The Treasure_ A Novel - Iris Johansen [36]
He meant when he had to find a way into Tarik’s fortress. “Nasim is mad. How can one man hope to do what an army cannot?”
“We’ll have to see. It may be possible.” He smiled mockingly. “I’ve told you before: I’m very, very good, Selene.”
“You’ll be very, very dead.”
“And then will you weep for me?”
She shook her head.
“You wept for me once.”
“I was a child and a fool.”
“A child perhaps, never a fool.”
She looked down at the water. “Don’t do this, Kadar.”
“I must. If I give him the box, he’ll leave Montdhu alone. Besides, I gave him my word.”
“A promise to that demon means nothing.”
“It does if I made it. I’ll bring him his golden box.”
She whirled on him, anger flaring. “And you’ll send me away and then go back to him.”
He lifted his brows. “But you said you wanted to leave me.”
“Stop smiling. I do want to go. Do you think the tower chamber meant anything to me? Pleasure for the moment. That was all. Now it’s over.”
“I assume that means you’ll no longer allow me in your bed?”
“I told you that I would couple with you only while it was necessary.”
“So you did.”
“And it’s no longer necessary.”
“Not to save lives, but perhaps to save souls.”
“Coupling will save your soul? I think not.”
“Coupling is a form of closeness, and closeness saves souls. Perhaps even your soul, Selene.”
“You’re talking nonsense. My soul has nothing to do with you.”
“It has everything to do with me. Just as my soul has everything to do with you.” His smile faded. “There’s a fate that guides all of us. We were meant to be together. I’ve known it almost since the first time I saw you. Sometimes fate goes awry, but not this time. You can fight it all you please, but we’ll still come together in the end.”
He believed what he was saying, and his intensity sent a ripple of uneasiness through her. Even if his talk was foolishness, she did not like the idea of being herded willy-nilly along a path decreed by any force but her own. She turned away. “Believe what you like, but it won’t be in my bed that we’ll come together.”
THE DARK STAR DOCKED at the small port of Lantano a little over a week later.
“It didn’t take as long as I thought.” Selene gazed out at the gently curving coastline. “Didn’t you tell me Tuscany was far to the north?”
“This port is halfway between Rome and Tuscany. We’ll have to find horses and supplies to purchase. We go overland from here.” Kadar took her elbow and urged her toward the gangplank. “There’s no port near Sienbara.”
“That will make it harder to escape with the treasure. There’s sure to be a pursuit.”
“Perhaps.”
“You know there will be.” Her gaze narrowed on Kadar’s face. “What are you thinking?”
He smiled. “Only that someone has to lead a pursuit.”
She shivered as she realized what he meant. “You’ll kill this Tarik?”
“It would be the safest thing to do.”
“No.”
“He evidently had no compunction at slaughtering Nasim’s men.”
“That’s different. They were trying to steal from him. Just as you’re trying to do.”
“How do you know he didn’t steal this treasure first?”
“It doesn’t matter what he stole or didn’t steal. I won’t have your soul tainted by committing murder.” Her tone became fierce. “Do you hear me? I want your promise.”
“And what would you do if I refuse to give it?”
“You won’t refuse. You know I’m right.”
“But that’s no reason for me to hold my hand. Shall I tell you how seldom in my life rightness has had anything to do with what I’ve done?”
“You’re not like that any longer. Give me your promise.”
He held her gaze for a long moment. “Why does it matter to you?” he asked softly.
She glanced hurriedly away from him. “Why do you think? If you kill, you’ll be doing what Nasim wants you to do. I won’t give him that victory.”
He chuckled. “That’s not the only reason. Will you never tire of trying to—”
“Think what you like. I’ve told you my reason. Now give me your promise or I’ll be the one who goes to the castle to steal that treasure.”
“By God, you’d do it.” All trace of humor had vanished from his tone. “You’re to stay away from that castle. Do you understand?”
“Your promise.