Knight of Paradise Island

by J. L. Campbell

  “Leave it to me. You ladies can take care of your needs while I organize our dinner.”

  “Where’s your comb?” she asked.

  “Huh?”

  “We’re going to need one in a few minutes.”

  “Sure, they’re in the bathroom. I’ll call housekeeping and have them send up some extra toiletries.”

  “Thanks, love.” In that moment, Aziza was so grateful for that small favour, she almost burst into tears. She rested a hand on her chest and swallowed hard to get a grip on her emotions.

  Ryan watched her, his face radiating affection and tenderness.

  When her eyes filled again, Aziza looked away and motioned to Sunita. They both made a beeline for the bedroom and the bathroom, which was the size of a small living room. The jacuzzi was something out of an upscale home and gardening magazine, and large enough for a small child to swim. The beige-and-brown tiles and gold fittings provided an elegant backdrop for a relaxing self-care experience. But that could wait.

  Given Sunita’s history, Aziza was cautious about how she introduced the idea of a bath.

  Sunita’s eyes were wide with wonder as she ran one small hand over the edge of the bath.

  Pointing to her right, Aziza said, “We can use the shower if you prefer.”

  With a vigorous nod, Sunita settled that matter.

  “Will you let me wash your hair?” Aziza asked.

  Again, Sunita nodded but didn’t move to get inside the stall, shielded by glass. She hunched and stepped back, twisting her fingers together.

  Aziza kneeled in front her, sensing what was wrong. “I won’t hurt you. All we’re going to do is wash your hair, then allow you to bathe, okay?”

  Going on instinct, Aziza rose and pulled the dress over her head. She let it fall to the floor and, wearing her undies, stepped into the granite enclosure. While she selected the shampoo from among the hotel personal care samples, Sunita removed her dress and walked inside.

  Aziza turned on the tap and frowned when no water emerged. She twisted another nozzle and water hit her from three directions, plus the showerhead. Aziza let out a squeak and tried to dodge the water. Her frantic clawing at the gold spigot amused Sunita, who laughed for the first time since they met.

  When Aziza finally got the pipe turned off, she chuckled. “That’s not funny.”

  Sunita laughed again. “Yes, it is, Auntie.”

  Aziza beckoned to her. “Now that I know how these pipes work, let’s wash your hair.”

  She shampooed, conditioned, and detangled Sunita’s hair, then allowed her to soap and rinse herself. When she wrapped a fluffy towel around the girl and another around her head like a turban, Aziza chuckled. “You look like a queen.”

  A grin broke over Sunita’s face and snatched Aziza’s breath. She deserved this moment of laughter and all the good things life had not afforded her as yet. Aziza used another few minutes to gather Sunita’s hair into two plaits, and told her that she would return in a moment. On her way out, she wrapped a robe around herself.

  Ryan met her outside the bedroom door and handed her a container of personal items. “Everything all right?” he asked.

  “Thanks, that was quick,” she said. “Can I borrow two tee-shirts?”

  “They’re hanging in the cupboard. Take whatever you want.”

  She smiled, tipping her head to one side. “I hope you remember those words when I ask you for something bigger.”

  He rose and came to her. After dropping a kiss on her forehead, he murmured, “Nothing will ever be too hard, or big, for me to do for you.”

  A lump rose in her throat, and her eyes smarted. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Ryan wore an enigmatic smile, but even without declaring his heart with words, Aziza knew this man loved her. No way would he leave his comfortable existence in what amounted to Paradise to chase someone halfway around the world if he didn’t. He could have considered me dead and forgotten about me, but thank God he’s persistent.

  She sent up a brief prayer for the women. If they were lucky, they could rest without having nightmares. And hopefully, the men that had been assigned to do the job would find those girls. She took the shirts and hurried back to Sunita, who stood in front of the dresser reaching into the bowl of soap bars in gold wrapping.

  The girl pulled her hand back as if guilty of stealing, or something worse.

