Chapter 16

She had been alone for nearly an hour. Elizabeth’s anxiety was beginning to rise as she continued to pace back and forth within the small confines of the tent. She felt trapped. Had he abandoned her? Had something happened to him? She wondered if she should go in search of him. She was grateful when the prince’s servants interrupted her thoughts.

They entered the tent, carrying buckets of steaming, hot water. One of them handed her a bottle of bright purple liquid. She recognized it from the previous night. It belonged to Ilham. Elizabeth opened the cap and held the bottle under her nose. She smiled serenely as she poured a generous amount of the lavender infusion into the tub.

Harrhas entered just as they finished pouring in the last of the water. “I see that the bath is ready,” he said as he tossed Crawford’s satchel onto the floor of the tent. “The Lieutenant’s things,” he said, by way of explanation. “This will be your tent from now on. Anyakalha is gathering your things and preparing some food for you. The Lieutenant will return momentarily,” he said before bowing and turning to leave.

“Harrhas!” called Elizabeth.

He turned around and looked as her, still somewhat startled by the sound for her voice, “Thank you. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me.”

“You’re welcome, Hessa,” said Harrhas.

“It’s Elizabeth, actually,” offered Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth,” repeated Harrhas before leaving the tent. “A beautiful name.”

Elizabeth ran over to the entrance of the tent and pushed open the flap, creating a narrow opening from which she could peer out. She watched as Harrhas walked away, back towards his tent. She waited a few minutes, but still saw no sign of Crawford. She turned around and walked over to the bath. Elizabeth skimmed the surface of the water with her fingertips. The bath was hot and inviting. She submerged her hand up to her wrist and waved in back in forth, enjoying the feel of the water as it passed through her fingers.

Elizabeth walked back over to the tent’s entrance, secured the flap, and then quickly shed her clothing. As she walked towards the bath her eyes landed on Crawford’s satchel. When Harrhas tossed it onto the floor it had inadvertently opened, spilling out Crawford’s shaving gear and a small book.

Elizabeth bent over and picked up the book. It was leather bound and untitled, a red ribbon held the place last read. Elizabeth carried it over to the tub. She took care not to get it wet as she gingerly stepped into the scented liquid and leaned back. A soft moan escaped Elizabeth’s lips as lowered herself into the water. She inched her bottom forward until her shoulders were submerged, and then she opened the book and turned to the page last marked by Crawford.

“What do you think you’re doing!” accused Crawford as he quickly dropped his bundles onto the floor, crossed the distance between them and wrenched the book from her hands. “That’s private! Off limits!” he continued as he walked over to the sleeping pallet and tucked it underneath.

Elizabeth was so caught off guard she wasn’t sure how to respond, “I-I-”

“You what?” he shouted as he stood back up and turned around to once again face her. Crawford then took in the scene, cocked his head to the side, and softly asked, “Are-are you naked in there?”

Elizabeth smiled and beckoned him with a crook of her finger.

“Oh! You think you’re going to lure me over there with a mere crook of your finger?” asked Crawford.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

As Crawford walked towards her he started, “You think you can make me forget all about-” He stopped abruptly and crouched down beside the bath. As he reached out to caress the side of her face he whispered, “My God, you’re beautiful.”

“I bet you say that to all your wives,” Elizabeth teased.

Crawford’s expression suddenly clouded, he stood up and faced away from her, his shoulders rounded and his head hanging in shame. “I’m sorry,” he said simply. “I have no right. I have no right to expect-”

“William?” she called.

He closed his eyes and resisted the urge to turn around. He heard the water swish and then she asked, “Please, come and join me.”

He looked back at her then, she had moved forward to make room for him. Her knees were pulled up to her chest, her arms wrapped around them. She faced away from him and added playfully, “I promise I won’t look.”

He was instantly hard. William exhaled, pushing all doubt momentarily from his mind as he stripped off his clothing. He walked over to the bath and stepped in behind her. Elizabeth moved back and reclined against his chest, releasing a sigh. “Is this alright? I’m not hurting you?” she asked.

“No, pet, you’re not hurting me,” he said, as he placed a kiss on the top of her head, sounding sad.

“You’re afraid you’re going to hurt me,” reflected Elizabeth. “Or, that we’re going to hurt one another,” she added.

“Elizabeth-” he started.

“No,” she interrupted, “don’t dismiss this. It’s serious. We need to discuss this.”

William reached around her and, unable to restrain himself he began to fondle her breasts. Elizabeth arched up into his waiting hands. “You expect me to have a serious conversation with you…here in the bath?” he asked.

“Yup!” confirmed Elizabeth. “Actually, it doesn’t need to be an entire conversation. Let’s start with one question.”

“One question?” he asked.

“What is this to you? Honestly, Will. Tell me. What is it that you want, or hope this to be?” asked Elizabeth as she nervously bit on her lower lip.

“It doesn’t matter, what I hope, what I want. What matters is what is,” he responded.

Elizabeth turned to look at him over her shoulder and pressed her fingers to his lips, “Shhh, don’t say that. Your hopes, your dreams, they matter. They matter to me. Don’t be afraid. Please. I have to know what’s happening between us.”

“I wish I knew,” said Crawford as he leaned back and rested his head against the edge of the tub.

Elizabeth sat up, pulled her knees tight against her body, and then pivoted so that she faced him. She then opened her legs up, resting one on either side of him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Will?” she asked.

“Yes?” he responded swallowing the lump in his throat.

“How about I go first?” she asked, her beautiful green eyes staring trustingly into his.

“Okay,” he said, slowly.

“I’ve been afraid, and…alone,” she started. “I’m not sure that I’m going to survive this. I wasn’t sure that there was anything worth surviving for. I know that you’re not free. I know that you’re on a mission here, and that the mission comes first. What I don’t know…what I don’t know is how you feel….about me.”

“I thought you were going first?” he asked, hesitantly.

“I think I’m falling in love with you, Will. I wanted you to win today. I wanted you to win…” Elizabeth confessed.

Crawford grasped her head in his hands and his mouth came crashing down upon hers, “Oh, Elizabeth!” he murmured.

His tongue slipped inside the velvety caverns of her mouth and set about exploring the barely familiar territory. “Mmmmm,” moaned Elizabeth, as she moved closer to him.

William gently lifted her up and pulled her, flush to his chest. He ran his hands possessively down the length of her spine, caressing each vertebra. He kissed her deeply and moaned into her mouth. “Want you,” he said, “need you.”

He reached down between their undulating bodies to caress the silken curls between her legs. His eyes widened in surprise before he remembered what Anyakalha had told him. She gasped, “No…I…they-”.

Elizabeth’s couldn’t conceal her embarrassment. “It’s alright,” said Crawford, his voice deep with passion as he slipped a finger between her folds, delving in and reveling in the moisture that he found there.

“Please,” pleaded Elizabeth, “I don’t…I mean…I-”

Crawford was starving, for her. He grasped one of her hands in each of his, and then positioned them on the edge of the tub. He reached down, placing his hands underneath her bottom, and lifted her up. As he elevated her body he lifted his own legs up, positioning his feet on the far end of the tub, allowing her to lean back, against his legs.

