Bianca came awake late in the morning, as the sunlight filled the inner recesses of the large, satin-shrouded tent. Dimpling, she raised her arms above her head and stretched languidly as she turned to look to the side, where she could see the glimpses of the desert sands which had been laid out, recreating the image of a real desert.

All they needed was for a camel to stroll across, she thought with a giggle. As her body came awake, she winced and smiled secretly to herself. St Just had made love to her, at first gentle and romantic; after, at her urging, he had become more aggressive. Bianca had...