Golden Bird

His hand reached out and caressed the shapely curve of her calf, then slowly moved upwards as he walked around to the side of the bed.

"You're filth!," she cried as she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the worst.

His hand paused at her neckline and she let out a scream as he yanked. The delicate fabric of the gown parted easily to reveal the length of Sara's naked body.

Abdulah's eyes glazed over, and he wiped at a bit of drool from his chin with the back of his hand. He would savor this moment forever in his memories. It was a pity such a lovely creature had to die.

He motioned for the guards to leave, but when the door opened, in burst Rashid. He pushed past the astonished men and once he assured himself with a glance that Sara was alive, he turned to his uncle, his dark eyes flashing with rage.

Seeing there would be no help from his men who were quickly subdued by four of Rashid's servants, Abdulah backed away from his nephew. He was trapped. The smell of fear oozed out of his pores, and he fumbled for the small jeweled dagger concealed in his boot. Rashid leapt at him, and he thrust upwards with the knife, but the younger man was agile, and grabbed Abdulah's arm before any damage could be done. They struggled and fell to the floor.

Sara gasped as she saw the glint of the blade close to Rashid's neck, but with a grunt, he pushed Abdulah's arm away. The tip of the thin blade met with flesh, but it was Abdulah's blood that spurt out in a gush.

Rashid pushed the body away from him and watched as the life flowed out of his uncle. Surprise showed on Abdulah's face as he coughed up his last breath. And though Rashid had not meant to kill the man, he felt no remorse that the deed was done. Sara's sobbing drew his attention, and he went to her. He picked up his robe from where it had fallen on the floor, and threw it over her to cover her nakedness. He carefully cut the scarves from her wrists and ankles, and then he studied her face.

She averted her eyes and pulled his robe, which had slipped to expose one creamy breast, more tightly around her. She wanted to thank him, but was embarrassed and just didn't know what to say.

He forced her to face him and meet his eyes. She was touched by the concern she found there, and her own bright blue eyes filled with tears as she threw her arms around him.