Page 140 of Deadly Betrayal

Trying to mend his slobbish ways now that hewas a married man, he hung his dress shirt, jacket, and pants on ahanger alongside Azita’s wedding dress. Nic had really bowled himover with that one. Azita and Laila had looked so pretty. And thathis two best friends had been there to share that special momenthad made their last-minute slapdash wedding truly memorable—uniqueand perfect.

Wearing only his boxers, he sat on the edgeof the bed. The cover had been pulled back, revealing spotlesswhite sheets. Thank God. Hotels in this country often adhered to adifferent definition of cleanliness. But he’d wanted the best forhis new family, and this hotel was supposed to be the top one inMazar-e Sharif. So far, it was living up to its reputation.

Kaden lay on the bed. The mattress was goodtoo. He was tired of sleeping on the floor. The bed wasn’t as wideor as long as the one he had at home, which would only give himmore reason to cuddle with his new wife after they’d had their fillof each other.

Speaking of which, what was taking her solong? He sat up and focused on the silence. “Azita?” he asked,rapping his knuckles on the bathroom door.

No response. Had she fallen asleep in thetub? It wouldn’t be too surprising after the emotionally chargedday she’d had. And here he was thinking about sex.

Great start, asshole.

He knocked. “Azita?” A small sound camethrough the door. “Are you all right?”

He heard it once again, more muffled thistime. That was it. He was going in. He tested the door handle,ready to break it if needed. The door swung open. Azita sat in thetub with water to her waist. Her face was cradled in her hands, hershoulders shaking.

Was she crying?

Kneeling beside the tub, he touched herarm.

She started. “Oh!” With red eyes andtearstained cheeks, she looked at him in horror. “You should notsee me like this.”

Did she mean because she was crying orbecause she was naked? Either way—fuck that. He lifted her out ofthe tepid water. While using his knee to support her butt, hegrabbed a thick towel off the rack above the toilet and quicklywrapped her in it.

“No, you should not.” Her protest was weak ashe pressed her face into his chest.

Her hands were cold on his bare skin, but herface was hot. He laid her on the bed and climbed in behind her,tucking the blanket around both of them. After a few minutes ofholding her tightly and chafing her arms and legs, he leaned hischin on her shoulder. “Tell me what’s going on, honey.”

“Nothing.”

“You’re trembling. Something’s wrong.”

When she remained mute, he rolled her ontoher other side so they faced each other. This was the first day oftheir marriage, and neither one was going to hide. He brushed herlips with his in a gentle, tender touch, a far cry from the kiss hewanted to demand from her. But when her trembling stopped, he knewit was the kiss she had needed.

“Talk to me, honey.”

“I am scared.”

His hand skimmed her back until his forayover her soft skin was interrupted by the damn towel.Get yourmind out of the gutter, Christiansen.

“Tariq won’t ever get his hands on youagain,” he said.

“I know. I trust you with that.”

“Then what is it?”

Clutching the sheet to her chest, she avertedher eyes.

“Look at me,” he insisted. When she finallymet his gaze, he said again, “Tell me.”

She took a deep breath. “I am afraid todisappoint you.”

“Disappoint me how? Azita, you’re everythingI want in a woman. You’re beautiful, smart, nurturing, and—”

“And inexperienced.”

Her face was beet red. Kaden smiled. “Atcooking? Who cares?”

“I mean”—she shifted her gaze to a spot overhis shoulder—“in the bedroom.”