Page 74 of Deadly Betrayal

“What about the occupants of the car? Werethey bandits too?”

Even in the dim light from the dashboard, shecould make out the frown on Khalid’s forehead. “No.”

Shahram shifted in his seat to face her. “Wewouldn’t have escaped if the car hadn’t stopped sideways on theroad.”

Azita gasped. “So they helped us, and we’rejust going to, what? Let them die?”

Shahram flushed and eyed Khalid. “She doeshave a point,agha. Whoever was in that car saved ourlives.”

“Agha Khalid, we must go back,” sheinsisted.

“Astaghfirullah!” He slowed thevehicle and executed a quick U-turn.

Azita pawed around the backseat looking forher medical bag. She needed to do a quick inventory. It alwayshelped to know what materials were on hand before a rescue. “Whereis my bag?”

“Have you forgotten?” Khalid asked, concernin his voice. “We discussed this earlier. We think you left it atthe guesthouse in Kunduz.”

Instantly, she was back in the small room,chatting and getting ready to enjoy a pleasant meal with Kaden andhis friends. It was the most fun she’d had in years. Well, untilKhalid had arrived and dragged her away. Her backpack and medicalbag had been neatly stowed beside the mattress. She rememberedseeing Shahram grab them. He must have missed her medical bag ordropped it. She remembered something else too—the disappointed lookon Kaden’s face. It had broken her heart.

“Do not worry.” Khalid glanced back in therearview mirror. “As soon as we get to Kabul, I will replace yourbag. We will also get you some antibiotics and pain killers foryour injury. Cost is no object.”

Shahram turned in his seat again, a smirk onhis face. Azita knew what he was thinking:of course, itisn’t. Khalid always seemed to have money at his disposal, farmore than a civil servant should.

“How is your head?” Shahram asked. “Youseemed to be in a lot of pain earlier. Agha Khalid and I were veryworried.”

“I’m feeling much better. The cold clothhelped with the headache.”

Shahram pointed to Khalid. “You have yourfiancé to thank for that.”

Her stomach rebelled at the reminder. Whatwould take first place in his priorities—her health or his crazyinsistence on marrying her? “It was kind of you to worry about me,Agha Khalid.”

He nodded. “We will be married in themorning. It will be my job to care for you the rest of ourlives.”

Oh how she’d love to hear those words comingfrom someone else. Someone who didn’t feel justified in marryingoff a young girl for his own advancement. Coming from Khalid, thewords were like the clang of a prison cell door. Azita wrapped herarms around her waist, longing for the comfort of Kaden’s embrace.For the rest of her days, she’d cherish the memory of being held byhim on the floor in the Kunduz guesthouse. Safe, secure, anddesired.

Khalid cursed and slammed on the brakes. Thecar lurched precariously as the back swung from side to side. “Thiswasnota good idea.”

Azita pulled herself forward, her eyes fixedon the shape of a man illuminated by the SUV’s headlights. He helda weapon, pointed at Khalid’s head.

Khalid threw the vehicle in reverse. “No!”she shouted. “He’s probably just scared or hurt.”

“You will not leave this vehicle,” Khalidspat, each word stamped with an anger born of fear.

She wasn’t afraid. In fact, the more shelooked, the more the shape seemed familiar. The height, the broadshoulders… “Dim your lights.” She had to know for sure.

Grumbling, Khalid did as she asked. Her heartsqueezed as Kaden lowered his hand, revealing his handsome face.Before she knew it, the door was open and she was racing toward theman she thought she’d never see again.

“Azita! Come back here!” Khalid yelled.

She ignored him. Kaden opened his arms, andshe flew into them. His warmth enveloped her as he pulled heragainst his body. “Kaden,” she said, her voice little more than awhisper.

He framed her face in his big hands. “Are youokay? Those men didn’t hurt you, did they?” His fingers skimmed herarms and back as though searching for injuries.

“No. I slept through it. Well, until theexplosion.” She looked at the smoldering vehicles. “Is that theCorolla?” An odd sadness wound around her heart. In some strangeway, that car had symbolized her bid for freedom. And now it was astinking wreck of twisted metal and burnt upholstery.

“Yeah.” Kaden snorted. “Guess I’m on footnow.”

“Azita,” Khalid called out, tension lacingthe single word.