Be My Warmth

by Shanade White

  “Honestly, all I remember is the dust and stink of this city.” Tani said, as they walked through the big doors into the lobby of the hotel.

  “Ah, but look.” Aman said, gesturing to the lavish lobby. “We have improved Cairo.”

  Tani took a minute to look around her, and had to admit that this was the nicest hotel she’d ever been in, but she would have preferred the little house she and her parents had always stayed in when they were in Cairo. For a moment, she wondered what had ever happened to the house. They had owned it, but after her parent’s death she’d forgotten about it. It had probably long ago been confiscated by the government, gone forever.

  “This is wonderful.” She said, putting on a false smile. “I think I could get to like Cairo if the rest of it has been improved like this old hotel.”

  “Maybe you would let me escort you around town one night. Cairo really does shine best after dark.” Aman said, and actually winked at her.

  “Hmm, I’ll give that some thought.” She said, then spotted Flynn coming straight at them, and breathed a sigh of relief. Somehow, he always seemed to know just when she needed rescuing.

  “This is amazing love, come look at this.” Flynn said, when he reached them and drug her away to stand in front of a statue. When he was sure they wouldn’t be overheard, he asked, “How’s it going. Are you doing okay?”

  “I’m alright, but that man is a creep. This is going to be harder than I thought.” Tani said, wanting to slide into his arms.

  “Hang in there, hopefully he won’t want to go into our room with us.” Flynn said, then turned and led her back to Aman. When they reached Aman, he said, “I can’t wait to see the room, let’s get checked in.”

  To Tani’s immense relief, the Minister left them at the door to their room, but only after Tani made it clear that he wasn’t needed any longer. “I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner. Thank you so much for meeting our plane.”

  “It was my pleasure Tani.” He said, kissing the back of her hand again, and this time she was sure she felt his tongue. “I look forward to spending some time with you before you go to the dig.”

  “I’m sure we’ll see each other tomorrow. I’m going to sleep off my jet lag today, but tomorrow I’ll be available.” Tani said, batting her eyes at him, which always seemed to get to him.

  “Tomorrow then.” He said, and walked away, whistling.

  When she finally shut the door, she leaned against it waiting for the feeling of revulsion to pass and Flynn was next to her instantly. “Uhhh, that man makes me want to puke.” She said, shuttering.

  “I can’t blame you, but this part of the plan will only take a few days. Hang in there it’ll be over soon.” Flynn said, hugging her.

  Tani took several deep breaths, inhaling Flynn’s scent until she began to feel better. Then she pushed away from Flynn and said, “I’m going to take a shower then we can call Cooper and let him know we got here alright and how well things are going.”

  Aman got on the elevator congratulating himself on how well things were going. He’d heard the rumors that Tani was only after the money she could get from the artifacts and he’d doubted it’s true, but what he’d seen today was beginning to convince him. Her husband seemed to be exactly what he’d heard he he’d be, a rich boy out for his own enjoyment and willing to pay for it. The bill for this stay alone would be huge and if the rumors were true. Tani was spending a small fortune on entertaining while they were here.

  Now it appeared she’d taken a liking to him, which shouldn’t be surprising since he held a great deal of power and for a man his age was still in good physical shape. The next few days would be very entertaining as well as enlightening, and he couldn’t wait to tell the President that it might just be possible to get their hands on a significant amount of the artifacts without further bloodshed. If the rumors were true, they might just be able to arrange something with Tani that would benefit them all in the long run.

  The husband wouldn’t be a problem, and if he did become a problem, well his fate would be what was always going to be. He might even suggest it to Tani himself once they found the treasure. She hadn’t hidden her interest in him, which seemed a good omen for his success, which would seal his position in the government for a long time. His inability to find Tani all those years had been a black mark on his record, but now was his chance to set the record straight, make a little money, and bed a beautiful woman in the process.

  The next morning Tani was sitting at a little table in the hotel restaurant, an Egyptian newspaper on the table in front of her, a fragrant pitcher of coffee cooling at the elbow, when she felt a presence behind her. She didn’t even have to turn around to know that it was Aman, she’d known that he’d come looking for her and stationed herself where he’d see her when he walked in the door. The night before Flynn had carefully scoped out the dining room for the best table, one where he could watch their exchange and come to her rescue if needed.

  Without turning around, she said, “Good morning Aman, would you join me?”

  She heard his sharp intake of breath when she purred the words and smiled, thinking that she might just be able to pull this off after all. When Aman walked around the table, she could see that he’d made an effort to look good that morning, his suit looked fresh and his hair was slicked back. “I’d love to join you. Where is your husband this lovely morning?”

  “Oh, Flynn’s gone off to see the sights. I couldn’t bear to go out in that heat yet. I guess I’ve been away too long.” She said, waving her hand in the air.

  “Well, that makes me the lucky one then.” Aman said, and sat down opposite her.

  They made small talk until he’d been served coffee, but she knew that he would get to the point quickly and he did once the waiter was gone. “So, I understand that you and only you know where the tomb is. I’m surprised it’s taken you this long to come back for it.”

