by Elle James
He’d just turned away from the Akar when several men dressed in the uniforms of the Turkish guards pushed through crowd, knocking people over, their weapons pulled from their holsters.
Bull had only seconds to react.
He grabbed Layla and pulled her backward into his chest. “We need to get out of here. Nothing about this is right.”
“Why do you say that?” she asked turning to see the guards heading toward them. “I wonder what’s wrong.”
The uniformed guards appeared to be headed toward Layla and her father’s group. They lifted their weapons, aiming in their direction.
Some guests shouted while others screamed, setting off a chain reaction of chaos as the crowd rushed for the front exit.
Bull pushed Layla to the ground and grabbed her father’s arm. “Get down!”
Ambassador Grey dropped to his hands and knees and then flattened himself to the floor.
Gunfire blasted through the air.
Bull threw his body over Layla’s.
More screaming sounded and there was a mad rush for the front door. People scrambled past them, some tripping over Bull and Layla where they lay.
The Minister of Justice crumpled to the floor beside them and lay still. He had a hole blasted through his pristine black suit and blood pooled across the shiny marble floor.
Layla gasped beneath Bull.
Still shielding her body, he looked up to see the guards turning to aim at another group of government officials pushing against the crowd to get out of the building.
“Bull?” Rucker’s voice sounded in his ear.
“We’re okay,” he replied.
“Take the side exit,” Rucker said. “Blade and I have it covered.”
More shots were fired, this time from another direction.
While the armed men had their backs to Bull, Layla and the ambassador, they had to make their move.
Bull gripped Layla’s arm and pulled her to her feet. He grabbed her father’s elbow and helped him stand. “Stay low and move fast,” he said and hurried them toward the nearest side exit, hoping they’d make it before the crowd discovered that this door was closer.
Rucker and Blade stood beside the door.
As Bull and his charges approached, Blade flung open the door. “The guys have you covered. Go!”
Bull wrapped his arm around Layla, shielding her body with his as they stepped out into the night.
“We’re to head south for a couple blocks. Dash and the boys will pick us up once they can get back to the vehicles and circle the crowd,” Rucker said.
“Mac?” Bull asked.
“Got out the opposite side. He’s headed for the vehicles.”
Bull didn’t like that they were unarmed in a city that had become dangerous. The best he could do was to get the ambassador and his daughter as far away from the rogue guards as possible and back to the embassy compound.
He hoped the aggression was concentrated on the hotel and wouldn’t spread throughout the city or target foreigners.
His team would have to assess the situation, once they arrived at the embassy. They just had to get to the embassy first.
Chapter 9
Layla did the best she could in high heels and a dress, running between her father and Bull. She couldn’t get the image of Akar lying on the floor beside her, his eyes open, staring straight at her as if accusing her of killing him.
Why had the Turkish guards turned on the government officials? Or were they really part of the Turkish military or just men dressed as guards?
A heavy weight settled low in her belly. Those men hadn’t had to break into the hotel to mount their attack. They’d been inside all along. Layla would bet they’d been recruited by the resistance for just such an occasion. To assassinate members of the current administration.
When she was almost to the point she’d rather walk on glass barefooted than take another step in her high heeled shoes, Bull eased them to a stop at a corner.
Layla bent over to suck air into her starving lungs. By the time she straightened, two vehicles pulled to a halt in front of them and a guy got out, opened the door to the back seat and stood back.
Bull handed Layla into the seat while introducing the man holding the door. “Layla, this is Mac. Mac, Ms. Layla Grey and her father, Ambassador Grey.”
Mac grinned and dipped his head. “Ms. Grey. Ambassador Grey. Glad to see you made it out of there in one piece.”
Layla scooted to the middle, her father got in beside her, and Bull rounded the vehicle and got in on the other side of Layla. Mac took the front seat with the driver.
“Say hello to your driver, Dawg,” Mac said.
Layla frowned. “Dawg?”
“Nickname,” Dawg said with a grimace into the rearview mirror. “Don’t ask. The guys can be real jerks.”
Layla craned her neck to make sure the other two men had a ride.
Blade and Rucker had climbed into the second car. They sped away from the hotel.
Layla leaned back in the seat, willing her pulse to slow and her heart to stop pounding in her chest like a base drum. When she was more in control, she turned to Bull. “What just happened?”
“I’m not sure.” Bull’s jaw tightened. “Looked like the guards inside the hotel were anti-government and did their best to eliminate some of their current officials.”
“But at a fundraiser for childhood cancer?” Layla shook her head. “What’s happening is insane.”
“Some people would consider it their only means to fight back against an oppressive dictatorship,” Mac said from the front seat. “A dictatorship hiding behind a façade of a republic where the people actually have no say in what’s going on.”
“The president is pushing for another term, even though Turkey’s constitution has term limits on the presidency,” Bull said. “This president’s term is up.”
When they arrived at the embassy, Bull’s team dropped off Bull, Layla and the ambassador at the gate and drove off. The guards were on high alert due to the shooting at the hotel. They thoroughly inspected their documentation and ran them through the scanners before they would allow them inside.
