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Hope For The Future

by Ladybug



Chapter Six


Another hour passed as Gerald continued to push the horse into the night. Emma was beginning to think that maybe Ardeth Bay wasn’t going to rescue her after all. If he was, he was certainly taking his sweet time about it. So far there had been no hint whatsoever that he was even in the vicinity. With nothing to do but think, Emma brought her thoughts around to the Med-jai leader.

When Rick had told her about their time in Hamanaptra, he had included their dealings with the mysterious leader of the Med-jai. He had told her about the hostility and the eventual respect and friendship that had developed between him and Ardeth Bay from the near disaster. What he had not told her, however, was how devastatingly handsome the warrior was. But of course, leave it to a guy to leave something like that out. Emma had expected an older man to be leading the Med-jai, not a young, tall, dark, and handsome type. Evy would have told her, had she been there when Rick told her the story. Women were better at those kinds of details. Emma was also curious over her reaction to him. She had met handsome men before, even dated a few, but Ardeth Bay was in a class all his own. Why was she even thinking about this? She scolded herself. For all she knew, he had five wives and twenty kids.

“What did he say to you?” Tate suddenly asked, snapping Emma out of her thoughts.

“What?” Emma asked, confused.

“What did that Med-jai warrior say to you before we left Hamanaptra?” Tate repeated angrily, reining in the horse to stop.

Uh-oh, Emma thought to herself. Now I could be in trouble.

“I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Tate.” Emma decided to play dumb. It was the wrong thing to say. Tate pushed Emma off the horse, and she landed on the ground with a thud, knocking the wind out of her. “What the hell was that for?” she asked when she could finally speak. Emma was never one to play timid. Rick had always told her that it would most likely get her killed one day. She was beginning to think he might be right.

Tate climbed off the horse, grabbed Emma by the arm, and pulled her roughly to her feet. He turned her to face him then slapped her hard across the face. Emma’s head snapped back, stars exploding literally before her eyes. She landed in a heap on the ground, unable to move. “You play stupid with me again and you will regret the day you met me,” Tate spat.

“I already regret the day I met you, Tate,” Emma croaked as she held her hands to her stinging face, her eyes watering.

“He spoke to you in Arabic, and I know you understood him. Now what the hell did he say to you?” he demanded, ready to strike her again.

“I told her I would come for her,” a cold, hard, familiar voice came from behind Tate.

Tate spun around only to have Ardeth’s fist meet his face. Tate was flung back, tripping over Emma. Losing his balance, he fell over and hit his head against a rock. He lay still, unmoving. After making sure that Tate would not be getting up again anytime soon, Ardeth went to Emma. “Are you alright, Emma?” he asked softly, squatting down next to her.

Emma’s face hurt, and she was angry that Gerald had caught her off guard, and she was doubly angry that Ardeth had taken so long to rescue her. So, like a woman, she took it out on him. “Just where the hell have you been?” she snapped, sitting up. “We left Hamanaptra over 4 hours ago.”

Ardeth was taken back by her anger, her blue eyes sparked at him, and he was suddenly caught between the insane desire to tear her clothes off and take her right there and taking her over his knee for her ungratefulness. Unsure how to respond, he shifted into the one role he knew and was good at, the role of the Med-jai leader. “You have not been out of my sight since you left.” He stood up and turned to walk away from her. Too bad she is an ungrateful, spoiled brat, Ardeth thought to himself. “And by the way,” he turned back to her, “I didn’t have to come for you at all. I don’t care if you are Rick O’Connell’s sister.” Which was really a lie, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. For Rick he would have come for her, regardless of her childishness.

“Maybe not, but I still saved your life. You owed me that much,” Emma replied haughtily. She knew she was being ungrateful, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She had almost died today, not once, but several times, and she couldn’t seem to shut her mouth.

Ardeth gave her a cool look. “And I just saved yours.” He turned and disappeared into the dark, cursing himself for the fantasies he’d begun conjuring up about this spoiled brat, and the fact that he still wanted her.

Emma hurriedly stood up, wincing at the pain that shot through her head. “Hey, where are you going?” she yelled. Looking back at Gerald Tate, who lay so still, she called out to Ardeth, “Hey, is he dead?”

Ardeth reappeared, sitting astride his horse. “I am heading back to Hamanaptra. As for him, I could care less if he is dead or not.”

“Are you just going to leave me here?” Emma asked incredulously. Oh god, Emma, shut up, she scolded herself silently. Give the guy some credit. He came for you didn’t he?

Ardeth sighed. He didn’t know whether to strangle her or kiss her. “Come,” he commanded. Leaning over, he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her up across his lap while uttering a few choice words in Arabic.

The feel of his strong arm circling her stomach and suddenly coming face to face with the handsome warrior left Emma a bit breathless. “You forget I can understand you,” she reminded him, wincing at his choice of curses. God, he’s even more handsome up close, she thought. Emma took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Good Lord, he even smells good!

“I forget nothing,” Ardeth responded, agitated, and urged his horse forward. This was not going to be an easy ride back to Hamanaptra. Even now he felt the battle raging within him. He sensed everything. Every breath she took, the rise and fall of her breasts, the way her tongue came out to moisten her full lips, the way her long dark lashes framed those incredible blue eyes, the way her nose turned up slightly at the end, but most of all he smelled her. She smelled of the sweet scent of flowers.


