Free Save Me by Shara Azod Page A

of mind. It was said Javid was Nadir’s enforcer, one who enjoyed his job a little too much.
    Once upon a time, Claus had enjoyed that role also. Time would eventually kill the lights that danced in this kid’s eyes; however, Claus got the feeling he would always enjoy the role he played. Very few men exuded the aura of a true sociopath; Javid was one of them. Some part of him would probably always enjoy what he did.
    Alicia took Javid’s measure and sidled up closer to Claus. Wise woman.
    “I know nothing of such things,” Claus responded blandly. It was hard not to be awed by the display, but that was probably the point. Too bad he was far beyond making the mistake of being put off by his surroundings.
    “Your reputation precedes you.” Javid laughed, motioning to the hallway on the right. “My brother said you’d be unimpressed. I had to see it for myself. He’s waiting for you in his office.”
    Claus wrapped an arm around Alicia and followed the kid’s lead. No, not quite a kid, but certainly still very young. He’d just given away that Nadir at least respected Claus enough to know he was here for a purpose and wouldn’t be dissuaded or distracted.
    The hallway was kept deliberately dark. Another neat little trick to inspire a sense of forboding. While he understood the ploy for what it was, Alicia’s body trembled ever so slightly. Shit, this was a really, really bad idea. But at least she didn’t show any outward fear. Arriving at the last door in the corner of the corridor, Javid opened the intricately carved double doors with a flourish, then stepped aside. Most that had made it this far into Nadir’s lair would probably never give Javid their back, but Claus refused to give the younger man the pleasure of showing he was in any way wary of him. He strode past Javid without blinking an eye. Just let the little fucker try something.
    Nadir sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his fingers steepled, waiting patiently. Unlike his brother, his face gave nothing away. Those eyes were just as blank as Claus remembered them to be, just like a snake, unblinking, taking in everything. Claus pulled out a chair for Alicia, then stood directly behind her. If the kid whose presence he could still feel behind them got jumpy, he would have one shot. Not nearly enough to take Claus down. There wasn’t a chance in hell Claus would allow him to get a shot at her. If Javid made a single move, Claus would end him; he just hoped like hell it wouldn’t come to that. There was all kinds of legitimate business tied to Nadir’s organization. This could be the start of an all-out war.
    Not willing to give an inch more than he had to, Claus waited, refusing to speak first. Nadir wouldn’t show his hand unless forced to—no way Claus would either. Besides, they didn’t really have a hand to show. To his credit as well as his delight, Alicia didn’t speak either. She sat as still as a statue as Nadir skewered her with that dead man’s stare. Claus’ hands itched to pluck out those eyes with his bare hands, but that would solve nothing. He knew inside she was seething; he could feel the heat rising from her body where he had laid his hand on her shoulder. Other than that, she gave nothing away. Apparently baby girl had been taking lessons. How could he not be proud?
    “So I shall begin then,” Nadir finally spoke with a mirthless grin. Claus couldn’t suppress a tightening in his body as Nadir spoke directly to Alicia. “Madame, I’d hoped to welcome you into my family. It is…unfortunate that is not to be. I would congratulate you on your daughter’s nuptials, but I am afraid her husband’s good fortune is my extreme loss.
    Claus’ heart stopped beating for a split second. Nadir knew who Alicia was; he should’ve anticipated that. There was no telling what her reaction to that statement would be. So much about her had changed. It was a relief when she merely inclined her head at Nadir’s words. Nadir was obviously