Page 23 of Zain

“It’s not fine.”

Her chest rose and fell, her system still trying to adjust to the abundance of space around her.

“Need some water?”

She swept her tongue over the dry tissue in her mouth. She nodded but caught his wrist so he wouldn’t walk away. If he let her go, she’d surely fold to the ground.

He must have understood because he brought his arm beneath her knees to lift her off the edge of the open trunk. Then he shut the lid. Setting her on top, he kept a steady arm around her. She let her body lean forward so her chest rested against his abdomen, her head just beneath his shoulder.

The solid wall of his abs tensed beneath his clothing. He seemed to hesitate before resting his palm on the middle of her back.

“Are we out of the woods yet?” She hated the way her voice wobbled. Hated that she needed confirmation from someone else. This wasn’t field-agent Dana. This was beaten-down Dana. After everything that’d happened today, she was fine with returning to a desk job.

Zain grunted. “Let’s hope. Your friends will be here any minute.”

“You don’t sound happy about that.”

Two large SUVs turned onto the road, their headlights bright. Zain’s body went rigid, his hand on her no longer hesitant but firm and protective. She lifted her head and found he had his rifle pointed at the newcomers.

The vehicles stopped side by side, and the passenger door of one opened. A man stepped out, hands raised.

Dana gasped with relief then slid off the car and out of Zain’s arms. “Brick!” she called. He ran toward her.

His large, muscular arms wrapped her in a hugand he rocked her. “Jesus, I’m so glad you’re okay.” He pulled away and looked down at her face. His features clenched. “Those bastards.”

She forced a smile. “I’m okay. Promise.” She looked over her shoulder to see Zain walking awkwardly toward them, his expression cautious, brooding, and guarded.

Dana backed away from Brick and caught Zain’s hand. “Zain, this is Brick.” She beamed at him. “We’re going to take you home now.”

CHAPTER 8

Zain studied Dana’sfriend. What kind of name was Brick anyway? He could only imagine the fun people had cracking jokes, but Zain had long since lost his sense of humor.

Brick gave a friendly smile and shook his hand. “We’re happy you’re okay, man.”

The guy seemed nice. Sincere. Zain flicked his attention from Brick to Dana, and a seed of jealousy rooted itself in his gut. Was she with him? Their embrace seemed platonic. But the fact that there could be more going on between them made hostility heat his skin.

Christ, why did it matter? He’d known Dana less than a day. Had no reason to care if she was with someone or not.

Yet he did. And when the timing was right, he’d find out if she was off-limits. Because for some reason he needed to know. Normal curiosity about an intriguing woman—nothing more. “Thanks.” His tone was flat, emotionless. Hedidn’t have it in him to tell Brick what he and Dana had screwed up. She could fill him in on that later.

Warmth reached Brick’s eyes. “Rami’s going to flip when he hears we found you.”

At the mention of his brother, emotion churned in Zain’s chest. He’d put his family out of his mind for so long. He hadn’t forgotten them but had forbidden himself to think about them. Doing so, knowing his brother and mom would be bereft, would’ve only made Zain’s mission that much harder.

“Can I talk to him?” Urgency rushed forward. The opportunity to connect with his brother was almost too good to be true.

Brick clapped him on the shoulder. “’Course. Let’s get to Ali’s first. I think we could all use a rest.”

Zain nodded. “I’ll follow you.”

Brick looked at Dana. “You can ride with me if you want. Tell me what the hell happened.”

Zain’s hackles rose. He balled his hand into a fist to stop himself from overstepping. She had every right to be close to her friend right now, so why the fuck did Brick’s suggestion bother him so much?

Dana smiled wearily. “Thanks, but I’ll stick with Zain. We’ll chat more at the house.”

He relaxed his hand. Her words were like aloe vera gel on a fresh sunburn: calming and...welcome.

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