As Long As (7 page)

“Oh, Sokar. This is too unreal for me. I mean...”

Her voice trailed off. It had something to do with how he’d moved his hands. He had both of them at her back and shoulders and was massaging all kinds of pleasure into being with each stroke. It felt wonderful despite being utterly wrong. She yawned.

“Where...are we going?” The words were slurred. No. She clarified it mentally. They sounded more like they’d been purred.

“My compound.”

“You have a com...pound?”

“Yes. I have many of them.”

“You do?”

“I have lived a very long time,
habibi
. I have had many compounds constructed. In many areas of the world. All underground. Hidden. Where it is safest. We are going to the one near the fortress my great-grandfather built
.
As you already know, Buhen is underwater. Not my compound. I built into the hills far from the fortress. But thanks to humanity and the Aswan Dam, I now have what is, in essence, waterfront property.”

Geena giggled. And then stilled. She never giggled. There wasn’t much in life worth it. Her eyes probably would have widened if they didn’t feel so leaden. Her body so flexible. Pliable. Warm.

“Just don’t go putting me in any harem, Sokar. That would be unforgiveable. Okay?”

“Oh.
Habibi.
Never. You have my word.”

Sokar was an immense man. Solid. Comforting. Perching on his lap, gazing into his eyes was beyond addictive. It was compulsory. His arms had encircled her with his massage. He tightened them now and pulled her close. Geena should struggle. Strike out. Defend. Anything other than snuggle. There was no way he was a vampire. He was so warm. So alive. She could hear his heart pounding, beating in tandem with hers. It soothed. Protected. Reassured.

This was despicable. Underhanded. And absolutely perfect.

“All right. This is beyond ridiculous. Where do you shop, a Moroccan bazaar?”

Sokar’s eyes went to the arched doorway where Geena stood. The doorway was twenty feet high, gloriously inset with mosaic to look like a view of the Nile. When the fields were lush and green after an inundation had settled. Flocks of birds filled the skies. Boats plied the waves. The design was vividly colored and overly ornate, but that could be said of this entire compound. He’d been in one of his art phases. Learning and then using construction techniques and visual arts had helped with the passage of years. He’d been a willing pupil with decades to master any craft. Compound Buhen was one result. The entire place was a mixture of architectural styles and designs. He hadn’t realized just how flamboyant it had become. And yet, right now...with her standing at the base of it, that doorway was the perfect frame.

This compound didn’t have a harem, but the apartments he’d set aside for his mate were a close second to that description. The rooms were crafted entirely of stone, but the amount of decorations and furnishings muted any coldness. As did the lighting he’d wired during the last century. There was even a pool in the center to bathe in.

Geena had been sleeping soundly when they landed. She’d barely moved as he settled her on a cushioned platform, placed a picnic basket on the floor beside her. It contained two pre-packaged meals, fresh fruit, an assortment of cheeses and baked goods, a bottle of water, another of wine. This basket was from the pilot, Stanislaw. The man was well worth his pay. The fellow kept the plane’s pantry stocked, and he knew what sorts of delicacies a human would like. Good man.

Sokar had left her with everything she should need. That had been this morning. It was now approaching evening. She’d obviously rested, used the pool, partaken of her feast, found her wardrobe, and yet did not sound pleased.

He wondered why.

She’d dressed in a teal-colored floor-length caftan, weighted slightly in the front by the amount of gold and silver thread embellishment the seamstresses had used. She was using a sunset-hued length of silk for a belt. Her dark hair was pulled back. She hadn’t covered it. She didn’t appear to be wearing any cosmetics. They were unnecessary. He had never seen anything as beautiful.

Ever.

His jaw dropped. His fingers stalled on the keyboard. A line consisting of the letter “e” started across the screen before he lifted his hands.

“Well?” She raised the skirt with one hand and sent him an unreadable look.

“Apologies,
habibi.
You—. I—.” Sokar’s voice stopped. He stood. Wiped his hands down his thighs. Looked across at her. Since she was still in the doorway, they were the same height.

“Yes?”

“You take my breath away with your beauty. I...cannot think. What was the question again?”

