“You, my sweet, have much to fear,” he said, tracing a line down her arm with his finger.
Christina blushed as she understood his meaning. She did have much to fear from him. And the time she feared most was nearing, as the sun had disappeared.
They shared a savory meal prepared by Maidi’s skilled hands. Afterward Philip reclined on the couch, reading one of the books that he had brought for Christina, with a goatskin of wine beside him. Christina sat on the couch opposite him cutting out pieces of silk material. She had decided to add long sleeves to the dress she’d designed. The weather was getting colder, and she didn’t want to borrow any of Philip’s robes to keep her warm.
Perhaps she could make a robe of her own—a rich velvet robe and akufiyahto match. She laughed aloud as she imagined herself dressed like a Bedouin tribesman.
“Something amuses you, my pet?”
“I was just imagining myself in the velvet robe that I plan to make. I’ve noticed the weather is getting cooler,” she answered.
“You’re wise to prepare, but I fail to see the humor,” Philip remarked, putting his book down on the table.
“Well, it wasn’t just the robe that I pictured, but akufiyahto match it. Hardly what the well-dressed English-woman is wearing these days.”
Philip smiled, his eyes soft and warm. “Would you like me to bring your luggage from Cairo? It could be arranged.”
Christina thought for a minute.
“No—my luggage disappearing suddenly would only upset John. I don’t want him worrying about me and where I am. I can make do with the material you have given me.”
Christina stared blankly at the scissors in her hand. Poor John. She hoped that he would learn to accept her death instead of wondering where she was and what she might be suffering. Rage consumed her as she thought of the man whose desire had torn her life asunder.
“Christina!” Philip shouted, startling her out of her thoughts. “I asked if you wanted your brother to believe you dead?”
“Yes!” she yelled back at him, her body stiff with anger. “My brother and I were very close. John knows how I’d suffer being dominated by a barbarian like you. It would be kinder if he thought me dead until I can return to him.”
Philip arose, surprised at her sudden anger.
“And do you suffer here, Tina?” Philip asked quietly. “Do I beat you and force you to slave for me?”
“You keep me prisoner here!” she returned, her dark-blue eyes shooting daggers at him. “You rape me every night! Do you expect me to enjoy being taken against my will?”
“Do you deny it?” Philip inquired softly, his eyes laughing at her.
She lowered her head to avoid Philip’s gaze, afraid of his meaning.
“What are you talking about? Deny what?” she asked.
Cupping her chin in his hand, Philip brought her eyes back to his.
“Do you deny that you enjoy my lovemaking? Can you deny that I give you as much pleasure as you give me? Do you suffer so much when I ride between your legs each night, Tina?”
Christina’s rage turned to humiliation, and she lowered her eyes meekly in defeat. Did he always have to turn the tables on her? Why did he have to ask her that?
Damn him! He left her no pride, for he knew she couldn’t deny it. But she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting the pleasure he gave her.
“I have nothing more to say to you,” Christina answered icily. “So if you will excuse me, I would like to retire.”
“You haven’t answered my question, Tina,” Philip replied softly.
“Nor do I intend to,” Christina returned haughtily. She stood to walk into the bedroom, but Philip pulled her back to face him.
Christina thrust against his shoulder to push him away from her, and the forgotten scissors she held stabbed into him. She gasped, horrified at what she’d done. He showed none of the pain she knew he felt as he pulled the scissors from his shoulder. The blood gushed forth.
“Philip, I’m sorry. I—I didn’t mean to do that,” she whispered. “I forgot the scissors were in my hand—you must believe me! I wouldn’t try to kill you. I swear it!”
Philip walked over to the cabinet without a word to her. He opened the doors and took out a small bundle. Slowly he walked back to her, took her hand, and pulled her into the bedroom. He gave her no clue what he intended.
