She shook her head, desperation rushing through her. She didn’t want to get engaged this way. She was normal and she wanted normal things. She was not the kind of person who got kidnapped and forced into a relationship. She wasn’t beautiful; she wasn’t tall and willowy or petite and cute. She was average. Average body, average looks, average brain. Okay, she was pretty smart, but apparently not smart enough to avoid falling into Volkan’s trap.

She turned to him, arms wrapped protectively around herself. “Why, Volkan?”

He looked down at her, his dark eyes shadowed. “I’ve told you why. I love you and want to make you happy.”

She shook her head. “No. I mean, why me? I’m nothing special.”

He looked genuinely baffled for a few seconds, then he said, “You’re wrong about that.”

“Why me?” she insisted.

Ignoring the jeweller, who kept his gaze on the widows, rather than the couple having what looked like an intimate moment, Volkan took her arms where they were crossed over her chest and drew her closer. The heat from his big hands warmed her, though she wanted to feel disgusted by it. She didn’t need or want his warmth.

“I want you.”

As if that explained it all.

“That doesn’t make any sense, Volkan.” She tried to move away, but his hands tightened. “You can’t just go around taking people from their lives and forcing them into some kind of twisted fantasy.”

Anger darkened his expression, but he quickly smoothed it and explained in a calm voice, “It doesn’t have to make sense. You’re here with me and you aren’t leaving.”

She shook her head, but he turned her back to the table and wrapped his arm around her middle, trapping her against his body. “Choose a ring, Yasmin.”

The way he said her name, like a threat, sent a shiver racing down her spine. She reached blindly into the tray and pulled out the first ring she touched, holding it up.

Volkan pulled the ring from her fingers and placed a chaste kiss on her lips before releasing her. He turned to the jeweller. “You’ve noted the items I want. Have them delivered tomorrow before noon.”

The jeweller packed his wares and left the penthouse.

“Why do we need the jewellery before noon?” Yasmin asked when they were alone.

“We’re going to Turkey tomorrow.”