I can’t even look at the emails or try to work on the marketing idea Peter and Mark entrusted me to develop. My nerves can’t settle down. Definitely not after my conversation with Helen this morning.
“You left your children with a foreigner to fend for themselves. What kind of mother does that? Do you have any shame?” Her condescending tone grated on my nerves like sandpaper, leaving painful raw marks behind.
“The kind of mother who has ambitions in life and doesn’t have to depend on her husband’s fortune. Look, my twins are taken care of and safe. There is—”
“Ambitions,” she spats out, snorting. “Your duty is to the family, not just yourself. You lost that right after my son died. How selfish can you be? But what can I expect from the likes of you? After all we went through, this is the least you can do for us.”
“Helen . . .”
“You destroyed our lives.”
My lips shut sealed and traitorous hot tears roll down my cheek, burning the path like acid.
“All the scandals and shame you brought to our door, all the pain . . . You’re a fool to think I’ll allow you to trash our name. You won’t make fools out of us again.”
My heart races with anguish at her words that are still able to cut me open.
“Miss, would you like something to drink?”
I shake my head, swallowing my tears, and then ask, “Can you show me where the ladies’ room is?”
She nods, and I stand to follow her. I lock myself in, needing a moment to recover from the crushing weight.
While I splash my face with cold water, a soft rasp sounds on the door. I towel my hands and pat my face dry, and then open it. Mark reaches my elbow, pulling me out into the staff area before I can blink. He closes the curtain separating both sides.
“What is it?” His stance is so taut I swear he might erupt like a volcano.
“Nothing,” I start as he winds his fingers in my hair, tilting my face toward him.
“I see you, Cassandra.” His caramel gaze burrows deep into me, and warm breath cascades down my face, making my eyelids feel heavy. “I left you with a smile on your face and lips raw from our kisses. And today, I can feel your misery even from up there.”
Ignoring his question, I ask what is more important. “Tell me, what’s going on?”
“Everything’s handled,” he replies.
“Mark.” I flatten my stare.
A slow smile breaks on his face, showing off his cute dimples. Fuck, he won’t share. Irritated, I push away from him, but his hand grasps my wrist, stalling me. I stare at him with my heated gaze.
“Dammit.” He mumbles something under his breath and then, “Fine. Our location for the event has been trashed by hooligans. And the press is already working an angle. I’m trying to douse the fire before it has had a chance to smolder.” His gaze swings to the General and two other men we can still see through the gap. He closes it, and then returns to me.
“Will they help?”
He lowers his gaze to me and presses me to the wall, caging me in. I can feel his protectiveness wrapping around me. My overwhelmed mind flashes to the previous night. How his firm body felt pressed against mine and the electric taste of his lips in the thunderstorm.
“After we land, my people will take you straight to the jet Rob arranged. I want you away from here. I’ll handle things from there.”
“No.” I slip past him, my lust forgotten, but Mark winds his hand around my torso, pressing me to his front. When he brings his mouth to my ear, I swallow a gasp.
“Don’t challenge me, Cassandra. I won’t jeopardize your safety.”
Suppressing a shiver, I twist in his shackled hands and lift on my tiptoes to speak to him, so our eyes connect at the same level. I’m done allowing people to treat me less than I am. I haven’t left banking for this, just to be pushed around. It’s time for Mark to get with the program.
“Don’t treat me as if I’m a little doll only good to wine and dine and show off to your associates. I can help you. Together we can work any business angle and watch each other's backs, network.”
He shuts his eyes for a moment. “I already have people with me.”
“They’re here to protect you, not to work with you,” I remind him, watching his gaze light up with respect, admiration warming my soul as butterflies do somersaults in my stomach. “Look, if you think I can’t handle myself, you’re wrong. I’ll be fine. This isn’t my first rodeo.” And I hope he understands what I mean by that.
“Fine, but you do as I say,” he growls at me, and I’m tempted to kiss it away.
Someone pushes the curtain aside in a precise, harsh movement, and we jerk apart before I have a chance to answer. Abbas’ dark gaze scans us, making my skin crawl and my muscles tense up. His military regalia and ruthless intensity make me uneasy.
“Mr. Lawson, we still need to work out some details before the event.”
“Of course. I just needed to speak with my marketing assistant.”
“I’m sure the conversation doesn’t have to happen here. There’s plenty of space in the passenger cabin.” The accusing pits plow into me, and I’m tempted to step into Mark’s chest just to feel his heat wrapping around me. As if knowing how uncomfortable Abbas makes me, Mark’s palm lands on my hip.
“We’re coming, General. Just give us a moment.”
He nods and marches back to his seating. I exhale in relief.
“The General’s very protective of you. I have a feeling your in-laws have something to do with it.”
I doubt my in-laws are protecting me but rather trying to control me. And by the way the General acts, he may be keeping tabs on me. This wouldn’t be the first time; people do as the Cades bid. I learned from them that a person can be made into a prisoner without a physical cage. I won’t be surprised if this is exactly what it is.
“Go, the General won’t wait any longer.” Mark’s fingers wind with mine as he looks straight into my soul.
