Craved
Chapter 7

Renee:

Unbelievable. The way Cynthia held the urn between her hands proved it was a priceless artifact. Renee couldn't believe her luck. What if the urn came back older than the Gobekli Tepee in Turkey? Then the urn and the temple they were excavating would be the oldest discovered temple instead of Gobekli.

Renee bounced on her toes as a grumbling Damon followed her out of the museum. This would set her reputation! Especially if her theory of a sovereign priestess was remotely accurate. She squeezed her arms around her middle and held back the nervous giggle threatening to bubble up inside her. Of course, nearly fainting in front of the museum's curator embarrassed her and she couldn't get out of there fast enough. Didn't feel ill now though.

She squinted as the sun warmed her back and eyed a row of kids lined up to enter the museum. It must be a school excursion. On the way down the front steps, she glanced behind her at Damon and noticed his scowl. "What?" she asked.

"Nothing." He looked at her oddly as if he scrutinized her.

Could he read the eagerness on her face? Why had he insisted on taking the urn back with them? It didn't make sense. Especially since he recommended they visit Cynthia in the first place.

The curator seemed professional enough. Except something was off about her, like the way she flirted the entire time with Damon. Sticking out her boobs when he entered her office, constantly rubbing her legs or licking her lips whenever he glanced her way. Renee shook her head. Was she reading into things? No, she didn't think so.

Even when her legs gave way and the other woman pressed herself up behind Damon, he seemed oblivious. Or he wasn't interested. Didn't matter. Cynthia could have him; Renee didn't care in the slightest.

Her thoughts drifted back to the urn, the most amazing thing she'd ever discovered. Ugh! If she hadn't been so light-headed and Damon's words had not distracted her, she'd have asked to be the museum's point of contact. She bumped into his side. "Sorry."

"I don't think you should be alone right now. You almost fainted back there." His smile was dazzling. "Do you long to be carted away like Persephone by Hades?"

"Sounds tempting." Despite herself, her mouth twitched. "Just point me in the direction of good food, and I'll be fine."

"You can't leave Turkey without visiting Sofia's. I sent Melanie a text with the address, so she can join us," Damon said putting his phone away.

"Oh?"

"The restaurant has a waiting list for two months for a reservation."

"Then we'll have to go somewhere else." Her stomach rumbled as she strolled beside him through the city. "And somewhere close."

"Don't worry, she'll make space for us. Even if she has to sit us in the kitchen." He smiled. "My treat."

For a moment, Renee's breath hitched. She'd planned on dinner alone. Quick and easy, then get to a jeweler before they closed for the evening. However, never refuse a free meal was a lesson she learned in college while working two jobs. "Lead the way then."

A delivery truck honked as a motorcyclist zoomed through a red light. After a few more streets, they came to one of the rock tents or fairy stacks. Locals sometimes called them hoodoo. This one was wider than others she'd seen, with carved windows and rooms out of the hardened volcanic debris. The stacks resembled drops of cream in random along the valley. Outside Sofia's, lines of people waited to get in. "Is it closed?"

"No." He gestured for them to cross the intersection. "It's always like this. People stand in line for hours."

Renee paused in the middle of the street when a man in a construction worker's hat and boots whistled at her, then she hustled across to meet Damon waiting for her on the curb. "You mean, they line up like this for brunch or lunch?" "Nope. She only serves one meal a day. Dinner. Though, her dinner hours are two to two." He bobbed his chin in the direction of the crowd. "Most of these people will be turned away."

"You expect us to get in? Bypassing everyone and the ones with reservations?" She shook her head. "You must have some big influence with this Sofia."

His step faltered, but after giving Renee a peculiar look, he continued to the door. Probably a woman he slept with or something. The bouncers checked people's names off a list. A man and a woman bouncer? Cool. Equal opportunity. Maybe she'd like Sofia. Even from this distance, the food smelled divine: mint, cumin, lamb, chicken, and something with cinnamon and cream teased her nose. 'Ah's' escaped some of the people's mouths-including her own.