“What?” she gasped as she closed her legs. “What are you-”

“Don’t hide from me. Please,” he said as his eyes searched out hers. “You want to know what you are to me? Now? You are my heart. My wife. You, Elizabeth will be the one reason I am going to live through this bloody war!”

“Really?” she said, looking into his eyes.

“Really!” he said as he dipped his head down. Crawford used his fingers to open her outer folds, and then eagerly swept his tongue up the length of her already moist slit.

“Oh!” gasped Elizabeth, as she turned her head to the side, embarrassed.

Crawford lapped at her eagerly. “Mmmm,” he moaned as he latched onto her clit and tugged, gently. The vibrations further stimulated her already aroused sex and increased the flow of her juices.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and swallowed hard as she tried to gain some control of her breathing. At once she was filled with conflicting emotion, wanting this to both stop and continue. She wanted to watch and to hide her face in shame. She wanted to block out the feelings and savor them.

Crawford glanced up at her and noticed the conflicting emotions as they passed across her face. “Elizabeth, luv? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she said, trying to sound casual.

“Look at me, pet,” requested Crawford.

She turned to look at him. His head was still between her legs, she felt totally vulnerable, bared to him this way. His lips and chin glistened with her juices and he was smiling contentedly. “Has no one ever done this for you before?”

Elizabeth shook her head and looked away again.

Crawford lowered his legs, allowing her once again to submerge in the water. He pulled her close to him, moving her legs so that she straddled his hips. Then he gently removed one of her hands from the side of the tub. He pulled it into the water, wrapped it around his erection and said, “See what you do to me? You excite me beyond belief; the sound of your voice, your touch, your smell, your taste.”

Elizabeth looked up, then and met his eyes, “You liked doing that?”

Crawford smiled and said, “Oh, yeah!” enthusiastically.

“It wasn’t…ew?” asked Elizabeth, hesitantly.

Crawford’s smile broadened. “No. It was more like Mmmmm,” answered Crawford, his voice raspy with passion.

“Are you going to want to do that again?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said, simply. “If it’s alright with you.”

Elizabeth seemed to be giving the question serious consideration before asking, “Are… there other, you know, unusual things that you’re going to want to do?”

“Define unusual,” answered Crawford.

“Well, anything that’s not… usual, I guess,” said Elizabeth with growing discomfort. “And, how did we get on this topic?”

“I believe that I was deliriously happy feasting on your deliciously sweet quim and then I noticed you were…embarrassed? Maybe not enjoying it?” asked Crawford.

“Embarrassed, yes, and confused. I was thinking that I shouldn’t be enjoying it-” she said, unable to meet his eyes.

Crawford reached out, cupped her chin in the palm of his hand and turned her face towards him, “So a part of you did enjoy it? The feel of my tongue on you?”

“Yes,” she said quietly.

“So you’d be willing to give it another go, sometime?” asked Crawford.

Elizabeth attempted to turn away, but he held her chin in place, looking straight into her eyes.

“Alright, yes!” she said flushing a bright shade of crimson.

“I love you,” said Crawford, seriously.

Elizabeth swore her heart skipped a beat. “You don’t have to say that,” she responded.

“No,” he agreed, “I don’t. But it’s true, and I wanted you to know.”

Elizabeth leaned forward and tentatively kisses his lips. She could taste a hint of herself on them and before she could second-guess herself she swept her tongue across them, first his upper lip, then his lower one. “Mmmmm,” she moaned softly. “You’re right, definitely more Mmmmm than ew.”

Crawford’s lips curved into a smile as she abandoned them and began to lap at his chin. “God, you’re going to be fun,” he groaned as he bit on his lower lip.

“You think?” she asked.

“I know it,” he responded as she began to rain a trail of kisses down his neck.

“I don’t really know what to do, what you want,” she leaned up and whispered in his ear.

“You’re doing fine, luv,” he answered.

“But, I want to do better than fine,” she said, pulling away and looking him in the eye, all signs of embarrassment suddenly vanished. “I want to know how to please you, how to make you happy.”

“I’ll make you a list,” he said as he kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ll start on it first thing tomorrow morning.”

“A list?” she said, mildly alarmed. “You have an..an entire list of unusual stuff in mind?”

“First off, you’ve got the categories all wrong. It’s not usual and unusual, pet,” he said.

“Oh? What do you propose?” she asked.

“How about the things we’ve tried and the things we’ve yet to try?” he suggested with wiggle of his eyebrows.

“How about the things we’ve tried, the things I’m willing to try, and the absolutely no way mister…you better find yourself another girl?” she countered.

“Another girl? Now that’s a thought,” he teased. “That Iman seemed up for a go, we could-”

Elizabeth placed her hand over his mouth, silencing him. “Take that back before I have to hurt you.”

“Somebody’s jealous,” he sang.

“I am not jealous,” insisted Elizabeth.

“Good!” said Crawford firmly.

“Should I be?” asked Elizabeth feeling suddenly vulnerable.

“No. No one is going to displace you. I’ve made a commitment to you. As long as we’re here I plan to keep it,” answered Crawford, truthfully.

Elizabeth leaned her forehead against his and whispered, sadly, “As long as we’re here.”

“You know things in our world are more complicated, Elizabeth. I have another commitment. One I’m not free of,” he reminded her.

“I know,” she said. “But we’re here, for now. You’re mine for now.”

“Yes,” he agreed.

“Say it?” she asked as she reached down and began to stroke his cock.

“I’m yours,” he said softly against the outer shell of her ear. “All yours,” he added as he licked, tracing a pattern down the side of her neck and over her collarbone. “Only yours,” he finished as he took her nipple into his mouth and began to suckle at her breast.

Elizabeth arched her back, and pressed his head more firmly to her breast. His erection was rock-hard now and she wanted him inside of her. “Please,” she said.

“Please what?” he asked.

“I want to feel you inside of me,” admitted Elizabeth.

Crawford reached down, lifted her up slightly, and slowly lowered her onto his shaft. Elizabeth’s head lolled backwards and she groaned, “Ohhh, Will.”

He reached one arm behind her back and said, “Lean back just a bit, luv.”

Elizabeth leaned back, slightly, the angle offering increased friction. His erection came in contact with her clit as he continued to thrust inside of her.

“More,” she cried.

“Is this what you had in mind, baby?” asked Crawford as he twisted his hips slightly, pushing himself in further and increasing his pace.

“Y-Y-Yes,” said Elizabeth, her breath coming in pants as she held onto the sides of the tub. “Oh…God…I…Oh, Will…I’m….I’m-”

Crawford watched as her orgasm swept over her. Her chest, neck and face were flush with passion. Her lips were red and full from being kissed. Her hair was slightly damp from the water. He had never in his life seen such a beautiful vision. He kissed her passionately as he let go. With one final thrust he spilled his seed deep within her womb, and he vowed, silently, to protect her…always.

“Mine,” he murmured as she collapsed against his chest.

