AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Then fill me in,” I demanded.
Bennett looked, concerned someone might come out onto the balcony. “It’s not something we want shared. I am hoping we can count on your discretion.”
“Of course.” I’d promise just about anything if it meant keeping Reesa safe.
“Before the Hendersons stepped in, the people lived in fear every day. Tabiq had a very unstable and corrupt government. The leaders were overthrown and jailed for their crimes. Unfortunately, some escaped and went into hiding. Every once in a while, we catch wind of a few of them and bring them to justice,” Bennett explained.
“That was a long time ago, right?” I asked.
“Not at long as I’d like. Her brother Jasper had crossed paths with some and it almost cost him and his wife Alissa, their lives.”
Fuck. This was even more serious than I had been concerned about. And yet, Reesa was all dressed sexy as hell out with me tonight as though nothing was wrong. Like she isn’t in danger.
“And you think that is what is happening? Do you believe that her security team are actually rebels in disguise?” I asked.
“It’s more likely that the rebels are threatening the security team. You don’t understand how they work. They will intimidate your family in order to get you to comply. With that said, if her team is backing off and leaving her defenseless, we need to tread lightly. We can’t put their families’ lives in jeopardy either. Trust me, Finn, it might not look as though we are doing anything, but my team is already monitoring her home, office, and even this gathering,” he said.
“Here?” I didn’t recall seeing any security.
“My men are highly trained. You won’t ever know they are there unless they want you to. Not even Reesa needs to know.”
“Why not? Won’t that ease her mind a little?” I asked.
Bennett shook his head. “Your first reaction was to look around to try to spot them. If she knows, she’ll always be watching as well. It’s best to let my men do what they need to. I’m asking that you do not inform her.”
If this was a hospital, I would know what was best for her, but in this situation, I felt out of my depth.
Alex said, “Finn, I can only imagine what is going through your mind. What I can tell you is Bennett can be trusted. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be alive today. And his team has laid down their lives to bring Tabiq out of a conflict that had lasted years. She is in good hands. And if you really want to help her, you’ll do as Bennett says.”
I looked to Bennett. “Tell me what to do.”
“Do what you came to Tabiq to do,” he said. “See the country and decide what you want to do about…what you and Logan were discussing,” he said.
Alex cocked a brow. “What are they discussing?”
“Medical stuff. There’s a lot one can learn by watching him,” I said.
“That’s right. You’re a doctor. I keep thinking you’re Reesa’s date. And from the way she was looking at you earlier, I believe she thinks the same thing,” Alex teased.
“That could work to our advantage as well,” Bennett said. “It won’t hurt to have someone on the inside.”
“You want me to lie to her? Because I’m telling you right now that I won’t. I’d rather be up front with what you’re doing than be a spy for you.” It would only ruin whatever she and I had when the truth comes out. “I promised her I would always tell her the truth. My word is everything,” I said firmly.
Alex slapped my back and said, “I like this guy.”
Bennett nodded. “I can respect your position. Please respect ours.”
“That’s something I can do,” I confirmed. I saw Reesa’s silhouette in the doorway. “Now if you’ll excuse me, my date seems to be looking for me.”
I left the two on the balcony and went inside to join her.
“Needed some air?” she asked. I nodded. “The heat takes some time to get used to. It’s much nicer by the ocean. What do you say about getting out of here and taking a walk on the beach?”
With everything I’d just learned, I wasn’t sure if I should agree or suggest we stay here. I meant what I said. I wouldn’t lie to her.
“A walk on the beach sounds wonderful, but I don’t have a vehicle here and neither do you. We could ask Bennett if we could borrow his,” I added when I saw the disappointment in her eyes.
“I wasn’t thinking it all the way through. It’s just that…I wanted to talk to you alone and I know we cannot do that at my place. Somehow, I know that would get out. The beach probably wasn’t much better,” she sighed.