She flashed him a quick smile and started down the steps toward him. She was so regal! She’d make a perfect Great Wife. He waited until she neared, his breath held the entire time. But once she arrived and stood before him, he couldn’t think of anything to say. He eased his breath out. Her glance touched on his but she quickly looked away. Rose-shaded blush touched the tops of her cheeks. The reaction was immediate. And vicious. His canines tingled and began lengthening. Heat sparked into being within him, waking his loins. He actually stirred. And then hardened. Thank the gods he wore a Pharaonic starched kilt. A woven gold belt encircled his hips and fell down his front. That bit of design was fortuitous. It helped shield the obvious sign of his reaction to her.

Just her.

He was so lucky!

Sokar nearly flung his head back and gave vent to the wonder filling him. But that would never do. She didn’t know, yet. She hadn’t agreed. She was so young. Infinitely precious. Yet so skittish. He didn’t dare tell her about mating yet. He needed to win her trust first. And that would take time.

Odd
. He’d always thought time was on his side.

“Your hair.”

Sokar frowned slightly. “My hair?”

“It’s longer.”

“Oh. Yes.”

“How is that possible?”

“When you become a—.”

“Don’t say it.” She interrupted him. “That’s a ground rule. Remember?”

This was a conundrum. How to explain without mentioning vampirism? Sokar considered her for a long moment, his mind whirling. He finally nodded.

“Physical appearance can be altered, but it does not stay. Upon arising, anything done will be undone.”

“Right. Let’s say that’s true. But...that’s kind of odd. I always thought ancient Egyptians were clean-shaven. The wall art certainly says so.”

“You are correct. It is rather amusing, actually. In life, I was always as you say. And yet, I’ve spent millennia since like this.”

She had an eyebrow lifted. She didn’t look convinced. He decided to try and explain.

“I was on a war campaign. We didn’t bother with grooming. Especially, during the victory march back home. I was...overly exuberant. That is how my brother managed to get into my tent and past my guards. Because I allowed it. He brought greetings. Figs. Beer. And a knife with an Ethiopian blade. Extremely sharp. Deadly. It takes a long time to die of a knife wound. No one shaved me during that time, either.” His voice hardened as he described Merneptah’s perfidy. It didn’t seem possible. Not after all these years. Reanimation brought back ancient treachery? And made it rankle?

Oh. He’d made a grave mistake. She’d moved back a step. His words may have made the gulf between them even wider. Sokar looked away. Over her head. He set his jaw next. A canine dug into his lower lip. He sucked on the wound. Tightened his muscles. And somehow kept a groan from sounding.

“Wow,” she finally said.

“Forgive me. I do not wish to frighten.”

“Oh. Don’t worry. You don’t scare me.”

He flashed a glance toward her. It might be true. He didn’t know her well enough, but she didn’t look remotely worried. She actually had an even more skeptical appearance to her.

“Do you wish to hear more?” he asked.

“Sure. Why not? It’s great bedtime story material.”

His eyes narrowed. He didn’t move his gaze from hers. “What do you wish to know?”

“Hmm. I don’t know. How about the war campaign stuff? Explain that.”

“I was commander-in-chief of the army.”

“At twenty-five?”

“No. Eighteen.”

“They made you commander at eighteen?”

“Yes.”

“No way.”

“Maturity was a different matter back then. I’d been considered a man for years. Being in charge of the army was my birthright. And my duty.”

“It was your duty to go kill other people?”

“No. It was my duty to expand the borders. Subdue anyone who stood in the way. Secure tribute. Bring glory to my name. That was why I waged war against the bowmen in Kush.”

“Kush?”

“Oh. Apologies. It became known later as Nubia. I believe it is now part of the country, Sudan.”

“Wow. Whoever taught you did an excellent job. You’re very convincing. I’d really like to believe you. You have no idea.”

“I do not lie. But even I cannot keep up with all the border changes in the world. Lines are continuously being redrawn and modified. I have been hidden here at Buhen for some years. I did not know about the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. I am just catching up.”

“What?”

“I speak of the world. This technology thing. Computers have certainly changed. Did you know you can type any destination into a query line and you will receive a picture of the actual land? From a bird’s eye view!”

She smiled. His thighs trembled. He locked his knees before he wavered.

“Is that what you were doing? Playing online?”

“I borrowed this laptop from my pilot. It has been...enlightening. The world did not move at this speed until recently. I can access data now from a hand-held object. There is even one you can wear on your arm. Like a bracelet. You don’t type into it. You speak and it gives you an answer.”

“Are you serious?”

“I must order these things.”

“Sokar?”

