Narin frowned at him. “Of course I care, Volkan. I’m not a monster. When you first told me of her, I was concerned that you were becoming far too attached to a girl who didn’t share your feelings. But since you brought her into this family, I’ve done my best to make her feel welcome.”

Volkan felt like an ass for snapping at his mother. She’d been a saint when it came to Yasmin and the wedding, and he was doing her an injustice by accusing her of not caring.

“My deepest apologies, mother.” He bent to give her his respect, kissing her right hand and pressing his forehead briefly against her fingers. Then he straightened and shoved his hand through his hair in frustration. “I don’t know what to do. I can’t be near Yasmin right now. Not until I’ve calmed down, but I need some answers.”

She nodded her understanding. “Of course.” His mother loved him deeply, but she knew what his temper was like.

“Zeynep and Demir helped her leave,” he said, though the words burned in his throat. He’d never been close to his brother, but he hadn’t expected this kind of betrayal from his own flesh and blood.

Narin nodded. “I suspected as much since they rushed off with their bags after coming back to the house without Yasmin. Zeynep had a mark on her cheek and your brother was limping. They said they were going on a mini holiday, but they were in such a hurry and refused to say where they were going.”

“Because they knew I’d be on their heels as soon as I stashed Yasmin somewhere safe,” he said grimly.

His mother nodded, hesitated, then said, “That’s why I had them followed.”

Volkan fixed his mother with a stare that told her she better cough up the information he needed, or he’d tear the house down piece by piece until he found it.

Narin looked indecisive, which was unusual for his generally forthright mother. Finally, she let out a small sigh and looked at him with an expression of loving exasperation. “I can’t believe I have to say this, but I’ll only give you the address if you promise not to harm your brother.”

“He was in the process of shoving my wife into a helicopter last time I saw him. There’s no way he’s getting out of this unscathed.” When she twisted her fingers together in anxiety, he added, “I can promise not to kill him.” Yet, he added silently.

“I suppose that’s the best I’m going to get,” she said with a sigh. “Why didn’t you boys ever get along as brothers should?”

“Because Demir is greedy, jealous, and lazy.” Volkan’s voice uncompromising. “The address, mother.”