Captive Bride

Chapter Twelve

THE sun was still above the horizon when they reached the foot of the mountains. They rode hard now, for the caravan was many miles away. Philip hoped this wasn't a slaver's caravan, for they usually carried little food.

Damn that woman and her curiosity! How could she so easily make him lose control? He had always prided himself on his cool reactions toward women—until he'd met Christina!

She'd angered him the night before by refusing to tell him why she was crying. He couldn't understand it. She had never cried before after making love.

Would he ever understand her? Christina continued to fight him each night, but he knew she enjoyed his love-making. Why did she fight what was so pleasurable?

When she came to the corral this morning, he knew her feigned interest was only an excuse to leave the tent. But could he blame her? He'd have done the same thing. He was positive she wouldn't try to escape again, she feared him too much. Perhaps he could trust her enough to give her the freedom of the camp.

Philip recalled the look of horror on Christina's face when he told her he was going raiding. He hadn't intended to tell her about that part of his life. He didn't enjoy it himself, and he knew it would appall her. But he was so angered by her inquisitiveness that he wanted to shock her.

He wasn't used to so many questions about his life, especially from a woman. Ah, but what a woman! Philip thoroughly enjoyed having her around. He found pleasure in just gazing at her uncommon beauty. He looked forward to entering his tent knowing she would be there— willing or not. Before, his tent had been a lonely place that he avoided as much as possible.

As they approached the caravan, which had camped at an oasis for the night, Philip saw five camels, their packs piled on the ground, and six men gathered around a small fire. Philip and his men galloped up to surround the camp, brandishing their guns, and Syed fired off two shots to see if the caravan intended to fight or surrender its goods.

Slowly, one by one, the caravan guards threw down their rifles. Philip dismounted and walked forward cautiously flanked by his men, but the six guards put up no resistance. They would rather stay alive than fight and die for another man's property.

Syed guarded the prisoners while the rest of them opened and ransacked the packs. They soon made themselves comfortable for the night, and broke open some wine and dried meat for supper.

The next morning, they loaded the foodstuffs and other goods they wanted on one of the camels, sent the rest of the caravan on its way, and set off for the mountains. They rode into camp about midafternoon amid the cheers of the rest of the tribe. They led the horses into the corral, unloaded the camel, and sent it off into the hills to graze. Philip left the men to divide the spoils among themselves, and carried one large chest to his tent.

He hoped he'd find Christina in a gentler mood than she'd been in the afternoon before. He found her sitting demurely on the couch with her towel and new clothes lying across her lap. She didn't say a word as he went into the bedroom to dispose of the chest

"We can go bathe in just a minute, my pet," he said cheerfully. He came back into the main room and removed a small bundle from the corner cabinet. "Is something the matter, my sweet?" Philip inquired, hoping her silence didn't mean she was still angry with him.

But she just turned away from him and shook her head. Well, he wouldn't press her to answer him. Without another word, Philip pulled her to her feet and took her up the hillside to bathe.

Christina had not yet lost her shyness at disrobing in his presence. She turned her back to Philip and slowly removed her blouse and skirt. He controlled his desire with great effort as he watched her wade into the water.

But turning his attentions to the bundle he had brought with him, Philip unwrapped a finely honed razor and proceeded to shave his week's growth of beard.

After he was satisfied with the results, he took a new bar of soap from the bundle and joined Christina in the water.

It was dark when they finally returned to camp. The newly kindled fire illuminated the tent brightly, making dancing shadows in the corners.

Philip pondered Christina's sullenness as they finished the evening meal. This attitude of hers couldn't continue, for he was aching to take her to bed. But she would succumb to his advances after her usual resistance, he knew.

Reclining on the couch behind her, Philip played with the loose curls dangling at the nape of Christina's neck. He leaned forward and grazed the soft flesh behind her ear with his lips, and watched the gooseflesh run down her arms.

Downing the rest of his wine, Philip stood up and took Christina's hand in his.

"Come, Tina," he murmured, and led her into the bedroom, surprised that she didn't resist him.

While taking off his clothes, he watched Christina move to the opposite side of the bed and unbind her hair. It fell gloriously about her body. He was astonished as she slowly, seductively removed her garments. She sat naked on the bed, as if inviting him to join her. But as he came to her, she put up her hands to stop him.

"Philip, I must talk to you," Christina said, searching his eyes with her dark, sapphire ones.

"Later, my pet," Philip replied huskily and silenced her words with his kiss. But, with an effort, she pushed him away.

"Please, Philip! There's something I must know."

He looked down at her and saw her trembling lips and deepening blue eyes.

