Page 60 of Deadly Betrayal

“Sorry about that,” Kaden said, pretendingfor Nic’s sake the kick had been an accident. Jake understood hismeaning and tipped his head briefly. Jake didn’t want Nic or hisfamily to know about his past. Star Security Services was a freshstart for Jake, for all of them. Kaden would honor that.

“It’s cool.”

Kaden retrieved three bottles of water fromhis duffel, tossing one to each of the men. Jake shook himself andflashed Kaden a reassuring grin before settling back against thechair, his body relaxed. Feeling like he’d dodged a bullet, Kadensaid, “I’m going to check on Azita.” He cracked his water open andknelt beside her mattress.

Azita’s long lashes fanned over her cheeksand her mouth was slightly parted. When the call of her plump lipsbecame too much, when his hands started itching to stroke hercheek, to gather her hair in a fist, he gripped the water bottleand took a long drink. In sleep, she looked so young, sovulnerable. So perfect. He’d never betray her trust by touching herwithout permission.

As much couldn’t be said of most of the menin this godforsaken hole. What would become of her after he leftAfghanistan? Tariq might come after her, and God only knew… Kadencouldn’t even finish the thought. What Jake had suffered as a POWhad been terrible. What Azita would suffer at the warlord’s handscould potentially be a thousand times worse. Tariq was acoldhearted bastard who liked to toy with his captives. He’d taughthis men to be just as ruthless.

For the first time since receiving thatfateful call from Shahram, Kaden began to doubt his ability to pulloff the mission and keep Azita safe. Somehow he had to accomplishthe impossible.

Something touched her cheek. Warmth seepedinto her skin, soothing her. She turned her face toward it, wantingmore. A moan escaped her as the heat grew, covering her jaw aswell. It felt so delightful. She’d love for her entire body to beenveloped in that touch, like a caterpillar in its cocoon. Safe andat peace.

Her lids fluttered open, and Kaden’s facefilled her vision. He looked so rugged and powerful with his darkhair and short beard. Still, she preferred it blond. Would she eversee his golden strands gleaming in the sun again?

“How are you feeling?” he murmured.

“B—” Her words caught in her parchedthroat.

Kaden offered her a bottle of water,supporting her back while she drank. She smiled. “I’m betternow.”

His relief was a palpable thing. SometimesAzita forgot how scary illness could be to nonmedical people,especially head injuries. “It’s a very minor concussion. I’ll begood as new in a few days.”

“You’re the doctor,” he said, lookingunconvinced.

Movement over his shoulder caught herattention. Her hands flew to her head to adjust the scarf that hadslipped in her sleep. “Your friends are still here.”

“I hope we didn’t wake you,” Nic said. Theconcern in his expression seemed genuine. Of course, he was anactor. Immediately, she scolded herself for being so distrustful.Nic hadn’t done anything to make her doubt him. Quite the contrary.But for reasons she had yet to comprehend, Kaden was the only manshe fully trusted.

“Not at all. It must be dinner time. I’mstarving.” She forced herself to lock gazes with her American in amove he’d interpret as honesty. She didn’t want him to feel bad forwaking her.

Kaden tucked a loose strand of hair under herscarf and smiled. “What would you like?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never been toKunduz.”

Jake stood and held his hand out to Kaden.“Give me the keys. The guys in camp were bragging about some goodrestaurants near here. I’ll get a variety.” Azita regarded himcuriously. He seemed different than he had earlier in the day,older and sadder. It was a look she’d seen all too often in theeyes of her countrymen and countrywomen.

Kaden tossed him the keys and some afghanis.When the door closed behind Jake, Azita asked, “Is he allright?”

“He will be. Do you want to get up or sleepsome more?”

“How could I pass up a chance to talk to NicThe Lover?” she teased. He helped her stand, all the while glaringat his friend.

Nic patted his chest. “Hey, don’t blame me.I’m just sitting here minding my own business.” He pulled out thechair next to him. “Come over here, sweetheart. I’ll tell youanything you want to know.”

Kaden muttered under his breath. Azitacouldn’t make it out, but Nic’s grin grew wider. He really wasincredibly handsome when the light in his blue eyes danced.

Sitting between the two men, Azita marveledagain at her luck. Women around the world would love to be whereshe was right now. “At lunch, you mentioned a special woman in yourlife. How did you two meet?”

His face glowed with happiness. “Lauren is afabulous photographer. She won a contest to take photos of me. Ofcourse, I’m irresistible, so one afternoon was all it took for herto fall madly in love with me.”

Kaden snorted. “Pretty sure you fell fasterthan she did.”

“Yeah, I did.” Nic folded his hands together.“Thank God, she accepted my proposal.”

“So you are engaged?” Azita asked.“Congratulations.”

“I’m a very lucky man.”