Genevieve paused as she passed the bottle back to Samuel, she didn’t mean together did she? Her eyes widened in alarm, “Where?”
“I suppose anywhere you can find room,” Sophia looked around.
“I’m not touching this one,” Samuel whispered to Alec. “I’m going to sleep up on the bow if anyone needs me.” He announced to the group, raising the bottle in salute he made his way to the front of the ship.
“Be careful of the mosquitoes,” Sophia warned him. “Make sure you cover up.”
“Will do Mum,” Samuel said with a nod of his head.
“Oh, and Samuel,” Sophia stopped him. “Do you think you could take this…” she looked down at the camel that was in the middle of the crowded walkway, “this animal with you?” Cupid had long since eaten the dates and was licking the deck boards that had been splashed with the contents of Samuel’s last bottle. “He is underfoot.”
“Com’on my pet,” Samuel called as he came back for the camel. Letting him sniff the bottle he carried, the great beast rose and readily followed after him.
“See if you can get him to go into the pen with the rest of the animals,” Sophia called.
“I’ll try, but I’m only human,” Samuel made his way to the front of the ship with the camel trailing after him. They watched as he tried to interest the beast in joining the other animals that had been left in the penned area in the middle of the ship. It didn’t appear that he was interested as he ignored the opening and sought Samuel’s bottle instead.
“Get in there you batty ol’ codger,” Samuel attempted to shoo the animal inside. He even entered the pen, but found that the wayward beast was fast on his heels and wasn’t about to let him shut him inside. Lest he break the gate down, Samuel let him back out.
“Looks like Samuel’s found a drinking buddy,” Sophia watched as man and beast walked to the front of the boat. Her expression turned to one of horror as Samuel took a swig from the bottle then offered Cupid a dose by pouring some onto his tongue. “Remind me not to drink from that again,” she grimaced, turning away.
“Well, they both seem to be perfectly happy, but I for one can’t wait to get this itchy thing off my face.” Alec pulled at the false beard, “Ouch!”
Genevieve watched as several hairs came free. “Here let me help you with that.” She stood, collecting few rags. “I’ll just get some water in this bucket first.”
Alec found himself the recipient of her full, if rather painful attention. “Ow,” he complained as she pulled at a few hairs left on his neck. “I liked it a whole lot more when you were putting it on,” he smiled mischievously.
She blushed at the memory of her rather naughty actions. Brushing against his thigh had been quite wanton of her. “I’m sure you did,” she added coyly wiping at the spot.
“I most certainly did,” Alec nodded with a grin.
“I’ve wanted to talk to you,” her tone was serious. “I think you should know that I may have led my mother to believe that we were married.” She dared a quick glance at him.
He had to bite on his lip to keep from smiling. “I thought she knew of our marriage?”
“I meant afterward,” a slight blush stained her cheeks as she tried to explain.
“Afterward?”
“Yes, after we decided to annul it.”
“Ahh,” he nodded.
“Don’t worry,” she rushed on. “Nothing has happened to change it. We can still dissolve it by mutual consent if you want.”
“What do you want?” He asked her softly.
“Excuse me,” Samuel came up to them with half of the beard in his hand. “But I’m having a devil of a time getting this thing off.”
“Of course, I’ll help,” she readily agreed, using the intrusion to evade Alec’s question. “Just sit here and I’ll get another rag.”
Alec glared at him as she walked off.
“I’m sorry, did I interrupt?”
“If I said yes, would you go away?” Alec grumbled.
“And have this itchy thing attached to my face all night? Not on your life.” Samuel chuckled. “Besides, Cupid keeps trying to lick it off my face, and that’s just not my cup of tea.”
Chapter 16
Alec awoke before he was due at the helm. The moon was high overhead with wispy clouds drifting across the sky as he stretched. He looked over to where Genevieve slept on the other side of the boat. She was covered with a shawl looking much the same as he’d first encountered her.
