“You’re right, Tony. I can’t miss that one. Let’s have dinner together tonight, Tawnee. We haven’t finished the discussion we started on the beach. I’m deeply interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter.”
“Sure. Call my room when you get back to the hotel, and we’ll complete our plans.” She doesn’t smile like I expected her to do. She’s probably still mad that he disobeyed orders.
Like clockwork, I scan the area again for any potential threats and my eyes land on Silas in his hiding place. When Rafael walks off, Silas makes a walking motion with his two fingers, signaling for us to follow. Now I know Silas expected Raf to make his appearance here, but I can’t wait to hear his explanation for not clueing me in on my dad being here.
My cell pings with a text, so I fish it out of my pocket.
Silas: Don’t worry. I’m covering your dad.
Me: Would’ve been nice to know he was here…
Silas: I had to verify it in person. Stick with RC. He’s here for a reason.
Me: Copy that.
“What was that about?” Tawnee looks up at me, knowing I’m only on my cell phone while working if it’s an emergency.
“Silas said we need to stick with Raf. Let’s go listen in on the thrilling topic of what’s new and exciting in the oil and energy industry.” I didn’t lie… I just didn’t tell her the entire truth of why we’re following Raf around.
“Does Silas know of a credible threat against Raf?” Naturally, she’s more concerned about his safety than her own.
“No, that’s not what he said at all. But if he says we need to go with Raf, then we go with Raf without arguing over it. So, let’s go.”
The only seats left in the entire room are in the very back. Funny, those are usually the seats I scrap over to get to first. This subject must be more exciting than I thought. If we’d waited much longer, we’d have to stand. The tables along the front of the stage where Rafael and Tony sit are packed. When they announce the speaker, I understand why everyone is crowding the platform.
This is a fucking terrible idea. My brain screams at me to yank Tawnee out of her chair and bolt from the room before it’s too late. My gut says to stay for as long as it’s safe, gather the intel, and be thankful our seats are beside the exit door. Aside from Raf and Tony, every other guest at the other end of the room is wearing a thobe and head covering…much like the man who attacked Tawnee.
Only, from the back, they all look alike. There’s no way to tell if that specific man is in this crowd or not. But the hairs standing straight up on my arms assure me he’s here.
“Please welcome Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Industry, and Natural Resources, Nizar Al Aiban. In his previous role, he was the CEO of the world’s largest oil and natural gas production company, SAOR, Inc.” The announcer steps aside and shakes hands with a sleek businessman before exiting stage left.
Nizar steps up to the podium and shares his insights on where we are today, where we should be, and how we will get there. He discusses environmental protection policies, company projected earnings, and the sustainability odds of current oil production. Though I have no interest in these benign topics at all, I know the other shoe will drop at any moment. I split my focus between what the speaker says and how the crowd reacts.
An hour later, he finally reaches the end of his prepared comments and opens the floor microphones for questions from the attendees. Numerous men clamor to one of the four stands located around the room. The announcer steps back up to the podium to quiet the low roar of voices. Though I don’t speak Arabic, they sound angry to me.
“As a reminder for our international guests, please phrase your question in English. If you need a translator to ask for you, we have many in the room who will gladly help.” He takes his seat off to the side again, giving Nazir the floor once again.
Nazir motions toward the man waiting at the first stand. “Please go ahead with your question.”
“Thank you, Minister Al Aiban. As I’m sure you’ve already expected, many of us have the same question about the recent unpleasant developments. More specifically, the rampant rumors that have surfaced since SAOR, Inc. became a publicly traded company last year rather than remaining state-owned. Men whom I respect said a Jewish woman from the United States is behind the company that has overtaken SAOR. Is this sacrilege true?”
Before Nazir says one word in response, the room erupts in a cacophony of angry shouts, low growls, and chairs scraping against the floor as more people jump to their feet. Although I don’t understand what they’re saying, I can take a few calculated guesses and feel confident I’m dangerously close to the mark. From citizens of a country that reviles Jews, Christians, Israelis, Americans, and basically all women around the world, their reactions are not hard to deduce.
Death to the Jewish-American woman.
Kill the foreign woman—take our oil back.
Allah forbids this blasphemy.
Tawnee leans over to whisper in my ear. “Um, wow. So much hatred in this confined space is stifling, isn’t it? I’ve never seen a group of men have so much animosity toward women despite having four wives each.”
“Their wives know their places—and that place is never equal to or above their man. A woman taking over the world’s largest oil company, which happened to be Saudi-owned for the last three decades, is a direct slap in their faces. The fact that she’s Jewish on top of that makes it even worse. I hope they never find out who she is because they will drag her body through the streets behind their vehicles without a shred of regret.”
“How would they know she’s Jewish? It’s not as if they stamp our religious beliefs on our passports.”
“Maybe she has a traditionally Jewish last name.”
“Maybe that’s her married name. It’s just odd.”
“Could be. Women don’t take their husband’s last name in Saudi Arabia. They’re required by their religion to keep their father’s name, so it’s entirely possible they haven’t considered that angle. But I will not be the one to enlighten them today.”
