Home // Ardeth Stories // Antoine Stories // Oded Stories // Character Stories // UC Stories

It's Never Too Late

By Kaidi



Disclaimer: This story is fictional. The character of Yusuf and mentions of Emma O'Connell Bay are owned by Ladybug and are used with permission. The characters of Ardeth Bay and Rick O'Connell, though they are not directly used in this story are owned by Stephen Sommers and Universal Studios. All other characters are owned by the author.

This story is rated R for sexual content

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 1

Johara Alazar stepped off the plane in Cairo and breathed deeply. She was finally here, in Egypt. She had been dreaming of this moment her whole life. She knew all her grandfather’s stories by heart and was looking forward to visiting all the places he had told her about.

After going through customs, she made her way to the front of the airport to find a cab. She was looking around for a sign to tell her where the taxis lined up, when she ran into a solid object.

“Excuse me,” she said, moving to go around a tall man.

“Are you lost, miss?” She looked up at the speaker. The man was tall, dark, with strange tattoos on his face. His long black hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and he was wearing a charcoal grey business suit over a crisp white shirt and silver striped tie. He had a neatly trimmed beard and mustache and a full sensuous mouth under a strong straight nose. He smiled at her, the smile reaching his warm brown eyes. Her heart started beating faster and she looked down quickly. She stole another peek at him, trying to guess his age. From the silver threads running through his hair and the fine wrinkles around his eyes, she figured he was around 50.

Khalid looked at the woman in front of him. She had a lush, full figure and was wearing an emerald green cotton pantsuit, sandals and silver jewelry. Her camera was around her neck and she was clutching her purse to her generous bosom.

“Well, maybe. I’m looking for the taxis. Am I getting close?” As she spoke, she took her itinerary out of her bag, pulling another yellowed piece out as she did so. The second paper hit the man’s shoes as it fell and he reached down to pick it up.

“Yes, the taxi stands are just outside that door.” He glanced at the paper he had picked up as he handed it to her and his eyes widened. “In fact, I’m on my way out, I’ll show you.” He put his hand under her elbow and led her out the door. He hailed a taxi and asked her where she was going.

“Um, let’s see, this week it’s the Ramses Hilton. Oh, there’s the taxi! Thank you for rescuing a lost tourist.” She looked up at him and gave him a smile that transformed her pretty face. He felt a sudden attraction that surprised him. The warmth and humor in her smile and her sparkling gold eyes had an unexpected allure. Khalid bowed over her hand, kissed it and helped her into the taxi. He closed the door and told the driver where to take her.

As the taxi drove off, he thought of the map he had picked up for her. He had only needed a glance to see that it pointed the way to Hamunaptra, the city of the dead, repository of Seti’s legendary treasure. He needed to find out more about this woman, but fortunately, her hotel was just across the street from the Egyptian Museum where his cousin worked. He found himself looking forward to seeing her again.

Jo watched the city flash by from the taxi. She could still not believe she was finally here. She could also not believe how the sight of the man with the strange tattoos had affected her. You’d think she was 18, not 48. She rubbed the back of her hand where he had kissed it and shivered. Oh well, something to remember when her trip was over. A devilishly handsome man had rescued her and kissed her hand. She giggled and sat back to watch the scenery.

Khalid stopped by the museum and told his cousin Rashid about the woman and the map. As they talked, he saw a taxi pull up across the street, and the woman came out of the hotel and got in. He went over to the hotel doorman and tipped him to tell him the woman’s name and anything else he knew or could find out about her.

He returned to the museum, told Rashid what he had found out, and they decided that for now, they would follow her to see who she met and where she went. Her first scheduled sightseeing trip was to the pyramids at Dashur the next day, and Khalid would follow her there.

The two men watched the woman across the parking lot, as she looked frantically around as if for someone or something.

“Look, Ali. There is one of LeClair’s men. He probably paid off her guide and sent him away so he could get to her.” The taller man moved closer to the door of the restaurant.

“But, Khalid, why is LeClair after her?” Ali asked. “She is just an American woman. A tourist. He is a dealer in illegal antiquities. Surely, he won’t want her to smuggle for him.”

“Rashid sent word to camp that a woman had talked to him at the museum, after asking for an expert on old maps. Yesterday, I bumped into her at the airport when she arrived and I saw the map. We need to find out what she is up to, if she is in business with LeClair.”

Khalid saw that the man was getting closer to his quarry and got ready to go out and intercept him. “I came here to watch her and see if I could find out anything, and I noticed LeClair’s man following her. That’s when I ducked in here to tell you to keep an eye out for the man himself.”

“A map of the location of the city of the dead? She has one?” Ali exclaimed.

“Yes, and not only that. Her last name is Alazar.” The Med-jai watched the older man for a reaction to the name.

“What? Why does that name sound familiar?” Ali frowned in concentration. “Wait! Alazar….Al Hasar! The guide who led Rick O’Connell to Hamunaptra the first time. Didn’t he disappear?”

“Yes, we thought he was lost in the desert, but he must have found his way to safety. She must be his granddaughter.” Khalid moved swiftly out the door.

“But…. where are you going?” Ali ran to the window.

Johara Alazar nervously clutched her shoulder bag to her chest as she frantically tried to find her guide. Abdul had disappeared when she stopped to look at some “artifacts” as they passed one of the vendor stalls near the pyramids at Dashur. When she turned around he was gone.

“Abdul!” she yelled. A small boy in a grubby T-shirt that read ‘Who’s your Dedi?’ appeared at her elbow and tugged on her sleeve.

“Me Abdul, lady. Money?” He held out a dirty hand and gave her a pathetic look from huge brown eyes.

