Yasmin also sensed a passion in Zeynep for her country of birth as she pointed out landmarks that were visible from where they stood. She pointed out the dockyard, which was only a few kilometers up the coast, the ships and cranes visible from the restaurant. Then she pointed in the other direction, explaining that the family mansion was about half an hour down the coast in the other direction.

They ordered fresh oysters, a plate of greens and some Chardonnay. The lunch was delicious and, Yasmin had to admit, pleasant once Zeynep focused less on Kartel business and more on her home country of Turkey.

She should’ve been a tour guide, Yasmin mused, nearly giggling out loud as she pictured the elegant Zeynep in an orange tour vest, her shiny name badge in place, a clipboard in her hands. It would never happen, of course. A job in the tourism industry would be too far beneath any of the Kartel family members.

They fell silent for a few minutes as they ate their oysters and sipped their wine, the warmth of the sun on their heads.

As they were finishing up, Yasmin had to admit she’d enjoyed herself and would do it again if asked. She didn’t hate spending time with Zeynep. When away from the mansion and the family, Zeynep seemed less manipulative and pouty and more herself.

As she dabbed her lips with a napkin, Zeynep narrowed her brown-eyed gaze on Yasmin. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” Yasmin said.

“Why haven’t you asked me to help you get away from Volkan?” She leaned across the table, dropping her voice and looking around as if by saying his name, she could invoke his presence. “I thought you’d jump at the opportunity as soon as we were alone.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

“Wh-what?” Yasmin stuttered, stunned by Zeynep’s revelation. Did everyone in the family know she was a kidnap victim?

“It’s pretty obvious,” Zeynep said.

“How?” Yasmin demanded. She thought she’d been a pretty low-key captive.

Zeynep shrugged. “Volkan’s always dragging you about and when he isn’t, his mother is. They also speak for you whenever someone asks a question. And the way you look at Volkan, like you’re going to stab him at the first opportunity, isn’t exactly the face of a blushing bride to be.”

“Oh,” Yasmin said, unable to think of anything else. She’d only been there a few days. Zeynep must have sharp eyes if she caught all that.

“Add to all that the fact that you could be twins with Volkan’s wife, Car — “

“Caria,” Yasmin finished grimly. It didn’t sit well that she was such a lookalike with Volkan’s wife that everyone felt the need to comment about it. Looking around, she said, “I think it’s time to go back to the office.”