs and rubbed at her clit, her intent to make herself come and to push Reece into making her suffer the consequences of her disobedience.
He grabbed her hand, still licking her as he removed the belt from around his kimono and tied it around her wrist.
He lifted his head to look at her. "Are you still okay with this? I'm going to tie you down."
She nodded vigorously. "But I'm going to test you, because I want you to punish me."
He grinned crookedly. "I learn a little more about you each day. And I thought I knew everything." He circled the table and pul ed Lara's arm above her head. He wrapped the wide strip of fabric around one short table leg.
"Put your other arm over your head, Lara."
"And if I refuse?"
He leaned over and bit her nipple.
"Oh!" She had a mind to refuse him again, but her arm shot up over her head as if by its own volition.
He wrapped the free end of his long sash around the other table leg and then secured her wrist down.
With no sash to hold it closed, his kimono gaped in the front. Lara caught sight of his cock---big and hard. Her pussy throbbed, protesting its emptiness.
"I want you," she said, watching his cock closely as Reece stood to stand by her head. "Inside me."
"Kojiro promised Hana that she would stil be a virgin in the morning," Reece said.
"I don't recal any such thing," she lied. But she was just borrowing Hana's body, so she supposed it wasn't very nice of her to use it to sleep with her greatest enemy, even if Reece was the one commanding that enemy body. "Please," she whispered. "Inside." Reece tugged her up the table so that her head was free of the edge of the table and she had more give in her bound arms.
"Open your mouth," Reece said. "I will put it inside you."
"Down there, Reece."
"Down where?"
"Inside my cunt." Just saying that word, which she usual y found offensive, made her squirm with excitement.
"You'll take what I give you." He placed his palms on the table on either side of her hips and lowered his cock towards her face.
She opened her mouth and when he hesitated, she lifted her head and sucked him inside. He gasped as she began to bob her head rhythmical y. When her neck got tired, she relaxed her head back against the edge of the table and Reece took over the motion. She tilted her head back farther and sucked rhythmically as he fucked her mouth. He bumped the back of her throat several times and her fist clenched. She concentrated on not choking, breathing raggedly through her nose each time he pulled back. When he paused, she sucked harder and he groaned.
"I'm going to come in your mouth," he said, "and you're going to swallow it all." Yeah, she was.
"Suck harder now," he demanded.
She sucked harder and his strokes became more shallow and faster.
"Harder."
She released suction, took a deep breath and latched on again.
"Oh God, sweetheart," he groaned. He thrust into her mouth one last time and let go. She sucked hard while he came, wishing her hands were free so she could hold onto him as she accepted the spurts of come into her mouth and swallowed every thick, salty drop he offered. When he was spent, he slowly pul ed out.
He dropped down on his knees at her head and stroked her face with both hands.
"Are you okay? I'm not sure what came over me. Seeing you tied down like this. I just...
wanted to take what I wanted." He kissed cheeks, her forehead, her nose. "Are you okay?" he asked again.
"I'm fine," she assured him. "Well, except I'm horny as hell and can't do anything about it."
She pressed her legs together and gyrated her hips trying to al eviate some of the ache between her thighs.
"Spread your legs and keep them spread," Reece said firmly, "or I'll be forced to tie those down, too."
Lara ignored his demands and kept rubbing her legs together. She got limited stimulation to her clit this way, but maybe it was enough to get off.
Reece climbed to his feet and moved around to the opposite side of the table. He grabbed her legs and yanked her down the table until the cloth belt holding her arms tied down went taut. Her legs extended beyond the edge of the table now. Her crotch was in perfect alignment with the edge. Reece reached for the wide fabric belt that had held Lara's kimono closed and used it to bind her ankles wide apart, lashed to either table leg.
When he had her bound, he lowered his face and blew hot breaths against the building moisture between her legs.
"You're so swollen, Lara," he said. "Dripping."
"Do something about it."
"I'd rather gaze at it."
He leaned away and she lifted her head to look down at him. True to his word, he was staring at the exposed flesh between her wide-open legs. Her empty pussy throbbed in protest.
"You smel wonderful," Reece said. "I remember your taste. Would you like me lick that cum trickling from your empty cunt."
She gasped. Why did it turn her on so much when he talked dirty to her? She hated that word. Cunt. But when he said it to her in bed, it turned her on. "Yes," she gasped.
"Do you want a finger to slip inside?"
"Yes."
"Two?"
"Oh yes. Reece!"
He didn't move, just continued to stare at her exposed flesh. "Do you want my tongue against your clit?"
His hands slid up the insides of her thighs and her hips buckled. "Yes, Reece."