They traveled in silence for a short time. Emma was very aware of his arms surrounding her. He smelled of the desert, of leather and an unnamed musky scent that was uniquely his, and for the first time in several days, Emma felt safe. Safe from physical harm that is, but sitting there is Ardeth Bay’s arms astride his horse, Emma began to feel a different kind of fear. It was different than what she felt with Gerald Tate. Tate was emotionally unstable; you never knew what he might do or what might set him off. Ardeth, however, was in complete control. Of his emotions and everything. He commanded respect and expected people to obey his orders without question. Emma struggled with her guilt of how she treated him earlier and the anger she felt that she was allowing him to intimidate her like this. She had to tell him what she had found and why Gerald Tate and his crew had kidnapped her, but his face was closed off and invited no conversation. The tattoo on each check gave him a dangerous look, and Emma chided herself once again for being afraid of Ardeth and told herself to just tell him.

“I’ve got some very important information I need to share with you,” she finally said.

Ardeth didn’t say anything, just kept looking ahead.

“It has to do with why I was kidnapped.” He still ignored her.

“Oh for heaven sakes! It has to do with Imhotep,” she finally said, exasperated.

That got his attention. He dark eyes bore into her. “What about Imhotep?” His voice was low and gravelly.

Emma suddenly found it hard to breath. He was so close, so dangerous looking and yet her body tingled everywhere he was touching her. She trembled as she took a deep breath. “It would be easier if I started from the beginning,” she finally stammered.

Emma told Ardeth about the book that had arrived at the library. She carefully explained what it had said about the hom-dai and that Evelyn had only read the first incantation. As a result Imhotep would rise from the grave one year later. The only way to destroy him for good was for Evelyn to finish the last two incantations, which meant they had to find the book of Amun-Ra. Emma also explained the bad news, the reason why she had been kidnapped. When she was finished, Emma noticed that Ardeth still had the same expression on his face as he had when she had started. The only change was that he was no longer looking at her, but straight ahead.

“You do understand what I just told you, right?” Emma asked, hoping that he would take her seriously. One of the biggest problems she ran into were men ignoring anything she had to say. The Bedouin men of the Sahara would be amongst the worse.

“Yes,” he simply answered, thinking that what she’d just told him explained the sudden blowing of the sand and wind at Hamanaptra.

Emma sighed. Well at least he was not discounting what she said, but then again, being Med-jai, he couldn’t afford to ignore any information that pertained to Hamanaptra and Imhotep. But somehow Emma sensed that his standoff attitude with her was due to her reaction to him when he’d saved her from Gerald Tate. She really had been ungrateful back there, and she really did regret it. Rick had told her that Ardeth was basically a nice guy once you got past all the “stay away from Hamanaptra” façade. “Listen, I’m really sorry about before. I know I was ungrateful back there, but I was scared to death. When I’m scared I go on the defense.”

Ardeth looked down at Emma again, seeing her sincerity, and his expression finally softened. “Apology accepted.” Ardeth raised his hand to gently caress the cheek Tate had slapped. He would have killed Tate right then for striking her, if he hadn’t been more concerned with her well being than Tate’s demise. “I was up on the ridge following. I tried to get to you as quickly as I could when I saw him push you off the horse.” He could still see it in his mind’s eye as if it had just happened. The rage that had consumed him earlier had returned full force, and he couldn’t get down the hill fast enough.

Emma smiled, revealing her dimples. “It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like I did.” She felt heat curling deep in her stomach as his long fingers caressed her soft skin. Her hands trembled in her lap.

“Does it still hurt?” he asked, his fingers pausing to play with one dimple. By Allah, he wanted to kiss those dimples.

“It still stings a little, but otherwise it’s alright.” Emma’s heart was pounding in her chest. His full lips were mere inches from hers. All he would have to do is bend slightly and he could kiss her. Emma swallowed hard.

Ardeth fought for control. It had been easier when he thought her a spoiled brat, but now he was discovering that she was a nice person, and having her sit across his lap as she was, was wreaking havoc on his senses. “Get some rest,” he said softly, resisting the incredible urge to kiss her. “It will be a couple of hours before we reach Hamanaptra.”

Emma nodded, resting her head against his chest. She had to maneuver herself around the many weapons that were strapped around his broad chest, but she did manage to find a comfortable position and snuggled into his robes for warmth. Ardeth slid his left arm around her waist, holding her safely against him. The feel of her tiny body against his felt right somehow. Without thinking, he pressed his lips into her hair and heard her sigh softly.

“Thank you,” Emma whispered after a while. “For coming for me.”

Ardeth smiled, but kept his gaze straight ahead. “Your welcome,” he answered as Emma closed her eyes and finally succumbed to her exhaustion. “Lilith,” he added once he knew she had gone to sleep.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chapter Seven

Ardeth held her close as he allowed his horse to pick his way through the darkness. He had called her lilith, a night demon, for in the space of one night she had managed to possess him like no other woman ever had before. Though the men of his tribe held women in the highest regard, few held Ardeth’s respect as Emma O’Connell did. Few women could have endured what she’d been through the last several days. She had been brave, and when the Med-jai had attacked Tate and his men, she had kept her wits about her and even saved his life. She had a temper and Ardeth knew she would be a challenge, but it was a challenge he could rise to. He had almost kissed her a moment ago. She had been looking up at him, and he had almost lost himself in her deep blue eyes. They were like sapphires, and with the light of the moon shining down, creating an almost angelic look about her, they had captured him. He had had to exercise every bit of self-control he could muster to keep from kissing her, from making her his right then. He could feel his body reacting to her closeness as he sighed, allowing himself to rub his cheek against the top of her head. Finally, pulling his thoughts away from Emma, he concentrated on what she had told him about Imhotep. The mysterious winds that had begun to blow again now made sense. If Emma was right, they had three days to dig through to the ceremonial chamber and find the book of Amun-Ra. They would have to go get Evelyn so that she could complete the other two incantations, and that could take time. It was at least a four day trip to Cairo and back if they rode hard. But if Imhotep was still mortal, his men could keep him at bay until he arrived back with Rick and Evelyn.

