On the Hunt - Page 43

“No fairy tale,” Harlan muttered. “But definitely… magic. Don’t… you dare… leave me…”

How could he think she would ever do that? This was where she had to stay. Magic… and he was causing her to arch once more as she gave another low, guttural cry and he took her down again and again into fiery darkness…

“I think I’ve had too much wine.” Kira looked up at the stars and leaned back against Harlan near the entrance to her tent. “It was a good evening, wasn’t it? Everything about it? You liked my dogs?”

“What’s not to like? You and Mack taught them well.” Harlan nibbled at the lobe of her ear. “And the horses are truly magnificent. You trained them, too?”

“Several of them. I did what I could with the time I had. The dogs were paramount because they had to learn how to protect the horses. But the horses were always Kalim’s pride and joy. Fiona told me that there were rumors that Domino’s forebearers were bred by the pharaohs of Egypt. Is it true?”

“Rumors that can’t be proved.” He shrugged. “I purchased Domino from a very high-end stable in Cairo, but there was no way to check ownership papers that far back. It’s possible that one of Kalim’s ancestors might have sold a few horses to neighboring tribes. If anyone could find a way to document that, it might be Kalim. But he wouldn’t be willing to do it. At any rate, Domino was extremely expensive, and Fiona was delighted to have him. That was good enough for me.”

“I can see that,” Kira said. “Domino is fantastic. I enjoyed riding him.”

“I enjoyed watching you. Are there any other of Kalim’s horses that I could buy you that you’d like more?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Just asking.” He gently stroked her throat. “I wasn’t trying to buy you. A gift can give more pleasure to the giver than the one who receives it.”

“I realize that. It’s still no. I haven’t even paid you yet for your share of our partnership. We need to talk about that.” She turned to look at him. “Which reminds me… did you find out anything from Belson when you called him earlier today?”

“A few things.” He pressed his lips to the curve of her elbow. “Sorry. I became distracted. I like this particular spot…”

So did she, and she was getting breathless at just that light, caressing touch. But she was also beginning to want more. “I want to know. Tell me.”

He sighed. “If you insist. But you’re spoiling a wonderful evening. Where should I start?”

“Where nightmares start.” She made a face. “I want to get it over with.”

“Taylor?”

“Right the first time.”

“No good news. He’s still alive and kicking, and there’s no sign that anyone is close to catching the son of a bitch.” He paused. “A few of his scumbags have appeared in Morocco, asking questions.”

“I don’t have to ask about whom, do I?” she said bitterly.

“No. Actually, I was paramount but you came in a close second. Can we stop talking about him now? He’s not going to be a threat for long. It’s just always a good idea that I know where he is at any given time.” His lips brushed her upper arm. “And that his location is never near you.”

“And at a place where you can reach out and grab him if he doesn’t get to you first.” Her hands closed into fists. “I hate that, Harlan.”

“Then it’s time to change the subject,” he said lightly. “And I’ll give you the good news from Belson. My chief engineer has finished the project she was working on, and I thought I’d take you down to the shore tomorrow to watch the tests and let you see if my humble invention might be what we need to help retrieve your treasure.”

“Tests? What is it?”

“Something that I hope will interest you.”

“But you’re not going to tell me exactly what? Maddening, Harlan.” She had another thought. “‘She’? Your chief engineer is a woman?”

“Why, yes. I thought you’d approve that I’m not biased where women are concerned. Hannah has worked with me on a number of projects. Her success rate is excellent, and I’m sure you’ll like her.”

“I don’t have to like her. You’re the one who needs competent people around you. I’m sure you know how to choose them.”

“There’s a rumor to that effect going around.” He smiled teasingly. “But I could be wrong. It was Belson who chose you to go after Taylor. He had to convince me you’d be wonderful at whatever you did.”

“And was he right?” He’d leaned around her, and his teeth were now pulling gently on her nipple. She could scarcely breathe. Her fingernails clenched on his shoulders.

“Without the slightest doubt.” Then Harlan was over her, in her, pulling her thighs over his hips. “You haven’t failed me yet…”