Page 48 of Zero Hour

She swallowed, forcing her voice to remain calm. “Amir, I’m your therapist. I’m here to treat you. Don’t ruin that.”

A flicker of doubt crossed his face, but it vanished just as quickly. “I’m tired of waiting. Why can’t we be lovers?”

Her stomach twisted. His sense of right and wrong was so screwed up. “Because I’m your prisoner. It doesn’t work like that.”

His expression darkened. “You’d do well to remember who’s in charge, Jasmine. You don’t make the rules, I do.”

She exhaled slowly. It was important she keep him calm. “I know. All I’m saying is?—”

“Stop,” he barked.

She bit off the words. He extended a hand. “Come closer to me.”

“No.” Her voice trembled. “I said I’d help you, but I didn’t agree to this.”

His eyes narrowed. “You don’t have a choice. I want you.”

Her breath came in quick, desperate bursts. “Why? Why are you doing this?”

“Because we don’t have much longer.” His voice dropped. “After this weekend, I’ll be moving on.”

Her stomach bottomed out.

“You will?”

A slow smirk spread across his face. “Yes, our ‘agreement’ will be over. My business in this country will be over.”

Her throat tightened. “What about me?”

He didn’t meet her gaze. “You can go back to your life.”

Liar.

“Now come here.”

He grabbed her arm and yanked her onto his lap. She gasped, struggling, but he was too strong.

“Amir, no! Please don’t do this.”

He shoved her back against the sofa, his weight pressing her down. “This will go a lot easier if you just relax.”

“Stop it! You’re hurting me.”

She thrashed, one hand breaking free. She clawed at his face, nails raking down his cheek.

“Bitch!”

The slap came fast and brutal. Stars exploded in her vision.

His hands fumbled at his belt as her heart thundered against her ribs. She couldn’t believe this was really happening.

Glancing up, she looked around the room. Was Patrick watching? Was he there?

Amir lunged, and she screamed. “Help me!”

His eyes gleamed darkly, excited by the prospect of taking her, of having her fight back. He was an animal. “No one’s coming. Riad will ignore you. If you don’t behave, maybe I’ll let him have you next.”

Tears burned in her eyes as his fingers tore at the waistband of her pants.

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