Yasmin hedged. “We haven’t known each other long, and the wedding is such a whirlwind. Do you approve of Volkan… of us getting married so soon?” She was talking around the issue, but she couldn’t bring herself to spit out the words, ‘I’ve been kidnapped, please call the cops.’

Apparently, Narin saw through her weak attempts to speak the truth. She narrowed her eyes and said, “Why don’t you ask me what you really want to ask?”

Yasmin’s heart sped up and she licked her lips before asking, “Do you know… that your son… that Volkan…” Why was it so freaking hard to tell his mother he was a kidnapper?

“You’re wondering if I know under what circumstances you came to my home?” Narin asked, her eyes glittering like two chips of ice. “Of course, I know. Very little happens under my roof and in the lives of my children that I don’t know about.”

Yasmin put her coffee cup down with a clatter and leaned forward in her seat. “Then how can you —?”

“Condone what my son has done to you?” Narin asked, smiling coolly. “I am a mother, of course. I will love my children no matter what they do. Volkan in particular has always been headstrong. Even as a child, the boy had to have his own way or there would be hell to pay.”

Narin’s words spoke of indulgence, but her eyes… they were ruthless, like her son’s. Yasmin’s heart sank.

“You won’t help me, will you?”

Narin shook her head and reached out to pat Yasmin’s hand, which Yasmin pulled away. Now that she knew Volkan’s mother was fully versed as to her situation, she didn’t have to pretend to want to be there anymore.

“You’re here at my son’s behest,” Narin said as if that explained everything. “He’s head of this household, and I won’t contradict his wishes. Even if I don’t always agree.”

“But he kidnapped me!” Yasmin said incredulously. They were all psychopaths!

Narin’s nose curled in disgust. “Such a strong word to use.” She shook her head in disappointment. “Volkan loves you and wants you to live here with us.” There was admonishment in her voice. “He will have his way whether or not we agree with his plans, it’s best to humour him.”

“By keeping me captive?” Yasmin had that feeling again, like she was on another planet.

“You’ll settle in just fine,” Narin added, her tone softening. “I do wish my son had gone about bringing you to us in a more… natural manner, but I can’t disagree with something that makes him so happy. He’s been quite grim these past several years since we lost dear Caria.”

“Lost?” Yasmin asked. “I thought they divorced.”

Narin shook her head. “No, Caria and Volkan would never have divorced. She died eight years ago.”