Page 50 of Sweet Betrayal

Obviously, she lookedthatbad. A shower sounded amazing, so she smiled gratefully and headed upstairs. Her absence would give them time to talk and hopefully hatch a plan to get her the hell out of here.

CHAPTER 19

As soon as Hannah had disappeared up the stairs, Jamal relaxed. His shoulders dropped and the steel in his expression loosened. Without a word, he extended his hand.

Tom clasped it and pulled him into a brief, but firm hug. The kind shared by men who had been through shit together and had forged a bond.

When they stepped back, Jamal broke into a grin. “It’s good to see you, brother.”

Tom returned it. “Yeah. It’s been too long.”

Jamal gestured for him to sit. “So. What’s this all about? My uncle said you needed help?”

Tom settled into the chair at the small kitchen table, his gaze flicking toward the stairwell. “We do. Hannah’s a westerner, abandoned in Syman City. The embassy’s closed, and I promised to get her out.”

Jamal sat opposite him. “Abandoned by who?”

“Everyone. Her work, the U.S. Government. She works in public relations, but she got to the embassy too late. I said I’d help her. You know as well as I do, she’s not safe here.” It wasn’t strictly a lie.

Jamal crossed his arms over his chest and studied him. “You just left your post?”

“I was tasked with getting her out. Saves them sending a team. Less of a diplomatic hassle.”

Jamal gave a slow nod. Tom knew the excuse made sense, which was why he’d used it. “It’s good to see you back in action.”

He grunted. “I’ve been fine for a while.”

“Uh-huh.”

Tom looked him dead in the eye. “I can do this, but I need your help.” The words came out sharper than he intended.

“I didn’t say you couldn’t.” Jamal switched focus. “You trust her?”

“Of course. She’s a civilian. An American.”

He frowned. “She doesn’t look American.”

“She is, trust me. We’ve made her look like a local to blend in. It’s all part of the job.”

“My uncle said she talks like a native.”

Tom sighed. “I forgot how cynical you are. Her grandparents were born here. They taught her the lingo. She’s on the level, I swear.”

Jamal raised his hands. “Okay, relax. I believe you.”

A beat passed.

“She’s attractive, yes?”

Tom shrugged like the thought had never occurred to him.

Jamal chuckled. “Ah, my friend. I see the way you look at her.”

He shook his head “I’m doing my job. That’s all this is.”

Jamal got up and walked over to the window to peek into the street. Always on alert. He had to be. “Sure. If you say so.”

“It’s not like that,” Tom insisted.

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