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heard about the Bastet figurine, and he knew the Black Cat would head for Cairo like an arrow from a bow. He’d convinced himself he’d only gone to Egypt to acquire the artefact, but as soon as he saw her in the skin-tight scarlet dress, he’d known he was kidding himself.
    He’d been unable to get her out of his mind since the morning he’d awoken to find the bed cold. It hadn’t taken him long to find out her real name on the Internet and to discover she was a well-respected expert in the archaeology world. The thought that she was more than a match for him professionally only added fuel to his ardour.
    Now he watched the Egyptian’s hand squeeze her arse, and he narrowed his eyes.
    “She won’t thank you.” Alexander’s voice held a hint of amusement.
    He turned, surprised. “For what?”
    “Rescuing her.”
    Heath met the older man’s gaze and then looked back at the couple. “I’m guessing that’s Dr Kamel?”
    “Yes.”
    “What do you know about him?”
    “He’s very high up in the Egyptian Government. He’s also extremely rich and known for his collections of priceless treasures.”
    Heath knew all that—he’d meant what did Alexander know about him personally. Was the man married? Had he and Cat had a relationship, albeit obviously not a sexual one? It was clear they knew each other. “She’s met him before.”
    “She bought a rare Scorpion Macehead from him two years ago.”
    Heath nodded, watching the way she looked up at Kamel and laughed, tipping her head back, shaking her hair. He recognized the mannerism from his initial contact with her in the Ice Bar. She was flirting, buttering Kamel up. Presumably it wasn’t the first time she’d done it with the Egyptian either.
    Heath was beginning to understand her bartering system; this was obviously the way the Black Cat often made a deal. He had to constantly remind himself that whatever had happened that night in Jukkasjärvi, she was a clever and astute businesswoman who wasn’t afraid of using her sexuality to close a deal, even if she’d never gone as far before as she had with him.
    In spite of his reminder to himself, though, the memory of what they’d got up to under the covers brought a smile to his face. He’d been her first. That had to mean something.
    “Don’t hurt her,” said Alexander.
    Heath looked across at him in surprise. The old man’s gaze was concerned, angry even. “Sorry, what?”
    Alexander took a step closer to him. “I saw the way she looked at you. And I can see the way you’re looking at her. She likes you, Dr Roberts, although she may not realise it yet. But she keeps herself locked away for a reason. She doesn’t need you to go opening doors that should remain closed. She’s fragile as a butterfly.”
    Heath surveyed him for a moment, intrigued by the man’s passionate speech. “Are you her father or her lover?”
    Alexander’s eyes burned into him. “I’m neither. But I’m the closest thing she’s got to family, and I won’t stand by and watch you trample all over her heart.”
    Heath smiled and placed his glass on the nearest table. “Don’t worry, sir, I have no intention of hurting her.”
    He started walking toward the couple who were moving slowly to the music and standing far too close for his liking. After a few steps, however, he turned back to face Alexander. The old man glared at him. Heath grinned, flicking out his hands innocently. “I just want to talk to her.”
    Leaving Alexander standing there, furious, Heath strode determinedly toward the dance floor.
    Cat could feel Sayed’s growing interest as he pressed himself against her. Inwardly she sighed, but she made herself smile and raise an eyebrow at him, looking deeply into his eyes.
    Just then she felt a presence at her elbow and looked over her shoulder to see Heath standing there. He smiled at Sayed. “Good evening, Dr Kamel. May I step in? It seems a shame to let you keep this beautiful young lady to yourself all