The Path to Freedom (Task Force 125)

by Pietsch, Lisa; Gerow, Tina

  “And she is completely mine,” Tony said proprietarily as he poured her a cup of thick, black cardamom-scented coffee.

  “Really?” Hassan seemed amused. “Completely?” His eyebrows rose as he glanced at Sarah.

  This conversation is going into a minefield.

  Sarah found Tony’s foot under the table with her own and pressed her heel solidly into the toe of his soft deck shoes. “This coffee smells delicious. Is it Turkish?”

  “There was a question, I believe.” Hassan probed for an answer from Sarah.

  Okay, you son of a bitch. I’ll play your game, but I’m only going so far. After that, you’re on your own. Tony is going to pay for waltzing me into this.

  Sarah stared directly at Hassan and locked in on his dark brown eyes. There was no doubt in her mind as to how she had to answer the question. “Let’s get something straight right now. I am not now, nor will I ever be, the possession of any man.”

  It was the truth and she meant every word. There was no acting involved.

  “True enough. A poor choice of words. Forgive me, darling,” Tony said, with a gentle touch of his hand on hers.

  It is time to get this morning back on track.

  Sarah dismissively waved her hand. “Forgiven.” With that, she switched back to the happy beauty she was supposed to be. “Now what shall I do with two such handsome escorts today?”

  “The choices are virtually endless.” Hassan sounded quite satisfied and took a sip of his coffee.

  Tony’s cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket, checked the number and frowned. “I’m sorry, I have to take this, please excuse me.” He stood and walked around the corner.

  Hassan leaned back in his chair. “Is the coffee to your liking, Sarah? Would you prefer something less robust?”

  “No, thank you. I enjoy something robust in the morning.” Sarah lifted an eyebrow and gave a slight nod.

  “I see.” Hassan let his left hand brush along her forearm.

  The hair on the back of Sarah’s neck stood up.

  This guy may be a terrorist bastard, but he is one smooth, sexy, son of a bitch.

  Tony returned to the table with a resigned look on his face. “Well, darling, I’m sorry but I’ve been called away on pressing business. I simply can’t leave it to anyone else. We have to fly out this morning. Nicholas is preparing the launch and we’ll need to pack.”

  Afraid something had gone wrong with the mission, Sarah feigned disappointment and stood. “Oh, Tony, no. We were having so much fun, and I was so looking forward to a day or two in the sun.”

  “I’m sorry, darling. It can’t be helped.” He gently took her hand.

  “Thank you for your hospitality, my friend. I’m sorry we have to leave so soon.” Tony apologized to Hassan.

  “Of course. You are always welcome.” Hassan stood as Tony ushered Sarah quickly to their stateroom.

  Tony closed the door behind them and turned on some music before Sarah could ask any questions. “This is it. You’ve got him.” He grinned. “That was Chris on the phone. I had him call me. While you were in the cabin, getting dressed, Hassan and I had quite a chat. He’s very enamored with you and I think your comment about being no man’s possession sealed the deal. He’s all yours now. I hope you’re ready for your solo.”

  “Well, that’s all well and good, and I think he may be on the hook, but now I have to leave with you. How do we arrange for me to stay?”

  “Not a problem. Hassan is nothing if not predictable when it comes to women. Just remember to thank him when we go back up on deck.”

  Sarah heard whispering in her ear. “Work what ya got, baby. Work it!”

  Sarah packed her things and followed Tony’s lead as they proceeded back to the main deck.

  Hassan waited for them. “Carlos will bring your luggage shortly. Unfortunately, Nicholas is having some difficulty with the launch. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

  Sarah approached Hassan in all his sun-drenched glory. She gently took his hands in hers as she moved a bit closer than appropriate, kissed his soft, tanned cheek and purred in his ear, “Thank you…for everything.”

  Ooh, you smell good. Is that your interest rising or are you just sorry to see me go?

  Hassan held on to Sarah’s hands, smiled and did not let go. “Tony, surely you don’t need to ruin this lovely lady’s weekend simply because you can’t trust your business to others. Why not let her stay and you can fly back when you’ve finished, or I can fly her back to you on Monday.”

