Untitled by Unknown Author

soft lighting, her companions pointed and a dozen candles flared , then subsided to a golden glow. ―Neat trick.‖
       ―Aye,‖ they said in unison, each capturing one of her hands.
       Laughing, she pulled away. ―Gentlemen, please. I've worked very hard on these surprises. Please allow me to present them to you.‖
       They seemed more interested in surprising her—which pleased her a lot. Still…she wanted to show off a little. ―Please,‖ she said again, puffing out her lower lip. Other courtesans—Colette sometimes, Azura often—pouted. Eden considered pouting beneath her talents to persuade, but now…her body urging her to hurry, demanding fulfillment now made a pout seem a useful expedient.
    ―Very well,‖ Kamal said.
    ―Begin,‖ Kaliq agreed.
       Eden whispered something neither man could hear. Two pillowed divans rolled into the room, followed by a low, pounded-brass table. The table tilted from its edge to settle between the divans within easy reaching distance of each.
       ―Please make yourselves comfortable,‖ Eden said, sitting tailor-fashion on an ottoman and pulling her skirt over her knees. ―You may recall that you noticed a specific dish you had not tasted the way I prepared it tonight.‖
       Nodding, his eyes half-hidden by long, thick lashes, Kamal said, ―And you mentioned that food is sensual.‖
       ―It is s ensual. You see it. If artfully displayed, it encourages you to taste it. But first you inhale its aroma. If it smells good, you take a bite. Sight, scent, taste. Depending on the food, you're aware of its texture on your tongue and how it feels when you swallow. Touch. Four of your senses engaged.‖
       ―What about sound?‖ Kaliq wanted to know. He looked pleased that he could stump her.
       She smiled, the merest curving of her lips. ―Remember when I put the scaloppini in the sauté pan? Or before that, the butter and oil? They sizzled, didn't they?‖
       ―Aye,‖ Kaliq looked more disappointed than he sounded. Then he laughed heartily. ―All five senses.‖
       Eden briefly bowed her head, savoring the small triumph. She murmured. A cart rolled across the thick carpeting , then settled within her reach. ―Here, under these domes, you'll find some of those foods you found remarkable. You must decide between you, which you want to sample again and in what order. You may, however, reconsider at any time. But remember, all your selections must involve all five senses.‖
       With that, she left the room.

    * * * *

    For a long moment, dumbfounded, the men just sat. At last Kamal said, ―I guess we should see what's on the menu.‖
       ―I was hoping for Eden.‖
       Quirking his brow, Kamal chuckled. ―Eden, my dense brother, is appetizer, entrée and dessert. Remember what Tante said earlier?‖
       Grinning, Kaliq said, ―Where's that Alfredo sauce?‖
       After looking at all the sauces, fruits and vegetables on the cart, they returned to the divans.
       ―First,‖ Kaliq said, staring thoughtfully at the furniture, ―we need to put these together.‖ He pushed his divan toward Kamal's until the two were side-by-side. ―That's better.‖
       ―Not if we can't keep them from rolling around. They could separate, dump us on our asses at a critical moment.‖
       ―Maybe we should do away with them altogether. Eden must have a bedroom and we could use her bed.‖
       ―Considering the juiciness of the food, I think Eden would dislike the mess.‖
       Kaliq groaned.
       A brief examination around and under the divans solved the problem. With the casters locked so they couldn't roll and the divans linked together so even the most strenuous activity would not divide them, the men sat.
       ―We need a plan,‖ said Kamal. ―We've studied battle tactics and Eden herself gave us hints how to proceed.‖
       ―Sight first. Eden naked?‖ Kaliq, looking hopeful, waggled his