Sheik (19 page)

“Escape wouldn’t have been possible without Zinab,” Zara said. “She is welcome to come with us, isn’t she, Jamal?”

“Of course, but we must hurry. ’Tis imperative that we reach Tangier as quickly as possible, before Ishmail confiscates my ship.”

They melted away into the shadows, following Youssef through the narrow streets of the
medina
. Zinab was waiting with the horses in an alleyway. Maintaining silence, they mounted and rode away. Youssef signaled a halt a few miles beyond the city.

The skies were still very dark, with no sign of approaching dawn. A sliver of moon hung low in the sky. Zara watched as it slid behind a cloud and disappeared. She knew without being told that the time had come for her father to return to his mountain stronghold. Zara was torn. One part of her wanted to remain with Youssef, to ride at his side as she had always done. But another part of her, a softer part she had just recently discovered,
recognized that she was no longer the same woman. She was going to have a child, Jamal’s child, and she had to protect that tiny new life growing inside her. But was she prepared to leave the fierce, unforgiving land she loved so dearly? Was she ready to follow Jamal to a strange new place of foreigners and infidels?

Zara’s ruminations ceased when Youssef began to speak earnestly to her. “’Tis time to part, daughter. I must return to the Rif mountains. I will miss you, but it would be selfish of me not to want a better life for you.”

Zara felt certain the sound she heard was that of her heart breaking. “I cannot leave you, Father. Jamal will understand. I must stay and fight on.”

Jamal nudged his horse closer and grasped the reins from her hands. His voice was hard, unrelenting. “The only thing I understand is that you will come with me. Youssef agrees with me. Leaving Morocco is in your own best interest. You are mine, Zara. I won’t let you leave me.”

“Protect her well, Jamal,” Youssef said, resigned to the loss of his beloved daughter.

“Zara will reside with me in the ancestral home of the Earl of Lanford in Kent County,” Jamal said. “Direct your messages to her there.”

“Who is the Earl of Lanford?” Zara asked. “You told me your mother resides in England. Is the earl a relative?”

“I am Jamal Brantly, the Earl of Lanford,” Jamal admitted. “Before Grandfather died I was merely a marquis. I inherited his title last year in addition to vast estates in Ireland and England and a fortune to go along with it.”

Zara was stunned. What other secrets was Jamal hiding? “Do you have wives and concubines in England?”

Jamal chuckled. “England permits a man to have only one wife. Some men keep mistresses, but I’ve yet to hear of an Englishman with a harem. Fear not, sweet vixen, you are all the woman I need.” What he didn’t say was that his mother had a young noblewoman all picked out for him to marry. Although he had never agreed to the match, his mother was quite set on it.

“May I have a word alone with Zara?” Youssef asked.

“Of course, but please remember ’tis dangerous to tarry. We’ll make a quick stop first at Paradise, then proceed directly to Tangier.”

“I will be brief.”

Jamal didn’t want to drop Zara’s reins but reluctantly did so as he moved off to confer with Haroun.

“What is it, Father?” Zara asked. “Have you changed your mind? Do you want me to stay with you?”

“I want you to be happy, Zara. If you cannot abide going to England with Jamal, I won’t force you to leave. Are you truly set against becoming Jamal’s wife? My heart tells me you love the man.”

“I cannot lie to you, Father. I do love Jamal. And I believe he loves me. But England is so far away. It will be like starting life all over in a strange place where nothing is familiar.”

“Then you wish to remain in Morocco?”

She dropped her gaze. “I’m carrying Jamal’s child.”

“Ah, now I understand.” He regarded her through slitted eyes, his expression fierce. “Had you told me this before, I would not have allowed you to risk your life in Jamal’s behalf.”

“That’s why I didn’t tell you. Jamal doesn’t even know yet.”

Suddenly Jamal appeared beside them. “We must leave. ’Tis dangerous to dally.”

“Jamal is right, daughter. You must go. Your place is with Jamal now.” He raised his hand in farewell. “May Allah protect you and the ba—”

“Father!” Zara shook her head. She wanted to be the one to tell Jamal about their child. “Allah guard you and keep you, Father.” A sob caught in her throat as Youssef rode off into the night.

Taking no chances, Jamal regained possession of Zara’s reins and set both horses into motion. Less than an hour later they reached Paradise. Jamal was so certain his escape wouldn’t be discovered until they were well on their way to Tangier that he decided the brief stop was necessary to tie up loose ends.

Awakened from sleep, Hammet stood before his master, wringing his hands as he listened carefully to Jamal’s words.