  Tani didn’t have to fake the sadness that came over her, “It was difficult losing my parents the way I did and I was afraid of the people that killed them.” She said, hoping a few tears would pop up and pleased when they did.

  “Oh, my dear, I didn’t mean to upset you. Of course, those terrible people killed your parents and your fiancé, I had forgotten, forgive me.” Aman said, smoothly, happy to have the answer to one question. If Tani didn’t know that it was the government that was responsible, then she’d be much more willing to trust him.

  “It’s okay, I’ve learned to live with it.” She said, then patted his hand.

  Aman congratulated himself on his smooth handling of the subject of her parents, but he still needed to know more. “Has something changed that alleviates your fear? I only ask because I want you to be safe.”

  “Well, as you know I’ve recently been married and my husband has been generous enough to provide enough funds to keep me safe until I find the tomb.” Tani said, evasively.

  “I see, and once you find the tomb?” Aman asked.

  “Well, of course I’ll follow protocol, although I can’t help but tell you that there is a little piece of me that wishes I could have more of the treasure for myself.” Tani put her hand over her mouth when she said it, hoping that Aman would bite on the hook she’d thrown out.

  “Hmm, what an interesting thought.” He said, and then fussed with his coffee, pretending to think about her suggestion. “You know there might just be a way to make that happen.”

  Tani was startled that he’d brought it up so soon, she’d expected to have to endure days of his company before they got this far. “That’s an interesting idea, but I’m not sure how that might happen.”

  “You forget, my dear that I have a lot of power in this country.” Aman said, scooting his chair closer to hers. “Give me a few days, and I’ll see what I can arrange.”

  “That would make me very happy.” Tani said, leaning closer and making sure that her breasts brushed his arm.

  By the time she got back to the room Flynn was waiting for her,
but she went straight to the shower to once again wash off Aman’s touch. He’d insisted on kissing her on the cheek and taken advantage of their closeness to paw at her right there in the restaurant, but she’d only giggled even though she’d wanted to push him away.

  When she got out of the shower, Flynn grabbed her and threw her on the bed. Her towel went flying to the floor and there was little conversation for a long time. When they were both spent and lying in each other’s arms, Flynn said, “It’s killing me to watch you with him.”

  “Well, I’m not enjoying it very much myself and we have that dinner tonight. Please don’t leave me alone with him for too long. He’s already suggesting that he can get me a bigger share of the antiquities.” She said, trailing her hand across Flynn’s chest thinking that she just wanted to run away from this and hide somewhere with him.

  Flynn sat up, “That fast? Wow I expected it to take days, you must be doing a good job.”

  “Humph, that man’s a pig. I think he’d give me anything I asked for if he thought he could get me in bed.” Tani said, a shiver passing though her at the thought.

  “Well, we’re not going to let that happen.” Flynn said, pulling her close again.

  That night as she put on the last of her makeup, Flynn slid up behind her and hugged her from behind, “It doesn’t seem fair that I have to let that man have you for tonight when you look this good.”

  “Well, just remember that when the night is over you get to keep me and he doesn’t.” She said, no realizing what she’d just said.

  “I hope so.” Flynn said, thinking of the future. “I’m getting kind of used to having you around Mrs. Montgomery.”

  Tani’s heart did a little flip flop and she understood what he was thinking. “That’s a promise Flynn Montgomery.” She said, turning in his arms and kissing him, knowing that if she had her way he’d have her forever.

  Those words would prove to be the only thing that got him through the night, watching Aman paw his wife while he played stupid husband proved far more difficult that it had sounded like it would be. But he played his part, pretending to get drunk before the night was half over then slumping down in his seat apparently passed out. It took everything in him not to jump up and knock Aman off his chair when he made crude suggestions to Tani, but she held her own and fended him off with just the right amount of charm and finesse.

  But the plan worked and by the end of the lavish dinner, Aman and Tani had come to an agreement that would allow both of them to walk away with the biggest share of the antiquities. By the time she helped her apparently drunk husband up the stairs to their room, Tani had convinced Aman that she would happily take her share of the tomb and leave Flynn.

  “Once he’s played his part.” Tani said, gesturing to Flynn who was sprawled across a sofa near the table. “He’ll have served his purpose. You can’t believe how happy I’ll be to get rid of him.”

  “I would guess there’ll be a nice payoff as well.” Aman had snickered.

  “Not as much as it should be.” She said, laughing, “You have no idea what I’ve had to put up with to get here.”

  “Don’t worry my sweet, it will all be worth it when we’re sitting on the beach together.” Aman said, completely convinced that Tani wanted to be with him. “I just wish we could be alone before then.”

  Tani wanted to run from the room screaming at the thought of letting this man touch her, but instead she looked at him coyly and said, “It can’t happen soon enough, but we just have to wait until the antiquities are safe, we still need him.”

  Aman sighed, “I suppose you’re right, after all someone has to pay for all this.”

  Flynn had heard all he needed to and began to stir. “Oh, I better get him upstairs before he causes a scene.” Tani said, jumping to her feet.

  “Until tomorrow then. I’ve arranged some security for you, they should be here tomorrow if that works for you.” Aman said, getting up as well.

