Her small hand crept between the embroidered folds ofher robe and she touched her breast, finding the nipple warm and rigid. She ranher palm over the sensitive nub and back again, over and back, but oh solightly, imagining what Jamal's caress would be like. She massaged her otherbreast, sighing with pleasure.
She could not have been more startled when the imaginedcaress suddenly grew rough and demanding in her mind. The huge hands shepictured stroking her body were not smooth like a physician's but callused andpowerful. A warrior's hands. Blazing blue eyes swept over her, devouring her ina glance, and she could feel rock-hard muscles pressing relentlessly againsther flesh. She inhaled sharply as the exquisite pressure between her thighsburned ever brighter, ever hotter . . .
A keening moan broke from her throat, and she archedupon the divan as intense pleasure engulfed her, agonizingly sweet. She heldherself there, scarcely breathing, four fingers pressed hard against the moist,aching cleft of her womanhood until her climax subsided. Exhaling in a rush,she sank onto the cushions and lay there, stunned, shocked, and bewildered.
How could she have thought such a thing? It wasimmoral, indecent. A sin! To imagine a man other than her betrothed touchingher body, caressing her . . . That barbarian, no less!
The tranquility of the evening had been spoiled. Sherose in agitation, her silky hair swirling around her. As she angrily drew herrobe together and tied the sash, she heard light footsteps behind her.
"I'm not in the mood for any supper," shesaid irritably, thinking her odalisques had returned with her meal. "Takeit back."
"Indeed. And such a lovely supper it is, too."
Leila spun, her eyes widening at the sight of hermother. Swathed in peach silk from her gossamer veil to her tiny,slipperedfeet, Eve was holding a brass tray laden withfood, a silver goblet and pitcher, and a delicate oil lantern which cast a softgolden glow upon her exquisitely beautiful face.
It never ceased to amaze Leila how youthful her motherappeared. Though Eve was forty-three years old, the two of them could easilypass as sisters. Leila was slightly taller, but other than that their lissomefigures could have been shaped from the same mold.
"NittiaandAyhantold me I would find you here, my daughter. Idismissed them for the evening. I hope that does not displease you . . .further."
"Of course not," Leila said, rushing forward."Let me help you, Mother."
She took the tray and set it on the low table besidethe divan. The aroma of lamb and spinach-filled pastries reached her nostrils,stirring her appetite, and her stomach grumbled noisily. It was far moresubstantial fare than she had expected, and it looked very tempting.
"It seems your stomach is not in agreement withyour heated words," Eve said mildly, seating herself on the divan. "Iwould swear such a rumbling protest proves you have not eaten since thismorning."
Leila sat down beside her mother, chagrined because Evehad heard her use such a petulant tone. She waited silently for the reprimand sheknew was coming.
"Harshness does not suit you, Leila.'Tisnot your normal manner withyour slave women, nor a just reward for their faithful service. What hasprovoked such a display of temper?"
Leila looked out across the moonlit rooftops, then downat the tray, anything to escape her mother's inquisitive gaze.
What could she say? That she was being tormented bylustful thoughts about the crusader? Her mother already knew of their valuablepatient, but Eve hadn't yet heard that Leila had actually spoken with himearlier in the day. Oh, why couldn't she avoid the unsettling subjectaltogether?
"I was thinking of the crusader, 'tis all,"she mumbled, opting for a version of the truth. "He regained his sensesthis morning and attacked a guard."
"And this has made you angry, my daughter?"
Leila sighed with convincing exasperation. "Onlybecause Father and I worked so hard to save his life last night. His woundcould have opened. He could have bled to death before we arrived, and thegovernor's ransom would have died with—"
"But the wound did not open, did it?" Eveinterrupted her sharply.
Puzzled by her mother's tone, Leila answered, "No.It is better in fact. The swelling is almost gone."
Eve nodded as if she was not surprised by this news. "Iprayed that it would be so," she said more softly. "God is with him."She fell silent and gazed into the distance.
Leila felt a tug in her breast as she watched afamiliar haunted, faraway look settle over Eve's lovely face. She was about toask her what had been bothering her these past weeks whenMajidasuddenly appeared at the top of the stairs leading to the terrace. The tallodalisque hurried over to the divan and bent down on one knee, taking Leila'shand in her larger one.
"Your mother has told you the wondrous news, yes?"Majidaasked, her gray eyes shining with excitement.She pressed Leila's hand to her smooth cheek. "A thousand and oneblessingsbeupon you, my young mistress!"
Leila was so surprised she could only stare fromMajida, who was covering her hand with kisses, to hermother.
"Majida, please,"Eve began, her voice wavering, "Leila has not . . ." She faltered,then threw up her hands, her many precious rings glittering in the moonlight. "Ihave not told her yet."
Majida'smouth fell open inembarrassment. She released Leila's hand and prostrated herself on the enameledtiles, her forehead resting atop Eve'sslipperedfeet.
"Forgive me, O my mistress. Such a flappingtongue! I thought by now you would surely have shared your tidings. I waited bythe stairs, impatiently counting the moments, and I could contain myself nolonger. I was so happy. Ah, forgive me. I did not mean to spoil the surprise."
Eve leaned over and grasped the odalisque's broadshoulders, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "'Tisno matter,Majida. Please stand up. I dislike it sowhen you do this. We can tell her together, you and I. Stand up, dearestfriend—"
