The unshaven, yet stouthearted stranger draws in the sweet flavor of his favorite Cuban cigar. He is self-possessed as he awaits the moment in which he will have his seductive mistress once again in his arms.

The East-Indian waiter is multi-cultural and speaks English with a slight British undertone. This pleases James (Bond) as his somewhat allusive personality reigns in Britain. He motions the waiter for his check and proceeds to pay for his coffee and biscuit.

James strolls down the crowded streets of vendors, jugglers and possible marksmen waiting to collect on their mark.

Upon his arrival, James notices Ciara's door is ajar, and he suspects foul play. The marksmen hover over Ciara's neighboring roof waiting for a good shot, yet James pays little attention to them. He knows he is momentarily safe and proceeds forward. He quietly walks through the voided space and gently places his coat on the chair adjacent to the door. He senses that Ciara is prepping herself for his arrival.

The smell of Jasmine resonates with song throughout her tiny apartment, and casts a sensual fragrance on her fine-silk draperies she recently purchased from a local Indian tailor. He cautiously walks near her dimly lit bedroom and notices candles burning throughout the lavender-colored room, at least six feet apart from one another. He treads carefully, taking caution not to knock one over as his body is already on fire -- filled from head to toe -- and so is the entire room.

Ciara appears from behind the folded screen, wearing only a silk robe that he purchased for her while on one of their ventures traveling through the Orient.  She brushes her hair back with her index finger and slowly disrobes in front of him. He hesitates -- just for a brief moment -- then moves slowly toward her with heart-stopping anticipation. She falls helplessly into his arms.

In a sweeping motion, James lifts her weakened body from the floor and carries her to her bed, which has been fluffed with the softest Down linens from Austria.

Flower petals are strewn across the headboard as if the two were magically transported to a Garden of Eden.    

To be continued at a later date.  

Hugs,
Ciara