The two men also shook hands, then Hassan gripped the cigarette and inhaled. His short hair lay in tight curls. They’d met years ago during a joint training exercise, when Hassan was in the Kuwait Armed Forces. They’d been paired up to run drills and had become friends.
Hassan nodded toward the stolen vehicle. “Nice ride. Is it new?”
The man had been a loyal friend so far, but when it came to Laine and her daughter, Roarke had to be cautious and aware at all times. If Hassan had connections with Cameron, he might be forced to pick a side.
Roarke grunted. “Something like that. Is this thing gassed and ready to go?”
Hassan nodded and flicked his smoke into the water. “I’m happy to help a friend in need. I’ve paid bribes where necessaryso we can get across, but you never know who might stop us. You need to be aware of that.”
Viper rocked back on his heels, an action that told Roarke he was agitated just standing there.
“I understand, believe me.” Impatience tightened Roarke’s forearms. They were running out of time, but he didn’t want to scare Hassan off. If his friend knew the authorities might be on them any minute, he’d back out.
“All right. Get your friends and let’s go.”
Roarke turned to head back to the vehicle, and Viper jogged to reach him, matching his pace. “If we get caught, we all die. You realize that, right?”
No shit. He kept the snarky remark to himself. “Laine would’ve died if she’d married Cameron. He killed his wife in front of her a few days ago, so he could marry Laine.”
Viper cursed. “Shit, man. That’s ugly.”
He stopped and looked his friend dead in the face. Viper was an inch or so taller.
Viper’s blue eyes sharpened. “What?”
“Promise me if something happens, you’ll keep them safe and get them back to the US.” Fuck, he needed that confirmation before he took Laine and Emmy into dangerous waters.
Viper’s tense disposition shifted. He clapped Roarke on the shoulder. “’Course, man. But do me a favor,” he said, as they resumed walking toward the vehicle. “Once we’re out of this shit, set the record straight with the woman.”
He snorted. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’ve got it bad, man. Sooner she knows, the better.”
Roarke fought the urge to roll his eyes. Leave it to Viper to piss him off when there wasn’t time to beat his ass. He didn’t comment, as they’d reached the car.
He motioned for Laine to get out. She carried Emmy, and Striker grabbed her tote bag. They headed toward the dock withLaine a couple of paces ahead. The black hijab blew in the wind, and her slight body moved gracefully.
She’d gone through hell but kept her head high. Even carried her daughter after suffering a concussion. Laine needed his help and his loyalty.
Not his cock.
He might have it bad, but his favor to Viper would go unfulfilled.
Laine was off-limits, and he’d keep it that way.
Chapter
Ten
Laine lay on the single bed in the cabin of the yacht, grateful she could put her head down even if she couldn’t sleep. The boat wasn’t very big. Roarke had led her and Emmy down here saying they could rest, but she knew he wanted them to hide.
The yacht rocked and swayed, making her more nauseous than she already was, but the jostling had put Emmy to sleep. Every bone in her body ached, but the beating of her head was the worst. The pain pills Roarke had given her had only taken the edge off.
Emmy sighed in her sleep and pulled Big Bun close. Laine pulled the blanket around her shoulders and kissed her cheek. She’d go to the ends of the earth to protect her daughter, to make sure she didn’t live under her father’s wrath and control.
The bedroom door creaked open, and Laine’s muscles clenched. Roarke hovered in the doorway. Her shoulders instantly relaxed.
“Hi,” she whispered.
