Fear for her family rushed through her. If they found out about her situation, they would try to intervene, which meant, if Volkan allowed her to speak to them, she would have to come up with a story to convince them she was fine. Her only other option was escape and Volkan was careful not to give her the opportunity. She was still hopeful one would present itself, but until then, she needed to take care with Volkan’s volatile temper. She couldn’t give him a reason to threaten the people she loved.

He gripped her arms and dragged them up, forcing them around his neck. He wanted her to participate in the kiss. As much as it bothered her to give in, she would do it. For her family.

Her body wasn’t arguing either as she wrapped her arms around him and threw herself into the kiss, taking his tongue into her mouth and tentatively caressing him back. Tingles sparked through her and for a moment she forgot where she was and who she was with.

Then the elevator dinged and reality set in.

She pulled away from him and he took her hand, striding into the vestibule with her. Yasmin blushed when she noticed Henry waiting for them.

“Is everything set for tomorrow?” Volkan asked.

“Yes, sir,” Henry replied, following them into the penthouse. “The jet will be ready for departure at 3.”

“Good.” Volkan moved toward the liquor cabinet, picking up a decanter and pouring a measure of amber fluid into a crystal glass. “I want you personally to accompany us. I won’t take any risks with my fiancé.”

“Of course. As previously discussed, Ms. Mahdi will be the security team’s priority,” Henry acknowledged, his eyes darting to Yasmin before sliding away. She thought she sensed a hint of concern, or maybe resentment there. She couldn’t tell which, but she didn’t blame him. Her presence must be upsetting their normal routine. Then she realized she had no idea what a normal routine for Volkan and his staff might be.

“Make sure that she is.” Volkan lifted the glass to his lips and sipped, savouring the liquid, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. “If anything happens to her, I will make sure every person whose job it was to watch over her pays.” Volkan turned his back on Henry. “Dismissed.”

Though Volkan couldn’t see it, Henry nodded in deference and stepped back into the vestibule, disappearing seconds later as the door closed on his stoic figure.

“Are you always so rude to the people around you?” Yasmin asked, tossing her purse on the counter and heading for the liquor cabinet. If Volkan could drink his worries away, so could she. Before she could pour a glass for herself, Volkan gripped her hand and placed his glass in her fingers, then he forced her to lift the glass and place it against her lips.