  Tony nodded to Hassan. “As I’m sure you’ve guessed, the lady makes her own decisions.” He smiled at Sarah. “There is no need for your weekend to be ruined on my account. I could join you later and we’ll just extend our weekend a bit.”

  Sarah smiled and looked into Hassan’s hungry eyes. “Thank you. I’d love to stay, if you’re sure it isn’t any trouble?”

  “Trouble? Of course not. It would be my pleasure.”

  “Fine, it’s settled then. You’ll stay in Hassan’s capable hands and I’ll see you again just as soon as I finish up.” Tony nodded to Hassan. “Thank you for your generous hospitality. I see our luggage has arrived and Nicholas has the launch ready. Goodbye, old friend.” Tony and Hassan shook hands.

  “Salaam Alaikum, my friend. I will take very good care of Sarah while you are gone.”

  Tony shook his head resignedly at Hassan. “I know you will.”

  I’m in.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  After the launch departed, Sarah turned to Hassan. “What did you say to him? What language was that?”

  Thanks for that handy opportunity to convince you I don’t understand Arabic.

  “Oh, it was a blessing of sorts. An Arabic sendoff, if you will.”

  “Arabic, really? Will you teach me some?” Sarah asked earnestly.

  Are you convinced I’m just a silly woman?

  With the launch out of sight, Hassan pulled Sarah close and pressed her between his long, hard body and the wall of the deck. “Beauty such as yours needs no language.” He kissed her neck, between the pearl choker and her ear.

  Ah, yes. Keep the woman uneducated and in the dark. Your underestimating me will make my job worlds easier, Hassan.

  Sarah glanced up to find Carlos several paces behind Hassan. Heat flushed her cheeks as she cleared her throat and gently pushed Hassan away.

  Hassan gave Carlos quick instructions in Arabic. Sarah pretended not to understand when he told Carlos to bring Sarah’s luggage to his suite. She watched Carlos pick up her luggage and walk past the stairway and through a door on the main deck.

  “Where is he taking my luggage? My room was downstairs.”

  “Let me show you.” He took her hand and led her in the same direction Carlos had disappeared.

  Get ready to dance with the devil, Sarah.

  To her own surprise, the danger of the situation only made her hotter for Hassan.

  He led her into a hallway she hadn’t noticed before and then through a set of heavy wooden doors.

  Carlos had disappeared again, but her luggage was stacked in a neat pile just inside the doorway of a magnificent suite.

  A skylight flooded the room with light. A sea breeze wafted salty air through the open windows on either side of the room. A huge, king-sized bed dominated the far wall. To her right was a long sofa underneath a row of windows. To her left stood a large sunken bathtub that looked like it could accommodate four comfortably. Considering Hassan’s charms, Sarah had no doubt he could fill the tub with women just for himself. The door to the master bath appeared to be just on the other side of the tub.

  Sarah loved the luxurious new world she’d found herself in.

  You aren’t in South Dakota anymore.

  “What a beautiful suite!” Sarah moved to beneath the skylight and gazed at the azure sky above.

  “It is nothing compared to your beauty,” Hassan whispered as he wrapped his arms around her and bent to kiss her.


  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Sarah climbed out of bed, naked except for her pearl earrings. She strutted to the huge bathtub and turned on the water. When sheets rustled behind her, she turned to see Hassan awake.

  He lay on his stomach with his arms crossed under his chin. Dark hawk-like eyes were half open and watched her intently.

  They had been in bed for hours and Sarah was satisfied, exhausted and hungry. By the look on his face, Sarah was pretty sure she had Hassan hooked. She let the water run as she returned his hungry stare, sashayed to the bed and sat.

  He rolled over on his back exposing his tanned, well-muscled chest.

  Sarah gently touched his lower lip with her forefinger and then traced a line through the short beard on his chin, down his clean, muscular chest and over the washboard of his abs until her hand arrived at the thick curls leading to his manhood.

  “I’m hungry,” she whispered.

