The Captive Flesh (30 page)

‘Gabriel has something to ask you.'

‘You are certain? This is no trick?' Gabriel said to Kasim.
When Kasim remained silent he went on confidently. ‘Marietta, we can leave. Together. If you wish it. Kasim gives us his blessing. Will you come with me?'

Marietta was stunned. She looked from one to the other. Kasim had a shuttered look to his face, while Gabriel was all contained excitement.

‘Don't you see what this means?' Gabriel said. ‘Kasim is giving us both our freedom. I heard you make your choice just now. But you did not speak from your heart, I know it. You thought you would remain a slave always. But now there is no need for compromise. No need to convince yourself that you must accept life here in the harem. You are free. Kasim is not your master unless you wish it. Tell him that you are leaving with me.'

Marietta felt torn in two. After all this time she was being offered freedom. She gave a strangled laugh. But I am no longer free, she thought. Oh, Gabriel, how could you be so wrong about me?

‘Marietta?'

She turned at the sound of her name. Kasim's face, angular and strong featured, looked strained. How had she never noticed the underlying fragility? He was like a precious stone that was flawed, but the flaw only served to show off his perfection. He had never looked so beautiful to her.

He smiled gently, a little sadly, ‘You have not answered Gabriel. So. Tell me that you are leaving and I shall not stop you.'

‘And if I stay?' she said, trying for lightness, though her voice shook alarmingly.

He gave an elegant shrug. ‘I am what I am. I make no apologies for it. You know what to expect.'

Yes. She knew. And it was what she wanted. With
all her heart and soul she wanted Kasim. Gabriel was like a comet, streaming through her life, lighting it up briefly with the brightness of its passing. But Kasim was the blood and soil of her soul. The dark tides that moved within him were mirrored in her. She had found herself in Kasim and it was quite impossible to leave him. She never wanted to leave him.

When Marietta remained silent Gabriel's brow darkened. He began to look afraid. It was painful to her to see the indecision mar his face.

‘I'm sorry,' she whispered, knowing how inadequate that sounded.

How could she ever make Gabriel understand? Whatever she said he would think that Kasim had coerced her into staying. Then she must show him. It was cruel, but unavoidable.

In one fluid movement she changed position, so that she lay full length on the carpet. Clasping Kasim's booted ankles she pressed her lips to his feet.

Gabriel blanched. He took one step back. ‘I seem to have misunderstood. Foolish of me … forgive me,' he said dazedly.

Kasim raised Marietta to her feet and kissed her deeply. She put her arms around his neck and returned the kiss, pressing herself closely along his length. There was triumph in his kiss and the promise of the spiked pleasure to come. Heat unfurled slowly and spread through Marietta's body.

Neither of them noticed when the door opened and closed.

Kasim put Marietta from him. His dark eyes seemed fathomless. His voice was perfectly level and restrained when he said, ‘On your knees, Marietta. Free my phallus.'

Marietta felt a strong swimming desire in her loins
as the welcome submission gathered in her belly. She sank to the carpet in front of Kasim and said softly, huskily:

‘Yes. Master.'

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First Published by Black Lace 1993

Copyright © Cleo Cordell 1993

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