"Do you want me to spank your ass?"
She hesitated. Did she want that? She wasn't sure. No one had ever spanked her before.
"Do you want my cock to pound into you? To fill your red, swollen cunt?" His fingers dug into the insides of her thighs and she groaned with need.
"Yes, Reece."
"Do you want me to spank you?"
"I don't know," she said breathlessly.
"Do you want me to suck your nipples while I fuck you?" Her nipples tightened at his words. "Yes, yes. Suck them." His hands moved away and she lifted her head to look at him. His attention was riveted to her pussy. Spasms gripped the overexcited flesh and she squirmed.
"Your cum is flowing freely. Does your pussy ache for me?" he asked.
"Yes," she said breathlessly.
"Your juices are dripping down your ass. How bad do you want it?"
"Bad, Reece. I need you."
"Do you want me to spank you?"
"Will you fuck me if I say yes?"
He shifted back and sat cross-legged several feet away from her wide-open thighs.
"Come for me, Lara."
"Untie my hand and I will."
"No. I want you to make yourself come by thinking sexy thoughts." She couldn't possibly attain orgasm just by thinking about it. "I can't do that," she said.
"You will do that. I'm watching you, baby. I want to see your pussy clench when you make it come for me."
His request was impossible. "I don't know how."
"Think about what it feels like when I'm filling you. Thrusting. What it sounds like.
Think about all those dirty little fantasies you've had but never told anyone. Imagine those fantasies coming true. Tell me what you're fantasizing about. Whatever it takes to excite you to orgasm."
Her mind clung to memories of just a few moments ago. "Your taste is still in my mouth," she whispered. "I can still feel the texture of your shaft against my tongue. How the rim felt brushing against it. Over and over again." Her face grew increasingly flushed as she spoke. She'd never said such brazen things in all her life. "I remember the feel of you inside me. Filling me. Withdrawing. Fil ing again." Her back arched off the table. "I want to feel your chest hair rub against my nipples each time you plunge into me." Her vaginal muscles convulsed and she thought she might attain that elusive orgasm, but it stayed just beyond her reach. "Dig your fingers into my ass as you hold me still so you can fuck me harder, Reece. Grind your hips when you're deep to tease my clit. I can hear your gasping breaths in my ear. How they stir the hairs along the side of my neck.
Tickling. Drawing goose bumps to the surface. I inhale the scent of your body deeply, wanting it to be inside me as you are inside me." She not only spoke of each erotic sensation, but remembered and imagined them happening to her. "Slip your finger in my ass while you make me come."
She twisted uncomfortably on the table. She was excited beyond comprehension, but still didn't think she could come just by thinking about these things.
"Deeper, Reece. Feel me deeper."
"I can't believe with al the crazy shit we did with Ashar and Maisha that you're only thinking of me."
"I love you," she gasped. "Only you. Don't leave me like this, Reece. I can't do this without you."
"You will, Lara. You will come for me because I demand it of you."
"And if I don't?" She still didn't think it was possible.
"I'll wait."
She groaned.
He did what he said. Sat there at the end of the table between her wide-open thighs and waited. Lara concentrated on the ache in her swollen clit. She wanted him to rub it, suck it, lick it, caress it with the head of his cock, nibble it, flick it. She thought about how each sensation felt different, yet wonderful. When she was certain she would die from lack of fulfillment she imagined his thick cock sliding deep inside her and her body shuddered with release. Not the best orgasm she'd ever had---she needed Reece to attain true satisfaction---but she'd definitely come.
"You actually did it," Reece said in breathless wonder.
She shimmied her hips uncomfortably. "I'm still horny."
"Now it's time for your reward." He slid forward and traced her opening with one finger until her hips began to writhe involuntarily. He plunged two fingers inside her and she moaned in delight. The tip of a third finger slid into her ass and she shuddered.
"Oh," she gasped.
He began to thrust his fingers in and out of her body, with each inward stroke, the finger in her ass slid a bit deeper. Was that supposed to be so sexy? To feel that good?
When her body had accepted the ful length of his finger, he thrust them deep with each penetration. She was calling out in ecstasy, but couldn't seem to quiet her vocalizations even though she knew her voice must easily carry through the rice-paper walls. When she didn't think she could take any more pleasure, he lowered his head and suckled her clit. Her entire body arched of the table as she came. Hard this time. Her pussy and ass contracted around his fingers in delightful spasms as she obtained true satisfaction. He worked both passages and her clit to prolong that orgasm until she was sobbing from its intensity.
When she stil ed at last---well, other than those involuntary spasms that caused her to twitch every few seconds---Reece lifted his head.