“No, no money. Go away.” She turned and started walking back the way she thought they had come. As she walked she turned in circles, trying to find Abdul. Her short, auburn hair was plastered to her head with sweat and she could feel rivulets of it running down her back. As she turned to look over her shoulder one more time, a display of colorful fabrics caught her eye. She was irresistibly drawn to the stall. Such colors: greens, blues, purples, reds. And that teal! As she made her way through a press of people getting onto a tour bus, she was unaware of being followed. Jo approached the stall and put out her hand to touch the teal silk. It was exquisite. But, women her size did not wear bright colors. She reluctantly moved to look at another bolt of cloth, this time a black satin. Just as she reached out, she felt a tug on her purse.

“Hey, get out of here. Leave me alone.” Jo pulled back on her purse strap. The man continued pulling, then looked over Jo’s head and blanched. He dropped the purse strap, turned and ran as if the devil was after him.

“Well, I guess I showed him, the jerk,” Jo muttered as she checked to see that her purse strap hadn’t been pulled loose. “But, really, I don’t think I’m quite that scary looking.”

She shrugged and turned back to the fabrics, but someone seemed to have put a black wall in between her and the stall. Her eyes traveled up until she was looking into concerned brown eyes. She stared at the man, taking in his handsome face with the neatly trimmed beard, straight nose and full, sensuous mouth. Lines around his eyes and mouth told of years spent in the desert sun.

“Oh, you’re a tall drink of water, aren’t you?” she exclaimed. Her cheeks flamed and she stammered, “Excuse me, that was rude and I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.”

Well, she thought, could he just be any more beautiful? He was the epitome of the desert warrior, black robes and headdress, scimitars at his belt, long black hair and strange tattoos on his face and hands. Wait! Tattoos? It was her rescuer from the day before! But, what was he doing here? And why was he dressed like that?

He bowed and took her hand. He seemed to be trying not to smile.

“We meet again.” He looked at her closely. “Are you all right, miss? I hope the man did not get any of your belongings?“

“Of course, now I see, you’re why he ran away.” Jo laughed. “And here I thought it was me that scared him.” She looked up at him and caught her breath at the devastating grin on his face.

He chuckled. “I do not think that you are very frightening. You are much too pretty to be scary, Miss… ?”

“Jo Alazar. And you are? Other than blind?” she inquired, thinking he was being kind to a crazy American woman.

“Khalid Bay. Are you sure you are all right? And no, I am not blind. I saw you from across the way there as you were looking at the fabrics. Quite a coincidence, we are both here. The teal would be perfect for you, you know?”

“What? Oh, the silk. No, really, I’m fine. At least as far as the purse-snatcher goes. I am a little lost, though. My guide has disappeared. He brought me all the way out here and ….poof! He was gone. Slimy little bugger.” As she spoke, Jo wondered what on earth made her tell this stranger all her business. She turned away to hide her confusion. Her hand stroked the soft teal silk she had been admiring earlier, thinking of what he had said about it.

Khalid looked at the woman beside him. She was worrying at her lower lip with her teeth and nervously fingering a bolt of fabric. Her short hair was curling damply around her full face and her glasses had slipped down on her round, little nose. She was dressed in a long, loose green cotton tunic over khaki pants. The color was a perfect foil for her fair skin and auburn hair. She had silver earrings and several rings on her hands.

“Come, Jo Alazar, let’s see what we can do for you.” Khalid took her elbow gently and led her to a bench in the shade of a metal smith’s stall. Jo sat down with a sigh and closed her eyes. Khalid squatted down next to her and took her hand. He gently turned the rings on her fingers as he spoke to her.

“Was your guide one that your hotel or travel agent hired? Or did you just pick him up on the street? There are some unsavory characters out there.”

Her eyes snapped open. She had been enjoying the feel of his hands on hers but now she glared at him and pulled her hand away. “Of course I didn’t ’pick’ him up. One of the waiters at the hotel recommended him. Now, thanks again, but I need to find a telephone, so I can get back to Cairo.”

Khalid realized that it had just occurred to her how vulnerable she was at that moment. He sat back on his heels to give her more room and spoke quietly. “I will get you a taxi and tell him where you are staying. I will make sure you get into the car safely, then you will not see me again. Wait here.”

Jo watched as Khalid stood and moved away. Suddenly she had a horrible feeling he would not come back, and she realized he was the one person she could trust at this moment.

“Khalid!” she cried, “Please, don’t go. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to offend you. Please come back.” When he stopped and turned back to her, she ran to him and grabbed his arm. ”Please, don’t leave me alone here.”

He laid his hand over hers and stroked it gently. She shivered, even though she was perspiring. He had to get her out of the heat; she needed a cool quiet place to relax. “All right, let’s go. There is a place near here where we can go and you can sit and relax a bit and cool off.” He led her towards a nearby restaurant.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 2

The crowds near the tour bus parted as they made their way across the parking lot. Jo tried to imagine what people thought as they saw the tall, fierce-looking warrior and a heavyset American woman. Oh well, as her mother used to say, these people would never see her again, who cares!

“Khalid, I didn’t know you were bringing a guest. You should have let me know.” A neatly dressed man-made his way through the tables and greeted them.

“This is Miss Jo Alazar, Ali. She is in need of refreshment and a taxi. Jo, this is Ali Mahout.”

“Would you like something to drink, Miss Alazar?” The smaller man motioned her to a table well back from the windows.

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Mahout. That would be great. Do you have a restroom I can use? I need to freshen up a bit.” She swiped at her face with a Kleenex and frowned.

