LONDON TRAIN STATION

Evie told the group only two compartments were available.  "We'll have to separate girls from the boys," she said jokingly.

"Uh-uh...no way I'm sleeping with these two," Rick protested

"Very well, Mr. O'Connell, and who would you like your sister to share a berth with?  Jonathan or Ardeth?"  Evie said, quirking a brow.

"I wouldn't object," Jonathan said, hopefully. 

"Enough said," Rick replied, giving Jonathan a look of horror and flung his gear into the compartment he would share with his brother-in-law and the Medjai warrior.

The compartments were across the hall from each other.  Dorey was standing just inside the "girls" compartment and said, "Ardeth, I purchased a first aide kit at the station, please follow me, your wounds need to be taken care of." 

Rick chuckled at the look on Ardeth's face.  "Hop to it, Medjai.  That was an order, not a request."  Ardeth followed Dorey and Evie into the small compartment and sat down on the small couch awaiting his nurse. 

"We'll meet you in the dining car when you are through with your patient, Dorey.  Don't be too long."  Evie smiled as she walked passed Dorey and shut the compartment door behind her.

Dorey turned her attention to Ardeth, quirking her brow, "You will need to remove that lovely garment, if I am to get to your wounds."  Then she changed her attention back to the first aide kit, opening it and removing the gauze, peroxide and cotton swabs.  There was a small bathroom in the compartment where she obtained a washcloth and wet it with warm water.  As she turned from the sink, she watched Ardeth remove his robe, revealing his broad shoulders and muscular torso. 

Her quick intake of breath caused him to look up at once and smile sheepishly, knowing that she was not used to seeing men unclothed.  For some unknown reason, this knowledge pleased him.  He watched her walk toward him nervously and sit down beside him. 

She first cleaned the wounds on his arm and shoulder as best she could with the washcloth.  With a hand resting on his left arm, she washed the wounds clean.  His skin felt like fire beneath her hand, but it was not unpleasant.  It sent a strange feeling through her being.  As she reached for the wound on his right shoulder she looked at his face to see he was watching her intently.  She could feel his breath on the side of her face and again that strange sensation coursed through her.  She tried to ignore these unfamiliar feelings and concentrate on the task at hand. 

After cleaning the wounds with the washcloth, she opened the bottle of peroxide and doused a cotton swab with it.  "This will sting, but it will insure the wounds are clean and keep infection at bay.  No pun intended."  She smiled shyly. 

He chuckled, "Thank you for the warning.  Proceed."

"As you wish," She cautiously placed the peroxide soaked cotton on the wounds of his left arm.  He sucked in his breath, but did not flinch.  Dorey wasn't surprised by his actions.  Bravery is at the heart of a Medjai warrior, she remembered from her studies, and she was sure he was as brave as he was handsome.  "Now for the bandages," she said when she finished cleaning his wounds.   

"You have a gentle touch." He spoke as she bandaged his left arm.  When she leaned across him to bandage his right shoulder, he whispered, "Thank you."  When she looked up at him with a smile, he leaned forward and brushed his lips to hers.  He was elated to see that, although she looked surprised, she was not upset or angry.  Her lips were as soft as he imagined, and warmth spread through him at the thought of kissing her more thoroughly. 

She finished bandaging his shoulder and then replied in a whisper, "You are very welcome," and looked up into his eyes.  She had seen Jonathan look at her like that, with desire perhaps, but she was unfamiliar with these emotions.  And, although she loved Jonathan like a brother, she would not feel more for him.  This man, however, instilled feelings like none other she had ever felt in her life.  She placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned towards him, and brushed her lips to his, repeating his earlier gesture.

Ardeth encircled her with his arms, pulling her closer.  He deepened the kiss and, after sensing no protest, parted her lips gently with his tongue and explored her mouth, tasting of her sweetness.  He moaned with desire and pulled her closer.  She whimpered under the strength of his embrace and the unexpected feel of her own desire.  Because he did not wish to frighten her, he released her. 

Dorey stood quickly and busied herself with putting the supplies away, embarrassed by her brazen behavior.  "You had better dress; we should join the others."  She could feel the blush in her cheeks and her embarrassment must be showing for the world to see.  She placed the first aide kit in her bag and hurried toward the door. 

In one swift movement, Ardeth swung the robe around his shoulders and gently grabbed her by the arm.  "Please, Little One, I am sorry if I frightened you."  She turned slowly to see the concern evident on his handsome face.  "I could not help myself, I promise to have more restraint in the future."

She nodded, "I'm all right, Ardeth.  I was taken by surprise.  I have led a sheltered life; I know little of the relationships between men and women.  Forgive me."  She placed her small hand in his.

"There is nothing to forgive," he said, as he brought her hand to his lips and placed a small kiss on her palm.  "We should join the others."