Page 39 of The Treasure
"Play?" At Nicholas's there was no play. The coupling she had watched was quick, brutal, and then the man left the house of women as if his partner no longer existed. "What are you going to--"
She arched upward with a cry as his fingers entered her and began to move. "You see?" Kadar whispered. "Play, Selene."
"You're very good at this," Selene said drowsily as she cuddled closer. "I believe I approve of your apprenticeship at that house in Damascus."
"I'm glad." He brushed the top of her head with his lips. "At least one episode in my iniquitous past meets with your approval."
"But just because I liked it doesn't mean anything has changed. It merely makes this . . . tolerable."
"Very tolerable."
"Are you laughing at me?"
"I wouldn't presume."
A sudden thought struck her. Nasim. She had completely forgotten him. She glanced beyond Kadar's shoulder at the tapestry. "Is he still there?"
"No, not for hours."
She was indifferent, she realized in surprise. Kadar was right; by not allowing Nasim to matter, they had won a victory.
"How do you know?"
"I always feel when he's near."
That terrible dark bonding between them. "When we were coupling?"
"No, not then." He chuckled. "I feel nothing but you."
"That's good." She relaxed against him again. "Should we go now?"
"Not until dawn. Are you not comfortable?"
Too comfortable. She was enveloped in a lazy haze of contentment. Strange to remember how nervous and fearful she had been when they opened that door those many hours ago. "Is it that hashish that makes me feel so happy?"
"Partly." His arm tightened around her. "Only partly."
He meant it was also because they were together. She shook her head. "It doesn't change--"
"Hush." Two fingers touched her lips. "Rest now. I wish to show you one more road to pleasure before we leave here."
"Another? I didn't dream there were so many."
"Did I forget to tell you of the whore from India who claimed that there were over a hundred ways of pleasure?"
"I think she lied. It's not possible." She yawned. "And I'm too tired."
"Then sleep." His voice was a deep, soothing murmur in her ear. "I'll wake you at dawn."
She nodded, nestling her cheek against his shoulder.
"Or before." He whispered, "For she did not lie, Selene."
Chapter 6.
"YOU LOOK . . . ROBUST." Haroun tilted his head, studying her.
"Do I?" Selene moved her bishop.
