What to do?
Things were obviously a whole lot more complicated than she could even imagine. His work was a big part of things. They’d tried to hold not only Tarik hostage but had also tried to kidnap her for some reason. Something to do with sex, if she’d understood Tarik’s vague reference earlier. Or maybe it had something to do with kissing? She’d have to admit, her brain hadn’t been running at top speed when he’d answered her question. What had he said? Something about not being able to ‘do this’? She wondered what “this” he was referring to.
Good thing her brain was working okay now, not that it made coming to any kind of decision easier. There were so many unknown factors to consider.
She knew nothing about Omega, other than they didn’t hesitate to operate outside of the law. How far they would go, she had no idea. Had they truly intended on having a doctor look at her? Or had they had more nefarious intentions? Really, could she afford to assume anything but the worst?
Hell, no.
Whatever Omega had done to Tarik, they were going to some extreme measures to keep it secret. She had to assume that meant they might kill both of them if they had to.
She shivered.
This stuff was so out of the range of her normal life. Up to this point, the most unpleasant person she’d had to deal with was the bitch who’d stolen her boyfriend. These guys were making Angel—her parents had obviously given their child the wrong name!—look like a creampuff.
And then there was Tarik himself. He wasn’t just a handsome guy, a fuck buddy. He was a gentleman. He was a considerate and giving lover. And he was a human being who deserved to make his own decisions about his life. Somehow he needed to get away from Omega.
She knew she’d have to help him as best she could. It was that rescue mentality kicking in again. She couldn’t help it.
Sure, she wasn’t some crazy ass-kicking chick who could take down five men single-handedly. But she had a brain that worked pretty well most of the time, a rental SUV that could handle the worst roads, and more than her share of determination. Sometimes being stubborn had its advantages. At least in this case, it might help keep one innocent man who’d committed no crime from being imprisoned—or worse.
Then, once she had assured his safety, she’d head back home and try to forget Tarik had ever existed. It was for the best, not only for her own good, but also for his. She sensed he wanted a woman to love, someone who would be around for the long haul, even though he’d said he’d probably never marry. The long haul stuff was so not her. She was more a flavor-of-the-week kind of girl.
The only question remaining was how she could help him? What was their next step?
She couldn’t possibly take on a whole company, evil bosses and armed guards. She didn’t know how to use a gun and violence wasn’t her thing. She tended to run away from bullies rather than confront them. In this case, she figured running away was probably the best choice.
But run to where? They were literally in the middle of nowhere. There were no flights, thanks to the stupid air traffic controller’s strike. She doubted there were any buses or trains that would get them far enough away to be safe. While she supposed Tarik could take to hiding out in some remote cabin, but sooner or later they would have to leave. And being a fugitive, what kind of life would that be? How would he earn money?
Tarik needed a job, a place to live…a life.
Oy, she’d barely been able to provide that for herself!
“You look worried,” his voice cut into her thoughts.
She’d been so consumed by her deliberating she hadn’t realized she’d been lying there staring at an awake man. How long had his eyes been open? “There’s plenty to worry about, don’t you think?”
“Not for you. I won’t let you worry about anything. You’re here on vacation. You can go home whenever you like. I’ll take care of everything.”
“Nothing to worry about? Now, that’s funny.” The last time a guy had said those words to her, she’d ended up having to pay a mechanic to put a new engine in her car. Her ex-boyfriend Jack had failed to put a belt on properly and her rods--or whatever those vital engine parts were called--ended up getting ruined.
“What’re your plans?”
He shook his head. “I don’t want you getting involved.”
“Too late there, buster.” She regretted those words the second they’d passed through her lips. Tarik looked like he’d killed a kitten or something. “Sorry,” she said, reaching for him. “Sometimes I’m so flippant. I get sarcastic when I’m stressed out. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”