She sounded unsure. She wasn’t smiling, either.

“Yes?”

“I sure hope you are joking.”

He held out his hand. “I can prove it,
habibi
. Come. I will show you the tomb.”

“Now?”

“It is time. The sun has set.”

“How do you know that?”

He almost lifted his upper lip. Something held him back. Something he hadn’t any experience with. Something that might actually be fear.

She glanced to his mouth and then back to his eyes. Her chin came up higher. Her eyelids lowered. Her lips parted slightly. A shudder ran her frame. He daren’t guess why. His body suffered an answering tremor, but he knew the reason. He was holding back. Maintaining command of his body.

“You are a very sexy man, Sokar.”

Her words were a direct hit against his control. His thighs trembled. He caught the weakness before he dropped to his knees. She didn’t know what she did! She was the woman of his dreams. She had the body of his fantasies. Her scent intoxicated. Her blood called to his. Everything about her drew him. He was trying desperately not to force and dominate. He pulled his muscles into painful knots.

“The hint of fangs. The mystique. The aura of darkness. It only adds to the whole package. Know what I mean?”

“
Habibi
. Please? We must go.”

A smile curved her lips. The blush bloomed through her cheeks again. Sokar sucked his belly in. It didn’t help. Nothing did. He was being tortured and had nothing to blame but his own self-restraint.

“Will you...?”

Her voice ended. Her gaze dropped. The blush deepened within her cheeks. Was it possible she felt the same? Her body endured relentless surges of desire, too? Dare he hope? His voice stammered with the answer.

“Y-y-yes?”

“Before you show me...um? Will you do something?”

“Anything.”

His answer was harsh. It sent vibrations through the room that snuffed candles and rattled the incense brazier. It also hinted at insanity. And something else. He was giving power over to her. Tying his hands. Potentially killing his future. Because he had no idea what she’d ask. If she asked for her freedom...?

His heart hurt at the thought. It started sending pain with every beat. He’d thought his knife wound painful. The infection that followed, a hellfire of agony. He’d been wrong. This pain was worse. Much worse.

“Any...thing?”

She sounded so hesitant! He didn’t blame her. He couldn’t believe he’d said it, either. He had to nod a reply. He didn’t trust his voice.

“Will you...take me back when this is over?”

She said the words he dreaded. His heart seized up. His belly clenched. His solar plexus felt like it took a blow. The vibration she called his growl enveloped them as he fought for control. And the look of satisfaction on her face didn’t help.

Sokar’s reaction to her request was immediate and it just kept growing. His growl sent vibrations throughout the room that knocked over several small statues and ruffled the fabric walls. It was déjà vu, as if they’d been transported back to the boardroom where they’d met, minus all the carnage. It was rather disconcerting. Geena decided to ignore that emotion, along with the niggling itch of guilt.

The room they stood in was cavernous. The ceiling looked incredibly high, maybe forty feet if she had to guess. Light came from somewhere up there, but it wasn’t bright. It was candlelight dim at floor level. Which was odd. He should have some lamps. She knew he had power. The suite she’d awakened in, and spent some time exploring, had been amazing. Beautifully designed. With all kinds of modern conveniences. In the desert somewhere. Underground. Completely hidden.

Unbelievable
.

This room however, was beyond that. The multi-hued décor bore various shades of blue and gold. Draped panels sparkling with gold decorated the walls. The floors were covered with thick, overlapping rugs. The furnishings were low to the floor, consisting of backless couches, foot-high tables, and a lot of ornate pillows. Everything contained splashes of gold. Probably real gold. She’d wondered about that when she’d seen the threadwork in her caftan. She’d since disregarded the observation. What did it matter if he had real gold all over his compound? She had bigger worries. With incense stands scattered through the room, the room resembled a decadent movie set. For a despotic king and an entourage of women. It looked – and felt – like the perfect setting for an orgy.

At least, it had until now.

“You vixen!” he announced.

Geena’s brows rose. “You’re name-calling now? Nice.”

“You used my desire against me!”

“Oh, don’t be so surprised. You made it easy.”

He pitched his head back and yelled. Loudly. Geena watched smoke from the incense burners waver throughout the room as throbs from his voice reached them. She climbed onto a table to reach his level. Wobbled for a moment until the table stabilized, and then she faced him. He was breathing really hard. She matched it. He was flushing, too. She watched a dark tone move through his chest. Shoulders. Neck. It reached his jaw. He had that clenched. Sharp-looking spikes were clearly evident along his lower lip.

