Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“Good. I’ll transfer the rest of the money as soon as it crosses the border.”
“Emre will keep you updated.”
We end the call, then I ask Emre, “Have you checked that the trackers were activated?”
“Evet.” He pulls out his phone to show me the map with all the dots moving slowly through the city, southbound.
I make the other calls and only then have time to check on the illegal gambling section of the club. By the time I’m done with work for the day, it’s past two am.
Tired as fuck, I signal for Mirac that I’m ready to head home. During the drive, I rest my head against the seat, calculating that I’ll have three hours of sleep before I have to wake up for work again.
Mirac brings the SUV to a stop in front of the house, and I release a sigh as I shove the door open. After stepping through the front door, I shrug out of my jacket.
Just as I reach the stairs, there’s movement in the shadows to my left, then Lara comes into view.
“Why are you awake?” I ask, my voice still strung tight from all the shit I had to deal with.
“I need to ask you a question.”
I exhale slowly and turn to face her. “What?”
“Can I go into town to buy a gift for Alya Hanim?”
“Yes, just take Murat with you.”
Instead of cowering at my brisk tone, she steps closer, concern filling her features. “Are you okay?”
“I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.”
“I hope you sleep well.”
Her soft voice makes some of the tension leave my body, and on the spur of the moment, I move closer to her and press a kiss on her forehead. “I’m sorry, Ödülüm. Once things calm down at work, I’ll be in a better mood.”
“I understand.”
I gesture for her to head back to her bedroom. “Get some sleep.”
I watch her until she disappears down the hallway, then head up to my bedroom to shower.
Only when I slide beneath the covers and rest my head on a pillow, do I worry about Lara leaving the house. I’ll have extra men help Murat guard her to ensure nothing happens to her.
Chapter 31
Lara
Even though I only went to bed at three am., I wake up at six, knowing there’s a lot to do today before the guests arrive.
I stretch out beneath the covers, and turning my head, it’s to see Gabriel sitting in the armchair, already dressed for work.
He looks heartbreakingly attractive in a three-piece, midnight blue suit.
I quickly sit up. “Did you sleep at all?”
He stares at me until I feel self-conscious about my bed hair and morning breath. Finally, he shakes his head as he rises to his feet. “I’ll arrange extra guards to accompany you today. Do everything they say and be on guard at all times. Try to make the shopping trip as quick as possible.”
“Okay.”
He comes to the side of the bed, and reaching a hand out to me, he cups my cheek. The touch is tender as his eyes rest on me with worry.
“I don’t have to go,” I murmur, not wanting to add to his stress.
His thumb brushes over my skin. “I don’t want you living like a prisoner. You’ve had that for twenty-two years, and I won’t add to it.” When he leans over me, I quickly hold my breath. He presses a soft kiss to my lips, then pulls back and gives me a questioning look. “How did you do it, Lara?”
Lifting my hand, I place it over his. “Do what?”
“How did you bewitch me?”
I wish I knew because then I’d keep doing it.
A smile curves my lips as I admit, “I don’t know, but I’m happy I did.”
Some of the tension leaves his face, and he leans forward again to press a kiss on the top of my head. “Have a good day, Ödülüm.”
I love hearing him call me his reward. It makes my heart melt.
“You too.”
I watch as Gabriel leaves the room before I climb out of bed and get ready for the day.
Wearing black jeans and a cream silk blouse, I’ve put on black ballet flats to match the outfit.
When I open my bedroom door, Murat’s leaning against the wall, already waiting for me. He lifts an eyebrow at me. “I hear we’re going shopping today?”
I nod, a smile tugging at my mouth. “It will be quick. I promise.”
He walks with me to the kitchen, then asks, “What time do you want to leave?”
“After breakfast?”
“I’ll get the men ready.”
When Murat leaves, Nisa, who’s been watching us, asks, “Where are you going?”
“Remember I told you I wanted to get Alya Hanim a gift? Gabriel gave his permission.”
“When did he do this? The man hasn’t been home.”
I wonder what to say, and not wanting to keep lying, I murmur, “This morning.”