"Someone likes anal play," he said.
"I did not like that," she said breathlessly. "I loved it."
"Are your arms tired?" he asked.
She shifted her concentration from the pleasure between her thighs to other, seemingly unnecessary, body parts. Her shoulders were a bit uncomfortable. "Yeah.
You can untie me now. I'm satisfied."
Reece chuckled. "I'm not. Watching you get off has me aching for you." Chapter Eighteen
Reece untied the bindings holding Lara's legs to the table first. He rubbed her hips, to ease her muscles and then moved to the other side of the table to release her arms.
She'd been so open during that entire session not just physically, but emotionally.
Reece felt the need to reward her. He was just glad that idiot, Kojiro, had remained under his control the entire time. The guy ruined everything.
Once Lara was free, Reece unrolled a mattress across the floor. She winced as she rotated her shoulders to regain her motility. Reece owed her a massage, which he was already thinking would be more his pleasure than hers.
He took her hand and led her to the mattress. "Lie here on your bel y," he said. "I'll help you get the kinks out."
"I'd rather get my kinks on."
Reece laughed. "More of that later."
He washed his hands in a bucket of water before kneeling beside her on the mattress. He leaned across her body and massaged her back, starting between her shoulders and working his way down to her buttocks. She sighed in content bliss.
"I'm going to insist you tie me up more often if this is outcome," she murmured.
He moved to straddle her thighs, acutely aware of how hard his cock was as he leaned over her and it slid up the cleft between the plump cheeks of her ass. She rocked back against him, nudging his bal s and changing his focus from wanting to relax her to wanting to excite her.
He leaned over her and massaged her shoulders, rubbing his cock up and down the crack of her ass with the same rhythm. As he worked his way down to the middle of her back---working her muscles with the heels of his hands and his fingertips---he shifted his body farther down her thighs until the head of his cock was bumping against her anus with each rocking motion.
She murmured something incoherent and lifted her hips. Reece repositioned one knee between her legs. When she relaxed and spread her legs wider, he moved his other knee and laid down across her back. He kissed her shoulders as he moved his pelvis against her ass in a sensual dance, seeking entrance to her body without the guidance of his hands. When his cock found her tight opening at last, he eased into her slowly, rotating his hips as he burrowed deeper. Hana hadn't been lying earlier. She wasn't a virgin. And currently, she wasn't protesting. He was infinitely grateful that Lara was stil in control, because he couldn't conceive of being without his Lara at the moment. She began to move with him, writhing her hips, rocking back to meet his slow thrusts.
He slid an arm beneath her bel y and slowly eased her up onto her knees, his cock only slightly buried within her. He pressed a hand on her shoulders to keep her face on the mattress as he thrust into her from behind. He reached around to stroke her clit and seek her slick juices. When she began to moan and rock back against him harder and harder, he moved his hand to her ass and slid his slickened finger into her back entrance. She relaxed, accepting his finger deep and groaned in bliss when he began to rotate it inside her.
Reece's pleasure began to build, tugging at his balls, drawing him towards release.
When he felt her orgasm grip his cock in hard spasms, he let himself follow her, driving himself hard into her body as the bursts of pleasure at the base of cock and deep inside sent him into an abyss of satisfaction. He groaned in bliss as his fluids flooded her body in hard pulses of ecstasy. He tugged his fingertip free of her ass and wrapped both arms around her waist, drawing her back against his belly as they col apsed on the mattress in front of them.
That was when Reece lost his grip on his host's actions and Kojiro returned. The coldness within his heart melted within the heat of his little ninja woman's body.
Still buried inside her, Kojiro kissed Hana's shoulder with a tenderness he did not know he possessed. He'd known from the start that she was the one fate had chosen for him and these emotions, this pleasure, only solidified his feelings. Hana was his one.
His only. His love. He knew it with as much certainty as he knew the sun would rise in East in the morning. That's why he was so stunned when he realized her body was trembling beneath him, not because she was shuddering in mutual bliss, but because she was crying.
"Hana," he murmured, stroking her long black hair from her face. "Why do you cry, my love?"
"H-how can I feel this way about you, when you are the one who kil ed my brother? I hate you. I must."
But he loved her. And she would love him, too. Very soon. He demanded it of her.
Lara blinked her eyes open when a beam of bright sunlight crossed her eyelids.
Hana had spent the night lying beside Kojiro contemplating his murder and denying the tangle of confused emotions she was feeling. She'd eventual y passed out from exhaustion and apparently that al owed Lara to take the upper hand again, though she was feeling the effects of a mostly sleepless night.