"What is it, Tina?"

"What do you intend to do with me?"

"I'm going to make love to you. Did you think otherwise?" He smiled beguilingly and toyed with the curls dangling over her breasts.

"I mean in the future—when you no longer want me, What will you do with me then?"

"I haven't really thought about it," he lied, for there was nothing to think about. He'd never let her go.

"Would you let me return to my brother?" she ventured timidly.

Philip knew now what was troubling Christina. Did she actually think he would do away with her? Of course she did, for she thought the worst of him.

"When I tire of you, Tina—then, yes, you may go back to your brother."

"Will you give me your word, Philip?"

"You have my word. I swear it."

He could see relief flood her features as she relaxed into the pillow. She smiled up at him invitingly.

"Are all your fears forgotten now, my sweet?" he whispered, branding her throat with his fiery lips.

"Most of them," she breathed. She pulled his face to hers and accepted his passionate kiss willingly.

Philip wondered fleetingly what else could cause Christina to fear him. But she wasn't fighting him right now, and it both puzzled and excited him. He didn't ponder long, for he was not about to waste this moment on trivial questions.

As dawn crept over the horizon, Christina slowly awakened to the sweet song of a nightingale. A grimace crossed her pretty features when she remembered the night past and the lengths she had gone to.

She didn't have to play the whore. She had already made Philip promise to return her to her brother. But she had struck a bargain with him, and she had given herself willingly to seal the pact. It was a small thing to do—he would have taken her, anyway.

Christina smiled as she recalled how her caresses had driven Philip wild with desire. His fervid passions had carried them higher than ever before. And she had been caught in the same whirlpool of desire until the tide swept them both into a sea of mutual bliss.

Well, the evening was behind her now. She had given herself to Philip for a reason. But with her worst fears put to rest, Philip wouldn't find her so willing in the future. Indeed, she would be more obstinate than ever.

It's going to be a glorious day, Christina thought as she slipped from the bed and donned her new mauve velvet skirt and her green blouse. I should be disgusted with myself, but I'm not. I actually feel happy.

She went into the main room to put the last trims on her mauve blouse before Philip awoke, for she wouldn't let him see her in clashing colors.

Awhile later, Philip called her name from the bedroom. She knew he thought her gone, and was about to answer when she heard him swear.

He came tearing through the curtains, still putting on his robe. But he stopped abruptly when he saw her, the rage on his face turning to surprise.

"Why didn't you answer me?"

"You didn't give me a chance to." Christina laughed heartily as she put down her scissors. "Did you think I'd left you again?"

"I was merely concerned for your safety."

"Well, you needn't fear, I'm quite safe," she replied. She feared she'd burst into laughter again if she had to look at Philip's disgruntled expression, so she bent quickly over her sewing.

Philip turned and left the tent Christina wondered about the concern he'd shown for her. She didn't know whether he was truly worried about her safety or whether he simply didn't want to lose a plaything.

Christina went for a walk to the corral that afternoon. The sun was not too hot, for it was nearly winter. She would have to start making warmer clothing.

The horses were all inside the corral. She looked about, but couldn't see Philip anywhere. Sensing someone behind her, Christina turned abruptly, thinking it was Philip, but was surprised to find Amine looking shyly at her.

"I did not mean to frighten you," Amine said timidly.

"You didn't frighten me. I thought you were Abu."

"Ah, Sheik Abu guards you like a hawk. He is very much in love with you, I think."

"That's ridiculous. He doesn't love me." Christina laughed at the thought "He only desires me."

"I do not understand," Amine replied, looking puzzled.

"That's all right, I don't understand it, either."

"May I ask you a question?" Amine looked embarrassed, but continued when Christina nodded her head. "Is it true that you eat at the same table with Sheik Abu?"

Christina was surprised.

"Of course I eat with him. Where else would I eat?"

Amine's dark-brown eyes widened. "I did not believe Nura when she told me, but now that you tell me, I must believe."

"What's so shocking about my eating with Abu?" Christina asked curiously.

"It is forbidden for women to eat their meals with men," Amine answered, shaking her head. "It just is not done."

So Philip was breaking a rule by eating with her. But this is ridiculous, Christina thought. I'm not one of them. Their rules don't apply to me. But she didn't want to offend Amine.

"Amine, you must understand that I was brought up differently. In my country, men and women always eat together. So, you see, Abu is just trying to make me feel at home in this land."

"Ah, I understand now," Amine smiled. "That is very thoughtful of Sheik Abu. You are very lucky that he chose you."