Elizabeth’s breathing began to return too normal. She was enjoying the feel of him gently stroking her back. She closed her eyes and savoring the moment answered, “Yours.”

Chapter 17

“Hey,” said Elizabeth, softly, as she opened her eyes and noticed William stretched out, opposite her on the sleeping pallet.

“Hey, yourself, beautiful,” answered William with a smile.

“Have you been awake long?” she asked.

“No, pet. You just drifted off a few minutes ago. I haven’t fallen asleep yet. Sorry if I woke you. I tried not to disturb you,” said William.

“What are you doing?” asked Elizabeth as she sat up.

“Just writing a bit. I like to do that before I sleep. It helps me clear my head,” explained William.

“What do you write about?” inquired Elizabeth, her natural curiosity piqued.

“Just thoughts,” said William vaguely as he continued to write.

“Private, off limit thoughts?” wondered Elizabeth out-loud.

William looked up, tilted his head to the side and frowned, “Maybe I overreacted a bit earlier, when I saw you with the book,” he admitted. “It’s just that…well I’m not used to revealing-”

“Revealing what?” she asked.

“Myself,” he replied simply.

“Tell me a secret,” said Elizabeth. “Something no one else knows.”

“Maybe later, pet, after we get some sleep. I’m bloody tired,” responded William as he closed the book, tucked it under the pallet, and climbed under the covers.

“Will?” she asked.

“Hmmmm?” he mumbled, his eyes closed as he spooned up behind her.

“You’re avoiding, I think. I want to know you. I’m here. You don’t need to share your thoughts with a book. You have me,” said Elizabeth turning around to face him.

“People judge,” he said. “Paper, in my experience, tends to take a neutral position.”

“Okay,” she said, “I’ll go first. There have been times that, you know, I’ve had thoughts and, well, feelings.”

William looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face.

“Well,” she continued, “sometimes…when I’m having those thoughts…I…well I’ve…you know…”

“You’ve masturbated,” he said.

“Ew! No! Well, yes…sort of. Is that horrid?” she asked turning crimson.

“That’s your big secret? Hell, I’ve wanked off thousands of times. You’re adorable, you know that?” he asked.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yeah. Night, luv,” he said as he kissed her softly on the lips and rolled over.

“I think you forgot something,” said Elizabeth.

“Wrote in my journal, kissed you goodnight, said goodnight…” ticked off William.

Elizabeth swatted him playfully on the head, “Secret! One! Now!”

“Alright! Alright! Bloody Hell!” shouted William. “Let’s see,” he said as he rolled over to look at her. “Which one?”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, “Come one…I’m on the edge of my seat here.”

“Something no one else knows?” he asked as he rolled onto his back.

“Yes,” she confirmed.

“The child that Drusilla and I lost? It might not have been mine,” he said. “It could have been. But, it might not have been.”

“Wow. But, you married her? Knowing that it might not have been yours?” asked Elizabeth.

“It could have been mine. More importantly, I loved her.” he said, quietly.

“Did the other guy know about the baby?” she asked.

“Yes, he knew, he was a married friend of her fathers. Apparently it had been going on for some time, years. She was terrified of him. She told me when she discovered she was pregnant, I broke his nose, married her, that was that. Couldn’t stand to see her shamed. I have no regrets,” he said.

“There have been others, since her?” Elizabeth asked, hesitantly.

“Yeah, but with them? I was just passing time. It never meant anything,” he answered.

“And this?” she asked, desperately seeking reassurance.

“I meant it when I said I loved you, if that’s what you’re asking,” he said as he rolled back over and sat up a bit, supporting his head in his hand. “No matter what happens, I don’t want you to doubt that. Do you hear me?”

“What’s going to happen, Will?” he heard her whisper as she nuzzled closer to him.

“We’re going to sleep a bit,” he said, kissing her lightly. “Then, I’m going to wake you up so that we can get started on that list.”

Elizabeth smiled, “Why, sir,” she began in a thick southern accent, “I do believe that you intend to sully my virtue!”

“I convinced Angellah to postpone the wedding feast until tomorrow night. We’ve got this afternoon, tonight, and all day tomorrow,” he said exhaling contentedly and closing his eyes.

“Well, whatever are you going to do with me?” asked Elizabeth in the same accent, fluttering her lashes when he opened one eye to look at her.

“Going to fuck you until your-” he began to reply.

“Oh!” she gasped as she clamped her hand, quickly over his mouth.

William immediately broke into laughter. He sat up and pulled his journal out from under the pallet. Elizabeth peered over his shoulder and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Number one,” he said as he wrote. “Get Elizabeth to talk dirty while you shag her into oblivion.” He snapped the book closed, tucked it back into its place under the pallet, rolled her onto her side and snuggled up behind her.

“Dirty talk? Is that all it takes to keep you happy, mister?” she asked.

“Hmmm. Apparently, just the thought of it is enough to get me on the way to happy,” he replied as he pushed his hips forward, allowing his hardening cock to brush up against her bare bottom.

Elizabeth moaned as he reached between her legs and began to finger her slit. “Thought you were going to sleep?”

“I am sleeping,” he responded, “As a matter of fact, I’m having an incredible dream,” he said as he began to kiss her shoulder.

“Where are you in the dream?” she asked.

“Back in London,” he said. “It’s winter, late at night. One of those nights that is so thick with fog that you can barely see in front of you. I love nights like that.” William slipped a finger inside of her and began to slowly thrust in an out. “I saw you on the street, a stranger, an innocent. You were terrified when you realized I was following you. The fear rolled off of you in waves and smelled intoxicating. I had to have you, taste you,” he said as he added a second finger.

“I was afraid?” she asked, her breathing becoming increasingly ragged as her excitement continued to build. “Why?”

“Because I’m not an ordinary man. I’m a creature of the night, undead, a vampire. I drink blood and steal men’s souls. And I want yours,” he continued as he added a third finger. “I followed you home and just as you were about to walk through the door and into your house I pounced. I turned you around and looked deep into your eyes,” he said as he began to rub his erection against her bottom. “Suddenly I realized that I wanted to kiss you, not kill you. I crushed my mouth to yours in a passionate kiss that made you dizzy and weak kneed.”

“Weak kneed?” asked Elizabeth.

“Shh,” said William. “This is my dream. Later, you can have your turn.” He nipped at her earlobe, playfully and continued, “Invite me in! I demanded as I reached under your skirt and ran my cold fingers over your damp knickers.”

“Come in,” said Elizabeth, dreamily, “Please, please.”

William lifted her leg slightly and slipped inside. He kissed and nipped at the back of her neck as he continued to thrust in and out of her from behind, filling her completely and penetrating her deeply. “What I saw in your eyes frightened me and I turned you around, intending to fuck you,” he said as he thrust into her hard, “bite you,” he thrust again, “turn you into a creature of the night like me.”

Elizabeth moaned and bit her lip, as she reached out with one hand and leaned up. She placed her hand on the floor of the tent so as to brace herself as she pushed back against him, matching his deep thrusts.

“Oh, God. Yes. Just like that,” moaned William. “You feel so good, so tight, surrounding me like that. It feels like I’ve died and gone to heaven, pet. Don’t stop.”