“After this, we’re going to talk.”
He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses my wrist, holding my gaze as if he’s leaving an imprint beyond my skin.
For the rest of the journey, we don’t have a chance to speak or see each other. Everything happens very fast after we land. I’m escorted to the hotel and asked to stay in while everyone else’s preparing for the ball. Higgins comes to speak about safety with me. But when I ask about what happened the day we were seized, he becomes silent like stone, and then changes the subject.
Istanbul is an awe-inspiring city with unique energy coursing in the air. I wish I could do some exploring, to get rid of my nerves and breathe in the fresh air. But the only thing I can enjoy is the view through the massive windows. Otherwise, Mark might have a stroke. He texts me every half an hour just to make sure I’m in my room. His overbearing protectiveness is driving me nuts, and I hate being left out.
When the evening arrives, I’m ready to crawl out of my skin. The soft knock rasps on the other side. Casting one last look at the mirror, I open it.
“Miss, if you follow me, I’ll escort you to the ball upstairs.” The male, dressed like a concierge, slightly bends as if curtsying, waiting for my response.
“Thank you, it would be great.” I close the door, grabbing my clutch from the side table and sweeping my gaze around the room. But it’s empty.
Higgins already took all my things to the jet, in case we’ll need to leave in a hurry. I just wonder what kind of trouble they’re expecting.
Stepping out of the elevator, I gasp as the vast room opens up to me as I arrive at the top floor, overlooking the scene. Skylights are open, bringing the breeze in. My gaze is drawn to the ceiling as a waterfall cascades down the roof into a pool. The ornaments of the stairs, kissed with rose gold and silver, are incredible crafts. The view alone from the glass windows is phenomenal. Everything here screams luxury and exclusivity, from the glass of bubbling champagne to the women in magical gowns and the interior design.
&nb
sp; As I descend the stairs, the General appears at the bottom, extending his hand for me. “May I?”
Not seeing Mark around, I link my arm with his, catching the sight of musicians playing an upbeat tune. “Of course.”
Abbas leads me through the room full of people, not bothering to engage with me or explain anything. He speaks in Arabic, sometimes Turkish, and English with the people he stops to greet and I have no chance to network. I stand there next to him and smile, like a little doll in a silky evening dress and high heels. But I don’t take offense, not this time since I promised Mark to be his teammate. Instead, I search the room, hoping to catch him or Higgins. But I see no one.
“General Abbas, do you know where Mr. Lawson is?”
“He needed to check things before the speech, and I promised to look after you while he’s unavailable.”
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Abbas. I’m very honored.”
He smirks, stopping to grab a flute of sparkling wine for us both. When he passes me my drink, his gaze burns like dark pits as he regards me. “You look stunning, Mrs. Cade.” He drags his hard gaze up to my form, and my skin crawls. “Your in-laws will be glad to hear you represented your family exceptionally well.”
“I learned from the best,” I quip as we come closer to the window. People part, allowing us to pass, their heads dipping in respect.
“I want you to meet someone.”
“Of course.” I smile, seeing nothing and hearing only my deafening pulse in my ears. How the hell are Darren and Helen micromanaging my every move?
When he introduces me to a middle-aged man, I’m way too distracted to care.
“Your family has big plans for you.”
I jerk, startled as if just now I have become aware of my surroundings.
“How so?” I humor him.
“There are rumors that one of the most lucrative European tycoons has set eyes on you. This union could secure your family’s position in Europe’s economy for decades. Your relationship with Mr. Lawson isn’t favorable.” His cold tone chills me to the bone. “It would be better if you cease this behavior and go back to your family. Every woman has duties to perform, and you are no exception, Mrs. Cade.”
Arranged weddings are very common with founding families, moguls, business magnates. And since I’m Logan’s widow, I’m falling in that bracket as well. If I fail to separate from this family’s legacy to dominate the world, I fear my kids might be dragged in it too. That’s why I need to build my life outside of the Cades’ empire before they suck us into this brutal cycle.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” I play dumb, uncomfortable to be in his company.
“I think you know exactly what I mean, Mrs. Cade.” He kisses my hand, seating me at the table, but his dark gaze is like a punishing whip.
Ovations reverberate through the room and the lights dim, illuminating the host on the stage. My pulse races so fast I can barely hear my own thoughts. I scan the room full of guests, eyeing me from their tables. Where are you, Mark? But before I can slip away to look for him, the General’s hand coils around my headrest as he leans to speak to me.
“There are many ways to make a woman yield.” His words send nipping fear through me. “Don’t make your family use any of those means to pull you in line. Mr. Lawson might be a brilliant, resourceful man, but even he can’t claim you as his without consequences.”
My shaky hand wraps around the glass of water, while my pulse drums loud in my temples. I press my heels into the ground to stop my knees from bouncing.
“Who asked you to frighten me, General?”
His pitiless gaze turns to the stage.
“I’m not promised to anyone. I’m no ones to be promised.”
“Aren’t you?” he remarks, flinging his gaze over to me. The implication of those two words burrows deep inside of me. “Your name suggests differently.” All blood leaves my face. “You don’t own your faith anymore.” Family does.
