Page 14 of Deadly Betrayal

Closing her eyes so they could adjust to thedarkness, she inhaled deeply, catching a hint of his scent. Inaddition to the detergent used to launder his shirt, she smelledexpensive cologne, a fragrance that was definitely not local.

“I’m going to let you go, but you have topromise not to scream.”

She gasped as his breath hit her neck, thewarmth and the low rumble of his voice making her shiver. Confusedby her reactions, she struggled to get away.

“Azita, it’s me, Kaden.”

Kaden? He was here already? When her bodyrelaxed, the hand on her mouth slackened and retreated. She wet herdry lips and swallowed to relieve the desert that was her mouth.“Agha Kaden?” she croaked.

He took her hand and placed it on his cheek.Her fingers trembled at the heat of his skin and the rasp of hisstubble. She reached up to touch the top of his head. Apakolfell off, revealing silky strands too long to bemilitary.

“I’m here to help you.” He stepped away fromher, lifting the sense of absolute darkness that had shrouded her.The man was huge!

Searching the wall to her side, she found thelight switch and flicked it on. The single bare bulb did little tobrighten the room, but now she could make out his features.

“It is really you?” she asked, needing theconfirmation. It had been two long years since she’d last seen him,and this man was much healthier and far bigger than sheremembered.

When he smiled, relief swamped her. Her kneesshook and rapid breaths filled her lungs with too much air. Kadensteadied her with firm hands on her waist. “Whoa! Don’t pass out.Christ. I’m sorry I scared you, but I didn’t want anyone to see mehere.”

Once she’d slowed her breathing, she gave hima shaky smile. “Better scared than dead.”

His brows drew into a deep frown. “You didn’tthink I’d come?”

Why did he sound so disappointed? Angryalmost. He was still gripping her waist, holding her tightlyagainst the length of his long, hard body. She stifled a shiver ofpleasure at the sensation of all his heat and strength.

The light flickered, reminding her where theywere. “Agha Kaden—”

He cut her off. “Just Kaden.”

Biting her lip, she nodded. Why did the ideaof calling him by his name make her feel warm all over, when Khalidasking the same had made her feel slightly ill? “Kaden, you mustgo. It is too dangerous here.” She pushed at his chest and movedsideways to get out from under him. But her fingers betrayed her,lingering on the solid muscles despite her determination to putsome distance between them.

“I’ll go, but first, we have to make someplans. How soon can you be ready?”

“Laila has already been gone three days, butif we leave tonight, we can catch up to them.”

Kaden shook his head. “Not tonight. I have toget some supplies first.”

“How many days can you be away from yourunit?”

He ducked his head. “I’m not in the militaryanymore.”

The light bounced off his blond hair,fascinating her, and she had to clench her fists to resist touchingit. But the bite in his words and the hurt in his posture spoke tothe doctor in her. There was a story here, one she wanted to know.She just hoped it had nothing to do with that night….

“How did you get here so quickly then?” sheasked.

“Long story,” he said, his tone brusque.“Tell me where and when to meet you.”

“You have a car?”

“I’ll take care of everything.”

“Okay. Make sure you keep thepakolon. Your hair attracts much attention.”

Kaden grinned. “So you like my hair?”

Her cheeks flushed, and she ignored hisquestion, instead giving him directions to the apartment community,where they arranged to meet at midnight outside the fence. “Are youcertain you want to get involved in this, Kaden? It could be verydangerous. Khan Tariq is not a nice man, nor is he a willingnegotiator.” If anything else were to happen to Kaden because ofher, it would destroy her. How she wished Shahram hadn’t asked himto come.

“Don’t worry. I know exactly who and whatKhan Tariq is.” He caressed her cheek, and her stomach flipped witha mix of guilt and attraction.