They arrived back at Hamanaptra just before dawn. The bodies of the dead had been buried, leaving no evidence that anyone had ever been there. Ardeth signaled his return to the guard on watch and guided his horse to a quiet area apart from the rest of the camp. Reining in his horse, he cradled Emma close, loath to release her. He gently traced a finger across her cheek as he took the weight of her relaxed sleeping body against his arm. Her head rested against his shoulder, her face turned up toward his. “It’s time to wake up, Emma.” Ardeth leaned forward, speaking softly in her ear.

Emma came awake slowly from a deep sleep. She had burrowed herself into the folds of Ardeth’s robes, and she was quite warm and comfortable. “What?” she asked sleepily, her mind still groggy. She had not gotten much sleep since Tate had kidnapped her, and the few hours she had slept in Ardeth’s arms were the best sleep she’d had in a long time. It just wasn’t enough; she needed more. Burrowing further into his robes, Emma’s hands made contact with smooth warm skin.

Ardeth breathed in sharply. His hand found hers against his chest, and he curled his fingers around her wrist. He removed her hand from inside his robes and pressed his lips into her palm, chuckling, “We are back at Hamanaptra, my little lilith. It’s time to wake up. I’ve got some things to do before we go to Cairo.”

Emma felt her hand tingling where he’d kissed it and pulled away from him slightly with a frown. “We are going to Cairo?”

Ardeth waited until she was steady, then he swung down from the horse. “Yes, we must get Evelyn and Rick.” He placed his hands on her hips and carefully lowered her to the ground. Ardeth purposely allowed her to slide down the length of his body. Her hands on his shoulders, he watched her expression turn from sleepy surprise to dark desire. Ardeth felt a moment of triumph when he realized that Emma was as attracted to him as he was to her.

Emma’s heart was caught in her throat, and she had difficulty breathing as she felt herself slide down the hard length of Ardeth’s body. Even with all his weapons in the way, she could feel what was him and what was not. Their eyes met, and she saw raw desire in the depths of his dark eyes. He wanted her, and he was letting her know how much. “Oh,” she managed just as his lips barely touched hers.

“Ardeth, you’re back.”

Ardeth froze, then muttered a few curses in Arabic as Emma jumped back. Turning to face Abdul, he could kill Abdul for his bad timing. “Yes, we just returned,” Ardeth answered gruffly, then glanced back at Emma. “Stay here. I will be back shortly.”

Ardeth started off with Abdul, explaining to him all he had learned from Emma about Imhotep’s return, and what must be done to stop him. Emma stood there brooding over the barely missed kiss and the fact that Ardeth was ordering her about as if she were one of his men, when it suddenly occurred to her what he had called her a few minutes before.

She gasped. “Hey, I am not a night demon!” she shouted angrily at his retreating back.

Never breaking stride, Ardeth threw his head back and laughed. It was a loud shout of laughter that caused several of his men to stop what they were doing and turn to stare at their leader, who rarely smiled and never laughed. It had taken her longer than he thought to catch that little pet name he’d given her. He glanced over at Abdul to find his second in command staring at him curiously. He raised an eyebrow in question. “What?”

Abdul shook his head. “I don’t think I have ever heard you laugh.” He had known Ardeth all his life, and he knew he had never heard Ardeth laugh as he just had. He glanced back at the woman who stood there defiantly glaring at Ardeth, and then he returned his gaze back to his leader. Abdul smiled a knowing smile. As Med-jai warriors, they had the special right to choose whomever they wished to marry. It was one of their many rewards for their loyal service. And although an American woman would not have been his personal choice, Abdul knew that his beloved leader was smitten. Abdul was no fool. He knew Ardeth was restless and had been since returning from battling against Imhotep a year ago. Ardeth had returned changed. Now he sought a friendship with the American, Rick O’Connell, and his leadership, though it was still as good as before, was different. He seemed almost more compassionate with the men, more understanding when the married ones missed their wives and families. Abdul liked the man Ardeth had become, and he hoped that finally, just maybe, Ardeth was finding some well-deserved happiness and quite possible a wife. “She seems to be good for you, Ardeth,” Abdul added as they continued to walk.

“She makes me feel, Abdul,” Ardeth offered as he turned to look back at Emma who was finding a place to sit down. The sun was rising quickly, and he had much to do. His feelings regarding Emma would have to wait. “Gather the men, Abdul. We must prepare for the battle ahead.”

Abdul nodded once. “I will have them ready in five minutes.” He turned and hurried off, shouting orders to those who were nearby.

