Page 35 of Marked

Her lips start trembling again, her gaze still glued to him while she begins to sob.

“What the hell is going on? Who the fuck are you?!” I snarl at the guy, getting up on my feet and taking Riley with me. She’s still staring at the man, but continues to hold on to me.

“Hey, you calm the fuck down, Cain,” he addresses me. “I’m her brother in law. We know what was supposed to happen here tonight. You’re busted, your whole mission is. Now, let her go and we’ll have a few words with the police—”

“No!” Riley suddenly blurts out. “No, Raad, please. He can’t—”

“Is he saying the truth?” I cut her off. “Do you know this man?”

She nods. “Yes, he’s my sister’s husband. I don’t know why he’s here, but he’s saying the truth.”

I did not see that coming, not at all, and my reaction is accordingly. I just stare at her, unsure whether to be angry or relieved.

“You’re safe,” I whisper eventually, unable to stop the smile from emerging on my face. “That means you’re safe.”

For a moment, she just stares at me in confusion, trying to make sense of my words and the expression that comes with them. I’m just as surprised as she is, but I can’t help feeling relieved.

No matter what happens to me now—Riley is safe.

And that is all that matters.

---