The Captive Flesh by Cleo Cordell Read Free Book Online Page A

groin and Gabriel’s hand working up and down his hungry shaft.
    Ah, it was more than possible that he would meet the woman. He hoped fervently that it would be soon.

3
    The crowd began dispersing rapidly.
    The ranks of slaves closed around Marietta and Claudine. Safely hemmed in by strong black bodies they moved on. There was no time for Marietta to see what happened to Gabriel. The market and platform of punishment were soon far behind them.
    Kasim walked by her side, supporting her elbow in one strong slender hand, a gesture that to outward appearances looked innocent enough, but she felt the tightly leashed power in his fingers. His profile was stern, the set of the strong mouth severe. Those refined nostrils were white-tipped, flaring just a fraction, the only hint of his contained inner turmoil.
    He was still aroused by the sight they had witnessed, she was certain of it and the thought excited her.
    She had the feeling that he would like to tear the clothes from her body. Even to punish her a little for her shameless enjoyment, for the way the wicked pleasure had rolled over her without the need for anyone’s touch. She would have liked that, welcomed it even, though she feared the strength of Kasim’s reactions.
    She was a little afraid of herself too; the docile convent girl was fast undergoing a transformation. It was a heady sensation, this self-discovery. She longed to talk to Claudine, to confide in her.
    For some time they walked in silence and Gabriel’s face invaded Marietta’s thoughts. She knew that shewould not forget him but Kasim’s insistent presence surrounded her. Even the memory of the beautiful prisoner took second place to her charming companion.
    The fans and parasols waved over her head and she smelt salt on the warm breeze that blew in from the sea. The streets were wider here, the cobbles clean. They passed the walls of great houses; sheer and white, reaching up high overhead. Balconies, boxed in by ornate screens, jutted out over the street. Soon they came to a stone gate; it was huge and ornately carved. Two burly soldiers stood on guard. Mehmet knocked on the gate with his staff; it opened and they entered into a cool shady courtyard. More guards were apparent; they saluted Kasim.
    â€˜Welcome to my home,’ Kasim said bowing to his guests. ‘All that I have is yours.’
    â€˜Thank you. You are most kind,’ Claudine replied at Marietta’s side.
    Servants came out to welcome their master home. Marietta was aware of many eyes studying them from windows that looked out on to the courtyard. Shadowy veiled shapes peered through the carved screens. A woman’s hand protruded from a small arch. The hand was long and slender and covered in some sort of painted design. Gold bracelets were clustered on her wrist and on her middle finger she wore an enormous emerald ring.
    Kasim looked up toward the owner of the hand. He smiled briefly, made a subtle gesture of greeting, then turned his attention back to Marietta and Claudine.
    â€˜Take my guests to the women’s quarter,’ he ordered a slave. ‘Leyla is to be given charge of them.’
    Taking hold of Marietta’s gloved hand he carried it to his lips, then did the same to Claudine.
    â€˜I have business to see to for the moment. Leyla willsee to it that you are bathed and made comfortable. In the cool of the evening I shall join you in the garden.’
    â€˜I shall look forward to it,’ Marietta said.
    Kasim bowed, then walked towards a stone tower with Mehmet. The rest of the entourage followed him.
    â€˜Please to come this way,’ the slave said, leading them both towards a side entrance.
    There were guards patrolling the forecourt and yet more guards stood to either side of the small brass-bound door.
    â€˜What riches Kasim must have to need so many men to guard him,’ Claudine said.
    Marietta had been thinking the same thing. As they passed through the brass-bound