Once she and Damon maneuvered around the other side of the crowd, behind the bouncers, Renee worried he'd sneak in. In a crowd this size, someone would spot them and erupt in violence.

He reached the woman bouncer, tapped her on the shoulder. When she leaned back briefly, he whispered something in her ear. Looked like he kissed the woman's cheek or ear, as well. After he stepped away, the woman blinked rapidly as if she woke from a dream.

Glancing around, Renee met the eyes of the other women waiting in the line, and they ogled at Damon with a mix of awe and appreciation. Why did he have this effect on women? On her? Don't go there, he's got a girlfriend. The bouncer let Damon pass through the ropes. "Coming?" He gestured her toward him.

"What did you say to her?" She quickened her pace to keep up with him as he gave no indication of responding or slowing. Did she even want to know? Sweat trickled down her back from the heat of the afternoon.

On the restaurant's walls hung colored blankets of dizzying patterns of blacks and reds interlocking, yellows and purples in swirls, and blues and gold in geometrics and stripes. Candles flickered on the tables, providing the only illumination as though they stepped back in time before electricity. Her vision adjusted slowly to the dim interior. At every table and in every chair sat patrons. The square tables squeezed into every nook and space available were full. "Where are we supposed to sit?" This was a bad idea. Surely, the owner or cook would throw them out. Yet as she passed, everyone laughed with wild abandon.

Smoke from the candles mingling with the food made her mouth water. Already, the tension of her encounter with Cynthia ebbed. To avoid the line, Renee would order to go. Then she'd eat it outside and not worry about this packed restaurant or whether she'd have to join Damon and Melanie for dinner.

"Damon?" a woman called.

Did he even have any male friends besides Travis and a few others on the expedition? It seemed nearly every woman in his presence practically swooned. He was a woman-magnet. Heat scalded Renee's cheeks. She'd done her own melting before she met him. As his warm hand touched her back and he led her deeper into the restaurant and away from his admirers, her pulse raced like it would jackhammer out of her skin. "Damon." This time the voice sounded more insistent and directly behind them.

When Renee whipped around to assess this newest Damon fan, shock radiated through her. The woman's gray hair was fashionably wrapped in a red scarf, and wrinkles lined her mouth and eyes. She was shorter than Renee and had warm eyes that appeared to know the merit of a person with one greeting. And she liked Damon? Hmm, maybe there was more to him than Renee thought. "Sofia!" He hugged the woman and lifted her off the ground.

She squealed like a young child then smacked both hands on each side of his cheeks. "You're too thin. Haven't been eating, have you?"

With a look between bashful and remorse, he lowered Sofia, then held out a hand to Renee. "My colleague, Renee."

Sofia arched a white eyebrow. "Is that what they call it these days? Well, it's about time you met someone who can love you as fiercely as you love."

Heat crept up Renee's neck. "Sorry, n="

"No." He swallowed, his throat muscles rippling. "I'm seeing someone right now, so a table for three."

Renee mentally searched for a way to plow herself underneath the ground.

Sofia threw her hands up and muttered in a language Renee had never heard before. Not Turkish, Greek, or even one of the Kurdish tongues from what she could tell. Damon, though, seemed to understand what she was saying for he shifted his feet for a moment.

"So where is this current lover of yours?" Sofia asked.

"Shopping. I sent her the address and that we were on the way here." Damon ran a hand through his hair. "She should be here shortly."

"And you don't have a reservation." Sofia clicked her tongue. "I would remember if you had."

Renee's stomach sunk. She knew this was a mistake and this woman would throw them out.

"You said you'd always have a table for me. No matter how full." He took Sofia's wizened hand and kissed it. "Please?"

She pushed him away. "Next time at least call first." Tapping her fingers to her mouth, she pursed her lips for a moment then her dark eyes brightened. "I've got the perfect spot. Come with me."

