AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I raise my glass to his with a deep, “I know you won’t let me down.”
The fact he rolls his eyes makes me smirk because we both know I’ve asked the impossible. However, Ali is my right hand for a reason. He always has my back and never falls short of expectations.
We sit in silence for a moment and then I sigh heavily. “We need to head back to Dubai in the morning. At least that will make your investigations a little easier.”
Ali nods in agreement because the operation we set up in one of my father’s palatial homes would rival all the intelligence services in the world. At least there he will have help in his mission, and I note the relief in his expression.
“And the girl?”
“She’s coming too.”
“What’s the story?”
He appears mildly curious because this is the first time a woman has accompanied me home and I raise my glass and chuck the contents down in one go and huff, “As it happens, we’re getting married and it’s time to share the good news.”
Ali shakes his head and the amusement in his eyes makes me smile because Ali knows me better than myself and understands this is purely business. He is fully aware who Eliza Ortega is and knows this is about to cause a storm and, if anything, like me, he is more than happy to stand back and watch them all fucking burn.
CHAPTER10
ELIZA
Iam so angry. How dare he treat me like a dog and chain me up again? I thought we were past all that and yet when I saw his anger, it made me fear for my life. I realize I pushed him too far, but he needs to understand I’m in self-preservation mode. In fact, I’ve never been in anything but self-preservation mode and I sigh as I stare at yet another work of art on the tall ceiling.
It makes me curious about Malik Karim. The silent, deadly assassin who has catapulted me into hell. From the moment I saw him in the shadows of my room, I accepted him for what he is. A demon. I can’t picture him as anything else because his presence is overwhelming. All-encompassing and designed to intimidate and boy, is he good at that.
Then I remember the pact we made, and a shiver of excitement passes through me as I picture the results of that. Marriage! It doesn’t bear thinking about and yet even I agree this may be my best way out. Will it be so bad? He told me himself it was for business purposes and that once we both had what we wanted, he would move on, leaving me to enjoy the protection being his wife brings. He spoke so casually about children, which filled me with horror. A child–with him! The thought of that disturbs me and yet when he holds me in his arms I feel different. Protected, wanted, not loved exactly, but desired. I suppose there’s a thin line separating the two and one could be confused for the other because I definitely donotlove that man, but I fucking well know I desire him.
Sighing heavily, I struggle to get comfortable because the bastard tied me up as tightly as possible and the bonds are digging into my wrists, causing pain whenever I move.
I wonder where we go from here. I’ve angered him, I get that, but will he still follow through on his promise? Part of me hopes he accepts my version and sets me free with a new identity. The other is horrified at that. Terrified even because for some reason I feel safe with him.
I lie awake for hours before the door edges open and a shadowy figure enters the room. I strain to see in the dusky light and my heart flips when I see the man himself, shirtless, his eyes glittering with evil intent. My breath hitches as he stalks toward me, his silk pants low on his hips and my eyes drag across his toned abs, noting the smattering of dark hair on his chest disguising the jagged scar that reveals the man is damaged beyond repair.
His eyes glitter in the moonlight that steals a glance into the room, and the silence is oppressive, circling like a vulture as he stares down at my naked body.
Despite being exposed, I am appalled by my reaction as my body gushes with need when he licks his lips and openly stares.
“Fuck off, Malik.” I can’t help but bite, my words betraying my true feelings. In fact, all I want is to feel him against me, holding me, loving me, protecting me.
In fact, I appear to craveanyof his attention, good or bad, and even the bad makes me more alive than any time in my life and as I shiver under his lustful gaze, I wait eagerly for anything he can give me.
“We leave tomorrow.”
He sits on the edge of the bed and appears a little weary, and my heart starts thumping with fear.
“Leave. Where?”
“Dubai. The plan hasn’t changed, despite your lack of trust.”
“The plan?”
I hitch my breath and as he turns, he gazes deeply into my eyes and says huskily, “To arrange our marriage.”
I swallow hard because this is good, surely, and I nod, my expression guarded. “How will that work?”
He runs his fingers through his jet-black hair, and says wearily, “I will inform my father of my intentions and leave it to him to communicate with your father.”
“No!”
