The Pirate Prince (Pirate's Booty Series, Book Five) by Temple Hogan

imbibing. They questioned every man, woman and child they saw and came away with no clue.
    Rajak studied the ships anchored in the harbor. Could she be on one of those ships? With Allah’s help, he’d board every one and search every bilge.
    Kalari rode up beside him. “We have a witness who saw her carriage waiting in front of Kamilah’s abode.”
    “Kamilah? Why would she have gone there?” Rajak asked.
    “You know how jealous Kamilah is. Perhaps she sent a message to Azara.”
    Rajak’s lips tightened at Kalari’s words. He set off at a gallop through the town and to the other side, straight to Kamilah’s door.
    “Rajak, how wonderful to see you,” Kamalah replied upon seeing Rajak. She looked as if she’d just risen from bed and thrown a silken robe over herself, or else she’d worn it to seduce him. It hung open to reveal tantalizing glimpses of her breasts and long, tawny thighs.
    “Where is Azara?” Rajak demanded without preamble.
    “Azara?” Kamalah feigned surprise, arching one eyebrow. “Has your little princess taken flight?”
    “I know she was here,” Rajak said harshly. “Her carriage was seen here yesterday afternoon before she disappeared. It will do you no good to lie.”
    “Why should I lie to you, Rajak?” she asked with some amusement. “I no longer have to answer to you.”
    He stepped forward and grabbed her arm in a bruising hold. “You’ll answer to me if you’ve done anything to cause harm to her.”
    She cried out as his grip tightened then meeting his gaze, she smiled and slid her body along his.
    “I give you my pledge,” she said, breathing the words. “I have done nothing to your little princess.” Her gaze met his, challenging and enigmatic. “Have you tried Boghos? I understand he developed a passion for her.” Her gaze slid away from his face.
    “What do you know?” Rajak cried, shaking her slightly.
    She laughed and brought her face to his as if to kiss him, but kept her lips a scant inch from his. “When you grow tired of looking for her, come to me, Rajak. I can soothe your soul as she never could. I have learned many new ways to please a man, and I want to show them to you.”
    Rajak flung her away. “If I find you’ve had anything to do with this, I will kill you myself,” he raged and stalked out of her dwelling.
    Kamilah’s laughter followed him even as he rode away.
    With a full regiment of men, he rode to Boghos’ villa sitting on one of the high hills overlooking the port. Outlooks stopped them long before they reached the gate to Boghos’ property and escorted them the rest of the way. Boghos came out on the portico to greet them.
    “Welcome, Prince Rajak,” he called, his palms together in the traditional gesture of hospitality. “I am pleased you’ve come to my humble abode. You’ve not done so before.”
    “This is not a social call, Boghos,” Rajak said. “I’m looking for Princess Azara. I understand she’s here.”
    “Where did you hear that?” Boghos demanded, his jovial attitude fading.
    “Kamilah has told me so.”
    “Ah, well, everyone knows she lies. Look what she’s done to you. How she’s betrayed you.”
    “Then you won’t mind if my men and I search your property?”
    “Not at all. Be my guest,” Boghos said genially, waving his hand in invitation that they dismount and search to their satisfaction.
    Rajak’s heart sank. The pirate and self-proclaimed lord of the island wouldn’t be so agreeable if Azara were here.
    “Do you know where she is?” Rajak asked, knowing whatever Boghos said would be a lie.
    “Ah, Your Highness,” Boghos bowed elaborately, “I would tell you if I could, but I cannot. She could be anywhere on the island or perhaps she has fled in one of the other pirate ships.” He laughed. “Maybe she did not find you so pleasing.”
    “Hear me about this, Boghos. If you’re behind her disappearance and if you harm one hair on her head, I’ll gut you and hang you in the square until