"I didn't mention Rome."
"I noticed that omission. But Tarik has a house there, and it's a reasonable place to hide Kadar while he trains."
"Trains?"
"Yes." Tabia's abstracted gaze was fixed on Selene's face. "This is the first time Tarik has sent me anyone. He must have a fondness for you. Has he bedded you?"
Selene's eyes widened in shock. "No."
"I didn't really think he would. You're too bold for his current taste. He likes his women meek and honey sweet. You have nothing sweet about you." She grimaced. "That's good. I sicken at the taste of honey. I enjoy a sharp bite but not smoothness. More wine?"
"No."
"One more goblet. It will help you sleep." She got up and strode to the table by the door, where Mario had set a fresh pitcher. She carried the pitcher to the table and poured the wine into Selene's goblet. "You'll need it."
"You're certain now that Tarik purposely sent me to you?"
"There's no question in my mind. Though he'd probably deny it."
"Why would he do that?"
"He wants me to do what he cannot."
Selene tensed. "And what is that?"
Tabia chuckled. "By the gods, you think I mean to kill you."
"It occurred to me."
Tabia's smile faded. "I don't kill. I would not even kill that monster Nasim. Death is a horror to me."
Selene believed her. Every word she had spoken had rung with passion. "He wanted to keep me far away from Kadar. Perhaps he doesn't know that you feel as you do."
"Oh, he knows." She dropped back onto her chair. "We know each other very well. Finish your wine and I'll tell you how well."
Selene slowly sipped her wine. "I don't care about your dealings with Tarik."
"Even when the dealings concern you and Kadar? Of course you do."
"Very well, what is Tarik to you?"
"He is my husband."
Selene stared at her, stunned. "His wife is dead. He told me so."
"Rosa? She was never his wife. How could she be when I was still alive when he wed her?" She looked away. "I'm his only wife."
"Layla . . ."
Her gaze swung back to Selene. "He told you about me?"
"He told me of Layla, his first wife. He said I was like her."
Her lips twisted. "I assure you that was no compliment. We are not on the best of terms."
Selene's mind was whirling. "You said your name was Tabia."
"A small, necessary lie."