  “It’s okay. Nobody will punish you for being curious.” Aziza held out a pale-blue tee. “Put this on, then brush your teeth.”

  She did, and they both giggled at the sight she made in the full-length mirror. Ryan’s shirt caught her mid-calf.

  “Don’t worry,” Aziza said, “When I’m finished, we’ll go downstairs when and get some clothes that fit. Stay with Ryan while I shower.”

  The light in Sunita’s eyes dimmed, and her smile faded.

  “Are you afraid of Ryan?”

  Sunita’s head jerked toward the living room then back to Aziza, but she didn’t answer.

  “Ryan won’t harm you. He’s one of the good guys.” Aziza leaned toward her, unsure if Sunita understood her words. She tried again. “I want you to be comfortable and that’s not possible if you just stand here while I shower. If you prefer, you can stay right there, by the door until I finish, okay? But it also makes me feel better if an adult is watching you while I can’t. Do you understand?”

  Although Sunita nodded, doubt shrouded the atmosphere around her. While she brushed her teeth, Aziza did the same. Then, with a hand on her shoulder, Aziza led Sunita to the living room where Ryan sat in front of his laptop.

  “Can you watch Sunita while I shower?”

  “Sure.” He switched on the television, found a channel showing an animated film, then held out the remote to the child. “Here you go.”

  Sunita took the control, settled on the seat closest to the bedroom, and gave Aziza an anemic smile.

  A pang of sadness shot through Aziza at the thought of Sunita’s age. Maybe she’d be able to forget some of the horrors she’d been through. At this point, only God knew if her experiences hadn’t scarred her for life. With any luck, they could find a welcoming family and get her re-settled.

  Though she hadn’t been able to speak to Ryan privately at the time, the team of men who had worked tirelessly impressed her. She meant nothing to any of them. But Shaz … she’d be grateful to him for life. Ryan had told her of their exchange that put him on a plane to Durabia. In fact, if she ever had any kids, she’d ask Shaz to be godfather to at least one of them.

  All these thoughts ran through her head as she washed her hair, which was a rat’s nest of wild curls. Her mind flashed back to their time on Paradise Island, which seemed so far away. The idyllic days and passionate nights filled her memory. Ryan was definitely a keeper, and she couldn’t help wishing they wouldn’t be separated again. Ever.

  She rinsed her undies, then stepped out of the shower and into one of Ryan’s jocks. In front of the mirror, she smiled at her reflection. The weird thing was, she didn’t care about her appearance. Life was so much more precious than wasting her time worrying about being seen in her man’s small clothes. All the same, since she had to go out, she’d borrow one of his sweat bottoms. While she tamed her hair, Aziza grinned into the bevel edged mirror.

  Freedom was priceless.

  She stepped through the bedroom door and instead of sitting where she left her, Sunita sat cross-legged beside the doorway. Rather than chiding her, Aziza held out a hand, which Sunita grasped and came to her feet on the carpet.

  Ryan met Aziza’s gaze, and his tiny shrug said everything.

  “Let’s have something to eat,” she said, moving to the table where a tray of fruits waited.

  She put a couple of pineapple slices on a plate, then watched Sunita copy her actions.

  The little girl closed her eyes as she bit into a strawberry.

  “How long before the food gets here, Ryan?”

  “Another few minutes.”

&nbs
p; “We need to run downstairs to get some things. D’you mind?”

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to go and get what you need?” His attention shifted to his underwear and her bare feet. He bit one corner of his lips. “Just tell me what to buy.”

  “Thanks, but it’s better if I go. You won’t know what to get for Sunita. I did plan to borrow one of your sweat bottoms.”

  “Be my guest, but there’s something we have to do first.”

  “What’s that?”

  He lowered the cover of the laptop, gripped her wrist, and stood. “Come with me. You too, Sunita.”

  When they stood on the balcony, Ryan took Aziza’s hand and held out the other to Sunita. She looked at it for several seconds before she put hers into his open one.