“I notified my security team that I’m back at the embassy,” the ambassador said. “They’ll bring back the vehicles when things calm down out there.” He led the way into the embassy foyer. “Anybody up for a drink?”
Layla went to her father and gave him a big hug. “I’m sorry, Dad, but I’m beat. All I want to do is get out of these heels and go to bed.”
He nodded. “I understand. I have to admit I was shaken by that breach of security and the death of the Minister of Justice. The Turkish president will be furious and demand an investigation. I’m going to take a few minutes to report in to DC and the folks at Langley, and I’ll be right behind you. I’m tired, too.” The ambassador stuck out his hand to Bull. “Thank you and your team for getting us out of there.”
Bull nodded. “I’m just glad we were able to, and that you had the foresight to deploy the entire team to the event. We couldn’t have done it without all of us.”
The ambassador nodded. “And thank you for making sure my daughter didn’t get caught in the crossfire.”
“Or you, Daddy,” Layla said.
Bull held out his hand, Layla placed hers in his and they walked to the elevator. Once inside and the doors had closed, she stepped into his arms.
“Thank you,” she said, “That could have been me lying on the floor instead of the Minister of Justice.”
He hugged her close. “I think I lost ten years off my life in that two or three seconds.”
The elevator dinged, and the door slid open.
Layla laughed. “We got our wish of getting out of there early.”
“I would have preferred a different reason,” Bull said.
“But now that we’re here and we’re safe…” she said and leaned into him as they walked down the hallway, “the night does not have to end.”
They paused i
n front of her quarters while she fished her key out of the hidden pocket in her dress. She unlocked the door and pushed it open. Before she could take a step inside, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her across the threshold.
Yes, she could have walked, but being held in a strong man’s arms was so much better. And the promise of what was to come left her shivering with anticipation.
When he set her back on her feet, he held her close and kissed her.
Layla leaned up on her toes and opened to him, letting their tongues intertwine. Heat built at her center and spread from her core outward. She wanted the kiss to go on forever.
Alas, they had to breathe.
Layla rested her cheek on his chest, listening to the thundering beat of his heart. “I think I needed that.”
He tipped her head up and kissed her forehead. “I need a whole lot more than that.”
She smiled and pushed his jacket off his shoulders.
He yanked the necktie from around his neck and tossed it to the corner of the room.
Layla started working loose the buttons of his shirt, one at a time. She pulled the tails of his shirt from the waistband of his trousers and ran her hands across his bare chest.
He kissed her on the lips again, and then stepped back, spun her around and dragged the tab of her zipper slowly down her back. Then he pushed the straps from her shoulders.
The dress slipped from her body and pooled at her feet. All she wore beneath it was a pair of silky thong panties and her high heels.
His gaze swept over her, making her feel deliciously sexy. He knelt beside her, loosened the buckles of her shoes and slipped them from her feet. Then he hooked his thumbs in the elastic of her panties, dragged them down to her ankles and helped her step free.
“I’ve been waiting for this all night,” he said, “And it is so worth the wait.”
She didn’t feel embarrassed about standing naked in front of him. In fact, she felt desire washing over her. She ran her hands from her hips up her torso to cup her own breasts. The nipples had already tightened into tight little buds. “Aren’t you overdressed, soldier?”
He moaned. “Yes, ma’am.”
Layla smoothed her hands beneath his shirt and started to push the garment over his shoulders.
A knock sounded at the door. Her hands froze.
Bull glanced toward the door. “Want me to answer it?”
Layla shook her head. “No. Let’s wait a minute and see if they’ll go away.”
Bull and Layla stood frozen where they had started and waited.
Layla prayed that whoever was at the door would just give up and go away.
Another knock sounded, this one a little more urgent.
“Ms. Grey, Mr. Smith,” Pinar’s voice sounded on the other side of the door. “If you’re in there I have need of you.”
Bull pulled his shirt back over his shoulders and secured a few buttons. “I’ll get this.”
Before he went to the door though he scooped her up, laid her in the bed, and covered her with the sheet. “Hold that thought,” he said.
She circled her hand behind his neck and pulled him down for a quick kiss. “Don’t be long.”
He turned and hurried toward the door, opened it and looked down at the personal assistant. “Yes, ma’am?”
She grabbed his arm. “I need you downstairs immediately.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Layla clutched the sheet to her chest and craned her neck to see around Bull.
“It’s Ambassador Grey. He’s got himself locked in the downstairs bathroom. He needs assistance getting out.”
Layla chuckled. The bathroom outside his study had a tricky doorknob that occasionally got stuck. If wiggled enough, whoever was locked inside was usually able to get out. Until now.
Bull sighed. “Don’t you have a maintenance person who could help him out?”
She shook her head. “They’ve all gone home for the evening. They won’t be back until the morning.”
He glanced over his shoulder at Layla.
She hid a grin.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he said, with a grimace. “Don’t go anywhere.”
She raised a hand. “Believe me, I’m not going anywhere.”