Returning to her a half hour later, he was leading a white Arabian mare and some supplies. He had spent the last half hour making sure his men understood the importance of what they needed to do. They had their orders, and Abdul would make sure they were followed. Now he and Emma needed to go get Rick and Evelyn. The sun was up, and it was starting to get hot. He found Emma sitting with his horse nearby under a shaded area.

“Are you ready?” he asked as he approached. Already he could feel his body reacting to her nearness, and it amazed him.

“As ready as I will ever be,” she answered, standing up and stretching her stiff back.

“Here, I brought you your own horse to ride,” Ardeth said, handing her the reins at the same time he scooped up the reins to his own horse.

“Oh, I’ll have my own horse?” she asked, rather disappointed.

Ardeth heard the disappointment in her voice, and it strangely pleased him. He turned to help her mount the mare. “Yes,” he answered, hoisting her up into the saddle. “As much as I enjoy your body up against mine, we will make better time if we ride separately.”

Emma blushed and glowered down at him. “You are an arrogant bastard.”

Ardeth chuckled as he walked over and mounted his own horse. “Come on, lilith,” he called as he spun his horse around and galloped off.

“Oooooo, he is so maddening,” Emma said frustratingly as she urged her own horse into a gallop.

They traveled in relative silence, only speaking when there was a need. Both were lost in their own thoughts about the upcoming battle with Imhotep, but both very aware of the other nearby. It was almost noon when Emma began to sway in the saddle. The hot sun of the Sahara beat down on her, and she had foolishly not covered her head. She put the back of her hand to her sunburned forehead.

“Ardeth?” Emma called softly as she fought to stay conscious. If she could just get his attention, then he would help her. She smiled in her half delirious state of mind. He wants you, you know, Emma girl. The leader of the Med-Jai wants you! Emma thought to herself. She swayed dangerously to the right, then straightened. She thought she heard cursing, then all went dark.

Ardeth thought he heard Emma call to him, and he turned to look just in time to see her sway dangerously in the saddle. “Sons of the Pharaoh’s!” he cursed softly as he jumped from the saddle and caught Emma just as she slid from her saddle in a dead faint. Looking around to see where he was, Ardeth remembered that there was an oasis a few miles further. Grabbing the reins to her mare, he carefully swung back up onto his own horse holding Emma carefully. As they neared the oasis, Emma began to regain consciousness.

Ardeth grabbed his canteen and unscrewed the lid. “Here, drink this,” he commanded as he placed the canteen to her lips. Emma tried to gulp it; some of the water spilled from her mouth and ran down her chin and throat. Ardeth snatched it back. “No,” he said harshly. “Slowly, little sips. If you gulp it, it will make you sick.” The arm that supported her back tightened around her, holding her close to him. “I ought to wring your neck for not telling me the sun was getting to be too much,” he scolded lightly, pressing his lips to her forehead.

Emma sipped the cool water. “I didn’t want to slow us down,” she finally answered.

“Stubborn as well as my little lilith,” Ardeth grumbled.

Emma raised her hand and weakly tried to swat him. Ardeth easily caught her hand and pushed it down. “I am not your little night demon,” she croaked.

“Hush and drink some more,” Ardeth commanded, smiling inwardly. Emma did as he commanded, though it goaded her to no end. She hated to be bossed around, and Ardeth seemed to be so good at it. “There is an oasis up ahead where we can rest for the afternoon. We will continue on after the sun goes down,” he informed her.

Suddenly there was a shrill whistle. Ardeth tensed, but then relaxed. Up ahead at the oasis, he saw Rick and Evelyn. “Praise, Allah, they are here!” Ardeth whispered softly in Arabic. Raising his hand up, he waved and urged his horse into a canter. Emma frowned at his words, then it turned to a smile when she saw Rick and Evelyn.


Rick and Evelyn hadn’t been able to get out of Cairo as quickly as they had hoped. By the time they left it was the middle of the next day. They had traveled hard to make up for the time lost, but their horses were exhausted when they had finally reached the oasis that morning. For Evelyn’s sake as well as the horses, Rick decided to rest. Evelyn had not complained once for which he dearly loved her for, but he knew she couldn’t go on much longer without a good rest. So they had set up a small camp and decided they would continue on after dark, arriving at Hamanaptra just before midnight.

“Do you think Emma is alright?” Evelyn asked from the blanket she laid on.

Rick sat on a flat rock across from Evelyn and starred off into the distance. “I hope so, Evelyn. I certainly hope so.”

“Well we still have two days before Imhotep rises. They won’t risk hurting her if they plan for her to read from the book of Amun-Ra.” Evelyn tried to brighten Rick’s hopes.

Rick sighed as he brought his attention back to his wife. “It’s not what I am worried about.”

“I know, I know.” Evelyn stood up and went over to comfort her husband. “But Ardeth is a smart man. He’ll figure it out.”

Rick put his arm around Evelyn’s shoulders and drew her closer, kissing her. Raising his head back up, he smiled. “I know you are right, Evelyn. I just wish now that we had introduced Emma to Ardeth. At least that way he’d know who she was and not mistake her for some fortune hunter.”

“She’s fine, Rick. You have to believe that. You have to trust Ardeth,” Evelyn told him.

“I do trust Ardeth, honey. I would trust him with your life. I trust him with Emma’s life, except he doesn’t know what Emma looks like.”

