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His twin Derek had initially believed Malik shouldn’t trust her as she’d cheated on him and betrayed him, but even Derek seemed to have forgiven her and had teased him earlier about his former love catering the reception. Malik only knew that he still loved her and somehow they had to make it work. Sophie was the only future he’d ever wanted for himself.
“Please trust me, Sophie,” he said again.
She stared at him, and he didn’t know if she’d take off running again or let him help her. He prayed for heavenly help. Sophie and her daughter were in danger. All that mattered was keeping them safe.
Chapter Three
Sophie wanted to trust Malik. She wanted to spill all the hidden truths, her fears, her hopes, her dreams, but she had no idea who in the national police force was beholden to William Rindlesbacher. She only knew that Livvy had been the recipient of underhanded threats from Augustine police detectives, so her friend hadn’t allowed herself to give her heart to Chief Jensen Allendale, even though Livvy had a crush on him bigger than Europe.
William Rindlesbacher operated with intimidation, threats, bribes, and manipulation. Whatever he could use to accomplish his evil intent. Just like his son. Sadly, William was also brilliant. Sophie didn’t believe Treven shared that trait with his father.
“Malik? Sophie?” a male voice hollered down to them from the top of the ravine. It was a faint call with the fifty-foot drop and the rushing river next to them, but Sophie knew instantly who it was.
“Chad!” she cried out, peering up the slope in the dying light. Why hadn’t she thought to call Chad? He’d do anything to help her.
“Chad?” Malik asked.
His phone rang. She still held it in her hands and saw the display: Chad, the smooth-talking female slayer. She would’ve smiled at the too-fitting title if she wasn’t so worried. People called Malik the Charming Prince. He oozed genuine charm and every woman was smitten over him. Sophie used to love how Malik would tell her she was the only one who saw past his charm to the real him.
She didn’t know any man as smooth-tongued as Major Chad Prescott. He always flirted with Sophie, and for over a year she had succeeded in turning down his repeated date offers. The past few months, she’d caved at his persistence and had gone to dinner with him at least once a week. Spending time with the teasing, flirtatious military man was a nice way to forget about all the stress of her regular life and her longing for Malik. She prayed she wasn’t putting a target on Major Prescott’s back with Treven as she had Jonathon, especially after William confronting her tonight. Chad was a good guy, and she trusted him.
Malik nodded for her to answer the phone. She swept it on with her finger and pressed the speaker button.
“Chad!” she cried out. “Do you have a helicopter nearby and can you lower a rope to us and then fly us to Traverse?”
“Slow down, my beautiful chef,” he said. “What are you two doing down the ravine?”
“We rolled off.” How could she explain when there was no time? Did Chad have men in Traverse? Were they all here monitoring the wedding, the borders, or at the military facility? She had no issue with Chief Jensen, but she’d overheard rumors of corruption at a few dinner parties she’d catered. Something to do with William Rindlesbacher and suppressed evidence in a couple of murder cases. There could be suspicious activities with the police force, but not the military or royal guard, right? Oh, how she hoped not.
“So you’ll roll around with Prince Malik, not answer your phone but answer his for him, and I have to beg for a simple dinner out?” Chad’s velvety voice was laced with teasing, but there was a definite undertone. Chad kept claiming he wanted to date exclusively, but she’d put him off.
“Chad, do you have a helicopter?” Malik asked, his tone more serious and his blue eyes not quite as warm as they’d been before.
“Yes. I’m all ready for the general’s command to whisk Ray and Macey away on their honeymoon.”
“Perfect. The general will have to wait. Grab two of your most trusted men and come pick us up.”
The general will have to wait? Her heart swelled. Only Malik would stand up to a man as fearsome as General Raymond for her.
“I think only the general’s brother and the most beautiful lady in Augustine could steal the honeymoon getaway vehicle. I’ll have another helicopter sent from the training facility for Ray. I’m on my way to gallantly rescue you, Sophie. See you soon, beautiful.”
The phone disconnected, and Sophie had nothing to do but stare at Malik while they waited for Chad to rescue them. It wasn’t a bad way to pass the time, but she was too concerned about Sunny to let down her guard even with Malik.
She handed over his phone. He wrapped his hand around hers, and warmth pulsed through her. Her wet dress and chilled skin didn’t feel so cold any more.
“Sophie.” His voice was a deep rumble as he studied her. His blue eyes seemed to probe into her very soul. “Are you dating Chad?”
“Am I dating …?” She yanked her hand free and glared at him. “My daughter is in mortal danger, and you’re concerned about who I’m dating?”
“Forgive me,” Malik said so softly she barely heard him.
Sophie felt instantly guilty. None of this was Malik’s fault or Chad’s. The handsome major had been enduringly patient and kind with her. She’d gone on numerous dates with him, even let him kiss her a few times, but she wasn’t ‘dating’ him. At least she hadn’t let him pin her down to defining the relationship. Yet. How to explain that to Malik?
“Do you want me to call Jensen and have him send undercover officers to check on and possibly relocate your parents and daughter? It might be half an hour before we get to them.” Malik thankfully moved on from any questions about her and Chad.
“I don’t know.” She worried her lip. How quickly would William go after her daughter? What if he already had? Her stomach tumbled. “What do you think?”
“I trust Jensen. I’d have two of his officers bring your parents and daughter to the airport to meet us and then we can decide where to fly from there. I have a pilot’s license and my jet is waiting at the Traverse Airport.”