Mark strolls into the room, full of confidence with a black designer suit, immaculate appearance, bringing this positive reaction from the crowd. Ovations and appreciative hoots resonate around me as he stands on stage.
While Mark speaks, Abbas’ warning stays like a sharp blade pressed against my throat. They wouldn’t dare to do this to me, would they? This doesn’t make sense. But my heart squeezes in my chest, recalling all those times Helen and Darren tried to bully me into the hands of moguls to gain favor with them. And I know they might try.
My world keeps whirling around me, and my insides twist in a knot, tighter and tighter. I gasp as Mark’s gaze locks on me. Unnamed emotion burrows deep into my chest, adding to my misery. This man is in his own element, ruling his own life, a king of his own kingdom and his own bed, while I’m completely opposite. Someone else is pulling strings and forces me to dance to their tune.
Ovations boom in the room as Mark announces the Fading Ink franchise, and his strength radiates off him in waves. I’m the only one fading. Breaking piece by piece. Falling into the abyss, drowning.
My surroundings blur, and I jump to my feet. The plate clatters down the table as my chest explodes, and I start running. I need to get out of here!
“Cassandra!”
Fear grips me.
Where is the exit?
“Stop!”
I won’t. I can’t.
“Cassandra!” His voice is like sensual strokes against my soul. But his presence is like a catalyst to my emotional tornado. I don’t know if I want to run from him or to him.
Mark seizes me before I can reach the stairs. Pressing me against the wall, he cups my face as shaky sobs burst free. I feel dizzy from his ardent heartbeats drumming against my ribcage, his firm body pressed against mine.
“I’ve got you, Cassandra. Breathe.” Just like that, my world pivots. “Calm down, sweetheart. I’m here with you.” He cups my face, looking straight into my eyes while I’m shaking, wounded from Logan’s parents’ cruel games.
“What happened?”
“I was reminded of my place. I was a fool to think I could change this.”
“You’re breaking away from their hold, that’s why they amped up their games.”
I close my eyes, surprised he knows what I’m talking about.
He pulls out his phone. “I need you. We are on the westside emergency stairs, top floor.” He snaps the order.
“I’m not a bird to be possessed, you know?” I fume, angry tears hanging on the ends of my eyelashes as I look at him, wondering if he’s just like the rest of them. Does he see me as a transaction piece or conquest?
“No. You’re much more than that.” Mark kisses my temple, and my emotional storm dwindles down. “Listen, Higgins will take you to the airport. It’s best the General won’t see you for the rest of the evening. I don’t like his behavior toward you. I better not chance your safety.”
This time around, I won't argue. “And you?”
“I’ll stay. I need to pay my respects.”
Worry snakes into my heart, but before I can try to change his mind, Higgins and a few other men barge in. Moving like one unit, guns out, their expressions are tight and focused as they check the stairs.
“Take Mrs. Cade to my private jet.” He stares at me, stroking his thumb across my bottom lip. “General Abbas won’t be able to retrieve you from there. I need to stay at least two hours before I can leave without insulting his generosity.”
I nod, and he exhales, relieved. Locking his penetrating gaze with his security head, he commands, “Make sure she’s safe.”
“Yes, sir.”
After he leaves, Higgins almost carries me down the stairs from the hotel, avoiding guests and cameras. To my surprise, they scouted the area before the ball and knew all the areas with the blind spots.
“Keep up, miss. We need to hurry. General Abbas and his men are in charge of the security for this event. His people will be swarming this hotel as soon as they realize you aren’t there.”
The car waiting outside drives us straight to the airport. My hands stay coiled into the dress material, leaving wrinkled marks as I watch over my shoulder to see if anyone’s following us. My heart drums with adrenaline and worry, but we reach the jet without any hiccups.
“You should rest, save your energy. The captain’s set to fly as soon as Mark comes back.” Higgins tries to appease me, seeing my distress.
At some point, I doze off.
~Mark~
She looks like an angel sleeping curled in her seat, her features soft and unguarded. I’m glad I made the decision to get her out. The General’s men were scouting the hotel, looking for her all evening. By the time they realized my security head was also missing, it was too late. Abbas doesn’t have a pull with Turkey authorities as in Saudi Arabia. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have left her.
I lean to brush away sweaty strands from her face and she jolts awake.
“Hey.”
Grabbing the armrests, she swings her gaze around, and then settles down into the leather seat.
“Hi.” Her sleepy gaze skims over me as if she was worried something happened to me. My chest warms up from the gesture and squeezes with unnamed emotion.
“You’ve changed?”
I nod.
“How long have we been in the air?”
“Five hours or so. Hungry?”
Cassandra nods, rubbing her lips together.
I motion for the stewardess to prepare us a meal and coffee.
“What happened after I left?”
“General Abbas was distressed about losing you from his sight, but he wished me farewell since he couldn’t do anything about it.”
Her tight smile falls as she looks through the window, chewing her bottom lip raw. Sunlight caresses her skin, but her shoulders hold the weight of the world. I lean my elbows on my knees.
Tangled IN LIES (Book#3, IN YOU) Page 10