Evelyn sighed. “He’ll figure it out, Rick. In fact I would even venture to say that Ardeth is on his way right now bringing her back to us.” And as if to affirm this, the horses nickered softly, announcing that someone was coming. Rick and Evelyn stood up quickly. Rick shielded his eyes with his hand and watched as a rider leading a white horse drew closer. Rick immediately recognized Ardeth and then he spotted his baby sister sitting in front of him, cradled in the warrior’s arms.

“Damn,” Rick said softly.

Evelyn smiled. “I told you.”

“He’d better have a good reason for holding her like that,” Rick nearly growled.

“Richard!” Evelyn chided him.

Rick put his fingers to his lips and blew a shrill whistle to get their attention. When Ardeth looked up, he raised a hand to wave and urged his horse into a slow canter.


As Ardeth reined his horse in, Rick was there helping Emma down. He hugged her tight, planting a kiss on top of her head.

“Are you alright, Em?” Rick asked softly, noticing her pale, sunburned face.

“Yeah, big brother, I’m fine,” she answered, hugging him back. “Just a little too much sun. I fainted.” Rick released her, and Emma went right into Evelyn’s open arms. Evelyn gave Rick a nasty look for his earlier comment about the way Ardeth was holding Emma, and Rick had the good grace to look ashamed as he turned to go talk to his Med-jai friend.

Rick walked up to Ardeth, who had dismounted from his horse, and they shook hands. “You don’t know how much this means to me, Ardeth. Thank you.”

Ardeth smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“When we discovered she’d been kidnapped and for what reason, we knew they would bring her to Hamanaptra. I was afraid she would be killed when you and your men attacked,” Rick explained. “How did you figure out who she was?”

Ardeth flashed him a grin. “I recognized that stubborn streak right away.”

Rick laughed. “Oh buddy, she has me beat in stubbornness.”

Ardeth grew serious as he remembered the battle with Tate’s men. “They had her tied up, so even though I didn’t know who she was at the time, I knew she was there against her will. I didn’t find out who she was until after my men attacked. They had orders not to harm her though.”

Rick glanced over to see Evelyn leading Emma over by their camp. “Get your horses settled then come on over. We have a lot to discuss.”

Ardeth nodded, then turned and led the two horses over to the water to drink. Rick turned and headed over to Evelyn and Emma, who had moved to the shade and were sitting down. Ardeth returned from attending the horses to hear Emma telling Rick and Evelyn her story. She gave them an overview of what happened, giving them just enough detail to explain everything, but leaving out certain information, such as her growing attraction for Ardeth Bay and the fact that he had just about kissed her.

“So you don’t know whether or not this Gerald Tate is dead or not?” Evelyn asked.

“No. He tripped over me when Ardeth hit him and he fell and hit his head on a rock. We didn’t stay long enough to check,” Emma answered, purposely leaving out the fact that they’d been too busy arguing at the time to check.

“Ardeth, old buddy, you slipping up?” Rick asked teasingly. “Seems to me you used to be a real ‘kill ‘em all’ kind of guy.”

Ardeth gave Rick a hard glare that would have sent any normal man running, but Rick only laughed. “Just wait till you are asleep, my friend, and we shall see who is slipping up,” Ardeth growled.

“I really hate to break up this whole male bonding thing you both got going on here, but I could really use some sleep,” Emma replied, yawning.

“I thought you might like to sleep, so I laid a bedroll over there in the shade.” Ardeth pointed a short distance away. From where he was sitting, he’d be able to keep an eye on her, but he didn’t bother to mention that.

Emma glanced over at Ardeth, meeting his gaze. “Thank you, that was very thoughtful.” She had difficulty tearing her gaze away from the intensity of his stare, but she forced herself to get up and walk over to where the blankets were and lay down. She was so exhausted that she was sound asleep moments later. Ardeth never took his eyes from her as he watched her settle on the blankets. Allah help him, but he was falling fast for this American woman! She was a headache that he didn’t need. Americans were too independent, and life with him would not be an easy one. If Emma were to become his wife, she would have to give up everything for him. But he was getting way ahead of himself. Right now, he needed to concentrate on Imhotep and how to stop him.

Rick watched Ardeth casually. He knew that look in Ardeth’s eyes, because it was the same look he had when he met Evelyn. Ardeth was attracted to his sister. Rick sighed inwardly and once he was certain Emma was asleep, he turned to Ardeth. “Alright, now I want the gruesome details that Emma left out.”

Ardeth raised an eyebrow in surprise. Shrugging his broad shoulders, he answered. “Not too much more to tell actually, though she did leave out the part where she had saved my life.”

This time it was Rick’s turn to raise an eyebrow in surprise. “Really? Oh, I’ve got to hear this. I bet it just bugs the hell out of you that a woman saved your life, doesn’t it?” Rick teased.

“Only when I discovered it was your sister,” Ardeth quipped. Rick laughed and hunched down when Evelyn hushed him. “One of Tate’s men tried to shoot me in the back. Emma shot him right through the forehead.” Ardeth continued. “She’s a good shot. Did you teach her that?”

Rick smiled. “Taught her everything I know.”

“I guess that explains the attitude too,” Ardeth shot back.

Evelyn listened to all this with mild curiosity. She had gotten used to the conversations between Rick and Ardeth long ago. Rick enjoyed nothing more than to yank Ardeth’s chain. Ardeth had had little exposure to American humor, so Rick was constantly ribbing him. It didn’t take Ardeth long to catch on though, and now he could hold his own fairly well.