Sofia rushed through the crowd as if she were the only one in the room. Both Damon and Renee squeezed around people and tables muttering apologies and pardons. They followed Sofia up narrow stairs which seemed to go up several flights. Finally, they entered a back room past a wooden door. Without stopping, their hostess opened the door to reveal a balcony with one table and three chairs. The edge cut open a view of the city below. "Sit," she commanded and handed them menus.

Where had she hidden those? Renee sat in the seat the woman held out for her.

"I like her." Sofia elbowed Damon, who took a chair diagonally at the table across from Renee. The elderly woman shuffled off.

His cell vibrated, and he glanced at it with a frown. "Sorry, Melanie's not going to join us. She caught up with some of the others at a bar near here and already ate." He typed a message. "I'm offering that she can join us later for dessert if she likes."

After glancing at the menu, Renee's guilt about having dinner with them made her unable to concentrate. "It's getting late. I'm sure the others are done and are eager to get back to camp." Rather than acknowledge Sofia's embarrassing comment, Renee looked out over the sky. The wind sliced through trees, and she remembered a bright yellow kite her dad made her just before their rapids trip.

"Hey, are you okay?" Damon asked. "We can go somewhere else if you like?"

"No, it's fine, I was distracted by the view." She blinked to refocus on her menu. Wow, the dishes here have weird names. Multi-orgasm Baklava, Foreplay Patlıcan Kebabı with a side of titillation, succulent Hünkar Beğendi, which was lamb stew, but it wasn't typically listed as an aphrodisiac. Sarma wrapped lamb for low libidos. No prices were listed.

"What are you getting?" he asked.

She jumped slightly, the menu crinkling in her hands. "Just a salad."

"They have salads?" He flipped over the menu over, and she laughed.

"No, I feel weird ordering and eating some of these things."

"Oh? I thought the Baklava or is the Lesbian Hamsi Tava more to your taste?" His teasing sent a shiver through her.

"No, fine for someone else, but not me." Her cheeks heated. She inhaled, and the food smelled better than the richest chocolate.

"Ready to order?" A dark-eyed man wearing only a white apron appeared at her side. The fabric covered his chest, abs, groin, and cut off at mid-thigh. His arms, upper chest, and legs were bare. An apron and black slippers on his feet-from what she could tell, that was all he wore.

"Uhhh." Renee gaped. He wasn't as handsome as Damon, but his body was carved from muscles. Were half-naked men waiting on other tables? She didn't remember noticing any wait staff when they entered.

"I think the lady will have a salad?" When all she could do was nod, Damon continued, "I'll have a glass of Aslan Sütü and Manti."

"And the lady will drink?" The waiter faced her again.

"Tea. Hot, plain tea." She handed him her menu and refused to watch him walk away to discover if he wore anything under the apron. What kind of diner had Damon brought her to? Did they have backrooms for orgies or something? He'd ordered a drink; one made with Raki at fifty percent alcohol which would get many drunk. Sure hope he can handle it. "Thank you for bringing me here." The food smelled delicious, but she needed to restrict herself and have a salad. He winked, and she cursed as her pulse increased. The waiter brought their drinks and disappeared into the kitchen. "What are you thinking?" Damon took a sip of the Aslan Sütü. "You look as if someone squeezed a lemon into your mouth." She forced a smile. "Sorry, I'm a bit nervous. What is this place?"

He rested his hands on the table. "A restaurant."

Right. "So why come here?" She set her purse on her lap and folded her arms over it.

"Because this is the best food in town. Stop worrying." He nodded when the waiter brought rolls and butter. Then Damon held up his cup. "Would you like a taste? Might soothe your nerves." When she made a face, he added, "Afraid?" "No." She gingerly accepted the cold drink. She took a sip and tasted aniseed and booze. Lots of alcohol. "It's not bad," she choked out.

"Too strong for you?"

Even though his words were innocent enough, a shiver ran through her just the same.

His meal was miniature lamb dumplings with a side of yogurt sauce.

"Care for a bite?"

