Page 61 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
"Are you unhappy, Areana?" he suddenly asked after the main course was served.
The question caught her off guard.
"Not unhappy," she said. "But sometimes I get restless. Five thousand years is a long time to live the same patterns."
"Would you prefer something different?" There was an edge to his voice now, a hint of danger.
"No," she said quickly, reaching for his hand. "This is my life, our life. I just appreciate having interesting projects from time to time. They break up the monotony."
He relaxed his jaw, turning his hand to interlace their fingers. "Then I'm glad I didn't get rid of the old furniture and decor. You can redecorate to your heart's content."
"Thank you." She squeezed his hand. "And thank you for the basement arrangement. It will mean so much to everyone."
"Everyone?" He raised an eyebrow. "Or specifically to Tamira and Tula?"
There was no point in dissembling. "Specifically, to them, yes."
"Hmm." He stood, pulling her up with him. "Now, I believe you said something about 'later' earlier?"
She laughed, letting him draw her against him. "I did."
"Good." He captured her mouth in a kiss that was possessive and demanding, reminding her exactly who she belonged to. When he pulled back, his eyes were dark with intent. "I have two hours before a scheduled call I need to make, and I intend to make good use of them."
As he led her toward the bedroom, Areana's mind was already racing ahead to tomorrow. Tamira and Tula would be so happy when she told them about the new arrangement with the basement.
"Your mind is somewhere else," Navuh murmured against her neck as they entered his bedroom. "When you are with me, I want all of you to myself."
"Sorry," she said, focusing on him. "I'm all yours now."
"Yes," he agreed, his tone possessive and certain. "You are."
19
TAMIRA
Tamira sat on one of the cushions they'd arranged in a circle, pretending to examine a water-damaged manuscript while her mind wandered to Elias. He was outside with Tony, working on restoring the herb garden, and she had seen him only for a few minutes each time he and Tony returned to the tent for a drink of water and some rest in the air-conditioned interior.
Areana joined her and Tula on the pillows and looked around with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes. The servants were gone, back to the library to gather more books, and only the ladies were in the tent.
"Gather around, please." Areana waved the others over. "I have news."
Tula put down the book she was working on and looked at Areana with tired eyes. The past two weeks had been particularly hard on her. At least Tamira got to see Elias when Navuh summoned him. Tula only saw Tony when heaccompanied them in the mornings, and most days, he was whisked away to the hotel once they returned from the day's excursion.
Once they were all seated, Areana glanced once more toward the tent entrance, confirming they were alone. There were guards outside, but they were far enough away that quiet conversation wouldn't carry.
"The construction project in the basement is done," Areana said, her voice pitched low. "As of tonight, we can resume our expeditions through the stored furniture."
"That's nice," Sarah said politely, though her tone suggested she couldn't care less about whatever treasures were stored in the basement.
Areana's lips curved in a knowing smile. "Lord Navuh arranged for the basement to be completely empty of staff every evening after dinner. No servants, no guards, and no surveillance cameras in the storage areas."
Tamira's breath caught. She met Areana's eyes, hardly daring to hope she was understanding correctly.
"Furthermore," Areana continued, her gaze moving between Tamira and Tula, "Elias and Tony may accompany you on these expeditions. To help move furniture, of course, and give advice on decor."
"Of course." Tula smiled, but she didn't look nearly as elated as Tamira felt.
"There are conditions," Areana continued. "The men must leave by nine. No exceptions. Any later and the staff willtalk. We cannot afford questions about why they're staying late in Lord Navuh's home."