  “So am I.” He growled as he pulled her down to him.

  Until now, Sarah has considered her sex life mediocre at best. Turns out mediocre was, in all actuality, piss poor. This man was an animal and it was easier than she thought to enjoy every minute of his attentions. “No. I’m hungry...for food.”

  The hot water rushed out of the faucet and into the deep tub. Satisfied with the temperature, Sarah let it run while she picked up her toiletry case near the door and brought it into the bathroom. A moment later, she returned to shut off the water and slip into the tub, conscious of the fact that Hassan still watched her.

  Hassan growled as he sat up and reached for the phone on the bedside table. The man wanted more of her and Sarah hoped to keep it that way. Another thirty-six hours wasn’t nearly enough time to get the kind of information she needed.

  Hassan spoke in Arabic as he called the galley and demanded a large lunch be sent up immediately.

  Sarah leaned back into the warm water, rested her head on the edge of the tub and closed her eyes. “I hope you’re having somebody bring some food. I couldn’t possibly do that again without nourishment.”

  “Ah, so you want more?”

  “Well, maybe with a few variations, but I wouldn’t be averse to more. Unless, of course, you plan to send me away now that you’ve had me?”

  Scope it out. Make him want to keep you here.

  Hassan crossed the room in just a few paces. “Not just yet.” He stepped into the tub and insinuated himself between her back and the wall of the tub. He wrapped his long legs around hers and let her know in no uncertain terms he wanted more.

  Oh yeah, he’s hooked. I think I’m in for a few more days at least.

  They lay there in the tub. Hassan enveloped Sarah in his arms. Sarah had just drifted off to sleep when there was a knock on the stateroom door.

  “Enter,” mumbled Hassan as he kissed Sarah’s neck.

  Sarah opened her eyes as Jaleel walked in with a large tray piled high with fruit, cheese, bread and two bottles of water. She feigned modesty and snatched a towel from the rack to cover her body.

  When Hassan glanced up to see what startled her, he seemed angry as he raised his voice in Arabic to Jaleel. “What are you doing in here? You know better than to interrupt me with business in here!”

  “Does she understand?” Jaleel nodded toward Sarah as he spoke in Arabic.

  Yeah buddy, I’m reading you loud and clear.

  “Of course not, you idiot,” Hassan thundered as he stepped out of the tub and wrapped a towel around his waist.

  Jaleel turned his back to Sarah and spoke in very clear English. “My most humble apologies, lady. I had no idea the Sheikh had a guest.”

  Sarah raised an eyebrow at Hassan.

  He reached into a closet and withdrew a thick, white, terrycloth robe. He held the robe open for Sarah, shielding her from Jaleel’s view. She quickly slid her arms into the robe and held the front closed as she hustled into the bathroom. She’d hoped she could listen in from there without being seen.

  Jaleel continued in Arabic. “Our friends are planning a surprise in Iraq and need guns and ammunition immediately. Shall I arrange a meeting with the American?”

  “Yes, make it this afternoon,” Hassan said dismissively. “Jaleel, never again interrupt me with this one.” His voice became very stern. “I plan to keep her here for a while.”

  Yes! Just the way we planned.

  Jaleel chuckled. “You never keep them more than three days. This one will be no different.”

  We’ll see about that.

  “I disagree. This one is different. She is strong willed. I like that in a woman. I think I’ll keep her for quite a while if today is any indication of what I can expect in the future.”

  Noted. Performance today was good. Strong willed is a plus.

  Jaleel’s laughing voice came again. “We’ll see.” The snap of the stateroom door closing told her Jaleel had left.

  Sarah ran a brush through her hair and splashed some cold water on her face. She was glad she’d had that refresher course in Arabic. Now she knew she had a chance to get more information on Hassan’s network. She fluffed her hair and loosened the robe a bit before peeking out the bathroom door into the bedroom.

  Hassan leaned back in a semi-reclined position against the headboard with his long legs stretched out before him. The towel had been cast aside and he lay there in his naked glory, his wolfish smile beckoned to Sarah.

