“Is there any possibility you can hack into Obasi’s accounts?” Nassor asked.
“He’s virtually disappeared. I found it hard to find anything on him, besides the deed of a home he bought in the south part of the country, in the woods.”
Nassor rubbed his forehead, then rocked in his chair, letting out a long sigh. “Thank you for your work. Your discretion is paramount in this matter, and I’ll be sure to give you a handsome raise.”
“Oh. Thank you so much for your offer, Your Majesty. I’m honored.” Vadik stood, bowed, and turned to leave, then stopped in his tracks. “My sister—”
“Your sister is welcome to apply to work in the castle if she wants. And one day, she’ll marry whoever she wants,” Nassor said firmly, in a tone that left no doubts.
“Certainly. Thank you, Your Highness. You’ve been very generous.”
“You’re welcome.”
He bowed again and left, closing the door behind him.
“Do you think he’s telling the truth?” She gave him back the papers.
“Yes. He has no reason to lie.”
“So he used my stepmother. Got her over here to sell her to someone. Why?” she asked, even though a part of her already knew. She crossed her legs then uncrossed them, unable to keep still. No position would make this conversation any easier.
He gave her a lingering glance, then stood and walked up to her. “Money. I’m sorry.”
“Can we find out who he sold her to? That bastard is behind her death.”
He squeezed her shoulders. “In a couple of days my security expert will bring him over and we’ll question him. I’ve been in touch with John. He has Obasi. Handcuffed, of course, because the man refused to comply even though John had a royal warrant issued by me.”
She folded her arms. “This is surreal. I can’t imagine the pain she must’ve experienced when she found out it was a lie. It must’ve been devastating. I can’t—”
He sat on the chair next to her and took her hands in his. “Don’t let your mind go to dark places, Izzy. It won’t help. I’m sorry, but we’ll make sure everyone pays for what they’ve done,” he said, and massaged her hands with vigorous strokes, soothing her.
“Thanks. What was he talking about when he mentioned his sister?”
“Oh. Poor fool thought I’d take her as a wife when he told me about Rasheed.”
She motioned to move her hands away, but he continued his caress, prompting her to stay and listen. “Have you met her?”
“Never,” he said, loosening his grip on her.
“Why would he think so?”
“Because we live in the land of arranged marriages, and he wanted to use the leverage to ensure his sister would be married to a royal.”
“I get it.”
A silly smile curled the corner of his lips. “Izzy, I appreciate your jealousy, but there’s no need.”
“I’m not jealous.” She sighed. “Okay, a little. But you’re rich, good-looking, and half of the country—”
“I was once in a room filled with men willing to do anything to bed you. I could have punched every one of them if they dared to come near you.”
Little trills of excitement raced down her spine, chipping at old insecurities. For so long, she had to overcome not being chosen for adoption as a child—wanted and loved by parents who cared about her. Yes, Harold had adopted her, but the wounds ran deep.
Later, after he died so suddenly, she refused to believe in finding a safe place…love. She told herself she didn’t care if a man dated her or even married her one day. In fact, she purposely acted like it didn’t matter.
And now…now Nassor’s words opened a door she had carefully closed and locked for her own self-preservation.
What happens if I completely let him in?
