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“There’s
no need, Mrs. Cade. Like I said, you’re under my protection.”
I still. My cheeks flame as I become aware I’m in the nightgown the General’s maid helped me into yesterday. I hate being at a disadvantage, and he already figured out who I am. So much for keeping my identity hidden. At least he has the decency to keep his eyes averted while I wrap the scarf around my shoulders.
“I thought we could speak before leaving for Istanbul. There are a few things I need to discuss with you.”
“Give us a few minutes, and I’ll find you after I change.”
Abbas nods. His eyes skate over me and then he turns to leave. I grab a robe and jump to my feet.
“General.”
He pauses, turning around.
“Thank you for your warm hospitality.” I slip past Mark, hoping this isn’t too bold a move to address him. But his people confiscated my things, including my phone. “I wonder if I could call my family. I worry about my children at home. They haven’t heard from me since yesterday.”
“Your father-in-law contacted me already. They’re aware you’re my guest.” Before I can mask the shock hitting me like a punch to the throat, he says, “Mrs. Cade, your family is respected here in the Middle East. I’ll make sure your stay here will be pleasant and smooth.”
I nod, casting a look at Mark, standing still like a stone at my side. His face is like granite.
“Thank you, Mr. Abbas. Can I ask for another favor?”
He nods.
“I still need to finish a few things for Mr. Lawson. We’re organizing an important event at Medina.” But before I can even ask for my things, he speaks again.
“You aren’t my prisoner, Mrs. Cade. Your personal belongings from the car and also your hotel suite will be sent shortly to your quarters.”
I blink, biting the inside my cheek, so I won’t show my utter disbelief.
“I also organized a dinner for you. I hope you’ll enjoy my home for the duration of this stay.” Abbas looks between us with bold curiosity and then leaves, shutting the large door behind us.
Mark twists around. His stormy gaze speaks volumes. We can’t change this situation we got ourselves in—only choose how we react to our circumstances.
“Try to keep our schedule as was planned. Don’t leave this room, not without me. We’ll announce our franchise at the ball. There will be enough press to give us a boost.”
“We promised your clients to be there. We might lose their respect.”
“I know.” He rubs his face, drilling his gaze at the door. “We have no choice.”
“What if we make an announcement during this ball? We could arrange the live video feed from the hotel. It would impress our clients and appease them. You could make a speech, gloss over all the glitches, and fortify our position in the Middle East market.”
He mulls it over and smirks.
“I’ll speak with Abbas. See if he’ll permit it. Nothing goes without his approval. He’s involved in organizing this event with the anonymous sponsor. But I love this idea. It might work to our advantage.”
My lips tug in a grin as his praise explodes like fireworks inside my belly.
“See you later.” I bite my lip to curb my response to his magnetic field reaching something deep within me. I can’t deny this pull, ardently pulsing like we’re connected. Or find a single strand of logic to push these feelings out of my mind.
When Mark leaves, the maids rush into the room. They insist I wear the clothes the General provided. I don’t argue, afraid I might provoke or upset him with my refusal. And we need Abbas’ support to execute our plan.
As soon as our things arrive, I start working. I catch them staring at me oddly, but they don’t ask questions, and I manage to finish everything by dinner with Fading Ink’s employees’ help. Robert didn’t even blink an eye when I told him everything. It made me think it’s not the first time he’s dealt with such an occurrence.
Grabbing my phone, I dial home, while the maid runs me a bath and arranges my evening gown on the bed. “Mrs. Cade residence. How can I help?”
“May, it’s me, Cassandra. How are my kids? Are they around?”
