Page 71 of Deadly Betrayal

With each word Shahram related about theaccident and its aftermath, Khalid didn’t know what he wanted to domore: kill the American for having touched his fiancée or rewardthe man for having taken care of her injury. What he did know wasthat he wanted to hit her brother for being such a uselessidiot.

Another whimper came from the back, remindinghim of a dog he’d once found in an alley. It had been beaten, itslegs broken. There’d been nothing to do for the poor animal otherthan break its neck and give it mercy.

Enough!Khalid twisted the wheel andjerked the car to the side of the road. He went around to her doorand knelt beside her. “Azitajan, wake up.”

He pressed a hand to her forehead. It wasclammy, but not hot. Carefully, he pushed her headscarf back,revealing the glaring white of a large bandage. In the center, itwas soaked with blood.

Anger at the American twisted his gut. Thiswouldn’t have happened had Azita been in Khalid’s care. This injurywas the American’s fault, and that of her spineless brother. Herlids fluttered as she struggled in her sleep. Although he wastempted to soothe her with gentle words, she needed to wake up, totell him how to help her. Gripping her shoulder gently, he shookher. “Wake up,azizam. You’re okay.”

Shahram’s gaze burned his neck.

Khalid turned and pinned him with a glare.“What?”

It took a moment for Shahram to unpurse hislips. “You should not touch her like that.”

Was the man seriously questioning his right?“I am herfiancé.”

“But not her husband.”

Khalid turned back to Azita and ran hisknuckles over her delicate jaw. “Something I plan to remedy comemorning.”

Eyes still closed, Azita wet her lips.Khalid’s groin tightened at the sight of the pink tip poking out,then hiding behind her teeth. Even half asleep, she could drive himmad with want.

“Kaden?” she whispered, her tone laced withhope.

Desire fled, leaving him deflated anddejected. “It’s Khalid. Have no fear, dearest. That man will nevercome near you again. You’re safe with me.”

She made a moue of annoyance, but opened hereyes. Her beautiful blue eyes were bloodshot, and her brow pinched.He stroked her hair and cupped her cheek. “Is your headhurting?”

It was the most he’d ever touched her. Andlike an addict, he knew once would never be enough. Her silky skincalled to him. Demanded to be petted.

She turned away. His palm fell, empty.Bereft.

Her hand patted the seat beside her.

“What do you need? I’ll get it for you.” He’dget her the moon if that would make her smile at him.

“Pain medi… cation… my… medical… bag. “

Over his shoulder, he snapped at Shahram.“Get it!”

The man scrambled out of the car and poppedthe trunk. Khalid could hear him fumbling around. What was takingso long? With each of Azita’s moans, a little of Khalid’s patienceevaporated until finally, it was all gone. There was nothing in thetrunk except their luggage. How hard could it be to find amedium-sized black bag?

He made sure Azita was anchored against theseat back before stepping out of the car. “Are you blind, man?”

Shahram lifted his head and shot a furtiveglance at Khalid. “It’s not here.”

“It has to be. She never goes anywherewithout it.” Khalid proceeded to remove the contents of the trunkone item at a time. When it was empty, he had to concede thatShahram was telling the truth. “At the guesthouse, I told you tocollect her belongings.”

“I swear, I didn’t see it.”

“And you didn’t think to ask?” Shahram’sbrows went up. Okay, the conditions had not been suitable forquestions. “Check her backpack. Maybe she put it inside.”

Shahram did as ordered, then shook his head.“Only clothing.”

“And you’re sure she even had it when youleft Kabul?”

“Yes. The American used it when…” He motionedto his head and looked away.