“Of course, right through here, the second door on the left.”

Jo groaned as she looked in the mirror. What a mess. Her hair was sweaty, her makeup was gone and her clothes were damp and wrinkled. She dug out her makeup bag, looked at it and shoved it back in her purse. With this heat, it was a lost cause. She ran a comb through her hair, wiped her face with a cold wet rag and went back out.

She could hear Khalid and Mr. Mahout talking as she walked back out. She couldn’t understand a word, but just the sound of the warrior’s deep, rich voice sent a shiver down her spine. He had removed his headdress and his long, dark hair curled around his shoulders. Her fingers ached to touch it.

She tore her gaze away and looked around the room, noticing some pictures along the wall showing men on horseback. She peered closely at a rider that looked amazingly like her rescuer, unaware of being studied by Khalid.

What was it about this woman that intrigued him? She was not a beauty by fashionable standards, not thin and willowy with perfect features, but she fascinated him. She was funny, smart and even though she was in a strange place with people she didn’t know, seemed to be dealing with circumstances very well. He realized that Ali was speaking to him.

“Is she all right, Khalid?”

“Yes, and I will stay with her now, and see that she is safe. I will try to find out more from her about the map after she knows me better. I will bring her over and we’ll have that water. Can you call a taxi to get her back to Cairo?” Khalid quietly approached Jo. She was looking at a picture of a Med-jai on horseback. He whispered in her ear, inhaling her spicy perfume as he did. She shivered and leaned back against him.

“That is my grandfather, Ardeth Bay. He was a Med-jai chieftain, as I am. People say we resemble each other.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her so that she was looking at him.

She looked up into his eyes and smiled dreamily. “Magi? Like in the Christmas story? How strange. Do you have any myhrr with you?” She stared at his mouth, praying that he would lower his head just a little more. He was so, so close.

“No,” he murmured, sliding her glasses off and laying them on a nearby table. “M-E-D-J-A-I, Med-jai. It’s the name of our people.” On the last word, he lowered his mouth to hers in a gentle kiss. She sighed and slid her arms up around his neck and threaded her fingers through his silky hair. His large hands came up to cup her cheeks and stroke her ears, and she reveled in the feel of his beard and mustache on her soft skin.

The kiss deepened and he ran his tongue along her lips until she opened her mouth to him. His tongue stroked hers and she made a small sound and ran her hands around his waist. She could feel the hard muscles of his back flex under her hands as she softly kneaded them. He knew they had to stop, it was unseemly to show such affection in public, but Allah help him, she tasted so good. He broke away from her mouth, pulled her closer yet and laid his cheek on the top of her head.

“Jo, we must not do this here. Although, I would like to stay like this forever, we are lucky. It is not yet time for Ali to open the restaurant.”

“And, besides, we’re way too mature to be necking in public, anyway.” She moved away from him, averting her eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone that a crazy, infidel woman tried to ravish you.”

He smiled and moved around to look in her eyes. He handed her glasses to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “I was the guilty one,” he confessed. “But you looked and smelled so good, I couldn’t resist a taste. Now come, have some water.” He gestured to a nearby table where Ali had placed the bottled water. At least he had left them in private. Khalid pulled out Jo’s chair and seated himself close to her.

“So, tell me, Jo….wait, is that really your name? It does not suit you somehow.” He recaptured her hand and she marveled at how small it looked in his. It was a new sensation, this feeling small thing. She looked up into his warm brown eyes and shrugged.

“My name is Johara, but most people screw it up and call me Joanna, Joan and all kinds of other things, so I just keep it simple.”

“Johara? That is “jewel” in Arabic. Is it a family name?” He watched her intently, hoping for some clue as to why she was here.

My word, she thought. If I’d known my name sounded that good, I’d never have shortened it. His warm voice made it into a caress. “Yes, it is. My grandfather said it was his mother’s name. He was Egyptian, that’s why I came here. It took me years to save for the trip.” Her eyes filled with quick tears. “And on my first day here, I get taken by a con man. Oh, well, lesson learned.” She tried to cover the tears with a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Johara, “ Khalid said gently, “what do you do in the States?” He changed the subject reluctantly.

“I own a bookstore in a small town in Wisconsin. It’s called ‘Words to Live By’. Kind of a lame name, but that’s what it was when I bought it.”

“Wisconsin? I went to the University in Madison. What a great place to live. So green, and the snow in the winter… I can still remember it clearly. I was there in the 70’s, when you were in high school, I suppose.” He looked at her inquiringly.

She nodded. “I graduated in ’71, and went right to work. We couldn’t afford for me to go to school, so I worked in the bookstore full time. When the owner wanted to retire, he gave me a good deal on the price. I’ve owned it for almost 25 years.” She groaned. “Does that make me feel old! So, what did you study?”

“Business. I wanted to help bring my people into the present. We have made some good investment decisions, and we can now afford to send all our young people on to school if they wish it. And the elders want for nothing. Most of us divide our time between the city and the desert.”

“This may be a better late than never question, but….” She hesitated. “Are you married? Any children?”

“I would not have kissed you if I was. My wife died many years ago, and I took no other. My sons are grown and at school themselves now.” He reached out and gently slid her glasses up her nose. “I wish we were alone now. I want to kiss you again.”

She shuddered, feeling a liquid heat run through her body. She looked at him and was captured by his dark gaze. She saw the raw desire in his eyes and knew it was mirrored in her own. What the hell was wrong with her? She was a mature woman of 48 and was acting like a horny teenager.

Khalid could see the emotion warring in her. She wanted him, but was afraid of what she felt. He himself was unsure of where this would lead, but no matter what, he would have her. They were meant to be together.

