Chapter 48

The second floor of the villa was silent, save for the rhythmic hum of the air conditioning. Nasir, a man of fifty years with deep-set eyes and the relaxed posture of someone used to exerting influence, reclined against the silk pillows of the master bed. Beside him, Nour Sharif paced the length of the plush carpet before coming to a halt. "When are you going to make good on your promise, Nasir?" Nour asked. She leaned over him, her voice dropping into a coquettish, expectant lilt. "I've done...