He was immensely grateful now that he’d been so plagued.
Sometime during the night, the winds had changed and both Sophia and Akeim were working the boom, running off the wind. They had to turn the sails into the wind and then away again because of the strong headwind.
“Looks as though you could use another hand,” Alec said as he came up behind them.
“Take the helm, while I get this secured.” Akeim strained against the rope as he maneuvered the sail. Sophia moved away from the yardarm, ducking as the sail came around tacking in the other direction.
“Good morning,” Genevieve came forward, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Sleep well?”
Alec couldn’t help but smile at her, with her hair slightly tussled, he didn’t think she could be more beautiful. She stood blinking her eyes and then stretched, moving her shoulders up at an angle arching her back as she yawned.
Though it had been completely innocent on her part, Alec was mesmerized as he watched her, forgetting even that he was turning the boat as it tacked from starboard to port.
She turned and smiled sweetly at him. “Are you ready?”
He nodded not trusting his voice, especially in front of his in-laws of all people. Unfortunately, there was a part of his anatomy that took it all literally. He turned back noticing for the first time that both Sophia and Akeim stood watching him.
“Hum-mm,” Alec cleared his throat as he focused on steering, placing all of his attention on the sail as it swung around. The fabric stretched taunt as it filled with wind, lending speed to the boat as it jibbed across the water. Akeim shook his head and turned back around.
“Is something wrong?” Genevieve looked at her mother questioningly. Sophia shook her head and turned away with a smile. Puzzled, Genevieve glanced over at Alec who looked to be quite busy.
“The river should turn towards the north soon,” Akeim called over his shoulder. “Until then we’ll have to keep this up.”
“Have you ever sailed before?” Alec asked the beauty at his side.
“Does being a passenger count?” Genevieve asked hopefully then admitted. “I’ve never actually worked the sails before.”
He smiled at her, “We’ll have you sailing like you were born to it before the night is through.”
Weary, Sophia came forward. “Whew,” she sighed, wiping at her brow. “I haven’t done this since I was a child. I’d forgotten how much work it was.”
“You do look tired Momma, why don’t you get some rest,” Genevieve looked at her with concern.
“That sounds awfully good,” Sophia smiled at her daughter. “Remember to watch out for sandbars and make sure you keep a look out for any boats trailing us.”
“I will,” Genevieve kissed her cheek. “Now get some sleep, everything will be just fine.” She looked over at Alec after her mother and Akeim had walked away.
“I wonder if she will ever accept that I’ve grown up.”
“Wait until you meet my mother,” Alec chuckled. “She’ll probably never accept it.”
Genevieve was struck speechless. He’d spoken as if she would actually meet her. He’d probably meant nothing by it. He was no doubt caught up in the role of playing her husband and didn’t think.
“Here,” Alec spoke softly at her side. “Come and take the wheel, it’s good to get a feel of it.” He opened his arm up inviting her to stand in front of him.
She stepped in front of him and gripped the wheel with both hands while he kept one on it. She could feel h
is body as he stood behind her, his breath next to her ear.
“Can you feel that?” he spoke softly.
Was he serious? Yes, she could feel it! Her body was alive with sensation from the awareness of him behind her. Every nerve was on end as he whispered into her ear.
“Feel that resistance?”
She fought hard to remember they were talking about sailing the ship. “Yes,” she tried to still the trembling.
“Are you cold?” he smiled, stepping forward, closing the gap.
Fire ignited between them, the heat from his body enveloped her as she stood before him. She could feel her own heartbeat pulse through her veins. His free hand wrapped around her waist and settled just under her breasts. Her body reacted of its own, her head pressed back into him as her back arched slightly with her indrawn breath.
His hand tightened beneath her breasts as he bent his head to nuzzle her ear. Her back settled against him as she moved and he groaned in response when her bottom came into contact with the sensitive heat of him.
He hadn’t thought to make love to her at the helm. He should have known that he wouldn’t be able to control himself so near her. She was like liquid fire in his blood.