Reece was not beside her when she awoke, but her kimono was there, neatly folded. She got dressed and slid the door open. Had Hana been cognizant, she would have tried to escape and return to her village, but Lara just wanted to find Reece. As soon as she stepped onto the porch outside the room, a teenage boy stood and offered her a nod.
"Can I help you?" she asked.
"I am your chaperone, Hojo."
More like guard, she thought, and not a very good one. Hana could have easily taken him down with her mad ninja skills. Lara nodded in acceptance, however, and made her way down the wide wooden porch towards the lovely garden in the center courtyard. Trickling water fed into a smal pond. A bamboo tube on a pivot filled with water and dropped to thunk against a rock, spil ing water into an overflowing basin before returning upright to fill once more. Budding plants hinted at spring with tiny unfurling leaves in bright greens and deep reds. A bird chirped. An insect hummed. Lara descended the stairs and stood on a dirt path, searching the soothing area for signs of human life.
"Where is Kojiro?" Lara asked the vigilant young man at her side.
"He is training with the other samurai as he does each morning." Lara imagined Reece shirtless and sweaty, his sculpted muscles straining with the exertion of his exercises. The corners of her mouth lifted with pleasure. "Can I watch?" When Hojo didn't answer, Lara turned to look at him. He glanced wistfully to the East where the rhythmic shouts of maybe a dozen men could be heard. Lara assumed the samurai were making those sounds as they trained. "I am supposed to escort you to Aika so she can start teaching you to play the koto," Hojo said.
She'd much rather admire Reece than pluck strings. "Just for a moment. You would like to watch them as well, wouldn't you?"
His dark eyes lit up with excitement. "I hope to start training with them soon."
"You wish to be samurai?"
He nodded. "I will fight for our honorable Shogun. Do you wish to be samurai?" Lara took a step backward, thrown off-guard by his question. "Women cannot be samurai," she said automatically.
"There are very few," he admitted.
Lara hadn't known that there were any female samurai, but then she hadn't known there were any female ninja either. She wasn't quite sure what the difference between the two types of warriors was. Was it merely social class? Fighting style? Rituals?
Bushido? Whatever the heck that was...
"Can we go watch the samurai train?" she asked again.
"For a few moments, but then we must meet with Aika." Lara nodded in agreement and offered him a friendly smile. She was surprised when he blushed and lowered his gaze. Did someone have a little crush on Hana? Or maybe he knew that she'd gotten off hard with her supposed greatest enemy the night before. They traversed the dirt path that led around the inside of the inner courtyard.
Multiple traditional Japanese houses framed the glorious garden. There was something very comforting about the design. Lara took a deep breath, the tension of her body draining away. The path eventually took them between two houses to a sweeping vista in the foothills of the mountains.
Hojo grabbed Lara's wrist and tugged her down behind a large boulder. "They can't know we are watching. Kojiro will be furious that I did not take you to Aika as soon as you awoke."
Lara silently cursed her kimono as she settled on her knees beside Hojo, hoping she was concealed by the rock because once she got down, it would take a forklift to get her back up and she was pretty sure they hadn't been invented yet.
"We'l just tel him that I slept in late," she said.
He smiled and turned his attention to the fourteen warriors going through drills in perfect synchrony. They used wooden swords as they practiced. It soon became apparent as to why they didn't use their razor-sharp katanas when they trained. They held nothing back when they paired off and fought each other. Kojiro was the fiercest of the batch and, much to Lara's disappointment, he was firmly in command of himself at the moment, which meant Reece was concealed from her eager gaze. So when Hana decided to take charge of her own body, Lara didn't resist. She had no interest in watching fourteen strangers train. She'd only wanted to watch Reece---the man she loved.
Hana watched the warriors train with keen interest. She absorbed the technique behind their motions like a sponge, imagining how her body would feel as she lifted the sword this way, thrust it that, slashed like so. She wasn't even aware that she'd been mimicking their motions until Hojo grabbed her sleeve.
"Stop or they'll notice us," he whispered.
Off-balance she tumbled sideways, wishing she was in her peasant-garb as Kojiro had so rudely cal ed it. It sure made maneuvering a lot easier than this contraption.
When she lifted her shoulders out of the dirt, she noticed a familiar pair of feet in her line of sight.
"What are you doing here, Hana?" Kojiro asked in his deepest, most commanding voice. "You are supposed to be learning how to be a woman this morning." Hana struggled to stand, remembering the way it had felt to be subservient to Kojiro the night before. How freeing it had been. How pleasurable. She would not be that woman in front of al these men, however. When Kojiro reached down to help her rise, she lashed out at him. He scowled and set her on her feet, before releasing her arm as if she harbored an incurable disease. She didn't have time to analyze why his brusqueness made her heart pang. She was too angered by his existence to care.