“I don’t have long, Hammet. Zara and I must be away before daylight. There is much to be done before the sultan’s men arrive to confiscate my home and property. Praise Allah that most of my wealth was transferred to England during my last trip. I intend to take only a small purse of gold
coins with me to Tangier. The rest is to be distributed equally among my men-at-arms, the servants, slaves, Nafisa, Dr. David ben Israel, yourself and Haroun. There is enough in my treasury to make all of you wealthy.”

Just then Haroun entered the room, followed by everyone who lived and worked in the palace. “Everyone has been awakened, Jamal. They await your orders.”

“Some of you may already know,” Jamal said, addressing the large group of men and women gathered in his outer chamber, “that I am a wanted man, condemned to death by the sultan. I owe my life to Lady Zara, her father and Haroun. Morocco is no longer safe for me. I plan to leave the country aboard my ship. I must leave here within the hour. Since you are all my responsibility, it is my wish that every slave be set free. Slaves, men-at-arms and servants, all will receive a purse with gold enough for each one of you to pursue a new life.” An excited murmur rose up around him.

“Haroun will see to the distribution. I suggest you all leave before Moulay Ishmail’s soldiers arrive to confiscate the property.”

Dr. David ben Israel stepped forward. “I have always wanted to see England, my lord. Would you have room on your ship for my humble person?”

“And I, my lord,” Nafisa contended. “I am an old lady with nowhere to go. I beg you, take me with you. I can be helpful to you and your lady.”

“I, too, wish to accompany you, master,” Hammet
said with great dignity. “No Englishman can take care of you as I can.”

“It goes without saying that I will join you, Jamal,” Haroun declared. “I have been to England with you many times in the past. I will serve you in England as I served you here.”

Jamal was truly touched. “Are you sure, my friends? England is not the sunny country to which you’re accustomed. It is cold and damp and dreary.”

“It will be a great adventure,” David ben Israel proclaimed. “I may be old but certainly not too ancient to enjoy a new adventure.”

Nafisa and Hammet nodded their heads in mutual agreement.

“Very well,” Jamal allowed. “But a large group traveling to Tangier will arouse suspicion. Here is what I propose. Zara and I will go to Tangier, board my ship and set sail immediately for Mogador, the pirate stronghold on the Atlantic coast. Ishmail won’t think to look for us there. Those of you who wish to accompany me to England will meet the
Plunderer
at Mogador. Trust Haroun to lead you there safely.”

Haroun frowned. “My place is with you, Jamal.”

“Others need you more than I right now, my friend. Fear not, Zara and I will encounter no trouble. Besides, there is much for you to accomplish here before the sultan’s men arrive. Distribute the gold and silver according to my wishes. Strip the palace of all valuables and distribute them and the stores of food among the villagers. Better they should have them than the sultan.

“If we reach Mogador first, we will wait for you. If you reach there first, I will look for you at the Pirate’s Lair Inn on the waterfront.”

“I do not wish to go to England.” The crowd parted as Saha stepped forward.

Jamal spit out a curse. He had forgotten about his former concubine. Saha belonged to Haroun now, and Jamal had no say in her fate.

“You will go where I go,” Haroun said sharply. “Prepare for our journey, we leave at dawn.” He turned to Hammet, Nafisa and the doctor. “Go now and make ready for the journey. Take only what you need, for speed is of the essence.”

“One more thing, Haroun,” Jamal added. “I am placing Zinab in your care. She wishes to accompany Zara to England and I haven’t the heart to deny her.”

Though Haroun did not relish the thought of playing nursemaid to a fifteen-year-old seductress, he nodded his head.

After everyone filed out of his outer chamber, Jamal entered his bed chamber, where he had left Zara. He hoped she had gotten some rest in the short time allowed her. He found her sound asleep, her cheek resting on her hands. She looked so appealing, so innocently tantalizing, he had to forcibly prevent himself from tearing off his clothes and joining her. Unfortunately, there was no time now. Once aboard his ship they could indulge themselves to their hearts’ content. Perhaps he wouldn’t let her out of bed until they reached London. He smiled at the thought of making love to Zara day and night, for all the weeks it would take to reach their destination.

Perching on the edge of the couch, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. Zara murmured in her sleep and smiled, utterly beguiling Jamal. “Wake up, sleepyhead. It’s time to leave.”

Zara stirred and opened her eyes. She reached out to him and he gathered her against him. “I’m ready. What time is it?”

