She watched in puzzlement as he stood and strode through the door to his office, coming back a minute later, holding something. When he handed it to her, she realized it was her cell phone. With a withering glance at Volkan, she unlocked it and immediately checked her messages, expecting an explosion of frantic texts and emails as her parents tried to locate her.

There was nothing. Not a single unread message.

But that was impossible, she’d been gone for four days. There was no chance she could fly to another country and not check in with her parents without having them lose their minds. Then, when she looked closer at her messages, she realized she had checked in with her parents. Or someone had done it on her behalf.

There was a family chat that went back four days, almost to the moment Yasmin had arrived in London.

Yasmin: I’m here. City is amazing. Very tired. Will text in the morning.

Mom: Thanks for checking in, love you sweetie.

Aisha: Bring me back a miniature Big Ben.

The next day:

Yasmin: I’m all checked in with Dr. Ryan. We’re flying out tomorrow to a dig site in Turkey. Limited cell service, so I’m not sure when I’ll be able to check in.

Mom: Be careful, sweetie. Don’t talk to strangers and wear sunscreen.

Dad: Send lots of pictures. I’ve always wanted to go to Turkey.

Aisha: For all your legal concerns, call 1-800-HOT-LAWS

This morning:

Mom: When can you call us? We miss you.

Yasmin dropped the phone and covered her face, squeezing her eyes to stop the hot tears that threatened to fall.

“I thought you’d be happy that I’m communicating for you. This is what you wanted, isn’t it? You wanted your family to know you’re safe and well cared for.”

She looked at him, blinking the tears away. “Am I? You’ve threatened me and you’re holding me captive. How am I safe?”

He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’ll always be safe with me.”

“You’re the only one who’s hurting me.”

A hard look passed over his expression, and Yasmin shuddered. “I’ve already told you, the pain is both temporary and necessary for our future together. Would you prefer your parents think you’re dead? Because that can be arranged.”

“No,” she whispered.

He slid his arm along the back of the couch and pulled her against his chest. “Do you want your family to come to our wedding?”