“Khalid,” Ali called. “The taxi is here. Are you ready?”

They stood and moved towards the door. Khalid stopped and grabbed her arm to spin her around. He kissed her one more time, an endless soul-searing caress that shook her to her very core.

“We will continue this, Johara Alazar. That is a promise.”

Before she could respond, he led her out to the taxi, put her in and closed the door. He mounted his horse, and rode off. Suddenly the horse spun around, reared on its hind legs and neighed loudly. Khalid laughed, waved and galloped away.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 3

On the trip back to Cairo, Jo sat stunned in the back of the taxi. Her mind was whirling with all that happened to her in the last few hours. As the desert scenery passed unseen, she relived every second of her second encounter with Khalid Bay, the Med-jai chieftain. Good lord!

She entered the lobby of the Ramses Hilton and picked up her key. The desk clerk handed her an envelope, which she shoved into her purse. She took the elevator up to her room, poured a cold glass of water and sat down on the bed.

The note was from Rashid al-Basri from the cartography department of the museum, the man she had called the previous day to ask about her grandfather’s map.

Dear Miss Alazar,
I have obtained some information regarding your map. Please stop by the museum to see me at your convenience.
Rashid al-Basri

She had forgotten all about the map and wondered what Mr. Al Basri had found. First thing in the morning, she promised herself. The phone rang and she was startled to hear Khalid’s voice on the other end.

“Johara, are you all right? I hope your adventure this afternoon has not caused you to rethink your trip.”

“No, Khalid, I’m fine, just sorry I couldn’t see more of the pyramids at Dashur. I was looking forward to it. The step pyramid is very unique, you know.”

He chuckled, “Yes, I know, and maybe we will revisit Ali and go to the pyramids. But, for now I have a proposition for you.”

“Really, how forward of you Mr. Bay!”

“Not that kind of proposition, although now that you mention it…” he paused, then sighed. “Anyway, how would you like to go for a visit to my people’s village? We would be gone overnight. Also, do you ride?”

“Horses? Well, I have ridden, but not for years. Aren’t there any roads out there?” All she could think of was how sore her muscles would be after hours in the saddle.

“No, and no air conditioning either, you wimp. Do you want to go or not?” She could hear the smile in his voice and answered on impulse.

“Okay, but not until the day after tomorrow. I have someone to see in the city and I need to find appropriate clothes. Oh, by the way, what are the appropriate clothes for a night in a Med-jai village?”

“I’ll tell you what,” he answered, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning, we’ll see your person in the city and I’ll take you shopping.“

“Well, let’s see if I can fit you into my busy social schedule. Tomorrow: go to breakfast, shop, go to lunch, shop, go to dinner. I don’t know,” she teased.

“I’m sure you can squeeze me in somewhere, if you try hard enough, my jewel.” His deep, warm voice sent frissions of pleasure down her spine.

“Mmmm, keep talking like that and you can have the whole day,” she murmured.

“Okay, I’ll take it, I’ll be there at 7 am, so be ready. And, Johara?” he whispered the last two words.

“Yes, Khalid?” her heart beat faster.

“Don’t forget what I promised you earlier.”

The phone went dead and Jo fell back on the bed. Yikes, 7 A.M.? That was an unholy hour to get out of bed. She ordered a sandwich from room service and turned in early.

She dreamed of a tall man on a horse riding across the desert towards a distant ancient city. He was calling her name and she knew she had to tell him she was not there, but she couldn’t speak. Her mouth was covered by someone’s hand and she struggled to get free. She watched as the man rode past her into the night. Her captor released her and threw her on the ground.

Her body started and she woke up, shaking. The clock read 3 am, and she tossed and turned the rest of the night, falling into an uneasy sleep just before the alarm rang.

A long, hot shower helped clear the frightening aspects of the nightmare from her head, but she was still mystified by what it could mean. She had dreamt it before, but since she began planning her trip it came with more and more frequency.

Since she had discovered the old map amongst her grandfather’s things in the attic, she had felt like she was being drawn to Egypt. Because of her ancestry, she had always wanted to visit the country, but her interest had become more intense lately. She realized she was going to be late and hurried to finish getting ready.

She toweled off, spritzed Opium body spray onto her damp skin and applied a little eye makeup. With the heat, it was foolish to do any more. She dressed in a gold rayon tunic, with ¾ length sleeves over loose fitting olive green pants. Sensible shoes and a straw hat completed the ensemble. She picked up her purse, checked for her passport, money and the map and started downstairs.

As she exited the elevator, she heard her name. She turned and a tall man with dark hair in a ponytail, dressed in a white T-shirt and faded jeans was asking the desk clerk for her room number.

“I’m sorry, sir, we don’t give out information on our guests. I can call Miss Alazar and tell her you’re here, however.” The desk clerk picked up the phone and waited for the man to give his name.

Jo wondered who would be calling on her, and waited to see if she knew the man. There was something vaguely familiar about his stance, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was.

“Tell her Khalid is here,” the man said, “I’ll be waiting in the restaurant.” He strode out of the lobby and disappeared.

Khalid? Jo went to the front desk and asked for an extra key for her room, wanting Khalid to have one. Although everything one read cautioned against trusting strangers, at home, let alone in a foreign country, she felt in her heart of hearts that he was a good, honest man.

She walked into the restaurant and saw him sitting at a table, talking to a waiter. He stood when he saw her and smiled. Her knees grew weak at the sight of him, his darkness emphasized by the white shirt, his eyes flashing with barely suppressed desire. He took her hand, kissed it and seated her in the chair next to his.

