“You haven’t given us reason to think otherwise.” Her voice was pleading as she tried to get him to understand. “You’ve been so angry, so cold and closed off since Caria’s death. When you brought Yasmin into our family, I guess I thought it would happen all over again.”

“I will only say this once, Zeynep, and then never again.” His words were soft and dangerous. “What happened to my wife was a tragic accident. Nothing more.” Volkan would have left it at that, but there was something else he needed to know.

He knelt next to Zeynep’s chair, ignoring her as she shuddered and shifted her knees away from him. He picked up her hand and held it, rubbing his thumb along her finger.

“You need to tell me the truth now, Zeynep.” He gave her finger a subtle squeeze, making it clear he would do to her what he’d done to her husband if she didn’t give him the response he wanted. She nodded, her eyes wide with fear. “Did Yasmin choose to leave me, or did you surprise her?”

To Zeynep’s credit, she didn’t hesitate. “No, she didn’t come willingly. She got in the car, but we made her think she was going to meet you for the honeymoon.”

Volkan dropped his head as the guilt hit him. He’d been so angry with Yasmin. In light of Zeynep’s admission, his actions toward his wife were unforgivable. Thank god she’d calmed him with her gentle spirit before he fucked her or he could’ve injured her. He was a fucking beast.

“I’m sorry,” Zeynep whispered.

He considered breaking her finger anyway, avenging himself on the woman who tried to have his wife abducted, but he reminded himself that her reason for doing what she did was to protect Yasmin. At least it was part of her motivation, and he supposed he couldn’t blame her for that.

Finally, he said, “You weren’t doing her any favours. She could’ve been killed in that helicopter.” He stood and glanced at his brother’s unconscious body, then added, “I’m positive that was the plan. Toss her in the ocean and pretend she’d been dropped off at an embassy somewhere, never to be heard from again.”

Zeynep stared at her husband and nodded. “I just found out before you came in here.” She lifted worried eyes to meet his gaze. “He knows she’s on the island and I think… I think he’s sent someone after her.”

Her words almost stole what was left of his sanity. He’d made a colossal mistake leaving her alone. He thought she’d be safe on the island while he ferreted out the traitors living under his roof. Instead, he’d made her a sitting duck.

He sprinted for the door, shouting Henry’s name, desperately hoping he would arrive in time to save Yasmin.

Chapter Forty-Two