Pussycat in Peril (Pussycat Death Squad Book 3) by Roslyn Hardy Holcomb Read Free Book Online Page A

getting married?” He’d taken time from a regular work day so he was dressed in his khaki-colored service uniform, which was particularly striking with his coloring and emphasized his handsome looks.
    Astaria took another sip of her iced tea. She had quickly learned that Kaeden was all but addicted to the stuff, and though it was an acquired taste she was coming to like it as well. She sighed as she thought over his question. Of the sixteen guards who had eventually come to the States she was one of only three who were having trouble getting a green card. She assumed it was because they still had relatives in Laritrea and that made them a greater security risk.
    “Lelia and Patrick seem to think it’s a good idea. At least that’s what they said last night. It might be the only way I can stay here. I could probably go to France…”
    “Yes, but the rest of your guard is here. And Lelia is your best friend,” Kaeden said.
    “Right and I really want to work with her on this new company she’s creating. If I can’t stay in Laritrea I think it would be more interesting to at least have a job in the field. I can’t imagine being behind a desk somewhere, if I could even find a job,” she said.
    “So you want to stay here?” Kaeden asked, taking a bite out of his sandwich. They’d picked up a picnic lunch from a restaurant that specialized in box lunches, and the tuna nicoise sandwiches were delicious.
    “Yes. If I can’t go home I’d rather be with the rest of the Guard.”
    “Do you want to marry me?” he asked, locking his gaze with hers. She found it impossible to look away.
    “Do I have a choice? It’s strange to me that you’re asking, after all you don’t have anything to gain,” she said.
    “Well, as Trick said last night I’m not married or seeing anyone right now, so I’m probably the best man to do this favor.”
    “It’s a huge commitment.”
    He shrugged and picked up an apple. After taking a bite and chewing for a while he responded. “Not really. I’m going to be out of the country a lot. Two years will go by fast, but I don’t want to marry anyone who doesn’t want to be married to me. We have to live together and basically fake our marriage.”
    She nodded. “I know. I’ve been staying at a hotel for the past few months since we got here. I’m more than ready to get out of there.”
    “I have a small apartment, but my lease will soon be up, so we can get a bigger place together,” he said.
    “Right. Lelia explained the process, and if I have to marry to stay in this country, I would rather it be with you. I mean, you’re good friends with Patrick and all. And you’re Arab, so we have something in common.”
    “Good. Glad to hear it.”
    “But what about your family?”
    “My folks live in Tennessee. They immigrated to the States back in the 70s when my dad went to school at UT and never left. I’ve got a brother in Texas and another who just graduated from UT up in Knoxville, so he’s still at home. My folks are old school. It would probably be best to let them think our marriage is legit.”
    She frowned her concern. “But we’ll only be married for a little while…”
    He shrugged again and took another bite of the apple. “I’ve been telling my mother for years that my career makes me a bad bet marriage-wise. I guess now I can show her.”
    “Are you close? Your family, I mean.”
    “Yeah. I’m the middle son, but Khalil, my oldest brother is only thirty-five. I’m thirty-two. Adnan is the youngest, he was the surprise baby. Khalil and Adnan are both engineers like my dad. I always wanted to be a Marine. Semper fi until I die. If I’m in country I try to get home for the holidays, especially Ramadan and Thanksgiving. Mama is an amazing cook.”
    “My mama is a good cook, too. Unfortunately, I have no talent in that area,” she said with a wistful smile.
    He gave her a dazzling smile in return. “Yeah, but you’re a helluva shot, and gorgeous, too.