Her heart missed a beat. He pulled his head back as if he knew it.

Oh!
This was bad. The man already sent her pulse into overdrive, her hormones into frenzy, and her body temperature to fire-starting level. Anger seemed to take those afflictions to a higher pitch and hold them there. She was close to lunging for him and finding out about the orgy thing. She had to start speaking. And fast.

“Look. Sokar. Don’t you think your reaction is a little excessive? I mean you’ve been using some kind of hypnosis on me. I think that makes us even, don’t you?”

His breathing slowed slightly. He was still massive. Muscled. Masculine. And not wearing much. She had to force her gaze to ignore his waist area, where a six-pack-plus of abs gained definition with the force of each inhalation.

“That was not hypnosis. It was a thrall.”

“A thrall?”

“Vampires have many powers.”

“That is a violation of—”

“To the realm of
Set
with your rules! I
am
a vampire! I have enthralling powers. I have been doing my best
not
to use them on you!”

“You are a male chauvinist who is used to getting his way. And I, for one, am finally calling you on it.”

He crossed his arms and glared at her. That put a lot of emphasis on his pecs, shoulders, and biceps. The light was making a shadow play across his skin whenever he flexed. It was difficult to stay focused.

“You just deceived me.”

“So?”

Geena crossed her arms and displayed a nonchalance she was far from feeling. His upper lip lifted. She got a clear view of his fangs.
Damn it!
Her legs got hit with a cold wash of weakness. She swayed. The stupid table made it impossible to hide the reaction. She had to look away until she regained her balance. She didn’t dare look back at him. He was really scary.

And amazingly sexy.

How was that even possible
?

He was regarding her with an unreadable expression when she looked back at him. His eyes were slits, but he’d covered over his fangs. She decided to match his expression. She even stuck her tongue in front of her upper teeth to make her lip swell out to equal his. It was a small gesture, but it helped.

“You really try my patience, woman,” he finally told her.

“All right. Sokar. Senusret. Ahmose. Whoever. Listen up. You don’t know me. But I’m going to give you a little insight. I don’t care about your temper. I don’t care if you call yourself a vampire. I don’t even care if you really are one. Got it?”

There was a long silence after her tirade. But at least, he’d pulled out of his threatening pose. His expression was still unreadable.

“What do you care about?” he finally asked.

That was underhanded. Nobody got to ask her personal questions. Not about her past. Or anything else. Geena’s mouth opened. Shut. “I think we’re finished here.”

“With what?”

“Our argument.”

“I do not argue.”

“No kidding. You just issue decrees and expect they’ll be followed. Instantly. And without question. Well, I think it’s time you moved into the twenty-first century with the rest of the world. And I’m talking A.D. here. Not B.C.E.”

He grunted. It sounded suspiciously like amusement. Geena looked him over for long moments. He wasn’t meeting her eyes. He was focused on something over her head.

“Are you laughing at me?”

He dropped his gaze back to hers, but his lips twitched suspiciously. “Oh. Never.”

“Good. Just keep it that way. So. What do you say? Want to call a truce? Start the tour?”

“If that is your wish.”

“Wasn’t it next on the agenda?”

He shrugged.

“First the tour and then you’re going to keep to your promise. Yes?”

“I will allow you to return when this is over. You have my word.”

“Allow? We never said allow in there. What is it with you and that word, anyway?”

“It annoys you?”

“It’s an ownership word. I am an adult, Sokar. Nobody owns me. Take my gender out of the equation, and what would you have?”

“A very pretty boy.”

Geena couldn’t help it. She chuckled. He didn’t join her. He frowned.

“I will avoid using the word ‘allow’ in the future. Is that what you wish to hear?”

“I don’t know what I want, okay? You appeared out of nowhere. You tried to kill me, and when that didn’t work, you decided to...what? Make passionate wild love with me so I would...what? Come with you to the desert and...what now? Excavate? I can’t figure this out. I don’t know why I’m here. I’m still reeling from the
how
we got here. And don’t answer that, okay?”

“It is time I showed you.”

“But I have your promise. Right?”

“I am a man of honor. Nothing we say...alters that.”

His voice broke midway. There was a distinct tremor throughout the words, too. She told herself she didn’t care about that, either.