Christina wanted to laugh. Lucky! She had been kidnapped and taken against her will! But Christina could see Amine was a romantic, and didn't want to spoil her illusions.

"Abu is a handsome man. Any woman would feel lucky if he chose her," Christina lied. Any woman but herself. "But where are your babies, Amine?" she asked.

"Maidi is watching them. They are her only grandchildren, and she dotes on them. It is hard to make a marriage here, for we do not have many visitors who come to our camp."

"Then how did you and Syed meet?"

"Ah, Syed stole me from my tribe," Amine said proudly.

"Stole you I" Christina exclaimed. Were all these men alike?

"Our tribes used to share pasturelands before they became enemies. I knew Syed when I was just a child, and I have always loved him. When I was old enough to marry, Syed had to steal me. My father would have forbidden the marriage."

"But why did the two tribes become enemies?" Christina asked, her interest growing.

'1 do not know, for men do not tell women about such things. I know only that it is Sheik Ali Hejaz of my tribe who holds a grudge against Yasir Alhamar. It has something to do with Rashid's mother, who was the sister of Ali Hejaz."

Just then, Philip rode into camp, a rifle slung across his back and a long sword hanging from his belt.

"I must go now!" Amine gasped when she saw Philip.

"I've enjoyed talking with you, Amine. Please come and visit me in my tent. You will be most welcome, and bring your children."

"I will be very happy to," Amine said timidly.

She hurried away to her tent as Philip rode his horse up beside Christina and dismounted.

"Why did Amine leave so quickly?" Philip asked. The yellow flecks in his eyes reflected the sunlight as he stood towering above her.

"I think she's afraid of you," Christina answered, a faint smile crossing her features.

"What?" He looked incredulous. "There's nothing to fear from me."

"But there you're wrong, my lord, for your very presence causes fear," she teased. "Can't you see me shaking asunder?"

Philip gave her a devilish grin.

"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 a kufiyah to 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 a kufiyah to match it. Hardly what the well-dressed Englishwoman 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?" Phih'p 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 showednone 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.

But Christina removed his robe and tunic and made him lie down. He eyed her warily as she pressed the robe to his shoulder to stanch the flow of blood.

Racing from the tent, Christina found Maidi. She obtained water and fresh towels from her without question, then ran back to Philip. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably as she cleaned the wound and applied the salve and bandages that she found in the bundle. She was all too aware that he watched her every move as she clumsily wrapped the bandages about his chest and shoulder.

Christina was still deathly afraid of what he was going to do to her. Did he think she had deliberately tried to kill him? Why didn't he say something—anything? Christina didn't look into his eyes for fear of the anger she might see.

When she had finished bandaging his wound, Philip suddenly grabbed her wrists and pulled her down on top of him.

"You must be crazy!" she gasped, struggling to free herself. "You will start the bleeding again."

"Then tell me what I want to hear, Tina," he whispered. "Tell me you enjoy my lovemaking, or I will take you now and prove it on your body again."

His green eyes were glazed from loss of blood, but he had enough determination to carry out his threat.

So this was to be her punishment for hurting him! She must admit that he gave her pleasure. But she would not admit it to him—she couldn't!

The pain she felt in her wrists from his iron grip gave her courage, and she glared at him furiously.

"Damn you, Philip! Why must you hear it from my own lips, when you know the answer already?"

"Tell me!" he demanded harshly.

Christina had never seen him so cruel and merciless before. He gathered her wrists together in one hand and started to pull her skirt up with the other. She realized that if he carried out his threat, he could bleed to death when his wound opened again. Yasir would surely have her killed if he died.

"All right!" she sobbed. "I admit it I admit everything. Are you satisfied now, damn you?"

She rolled to her side of the bed when he released her, and cried softly into her pillow.

"You give in too easily, my love," Philip laughed weakly. "I wouldn't have made love to you, no matter how enjoyable it would have been. I'd rather enjoy all the sweet nights to come than die in your arms tonight."

"Ohl I hate you, Philip Caxton. Hate you, hate you, hate you!" Christina wailed.

He only laughed, and presently went to sleep.

Damn him—damn him to hell, she thought silently, gritting her teeth so she wouldn't scream it out loud. He could so easily make her break all her firm resolutions. She gave in too quickly, as he'd so laughingly reminded her. She should have let him bleed to death! But what would have become of her then? Did she really want to see him dead?

She'd felt utterly sick to her stomach when she saw the scissors slide into his shoulder and thought she'd killed him. But why? Was it fear for Philip, or for herself? She didn't know, but she promised herself that he wouldn't find her so easy to bluff in the future.