Bam! Squee—eak, everything was jolted forward as the boat struck a sand bar several feet below the water line.
“Oh hell,” Alec jammed his fist against the wheel to keep from crushing her as they were both thrown forward.
SPLASH!
“Bloody, Damn!” they heard Samuel holler from somewhere off the side.
The ship was almost at a standstill as it moved over the silver white strip of land underneath them.
“Oh, dear,” Genevieve gasped as she put her hand to her mouth.
“Get me out of the drink!” Samuel yelled.
Alec ran to the front of the ship to assist Samuel who had been sleeping on the prow. Alec could hear splashing off the starboard side of the boat. He leaned over to see Samuel treading water below, holding his bottle aloft.
“Man overboard!” Samuel yelled, hitting the side of the boat with his other fist.
“Grab a-hold,” Alec couldn’t help but smile as he leaned over the rail, reaching out with his hand.
“What kind of horse's arse would run us aground?”
“What kind of horse's arse would sleep on the prow?”
“You did this?” Samuel sputtered. “What the hell were you thinking?”
“That you needed a bath,” Alec leaned far over, grabbing hold of him.
“Is everything all right?” Akeim asked as he took Samuels other arm.
“Just peachy,” Alec replied as they pulled the soaked man up onto the deck.
“Do I want to ask what happened?” Akeim lifted a brow.
Alec cleared his throat as he looked over at the warrior, whose disapproving stare was making him feel like he was still in short pants, “I missed seeing the sandbar.”
“You missed seeing it?” Samuel turned to look at the strip of gleaming white sand that stretched out in front of them.
The boat was still moving slowly over the sandy hill beneath them, creaking and groaning as it slid across the mud barrier.
“Let us hope that this doesn’t rip the rudder off.” Akeim turned away, heading back toward the helm.
Alec breathed a sigh of relief as he watched him go.
“Let me guess,” Samuel stood staring at him with a look of incredulity, “you were distracted.”
“I was at the helm.” Alec replied slowly, evading his question.
“Was Genevieve anywhere near?”
“Actually, she wasn’t—”
“Oh, Samuel,” Genevieve she ran up to the prow with a blanket in her arms. “I’m so sorry, this is my fault entirely. Please say you’ll forgive me, Alec was just showing me how to steer the ship.”
Samuel looked over at Alec with his brow raised and his mouth pursed.
“Are you hurt?” she asked with worried eyes.
“It was my fault,” Alec looked over at her, “You are not to blame.”
“Now, that I do believe,” Samuel snorted, looking back at Genevieve he smiled. “Don’t worry your sweet head about it, dear lady,” he grinned. “Besides, it’s not that easy to feed me to the crocodiles.”
“Oh, I – I wasn’t, oh dear,” Genevieve placed her hand to her mouth in dismay.
Watching both of their guilt-ridden faces and the obvious reason for it, Samuel turned toward Alec with a knowing smile.
Ignoring him, Alec turned to her. “He knows and he’ll be fine.”
Genevieve didn’t know what else to do or say. She handed Samuel the dry blanket that she held. “I’m glad that you are not hurt.”
“Don’t think anything of it,” Samuel said lightly accepting her offering. “Besides, it was quite refreshing.”
“You’re too kind,” Genevieve gave him a relieved smile. “Could I get anything else to warm you?”
“I’ve all I need,” he held up his towel and the bottle. “We both miraculously survived the dousing,” he grinned at her. “Besides, you forgave me for marrying you off to this big oaf. We’re even.”
“I’ll leave you both to dry out then,” she smiled, casting an embarrassed glance toward Alec before leaving.
Samuel started to chuckle as he looked over at Alec. “I can’t believe you actually ran us aground because you were so busy steering the ship that you couldn’t see a sand bar that is as bright as a beacon and stretches for a bloody mile.”
Alec knew he’d never live it down. Rather than try he asked instead, “What the hell possessed you to sleep on the prow anyway?”
