A calculated look of horror crossed Zeynep’s delicate features as she reached out to touch Yasmin’s arm. “I’m so sorry if I’ve crossed a line with you. I really thought you looked like you could use some help.”

Yasmin slid her arm away from Zeynep. “What exactly could you do for me if I told you I did need your help?” Yasmin couldn’t explain why she wasn’t jumping at the opening Zeynep was giving her. This was her chance to get away from Volkan, but Yasmin couldn’t shake the feeling that Zeynep had a nefarious purpose for wanting to help.

Zeynep glanced around and leaned in to speak in a low voice. “Volkan’s reach goes far in this country, so it would be difficult to get you out if you wanted to leave, but not impossible. All kinds of transportation information, like schedules and manifests, cross my desk every day. I could find a way to smuggle you out on a ship or an airplane.”

“And what would be in it for you?” Yasmin asked, crossing her arms over her chest and staring at the other woman. “Why would you help a complete stranger?”

Zeynep tried to look offended. “Why wouldn’t I help another woman in trouble? It breaks my heart to see a woman being forced into a marriage she doesn’t want. Our gender needs to stick together and have each other’s backs.”

Though she agreed with Zeynep’s words, Yasmin was willing to bet the other woman didn’t care one rip about her plight. Zeynep wanted Yasmin out of the country for another reason, but she wasn’t saying what.

“I want to go back to the office,” Yasmin said insistently. She’d had enough of her lunch.

And truth be told, she was annoyed. For the first time since her ordeal began, she’d found herself enjoying life again. She had a beautiful new office and she’d been enjoying their sojourn on the boardwalk. Why did Zeynep have to go and ruin her day by reminding her she was living in a den full of vipers, all with differing agendas?

Together, they walked back to the vehicle, their heels clicking as they made their way to the car. Before Yasmin could get in the Audi, Zeynep gripped her arm, digging her nails into the flesh just enough to make Yasmin uncomfortable.

“Volkan doesn’t need to know about this conversation,” Zeynep said in a hard voice, her eyes glittering.

Yasmin was tempted to tell the other woman that she and Volkan told each other everything and that she couldn’t possibly keep something like this from her fiancé, but she didn’t want to burn the only bridge out of Turkey that had opened up for her.