The Sheik's Captive Bride (The Jawhara Sheikhs 3)

“Not right away. And when she did, she immediately doubled over again. He didn’t even try to help her, he just threw something at her and walked off.”

“What did he throw at her?” Talib asked, his voice very quiet and calm.

“It must have been her veil cloth, because she picked it up and then pulled it on over her head.”

“He’s making her stay in disguise to avoid suspicion. Is everyone in place?” Talib was more anxious than ever to get this guy and rescue Miss Malone.

“Slade and Blaine went in on foot and have a visual on them right now. Brock and Tim are about a few hundred yards from your position. I’m ready to put everyone on com if you are.”

“Go ahead.”

“Slade? Brock?”

“I’m here. The target and his captive are heading your direction, slowly, but they are moving. Talib and PJ, do you all have a plan in place?”

“Good morning to you too, Slade.”

Slade chuckled through the line, “Same back at ya, darlin’. Now, a plan. You’ve got maybe twenty minutes at the rate their moving before they have a visual on you.”

Talib took the helm, answering for them both, “PJ’s going to be outside the tent, while I stay hidden. I’m not sure that he wouldn’t recognize me up close. She’s going to invite him into the tent to speak with her husband and share some refreshment.

“If he takes the bait, I’ll disable him at that time.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Slade asked, always one for having multiple plans in place.

“Then we’ll do whatever is necessary to gain Miss Malone’s release.”

“Blaine, did you bring your special gal this trip?” PJ asked with a smirk in Talib’s direction.

“Special gal?” Talib mouthed to her with a raised eyebrow.

She made a quiet sound with a finger over her lips as Blaine responded, “You know I did. Never leave home without her. What do you want me to use as the signal?”

Talib covered his com unit before asking, “Explain. What’s he talking about?”

“Blaine was a sniper in the Marines. He can take out a target at 800 yards without blinking an eye. Especially on flat terrain with no wind.”

Talib nodded his head before uncovering his mouthpiece, “I have just been informed as to what you all were talking about. Blaine, when this is over I would love to look at your weapon and see it in action.”

“Not a problem, man. So, PJ, what signal are we using this fine morning?”

Slade answered for her, “PJ, I’ll have constant eyes on you. All you have to do is mouth the word ‘Now’ and I’ll relay that information to Blaine. There’s no need for a big drama scene here.”

“Sheikh Kamal would like the kidnapper taken alive…”

“So that he can have the pleasure of hanging him?” PJ interjected, cutting him off.

Talib grinned at her, “It is his right. But that would be in a perfect world and we all know that does not exist.”

“Hey, ya’ll, I hate to break up this scintillating conversation, but the target is going to have visual any minute now.”

“Roger that.” PJ grabbed her headdress, looking at Talib for assistance, which he gave her, but not before planting a promissory kiss upon her upturned lips. Whispering next to her ear so that the other’s couldn’t hear, “Just a little something to tide you over. When this is done, I’m going to kiss every inch of you, and then when I’m done with that, I do believe I’ll start all over again.”

PJ felt her breath hitch, and couldn’t even respond as he deftly arranged the veil over her blonde hair and pushed her towards the tent’s opening. “Remember, keep your eyes downcast or the game will be up.”

PJ nodded as she stepped out into the bright morning sunlight. She casually glanced off in the distance, seeing the beginning of a shape start to come over the horizon. She wandered over to the camel and took up a one-sided conversation with the animal, not minding in the least when several male chuckles filtered through the com line.

“Is she telling it a bedtime story, or what?” Tim asked, never having understood PJ’s predilection to talk constantly.