The Golden Barbarian by Johansen Iris

Author:Johansen, Iris [Johansen, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Middle East, Historical, Middle East - Social Life and Customs - 18th Century, Love Stories
ISBN: 9780385417396
Publisher: Bantam
Published: 1990-01-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

An hour later Tess heard the sound of horses’ hooves on flagstone and men’s voices even before she reached the front door, and Sacha was riding out of the stable as Tess reached the courtyard where thirty or so robed, mounted men were milling about. Galen, mounted on Selik, walked the horse over to her.

“You’re leaving too?” she asked, trying to keep the shock and disappointment from her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I don’t like farewells. I’m taking Said with me, but I asked Kalim to deliver a note to you later. “

“How kind.”

Galen muttered a curse. “I’m only traveling as far as the border. I didn’t like the report Kalim brought back from the hill tribes. Sacha’s going back to Tamrovia on my behalf, and I must assure him safe conduct through Tamar’s territory.”

“You have no need to make explanations. I’m not arguing with you. I shall be glad to be on my own again.” She lifted her chin. “I simply think it would have been courteous of you to tell me in person.”

“I said I have no use for farewells.”

“Nor for courtesy either.” Her voice was faintly tremulous, and she steadied it before she continued. “We all must do things we don’t like. Why else am I in Zalandan?”

“To plague and torment me? Very well, I was discourteous, but I had no wish to hurt you. Will you wish me good journey?”

“Certainly. Good and speedy journey, my lord.”

He hunched his shoulders as if buffeted by a cold wind. “It’s as well I’ll be traveling in desert country.” When she didn’t answer, he went on, “If you have need of anything, go to Kalim. He’ll be in charge during my absence.”

“I’m sure he’ll do very well. His arrogance almost equals your own.”

“Tess, dammit, this is for the best.” His dark eyes glittered in his taut face. “My patience is nearly gone. I need to be away from you for a time.”

“And, naturally, the decision is always yours. You make me feel like a chess piece moved across the board according to your own rules.” She gazed at him directly. “I think it’s time we started a new game, my lord.”

“Indeed?” He went still, and then recklessness suddenly flickered in his expression. “We’ll discuss it when I return in a week.”

She shook her head. “Impossible from Tamrovia. Why, it took us five days from the border to reach here.”

“But I had no strong incentive then.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “Now, I have every reason to hurry back.”

Heat tingled through her, and her lungs seemed to constrict. “You do?” she whispered.

“Oh yes.” His gaze held hers. “And do you know what that reason is?”

She was beginning to have an excellent idea. The tension with which she had become so familiar had returned, settling upon both of them like a sensual cloak. She realized with surprise that this was precisely the reaction she had wanted to stir in him. Perhaps Sacha was right, and she had wanted to prod the tiger.

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