  First day here and you’ve already given us information about action in Iraq. A little more of this and you’ll be giving me names and dates.

  Sarah did her sexiest strut to the bed and then cat-crawled the length of him until she could reach the tray of food on the bedside table.

  He smiled a broad, perfect smile as she sat astride him.

  She smiled back, took an apple and then sat down beside him at the head of the bed.

  Psyche!

  “You tease me.”

  And you love it!

  “Oh.” Sarah pouted. “Have I angered the Sheikh?”

  His lips spread in a closed smile and his eyes narrowed. “Yes, you have and now you must pay the price.”

  A shriek escaped Sarah’s lips as Hassan pounced on her and pressed himself against the length of her. His lips pressed hard against hers. Hungry or not, she had to admit the working conditions weren’t bad.

  ~~~

  An hour later, they lay on the bed, exhausted and entwined in each other’s limbs when another knock sounded on the door.

  “I am occupied,” Hassan yelled in English.

  Kadeem called from behind the closed door. “I beg your pardon, Sheikh Hassan. The launch is approaching with your afternoon guest.”

  “Yes, yes. Escort him to the fly bridge.”

  Sarah nuzzled his neck. “But I thought you were completely mine this weekend?”

  Hassan gazed into her eyes. “Mmm… I must take this meeting today. Perhaps you could swim or enjoy the sun deck for a time while I meet with this gentleman?”

  “Yes, I should find a bit more sun than just the skylight over your bed,” she said sarcastically, rising to open her suitcase and grab her bathing suit before she took a quick shower.

  Hassan got out of bed with a sigh. He slipped on his trousers, and Sarah watched as he buttoned them and then threw his shirt on. She crossed to where he stood and began to button the buttons from the center of his chest down. When she arrived at the final button, she reached underneath and unbuttoned his trousers.

  “Woman, you are insatiable.” He laughed, pushing her hands away.

  She gave him a blissful look. “I’m quite satisfied, but the Sheikh should tuck in his shirt.” She paused for effect. “Unless, of course, the Sheikh is not satisfied.”

  “The Sheikh is quite satisfied.” He chuckled, tucking in his shirt. “Use the phone over there.” He nodded to the bedside table. “Call Tony and tell him you won’t be meeting him on Monday.”

  “Oh, really? And when will I?” came her indignant reply.

  “When the Sheikh
commands.” He gave a dismissive flip of his hand.

  Sarah crossed her arms over her chest. “No man commands me. We’ll just see where I want to be on Monday.” She spun on her heel toward the bathroom.

  I won’t bend to another man’s will again. We play this my way or not at all.

  Hassan grabbed her by her shoulders, spun her around and bored into her gaze with his own. “That will change. Besides, you’ll soon learn I am not like other men.” He bent to kiss her gently on the lips. “Stay with me for a week, please?”

  And now you’re begging. Okay, I’ll throw you a bone.

  Sarah shook off his grip and turned toward the bathroom. “If it pleases the Sheikh, I will stay until Tuesday.”

  “It does,” he said as he walked out the door.

  Sarah found the MP3 player, plugged in the speaker and turned on the music as she prepared to shower.

  “Nice moves, babe. Makes me wish I was there,” Chris’ voice said inside her ear.

  “You couldn’t handle this,” she retorted, feeling quite sure of herself.

  “Oh, try me. Vince is on his way for a status check. Give him a sign if everything is okay. Out.”

  Vince.

  In all the excitement, she’d managed to push Vince out of her mind. Now he was about to show up for a status check? Sarah remembered that afternoon when he’d called her down to his cabin. A chill crept over her skin and caused gooseflesh to pop. Suddenly she felt unsure of herself.

  What man wants a woman who sleeps with guys for a paycheck? Granted, I’ve only slept with one, but wouldn’t he judge me?

  The calm voice from deep within Sarah, the one that had gotten her through every tight spot she’d been in over the past several months spoke up again.

  He set this up. He planted you here. He knew what you had to do and he, of all people, knows that this is a job. This is a different war with different weapons. This time, a woman is the weapon.