The Pirate by Harold Robbins Page A

paradise?
    She raised a glass of champagne to her lips as she watched the salon doors. Baydr had not yet come out.
    “Jordana, darling,” a voice gushed in her ear. “Your dance was so beautiful.”
    She turned to the speaker, recognizing the voice. “Mara,” she said, holding up her cheek for the customary kiss. “You’re more than kind.”
    “No, darling,” the Princess said quickly. “It’s true. It was the most erotique thing I have ever seen. Had I been a man I would have raped you then and there.” She laughed and added, “As a matter of fact I still might.”
    Jordana laughed with her. “That’s the greatest compliment of all, Mara.”
    The Princess bent her head closer to Jordana’s ear. “What you did was unbelievable. Did you notice the young man I brought with me? He went out of his mind. I thought he would burst his trousers.”
    Jordana looked at her. It was not like Mara to be so effusive. “Really, darling?”
    “Really,” Mara answered. “And he’s dying to meet you. Do you have a moment?”
    Over the Princess’ shoulder, Jordana saw Carriage coming out of the salon with Mr. Yasfir. “Not just now,” she answered. “Baydr should be coming out soon.”
    Yasfir made his way directly to her. “Madame Al Fay.” He bowed.
    “Mr. Yasfir,” she said formally.
    “I wish to express my thanks for a gracious evening and present my apologies for leaving so soon but I have pressing affairs ashore.”
    She held out her hand. “I’m sorry too.”
    He kissed her hand.
    “Perhaps next time we will have the opportunity to become better acquainted,” she said.
    “I will look forward to that,” he said. “Bon soir, madame.”
    As Yasfir made his way down the dock to the ladder that led to the speedboat which would take him back to shore, she saw Carriage go over to Youssef. Youssef and the American film director Michael Vincent followed Carriage into the salon and down the corridor leading to Baydr’s study.
    “Another meeting?” Mara asked.
    Jordana shrugged silently and raised her champagne. The Princess slipped into the chair beside her.
    “One of my husbands was like that. I forgot which one. Always meetings. It was so boring, I divorced him.”
    Jordana smiled at her. “Baydr may be many things but he is not boring.”
    “I did not say he was. But some husbands do not realize there are other things in life besides business.”
    Jordana did not answer. She sipped at her champagne. Suddenly she was down. Nothing seemed to work for them anymore.
    “Come, darling,” the Princess urged. “Meet my young man. It will make him happy and may amuse you for a few minutes.”
    “Where is he?”
    “Over there. The tall blond one standing near the steps.”
    Jordana glanced at him. “He seems young.”
    The Princess laughed. “He is young, darling. Twenty-five and with the staying powers of an ox. I have not known a man like him since Rubi was in his prime.”
    “Gigolo?” Jordana asked.
    “Of course, darling,” Mara said. “Aren’t all the beautiful young men? But that makes life simpler when you get tired of them. Give them a few francs and they go away. No complications.”
    “Tired of him already? Is that why you’re giving him away?”
    Mara laughed. “No, darling. It’s just that he exhausts me. I can’t keep up with him. He keeps sticking his big beautiful cock at me and I’m not as young as I used to be. I’m exhausted.”
    “At least you’re honest.”
    Mara’s voice was hurt. “I’m always honest. Now will you meet him?”
    Jordana glanced toward the salon. Carriage was coming back alone. Youssef and Vincent had remained with Baydr. She shrugged her shoulders. “All right,” she said. “Bring him over.”
    ***
    Baydr handed the Scotch and water to Vincent and gestured him to a seat. Youssef retired discreetly to a corner of the room as Baydr sat down opposite the American.
    “I have been an admirer of your work for a long time, Mr. Vincent,” Baydr