  “That’s very sweet of you Aman.” She said, knowing full and well that the security was more to watch her than protect her, but wasn’t worried because many of their own men would be on the team.

  Before they parted, she kissed him on the cheek, rubbing her breasts against his chest as she did. Aman pulled her up against him and patted her rear, which made Flynn rear up and begin sputtering to stop Aman’s roving hands. Tani pretended to be upset by his behavior and quickly ushered him from the room, yelling at him the whole way. When she looked back at Aman as they climbed the stairs, she sent him a look that said, just wait, soon.

  Chapter 11

  It took them two days to get on the road to the tomb. Strangely most of the men who were supposed to protect them came up with food poisoning and had to be replaced. Of course, they all knew this was going to happen, the Terrell family had friends all over the world, the Egyptian resistance among them. He’d managed to recruit an elite group of men who were both Egyptian and against the current government, given the opportunity to see that some of Egypt’s treasures were safe from the black market, they’d volunteered for the job.

  “They’re a bit like the seals. Highly trained and under the radar, these are men we can trust.” Cooper had assured her.

  “And you’ll have other men on the crew who will be there solely to protect you.” Sabrina had added.

  As they’d expected Aman stayed far from the dig site where accommodations were rough, nothing more than tents set up in the desert. With no running water, and limited privacy, he decided to stay behind in Cairo. “I can manage things from here.” He’d said when he came to tell her that his troops had arrived.

  Tani wanted to let out a sigh of relief but instead she said, “I’ll miss you.” Then batted her eyes at him the way he liked.

  Now they were cresting the last rise to the dig site, the Egyptian desert spread out around them in all its glory. “I’d forgotten how beautiful it is.” She said, taking Flynn’s hand as they rode side by side.

  “It’s like a different world.” Flynn said, the tombs spreading out below them looked like nothing he’d ever seen. “Which one is ours?”

  Tani pointed to an unimportant looking mound of dirt and debris. “It doesn’t look like much, but most of these looked like that until they were excavated.” She explained, leading the way.

  When they got to the bustling camp that was to be their home for the next few weeks, they were relieved to find everyone was there and ready to work. After a whispered conversation with the archaeologists and trusted crew, the all enjoyed a special dinner then went to bed. The day would start early the next day and Tani knew that it would be a difficult one. She’d been feeling her father’s presence everywhere she went in camp, knowing how excited he would be for the world to finally see his find.

  Tani went to their tent first to wash off some of the dust from the trail. All she’d been thinking about since dinner was getting Flynn alone. They were still both playing their roles and all she wanted was a few minutes of the real Flynn before she went to sleep, more than anything else she needed his strength right now. Tomorrow she’d have to face the past, but tonight she wanted to live in the future, her future with Flynn.

  When he finally slipped into the tent almost an hour later, he put his finger to his lips. He crossed the room and pulled her to her feet and whispered in her ear, “Aman’s man is right outside our tent, I don’t know how long he plans to stay there, but we need to put on a show for him.”

  Tani nodded her understanding and asked in a shrill voice, “Where have you been? Have you been drinking again?”

  “That’s none of your business.” Flynn said, harshly.

  It wasn’t easy to fight with Flynn, especially when he started undressing her and then himself. Finally, they pretended to go to bed mad and climbed into the cot they were to share. Tani was desperate to feel Flynn inside her by that point, but knew that she’d never be able to stay quiet enough if Aman’s assistant was standing right outside the tent. Then they heard an owl hoo
t and Flynn covered her mouth with his in a kiss that told her everything she needed to know.

  When they finally managed to part for a second, Flynn said, “When I knew he was following me, I managed to get word to one of the guards. That was the signal that he’s gone.”

  “I hope the guard is gone too.” Tani said, sliding her hand between them and taking his erection in her hand.

  Flynn sucked in a deep breath, “Me too.” He said, and slid his hand between her legs.

  The next morning as they rode to the tomb, Tani wished that she had the real Flynn with her, but today he was playing his role to the tee, riding ahead and carrying on an unending stream of conversation with anyone who would listen. She felt very alone just then, the anticipation of seeing the tomb again making it hard for her to concentrate. But as they got closer to the gully where the tomb was located, she began to recognize the landmarks she and her father had so carefully crafted to guide them back to the exact location.

  She found that she didn’t need the map and led them to the exact spot where the entrance was covered with what appeared to be hundreds of thousands of pounds of rock, but, was only a thin layer carefully crafted by her and her father. When she stopped her horse and got down, there was silence as she approached the rocks and put her hand on them.

  “It’s here.” She said, fighting the tears that sprang to her eyes.

  Flynn knowing how hard this was for her, broke character, unable to help himself, he put his arm around her and hugged her to him. Then remembering his role, he swung her around in his arms and whooped like an idiot. “Let’s get to digging sweetheart.”

  It took them the rest of the day to get the tomb open, their carefully crafted blind had accumulated more rocks and debris over the five years it had been sitting there, but Tani was glad because it would give Cooper time to put the next part of the plan into action. Plus, she still wasn’t ready to go inside the tomb, putting it off for another day would give her enough time to prepare herself. As soon as they could, Tani and Flynn went to their tent, Aman’s man following behind them as he did every night.