“Good morning, Johara.” His deep voice flowed over her like warm honey, causing her to shiver.

“Good morning, Khalid. I like your jeans and your white shirt. It suits you.” She grinned at him and said, “I saw you in the lobby, but didn’t recognize you from the back.”

“I don’t always dress as a warrior, you know. It would scare off the people I deal with in business matters. The tattoos can sometimes be a liability.”

“Well, I think they are beautiful. What do they mean?”

“I will tell you another time, all right? Now, would you like some coffee? They have American or Arabian styles. Have you tried our coffee?”

“Yes, and I didn’t like it much. Although that was at the airport, maybe it is better here?”

“I’ll have the Arabian and you have the American, and you can try mine.” Khalid signaled the waiter and ordered the coffees, along with some pastries and fruit. “Now, where is it you have to go in the city today? We will start there and go shopping later.”

“The Museum of Antiquities. Do you know where that is?” The waiter delivered their breakfast and Jo sipped her coffee carefully. “Mmmm, delicious. How’s yours?”

“Very good. Try it.” Jo took a sip and grimaced, waving away his offer of more.

Khalid tried to think of a way to prevent Jo from talking to Rashid just yet. He should have called him last night. “I think the Museum is closed for a couple of days. They had some power problems last night. I can call to make sure, if you want me to.”

“No, that’s okay. It’s not a big deal. So, I guess it’s on to the shopping. Where are we going?” She watched, fascinated, as Khalid bit into a juicy peach. His tongue came out to catch the drips on his full lower lip. Jo groaned inwardly and tore her eyes away.

On the other side of the room, she noticed a man watching them. Something about him was familiar. He almost looked like the man who tried to take her purse, but it couldn’t be. What was a street thief doing in the Hilton?

“Johara? Are you listening?” Khalid’s gaze followed hers and he swore under his breath. “Are you ready to leave now? We should go before it gets too hot to move around.”

“Hmmm? Oh, yes, let’s go.” Jo looked back at the man as they left and he smiled at her. She moved closer to Khalid and walked a little faster.

The morning cool air was already disappearing as they got into a taxi in front of the hotel. Jo took the extra key out of her purse and handed it to Khalid. He looked at her, a question in his expressive eyes and she smiled. “I trust you,” she stated.

Khalid took Jo’s hand and laid it on his thigh and covered it with his. He leaned over to her and whispered in her ear, his breath ruffling the curls near her neck. “Johara, I want to kiss you. I will surely die of wanting it.” He smiled at her and she blushed.

“Khalid, you pick the worst places to say the best things. I think you are a scoundrel.” She squeezed his leg and was rewarded when he groaned and moved her hand.

“Okay, you win that round, Johara, but beware, revenge is a dish best served cold, as the Klingons say.” He laughed, glancing out the window to see where they were. “Soon we will be at the shop of Mohammed, the best dressmaker in Cairo.”

“Hmmmm, and do you buy many dresses? Is there something your not telling me?” she asked.

“Yes, you’ve found me out. A cross dressing warrior, what next?” He chuckled and helped her out of the cab in front of a neat, unassuming shop.

As they entered the building, a tiny, wizened man greeted Khalid warmly. His bright, birdlike eyes looked Jo over curiously.

“My friend, she is wonderful! I am so glad you brought her to me. I will be honored to dress her.” The little man took Jo’s hand and led her into another room. It was filled with materials of every color and texture. Khalid followed and sat down to watch the master at work.

“Now, my dear, what is your favorite color?” Mohammed went over to a table and began pulling different weight fabrics out of a pile. “This green linen goes well with your coloring of course. And purple. No reds, though. Ah, here is a nice russet cotton. Oh, but wait, I have the perfect thing. I think it’s over here. Let me see. Ah, yes, here it is.” He held up a length of teal silk, very similar to what she had been admiring at the stall in Dashur.

“I told you it was perfect for you.” Khalid got up, took the silk from Mohammed and came over to Jo. He turned her to face a large mirror. “Here, let me show you.” He draped the silk over her shoulders and wrapped it around her waist. The color enhanced her gold eyes and made her red hair flame. “My beautiful jewel.”

As Khalid nuzzled her neck, she could see him in the mirror and it was the most erotic thing she’d ever seen. The contrast of his dark hair and skin against her light coloring was amazing. She leaned back into him and closed her eyes.

A bell jangled in the front of the shop and Mohammed left them alone. Jo turned in Khalid’s arms and turned her face up for the kiss she knew was coming. Khalid took her face in his hands and stared at her, as if to memorize her features. She grew impatient and reached up to pull his head down. She licked his mouth, and took his full lower lip into her mouth. She nipped at it and then soothed it with her tongue. Khalid gathered her closer, and his hands wandered down her back to her rounded buttocks. He squeezed them gently and she felt him smile against her mouth.

“Nice ass,” he murmured. He ran one of his hands up her side and reached around to cup her breast. The nipple sprang to life as he stroked it. Jo’s soft hands caressed his face and tangled themselves in his long hair.

Just then, they heard Mohammed calling as he returned to the room. “Well, what have you decided?” He smiled when he saw their disheveled appearance.

“We’ll take one of each color. Something suitable for riding into the desert. The teal will be the special one I called you about. Can we get them by tomorrow?” Khalid went to sit back down and Jo moved to the table by Mohammed.

“No problem, I just have to get some measurements. Boots, too, I presume?”

Khalid had never wished to be an inanimate object before, but he was jealous of the tape measure as he watched the proceedings. Jo thanked Mohammed as they left the shop, and Khalid next took Jo to a restaurant for a long lunch. They entered the restaurant, and the owner came up to Khalid and asked about Ali.

