The Panther & the Pyramid (Khamsin Warriors of the Wind) by Bonnie Vanak

muscled, but possessed a wiry strength and was quicker on his feet. Graham had learned to pinpoint his brother's advantages and use his own. His blood thrummed with excitement. A similar gleam shone in his brother's eyes.
    "Come on, let's see how your lunge fares these days. I'll wager your thrusts are too slow," Kenneth challenged.
    "That's not what the lady said," Graham replied.
    "And that's why you're marrying her. Bloody hell, sex isn't a good reason to marry."
    They engaged. Kenneth launched a furious assault, clearly frustrated. Graham gritted his teeth, leashing his temper enough to parry and riposte.
    "Really, Graham, marrying a prostitute just because you enjoyed bedding her—"
    "A virgin," he corrected, effortlessly deflecting Kenneth's latest thrust. "And a lady."
    His brother gave a loud snort of derision. "You must be mad about her if you're calling a prostitute a lady."
    "A real lady. An earl's daughter, whom I saw again last night at the ball."
    Shock twisted Kenneth's face. As he hesitated, Graham took ruthless advantage, and executed a perfect coup, knocking his foil aside and touching his brother's chest.
    "Right in the heart," he said with satisfaction. "You'd be dead."
    "I might still die of shock. You mean the woman you tupped—the virgin—is an earl's daughter? Good God, what was she doing at a brothel?"
    "Pleasuring me," Graham said. "Now shall we continue, or are you too witless to defend yourself?"
    In response, his brother lifted his rapier and attacked. Relishing the challenge, Graham concentrated on defending himself. Kenneth was an excellent opponent who had perfected his fencing moves. In Egypt, he had been called Khepri, a Khamsin warrior fearless in battle. He had killed many. But Graham had killed more.
    Graham the warrior had taken the life of his Egyptian captor. Then he had sliced off the man's testicles, presenting them to the al-Hajid sheikh as a trophy.
    "I gather you aren't going to tell me details," Kenneth panted, as Graham began a fresh assault.
    "I am not."
    Steel clanked against steel as they exchanged blows. Graham sidestepped Kenneth's lunge and moved to finish the match just as a startled shriek filled the air. Both men froze.
    "Are you two mad? You could get hurt!"
    Badra, Kenneth's very pregnant, very scowling wife, stood nearby. The brothers exchanged guilty looks. Red-faced, well aware of his half-naked state, Graham scrambled for his shirt, jerking it on hastily. While he drew on his waistcoat, his brother faced Badra, unashamedly bare- chested.
    "Honey..." Kenneth began.
    "It's my fault," Graham interjected. "I made him. I wanted a bit of the old thrill."
    Badra swung her annoyed gaze to him. "No one makes him do anything. You're worse than a pair of children." Graham offered a sheepish grin and Kenneth hastily dressed. "It's too dangerous," Badra continued, waddling over to them.
    An exasperated look touched Kenneth's face. "Honey, Graham and I fought as warriors. We've slain enemies in battle and have the scars to prove it. You think dueling with these"—he flicked a finger at his foil—"swords that couldn't cut warm butter on a hot day is more dangerous than that?"
    "This is England, where men are civilized. There's no need to duel," she protested.
    "How am I supposed to protect my family? What if some madman rages in and threatens my beautiful wife?" Kenneth inquired.
    She rolled her eyes. "Do as every other Englishman does."
    "Run?" offered Graham.
    Badra scowled. "I can defend myself. You taught me, Kenneth, remember? You kick a man in the privates."
    Both brothers cast her tiny but heavily rounded frame a doubtful glance. Graham restrained a smile.
    "Kicking a man is a good idea, but my sword is far more effective," Kenneth stated.
    "I agree. You can cut off his nether parts instead of kicking him," Graham suggested helpfully.
    Badra rolled her eyes. "Wouldn't it be more sporting to simply shoot him?"
    Graham nodded. "Shoot him in the privates, I