THIRTY-NINE
Philemon's frantic lovemaking last night spoke of some emotional disquiet he refused to tell her. Fear had his eyes darting everywhere, above a mouth that couldn't seem to smile, as they approached his home.
It was a strange transformation. All the way to Basit's camp, he'd entertained Anahita with tales of the beauties of Tasnim, but now he seemed terrified to show them to her.
Determined to solve this mystery before she arrived, Anahita urged her camel to match Philemon's pace. Her happy travel companion was now too busy scowling at the horizon to notice her.
"Tell me about your last day in Tasnim," she said.
He glanced up for only a moment before the horizon drew his gaze once more. "Is that an order?"
"We made a deal. You amuse me while we travel, and I take you h
