"I didn't ask you to drymy hair." She looked forward again. "And this is foolish. It willonly get wet again when I leave."
"That is true, but itwill make you feel better and I will know I did the proper thing." Hecontinued to dry her hair. "Now be quiet and let me behave foolishly if Iwish."
Ruel felt a queer pang as hegazed at them across the fire. The bond of affection between them could not bemistaken. Affection... and trust. Christ, what was wrong with him? For somereason the sight of them together filled him with anger and rejection. What didhe care if she gave the Chinese boy the trust he had forfeited? Yet, hedidcare.
"No, you're nosodomite." Kartauk dropped down next to him.
Ruel turned to see thesculptor studying him again and was immediately on guard. "I told youthat."
Kartauk spoke softly so thetwo across the fire would not hear. "You did not tell me you lusted aftermy friend Jane."
He felt a ripple of shock."And if I had told you?"
"I would have warned youto take care. She has done much for me and I will not have her destroyed."
"I have no desire todestroy her."
"Desire and carelessnessare two different things." He shrugged his massive shoulders. "Butshe is on her guard with you. Perhaps I will not have to act."
"Thank you," Ruelsaid dryly. His gaze returned to Jane and Li Sung across the fire. That naggingdissatisfaction was growing within him with every passing minute.
"They are veryclose," Kartauk commented. "It's natural that they take care of eachother."
"So I see."
"It disturbs you."
"Why should it disturbme? God knows, she needs someone to look after her. Reilly appears to make apoor job of it." He changed the subject. "Why do you enjoy working ingold?"
"It's the metal of thegods, the only one fit for a great artist. That's why I stayed so long at thepalace. Not many patrons can afford to furnish such rare materials."
"Then why did youleave?"
"I thought where my workwas concerned the end always justified the means." He shrugged. "Iwas mistaken. To my infinite horror I found I possessed a conscience."
"What do you mean?"
"Abdar wished me toperform certain tasks I found distasteful. I refused him."
"And he was angry?"
"Extremely. He threatenedto cut off my hands if I did not obey him. Naturally, I could not permit such sacrilege.When I left, he persuaded my weasel of an apprentice, Benares, to do what hewished, but Abdar knows there is no comparison." He raised his voice andcalled across the flames in the brazier. "I hope you brought something inthat knapsack other than rice, Jane. I've eaten so much rice my eyes arestarting to slant like Li Sung's."
"What a fortunatemiracle," Li Sung murmured. "That is how all eyes should beshaped."
"I brought beef andbeans." Jane smiled at Kartauk. "I hope by the time they're gone, youwill be too."
"But where?" Kartaukgrimaced. "Great artists must have patrons, and patrons enjoy displayingtheir treasures. Inevitably, Abdar will hear of one of my magnificent creationsand find me."
"Yes, where?" Janeturned and challenged Ruel. "You said you'd find a safe haven forhim."
"Which now includes apatron who keeps his work secret," Ruel said testily.
"You're the one who saidyou'd give me anything I wanted."
His lips tightened. "AndI will." He turned to Kartauk. "What about returning to your home inTurkey?"
"I left only jealousybehind when I left. It's no safer than anywhere else for me."