Elizabeth continued, although she was exhausted. She became aware that a slight sheen of perspiration covered them both. The slick sensation as their bodies rocked against one another seemed to heighten her pleasure. She could tell by his breathing that he was close. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. She could only feel as he moved inside of her, thrusts hard and fast. Once, twice, and then he came, releasing a loud roar as he bit down, softly on her neck.

As his breathing began to return to normal he could still feel the slight tremors of Elizabeth’s orgasm as they coursed through her body. He reached around her and lowered his hand, brushing the pad of his thumb over her sensitive clit.

“No!” she gasped as another wave of tremors coursed through her body. “Stop! I can’t! It’s too much.”

William released her and rolled her onto her back. “Did I die?” she asked as he swept her damp hair off of her face.

William lifted her limp arm into the air, placed his fingers over her pulse point and with a wide grin responded, “Nope, still have a pulse. Still here. Still mine. Cor, you’re beautiful, all flushed.” He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her tenderly.

“I meant in the dream,” she said smiling lazily as he pulled away.

“Oh, the dream,” he replied as he pulled her over so that she was wrapped in his arms, draped across his chest. “No. In the dream you saved me. You rescued me from the darkness and bathed me in your light, sharing your soul, redeeming me. We fell madly in love, shagged all the bloody time, and thus lived happily ever after.”

“Mmmmm,” murmured Elizabeth, before drifting off to sleep. “I love happy endings.”

“Me too, luv,” agreed William as he joined her in slumber. “Me too.”

Chapter 18

A soft smile grazed Elizabeth’s lips. She stretched like a lazy cat as she began to waken, one arm stretching out, searching for her lover. She opened her eyes when she found only air. For a brief moment she feared it had all been a dream. But, she was still in the same tent, their tent. Only, at the moment she was alone in it. Elizabeth climbed out of the bed and walked over to the tent’s entrance. Just as she was reaching out to push aside the flap and peer outside it opened wide.

Elizabeth gasped, jumped back, and attempted to cover her nudity with her hands. “Well, hello!” said Crawford as he openly raked his eyes over her body.

Elizabeth turned around and leaned over to pick up her robe, “No!” shouted Crawford.

Elizabeth turned around holding the robe, shielding herself from his gaze. She smiled shyly. “No?” she asked.

“No. Stay like you are. You’re perfect,” said Crawford smiling broadly.

“Is that coffee?” she asked dropping her robe back onto the floor of the tent and walking over to him.

“Yes,” he said holding one of the tin cups out towards her.

“Yum” replied Elizabeth as she walked towards him extending her hand.

“Ah, ah, ah,” teased Crawford, lifting the cup just out of reach.

“Will!” she begged, slightly annoyed.

“For a price,” he whispered leaning forward to kiss her.

As his lips met hers he sighed. The kiss was sweet and tender, such a contrast to everything that he had become accustomed to. Suddenly he felt overwhelmed with a sense of longing, longing for all the things that he thought he would never have. He pulled back slightly and swallowed down the lump that had formed in his throat.

“What is it?” she asked.

“S’nothing,” he said lowering his eyes so that she didn’t see the tears that threatened to spill over. “Your coffee.”

Elizabeth accepted the coffee, and then crouched down a bit, searching out his eyes. “Don’t shut me out. Please?” she asked.

Crawford turned his back to her and took a sip of the strong, black coffee. “Maybe you should put your robe on, pet. We need to talk, think.”

“And you can’t think while I’m naked?” asked Elizabeth as she molded her body to his back and slipped one arm around his waist.

“Not very well, I’m afraid,” he admitted quietly, as he glanced down at the delicate hand splayed across his stomach. “Hungry?”

“Starving!” declared Elizabeth.

“Anyakalha will be coming along shortly with some food and-,” started Crawford. “And?” prompted Elizabeth.

Crawford turned around and met her gaze. “Something. I-I talked with her this morning and asked her for something to prevent you from getting pregnant.”

Elizabeth’s stomach lurched. She could feel herself begin to blush. She turned away, set her coffee down, retrieved her robe, and pulled it over her head. “I understand,” said Elizabeth.

“I’m not sure you do, pet,” he said searching her eyes.

“No, really, I get it. You’re right. We should be taking some precautions,” she said quietly.

“Elizabeth,” he started, setting his own coffee aside and walking over to her, “you want to know what I was thinking when I kissed you just then?”

She didn’t respond. She only looked at him with her big green eyes, open, and vulnerable.

“I was thinking about how lost I’ve been. And how, after so many years I’ve finally found home. Here in the desert. In this foreign country, in the middle of a bloody war, in the arms of a woman I barely know, I’ve found home. If things were only different-” he started his tone almost pleading.

“But they’re not,” interrupted Elizabeth.

“No, they’re not,” he solemnly agreed. “I’m frightened, pet,” admitted Crawford.

“Frightened of what?” asked Elizabeth, her own heart starting to ache.

“For starters, I’m afraid of losing this feeling that I have when I’m with you. But, even more than that, I’m afraid of getting distracted, getting killed, getting you killed. I couldn’t bear that. I ... love you. You're all I bloody think about. Dream about. You're in my gut ... my throat ... I'm drowning in you, Elizabeth, I'm drowning in you. That first night we were together, all I did was hold you, watch you sleep… and it was the best night of my life. So yeah, I’m terrified,” he said running his hand through his hair. “You have no idea how much.”

“Well, we’ll try not to get killed. That can be our new motto 'Don't get killed.'” chirped Elizabeth. “Life is short. Not original, I’ll grant you, but it’s true. I want to seize the moment, Will.”

“Are you kidding me? ‘Don’t get killed?’, ‘Life is short?’, ‘Seize the moment?’, that’s what you have to say? I’m pouring my heart out here! This thing…with you…it’s scaring the hell out of me,” said Crawford looking at her with an almost pained expression on his face.

“We may not have another chance,” Elizabeth responded, softly. “This may be it, period.”

“Sweetheart, you remember what it was like, don’t you? You saw how they fight, the Turks. They’re ruthless, pet. They would run you through without a second thought. It wouldn’t matter that you’re a woman. It wouldn’t matter if you had a child in your belly.” Crawford laid his hand, protectively over her womb. “I don’t want to worry about you. I’ve got to keep my edge. Thoughts of puppies and flowers and babies and love, those aren’t going to help me do what I need to do. They aren’t going to help me finish this mission, focus on the kill.”

Elizabeth swallowed, hard and looked at him with sadness and longing. “You’re right, of course,” she said, sadly. “We’ve got to stay focused.”

“Yes,” he agreed as he lowered himself onto the pallet. “We’ve got to stay focused.”

Elizabeth nodded and tried to choke back the bitter tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. “The mission is what matters, right?”

Crawford nodded, at first avoiding her gaze. “I want you to go,” he said, looking up at her. “I want you to go back to America at the earliest opportunity.”

“What? No!” said Elizabeth as she walked over and sat down next to him. “You can’t be serious.” “I am,” he said.

