"I was beaten by an Arab from some desert tribe, and then I was taken to their camp. But I don't know why. That is all I can remember. I don't even know how Philip rescued me, or how he got so burned." She turned to see Syed helping Philip into their tent. She looked back at her friend. "Amine, I am so sorry about Ahmad."
"Ahmad will be all right, but I must help Maidi look after Sheik Abu."
"Ahmad is alive!" Christina exclaimed happily.
"Yes, he will be well in a few days. A rib stopped the bullet, and his wound is healing nicely. I must get Maidi now."
"Of course. We'll talk later," Christina said. She went into the tent.
Syed was taking Philip's robe off when she came into the bedroom. She stopped short when she saw his burns.
"Oh, Philip. Your chest, too?" she winced.
"I'm afraid so, Tina. But don't fret so. It's not as bad as it looks. A week or so, and the pain will be gone and the peeling will begin. I do not intend to remain two colors forever."
"Oh, Philip! How can you jest about it?" She came forward and viewed his chest and arms closely. She frowned at the sight of the horrible, dark-red skin. "Does it hurt badly? How did this happen?" she demanded.
"Settle down, my sweet. This is nothing for you to get angry about I am the injured party." Philip moaned as he lay down on the bed very slowly.
"But how could this happen, Philip?" Christina asked again, completely perplexed.
"It's a long story, Tina, and my throat is still too parched to tell you now. I am tired, sore, and hungry as a wolf. Why don't you see about getting us some food?"
"Oh, damn you!" she stormed, and stalked from the tent
Amine was by the fire, filling two bowls with a delicious-smelling stew. Christina was furious as she walked over to her.
"He's impossible! He won't answer any of my questions. He just asks for food!" Christina raged.
"Sheik Abu must surely be in great pain, Christina. He does not want you to know how badly he hurts."
"You're right He is suffering, and I am thinking only of myself. It kas taken this nightmare to make me realize how much I love him."
"It is obvious he cares for you," Amine said. "Have patience, Christina. He will tell you what happened when he has rested. Now you both need food, so come."
"You're right. I feel as if I haven't eaten for days."
"You have been gone three days and nights."
"Three daysl But how can that be?" said Christina. "How could I be missing for so long?"
"Sheik Abu will be able to explain. We are all anxious to learn what has happened. But come now, you must eat."
Christina couldn't argue, and followed Amine back into the tent Amine took Philip's food into the bedroom where Maidi was still ministering to him, and then left
I feel so ashamed, Christina thought as she wolfed down the stew. Philip must be in extreme pain, and I have to go and jump on him, demanding answers when he is in no condition to give them. I have to forget about it and just think about making him well again. He will tell me everything when he is ready—or will he? He doesn't like to answer questions. Well, he will have to answer these questions. They concern me, tool
Christina had forgotten all about her own injuries. Her eyes and cheeks were still swollen and sore, but it didn't bother her to eat or talk.
Her robe was a mess—completely covered with dirt. She felt so sticky, but how could she bathe when Philip was bedridden? It was too dangerous to go alone. When she finished eating, Syed came into the tent carrying a bucket of water in each hand.
"Sheik Abu ordered the water for you. He said you would have to wash this way for a while," Syed said quickly as he put the buckets down.
He was obviously embarrassed, and Christina wanted to laugh, but didn't "Thank you, Syed. You are very kind."
Maidi came out of the bedroom, and finally Christina was left alone in the tent with Philip. She decided to wash in the bedroom. Someone might walk into the tent and find her without any clothes on, but she also wanted to be near Philip. She went to the cabinet for towels and soap, then carried the buckets into the other room.
"Philip, are you asleep?" she asked.
"No."
"I wanted to bathe in here where it's more private, but if it will disturb you, I can leave."
"Of course not It was my intention that you should wash in here. In fact I have been looking forward to it."
"Oh, you!" she retorted angrily. But when she saw the grease caked so thickly all over the upper half of his body, she started laughing.
"What the devil is so amusing?" he demanded.
"I'm sorry," she giggled. "But you look so ridiculous. Have you seen what you look like yet?"
"No I haven't—have you?"
"What is that supposed to mean?" she asked.
"I suggest you view your own face before you laugh at mine."
Christina picked up her looking glass and gasped at her own reflection. "Oh, God—that's not me! I look so horrible! Td love to horsewhip the bastard who hit me!"
"Damn, Tina. Must you swear so much? I hardly think it's ladylike."
"Ladylike! Look at my face, Philip. Is this swollen and bruised face the face of a lady? Ladies are not supposed to be beaten, but I was."
"Now that I think of it, besides not speaking like a lady, you hardly look like one in that robe and breeches," Philip chuckled.
"You go too far now, Philip. Before insulting my appearance, why don't you view your own?" she replied haughtily, tossing him her looking glass. "Now tell me which of us looks the worst"
"Touche", my sweet. I give you this round gladly. Why don't you wash up so we can stop this ridiculous banter and get some rest?"
"Whatever you say, master. But as long as I no longer look like a lady, I see no reason why I should act like one." She untied her robe and let it drop to the floor. Slowly the rest of her clothes followed.
"Now what the hell was that remark supposed to mean?" Philip asked.
"Oh—nothing," she teased, then she began to scrub her body from head to foot. She knew that Philip was watching her. And, surprisingly, it didn't bother her in the least She had been shy about undressing in front of Philip before, but now she enjoyed what the sight of her body could do to him.
"Christina, perhaps you'd better wash in the other room."
He sounded annoyed, and she could guess the reason. "But why, Philip?" she returned innocently. "I'm almost finished, and you can always close your eyes if you can't stand to look at me."
She heard him groan, and suddenly she was angry with herself for teasing him. A month, even a week ago, she would have enjoyed having Philip at her mercy. But now she just wanted him to get well. She wanted to feel his arms around her again.
After drying herself, Christina let her hair down and gave it a few quick strokes before coming to the bed.
"Christina, wait. I think it might be best if I slept on the couch for a few days—until this blasted pain goes away."
She looked hurt for a moment, but then her expression changed to one of determination.
"You will do no such thing. If anyone is going to sleep on the couch, it will be me. There's no point in your moving after you're already comfortable." She went to his chest and took out one of his robes to sleep in.
"Christina, I will not have you sleeping out there alone!"
"You're in no condition to argue with me." She slipped the robe on and tied it about her waist, then began rolling up the long sleeves. "Now relax and get a good night's rest. I'll see you in the morning."
"Will you?"
She turned and looked at him tenderly. "Is that what's bothering you—that I will run away during the night? Shame on you, Philip. It would hardly be fair of me if I escaped now, while you're incapacitated. Besides, I don't trust your damn desert. I give you my word that I'll be here in the morning."