Page 33 of The Sheik's Vow

Ethan’s mouth watered at the delicious plans he had for Kaia. But he had to…? His eyes narrowed as he read the article. “She’s traveling back to Kentucky?” he snapped. Anger boiled inside of him at this newest twist! He crushed the newspaper in his fist ashis fury threatened to make his head explode. “I travel all the way here to get the bitch and now she’s going back tomyturf?”

Dropping the newspaper onto the floor, he walked around the filthy room, gathering up the few items he’d unpacked. He’d only been here for a day, but he was more than ready to get home. He’d figure out what the hell was wrong with his bank accounts, and most likely kill the bank manager who had allowed this to happen to him. And then he’d find Kaia. No more of this putzing around.

He pulled out the envelope filled with cash, counting the money he’d finally been able to withdraw from his account. The guy at the embassy had spoken to someone at the FBI. That guy had released enough funds to get Ethan back home. With a frustrated snort, he pulled out enough money to get him on a flight back to the United States, then shoved everything back into his suitcase. He’d take a cab to the airport and get on the next flight back home.

Anticipation pushed him to move faster. Kaia would be his by the weekend! He was already planning his next sermon. It was going to be perfect!

Chapter 20

“You needwhat?” Levi Harris asked, sitting behind his desk in the TBC office.

Sheik Zayed el Mastrion wrapped an arm around his wife, Tara’s, waist. He glanced at Riaz, then brought his gaze back to Levi. “We have information that a few of your club members might have some information that would help us.”

Riaz laced his fingers through Kaia’s and continued. “I was hoping that maybe we could invite Ethan here for a drink and speak to him.”

Levi stood up and came around his desk, gesturing to the sofa and chairs. “What kind of information do you need?”

Zayed took Tara’s hand, leading her over to one of the chairs. He stood beside the chair as he started to explain, but Tara put a gentle hand on his arm. “I think Kaia should explain.”

Zayed glanced over at his wife’s sister, then nodded. “You’re right,” he replied. “Kaia? Why don’t you tell him your plan?”

Kaia perched on the edge of the leather sofa, still nervous in the gorgeous skirt and heels that Riaz had bought for her, but she enjoyed the feel of the silky material against her skin.

Focusing on the present, she looked around at the otheroccupants of the room, then at the handsome club owner she’d just met. Taking a breath, she clasped Riaz’s hand tightly, then began.

“Ethan Howell controls the sale of the agriculture products that come out of Todras, Kentucky.” She pressed her knees together, wishing that Dibi or Marta were here to soothe her nerves. Taking a breath, she continued. “I was hoping to speak with these men that do business with Ethan,” she continued as she slid a list towards the handsome man. “I understand they are all members of your club.”

Levi picked up the list, scanning the names, then he nodded. “All of these men are members.”

“These men are the brokers for the products that come out of Todras, Kentucky, where I…” she hesitated, then closed her mouth. It took a moment before Kaia could speak, her throat tightening around the words. With a concentrated effort, she continued. “Where I…grew up,” she finally finished. “But the man who collects these items from the farmers is a monster. I want to get information from these men,” she nodded her head towards the paper in Levi’s hand, “and figured out the most effective way to take Ethan Howell down.” She went on to explain what she and Tara had endured as children, what she’d learned about Ethan’s activities after she and Tara had escaped, and how the horrid man maintained control over the people in the village.

Levi had been scowling when Kaia had started, but by the time she’d finished, the man was grinning and nodding eagerly. “Hold on a moment,” he said, then pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Hey, Emily, I think we have another project.” He listened, nodding, then chuckled and ended the call.

“She’ll be right–”

The door to the office burst open and two gorgeous women walked in. “What’s the mission?” the stunning brunette asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The other woman, equally lovely with darker, almost mahogany hair, grinned and clapped her hands. “I’m in as well!”

Levi chuckled and leaned back. “Everyone, I’d like to introduce my club manager, Emily Lloyd, and Ann Fuller.” The door opened again, bumping Emily out of the way. She glared at the giant man who entered, grinning down at her in response.

The big guy looked around the room, stopping only when his gaze came to Levi. “Boss, Sean and Matteo are here. You might want them to join the meeting.”

Levi gestured to the newcomer. “Everyone, this is Hendrix Pilarti. He’s the head of security here at TBC.”

Everyone nodded greetings to the man, who merely tilted his head before glancing at the brunette, adding a wink.

Kaia suspected that the wink was just to irritate the woman because the sparks were clearly flying between those two. She recognized the signs now since she’d been experiencing the same sparks with Riaz.

But before the pretty club manager could react, Hendrix looked at his boss and said, “I’ll call them and ask them to join the party.”

“Thanks,” Levi replied. Then he turned to the others. “Emily, Ann and Hendrix have some very creative ways of discovering…details…about the activities of the members of this club. I think their methods will be useful for this mission.”

“What’s the issue?” Emily asked, stepping in front of Hendrix. Kaia watched as Ann lifted her hand to cover her mouth, hiding her amusement. Obviously, the dark haired woman knew what was happening. This was all so intriguing!

But instead of watching the amusing interaction between those two, she turned to the group and explained her plan.

Chapter 21

Several hours later, the plan was in action. Riaz and Zayed had been sitting at a poker table by themselves until Ann had escorted the men to their table, introducing everyone and suggesting that they could play a few rounds of poker.

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