It was the first word she had spoken in days, but Layla's relief was short-lived. Selene's tone was quiet, contained, with no hint of her former passion and agony. It was not natural, and it made Layla distinctly uneasy. "You need to sleep. You've not slept for a long time."
"No, I had to think."
"Brooding does no good at times like this."
"I wasn't brooding. I was trying to make sense of this."
"And did you?"
Selene turned to look at her, and Layla stiffened with shock. In the moonlight her face reminded Layla of one she'd seen engraved on a cameo--smooth, hard, without expression. "No, but I decided what I must do."
"And what is that?"
"Leave for Rome tomorrow."
"It's dangerous. Antonio said Nasim's tracks were going in that direction. He's probably hoping to overtake us, but he may double back."
"We'll be careful."
"You need to rest. A few more days will make no difference."
"You're wrong." She moved toward her pallet. "I know exactly what I need, and rest isn't it."
The next day they started out on foot toward Rome. They weren't able to find a village in which to purchase horses until the second day. Even then, they had to proceed cautiously and send Antonio ahead several times to make sure they didn't cross Nasim's path. Consequently, they didn't arrive at Tarik's villa until more than a week later.
Layla reined in at the bottom of the hill. "Go on ahead. Antonio and I will come a little later. Tarik and I haven't seen each other for a long time. It's best that there be no one present when we meet." Her lips twisted. "And your Kadar will not be pleased that Antonio betrayed you. You need the chance to tell him that he meant no harm before Kadar cuts his throat."
"Very well." Selene supposed she should have thought of the repercussions herself, but she seemed to be only feeling, not thinking. That must stop. She must reflect calmly, coolly, block everything else out but what had to be done. "I'll tell Tarik you're waiting here."
Tarik and Kadar were coming down the steps when Selene rode into the courtyard.
"Thank God." Kadar ran forward. His smile illuminated his face as he lifted her out of the saddle. "I was nearly crazed when Antonio didn't come. I was about to set out for Genoa. Are you well?"
"No." She turned to Tarik. "We weren't challenged as we approached. Are we safe here?"
"Yes, we weren't sure it was you, but we knew three riders were coming. If you'd appeared threatening, we'd have been ready."
"How did you know?"
"A guard stationed on a hill ten miles from the villa brought the message."
"What do you mean, no?" Kadar's hands grasped her shoulders. "What's wrong? Why didn't you board the ship at Genoa?"
She felt a stirring of warmth within her at his touch. Strange, she hadn't thought she could feel anything anymore. Strange and dangerous. Emotion could weaken her and get in the way. She stepped back away from him and glanced at Tarik. "I don't want to talk anymore. We've been riding for days and I need rest and a bath."
Tarik nodded. "But there were two other riders. Where are they?"
"At the bottom of the hill. Layla said she wished to meet with you alone."
He stiffened. "Layla?"
"Your wife." He looked genuinely astonished, Selene thought. Maybe Layla was wrong about Tarik sending Selene to her. "You didn't know Antonio was in her pay?"
"Of course I didn't." He paused. "She didn't--hurt you?"
Selene shook her head. "She wasn't gentle, but we came to an understanding."
"No, she's seldom gentle." His expression was a mixture of eagerness and dread as he gazed down the hill. "Perhaps I'd better go and see . . ." He moved quickly across the courtyard.