“He is fine. You should go and see him, he is your father.”

“I know, but I am busy here. Perhaps next week sometime. And who is your lovely companion?” The man bowed over Jo’s hand and led them to a private dining room.

“This is Johara Alazar, Johara this is Daoud. He is Ali’s son.”

“Nice to meet you, Daoud. Your father is a very nice man.” She noticed that Daoud, too, had the tattoos. “Are you Med-jai, too?”

Daoud looked at Khalid and said something in Arabic. Khalid shook his head and answered him, and then Daoud said, “Yes, we come from the same village.”

“Sorry for being rude and not including you in that little exchange, but some words do not translate well.” Khalid pulled Jo’s chair out and then seated himself. Daoud brought them some ice water and some tea, and left them to the menu.

“Shall I order for you again? Is there anything you don’t like?”

“Yes, I don’t like food that is too spicy hot. I love different seasonings, but I could never understand how you can taste the food if it is burning you taste buds out!” She took a long drink of cold water and leaned back in her chair. She looked around at the restaurant. It was the usual blend of tiles in many colors. She had read that Islam forbade the depiction of animals, and that was why everything was in geometric patterns. Khalid watched her, his eyes fastened on a drop of sweat that was making its way down her neck. He had an almost uncontrollable urge to lean over and lick it off her skin. He hadn’t felt an attraction like this since Claudia in Paris. God help them both, he had to tell her everything. He couldn’t bear the thought if she found out he had been after the map originally.

He ordered when the waiter came back and then relaxed back into his chair. “So, Johara, tell me about yourself. You said you have been saving a long time for this trip?”

“Yes, I have always wanted to come here, since hearing my grandfather’s stories. My grandmother died recently, and left me enough, along with what I’ve saved, to finally make the trip. I also found a map among my grandfather’s things in the attic. I wanted to see if I could find out anything and give it to a museum if it’s important. Would you like to see it?” She reached for her purse, but Khalid stopped her.

“Not now, here comes the first course. The appetizer.” He tore off pieces of bread and showed her how to dip them in the various sauces.

“Khalid, this is wonderful. Oh, let me try that one.” She pointed to a dish across the table from her and he dipped a piece of bread in the mixture and held it to her lips. She looked at him mischievously and covered his fingers with her mouth. As she took the food, her tongue stroked his fingers.

“Witch,” he growled. She laughed delightedly and he grinned back.

“Khalid, have you ever gone back to the States? Or have you stayed here since college?” She thanked the waiter as he set down the main course of lamb shish kebobs with rice.

“I have been all over the world, Johara. I lived in Paris for a couple of years.” Something changed in his face and he turned away from her. She reached out and turned his face back towards her with a gentle hand.

“What is it? Khalid, are you all right?” He turned his mouth into her palm and planted a warm kiss and then answered reluctantly.

“I am fine, Johara. I lived in Paris with a woman. After my wife died, my father, who was the chieftain then, sent me on business trips to keep my mind off of her death. I met a woman on one of those trips. She is the only woman I was ever really in love with. She was not what she appeared to be, and after being with me for two years, I realized she was never in love with me and I left.” His eyes were shuttered, as if looking back to another time and place. He shook himself and went on, ”But, that was then and this is now, and here comes dessert.

The waiter set a dish of flaky pastries on the table. They were oozing almond paste, dates and other delicious fillings. Khalid took one and offered it to Jo. She closed her eyes and took a bite.

“Mmmm, this is heavenly.” The sight of a crumb on her lip was Khalid’s undoing. He reached over and pulled her chair closer to his. Her gold eyes flew to his face and she gasped. His head lowered to hers and his tongue came out and gently licked the crumb off her mouth. She leaned closer and opened her mouth to him. He groaned, lifted her onto his lap and proceeded to kiss her thoroughly. She tore her mouth away and hid her face in his neck. His hands stroked her back, soothing her.

“God, Khalid, what will I do with you? I am still not convinced that you are not just a local guy trying to dupe the silly American woman. But if you are, I don’t care. Right now, however, I need the little girls room.” She slid off his lap and left the room.

She stopped to talk to Daoud on the way, and asked for some assistance. “Daoud, I want to get Khalid something, silver jewelry, but I need to know where to go. Do you know of any metal smiths that are honest and fair?”

“But, of course, I will write the address for you.” He wrote on the back of a business card and handed it to her. “Just give it to a taxi driver, and he’ll take you there.”

As she passed a window on her return, she saw the man again that had been at the hotel. She hurried back to the table. “Khalid, I have to tell you something.” The tone of her voice was panicked, and he looked up to see what was the matter. “Come and look out this window here. Isn’t that the man who tried to steal my purse? I saw him at the hotel, too. Why is he following me?”

Khalid called to Daoud and then turned to Jo. “Daoud will put you in a taxi. I wish to have a word with this man. I will call you later.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead and handed her over to the restaurateur.

Jo followed the other man out to the street. “Well, Daoud, I guess this is as good a time as any to get what I want for Khalid. Tell the taxi to take me to the shop and wait for me until I’m done. And thanks, I really appreciate it.” Daoud handed her into the taxi, gave the directions and waved as the taxi drove off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 4

Khalid exited the restaurant from the rear, circled around and came up upon the man from the back, He “persuaded” him to go into the alley, and backed him up against the wall. “Now, tell me, my friend,” he said menacingly, “what does Le Clair want with this woman? What does she have that will tell him anything that he does not already know?”

The man looked into Khalid’s eyes and saw his death there. “I…I don’t know. I just know that he wants something she has in her purse. L-l-leave me alone! I swear I’ll never go near her again. This damn job is not worth it.” He broke away from Khalid and ran away.