"I do not wish to be a woman," she spat at him. "I wish to be a warrior."
"You want to be samurai?" Kojiro asked.
The group of men laughed. Hana straightened her spine and lifted her chin. "I am ninja."
"Mercenary," one of the samurai sneered at her.
It was true that many of her comrades hired out their skil s for a fee, but Hana only fought to protect her people. She didn't fault those who were mercenaries however. It was not easy to survive in these war-torn times. Her brother had been killed during a hired mission. She had wanted to go with him, but he'd left her behind to protect the village. She might have saved him---from Kojiro---had she been there. Or if the band had been better prepared to fight these warriors. Maybe if she pretended she wanted to be one of them, she could learn their secrets and share them with her clan.
"But I would like to become samurai," she said.
Kojiro's eyes widened. "You would?"
"Yes. Fighting is a far more useful skill than playing koto or pouring tea." The samurai laughed again, not at her this time, but with her.
"Let's see what your little demon flower has in her," one of the samurai said. "I say let her fight."
"Hojo," Kojiro said and flicked his hand toward the boulder.
Hojo slowly rose to his feet, head bent in shame for failing to complete his task.
"Yes, Kojiro-dono?"
"You will be Hana's partner today."
Hojo's head lifted and he scarcely hid his wide smile before nodding curtly. "Yes, Kojiro-dono."
"I prefer to partner with you," Hana said, meeting Kojiro's gaze.
"I thought she partnered with you last night," one of the samurai said and laughed with his comrades.
Hana's face flamed. They knew? Hana narrowed her eyes at Kojiro. What had he told them? How she'd opened herself to him? How she'd accepted him into her mouth and swallowed his come? How she'd come herself just because he'd demanded it of her? How she'd begged for him to possess her? How she'd enjoyed every minute?
"She will partner with me this morning as well," he said, looking entirely nonplussed by their lewd comments.
The instant a wooden sword was in her hands, she advanced on Kojiro, striking at him with every ounce of strength she possessed. He blocked her strikes but did not counter them. Hana struck harder, cursing her stupid kimono. If there hadn't been fifteen men in attendance, she would have shed the blasted garment.
"Don't take it easy on me because I'm a woman," she shouted, striking again, countered again.
"I'm not taking it easy on you because you're a woman," he said, watching her motions closely and lifting his wooden sword to block every move. He surprised her by grabbing her sword with one hand and jerking her toward him. He caught her against his chest and lowered his head to whisper in her ear, "I'm taking it easy on you because I love you."
Love? What could this murderer possibly know about love? She shoved him, took several steps back, and hiked her kimono up her thighs so she could maneuver better.
This elicited plenty of appreciative comments from their attentive audience, but Hana didn't care. She wanted to kil Kojiro for daring to use a word such as love in her presence. A strange lust, yes, she understood and claimed that feeling for the handsome warrior, but not love. Never love.
"Don't take it easy on me at all!" she shouted angrily, hacking at him with imprecise retaliating blows.
He blocked several strikes and then lifted his sword to strike back. Her hands went numb from the hard vibration that carried down her wooden sword. He struck again and the sword tumbled from her useless hands.
"You are swift, Hana, but there is no strength in your blows," he said calmly.
She scrambled for her sword, flexing her fingers around the hilt as she faced him again.
They sparred until Hana could no longer lift her fatigued arms. She was pleased to see that Kojiro had the decency to break out in a sweat.
"She has potential," one of the samurai said.
Kojiro nodded, but did not take his piercing gaze from Hana's. "Leave us." Hana held her sword at her waist, her lungs laboring for breath. She wasn't sure if she wanted to be left alone with Kojiro, but she didn't have the strength to follow the others from the practice field.
"Do you feel better?" he asked, still holding his defensive stance as if he realized she would attack him the instant he dropped his guard.
"About what?"
"Things best forgotten." When she did nothing but stare at him, he continued, "I did not kil your brother out of spite, but in defense. Do you know why the ninja attacked us that night? As far as we know, it was unprovoked. We have been trying to make sense of it."
The tip of Hana's sword lowered despite her best efforts to keep it elevated. "What do you mean? They were protecting a village from the likes of you and your Shogun's greed."
"I will not deny that the lower class always suffers to fund the wealthy, but we do not attack villages. Occasionally we must infringe upon their hospitality to remind them who protects them from the battling states, but we never attack."
"You lie," she said.