When the room settles down enough for Nazir to answer, I notice more than a few heated glares cast in our direction. Seems they’re willing to throw their anger in the direction of any woman unfortunate enough to be in the room.
“I can assure you these are all lies, carried out with the greatest of intentions. But their sole purpose is to undermine our operations and discredit our great country. We are working tirelessly to identify where these rumors have originated and stop them at the source.”
He’s lying. All the signs are clearly visible on his face, in his body language, and in the pitch of his voice. He’s hiding the truth to save his own ass but also to keep this information out of the news. If the affluent Saudi investors find out a woman is taking over at the helm, they’ll dump their stock so fast, the company will fold next week.
But then, maybe that’s the whole point.
If I wanted to take over the most profitable company in the world at an unheard-of low stock price, that would certainly do it.
Rafael and Tony stand, say their goodbyes to their tablemates, and turn to leave. Raf’s eyes land directly on mine. A visible jolt runs through his body when he realizes I’ve been watching him this entire time, studying his every reaction. Though he’s unsettled, he plasters that same pretentious smile on his face to remind me I’m still beneath him.
That’s all right, buddy. I’ve got your number.
Tawnee and I stay put as Raf makes his way toward us on his way to the exit. He stops beside Tawnee, addressing her rather than facing me. “I see you couldn’t help yourself. Here you are, watching my back when you should be taking care of yourself.”
“Roman and I have each other’s back just fine right here. Don’t worry about us.”
That shitty grin Raf gave me just a minute ago? Yeah, I’m giving it right back to him now in spades. He focused solely on her, and she responded for the two of us. I really like how that minor
action feels.
“Why don’t you join us for lunch? Tony and I are eating with a few businessmen we just met. You’re welcome to eat with us.” He takes her hand in his, preparing to help her stand. Presumptuous much?
Not that he included me, but I feel obligated to decline his invitation, nonetheless. “What a shame. Tawnee and I already have plans for lunch. Maybe some other time, though.”
“Some other time, then.” He leans over and kisses her on the cheek. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight.”
When Raf and Tony are out of earshot, Tawnee turns to me. “All right, spill. Gerald, Raf, you, and I are all here. This is not a coincidence. What is going on?”
“You know as much as I do, sweets. I’m sure whatever is coming will make itself known very soon. What fun would it be if our luck changed now?”
“Only you could make me see this situation as a game.” She shakes her head at me, but her smile is there just the same.
“Sometimes it’s better to think of these situations as a game. That way, you don’t freeze up with fear or indecision. Everything we do is about moves and countermoves… beating our opponent’s next play before it’s even made. That approach helps me anyway.”
“You know, that actually makes sense. I’ll try that.”
“Looks like we can make our way out of here now. The crowd around the door is thinning out. Let’s go see who Rafael and Tony are having lunch with before we check on Dad again. I’m a little curious.”
“Curious? That’s not the word I’d use. More like suspicious.” We stand and make our way into the crowd and through the doors.
“That word fits too.” With my hand on her lower back, I steer her clear of the masses and start walking toward the exhibit booths.
“Roman, I’ve worked for him for three years. That’s a long time to be that close to someone and not know them inside and out. Do you not trust my judgment?”
“You know I do. But people change, Tawnee. Sometimes when you’re looking right at them. The people closest to you know how to hide their lies because they know what you’d notice. You wouldn’t see the most subtle changes, though. Psychopaths have this shit down to an art.”
“Are you saying Rafael is a psychopath?” She arches one eyebrow.
“No. But I’m not saying he’s not one either.”
“You’re impossible.”
“Impossible to stay away from? Impossible not to fall head over heels in love with? I know. It’s both a blessing and a curse, but I’ll take one for the team and bear this heavy burden, anyway.” I expect an eye-roll, maybe even a sarcastic huff, but I’m more than a little pleased to see an amused smile instead.
We take the long route along the deserted hallway and swing by the rear doors of the ballroom where the expansive buffet is underway. This affair isn’t quite up to par with Rafael’s usual dining preference, but no one would know that from the huge smile on his face. Even Tony is laughing and joking with several of the Arab men sitting around them. Then Tony sees us standing in the doorway and lifts his hand in a small wave. The man sitting on Tony’s right looks to see who he’s waving at, and his cheerful expression instantly changes.
He points toward us, his finger exaggeratedly jabbing at the air.
Then everything turns black.
Someone slips a hood over my head.
Muscular arms wrap around my neck from behind, pulling me backward at a fast pace.
Tawnee screams my name from beside me, her cries for me muffled. But my captor has me effectively incapacitated and unable to help her.
I hear the heavy metal door of the conference center open, then we’re thrown inside a darkened space, with Tawnee landing on top of me. More arms grab us, holding us down to prevent us from putting up too much of a fight. But they obviously don’t know who they’re dealing with, because Tawnee and I both let our legs and arms fly, contacting whatever flesh we can find.
