Echoes From the Editor's Scrap Pile

It's rare that an editor doesn't take up a red pencil/pen and slash a scene or two or...well, you get the idea. Here's an excerpt from a scene that died a quick and painful death.  I thought you might still like to see the hero in action...er, um, getting some action. Poor Magdelana didn't make the final cut, but I'm not sure Luc appreciates that fact.

Cut scene from Illuminati: The Book of Life

Sighing, he lifted the panel at the entrance to his tent and ducked inside. Two steps inside the dim interior, lit only with a few oil lamps and the small fire, he stopped. “No,” he said in Arabic, “I was serious when I told Abdul that--”

“I’m afraid you’ll have to speak English. And your brother claims you need cheering up, so you’ll have to talk to Andrew if you intend to send me packing like you did that virginal little girl they made me wait for you to entertain last night. I tried to tell them she was definitely not your type, but they just wouldn’t listen,” declared the saucy blond who turned to face him from beside a large basin of steaming water.

Luc took in her diaphanous version of a flowing robe made even more alluring by the back-light the fire provided. His lips curved upward appreciatively as recognition and reaction brought instant confirmation of just how long it had been since he’d been tangled in warm sheets with this particular soft, voluptuous body. Yes, he definitely should have called.

“Magdalena,” he said softly, and with obvious pleasure.

“So you do remember me. I had begun to wonder.” Her upturned lips belayed the harshness of her words.

“I was just feeling guilty about that, honestly.”

“Honestly? We haven’t seen each other for months, not since that night in Italy, out partying with Sabina and your brother. I don’t work at a spa every day, you know,” she said, laughing. “Ownership does have its privileges.” Luc moved toward her as she continued, “Andrew and I are going to have a long talk about what a vacation should be like when I get home. But, as long as I’m here and as long as it’s you, last time I saw you I promised an on the house bath, a massage and—“

He pulled her into his arms and stopped her words with his lips. When he lifted his head, he smiled down at her, chuckling at her breathless silence. “In that order,” he confirmed. Then he released her and started divesting himself of gear.

Luc pulled the kaffiyeh from his head which was quickly followed by his rifle, the bullet belts slung over his shoulders and strapped across his chest, his sharp shabriyyah and the pistol attached to his waist belt. She smiled her own appreciation at his actions, which increased his haste. His gallabia soon lay piled upon the floor at his feet. Grasping the sides of the basin, he plunged his head into the still warm water.

He stood up, dripping, and reached for the razor and shaving cream on the small, collapsible stand. She disliked his whiskers against her tender skin. As he prepared to shave, she moved forward and reached for a sponge already lathered with sandalwood soap and began to suds his back.

“Here, let me help,” she said. After you’re clean I have brought some of your favorite scented oils. I will massage you from head to toe until you are completely relaxed. 

"I'm not sure how relaxed that will make me," he said with a chuckle, meeting her gaze in the mirror as he raked the razor down his cheek to his jawline, tilting his head before drawing it under his jaw and down his neck. She moved her hand lower across his buttocks, and coaxed the sponge gently between his legs.

"Ouch!"

"Did I hurt you?"

"Yes," Luc said, scooping up a handful of water and splashing it against his foam covered skin to wash the blood from the small nick on his neck. 

Seeing the source of his pain, Maggie laughed, reached in front of him and tossed the sponge in the basin. "I guess I better let you finish shaving before you cut your own throat," she said, moving away toward the pile of soft goat skins and plush pillows in the far corner of the tent..

Poor Luc, no more Maggie...but wait!

I have a feeling Nalini will help Luc forget all about Maggie...the second he looks into her lavender eyes.