"That night three weeks ago, mercenaries attacked the castle. None of our enemies has claimed the attack. We know of no reason anyone would seek retribution. If you know something about the reason behind that attack, speak, Hana. The Shogun has lost his patience with your clan of peasant warriors. If he orders his samurai to annihilate you al , I am honor bound to abide by his wishes."
"That is all you care about," she said. "Honor."
"I live and die by bushido's creed, but that is not all I care about, Hana." He dropped his guard, but she did not attack. She blamed it on her fatigue, but knew she was lying to herself. She did not want to injure Kojiro. She did not want him to die. She wanted to understand him. And she wished she could continue to blame him for killing her brother, but in her heart, she knew she would have done the same to protect her people as Kojiro had done to protect his.
"What do you care about, Samurai?" she asked. "Besides honor."
"My Shogun. My family. My warriors. The mountains and the river. The sky and the rain. My birds. My sword." He turned and glanced at her. "And you." Hana's breath caught and her wooden sword tumbled from her slack grip.
"What do you care about, my flower?" he asked.
She thought of her brother, so strong and proud. He was gone and had left behind a gaping hole in her heart. "Nothing," she said, her vision swimming with tears. "I have lost the only thing that I ever cared about."
When his hand brushed her hair, she did not flinch away. She leaned into his touch, craving his strength because she had none. "You care," he whispered, drawing her along his solid length. "You care because I demand it of you." Her head snapped up in defiance and he captured her face between his hands. His lips claimed hers with the passion he'd introduced her to the night before and she was instantly enslaved by this man's kiss. After several blissful moments of her surrender, his mouth released hers and he stared down into her eyes.
"You care about the people of your village," he said forceful y.
She nodded, her heart swelling in her throat.
"You care about a bountiful catch and a plentiful harvest." Those things meant survival to her people, so she had to nod in agreement again.
"You care about me."
She opened her mouth to deny it, but he kissed her again and she went limp in his arms. His hand cupped her aching breast and she moaned in his mouth. Did she care about him? She wasn't sure, but she did love the things he did to her body. His free hand moved to the swell of her bottom and he pressed her lower belly against the hardening length of his cock. Oh, she wanted him. She could not deny that at al . She rubbed against him and instantly found herself straddling his lap on the ground.
"Join with me, Hana," he said, fumbling with his clothes and hers.
Hidden beneath a tangle of loosened kimonos Hana sank down upon his engorged cock. His eyelids fluttered and he leaned against the boulder at his back, his fingers pressing into the flesh of her hips beneath her clothes. She rode him slowly, lost in his gaze, realizing that when they were joined like this, power and honor did not matter. Al that mattered at that moment was the two of them lost in mutual surrender. A few moments later al that mattered was the pleasure shared between their straining bodies.
In the aftermath, he held her against his chest, his body still buried within hers.
"I do love you my little demon flower," he whispered.
She almost believed him. Something substantial was stirring within her own tattered heart as well.
Reece's arms tightened around Lara, drawing her closer to his weary body. He was in great physical condition, but the drills of the morning had been intense. A bit perturbed that Kojiro had decided to give Reece's consciousness the upper hand only after he'd sated his lust, his hands began to wander freely over Lara's soft curves.
"I just don't get these two," Lara murmured. "One minute they're fighting and spewing hatred, the next they're making love and spouting mushy sentiments."
"It keeps things exciting," Reece said.
Lara chuckled. "That's for sure. I think I'd like to stick to learning to play the koto and how to pour tea. Hana can continue with the sword fights on her own."
"What about the love making?"
"Do I get a choice on that one?" Lara murmured, her lips brushing the sensitive skin of Reece's neck. Her hands found their way into his gaping kimono and explored the contours of his chest. "With you, it's my favorite pastime."
"Kojiro-dono," someone shouted about ten feet from where Reece and Lara were fused together in an intimate embrace.
"Shh," Reece whispered in Lara's ear. "Maybe they won't find us here."
"Kojiro, there is a large group of peasants at the gates. They are demanding you release Hana from her imprisonment."
"So I'm your prisoner?" Lara whispered.
"I do hold the key to your heart and I refuse to set it free." Lara leaned back and rolled her eyes at him. "Very sappy, Reece. I suppose we have to go see to this situation before it gets out hand."
"I'd rather sit here buried in your warmth and say things that make you rol your eyes at me."
She giggled. "You're so sweet to me. That must be why I love you so much." Reece's heart gave an unpleasant pang. He didn't deserve her. His thoughtlessness had resulted in her death and this leaping from one time period to another wasn't an easy life. Adventurous, yes, but difficult. She deserved to know the truth and make a decision about how they should proceed. He only prayed that she would see things his way and agree the most important thing was keeping her alive and in his arms.
