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“I didn’t realize how difficult running this business overseas might be,” I tell him.
“Once you learn about the system, it gets easier. You start to anticipate and learn to act accordingly. I doubt you haven’t seen similar things working with investors at the bank.”
“I did.” But not at the ban
k. “Being a Cade brought me close and personal with people who juggle big funds and play political games like chess.” Except those sharks play the games with people’s lives not with figurines. Nothing is unattainable to them. I got to see how they operate. “I just wonder who the main player is.”
“Why do you think there is?”
“Just a hunch. Let’s see how it pans out.”
His gaze snaps to the mirror as screeching cars surround us and military-looking men pile out of the vehicles, shouting something and pointing their guns at us.
“Fuck!”
“Oh my God.” My hands rise to placate them.
“Do not challenge them. Do what they say. Keep your identity secret if you can. You’ll be okay.” He clips a warning as he opens the door and slowly climbs out with his hands in the air. I stay inside, but my door is wrenched open, and a guy pulls me out. My hand goes up as they point the guns, pushing me to another vehicle.
7
Thunderstorm
~Cassandra~
After a two-hour journey, we finally arrive at the mansion. Green grass, manicured trees, and beautiful flower beds artfully carved into the land greet my eyes. The view takes away my breath as the welcoming white pillars and arches draw my eyes toward the majestic stairs at the entrance. But I search for Mark, anxious about his safety.
My nails dig into my dress material as I find him pushed out from the vehicle. His sharp gaze tracks mine. Exhaling in relief, he tips his head at me and smiles. My muscles stiffen as the doors on my right open. The male with military regalia extends his hand.
“Miss, please follow me.”
My skin prickles with unease, but I don’t fight him.
The evening wind whips my scarf around my shoulders as I place my hand in his calloused ones. Conscious about how much attention I’m attracting, I touch my head, making sure my disguise is in place.
“You don’t need to be afraid, miss. I’m General Abbas, head of the police force in Saudi Arabia. This is my home. You’re safe here. Please allow me to show you to your quarters. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
None of it makes me feel at ease, quite the contrary.
Smiling, I tip my head at him, and he walks me into his home. Unable to appreciate the beauty of it all, I count the armed men circling around the property. I try to keep calm as he leads me through the lush interior to my room. To his word, Abbas leaves me alone with the maids, who rush to get me ready for bed.
“Could you please tell me what’s happening? Mr. Lawson hasn’t returned yet,” I speak to one of the women. I was relieved he actually sent someone who can communicate with me.
“You should rest, miss, it’s very late. Tomorrow, Mr. Abbas will explain everything. I’m sure your boss is taken care of.” She leaves the room and two guards stand at the door.
Exhausted from all the ventures and stress, I lie on the bed. Just for a minute, I close my eyes. I tremble from tension and lack of sleep is catching up with me. I melt into the bedding like on the soft clouds, and my mind shuts down, beckoning me deeper into sleep.
“Hey.” A gentle stroke on my cheek sends delicious shivers down my spine, wrapping around my body. “Cassandra.” A low, masculine voice is so close to my ear but also so far. “Open your eyes, Lovebird. I need to know you’re okay.” Gentle lips press against my temple, so tempting and soothing, I sigh. “Cassandra.”
Hearing my name, I blink. My hands coil into his shirt then I realize who’s next to me. “Mark,” my voice rasps as I stare at him. “You’re here.” I try to sit, but he pushes my shoulders down. “What happened?”
“Sleep. We’re safe. I’m here now.”
“But—”
“I’m not leaving.”
As if my eyelids weigh too much, my eyes blink closed.