Jo went into the jeweler’s shop and looked around. A man entered the room through a curtained door and approached her.

“May I help you, miss? I have many beautiful things. What are you looking for?” He swept his arm around to indicate the merchandise he had on display.

“I am looking for something very special for a very special man. It must be unique. Silver, old if possible.”

He led her over to a glass case where there were several silver cuff bracelets. He took one out of the case and showed it to her. “This one is very old, the design is a mystery. I have never seen it before.”

She looked at the symbol carefully. It was a pyramid, with falcon wings, bracketed by symbols for two kings. The Eye of Horus was centered in the middle of the pyramid. There were initials engraved in the inside. AB & EOB. She wondered what they meant. But, the shopkeeper had no idea, saying that the bracelet had been pawned recently by a desert tribesman.

She paid for it after haggling a little and took the taxi back to her hotel. She would give it to him tonight, after dinner, if he came to the hotel. If not, she would have to wait until the next day.

The phone was ringing as she was getting out of the shower a few hours later. She ran into the bedroom and said hello breathlessly.

“Hello yourself. Did I interrupt something? You sound out of breath.” Khalid’s voice flowed from the receiver and over her wet skin, warming it.

“No, I just got out of the shower. Are you coming over for dinner?” She held her breath, hoping for an affirmative answer.

“Actually, my jewel, I am right outside the door.” At that second the door swung open and he strode in, exuding masculinity and looking like every little girl’s fantasy of a desert prince. He had on a black galabia, embroidered in silver. He had on soft black boots and his clean, soft hair was an ebony cloud on his shoulders.

He stopped short at the sight of Jo standing, unclothed, by the bed. The telephone hung from one hand, while the other tried futilely to cover her nakedness. He drank in the picture in front of him, her large, firm breasts, rounded belly, ample thighs and buttocks. He could feel his body tightening with desire.

“Johara,” he breathed, moving toward her, slowly, surely. “Now we will finish it.”

She looked up at him and her eyes widened when she met his predatory gaze. She managed to hang up the phone before he dragged her against him and started running his hands over her body. He took her mouth in a drugging kiss that left her gasping for breath. He took her face in his hands and looked her in the eyes.

“Are you sure, my jewel? Now is the time to say no.” He showered gentle kisses on her eyes, her cheeks and moved to nuzzle her ear. Her legs weakened and he pressed her down onto the bed. He stood over her, his arousal apparent and waited for her answer.

She lifted her arms and reached for him. “No, Khalid,” she said huskily, “Now is the time to say yes.” She thrust her hands into his long hair, urging him closer.

Khalid came down onto her, holding his upper body off of her. He leaned down and kissed her neck, inhaling the fragrance of her sweet smelling skin. His mouth moved down to take her nipple in his mouth and suck gently. She moaned, bucked up against him and pulled at his robe.

“I need to feel you, Khalid, please!” He stood up, pulled the robe off, slipped out of his boots and pants and rejoined her on the bed. Jo looked at him and started to giggle. “Red satin boxers? Did you get those from your girlfriend?”

He grabbed her around the waist and rolled her over on top of him. His chest was covered in soft hair, and her fingers seemed to take off on their own accord to bury themselves in it. She stroked his nipples and giggled as he sucked in a breath.

“No, my mother. She thinks I should have a girlfriend.” He pulled her head down for another long, wet kiss, their tongues dueling for position. He ran his hands down her back to her bottom and kneaded it, enjoying the feel of its lush softness. She moved away from him and grabbed the elastic waist of his boxers. She slid them down his legs and moved back up, licking her way to his hard shaft. She licked the velvety tip and swirled her tongue around the top. Khalid reared up off the bed, grabbed her and threw her back onto the bed.

“Now, Johara! Now!” His hand came down between her legs to make sure she was ready for him. Feeling her wet heat, he positioned himself and thrust into her.

“Oh, God! Khalid!” Jo pulled his head down to her for a kiss and moaned. He laughed into her mouth, pulled almost all the way out and stopped. Jo reached down and grabbed his hips and pulled him into her again. He began thrusting into her, feeling her muscles clasping his sex, reveling in her tight, wet heat. He suckled on first one, then the other breast, pulling the nipples deep into his mouth. Jo dug her short nails into his buttocks and moaned his name.

He reached between them, found her sensitive center and stroked it. It sent her over the edge and she cried out at the intensity of her climax. Khalid thrust one more time, and followed her. He collapsed on top of her, rocking gently, prolonging their orgasms. Jo’s arms held him to her, and he realized she was crying.

“Johara? What is it? Did I hurt you?” He turned her face up to his and kissed her tenderly. She shook her head and smiled.

“No, just the opposite, dear man, that was a first for me.“ She kissed him deeply, and hugged him. “Thank you, thank you.”

Khalid rolled off of her, turning her to lie against him. He looked at her searchingly and asked, “First? Really?” he smiled smugly. “I am good!”

“You conceited bum!” Jo laughed. “I meant the first while making love the regular way. But, since you are so good, I have something for you.”

The bracelet was in the nightstand drawer and she had to lean over him to get it. Khalid enjoyed her dilemma, taking the opportunity to lick her breasts and, as she leaned farther, dip his tongue into her navel.

“Hey, behave! Or you won’t get your present.” Jo moved back over and sat cross-legged on the bed beside him.

Khalid wiggled his eyebrows up and down and said, “Well, I think I already did!”