“Eventually we are going to have to talk about Imhotep,” Evelyn butted in.

Rick and Ardeth both paused in their banter, turning to her. They both gave her a look of “do you mind?”

Evelyn shook her head. “I swear, the two of you act like children sometimes.”

Ardeth stood up and pulled his turban off. He ran his fingers through the thick unruly curls. “We will have plenty of time to talk about Imhotep later.” Letting his eyes wander over to where Emma slept, he continued. “But right now, I need a few hours of sleep myself.”

“Go get some sleep, buddy. I’ll hold down the fort,” Rick told him.

“That is very comforting,” Ardeth answered flatly and headed over to where Emma was sleeping. What he really wanted to do was lay down next to her and pull her into his arms, but since he didn’t think Rick would like that too much, he ended up settling down a few feet from her with his back propped up against a tree. Closing his eyes he too was asleep a few minutes later.

Evelyn leaned over to Rick and said softly, “I think Ardeth likes Emma.”

“He does not,” Rick answered a bit too quickly. But he knew Evelyn was right. He had seen the way Ardeth watched Emma, especially when he thought no one else was looking.

Evelyn put her finger to her lips. “Keep your voice down, Richard.”

Rick scooted closer to his beautiful wife. “Evelyn, you know I love you dearly, but stop with the matchmaking already.”

“What do you have against Emma and Ardeth being together?” Evelyn asked.

“Nothing. If Emma wants to see Ardeth that is up to her, but I’m just saying, don’t push,” Rick answered, exasperated.

“Alright, alright. I won’t push.” Evelyn smiled.

“Evelyn?” Rick threatened, knowing his wife all too well.

Evelyn harrumphed. “Oh alright, I promise I won’t push.”

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Chapter Eight

A few hours later, Emma woke with a start. It took a few seconds to remember where she was. She sighed as she sat up. She knew she must look a mess. Her skirt and blouse were filthy dirty; she felt filthy dirty. Her hair desperately needed a brush as she tugged the long braid over her shoulder and began unweaving the thick mass. Shaking it loose, she began brushing her fingers through it, trying to get as many tangles out as she could before she would braid it back. She would have to check with Evy for a brush later. It was while she was finger brushing her hair that she saw Ardeth sitting a few feet from her, leaning back against a tree. He was watching her with a hooded expression that she couldn’t decipher and she wondered how long he’d been watching her.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked in a low husky voice. His body had grown hard and tense from watching her unbraid her long dark hair. He wanted to bury his hands and face in it and inhale her sweet scent. He took a quick glance around to make sure that everything was as it should be. The horses were standing quietly grazing on the brush, and he could hear Rick talking with Evelyn, though he could not see them.

“Yes, I did,” Emma answered, noticing for the first time that he had removed his turban. If she had thought he was a gorgeous man before, he was simply breathtaking now. His dark thick hair was in desperate need of a brush, hanging in disarray to his shoulders in thick curls. Emma’s fingers itched to touch it, to find out if it was as soft as it looked. The tattoos on his face gave him a dangerous look, yet at the same time added to his masculinity and handsomeness. She wondered briefly if Ardeth were to remove his robes if she would find tattoos on his body too. She lifted her eyes to meet his and realized that he’d been watching her perusal of him, and she blushed furiously, dropping her eyes.

Ardeth felt his gut clench as her eyes traveled over him. He liked her boldness and her feistiness. He was finding it harder and harder to ignore her presence and the effect she had on him. When her eyes came up to meet his, her cheeks turned a deep red, and he smiled.

“What do the tattoos mean?” she asked softly, bringing her eyes back up to meet his.

“They are tribal blessings,” Ardeth answered. “Each tattoo is a blessing to a particular part of the body.” Pointing to the one across his forehead, he said, “This one is for wisdom. The two here and here,” he pointed to the tattoos across each cheekbone, “are for the four senses. The two on the backs of my hands,” he stretched out his arms for her to see, “are for swiftness of hands. I also have one on each upper arm that represent strength and power. The ones across my chest,” he said, placing his hand against his chest, “represent courage and strength of heart. The last ones are across my ankles, representing swiftness of feet. Only a direct descendent of the Med-jai to Pharaoh Seti can wear the tattoos and serve as a Med-jai warrior.”

“So then you’re a direct descendant?” Emma asked, fascinated by what Ardeth was telling her. Practically nothing was known about the Med-jai warriors that had been Seti’s bodyguards. Somehow throughout history, they had managed to keep themselves hidden in the Sahara and away from those who would expose them.

“Yes. I am a direct descendant of Kazeem, the Med-jai warrior who led the Med-jai during the time of Imhotep,” Ardeth answered proudly.

Emma stared at Ardeth, stunned. “Then are you like a prince of your people?”

Ardeth shook his head. “There is no royalty within our tribe, though you may choose to look at it that way. I come from a long line of Med-jai leaders. When I marry and have a son, he will be trained to lead when I am gone, but I am no better than the men who serve with me to guard over Hamanaptra, other than I was raised and trained to be a leader.”

“I saw how you handle your scimitar, Ardeth. You are clearly better with it than the others,” Emma commented.

Ardeth smiled. “My skills with the scimitar are Allah’s blessing, as is my leadership.”

