Chapter 91

　　The Leather Book

　　“Please, come in.” He stood aside with his hand pressed against the heavy iron door, and Rafik tilted his head to the cold, dark room.

　　“Thank you.” She clasped her hands behind her back and scanned the long vast basement lined with shelves packed with glass bottles, journals, and scrolls. “I’m sorry I’m running behind this morning.”

　　While she worked her way around the room, she examined the vials and papers and a smile rose on her lips.

　　“You’re not late. I am at your service.” He watched as she inspected her new surroundings. The curly hairs the fell from her loose bun framed her slender neck, and he grinned at the memory of placing soft kisses there that night on the balcony.

　　When she felt his eyes on her back, she curled her lips under and glanced over her shoulder. “It smells like my father’s den in here. At least, I think it does. I haven’t been home in a long time.”