The woman again nodded approvingly. "Even better."
"Who are you?"
"My name is Tabia."
"And you have no link with Nasim?"
"I did not say that. I said I didn't follow him."
"And did he hire you to bring me here?"
Tabia shook her head. "Nasim has nothing to do with this, and you would realize that fact if you were thinking. Nasim has the arrogance and stupidity of most men where women are concerned. He would not think us clever enough to lay a decent trap." She made a face. "And he would be right in most cases. We have let men dull our wits and lie to us for so long that we women have become a pitiful lot. Do you not agree?"
"No. I'm not pitiful. I will never be pitiful."
For the first time, a faint smile touched Tabia's lips. "I believe you speak the truth. That is refreshing. I cannot tell you how weary I am of whimpering--"
"Why am I here?"
"Because Tarik sent you to me."
Selene stiffened. "Tarik betrayed me?"
She shook her head. "Tarik doesn't have the subtlety necessary for lies and betrayal."
"He does know how to lie. He told me he would send me back to my home in Scotland. That's why I'm here in Genoa."
"And I'm certain he sent a message with Antonio to the captain of his ship giving him instructions to do just that."
"Then he didn't send me to you. You don't make sense."
"Tarik is a man in conflict. Sometimes he wants things all ways. He has excellent instincts, and I think he knew Antonio was in my employ. We'll discover how good they are tonight." She stood up. "I'll call Mario and tell him to bring us wine and a meal."
"I will not eat with you."
"Because you think me your enemy?"
Selene looked at her in astonishment. "You struck me on the neck. You lured me here. It's a reasonable assumption."
"But reason seldom tells the whole tale. I'm not your enemy. It may be that I'm your best friend. We will have to see after you answer my questions."
Selene shook her head.
"One must trust one's feelings. Look at me. You don't really think I mean you harm?"
Tabia's glance was bold, direct, and seemingly without guile. What of that? Selene thought impatiently. It would be foolish to trust her.
Tabia smiled. "I'm sure Tarik left you frustrated and confused. It's a habit of his. You'll find I'm much more open. Aren't you curious as to what plans he has for Kadar?"
Selene froze. "What do you know of Kadar?"
"I make it my business to know as much about Tarik's doings as I can." She frowned. "But I don't know why he chose Antonio to bring you here. I have to know everything that went on at Sienbara."
"Then ask Antonio."
"He cannot tell me what went on behind closed doors. I'll bargain with you. You tell me what I need to know, and tomorrow morning you and the boy will be free." She met Selene's gaze. "Knowing Tarik, I doubt if what transpired has any import that you would believe dangerous to you or Kadar."
"Then why do you have to know?"
