Stolen by the Sheik (Black Towers Book 2) Read Free Page A

pace.
    “How do I know you aren’t going to hurt me?”
    He stopped and turned to face her, his features dark and deadly. “Trust me, habibti , if I wanted to hurt you, I already would have.”
    Liv swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to meet his gaze. His hard features and tight lips made her think that he had spoken the truth. She had a feeling this was a dangerous man in front of her, which only added to his appeal—and her curiosity.
    “Why did you say you were at Black Towers?”
    “I didn’t.” He tightened his grip on her fingers and pulled her down the hall.
    “Was it to meet someone?”
    Nayo steeled his jaw as frustration played out over his features. “Do all American women ask so many questions?”
    Liv smiled--she couldn’t help herself--and followed him toward the large ‘Emergency Exit’ sign at the end of the hall. He pushed open the door, and they tumbled out into the bright sunlight. Liv raised her arm up to shield her eyes as they made their way toward to the front of the building.
    She could hear the commotion before she could see it. People screaming and crying. Sirens blaring. Police officers barking orders. When they finally rounded the corner from the small side alley onto the main street, they found themselves smack dab in the middle of chaos. It was impressive how fast the emergency teams had responded. The street was already lined with fire trucks, ambulances and police cars.
    Red, blue and white lights flashed everywhere you looked. Police officers were busy blocking off the streets within a one-block radius to keep anyone from entering the area. Other officers were busy evacuating the neighboring buildings. A dozen or more men dressed in heavy black uniforms with the word SWAT across their backs started to surround the Black Towers.
    People were still pushing their way out the front entrance like a swarm of angry fire ants pouring out of their hive. Some even threw elbows, pulled hair, whatever it took to try and get out the doors faster than the person next to them, and then scattered in every direction as soon as they cleared the building. Doing a complete 360 where she stood, Liv absorbed the scene around her.
    “This is surreal. I feel like we’re in a scene out of something from Sunrise Productions.”
    “I assure you, it’s very real.” Nayo grabbed her hand and started to pull her toward the police barricades and away from the danger. “I need to get you somewhere where you will be safe.”
    They were almost to the yellow tape when Liv felt that familiar tickle building back up in her nose. “Not again.”
    Clearly, the white pollen floating through the air like snowflakes didn’t care about bomb threats as it assaulted her allergies. She stopped, pulling her hand from Nayo’s to pinch the bridge of her nose in efforts to stop the sneeze from coming. “What are you doing? We must keep moving.” Nayo said.
    “What is the hold up?” Taz asked impatiently.
    “Bad. Allergies. Gonna. Sneeze,” Liv spoke, taking deep inhales between each word as the sneeze continued to build.
    “I don’t care what it is, I must get you away from here, Amir. It is my duty to keep you safe.Leave the girl behind and let’s go.” Taz’s eyes shot daggers at Liv. Tensions clearly building, Nayo glanced between Taz and Liv, deciding his next move.
    “ Habibti, there is no time for this. Come, now.” Nayo reclaimed her hand and they started to move again, the slight confrontation drawing the attention of a few passerby. It was at this moment that the slowly building sneeze decided to thunder from her nose, the sound drawing all remaining nearby eyes straight to them.“There he is!” Someone yelled. “I saw him plant the bomb!”
    Two law enforcement officers turned toward them and started jogging in their direction.
    “Ah hell,” Nayo said.
    “What is it?”
    “This was just what I wanted to avoid.” He tightened his grip on her hand.
    “I will stall them, Amir