  His attention went beyond them to the land spread out below. Hanan was a picturesque city, and she could well understand Ryan’s fascination. His gaze came back to her and travelled over her face, down her body to her feet and back. While he studied her in minute detail, Aziza couldn’t miss the appreciation in his gaze. He smiled, then closed his eyes and thanked God for His goodness, for keeping her safe, and returning her and Sunita. When he finished, Aziza added to his prayer with a soft appeal. “Father, we ask You to show us where those four girls are hidden. They don’t deserve what’s happening to them. Give Ryan and the Kings the wisdom they need to rescue them. We thank You for this victory.”

  She let the tension drain from her body, then whispered, “Amen.”

  “That means we agree with his prayer,” she said, tightening her grip on Sunita.

  The girl nodded as if she understood. “Amen.”

  Ryan grinned at her. “That’s it, baby girl.”

  Sunita gave him a tentative smile before he led them inside and picked up his wallet off the table. He pulled out a credit card, handed it to Aziza, and reeled off the PIN. “Use this.”

  As her heart warmed all over again, she whispered, “Thank you.”

  His nod and affectionate gaze said everything.

  God, she loved this man.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Ryan had tasted heaven and hoped hell stayed at bay, but he remained on edge.

  Dinner felt like Christmas, with Zee within arm’s reach and Sunita eating until he thought she’d pop. She fell asleep at the table with one of her pigtails resting on the edge of her plate. Good thing she was already wearing the pajamas Aziza bought earlier.

  Aziza created a snug haven for Sunita on a pull-out bed. When he laid her down, she didn’t stir. They stood looking down at the little girl, and Ryan conjured a picture of what their future might look like. As if his thoughts filtered to her, Aziza faced him and wrapped both arms around his waist.

  “She’s a cute little thing,” he said.

  With a soft snicker, Aziza said, “Are you thinking the same thing as I am?”

  “That maybe we should have a little Sunita or two of our own?”

  Her arms crept up to circle his neck. “Something like that,” she whispered as their lips met.

  Earlier, he ordered a bottle of champagne, which he stashed in the fridge. Now was a good time to tell Aziza how he felt about her and cement his plans.

  His phone vibrated and he knew this slice of nirvana was at an end.

  Ryan stole one last kiss and groaned as he pulled away from Aziza. “I have to answer that.”

  With one finger, she trailed a line down his chest. “Get it and let’s continue from where we stopped.”

  Ryan picked up the cellular off the center table, frowning. Everything in him said their time together was over.

  Dro was on the other end. “I know I said you had tonight, but something’s come up.”

  He sat while Aziza secured the blanket around Sunita and switched on a lamp in that corner of the room. Ryan waited for the news Dro called to deliver, hoping it wasn’t what he’d guessed. “I hope it isn’t what I’m thinking.”

  “It may very well be,” Dro said. “The first passenger van didn’t make it to the women’s center.”

  “That’s … ” He rubbed the back of his neck. At least, now he knew why he sensed something was wrong. “Do we know anything?”

  His sharp tone startled Aziza, who stared at him, then sank next to him.

  “They had a flat and apparently in the time it took to reach them, someone hijacked them. According to the staff, their attackers loaded the women into another vehicle and headed toward Nadaum.”

  He lowered his head. “Jesus.”

  Aziza tugged at his sleeve, forcing him to look at her.

  “In a minute,” he mouthed. Addressing Dro, he asked, “D’you have any idea where they might have taken them?”

  “That is why we need you. Nicco and Angela are on site with the police. They will collect all the important details. We need to circle back to the warehouse. Meet me downstairs in ten.”

  “Sure.”

  The silence in the room settled around them, while Ryan thought about the irony of the situation. What they spent a week bringing to completion was undone in minutes.

  “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” Aziza said, gripping his arm.

  “Yeah, we have a situation.”

  Anxiety shadowed her eyes as she asked, “Does it have anything to do with the women today?”

  He considered lying so she wouldn’t worry, but didn’t. That would only delay the inevitable and ruin her trust in him. “Some of them didn’t make it to the shelter.”