“No, seriously, sit up and pay attention. I have something to say.” Khalid saw that she was not kidding anymore and straightened up against the headboard. “Ever since we met, I have felt that you were the one person in this country that I could trust. You looked past my gender and nationality and everything else and accepted me for what I was, you were kind to me without knowing me and I want to give you something.” She handed him the jeweler’s box and watched him.

He leaned over and kissed her, his guilt a tangible pain in his belly. “Jo, wait. I have something to tell you. You may not want to give me anything after you hear it.” She laid her fingers over his mouth and silenced him.

“There is nothing you can say that will make me stop trusting you. Now, open it.”

He sighed and picked up the box. When he opened it, he gasped and sat up straight in bed. He reverently removed the bracelet and looked at it carefully. He ran his fingers over the initials and looked at her. “Where did you find this? Do you have any idea what it is?” He moved to sit on the edge of the bed, bringing the bracelet under the light from the bedside lamp.

“Daoud gave me the name of a jeweler. The man had no idea what the symbols meant. Why? What is it?” She looked at him curiously. “Khalid?” She laid her hand on his arm and when he raised his head, she saw they were filled with unshed tears. “Khalid! Honey, what is it? What have I done?” Jo jumped up off the bed and knelt in front of him. She cupped his face in her hands and looked at him closely. What was going on? He looked as if he’d seen a ghost.

“Do you see the initials? My grandfather was Ardeth Bay and my grandmother was Emma O’Connell Bay. She gave him this bracelet when they had been married for 10 years. It was stolen by one of his men, who disappeared into the desert and was never heard from again.” His smile lit up his whole face and he pulled her closer for a long kiss. “I have heard the story of the bracelet and it’s theft ever since I can remember. The family thought it lost forever. You have given me the most special gift I have ever received. Thank you.” He kissed her again, tenderly.

Jo shivered and moved closer to him. “Oh, Khalid. I’m glad I was the one to find the bracelet for you. What does the design mean?” His arms closed around her and he pulled her up onto the bed with him.

“Well, little girl, lay here by me and I’ll tell you a story.” Maybe he could tell her in a roundabout way just why he was at Dashur when she needed him.

“A long time ago, there was a man named Imhotep. He and his girlfriend killed the Pharaoh. She was killed and he was buried alive at the city of Hamanaptra.” He watched her face, seeing recognition dawning there.

“Hamanaptra? The map I have leads to that city.” She waited for the rest of the story to unfold.

“Imhotep was a very powerful and evil man, and my people, the Med-jai, were ordered by the new Pharaoh to keep the world safe from him, which we did for 3000 years. Then in 1923, a man named Rick O’Connell found the city, guided by a local villager. That started a chain of events that led to Imhotep being brought back to life at least a couple of times. Rick and his wife, Evelyn were friends of my grandfather and Emma was Rick’s sister. Ardeth Bay and Emma O’Connell met and the rest as they say, is history.” Jo sighed dreamily.

“And the design on the bracelet?” she asked.

“Rick and Emma were raised in an orphanage in Cairo. They had no recollection of any life before that. Rick had a tattoo on his wrist that my grandfather happened to see. He realized that Rick was born a Med-jai, a warrior of god. He said to him, What if I were to say to you ‘I am a stranger traveling from the East, seeking that which is lost?’” Rick replied, “I would reply, ‘I am a stranger traveling from the West. It is I whom you seek.’” Rick had no idea where he had learned it, and was loath to accept his destiny as a Med-jai, but went on to defeat Imhotep twice. When my grandparents had been married for ten years, my grandmother wanted to give him something with special meaning to the two families and had the bracelet made. The rest you know.”

“Mmm, that’s a wonderful story, Khalid.” Jo said happily. “Let me see it on you.” He held his arm out and she slipped the bracelet on his wrist. It showed in bright contrast to his skin and set off the tattoos on his wrist. She tugged the arm around her, and snuggled deeper into his embrace.

“I noticed that you seem to treat me differently than the other men in this country treat women. More as an equal. Is that because of your travels?”

He chuckled. “No, that is because of my grandmother, Emma. She was, shall we say, quite spirited. She would not be treated as anything less than an equal. The Med-jai have also been able to pretty much make up their own rules in some things. One was marriage; we were allowed to marry whomever we pleased. My grandmother taught us that a woman is not to be placed lower than an man, to serve him, nor higher, to be worshipped, but at his side to fight for and with him and share everything. You will see many female Med-jai warriors tomorrow when you visit my village. And, besides, it has been a pleasure treating you well. You are truly a jewel.” He leaned down and kissed her, his hand running across her ribs to her full breast. She deepened the kiss for a moment and then broke away.

“Very nice, Mr. Bay.” She playfully slapped at his roving hands. “Now, if you please, I’m starving! Let’s go down to the dining room and get something to eat.” Jo slipped off the bed and headed for the bathroom.

“Need company?” Khalid called. “Not on your life, buster, we’d never get downstairs. You can take a shower when I’m done.” She finished her shower and came out into the bedroom. Khalid got up and headed for the shower, giving her a quick kiss and a pat on the rear as he passed her.

She dressed in a green silk pantsuit, embellished at the hems and neckline with silver beading. A touch of eye makeup, a spritz of perfume and her silver jewelry completed her preparations. She was fluffing her curls when Khalid emerged from the steamy bathroom. He came up behind her, slid an arm around her waist and nuzzled her neck. Jo could feel his arousal and leaned back into him.

“This not a smart idea, you know.” The softness of his beard tickled her. She turned and pushed him away. “Later, stud, right now, I’m starving.”

“Spoilsport.” He dressed quickly and they went down to the hotel restaurant.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's Never Too Late - Chapters 5-6