Page 96 of Enemy of My Enemy

He snapped the box closed, gripped it tight in his fist, and shoved it in his suit pants pocket. Daniels stepped back.

“It’s not the right time.” He looked away. They were headed to Russia tomorrow to pay their respects and coordinate a massive joint attack on Madigan’s forces. The time for subtlety had ended.

“But it will be again. Do you have a plan yet for how you’re going to ask?”

He glared.

“Better start thinking about one.” Daniels grinned again at Ethan and backed up, heading for the door. “It’s going to be great. I promise. It’s meant to be.” Daniels ducked out, closing the door behind him.

Ethan stood in the center of his office, his eyes closed. The weight of the velvet box rested against his thigh, a quiet, terrifying presence that ignited a burn deep in his heart.

Hewanted, oh so badly.

* * *

Chapter 36

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Adam roaredsouth down King Fahd highway, speeding out of Riyadh’s airport and heading for the city center.

Riyadh looked like a neon wonderland after dark, the multicolored lights of the buildings playing off each other and the glow from the hundreds of headlights snaking through the city. The Kingdom Tower, the glittering jewel of Riyadh, rose from the sparkling downtown. It looked like a silver tower of Sauron, minus the great glowing eye, and Adam’s stomach knotted again. He looked away, focusing on the crowded highway as he gripped the steering wheel of his rental car.

Doc glared at Adam, one hand pressed over his ribs. “Could you make thismoreuncomfortable? Please? I think there’s probably another way you can jerk this car around. Go ahead. Try it. I believe in you.”

Adam ignored him.

“Will you please tell me why the fuck we’re back in Saudi Arabia?”

Swerving, Adam sped past a cargo truck and floored the accelerator. Doc swore and glared out the window.

The royal hospital in the center of the city was where Faisal had been taken. He’d called everyone, every person he’d ever known in Saudi Arabia, trying to find out anything. In the end, he’d had to pose as a reporter and call the royal palace and beg for any information, any statement for his fake paper. The office of the governor of Riyadh had finally broken, giving him the tiniest shred of information.

Prince Faisal is at the royal hospital in Riyadh, following an accident.

It was better than nothing.

He and Doc flew from Miami to London and then grabbed a flight to Riyadh. Doc wore Adam’s workout clothes to board the flight, ditching his mud-and-blood-stained clothes in an airport trash can after they’d parked.

On the way to London, he’d done what he could for Doc, cleaning his cuts and wrapping his ribs in the airline’s cramped bathroom. After, Doc struggled to stay awake, leaning on a bag of ice against the plane’s window as he watched in-flight movie after in-flight movie. In London, Adam bought them both new suits at the airport and ignored Doc’s dumbfounded bitching.

Seven hours later, they landed in Riyadh.

His phone chimed, signaling his exit, and he swerved off the highway. A few turns, and then he pulled to a stop at the valet entrance to the royal hospital. Doc stared at the hospital and then at him.

Adam pressed a hundred to the valet’s palm and ran inside. Doc followed behind, cursing every step of the way. Adam spoke in fast Arabic, talking his way past nurses and hospital security, leaning on the little knowledge he had about Faisal’s condition and the royal family, forcing his way through. The suits helped, an added touch of respect.

He made it as far as the entrance to the royal wing.

Security guards made of towering muscle stopped him, shoving him back.

He fought, punching one and kicking another before they picked him up by the throat and slammed him against the wall. Thick fingers closed around his neck, choking the air out of him. He grasped at the bouncer’s wrists, legs kicking, as the second bruiser grunted into his wrist mic and pulled out his pistol.

“Hey!” Doc shouted as he caught up. “Hey, asshole!” Even though he was clutching his side and holding his ribs, Doc took off running, charging at the security guards as Adam wheezed.

The second bouncer raised his weapon, aiming for Doc.

Doc skittered to a halt, eyes wide.