“I won’t go,” said Elizabeth reaching out to caress the side of his face. “I won’t leave you.”

I can’t protect you! Don’t you bloody understand?” yelled Crawford as he stood up abruptly and turned away from her.

“Then teach me how to protect myself. Teach me to fight, Will. I’ll have a better chance of making it if I can defend myself. You know that’s true,” insisted Elizabeth.

“No, absolutely not,” said Crawford.

“You said it yourself, the Turks are ruthless killers and you might not be able to protect me. If we’re engaged in battle and they come after me, I want to go down fighting. Those women in the village were like lambs at a slaughter. I can’t bare the thought of my life ending like that, can you?” asked Elizabeth.

Crawford understood and hung his head in defeat, “Alright. You win, for now. But, this is against my better judgment, I’ll have you know.”

Elizabeth jumped up in the air, raising one arm in victory, “Yeah! Go me!” she yelled.

He turned around and frowned, “You’re insufferable. You know that don’t you?”

“But you love me,” she added nodded, smiling at him.

Crawford shook his head, “Lord help me, it’s true,” he sighed.

Their conversation was interrupted by the voice of Anyakalha, calling from outside the tent.

“Come in,” said Elizabeth as she opened the tent’s flap.

“No, no!” said Anyakalha, with a bright smile as she handed her a large bowl of stewed meat and rice and some fresh bread. “For you. You need to keep your strength up.”

“Thanks,” said Elizabeth.

“And this is for you too,” said Anyakalha, handing her a small, wrapped package. “I could show you how to-”

“That won’t be necessary, Anyakalha,” interrupted Crawford as he reached out and intercepted the small package. “We can manage. Thank you.”

Anyakalha tilted her head to the side and shrugged her shoulders, “I understand, Harrhas enjoys it when I let him-”

“Really, thank you, appreciate your help,” said Crawford as he closed the flaps of the tent.

Elizabeth watched as he looked down, staring at the small package in his hand. “What is it?” she asked.

Crawford didn’t answer. Instead he sat down on the pallet and patted the space beside him. “Come on, I’m hungry.”

Elizabeth joined him, placing the bowl of food and bread between them. She reached in and using her fingers grabbed a small portion of the stewed meat and rice mixture. “Smells good. How is it?” she asked as she fed him a bite.

“Mmmm,” responded Crawford. “Not quite as tasty as you-”

“Will!” scolded Elizabeth. “Is sex all you ever think about? I mean, does every thought in that head of yours eventually lead to ‘sex’?”

“Of course not! I think of plenty of things, lot’s of things, all of the time that have nothing to do with sex. As a matter-of-fact, just the other day I spent a great deal of time thinking about how I was going to kick Ahmed’s arse. Spent all night thinking strategy, planning my attack, ensuring my win so that when it was all over I could bring you back here and…Oh…wait a minute-” he trailed off and looked up towards the ceiling. He pursed his lips a bit and in a thoughtful way tilted his head first to the left and then the right. After a few moments of silence his eyes slowly lowered to once again meet hers. “Yes?”

Elizabeth started laughing and threw herself into his arms, knocking him over onto the pallet. Her lips descended on his in a passionate kiss. As her tongue stroked his she heard him moan. “I want you to make love to me,” she said as she pulled back slightly.

“We’re playing with fire,” he whispered against her neck. “We keep shagging like rabbits we’re going to-”

“Have permanent smiles on our faces?” asked Elizabeth as she reached down and wrapped her hand around the base of his cock. “You’re already hard for me,” she whispered.

“Always hard for you, luv,” said Crawford as he licked the outside shell of her ear. “I want us to use the cap that Anyakalha brought,” he said, softly.

“Cap?” she asked, absently as he continued to kiss and lick her ear and neck.

“Uh-huh, we’ve just got to slip it in. I can help you. It’ll cover the tip of your cervix, and prevent you from conceiving. Well, leastways she says it does most of the time,” murmured Crawford.

Elizabeth started to feel a wave of irrational panic sweep over her, “Is-is it safe?”

“I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t think it was safe,” said Crawford as he leaned up to look at her. “It’s what most of the women use.”

Elizabeth turned her head to the side and looked away from him. Crawford moved so that he could look her in the eye, his forehead wrinkled in concentration as he studied her. “Nope!” he said. “It’s just not working.”

Elizabeth met his gaze and with a confused expression asked, “What’s not working.”

“My ability to read your thoughts. You’re going to have to help me out here,” he answered.

“What if I’m already pregnant? Could it hurt the baby?” asked Elizabeth, desire evident on her face.

“You want to be pregnant?” questioned Crawford as he scrambled off of her, backing away until he was on the far edge of the tent.

“Wow!” said Elizabeth. “Now I know what to say if I’m ever, you know, not in the mood. Most women have to go with that whole headache cover. Me? I just need to-”

“Elizabeth, be reasonable, we-” started Crawford.

“Do you love me?” she asked as she rose to her feet, and placed her hands onto her hips.

“That’s not the point,” he said.

“Answer the question,” she challenged.

“Yes,” he replied. “Are you prepared for me to die? For you to have to raise a child by yourself, an unmarried woman?”

“No,” she said, falling to her knees. “Because I’m not an unmarried woman. Am I?” Elizabeth asked as she placed her hand over her heart and clutched at her robe, grasping at the cloth that covered her breast. Her eyes filled with tears quickly clouding her image of him.

“I’m sorry,” he said, reaching out for her. “No. You’re not. You’re my wife as long as we’re here. But, you know that this marriage, isn’t real-”

She flinched and pulled back.

“Don’t, please, let me finish, I’m a stupid git, a complete idiot,” he said, reaching out for her again.

She shook her head, vehemently and turned away.

“Look at me!” he pleaded as he reached out and grasped her chin.

“No!” she yelled as she slapped his hand away. But she couldn’t stop there. “No!” she cried over and over as she slapped him across his face, then began to hit him about his chest and shoulders. “How could you do this to me? I hate you! How could you do this? How could you make me fall in love with you!”

“You think I planned this? You think this is what I want? Christ, Elizabeth, I look at you and I start to think it’s all fucking possible,” he yelled.

He took a deep breath and purposely lowered his voice as he continued, “Sweetheart, I’d love nothing more than to stay in this fantasy. I’d love to be free of this place, of the war. Find a cozy little cottage down by the ocean with a white picket fence around it…strike that…seen enough sand. Better make it in the mountains someplace-”

Elizabeth released a gasp. It was someplace between a sob and a laugh. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

Crawford reached out and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms securely around her, “Shhh,” he said as he rocked her back and forth. “Hush, now,” he whispered as she cried softly. “Don’t cry, luv.”

“This isn’t a fantasy, Will. These feeling I have, they’re real. They’re real to me,” said Elizabeth, so quietly that he almost didn’t hear her, as she sat up and looked into his eyes. “I will always love you, William Crawford.”

“Thought you hated me?” he said, smirking at her playfully.

“That too,” she confirmed.

Crawford raised an eyebrow.