“Two hours till dawn. Our horses are waiting. Nafisa has packed clothing for us and the servants have prepared food. You must eat something before we leave.”

As if Jamal’s words had conjured him up, Hammet entered the bed chamber carrying a tray. “Extra food is being packed for your journey, master. Allah be with you and your lady.”

“And with you, Hammet. We will meet again in Mogador.”

While Zara ate the rice and lamb and drank mint tea, Jamal explained what had taken place while she slept.

“What if they aren’t happy in England?” Zara asked as she bit into an almond cake dripping with honey.

“Then the
Plunderer
will carry them back to Morocco, or anywhere else in the world they wish to settle.”

“What if I’m not happy, Jamal?”

Jamal was silent so long, Zara thought he hadn’t heard her. Finally he said, “I will make you so happy you’ll never wish to leave me, sweet vixen. I will teach you English during the voyage to England, and tell you about all the customs you’ll doubtlessly find strange. Trust me, Zara. I
love you. I’ll never deliberately make you unhappy.”

As he sealed his vow with a kiss, Zara prayed it would be so.

Chapter Eighteen

The moon slid out from behind the clouds as Zara and Jamal mounted fresh horses and rode away from Paradise. Hammet and Haroun saw them off, then turned back to the palace to carry out Jamal’s orders concerning the disposal of his property.

Overwhelmed by sadness, Jamal did not look back as he rode through the waning night. Losing the home that had been his father’s pride and joy was like being separated from an integral part of himself. As long as Moulay Ishmail lived, Jamal knew he would not be able to return to the country he loved, and the thought was devastating. Yet, at the same time, he was filled with a curious excitement.

Jamal had always enjoyed his visits to England. He was an English earl, rich enough to do as he
pleased, go wherever he wanted. A whole new life was opening to him, and being of an optimistic nature, he tried to concentrate on all the opportunities England offered him.

Pirating was becoming more dangerous and the pickings slimmer. As much as he had enjoyed the excitement of plundering ships on the high seas, it was time he turned his talents to other pursuits. He had Zara now. She was all the excitement he needed. He could ask for no greater gift than to lie in her arms and make love to her every night for the rest of their lives.

Zara’s thoughts were more confusing and less optimistic. Leaving behind her father and everything she had ever known and loved was horribly painful. She knew nothing of England and its people. She couldn’t even speak the language. What little Jamal had told her hadn’t been reassuring. At least the women weren’t required to reside in harems and veil their faces when they walked abroad, she reflected on a happier note.

Zara couldn’t help wondering if Jamal would change when they reached England. She had always thought of him as an Arab, but in truth he was half English. How would she compare with the pale English roses she’d heard so much about? She tried not to dwell on England and her reception there, concentrating instead on the babe growing inside her.

Jamal called a halt shortly after daylight to rest and water the horses. Zara was so tired, she had to be lifted from her mount. Jamal placed her beneath a shady olive tree while he led the horses to a stream to drink. When he returned, Zara was
fast asleep. He let her sleep for two hours before awakening her.

“We can dally no longer,” he said, kissing her awake. “I’ve laid out some food and filled the water bag. After we’ve eaten and quenched our thirst, we must resume our journey.”

Seven days and seven nights later they reached the amphitheater of hills surrounding the city of Tangier. Strategically located opposite the Strait of Gibraltar, the busy port linked Europe and Africa by sea. The city had just recently been reconquered from the Portuguese by Moulay Ishmail.

Jamal thought it prudent to sell their weary mounts at the city gates and received a good price for the thoroughbred Arabians. They entered the
medina
on foot and wended their way through a maze of streets nearly solid with people. Eventually they would reach the bay, where Jamal’s ship was berthed.

“There seem to be more soldiers than usual milling about,” Jamal whispered as they passed another pair of soldiers, easily recognizable as the sultan’s men by the deep mahogany color of their skin.

As required by Islamic law, Zara’s face was veiled and she wore a
djellaba
. But beneath Jamal’s white turban, his face was easily recognizable.

“I don’t like this,” Jamal hissed when two soldiers nudged one another and started in their direction. “It isn’t normal to see so many soldiers in Tangier. Follow me. It’s too dangerous to remain on the streets during daylight hours.”

He ducked through a gate and Zara followed. She was surprised to find herself in a small, lush
courtyard. Jamal seemed to know exactly where he was going as he grasped her hand and led her through an ornately carved arched doorway. A woman dressed in transparent harem pants and short vest hurried forward to greet them. Long ebony hair framed exotic, golden-skinned features. Her cat-shaped black eyes were outlined with kohl, and her lips and cheeks were reddened with rouge.

