Page 29 of Ash Storm

“Stand down, tiger,” he whispered in her ear. She could hear the smile in his voice.

Reka struggled until his grip tightened further, threatening to crush her wrists.

He could.

He could crush my bones.

She stopped struggling. The hold loosened slightly, until it was merely uncomfortable rather than painful.

“See? You are learning already,” the Englishman whispered, sounding satisfied.

“You like that one, Alistair?”

Alistair.

One more name for my list.

For if we survive.

No.

When we survive.

“They are both yours, Ahmed, to do with as you please,” Alistair replied smoothly, after an infinitesimally short pause.

They might be friends, but Afsan’s the one who calls the shots.

“I would like to set the two of them aside, like two ripe peaches. But this is a business and I have a responsibility to my customers. I cannot simply reserve the best fruits for myself.”

“You are very wise, Ahmed, as always.”

“Put them back with the others. And give them some food and water. I don’t wish for them to die onstage,” he said, moving back towards the large desk and effectively dismissing them.

Onstage?

Once again, Reka was glad there was nothing inside her stomach.

“Of course. It will be done,” the Englishman—Alistair—said. “Come on, girls. Don’t make me bring out the cattle prod.”

Afsan’s eyes shone with something like amusement. “One day, we’re going to need to talk about the cattle prod, Alistair. Such a crass device, when there are so many other ways to subdue a woman …”

Alistair shrugged. “The men like using it, Ahmed. This is something we can give them.”

Afsan stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps it is you who are wise, my friend.”

Reka shivered at the exchange between the two men. Instants later, Alistair pushed her and Chloe back out into the large hallway.

She looked left and right. Though she didn’t know where the closest exit was, something told her this might be her best chance at fighting back. Alistair was alone, and there were two of them.

That hope died as Junior turned the corner towards them. If he knew what had happened to Yusuf, he didn’t say anything.

Alistair’s warm breath fell close to her ear. “Come on, luv. Give me a reason to hurt you.”

Reka lowered her head and walked forward.