  “How could that happen? It’s like no one can be trusted in this godforsaken place. I knew we should have called, but with everything else I forgot.” She stood with him, then paced the room as if trying to find a solution to this fresh problem. After a few seconds, she stopped abruptly. “I have a thing or two to say to Akbar. I feel he knows something about who drugged me.”

  Ryan stopped her with both hands on her shoulders. “Listen to me, while I’m gone you have to take care of that little girl over there. Your safety is my priority. Don’t go chasing after anybody unless I’m here to back you up.”

  A sour expression came over her face, but he persisted. “Promise me you won’t leave this suite until I return.”

  She tipped her head back. “Not even if I need to get anything? I still have accommodations close by, you know.”

  His tone was gentle, but serious when he said, “Do not go anywhere.”

  “I won’t.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll wait here like a docile little woman until you finish your business.”

  They engaged in a silent battle of wills until Aziza sighed. “I’m sorry, that was selfish of me. Go find those women. And don’t forget those four girls. I’ll stay here like you asked.”

  “Thank you.” He pulled her into a hug and breathed in a lungful of tangerine essence from her hair. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  They separated, and he stalked to the bedroom closet to gather the gear he’d need. He stripped off the garments he wore and pulled on black corduroys and a black tee-shirt. He laced up his boots, then unlocked the safe and got out his Beretta 92FS which he slipped into an ankle holster. The protective vest was the last piece needed to complete his outfit.

  Aziza leaned in the doorway watching him and stood straight when he approached her. He pressed his lips to hers, eased her mouth open, and caressed her tongue with his. She whimpered as he drank his fill, as if he’d never see her again.

  “Don’t go anywhere,” he said, stroking her cheek.

  She nodded, her eyes hazy. “I’ll try to get some rest while you’re gone, and I’ll be praying for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She walked him to the door, where he hugged her again. They stood motionless for several seconds, staring at each other.

  “Be safe,” she whispered.

  “We have unfinished business, so I’ll definitely be back.”

  On his way downstairs in the elevator, Ryan thought about how many things could turn around in a day.

  Dro
waited for him in the lobby and in no time, they sat inside the Limo.

  “You’ve taken to driving this Limo like a pro,” Dro said.

  Ryan chuckled as he exited the hotel property. “I’m a quick learner.”

  After a moment he asked, “Where exactly are we meeting Daron?”

  “He and Bashir went back to the warehouse. Daron is pulling information from their phones to cross-reference the information from the men who transported the women.”

  “If that bartender is hanging tough, I have just the energy we need to soften him up.”

  “Even after finding your woman, you’re still bloodthirsty,” Dro quipped.

  Ryan smirked. “Well see, if you had let me at him, Daron wouldn’t have to take the long route to get the information he needs.”

  “You’re beginning to worry me.” Dro held on to the handle in the roof as Ryan turned onto another street. “One of the things we try to do in our operations is to leave only minor damage behind, if possible.”

  “Trust me, I understand that. But in a situation like this, since they weren’t thinking about these women, we owe them no courtesies.”

  “We’re going to keep a close eye on you.” He let out a hearty chuckle. “You and Shaz both have a calm exterior, but when anyone gets you riled up, there’s hell to pay.”

  “I’m fine now, but know that if we hadn’t found Aziza ... “

  “I hear that and I understand because, like I told you, I’ve been in that position.”

  Only the smooth hum of the engine broke the silence until they stopped outside the warehouse. After a phone call to Daron, the door slid open to admit them.

  Bashir sat next to the door keeping guard, while the bartender slumped over the table with his head resting on his folded arms. A few feet away, his partner sat tied to a chair. The fluorescent light illuminated the area where the men were gathered, while the darkness ruled the far corners of the building.

  Daron stood next to a shelf, occupied with a gadget in his hand. Two cellular phones and a black box with flashing numbers lay close by.

  While Ryan scanned the items, Daron smiled. “Technology is a blessing when you know how to make it work to your advantage.”