"Lara, I really need to tel you something."
She tilted her chin and looked up at him impishly. "Is it that even though your current host is a jerk, you're glad you have bal s this leap?" His jaw dropped and then he laughed until he got a stitch in his side. "No." He hesitated. "Well, yes, I am glad I have balls, but we need to talk about what happened when the amulet was first activated."
There was a loud crash on the opposite side of the compound near the huge front gates that protected the Shogun and his people from the outside world. "It's going to have to wait," Lara said, rising from his lap and adjusting her kimono. "It seems we have company."
By the time Reece and Lara reached the front gates, the samurai were in ful battle dress. Frightening masks in red and black concealed their faces. Armor made of smal , square overlapping plates covered them from shoulder to mid-thigh. About half of them were standing on the top of the wall with arrows notched in long bows. The rest stood inside the gate, their long katana unsheathed and ready for battle.
"Who is it?" Reece called to one of the archers.
"A group of about fifty villagers. They're armed and determined to penetrate the fortress, but al they have are farm tools and kitchen knives."
"Hold your fire," Reece said.
He couldn't see the man's face beneath his demon-like mask, but he shook his head slightly as if to say, Of course, what do you think I am? Stupid?
Lara stepped up to the gate. "Let me out. I'll talk to them."
"Let Hana talk to them," Reece suggested to the masked samurai in a whisper.
"Do you trust her not to send her village racing through the gates to meet certain slaughter?"
Reece nodded. "She's reckless, but not ignorant. She knows her people don't stand a chance if they insist upon a battle."
"Your daughter is safe and not being held against her will," one of the samurai cal ed down to the group standing on the opposite side of the gate. "She would like to come out of the gate to talk to you. Step back."
The six warriors on the wall lifted their bows and pulled their bowstrings taut. "Step back!"
A few tense minutes passed and then a smal door next to the gate opened. Hana was ushered outside.
The door closed behind her.
Kojiro's heart sank into his toes when he heard Hana shout, "These are not my people! Let me back inside," before all hell broke loose.
Lara was more than happy to let Hana take the lead as the disguised mercenaries revealed their intent. These were yet another group of peasants paid to attack. Sent to die in a coward's place. Just like her brother. She knew lives would be lost if she didn't make them see reason. For an instant she considered joining the cause. She didn't know who was attacking Kojiro's people or why, but if her brother had thought it was a cause worth dying for, then it must be. Yet something spoke to her heart---Kojiro perhaps---and she knew these ninja did not fight for honor. They fought for coin and that was not something worth dying for.
Hana operated on her skil as a ninja, cursing her stupid feminine kimono twenty-fold as she attempted to sweep the nearest adversary off his feet. He stumbled but did not fall as her foot connected with his ankle. She could hear Kojiro shouting to his men on the other side of the gate. "Do not fly your arrows. You might hit Hana." The best thing she could do for Kojiro was get out the line of fire, but if she wanted the opposing side---the side she would have been on not two days ago---to breathe another day, she had to get through to them somehow. They had asked for her by name, so at least someone in the group knew of her.
"You will be slaughtered," she shouted. "Whoever bought your skil s must know that." She paused as the words escaped her lips and lifted her gaze to the trees beyond the wide field. She caught a slight movement. A frightening face masked in red and black appeared amongst the brush before disappearing again. Samurai. Obviously under the direction of a different Shogun. Did they intend to take these lands? To annihilate all of Kojiro's people? Were they using this farcical battle as a distraction for the true onslaught to come? Is this how her brother had died? This senseless reason?
Her fists clenched with rage. These people, her people, were being used as pawns, nothing more than sacrifices, in a battle between warlords. A battle that affected them only because they would be forced to contribute to the wealth of a different man. If they were fighting for freedom that would be one thing, but they weren't. They were trading one overlord for another. And for what?
A loud battle cry sounded behind her and a strong arm circled her waist before she was drawn back into the fortress and the gate was closed. The mercenaries had been too stunned by Kojiro's reckless move to prevent him from taking Hana.
Safely behind the castle wall, Hana turned and grabbed Kojiro's tunic in both hands.
He seemed to want to comfort her, but she didn't want comfort. She needed to warn him. "In the woods," she said. "I saw samurai. Beyond the field. The ninja are here only as a distraction. They are my people, Kojiro. Please, spare them if you can." Kojiro nodded in understanding and made several hand gestures to the men on the wall. They drew their bows up and aimed for the sky, shooting over the heads of the mercenaries in the yard, aiming for the distant trees.