“So then, you have tattoos all over your body?” Emma asked, trying desperately not to blush again but failing miserably. The curiosity she had about him was a dangerous thing, but she couldn’t help it. She knew enough about who he was to know that getting involved with a man like Ardeth was not something to take lightly.

“Yes,” Ardeth answered noticing her blushing again. She was curious about his body. Heat curled deep within him as the desire to ravage her suddenly came over him. Standing up, he walked over to Emma.

“Would you like to see them?” he whispered almost savagely, reaching out his hand. His dark eyes seemed to burn into her soul as she placed her trembling hand in his.

“Oh yes, please,” she breathed softly, her blue eyes darkening to almost a blue black color.

Ardeth almost growled as he pulled her to her feet, his left hand sliding around her waist as he pulled her close. His lips hovered mere inches from hers when they heard Rick from behind them, “It’s about time you two lazy kids woke up.” Rick was still far enough away that with Ardeth’s body blocking his view, he had no clue that his sister had just missed being thoroughly kissed by the Med-jai leader.

Both of them jumped slightly and Ardeth said roughly, “Remind me to kill your brother.”

Emma pulled away from Ardeth and started to move past him. “If I don’t kill him first.”

Ardeth caught Emma’s hand and tugged it gently. She turned back to him and her knees went weak at the promise she saw in his eyes. “Later, lilith,” he promised, then let her hand go. She glared at him, but was actually beginning to like his little pet name for her. She brushed past her brother, ignoring his curious stare, and went to find Evelyn.

Evelyn provided Emma with a brush, and while she brushed her hair out and rebraided it, Evelyn set out some food to eat. After washing her face and hands, Emma felt somewhat better and wandered over to where the food was. She didn’t realize how hungry she was until she took a bite of bread, then she preceded to devour everything on her plate and drink tons of water. Ardeth and Rick joined them, and as they sat and ate, they talked about what needed to be done once they arrived at Hamanaptra. There was little time left, and they needed to have a plan. The main concern was digging through to the ceremonial chamber and locating the book of Amun Ra. There was no telling how much debris was between them and the room they sought. The ceremonial chamber itself could be buried, but somehow they doubted that. Finally after talking at length, they had a plan. Emma was tired of sitting, and she need to go to the bathroom. She stood and started to wander away.

“Where are you going?” Ardeth asked a bit too gruffly. He didn’t want her wandering off without telling someone where she was going. There were too many dangers in the desert that she had no clue about, and not all of them slithered on the ground.

“None of your damn business,” Emma snapped, finally having enough of his bossiness. “But if you have to know, I am going to find a private place where I can go to the bathroom.”

Ardeth had the decency to look embarrassed. “Oh,” he answered, looking at Rick.

“Don’t look at me, my friend, you asked,” Rick replied, laughing.

Ardeth gave Rick a dry look, then turned his attention back to where Emma had disappeared behind some bushes. “I swear she can be the most infuriating woman I ever met,” Ardeth finally grumbled to Rick.

Evelyn hid a smile, but said nothing. Rick laughed again and nodded. “I know what you mean, buddy. I’m married to one.”

Evelyn’s smile turned to a frown as she realized she had just been insulted. “I resent that,” she said and smacked Rick across the arm.

Rick slipped his arm around Evelyn’s waist. “Now Evelyn, you know that is why I love you so much.”

Batting at his chest, Evelyn smiled. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Richard O’Connell.”

Turning his attention back to Ardeth, Rick said, “What you need to do is to drop the ‘I’m Tarzan, you Jane’ act, my friend.”

Ardeth looked at Rick confused. “The what?”

“I think what Rick is trying to say, Ardeth, is you need to stop treating her like she is one of your men. Talk nicely to her instead of always barking out commands,” Evelyn butted in.

Ardeth frowned. “I bark orders at her because she doesn’t listen.”

Rick snorted. “Welcome to the world of women, ol’ buddy.”

Ardeth saw Emma reappear and head away from them towards where the horses were. His jaw tightened as he was beginning to think she was doing this on purpose. He stood, excused himself, and headed over to where she was patting his horse. “You should not wander away like that, Emma,” Ardeth said as he came up behind her. “There are many dangers in the Sahara that you know nothing of.”

“I will go where ever I please,” Emma answered angrily, turning to face him. She gasped softly at his closeness. She hadn’t heard him approach until he spoke and hadn’t realized how close he’d gotten until she turned around. His musky scent filled her nostrils and made her head swirl. She couldn’t get over the effect he had on her. One second he was pissing her off and the next she wanted to tear his robes off. Emma was beginning to think she was going crazy.

“Emma, please.” He softened his tone. “I do not mean to shout orders at you as if you were one of my men. I am not accustomed to speaking to women regularly, and I am only concerned for your welfare.”

Emma sighed, her anger gone as quickly as it had come. “I know Ardeth. I don’t mean to be such a pain, it’s just that you can be so exasperating sometimes.”

She looked up into his face and knew by the look in his eyes that he was going to kiss her. “I know the feeling,” he said softly, leaning closer. “Half the time I don’t know whether to strangle you or kiss you.”

“I’d prefer the kiss,” she managed just as Ardeth’s mouth came down on hers.