How could he make something as innocent as offering her a taste sound so sinful? "I should stick to my salad."

"Really?" His voice dipped seductively, making her breaths quicken. "How can you be in Turkey and not enjoy yourself? Or have food that will make you feel amazing?"

"Say that to my hips and thighs."

"I think you look just fine." He took her salad fork, pierced a dumpling and swirled the lamb in the yogurt sauce, holding the delectable morsel out for her. "Don't make me beg."

She forced away all the racy descriptions she'd read before she reached across the table and dragged him to her. Instead, she leaned forward, tried to slow her racing heart and let him feed her. The spicy yogurt tickled her tongue and she stifled a moan of pleasure. Her salad tasted yummy, but not as sultry as his meal.

Heat spread through her, and she squirmed. Think of something else besides Damon naked as she straddled him in his chair. "So, how did you meet Sofia?"

He coughed. "Sorry." After taking two gulps of his drink, he continued, "My cousin, Adeline. She's a magnet for trouble."

"And?" Renee poked at a stubborn piece of lettuce that wouldn't adhere to her fork. Crossing her legs, she hoped to ease the thoughts of Damon's hands on her. What is wrong with me?

"She got caught stealing when we were kids." With a nod, he handed a passing waiter his half-eaten plate. "Some expensive antique vase or something. Sofia required Adeline to work here in the restaurant until she paid her debt." "Wearing that?" Renee nodded to a waitress who wore the white apron. When the woman sauntered away, her white cutoff shorts showed, but she wore no top except for the apron.

"No." He chuckled. "Too easy for Adeline. Sofia made her clean the kitchens and bathrooms."

Why would waitressing be easy? Renee marked it off to perhaps his cousin had charm like him and getting large tips to pay off the debt was too fast to learn her lesson. She wiped her forehead and gulped her tea. No wonder the wait staff wore so little; it was hot and humid in here.

"Enough about me." Grabbing his drink, he gestured to her. "What about you?"

Purring undertones zinged through her like dark chocolate with a yummy cherry center. Concentrate on the conversation! "Not much to know. I'm a teacher and a budding archeologist."

"Tell me something I don't know." He took a sip and chuckled over the rim. "Surely there must be some scandal or prank in your past?"

"No. I was a serious student."

"If you don't want to tell me, okay. What about when you were growing up? Did you always want to be a teacher or an archeologist?" "No." She pushed her plate away. "When I was younger, I thought to become an engineer and invent a teleport."

He whistled. "A sci-fi gal?"

"Silly, I know." The ache inside her eased some, but her gaze kept drifting to his mouth then to his hands and back again. What would it be like to kiss every scrumptious inch of him?

"No." He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I don't think it's silly at all. You've got a sharp mind, Renee, don't sell yourself short."

For a moment, she couldn't breathe. His hand over hers enthralled her. What did he say? That he had confidence in her abilities, and she should as well? She did. Didn't she? Her math teacher, when she was younger and wanted to be an engineer, refused to allow her extra work when the assignments proved too easy. Yet, he praised the boys and their achievements.

"What about you? What's the craziest thing you've ever done?" She fought a frown when he withdrew his hand, but she twirled her straw making the melting ice clink against the glass.

No way would she confess about the time she egged the high school bully's car and got arrested. Who knew egging was a criminal offense? She'd thought to teach the girl a lesson. After a lawyer, Renee got a disorderly conduct and a littering charge. Thankfully, they wiped the charges from her record since she was a minor and did community service to pay back the damages.

"Once, my brother and I got caught using ski-boards on the Khufu pyramid," he offered up like he encouraged her to share.

"How old were you?" A reckless Damon? He seemed to be so controlled and precise.

For a moment, an uncomfortable look swept over his face. "Uh, thirteen I guess?"

"Did your family travel a lot?"

From reading about his history, she knew he funded several expeditions a year. Except he'd shut them all down a few years ago without any explanation. When he selected some this year, she was ecstatic. "What about school?" She finished her tea. The ecstasy pulsing through her veins ebbed enough she could concentrate on their conversation better.