An increasingly loud roar thundered across the field as the warriors in the distance made their move. Kojiro's samurai were not intimidated, but most of the ninja fled in terror. They were skil ed in stealth and assassination, not frontline battle. Without the distraction the mercenaries offered and under the onslaught of a barrage of arrows, the opposing samurai soon retreated. Sheer force would not penetrate the fortress walls of the stronghold. Hana had realized that from the beginning. She'd used stealth to make her move against Kojiro. Had she attacked outright, she never would have made it through the gate.
When the danger had passed, Hana wrapped both arms around Kojiro and trembled against him. "It was like this when my brother attacked, wasn't it?"
"Except it was night and the samurai never advanced." One of the survivors had specifical y told her that Kojiro had been the one to end her brother's life and she had centered all of her anguish on retaliating against him.
"When my brother left, I wanted to join him. I thought he was fighting for something important."
"Hana..." Kojiro murmured against her hair.
"But his death meant nothing! I wonder what they told them to get them to fight. He said that he was protecting innocent villagers. Did he know what he was doing?"
"I don't know, my love. But it cannot be changed. You should not dwell upon it." He was right. There was nothing she could do about the past, but perhaps she could shape the future. "We have to stop this from happening again."
"If you have an idea..."
"It's simple," she said. "Pay them. They will switch sides for a price. Instead of sending them to attack, put them in the forests to watch for advances by your enemies.
Employ their stealth. They will not let you down."
"Your mind is sharp, Hana-chan," he whispered, "your heart pure. I wish you to be at my side always."
She stared up at him---her chest swelling with pride, her heart with love. "I wish to be samurai."
He smiled---a warm smile that touched his dark eyes and made her heart thud in her chest. "It would be my greatest honor to teach you the ways."
"Then I will do so," she said, "at your side."
"Always?"
"Always."
Their lips had just met when the amulet around Reece's neck began to hum.
Startled, Lara jerked away. "It's early," she said, her heart thudding with apprehension. "Is there something wrong with it?"
"No. Some leaps are shorter than others," Reece said.
"We were supposed to set a trap for Carl this leap." Reece chuckled. "I think we were a bit distracted. I'm ready to find another adventure. Aren't you?"
She sank her hands into his hair and said, "I'm always ready for adventure with you, Reece."
"No matter what?"
She nodded, wrapping a hand around the humming amulet. The sound grew louder by the second. Soon Carl would crackle into existence and they would disappear to find themselves in a new land. A new time.
"Lara, I didn't tell you the entire truth when I first found you back in the museum and we started this journey together."
"What are you saying, Reece?"
"When I told you that some religious cult had killed you to try to get the amulet, that wasn't exactly what happened."
She'd never seen him look so serious. "What happened then?" she asked.
"Exactly."
"It wasn't intentional," he said. "I didn't know that you were the sacrifice it required.
When Carl and I activated it, it took your life." She was too stunned to speak. She just stared up at him while his hand surrounded hers and the amulet. He began to recite the incantation that would send them on their way again.
He was responsible for her death.
Reece was?
How was that possible? She trusted him. She loved him with al of her heart and soul. She had been certain that he loved her in return, but how could he risk her life on a frivolous whimsy?
From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Carl approaching them, currently possessing the body of Kojiro's mother. "Reece," he called. "You can't keep running forever."
"Yes, I can, Carl," Reece said before the world slipped from beneath their feet and they were propel ed through space and time once more.
"I trusted you," she whispered and then struggled out of his grasp. "Without question, I trusted you and you lied to me!"
He didn't release her until her bare feet came in contact with a hard wooden deck of a large ship. Loud booms rattled her teeth and flashes of ignited gunpowder lit the night sky. Overhead a skull and crossbones banner fluttered in the turbulent wind. She cocked the hammer of her flintlock and pointed at Reece's chest. "I'l be relieving you of your ship now, captain."
To be continued...
in
Third Time's a Charm
Lover's Leap (Book 3)
Coming Soon!
From the high seas with a gang of ruthless pirates to life behind the scenes with a 1980s hair band, can Lara and Reece help two more couples find their happily ever after or will Lara be unable to forgive Reece for his deceit?
\*\*~♥\*\*~
About the Author
Olivia Cunning writes steamy erotic romance novels with tender, tattooed, bad-boy heroes who meet their match in successful, strong-willed heroines. She currently lives in Nebraska and is always working on something new. Discover more about Olivia and her books at www.oliviacunning.com or chat with her on her blog at
www.oliviacunning.wordpress.org. She loves interacting with fans! You can also find her on facebook, goodreads, and twitter.
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