“Welcome to the House of Many Delights, young masters. What is your pleasure today?”

“My wife and I have need of a private room for a few hours, Senobia. You will be paid well for accommodating us. And for your silence in the matter,” he added cryptically.

A smile of recognition lit Senobia’s eyes. “Sheik Jamal! You have been sorely missed at the House of Many Delights.” Senobia’s assessing gaze drifted over Zara. “Your request is unusual, but since you are a friend of long standing, I will see that you have all the privacy you need. Follow me.”

When Zara realized the kind of house she was in, she remained frozen to the spot. Many delights, indeed. Obviously Jamal was a frequent visitor to this type of establishment and well acquainted with the “many delights” available.

“Come on, Zara,” Jamal said, grasping her hand. “We will be safe here until nightfall, when we can go about the streets unnoticed. By then the tide will be in and the
Plunderer
can set sail the moment we board.”

Senobia took them to a set of large airy rooms that included a
hammam
, which pleased Zara immensely.
She was covered with dust and grime and so sweaty she couldn’t stand her own smell.

“Have you need of a servant?” Senobia asked.

“If you have one that can be trusted,” Jamal said. “We are hungry and need fresh clothing. Send a servant to fetch us clean shirts, trousers and robes.” He reached beneath his
djellaba
for the sack of gold coins he’d tied to his sash, removed two shiny gold pieces and handed them to Senobia. “Thank you.”

“Are you in trouble, my lord?” Senobia asked.

“’Tis best you don’t know. We will be gone by nightfall. Meanwhile, my wife needs to rest. She is travel weary.”

Once again Senobia’s sultry gaze probed Zara’s slender form, as if she could see through the dense robes to her woman’s body beneath. “I will leave you to your privacy,” she said. A seductive smile played about the corners of her lush lips. “I will not be far should you need me.”

The heady scent of her perfume lingered long after she left the room. Zara whipped aside her veil and glared at Jamal. “You seem to know Senobia well.”

“Jealous?” Jamal asked with amusement.

She sat down hard on the sleeping couch and crossed her arms over her chest. “Not at all.”

“You shouldn’t be. The House of Many Delights is the first stop for many sailors returning from long months at sea. Those who can afford it, that is. Those who can’t, visit cribs along the docks that offer less fastidious accommodations. I am a man, sweet vixen. Senobia and her kind are but beautiful distractions to be enjoyed and forgotten.
They eased my lust after long months without a woman’s comfort.”

Zara sent him a mutinous glare, still not mollified. Would Jamal seek other women when she grew large with his child and was unable to accommodate him? Did he think all women were merely objects to be enjoyed? She wanted to be loved beyond simple appreciation of her womanly attributes. She wanted to be his equal in every way.

“Let’s not argue about something so trivial. We both need a bath, and you look as if you could sleep standing up. Come. Bath, food, and then sleep.”

He helped her to undress, then undressed himself. When he lifted her and carried her to the
hammam
, she rested her head against his chest, listening to the pounding of his heart. The water was warm and soothing. They bathed and rinsed one another, and then Jamal helped her to wash her hair. When they finished bathing, they sat side by side in the water, resting their heads against the rim. Zara was nearly asleep when Jamal finally lifted her out of the tub and dried her. Food and clean clothing were waiting for them when they returned to the bed chamber.

“I’m too tired to eat,” Zara said with a sigh.

“You have to eat.” He searched her face, not liking what he saw. “Your eyes look bruised and your skin is as fragile as parchment. You don’t look well, love. I’m sorry if I’ve driven you too hard.”

There was no better time to tell him about the baby, Zara decided. “It’s not that, Jamal, it’s …”

A disturbance at the door froze the words in her throat.

“Jamal! Soldiers were here looking for you.”

Jamal wound a towel around his loins and opened the door. “What are you saying, Senobia?”

“I sent them away. No one knows you’re here, but I thought you should know you’re being sought. I told them nothing.”

“You will be amply rewarded, Senobia, thank you.” He closed the door and returned to the couch.

“How could the sultan’s men reach Tangier before us?” Zara asked worriedly. “We had many hours’ head start and stopped at Paradise but briefly.”

“I don’t know, but there is nothing we can do about it now. If our luck holds, we can sneak aboard the
Plunderer
without being seen.”

“And if we can’t?”

“I swear no matter what happens, you will be safe. Nothing will harm you, sweet vixen. You have my word on it. Come, eat something with me. I’m starved.”

