“He is my little friend,” she said, still amused.
“It’s kind of you to care for him.” Michel raised his eyebrows. “He does not like me.”
“You’re mean to him,” she said. “But he deserves it. Iman’s right. Heisa little shit.”
Terence had kept close to her since he had rejoined their party. She cared for him as a sister would. She had so many older brothers that it was enjoyable to feel the tug of attention from a younger brother for once. It was obvious Terence was lonely and needed someone to show him some warmth.
Truly, her mind and heart had only one focus at the moment. Now that she realized the feelings she had for Michel, she didn’t know what it meant for her future. She had wanted to go to France and perhaps find work as a nanny or a tutor, but her heart had tangled itself around Michel in a knot she couldn’t unravel. What was she to do? Confess her feelings like a heartsick girl looking for a husband, hoping he felt the same? He had promised to keep her safe, but then what?
She watched him, tall and proud in his saddle, feeling the heat in her belly just from being near, wanting his hands on her once more. She had never been so vulnerable with a man. She had told Michel her secrets. It was a great sensation of relief to have an ally after months of being on her own. The only thing she kept to herself was the specifics of her family. Michel didn’t need the added stress of knowing he was transporting the Khan’s daughter.
They rode further down a narrow passage among high boulders and rock. Up ahead, a fallen tree trunk blocked the road. Terence was urging his horse down the slope, but the horse whinnied and refused.
“What is he doing?” Michel grumbled. Then, louder, he called out, “Terence! Wait there.”
“We should go around,” Terence called back. “You, me, and Eve. We can check for a better route.” Then he jerked the reins of the horse, trying to control it.
“He’s going to fall,” Michel insisted, tensing. “Terence, stop!”
Just then, Terence yanked on the reins again. This time, the horse went up on its back legs, knocking Terence off, right into the bushes and down the slope.
Eve gasped, and Michel swore. “Christ,” Michel muttered as he sped up to get to the boy.
Eve caught up seconds later with the others coming up behind. Michel dismounted and stomped into the bushes. He reached in and pulled out a lump of Terence.
“Terence, you silly boy, what are you thinking?” Eve asked as she dismounted. She plucked thistles off his jacket
Terence coughed and groaned. “I thought we could find an easier route.” He grimaced as Eve plucked stickers from his hair. “That log is too heavy. We’ll never move it.”
Michel brushed his pants off and walked over to the log. With a big breath, he hefted it up and moved it enough to allow the passage of the horses. “Terence,” he said, shaking his head at the boy. “You make me truly hope that when I have children one day, they will all be girls.”
ChapterTwenty-Seven
After a few tense nights of travel in which Michel hardly slept in his vigilance to keep watch, they finally arrived in Kashgar late in the afternoon, relieved to have made it with no trouble. Kashgar was an ancient city, marked by the architecture of the cultures that had inhabited it at different times. The Chinese, the Turks, and the Mongols all left their stamp, creating a diverse landscape of buildings in a city built around protecting itself from outsiders.
Michel’s contact here, Renault, was a man who had fought with his father in France many years ago. He had since married, had a family, and built a profitable business here in Kashgar. Renault would also be hosting the meeting with the cashmere dealer. Just as they settled the camp, Renault arrived.
“Good friend,” Michel called out from the entrance to his yurt. “You find us worse for wear.”
Renault approached. He was a lean man with a regal look, chestnut hair, and a full, neat mustache. “It is good to see you, Michel.” He shook Michel’s hand. “You are safe in our walls.”
“I have never been happier to arrive here unharmed,” Michel said with a laugh. Eve approached. Michel put his hand on the small of her back. “This is Eve. She is traveling with me back to Chevalerie.”
Renault nodded and took her hand in his. “My lady, I see that Michel has found himself a lovely companion for this trip.”
“I certainly have made it more interesting for him,” she said, smiling.
Just then, a cat yowled and ran through their feet. Seconds later, Terence came tearing through. He knocked into Michel, causing Michel to step back. Michel swiped out to grab him, but the boy was too fast.
“Terence!” Eve shouted. “Leave the cat be!” She turned to the men. “Excuse me,” she said, going after him.
“You have your hands full,” Renault chuckled.
“You have no idea.” Michel grinned, dusting himself off.
“I have spoken with Malik, the cashmere dealer,” Renault said, lowering his voice. “He is looking forward to meeting you. I am just waiting to hear when he will arrive.”
“He is amenable to the deal?” Michel asked, pulling the rug flat at the entrance to the yurt.