“What can I say? I’m complicated,” said Elizabeth brushing tears from her face. After releasing a sigh she nodded and added, “Okay…the mission…”

“We need a plan,” he said.

Elizabeth lay back onto the pallet and stared up at the ceiling of the tent. “How’s this? First, we get Angellah’s cooperation, then turn this camp into an Army, start out for Acaba, recruit more potential soldiers along the way, kick some Ottoman butt and save the day.”

“Just like that?” he asked, amused.

“You have a better plan?” she challenged.

“Not at the moment, no, that was my general plan too. It’s just the details are still too fuzzy for my liking,” he admitted.

“We’ll figure out the details,” replied Elizabeth.

“Promise me if something happens to me, that you’ll get out, leave Arabia,” pleaded William.

“I promise,” vowed Elizabeth. “Promise me that nothing is going to happen to you.”

Crawford looked away. “You know I can’t promise that,” he replied.

“I don’t want to lose you,” she stated.

“Nothing but death will keep me from you, I can promise you that. And if I die, I will watch over you…every second of every day and throughout every night,” he promised.

“I don’t want you watching over me, Will. I want you with me, your arms wrapped around me, your body connected to mine.” She looked him in the eye and candidly added, “I don’t want to use the cap, Will.”

“You want to have a child?” he asked resting his forehead against hers.

“I want to have your child,” she admitted. “And yes, I’m prepared to raise it on my own, if necessary.”

“I knew you were going to be trouble for me,” he said as he slowly lowered his lips towards hers.

Chapter 19

Elizabeth was leaning up against the saddle of the camel, on top of a simple woolen blanket that had been spread over the sand. William was stretched out at a 90-degree angle to her body, his head resting comfortably on her stomach.

“It’s getting really dark, Will. Do you think we should be heading back?” asked Elizabeth.

“No. I want to keep you to myself. Tomorrow night is the feast. If we’re successful, the next week is going to be tough. All about training, and mobilizing. If everything goes according to plan we could be in Acaba in one, maybe two weeks,” responded William. “We may not get a chance to escape like this again.”

Elizabeth lovingly ran her fingers through the soft curls of his hair and smiled. “You think I’m going to agree to staying out here all night, do you?”

“Yes, indeed, Mrs. Crawford,” he began as he rolled his head to the side and laid a gentle kiss on her stomach. “I want to have this memory, a night of making love to you under the stars. Your screams of ecstasy rolling across the desert,” he finished waving his arm towards the vast landscape that stretched out in front of them.

“You’re a romantic,” declared Elizabeth.

Crawford sat up on his elbows and looked out into the night, concentrating for a moment. Once he was satisfied that the sounds he heard were animals in the distance he reclined back and relaxed. “That’s top secret, by the way, luv. I’ve got a reputation to uphold. Most folks think I’m a bad ass. Can’t have them thinking I’ve gone all soft now, can I?”

“A bad ass, huh?” she asked as she traced the line of his jaw with the edge of her finger.

“Mmmmm,” he groaned, leaning into her touch. “You want any more food?”

“No, I’m good. Thanks. Should we add more to the fire?” asked Elizabeth.

“Let’s let it die out. We’ll get a better look at the stars,” answered Crawford as he yawned.

“Someone’s sleepy,” observed Elizabeth.

“Seems you’ve about worn me out, pet,” said Crawford as he rolled onto his side and looked up at her.

“Oh, is the Big Bad all tired? Did the teeny weeny wittle girl hurt him?” teased Elizabeth.

“Oh, I’ve got a little more energy left,” whispered Crawford as he reached up and began to fondle her breast.

“Wow, you’re right about the stars. They’re spectacular. Look at that one!” said Elizabeth, pointing up at the sky.

“The brightest one? That’s Sirius. The ancient Egyptians called it the 'dog star', after their god Osirus. Its arrival in the night sky was thought to mark a time of fertility and new life,” said Crawford as he gently rubbed her stomach.

“New life?” asked Elizabeth.

Crawford shrugged, “You never know.”

Elizabeth sighed contently. “Tell me more.”

“Well, let’s see, in ancient times they would celebrate the return of Sirius to the mid-heaven position at midnight, around the first of January. That’s what our western New Years ritual is based on. About fifty years ago they discovered that it was actually two stars, not one like they first thought and ….I’m boring you-” he trailed off.

“You are not boring me,” assured Elizabeth.

They passed a few minutes in comfortable silence.

“Will?” asked Elizabeth.

“Hmmm?” he sat up and shifted so that he leaned over her.

“Will you teach me that move you used on Ahmed?” she requested.

“What move?” asked Crawford, already knowing what was coming.

“I couldn’t tell what happened. One minute you were pinned underneath him, the next thing I knew it had turned into a fist fight and you were…what?” Elizabeth stopped. She noticed the Crawford had sat up. He climbed to his feet and walked a few feet away from her. His body barely outlined by the glow of the dying fire.

“Mostly I frightened him, pet. Fear. It’s a great motivator,” admitted Crawford.

“You frightened him? You mean like ‘boo’?” she asked, smiling as she wiggled her fingers in the air.

“More like I held a knife to his balls, and threatened to first make him a eunuch, then slice him up the middle, rip out his heart, and bathe in his blood,” said William, tonelessly.

“Bathe in his blood?” asked Elizabeth.

“Yeah, and drink it. Think I might of mentioned something about drinking it at our wedding feast with the roasted gazelle,” finished Crawford.

Elizabeth broke out in a fit of laughter, “Oh, Will, why would he believe anything so ridiculous?”

Crawford turned around and walked back towards Elizabeth. He crouched down beside her, placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. “Elizabeth, It wasn’t my threat that frightened him. Threats are nothing but empty words. It was my conviction. When he looked into my eyes he knew. He knew I meant every word. You listen to me. I’ve been alive a bit longer than you, seen a lot more of what men can do to one another during war. I’ve seen things you couldn’t imagine and done things I’d prefer you didn’t. War isn’t about glory. It’s not young men in shiny uniforms, walking in step, fighting for their country. When you come right down to it, it ends up being about two things, survival and killing; it’s you or them, every second of every battle, pet. You’ve got to realize that’s what it’s really about.”

Elizabeth swallowed, “You would have?”

“Without blinking an eye, or spoiling my appetite,” answered Crawford, steadily. “Do you realize what your fate would have been if I hadn’t won? You would have been given to Ahmed like chattel. If something happens to me here, you-” Crawford trailed off. He exhaled, then leaned his head back and growled, “God, I hate this place, this war!”

Crawford climbed to his feet, looked up at the sky, threw his head back and his arms wide open and yelled, angrily, “Why? Why? Why would you do this to me?” Crawford began pacing back and forth, clearly agitated. “I was totally prepared to die,” he began to explain to no one in particular. “I didn’t care anymore. Not about anyone or anything, no one was depending on me. But, now, well, it’s all cocked up! You’re a clever one, you are. Giving me hope! Making me dream!” he yelled into the darkness. “Me, thinking I stood even the slightest of chances! What in the bloody hell made you think that for one second I could give her what she deserves?”

“Because,” he heard her say, quietly,“I believe in you.”