During the fight, I realize we’re in the back of a panel van from the unmistakable sound of a door sliding shut—just as the engine whines and the tires squeal in the rapid getaway. We’re jostled around on the floor when the van jumps the curb and swerves right into the already heavy traffic, and several heavy bodies pounce on top of us. Horns blow from all directions and angry shouts soon follow, but our getaway driver never misses a beat.
“Keep your heads down and stay quiet if you want to live,” the angry, gravelly voice commands as someone else binds our hands and feet with zip ties.
Chapter 12
Tawnee
“I recognize your voice, even though you’re trying to disguise it. Take these cheap-ass cuffs off me, or you’ll get a thorough ass-kicking when I get free.” Roman controls his tone, but I sense the hostility behind his words. I’m still pinned on top of him despite the terrible driver behind the wheel throwing us around the interior like rag dolls.
“Wait a minute—I know that voice too.” At first, I was too freaked out to realize who grabbed us. Now I know exactly who it is. “Take this bag off my head and untie me right now. Or so help me God, I will taser you right on your balls, film it with my phone, and upload it to every social media site known to man.”
Laughter fills the vehicle, then the man lying on my back slides off. Fingers wrap around my shoulders and upper arms to help me up since my hands are bound behind my back, then someone removes the thick black bag covering my face.
“Hello, Tawnee. So good to see you again.” He has the nerve to smile at me.
“Rebel. Take these ties off my hands and feet right now.”
“Do you promise not to punch and kick me again? You have a mean swing. That last one nearly broke my jaw.” He raises his eyebrows, waiting for me to assure him I’ll play nice.
“I promise if you don’t release me right now, the damage will be much worse than a broken jaw when I’m through with you.”
“Can someone take this fucking bag off my head? Now!”
All our eyes drop to Roman, who’s still lying on the floor of the van, as if we forgot he was there. When I look back up at Rebel, Bull, and Shadow, we all burst out laughing, immediately dispelling the tension from just a moment ago.
“Yes. This is all real fucking funny. Just so you know, I’m kicking everyone’s ass when I get out of here. Everyone involved. I don’t care who you are.” Roman’s hands also are bound behind him, so even though he manages to sit upright, he still can’t remove the covering.
“Leave Roman’s on. That’s a much better look for him,” Reaper calls from the front.
“I should have known you were driving, Steele. You never could drive for shit,” the talking bag retorts. After Bull releases my hands and feet, I help him free Roman. He glares at each man individually for a minute, contemplating a brawl in the back of the van. I can see it in his eyes. “Was all that shit really necessary?”
“We had to make it look convincing.” Shadow shrugs one shoulder, as if we already should have known that.
“I meant being hog-tied once we were already in the back of the vehicle.” Roman’s eyebrows draw downward.
“Oh, that. Well, we weren’t going to originally, but we came prepared just in case it came to that. You both fought like two feral cats in a burlap sack. You two gave us no other choice, so that was really your fault.” Bull leans back against the side of the van and grins.
“You boys are enjoying this a little too much. Let me guess. Silas called you the minute they landed, and you decided to get in on the action too.” I fold my arms over my chest then watch as each man cuts his eyes to the next one.
“Close, but not quite, Tawnee. We were here before you arrived. Shadow is here on official assignment, and he asked us to join him as private contractors. Silas called me when he got to his hotel room, but he didn’t know we were already here until then.” Reaper pulls into a driveway in a residential area and jumps out of the driver’s door.
He slides the side door open, and we all file out, following him into an elaborately bea
utiful Italian-themed beachfront home. Strike that—this is a mansion. Should have known these guys wouldn’t have anything less.
“Here’s your new home sweet home for the next few days. The kitchen is fully stocked, but let me know if there’s anything else you want. This neighborhood is safe for you to move around in, but don’t venture out into the tourist areas. We want everyone to think you’re being held for ransom.” Shadow takes us on a quick tour to show us the layout and where to find everything we’ll need.
“I’m starting to think I don’t charge anywhere near enough for my services.” I stroll through the interior behind him, amazed at the expensive marble on the floor and the walls. Every room is professionally decorated and offers every amenity anyone could possibly want. “This place is way out of my price range.”
When we reach the back of the house, I realize exactly what love at first sight means. The entire wall is floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking a lush, green yard, an outdoor kitchen with spacious seating, a gorgeous pool, and a private beach on the turquoise water of the gulf. I’m claiming this area for myself.
“There are some perks that come with the job. When you conduct business in an area known to attract the world’s wealthy, you can’t stay in a run-down shack. This house leaves no doubt about my status in society.” Shadow is enjoying this part of his job a little too much.
“Yes, your image as a wealthy kidnapper is critical. Got it.”
“Well, yeah. Even us kidnappers have to look good while doing it. Where have you been, Tawnee?”
“With my head under a black burlap sack, evidently.”
“Good one. I knew I liked you for some reason.” He smiles and winks, then moves to the refrigerator to grab a few drinks. He passes around the cans of beer, and we all take a seat outside.
“We knew something was up when we saw Silas hiding in the shadows at the convention center, but we didn’t know what. How did you know we’d be in that hallway?” Roman takes a sip and waits for someone to fill us in.
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