The next day they climbed into the car together and Henry drove them to Volkan’s offices, which were at the dockyards. As they drove, he explained that Kartel Transport was involved in many different transportation businesses, including shipping, which was their largest enterprise, air cargo, trains and semi-trucks.

“So everything,” Yasmin murmured.

He nodded. “It was originally built as a shipping company, but I find it helpful to have my fingers in everything. If one branch of the business goes down, then there’s always another to scale up and replace the loss.”

Yasmin was impressed with Volkan’s business acumen and listened attentively, forgetting for a blessed few minutes that she was a kidnap victim. She asked questions and took mental notes on the extent and breadth of Kartel Transport.

The business was started a hundred and fifty years ago by Volkan’s great-great-grandfather who saw an opportunity to loan out his fishing boats for cargo transportation. The business grew as it was passed down from generation to generation until it became the massive conglomerate it was today.

“It was expected that I would take over from my father and that my brother would work in the business as well,” he explained, the pride in his voice unmistakable. He twined his fingers with hers and held her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. “One day my son will take over and then his son after him.”

“You have a son?” she asked, thinking maybe he’d had one with his first wife and that the child was growing up somewhere else. Maybe with his maternal grandparents.

Volkan lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “Not yet, but one day soon, I hope.”

She realized he meant her and jerked her hand from his. The world tilted as she realized they’d had sex without any birth control. She’d been so worried over the kidnapping thing she hadn’t thought about the consequences of their having sex without protection.

“Hey, look at me.” Volkan touched his hand to her chin and turned her face. She blinked a few times before he came into focus. “You have nothing to worry about. You’ll be an exceptional mother.”

“I’m not worried about being a good mother.” She jerked away from him. “I’m not ready for kids. I’m not ready for any of this, and you keep reminding me of how little choice I have.” She glared at him, ignoring the twitch of annoyance in his jaw and the quick glance he sent toward Henry, who was driving the car. “The only reason I’m complying with the wedding plans is because you’ve threatened to cut me off from my family if I don’t act like I’m your happy little bride. I can’t even speak my mind without worrying that you’ll tell everyone I love that I’m dead.”