He left the room, pulling the door closed behind him. Layla lay back against the pillows, a smile on her face. The night promised to be magic, and Bull was the magician. She laughed at her thoughts. She really liked the man. She could be falling in love with him. Her smile faded, and she was back to the dilemma of he was a Delta, and she was the ambassador’s daughter. Her cellphone buzzed on the charger on the nightstand, indicating an incoming text message.
She leaned over, letting the sheet slide down from her bare breasts. Soon, Bull’s hand would be sliding over her breasts. Maybe he was texting her from downstairs. She picked up the phone and stared down at the text message. It wasn’t Bull. It was Miriam Rogers.
Miriam: Cover is blown. You won’t hear from us. We’re going deep. Clean your phone and keep your head low. If I need to contact you, I’ll send a message by courier.
Layla: Be safe, my friend
Layla’s hand tightened on her cellphone, as cold dread filled her chest. Miriam and her network of angels were in trouble. She had been very careful not to reveal Layla’s true identity to the rest of the network. Miriam was the only one who knew that she was the ambassador’s daughter. But if Miriam was compromised, whoever had blown their cover could lead them back to Layla and the US embassy.
She swung her legs out of the bed, pulled a T-shirt out of her drawer, slipped it over her head, and pulled on a pair of jeans. Her hands shook as she buttoned the top button. Yes, she wanted to help people, and she was proud of what she’d done for the women that they’d rescued. But now, she could be in trouble, and if she was in trouble, that could compromise her father’s position as ambassador.
Layla paced the room. What should she do? She wanted to run out into the street, find Miriam and keep her safe, but Miriam had said she was going deep. She might even have to leave the country. Hell, Layla might have to leave the country.
She slipped on a pair of socks and tennis shoes and gave a shaky laugh at herself. What was she going to do, run out the door and keep running until she left Turkey? She hated that the underground railroad had been exposed and wondered who had violated their trust. Now, there wouldn’t be anybody out there to help the women who were being traded and sold like cattle.
When a knock came at her door, she almost cried out in relief. Finally, Bull was back. Maybe he could help her figure out what she should do next. Her father might get his wish; she might have to go back to the States sooner rather than later. Maybe he’d task Bull to make sure she got there safely. She ran to the door and yanked it open.
Her personal assistant stood there.
Layla frowned. “Where’s Bull?”
The woman gave a small smile. “He’s still working on getting that door open for your father.”
“Do you need my help?” Layla started through the door.
Pinar held up her hand and shook her head. “No. I think he has everything under control.”
“Then why are you here?”
Pinar pulled an envelope from her pocket and handed it to her. “This came for you. It was left at the gate. The guard brought it inside. I thought you might need it.” She handed her the envelope. “I’ll get back downstairs and see what I can do to help your father.” Pinar left Layla in her doorway.
She closed the door and ripped open the envelope. The message was cryptic.
Need your help. Meet me behind the coffee shop. Come alone.
M.R.
Layla stared at the words on the page. Miriam was in trouble and needed Layla’s help. She didn’t like the idea of going out alone. Not after all that had happened over the last two days. Not since Bull had provided her protection. But she couldn’t leave her friend out there alone. Not when she needed help. The woman had hel
ped so many others.
Layla had to do something. But what if she was captured? No one would know where to look for her. It wasn’t like she was carrying some hidden GPS device. Then she remembered her cellphone and her watch. Both had tracking apps on them. She slipped her watch onto her wrist and shoved her cellphone into the back pocket of her jeans. Pulling on a hooded jacket, she tucked her hair inside it.
Layla pulled a sheet of stationery out of her nightstand, scribbled a note for Bull, folded it and laid it on the pillow. She had given him a key to get into the room. When he returned, he’d find it empty, and then he’d find the note and know where she’d gone, and that she was wearing her watch and carrying her cellphone. Her lips curled into a smile. She’d signed the note, I think I love you, Layla.
Finally ready, she slipped out of her room, ran down the hall and took the stairs to the level where the library was. The hidden doorway opened easily, and the lights lit up in the tunnel. Layla hurried through it. When she reached the outside door, she paused and peered out. The street was empty and dark. The coffee shop where she’d originally met Miriam was a couple blocks walk to the west. She turned left and started out at a good pace.
Headlights blinked on a car that was sitting on the side of the road. Layla’s heart stuttered, and a ripple of fear snaked its way down her spine. The car was in front of her. She spun on her heel and walked away from it as fast as she could. The car’s engine revved, and the headlights seemed to be moving closer.
Layla walked faster. The vehicle was quickly approaching. Instead of speeding up and going past her, it slowed. Layla gave up all pretense of walking and ran. She couldn’t go back to the hidden door and lead whoever was following her back into the embassy. She ran past it searching for an alleyway, a street, anything she could turn down to escape the oncoming car, but she couldn’t run fast enough.
The vehicle caught up with her, went just a little bit past her and two men leaped out.
Layla turned and ran the other direction as fast as she could. Again, she wasn’t fast enough. The two men gained on her, their footsteps pounding the pavement behind her. She could scream, but she was on the backside of the embassy, far away from any of the guards who might hear her.