An angry Nasim would be formidable, and Kadar would bear the brunt of his displeasure. "I'll let you do it."
"What?"
She tried to smile. "It won't be the first time I've been beaten. It is nothing. I've enjoyed everything else you've done to me; perhaps this will not be so--"
"No." He took a step closer and cupped her face in his hands. He looked down at her with a tenderness that took her breath away. He kissed her forehead. "Absolutely not." He dusted a kiss on the tip of her nose. "Never."
Before she could respond, he turned and walked away.
"You treated me with disrespect," Nasim snapped as soon as Kadar walked into the hall. "I should have your throat cut from ear to ear."
"But then you'd have no one to accomplish your task."
"I wanted to see how she'd respond to the whip."
"And I had no desire to use it on her."
"I want it."
"No." He held Nasim's gaze. "I've done everything else you've asked. I won't do this."
For a moment Kadar thought Nasim would persevere, but then Nasim shifted his glance and shrugged. "It is of no importance. I just thought it would be amusing. You've done everything else to her."
"I don't find it amusing."
"But you find her amusing," Nasim said. "She is . . . remarkable. You lied when you said she was of no interest."
"Every woman is of interest in the tower room."
"Hashish? I think not." He smiled. "Do you think you've gotten her with child?"
"How should I know? It's been only a fortnight, and she tells me it's not time for her flux." Kadar changed the subject. "And no word from your messenger Fadil?"
"Not yet."
"Will he come by sea?"
"Yes." He arched a brow. "You're so eager to start your journey?"
"A man grows bored without a challenge."
"Particularly you, Kadar. You always needed to find new ways to negotiate old paths. However, this challenge may prove too much for you."
"But it will be worth it." He smiled. "A treasure beyond price."
Nasim frowned. "My treasure. Don't forget. My treasure."
"I'm sure you'll find a way to remind me." He turned to leave. "In the meantime, I'll not return to the tower room. My mind must be clear and I need rest for the journey."
"It's true you've been very strenuously occupied." Nasim chuckled. "Very well, I admit you've done everything possible to assure that she is with child. You may rest until we see if your seed has taken hold."
"Many thanks," Kadar said with irony.
"Impudence." Nasim gestured a dismissal. "I'm astonished I permit it from you."
Kadar started to leave.
"But I still think the whip would prove interesting. If she's not with child, we will try it the next time you go to the tower."