"A tutor traveled with us."

"Us? You mentioned a brother and sister. Do you have any other siblings?"

"Too many to count." He cleared his throat. "What about you? Schools? Friends? Siblings? Boyfriends?"

"No siblings. A few precious teachers shaped my passion in public school, especially my world history teacher. Most of my friends have moved away or are busy with their families and careers now." She fiddled with her black cloth napkin in her lap. "As far as boyfriends, I don't think that's appropriate dinner conversation between colleagues."

"Touché." He saluted her with his glass, then finished the rest of the drink.

For a while, they talked about the dig and history.

The sun flashed behind a cloud, and she glanced at her watch: five o'clock. Where had the time gone? "Shouldn't you get Melanie?"

"Let me see if she responded yet." He checked his cell. "No, I missed a text. She's enjoying her shopping spree too much to stop now."

"You can box up a dessert for her to take back to camp."

"Nah, she doesn't like sweets. Thanks though."

He paid for the meal, but Renee left the tip. Proud she didn't rip off Damon's clothes, she vowed to come back here sometime to figure out if it was Sofia's or Damon who made her crave him. Something in the food? At least the sexual hunger mellowed somewhat.

Now to drop off the crystal.

"Do you know a good jeweler around here?" she asked as they stepped outside. The night wind teased at her curls.

"A couple of blocks away are a few shops. Others are closer to downtown." He shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'll escort you. Bartering will be the best way to get something at a lesser cost."

She hadn't used her vacation money yet. With luck, the necklace wouldn't take all her savings. "Thanks."

The setting sun lit the clouds in pinks and purples. She hoped she had enough time to visit some jewelers before the others complained that they wanted to leave. Damon and the group wouldn't go into town again for supplies for another week or two. Shipping something overseas was too costly.

He pointed. "Here's a shop up ahead."

When he opened the door for her to Gold and Silver Jewelers, his cell phone rang. "Excuse me a moment."

"It's fine." She hitched her bag higher. "I'll meet you back at the bus."

Glass cases filled with rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings sparkled. They all looked beautiful. An emerald set in a heart-shaped cluster of diamonds followed a braided band of silver around the neck. Glittering ruby earrings even Samantha, her friend, and her fake jewelry would lust over. This was perfect. Especially if Renee could get the jeweler to make her necklace his or her work was amazing. Intricate without being gaudy. Simple yet elegant. "May I help you?" a man with graying temples and bushy eyebrows asked.

"Yes. Would you know anyone who'd be able to create a custom piece like these?" She pointed to a grouping of necklaces with rubies and diamonds shaped like something Lady Gaga would wear.

"I do all the work myself," he said in a mixture of a Turkish and possibly Arabic accent.

"Really?" Renee hadn't expected to meet the man. "Everything here is gorgeous. You have amazing talent." She dug in her purse for the smoky quartz. Her hand tingled. Strange. She shook off the feeling and laid the stone on the countertop between them. "Do you think you can cut away the granite and polish this? See how it makes a teardrop shape like a pendant for a necklace?"

He gingerly picked up the quartz. His fingers spun the crystal as he examined it. "Yes. That would work nicely." He set it back on the counter. "Would you like me to draw up some designs for you?"

Too bad she didn't have time to wait. The others in the group would be making their way back to the minibus by now. She shook her head. "No need. Your work is amazing, I know you'll create something wonderful. How much will it cost? Just an estimate."

"Two hundred and seventy-five lira should be enough."

"Thank you. No rush." She shifted her purse to her other shoulder. "I'm with an archeological dig about an hour and forty-minute drive from here. If all goes well, we should stay in Turkey for another six weeks or so." She couldn't wait for the finished product. Something she could show off and remember of her time there.

"Plenty of time." He laid the crystal on the counter and rummaged underneath for a box he marked with her name and cell phone number. "I'll have it ready in four weeks."