Even seated, the woman possessed power and presence, and Selene instinctively moved to a position of less subservience. She scrambled to her feet so that she was the one looking down.
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?”
She shrugged. “It’s part of the game Tarik and I play. I don’t understand this move and it troubles me.”
Anger soared through Selene. First Tarik had dared to use them, and now this woman was trying to do the same. “I won’t be part of your game.”
Tabia raised her brows. “Not even to save your Kadar?”
Selene drew a deep breath, trying to disguise that the words had struck home. “I don’t know that you can or want to save him or that he is in danger at all.”
“Oh, he is in danger. Don’t you wish to know from what direction?”
“You promise to tell me?”
“I promise,” Tabia said. “You’ll find I’m not nearly as secretive as Tarik.”
Selene’s nails dug into her palms as she clenched her hands. The woman was right: What had occurred at Sienbara presented no obvious threat. She could avoid mention of the box and the manuscript that-
“For instance, I’d wager he showed you the golden coffer but refused to let you look inside. I’d never be so rude.”
Selene’s eyes widened. “You know about the box?”
Tabia glanced away from her. “Does he still keep it with that ugly wooden statue?”
“Yes.”
“Sentimental idiot.” Tabia whirled and headed for the door.
“I’ll call for food.”
“I didn’t say I’d changed my mind.”
“You know you have.”
“Evidently I can tell you little you don’t already know.” Selene paused. “But I’ll still hold you to your promise.”
“Yes, yes.” Tabia waved an impatient hand. “I know all that. Do you think I’m a fool?”
No, the woman was intelligent, manipulative, with a reckless disregard for anyone’s will but her own. “I wished to make it quite clear.”
“And what could you do if I decided not to honor our bargain?”
“Find a way to hurt you.”
Tabia blinked. “Indeed? Interesting.” She threw open the door and shouted, “Food, Mario. And the best wine in the house.”
12
“THAT’S ALL?” Tabia leaned back in her chair. “You’ve told me everything?”
“Yes. I told you that you probably knew all that I did.”
“Not quite all.” Tabia wiped her hands on her napkin before tossing it aside and reaching for her goblet. “And have your Kadar’s wounds healed sufficiently for him to travel?”
“He’s not my Kadar.” Selene sipped her wine. “He almost died. He should not travel.”
“But he could?”
Selene nodded.
“Then I’d wager Tarik has him halfway to Rome by now.”
“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.”