The
couscous
was cold and swimming in congealed chicken fat. Zara’s stomach churned at the sight of the unappetizing mess. She munched on cheese and soft white bread, ate some grapes and figs and drank copious amounts of delicious mint tea. Then Jamal fed her bits of sticky almond cake. He surprised her when his tongue flicked out and licked the honey glaze that lingered on her lips.

That sensual act led to a kiss, several kisses,
and soon Zara was writhing beneath the heat of his caresses, savoring the taste of him on her tongue. Jamal realized where this was leading and gently set her away from him.

With the tips of his fingers he traced the line of her cheekbones, the shape of her mouth, the curve of her brows. “You’re too tired, sweet vixen. I’ve no right to demand a response. Rest, soon we’ll be aboard the
Plunderer
, free to indulge our every whim.”

“Make love to me,” Zara said, pulling his head down to meet her lips. “I’m not that tired. I need you, Jamal.”

“I shouldn’t listen to you but I’m too weak to deny what we both want.”

With one hand he gathered up the silken gold of Zara’s hair. With the other he pulled her close. He kissed her again, showing her his need with the bold thrust and withdrawal of his tongue. She clung to him as though to life itself. When he dragged his mouth from hers long enough to look at her, her eyes were half-closed and languid.

“Lie back and let me pleasure you,” he whispered against her lips.

She watched in a daze as he lifted the lid from a small casket sitting on the bedside table and removed a little velvet bag. When he pulled the string, two silver balls fell into his palm.

Zara’s eyes widened. “How did you know what the casket held?”

He gave her a cryptic smile. “Every room in the House of Many Delights has a chest just like this. Inside are many such items designed to give pleasure. Open your thighs for me, sweet vixen.”

Zara’s legs fell apart. Jamal shifted his weight between her spread thighs and parted the tender folds of her female passage. Then, one by one, he placed the silver balls inside her and pressed her legs together. As he rocked her gently he leaned over and licked the pointed tips of her breasts into hard little nubs.

Indescribable, gut-wrenching pleasure jolted through her, beginning with her toes and traveling through her to every nerve ending. She began to tremble as if from ague. Her skin glowed with incredible heat. Her moans turned into one long wail as convulsions wracked her body. When she had no more to give, Jamal carefully removed the silver balls and pulled her on top of him. Raising her hips, he impaled her.

Straddling him, she rode him hard as tiny explosions continued to erupt inside her. Then Jamal gave a hoarse shout and stiffened, filling her with his hot seed. Succumbing to exhaustion, Zara flattened herself atop him and fell asleep. Jamal stroked her back and buttocks, murmuring sweet words she could not hear, thanking Allah for giving him a woman like Zara.

Zara was allowed to sleep but a few hours before Jamal awakened her. “Wake up, love, ’tis dark enough to travel through the
medina
now.”

Zara stirred, opened her eyes and smiled. “I love awakening in your arms.”

He grinned in response. “I’ll remember that. Would you like something to eat before we leave?”

Zara shook her head, recalling the greasy food
served to them earlier. “I couldn’t eat a bite. I’ll be ready in no time. I’m as anxious as you are to reach your ship. Will they be expecting you?”

“I certainly hope so. I sent a message to Captain Brahim some time ago, asking him to provision the ship and gather the crew in anticipation of my arrival. He’s probably wondering why I’ve been delayed.”

They dressed quickly by the light of the lamp they had left burning. Noises filtered through the door, and Zara realized that the House of Many Delights would be bursting with customers at this time of night. Before they left the chamber, Jamal placed two more gold coins on the table for Senobia to find.

“This chamber is at the back of the house,” Jamal said as he opened the door and peered into the deserted hallway. “There is a rear exit into an alleyway. I’ve used it a time or two and know the way. Follow me.”

Zara thought Jamal knew far too much about this house of pleasure but didn’t pursue the subject. As they turned a corner, they had the misfortune to encounter a man and woman in the hallway. Zara pulled her veil across her face and Jamal averted his head as they passed. As luck would have it, the couple paid them little heed, being too engrossed in their own lusty pursuits. Zara breathed a sigh of relief when they reached the alley without mishap.

They kept to the shadows of the narrow, nearly deserted streets. The stalls were closed, so they were able to move swiftly through the
medina
. When they spotted a soldier they turned a corner
to escape notice. Though their many detours prolonged their arrival at the docks, avoiding the soldiers seemed the prudent thing to do. At length they reached the docks, where an unwelcome surprise awaited them.