There was no way for her to run with Reman’s men outside and him in here with her. She was safe … for tonight. Who knew what tomorrow would bring.
He pressed his hand against the wall. Even though the bathing chamber separated them, it made him feel closer.
****
With her ear pressed against the wall, she listened intently for any sound, but silence echoed through the space. The thick stone walls and privacy screens on the windows muted most of the noise from the neighbors and outside. That was usually a benefit, but now it left her on edge. Men were outside watching.
Was Zaxe asleep or awake? For such a huge man, he moved like a wraith. Gingerly, she eased back down onto her bed, resting her head on her pillow. The only concession she’d made for the night was removing her short, sturdy boots and cloak. No way was she stripping out of her clothing with Zaxe such a short distance away.
It was hot and sticky, and she wanted a whirl in the gel cleansing unit, but she wasn’t about to get naked, not tonight. Not with her body still humming with pleasure, leaving her hot and restless. And it was all his fault. Why had he kissed her again? Why had she allowed it?
Gripping her hands in her hair, she yanked on her braids. The sharp sting of her scalp did little to ground her. She could still feel the gentle glide of his fingers along her cheek and jaw. His hands were so big and rough, but he touched her as though she was precious. Special.
“Get over it,” she muttered. Rolling to her side, she glared at the opposite wall. On edge, she wanted to pace, but that was impossible. When she usually got this way, she’d drag a pallet up to the roof and watch the night sky.
Not happening with Baraj and Reman’s men watching the place. A shudder ran through her. Baraj was a killer with a reputation. She’d managed to avoid all contact with him up until tonight. Now she was in his sights.
A lone tear rolled down her cheek. She angrily dashed it away. Crying never did any good. Planning and action were her only options. It was something she was good at, skills she’d cultivated her entire life.
She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling, which was covered in reflective stars she’d painstakingly painted there several years back for nights when she couldn’t get outside to see the real ones.
The plan was simple. Guide Zaxe to the Edowan Dessert, find the outcasts and her father, rescue her brother—whether he wanted it or not—and return home. She ignored the sick sensation in her stomach. Helldrick wouldn’t survive.
“Not my problem.” No, hers was keeping herself and Esau alive when they got back here. If Helldrick had anything of value, she was taking it. It wasn’t stealing. The bastard owed them, and she needed any cash or valuables she could lay her hands on to try to placate Reman.
Zaxe would go back to wherever he’d come from. Where that was, she had no idea. He’d shared little about himself. It was all about the mission.
That should tell her something. She pressed one hand to her stomach and the other to her chest. Zaxe was single-minded and focused. Traits she admired. Some would accuse her of being the same.
They were too much alike, too emotionally closed off and self-contained to allow another to get under their skin, to become a part of their life. Esau was different. She’d helped him be born into the world, cared for him when he was an infant, even though she’d only been a child. Her heart had still been open then, searching for someone to love who would love her back.
Fantasies and dreams didn’t put food on the table or a roof over her head, but a part of her yearned to have a man’s arms around her, to feel his breath on his neck, his weight against her back as they shared whispered secrets in the middle of the night.
For the first time, the man had a face.
If he’d been pushy or demanding, she could have easily dismissed him, but he was the ultimate hunter, luring her with undivided attention and small acts of kindness.
“Don’t fall for it.” Her guard needed to stay up if she was going to protect herself and Esau. The world was a hard place for the weak. Only the strong survived. And she’d always been a survivor.
Still, her hand slid out and touched the wall. Was he asleep or awake? She closed her eyes and heaved out a breath. She needed all the rest she could get to face the days ahead.
Chapter Seven
The desert sun beat down, a relentless heat that was stifling and burning. They’d left Badwa just before sunrise, setting out on foot until they reached the docking station. She’d looked around, searching for any unfamiliar vessels, curious about Zaxe’s ship. Was it new or old? Big or small? He hadn’t pointed it out or given her any indication which one was his.
She’d swallowed her disappointment while he’d made a fast job of acquiring sand sleds—sleek, lightweight, solar-powered vehicles that skimmed easily across the desert surface. At least for the two of them. Baraj and Reman’s other men, who had remained this morning, had been forced to procure their own. They hadn’t been pleased, but they’d done it.
Had Zaxe done it on purpose to piss them off? Or was he simply driving home the point that she was his guide and they were unwanted baggage? He wasn’t pleased to now have Baraj and four others shadowing them. Either way, the result was the same. They were skimming across the desert surrounded by Reman’s men.
Neither she nor Zaxe mentioned their kiss from the night before. They hadn’t said much of anything since he’d tapped on her door this morning. She’d taken a quick turn in the gel cleanser and donned clean clothing, along with the headscarf and goggles she used on desert trips to block the sun and sand. They’d eaten a quick breakfast before she’d packed a bag with supplies. Water and food were a necessity in the desert. You couldn’t depend on it to be anything but hostile.
At least their armed guards would warn away any human scavengers lying in wait for unsuspecting travelers. She usually stuck to the main trade routes, hooking up with other caravans for her trips. This time, she was purposely leading them into danger.
There was a small oasis ahead. Not much more than a handful of stunted trees and some desert grass, but it was a place to stop and get their bearings before they made the final push of their journey.
She veered toward it, and the rest of the party followed. After parking in the slight shade offered, she pulled her goggles down so they hung around her neck and pushed back her headscarf. The sun was in the western sky. It was well past noon.
“Why have we stopped?” Baraj’s frown was hotter than the sun. She refused to acknowledge him, instead turning toward Zaxe, who’d parked his sled alongside hers.
“This is the point of no return. From here on, we’re in outcast territory. There will be ambushes and traps everywhere. I figured we could grab a bite and hydrate so we’ll be at our best.”
“No stopping.” Baraj dismounted from his vehicle and stalked toward them. “We need to keep moving.”
“We need to be smart,” Zaxe interjected. “Jamaeh is right. We need to be refreshed and ready for anything.”
Baraj sneered. “If you try to cheat Reman—”
“No one is cheating anyone.” Time to be the voice of reason. “We all want to succeed. And being cautious is better than barging in and getting killed before we get near their settlement. If the outcasts don’t get you, the desert will.”