His hands came up to frame her face, his tongue tracing the contour of her lips. Emma clutched at the front of his robes with her hands and moaned softly, her lips parting. She had never been kissed like this before, and he was taking her breath away. Taking advantage, Ardeth thrust his tongue inside her mouth, stroking her tongue with his and memorizing every inch of her mouth. He coaxed her tongue into his mouth and nearly came undone when she innocently flittered her tongue around his, tasting him, learning the textures of his mouth. His hands slid down her neck, over her shoulders and circled around her back pulling her against his hard body. Ardeth broke away from her mouth, nipping at her jawbone, leaving a trail of kisses to her ear. “Emma, promise me that no one has ever touched you like this before,” he commanded with a growl.

“No, no one but you.” Emma trembled as his teeth scraped against the sensitive flesh beneath her ear.

“Good,” Ardeth breathed a sigh of triumph. “You are mine.” He claimed her possessively, “I will kill any man who touches you.”

Emma balked at his claims of possession. She pushed at his chest. “No one owns me, Ardeth, especially you!”

“I have never met a woman who can infuriate and inflame me all at the same time,” he whispered gruffly in her ear while leaving feather light kisses up and down her neck. “You are mine, Emma. I know you sense it, this attraction we have.”

Emma was losing the fight; her mind clouded with the incredible sensations that he was causing her to feel. Her breath caught in her throat as he trailed kisses down her neck. She giggled softly as his beard tickled her neck. Ardeth moved his mouth lower. The first few buttons on the front of Emma’s blouse were unbuttoned allowing Ardeth to slip his tongue quickly between the soft mounds of flesh.

“Ardeth!” Emma yelped.

Ardeth chuckled, raised his head, and cut off her protests with another kiss. Finally he broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers, their noses touching. Both of them were breathing hard, and Emma was glad that Ardeth had his arms around her, otherwise she thought she might sink to the ground.

“When this is over, we must talk,” Ardeth breathed, giving her another quick kiss, then releasing her. He stepped away from her reluctantly, their eyes still locked on each other.

Emma nodded, knowing that he referred to the incident with Imhotep. As much as his possessiveness of her bothered her, she couldn’t help but revel in it too. She couldn’t explain her feelings for this man. She knew practically nothing about him, having just met him last night, yet she felt as if they belonged together, as if they had been born specifically for each other. Emma had heard some people talk about soul mates, and that everyone had a soul mate somewhere in the world. At the time she had thought it rubbish. But now, here with Ardeth and the unexplained feelings she had, she was beginning to think maybe those people were right. Could Ardeth Bay be her soul mate?

“Hey, you guys want to stop fighting long enough for us to get going?” Rick said, coming up behind Ardeth.

Willing to let Rick assume what he wanted, Ardeth held Emma’s gaze a moment longer, then turned and left. Emma hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath until he turned away and she let it out in a whoosh.

Rick came up beside her a frown on his face. “Is everything okay between you two, Sis?” he asked, noticing she was rather flushed. “I mean, we aren’t going to have to keep you two separated are we?”

Emma glanced up at Rick and gave him a quick, dreamy like smile. “No, everything is fine.” She walked off to help Evelyn get ready, leaving Rick to wonder what he’d just missed.

They’d been traveling for a few hours. Emma and Evelyn were up ahead, while Rick and Ardeth lagged behind. Ardeth was unusually quiet, which for him was quite an accomplishment since he was such a chatty fellow, Rick thought with a snicker. In all his life, Rick had never met someone who talked less than Ardeth did, yet spoke volumes with a mere glance of his dark eyes.

“What’s on your mind, Ardeth?” Rick finally asked.

Ardeth didn’t answer right away, but finally said. “I kissed your sister.”

Rick’s head snapped around. He had a comic look on his face. “I beg your pardon?”

Ardeth glanced over at his friend and repeated, “I kissed your sister.”

“So that explains why she was acting so weird just before we left the oasis,” Rick said more to himself than to Ardeth. “Why are you telling me this, by the way?”

“You are my friend and she is your sister. I do not wish to step were I may not be wanted,” Ardeth answered.

“Well, did she kiss you back?” Rick asked, appreciating Ardeth’s honesty and respect for him and his sister.

“Yes.” Ardeth smiled, remembering.

“Then I would guess you aren’t stepping were you aren’t wanted,” Rick stated. “Listen, Emma is a big girl. I gave up long ago trying to tell her what to do. She never listened even when I did. If it’s my blessing you want, you got it. You’re a good man, Ardeth. I know you’ll be good to her, because if your not, I’ll have to hunt you down.”

Ardeth smiled, looking ahead where Emma sat astride the white mare he had provided for her. “It’s a hard and dangerous life I lead, Rick.” He expression turned serious once more. “Until Imhotep is permanently defeated, I can’t even contemplate a future for Emma and myself. But I wanted you to know of my interest in her. Before I can take her for my wife, I must make sure she understands what it will mean to become the wife of the Med-jai leader. She will have to give up the independence that she is accustomed to in order to play the role she will be thrust into.”

Rick snorted. “Good luck my friend.” He sighed when Ardeth turned his intense gaze on him. “Ardeth, I’m only saying that Emma was raised to be independent. To try to change her will be like trying to cage a tiger. It won’t be easy, and it may not be worth the battle. Make sure of your feelings for her if you plan to take her on.”

Ardeth nodded, understanding Rick’s words. He did need to make sure of his feelings first. Not only would Emma have to give up her freedom and adjust to the life of a Bedouin, but she would have to deal with his tribe. For even though by law he was able to choose his own bride, none had ever selected a foreigner.

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Hope For The Future - Chapters 9-11