Hostage of the Hawk by Sandra Marton Read Free Book Online

that.’
    Can’t? Can’t ? Joanna stared at him. ‘Why not?’
    â€˜We are expected,’ he said.
    â€˜You mean, you made a reservation? Well, I can’t help—’
    He swung to face her suddenly, and even in the shadowy interior of the car, she could see the sharp anger etched into his face.
    â€˜The sound of your voice annoys me,’ he said coldly. ‘Sit back, and be silent!’
    Her mouth dropped open. ‘What?’ she said. ‘ What ?’ She stared at him, waiting for him to say something, to apologise or offer some sort of explanation, but he didn’t. ‘That’s it,’ she snapped. ‘Dammit, Mr Hassan, that’s the final straw!’
    â€˜I don’t like women to use vulgarities.’
    â€˜And I don’t like men to behave like bullies! I’m telling you for the last time, turn this car around and take me back to Casablanca!’
    He laughed in a way that made her heart leap into her throat.
    â€˜Is that a threat, Miss Bennett?’
    â€˜My father will be expecting me. If I’m not at the hotel soon—’
    â€˜How charming. Does he always wait up for your return at night?’
    Her eyes flew to his face. What was that she heard in his voice? Disdain? Or was it something more?
    â€˜He’ll be waiting to hear how our evening went,’ she said quickly. ‘And unless you want me to tell him that you—’
    â€˜Why would he do that?’ He gave her a quick, terrible smile. ‘Was there ever any doubt of your success?’
    â€˜Of course. There’s always a chance of a slip-up when—’
    â€˜How could there have been a slip-up, once he put you in charge of dealing with the bandit Khalil?’ The awful smile came again, clicking on, then off, like a light bulb. ‘Surely he expected you’d get the agreement for him, one way or another.’
    Joanna clasped her hands together in her lap. Something was happening here, something that was beyond her understanding. All she knew was that she didn’t like it.
    â€˜If you’re suggesting my father doesn’t have every confidence in me,’ she began, but the man beside her cut her short.
    â€˜Confidence?’ The sound of his laughter was sharp. ‘In what? You’re no more a vice-president at Bennettco than that woman we passed in the street a while ago.’
    â€˜Of course I am!’
    â€˜What you are,’ he snapped, ‘is an empty-headed creature who knows nothing more important than the latest gossip!’
    Colour rushed into Joanna’s cheeks. ‘How dare you?’
    â€˜What is the name of your secretary at Bennettco?’
    â€˜I don’t have to answer your questions!’
    â€˜Do you even have an office there?’ he demanded.
    She swallowed. ‘Not yet,’ she said finally, ‘but—’
    â€˜You are nothing,’ he snarled, ‘nothing! Your father insults me by sending you to me.’
    â€˜You’ve got this all wrong,’ Joanna said quickly. ‘I am his confidante. And his vice-president—well, I will be, when—’
    â€˜What you are,’ he said grimly, ‘is a Jezebel.’
    She stared at him, her mouth hanging open. ‘What?’
    â€˜I knew Bennett was desperate to hold on to his contract with that pig, Abu Al Zouad.’ His eyes shot to her face. ‘But even I never dreamed he’d offer up his daughter to get it!’
    â€˜Are you crazy? I told you, my father is ill. That’s why he sent me to meet with you!’
    â€˜He sent you to do whatever had to be done to ensure success.’ He threw her a look of such fury that Joanna felt herself blanch. ‘If Khalil wouldn’t accept one sort of bribe, surely he’d accept another.’
    She felt the blood drain from her face. ‘Are you saying my father...are you saying you think that I...?’ She sprang towards him across the