“It was the only peace I could find with that animal pestering me.” Samuel gave the camel a look of annoyance as he spoke.
“Ahh,” Alec nodded in understanding. “If you need me I’ll be dealing with my in-law’s,” Alec commented dryly before heading back to the stern.
Luckily for him the boat passed over the sandbar without damage, the worst of it being that they had lost their wind speed and would have to let the water’s current take them down stream until they could take up sail again.
“I take it that Samuel survived his bath, without any ill effects,” Akeim commented when he joined him at the helm.
Sophia stood beside Genevieve, stifling a yawn. “I still can’t believe you two missed—” she paused, listening.
Alec was spared the rest of what she was going to say by a low rumbling.
“What is that?” Genevieve stepped toward the rail as they listened to the noise throbbing in the distance.
“It sounds like an engine,” Alec said, looking across the water.
“Let us take the sails down, so we are less visible.” Akeim motioned to him as he walked to the first sail. Alec headed up front to take down the one by the bow.
Over in the shoals on the other side of the sandbar, they were almost invisible to the large diahiyba as it passed them. The houseboat was headed upstream using the power of its steam engine as well as its sails to navigate the river.
“Someone’s in a hurry,” Sophia spoke softly to Akeim who stood beside her.
“Yes.” He looked down into her worried face. “They are probably just tourists hoping to make better time with the wind at their backs.”
They waited until the boat had passed them before raising the sails again.
Sophia went over to her daughter, “Goodnight sweetheart.”
“Good night, Momma,” Genevieve looked guilt ridden, “I’m terribly sorry.”
“Nonsense, we almost did the same thing just before you woke.”
Genevieve almost coughed. She highly doubted that! She could only thank her lucky stars that her mother assumed that their negligence was due to improper look out and not improper actions of another sort. She glanced quickly over to Alec who was speaking with Akeim and felt a blush rise to her hairline.
“It’s easier to see out, if you stand closer to the front of the boat.” Her mother advised before kissing
her on the cheek and heading off to bed.
Akeim looked at Alec before turning the helm over to him, “Is it safe to say that will not happen again?”
“I would like to think so,” Alec replied uncomfortably.
With a nod of his head, and something that almost sounded like a chuckle, Akeim left him.
Genevieve came to stand a few feet away. She caught her lip in her teeth before looking over at him.
“Well that was awkward,” Alec rolled his eyes exaggeratedly.
She put her hand up to her mouth and tried to suppress the giggle that threatened.
“I didn’t think he was ever going to trust me to take the helm,” Alec whispered conspiratorially. Watching her in the moonlight he winked, “Don’t suppose you’d like to try again?”
“Not on your life,” she whispered back. “I’m staying far over here where I can see clearly.”
“As you wish, but you’ll have to risk getting near me in order to take the wheel while I work the sails.”
She looked at him doubtfully.
“Come, I promise to behave.” He stepped back, smiling at her with that grin that showed the dimple in his cheek.
She stayed where she was as she considered his words. With his hair loose and a day’s growth on his chin, he looked like a pirate straight from her wildest fantasies… and he seemed to know the effect he had on her.
“You have my word,” he pledged. “But you’ll have to hurry to decide since we are at risk of running aground again.”
That had her moving quickly to grab the wheel. True to his word, he didn’t close the gap between them as he stood behind her.
“Now,” he said, “When I turn the sails, the resistance on the wheel is going to change to the other side. Just apply enough pressure to keep her steady.”
“Aye, captain.”
Again, he treated her to a smile that made her pulse quicken before he left to work the sail.
What was she to do? Genevieve wondered as she watched him. He was the most handsome man that she’d ever seen. The fact he exuded sexuality, wasn’t lost on her either. He even made the long robes he wore seem masculine and exotic. She couldn’t help the little thrill that ran through her as she remembered him standing against her. This husband of hers…
Treasure of Egypt Page 20