Crawford turned to face her. She looked so hopeful, so trusting. “I believe in you,” she repeated, “I believe in us. And, I need you to believe in us too.”

“Oh, baby,” he said opening his arms so that he could enfold her in his embrace. He leaned down and kissed her on the top of her head. “You’re a demanding little chit! You know that, don’t you? Win me in the sword-fight, Will! Convince Angellah to form an army, Will! Win the war, Will! Believe in us, Will! Is this what I have to look forward too? A lifetime of nag, nag, nag?”

“If you’re lucky?” suggested Elizabeth, looking up at him hopefully.

Crawford couldn’t help himself. He looked at her huge green eyes, so open, and he melted. “Speaking of getting lucky,” said Crawford with a wiggle of his eyebrows as swept Elizabeth off her feet and carried her back over to the blanket. “I want you,” he said as he lowered her to the ground and settled himself between her legs.

“Will!” she squealed and squirmed underneath him as he ran his hand lightly down her waist.

“Oh, what is it now? Harder, Will! Faster, Will! Deeper, Will!” he teased as he slipped inside of her. Just…exactly… where he belonged.

Chapter 20

“Are you ready, luv?” asked Crawford.

“Yes,” said Elizabeth, “I just need to get this veil on. I can’t believe Angellah sent over another one of these stupid costumes!”

“You know,” began Crawford as he looked at her thoughtfully, his head cocked to the side “I kind of like it!”

“Men are such pigs!” growled Elizabeth as she struggled with the veil.

“Here, let me help you,” said Crawford, attempting to hide a smirk as he took the sheer cloth from her and draped it over her head. “You’re stunning, by the way,” he added as he stepped back, looked at her, and smiled. She was wearing the same white beaded undergarments that she wore the first night they spent together. Only tonight they were covered with a sheer nude colored skirt and veil.

“I feel ridiculous,” she pouted as together they stepped out into the night.

“God, where is a camera when you need one,” said Crawford, looking at her in the moonlight as they walked towards Angellha’s tent.

Elizabeth flashed him an angry look and scowled, “No way, mister. This is humiliating enough. I don’t need the moment captured on film forever. I work at Harvard! We have standards, a dress code! I’m not used to being out and about, half-naked, being leered at by strange men!”

Elizabeth took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked through the entrance to the tent. She held out her hand, expecting Crawford to grasp it, but found only air. “Will?” she whispered as she opened the tents flap and peered back outside. “Why am I alone in here?”

Crawford had stopped dead in his tracks he was standing there just outside the tent, staring straight ahead with his hands buried deep in the pockets of his uniform trousers. He looked tense, the muscle of his jaw twitched from anger.

“Will?” she asked, walking back out.

He looked off to the side and pursed his lips.

“What is it?” she asked as she reached up and fingered the collar of his white cotton shirt.

“I hadn’t thought about that part,” he said with a combination of embarrassment and anger.

“What are you talking about?” asked Elizabeth confused.

“The other men, looking at you,” he responded simply. “I’m not going to like it, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth stepped a bit closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’ll be the one taking me home,” she tried to assure him.

“Listen, Will. We’re in a different country. We’re going to need to play by some of their rules if we want to be accepted. Trust me, I know these people, their customs. I don’t like this,” she said looking down at her outfit. “It’s just a prop, a costume.”

“Hmmm,” he said, barely registering her comment.

“Look at me, Will. Will!” she said, sternly.

“What?” he snapped.

“Are you with me here?” she asked. “We’ve got a job to do, remember?.”

“Yes! Yes! I’m with you,” he said.

“Good, let’s go,” said Elizabeth as she laced her fingers through his and walked again towards the tent.

“I’m not going to like it,” Crawford murmured like a stubborn child as they passed through the entrance.

“Well, our guests have finally arrived!” announced Angellah as he walked up to the couple.

“Our apologies, my lord, traffic was horrendous,” said Crawford, dryly, as he bowed before the prince.

“I think I liked her better in the blue,” said Angellah as he made a circle around Elizabeth, openly studying her scantily clad body. “You?”

“Actually-” Elizabeth started to say.

Angellah held up his hand to silence her and continued to look at Crawford, awaiting a response.

“To be perfectly honest,” started Crawford, leaning forward conspiratorially, “Elizabeth is not entirely comfortable-”

As Crawford began his sentence Elizabeth noted the expression change to one of confusion on Angellah’s face. She quickly interjected, “in this top,” as she tugged on the cups of the beaded brassiere. “Doesn’t it seem too small?” she added fluttering her eyelashes at the Prince.

Angellah stared at her full breasts and swallowed, “Too small?” he asked, his voice constricted.

“My wife has lovely eyes, my lord. Don’t you agree?” asked Crawford as he unconsciously began to clench and unclench his fist.

“My, yes,” answered Angellah, a bit breathlessly.

“They’re a little higher, mate,” said Crawford with irritation as he removed his uniform jacket and draped it over Elizabeth’s shoulders.

“Of course,” said Angellah as he stepped away, amused. “I can understand why you are protective of her, Lieutenant. You are a lucky man. Come, have a smoke and a drink with me. Our food will arrive shortly.”

“Drink?” asked the Lieutenant.

“Harrhas mentioned you have a fondness for scotch,” said the prince as Harrhas walked into the tent carrying a tray with two glasses.

Angellah took one and handed the second to Crawford. Crawford handed his to Elizabeth, then looked pointedly back at the tray and frowned.

Angellah chuckled, “Very well, Lieutenant,” he said, shaking his head. “Another glass, Harrhas. Happy, Lieutenant?”

“Yup,” said Crawford, taking a sip of the scotch brought to him by Harrhas.

“Bring me Iman!” ordered Angellah to no one in particular as he walked over, retrieved a lit cigarette, and inhaled deeply. “And show the other guests in,” he added.

“Right away, my lord,” answered Harrhas, while bowing down to the prince.

Elizabeth and Crawford immediately looked at one another. “What the hell was that?” hissed Crawford.

“That was me, saving your ass,” answered Elizabeth. “He doesn’t care how I feel. If you act like it matters to you, you’ll appear weak.”

“Bloody Hell! You’re right, of course,” said Crawford as he ran his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I’m a bit off,” he said as he tilted his head to the side and cracked his head. “I’ll be alright.”

“Think possessive caveman, Will. You’re the champion,” said Elizabeth as she reached up on tiptoes and whispered in his ear, “my champion. Show them, Will. Show them you’re the master here.”

“And what are you?” Crawford asked with a smirk.

“Me?” asked Elizabeth, coyly as she removed his coat from her shoulders and handed it back to him. “I am your willing slave, my love. Here only to do your bidding.”

“Nice work!” exclaimed Angellah as he slapped Crawford on the back. “I don’t even see any scars,” he commented as he scrutinized Elizabeth’s body for the second time that evening. “You must share your technique!”

“A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell,” said Crawford in a hushed voice as he possessively wrapped his arm around Elizabeth’s waist, pulled her close, and crushed his lips to hers in a resounding kiss.

