“Twenty-nine, he said. In a low voice, he added, “That is for throwing wine in my face. He belted her again, making her scream. “That was for defying me in front of my men.
She stared at him over her shoulder, tears streaming down her face. “No more. Even without the miradella increasing her sensitivity, it would have hurt; now it was agony.
“Be grateful it was only two. He dropped the belt behind her on the carpets. Then he tugged the robe off her shoulders, baring most of her body.
“No! Allegra turned over and scooted back on the carpet, wincing and holding the robe closed in front of her breasts.
“Take it off. He almost seemed to vibrate with tension.
She shook her head, her heart beating too fast. He caught her thigh and slid over to her. When she brought up her arms to protect herself, he tugged them down. Then he pulled the robe off the rest of the way and tossed it behind her.
“Dont hurt me, she said, terrified. “Please.
Markus stared at her, breathing hard. Instead of grabbing her, he grabbed several of the big, wine-red cushions scattered on the carpet and piled them up next to Allegra. He sprawled in the cushions, half reclining, and dragged her next to him. She resisted, pushing against his torso as he pinned her against his side. He just nudged her hand away and shifted her so she lay in the hollow where his arm met his shoulder. Then he wrapped his arms around her, sagged into the cushions
And closed his eyes.
Allegra lay still, breathing hard. Gradually her pulse slowed. When he continued to lie there with his arms around her, a splinter of hope worked into her thoughts. Could a chance possibly exist that he would let her alone tonight?
After a moment, she said, “Is Lieutenant Borjan really going to give that man thirty lashes?
“Of course. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. “I wouldnt have ordered it otherwise.
“You didnt give thirty to me. You pretended. Except for the last two.
He rolled his head toward her. “I didnt pay that huge amount so I could tear up that spectacular body of yours. I want to enjoy it, not ruin it.
Spectacular? Was the man blind? She was a fat dairymaid. Then again, the nomads had starved her for five days.
“Why would you pay so much for me? she asked. “And then whip a man for stealing a knife?
“What I paid for you came out of my royal coffers, he said. “Specially marked coins, jewels identified with my family, that sort of thing. I had to get rid of all thatit was too easily identified with me. Every time I used some of it, I gave away my location. So I exchanged a substantial portion in one place for something of equal or greater value. Youre an investment.
Her pulse stuttered. In the bizarre logic of Jazid, it made sense, but unlike gold or gems, her “value wouldnt increase with age. “Does that mean youre going to sell me to someone else when you need more wealth?
“Its possible. He nuzzled her hair. “Though I have to admit, I cant imagine now why I would do such a stupid thing. I want you right here. With me.
If she hadnt known better, she would have thought he sounded affectionate. Lack of food must have addled her mind. Although Markus had shared his trail rations and water, it had only taken the edge off her hunger.
“Did you and General Yargazon finish breaking your fast this morning? she asked. They had ended her part of the auction so abruptly, maybe he hadnt eaten enough, either, and would consider having food brought for them here.
“Dusk was too angry, he said, leaning his head against hers. “He wanted you right then.
“Why? Allegra regretted the question as soon as it came out. She didnt want to know, not for a man who had spoken so casually about torturing her. “Never mind. Dont answer.
Markus spoke drowsily. “Im not Dusk Yargazon.
“Is that good?
“Some men find the pain of an unwilling woman erotic. Im not one of them. He reached across his body and stroked her breast. “Pleasure is much better. He fumbled with the gold cup over her nipple. “Must be a way to take these off, he mumbled.
Apparently he wanted her for dinner. She pushed at him, but he found whatever fastener he was searching for anyway and flicked the cup off her breast. The entire contraption fell away, leaving her bare except for the skirt. As she grabbed futilely for the halter, he pulled her against his body. The chafing of her nipples on his shirt sent a jolt through her body. She felt vulnerable and raw, and she wanted it to stop, all of it, Markuss attentions and these hypersensitized reactions. She tried to twist away, but he held her tightly, her front pressed against his side.
“Dont fight me, night bird, he murmured, fondling her breasts.
“No. Leave me alone. Please.
Markus grunted, but he actually stopped mauling her and sank back into the cushions. “Its been so long anyway, he grumbled. “I suppose I can wait until youre ready.
I wont ever be ready. But incredibly, it didnt seem as if he intended to force her.
“By the way, he said, closing his eyes.
“Yes?
“Dont try sneaking off. I have bodyguards outside. Ive told them you might try to leave.
“Oh. Damn.
“Tyrannical despotism, he muttered. “Where did you learn such words?
“From reading, I guess. Or reading to my students.
“Reading! He turned onto his side, rolling Allegra onto her back, and pushed up on his elbow so he could look at her. “How can you read?
She frowned at him. “I open the book and look at the words.
“Well, yes. He actually laughed. “So do I. But Im a man. Youre a woman. And women cant read.
“Oh, stop. She turned over, putting her back to him.
“Allegra. He rolled her back toward him. “Im not trying to insult you. Jazid women are illiterate. Its illegal to teach them reading, writing or anything else.
“Thats the stupidest thing Ive heard yet.
Scowling, he said, “I would appreciate it if you refrained from denigrating my intelligence.
“I didnt mean you. I meant denying girls their education.
“Its always been that way. Shifting his weight, he pinned her legs with one of his while he trailed his fingers over her stomach. “A woman has one purpose in life. To please a man. If you let women read and write and do numbers, it distracts them from their purpose.
Allegra snorted. “I cant believe you actually said that horse manure with a straight face.
“Maybe if you spent less time reading, he said crossly, “and more time learning the ways of your sex, your personality would be more pleasant.
“I like my personality fine. Its yours Im finding insufferable.
“Do you have any idea what could happen to you for speaking that way to the prince regent of Jazid?
“So where is he?
He spoke wryly. “Well, I cant say for certain, but I believe he is lying next to you, attempting quite unsuccessfully to obtain pleasure from his pleasure girl.
Allegra reddened. “I meant, if youre the regent, where is the king? The atajazid?
“Someplace hidden. He slid his hand over her leg and under her skirt, between her thighs. “And no, I wont tell you where.
Sensation burst within Allegra, starting where he touched her and spreading through her body. Embarrassed by her reaction, she pushed away his hand. No one had ever touched her this way, not even Tanner when they tussled in the barn. “Please, dont, she said. “I cant do this. The only way youll get what you want is through force. Is that what you intend?
“I wont hurt you, Allegra. He slid down her body and shifted so he was on top of her, his hips between her knees. His voice gentled. “Try to relax. The miradella will help. Then he lowered his head and suckled her breast, his unshaven chin rough on her skin.