“Oooo, can I be next?” asked Iman as she sashayed up to Crawford and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Sorry, doll, not willing to share her,” answered William as he pulled back from the kiss and looked at her. “I’m a greedy bastard. She’s all mine,” he added as he looked over Iman’s shoulder, his eyes connecting with Ahmed’s.

“I wasn’t asking about a kiss from her,” answered Iman as she attempted to worm her way between the couple. “I was hoping for a taste of you,” she added as she suggestively swept her eyes down the length of his body.

“Oh, were you now?” responded Crawford, playfully. For a moment he appeared to be considering her offer.

“What? No!” cried Elizabeth.

Suddenly she felt a strong tug on her arm. Before she new it she was forcefully pulled into Crawford’s embrace. Silence fell throughout the tent. All eyes were on them. “I gave you my word, didn’t I?” asked Crawford, patiently as he possessively ran his hands over her.

“Y-yes,” answered Elizabeth with trepidation.

“You doubt me? Is that it?” he asked, a hint of anger creeping into his voice.

“Take some advice, kiss and make up, fast,” whispered Iman in Elizabeth’s direction.

After a few seconds of silence she turned to Angellah and added, “On second thought, maybe she should add some groveling.”

“Well? What do you have to say for yourself? Do you think the commitment I made to you means nothing?” demanded Crawford.

Elizabeth looked at him hesitantly. “No. I- I,” she began.

“I share with no one,”’ he interrupted. “My word is my bond. I have made a promise to you, Elizabeth. Don’t insult me again by doubting my integrity. You’re mine and I am yours. That is the way it will be. Do you understand?” he asked.

“Yes?” she said, her eyes darting around the room, aware that they were being scrutinized.

“Don’t look at them! Look at me!” he commanded angrily. “Do we understand one another?” he growled.

Her eyes darted back to his face and settled there. Her breaths were coming rapidly now. Their conversation from the night before replayed through her head. She wondered just how much she had yet to learn about him. She wondered, for instance, just what he was truly capable of. For a brief moment she felt threatened. She searched his eyes looking for evidence that this was part of an act and she saw…. nothing. Nothing but empty steel blue eyes staring back at her.

The second her eyes met his he knew he had gone too far. He was frightening her. He moved closer and for a few seconds let his guard down. Allowing just enough time for her to see that he was still there, behind the mask. As soon as her breathing began to slow He stepped back slightly, reached for her hand, slowly brought it to his lips, and kissed it. “Say it,” he demanded when he released her hand. “You know what I want to hear.”

“I’m yours,” she responded, searching his eyes for the hint of her William that had appeared, if only fleetingly, moments before.

He rested his forehead against hers, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply. He could smell the scent of scotch that still lingered on her lips. Crawford sniffed, stepped back, and laid his hand over her heart. “No one commands you but me. Do you understand? You bow to no one else. No one but me.”

“Yes,” she replied, “I understand”.

“Drink up!” shouted out Angellah, waving to the musicians to resume playing. “Lieutenant, a word,” said Angellah, quietly, as he approached the couple.

They turned, in unison, and looked at him, “I understand what you are trying to do, here. But, let’s be clear. She has to bow down to me. Everybody bows down to me, Lieutenant, I am in command here.”

Crawford nodded, “Of course.” Then, turning to Elizabeth he added, “Tell him. It’s time he knew.”

Elizabeth looked slightly panicked then glanced around the tent noting that the others were still watching and listening. She swallowed, hard.

“Clear the tent,” barked Angellah. Within seconds they were alone. Angellah took a long drag from the cigarette and offered it to Crawford.

“I prefer to keep my head clear,” he responded.

“If you stay in command, you will die,” said Elizabeth clearly as she looked Angellah steadily in the eye, her gaze unwavering.

Angellah broke into laughter, “There are dozens of men that have sworn their loyalty to me. It is their job to serve me, protect me.”

“They won’t be able to. One by one the Turks will pick them off. Finally, they will pick you off. I saw it, every night, every night until the Lieutenant came. That’s when it changed,” said Elizabeth.

“What changed?” asked Angellah.

“Your destiny,” said Elizabeth.

“What do you see?” asked Angellah as he sat down and again lifted the cigarette to his lips.

“The Lieutenant will form an army, an army that will lead us to victory, lead us to Acaba. Together we will drive the Ottoman’s out. You will be a hero. A hero,” finished Elizabeth.

Angellah looked skeptical. For a few moments he said nothing. He sat and smoked in silence.

Crawford crouched down and studied him carefully. “Angellah has all the respect he needs, he doesn’t care about being a hero,” he said, appearing to be thinking out loud. “He is already a hero to his people.”

Angellah looked at Crawford and smiled. Crawford continued, “He won’t go to Acaba for glory.” Angellah leaned forward, his attention captured. “And he won’t go to Acaba for the gold either-” added the British soldier.

“Gold?” asked Angellah.

“They have boxes in Acaba, filled with gold. What they pull out each month to pay you with? It’s just a trifle. Ah, yes, I know. I know they pay you to stay out of their way. They pay you with their women and with an insulting pittance. Angellah, it’s a trifle compared to the resources of the British and the American’s. We’re going. We’re going to Acaba and you are going to be rewarded handsomely just to tag along.”

“You think so?” Angellah asked.

“Yes. But not for glory,” said Crawford.

“No,” answered Angellah.

“Not for gold,” confirmed Crawford.

“No,” answered Angellah.

“You should come…purely for the pleasure,” said Crawford, a huge smile on his face.

“Pleasure?” asked Angellah.

“Victory, my lord, is truly the most intoxicating of elixirs,” added Crawford. Then, leaning forward he whispered, “There is nothing like it. Nothing.”

“Really, Lieutenant? Is that why you do it?” asked Angellah.

“Oh, yeah!” said Crawford, confidently as he stood back up and confidently swaggered over to Elizabeth. He reached for her forcefully pulling her close and began to nuzzle her neck while he ran a hand possessively over her breasts and down her stomach. After a few seconds he paused, turned to Angellah and asked, “And pleasure is important, no?”

Angellah nodded, thinking it over. “But I want to be in charge,” he said as he stood up, walked over to the couple and raked his eyes over Elizabeth.

“It won’t work that way, you don’t know enough about fighting. I need to be given the power to organize the men and train them,” responded Crawford.

“Fine, you do whatever you want, but I am in charge,” said Angellah stubbornly as he licked his lips.

“Of course, my lord,” Crawford relented as he stepped between Angellah and Elizabeth, momentarily cutting off his view.

“And I get the white horse,” Angellah quickly added, smiling.

Crawford shrugged, “Always liked black better anyways,” he said. “Oh, and Elizabeth will need a horse too.”

“She will stay behind with the other women,” said Angellah.

“No, she rides with me. I am not leaving her. She will fight alongside of me,” said Crawford, definitively.

Angellah raised an eyebrow, “Interesting battle strategy, Lieutenant. Are you sure about that? She could prove… distracting.”

“Oh,” Crawford responded, turning to look at his wife. “I’m counting on it.”

CONTINUED...