by Holly Rayner
Adina nodded. “That is why we do this.”
Jenna could have hugged the plump little woman.
Adina helped Jenna choose a comfortable shirt—a loose-fitting blue cotton tee—and a simple pair of jeans. They were a little big on her, but it didn't matter. Adina told her to leave her dress outside of the bathroom and that she would wash it for her, but Jenna insisted she throw it away. She didn’t want the reminder.
Adina procured a bottle of water from a mini fridge in the room and offered it to Jenna, who took it and drank it in less than three gulps. Adina seemed pleased, but warned Jenna to sip the water instead, so as to not make herself sick. Jenna agreed, but felt like she could have had the entire fridge full of water to drink and it wouldn't have been enough.
Jenna found fluffy towels in the bathroom, and Adina sent her in with her clean clothes, a bowl of fresh fruit, and another bottle of water, insisting that she take a hot shower and a bath to relax. Adina assured her that dinner would be ready in around half an hour, depending on how fancy Balal planned to make it.
“Does Balal treat every girl who stays here like this?”
Adina considered her words. “Like what?”
Jenna shrugged. “Bringing her here. Cooking for her.”
Adina smiled. “Balal has me take care of the girls, most times. Never before he cooks for them himself.”
Jenna felt her cheeks color again and was glad that they were covered in a thick layer of sand, dirt and sweat.
“Now, get clean. I come and check on you later.”
And with that, she closed the door, leaving Jenna alone in the bathroom.
If Jenna still had any doubts that Balal was who he claimed to be, they were all gone now. Speaking to Adina had convinced Jenna that he had been telling the truth, and seeing all of the clothes in the closet had both encouraged and infuriated her. Balal was a good man, a rare sort of man who believed in justice and protecting those around him, even at great cost to himself. He used his wealth to help those in need, and Jenna couldn’t help but admire him for it.
She quickly discarded her own clothes, and after a few moments, allowed the heat and the steam from the shower to relax her tired muscles. She couldn't believe the color of the water that was swirling toward the drain beneath her feet, and felt as if some of her horrible experience was being washed away with it.
Then, she filled up the large copper tub and dumped in some lavender and eucalyptus salts, as well as a frothy sort of foam soap that floated on the surface. She drew up a small stool beside the tub and put her bottle of water and little bowl of fruit within reach.
As she soaked in the tub, she ate the fruit slowly, realizing that she was almost full after just a few bites. Sipping the cold water as she soaked in the hot tub was wonderful, and Jenna felt herself starting to nod off more than once.
After at least a half hour in the tub, Jenna finally coaxed herself out, dried off, and pulled on her new clothes. She looked at herself in the mirror and noticed a small cut on her temple. She tenderly touched it with the tip of her finger, and the moment she had been grabbed in the bazaar flashed across her mind.
She grabbed onto the counter to center herself, forcing herself to push it from her mind. She might need to see a counselor when she finally got back home, she realized. After running a brush through her hair and putting a thick, velvety lotion on her face, she realized that it was good enough.
What are you thinking, Jenna? Trying to look good for him?
She felt a flash of nervousness at seeing him again, and then scolded herself.
He helped you because he helps every woman he can. You are not special. Focus on what is important here.
Adina was waiting for her in the bedroom, having moved Jenna’s belongings in. Jenna saw her purse on the bedside table, and remembered the glass pendant with the painted flowers she had bought. Wanting to repay Adina for her kindness, Jenna reached into her bag, and gave it to the sweet older woman. Adina thanked her in Arabic, then gave Jenna a tender hug.
“Dinner is ready,” Adina informed her, and gestured out into the hall.
Jenna stepped out and followed her back to the living area and the dining table. The table was set for two, at the end where they could both gaze out of the window, seated across from one another. Balal was standing by the table, ladling what looked like soup into a bowl at one of the settings.
“There you are, clean and content,” he said, smiling at her.
Jenna’s heart caught in her throat. Focus, she told herself.
“Here you go,” the Sheikh said as he pulled out the chair for her. Jenna hesitated for only a moment, but allowed him to push her chair into the table. She couldn't remember the last time a man had done that for her.
He took the seat across from her.
“Wine?” he asked, holding up a bottle. “One of the best Al Mezindan bottles I have. Adina swears by it.”
Jenna smiled. “A small glass should be fine.”
In truth, her stomach was growling at the site of all of this food. Her mouth watered, and she felt like she could have eaten all of it. She understood the small fruit bowl that Adina had given her now, giving her stomach a chance to expand so she could actually eat something for dinner.
Such a wise woman.
Balal offered her some of everything, and Jenna felt her love for Middle Eastern culture returning at the sight of all of these traditional dishes. The Sheikh had put a modern twist on some of them, and the smell was so rich, so spiced, that she couldn't wait to dig in.
She was grateful that Balal gave her some peace as she ate. She forced herself to eat slowly, even though her body wanted her to shove as much food into her mouth as she possibly could. Jenna could tell that he was amused by her, and pleased that she was eating as much as she was.
When she finally felt sated, she sat back in her chair, savoring the last flavors of the lamb and the exquisite sauce he’d made.
“That was amazing,” Jenna near-moaned. “This was so kind of you, Balal. Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure, truly,” he replied, smiling at her across the table.
In the low lights of the room, with the view of the rising sun over his left shoulder, Jenna could see the line of jaw, the curve of his lips, the muscles beneath his shirt, all in sharp contrast. And his eyes, warm and deep, like an ocean she could have sunk into and stayed in forever.
Her heart started to beat rapidly against her chest.
“Balal,” she murmured, her voice a little too breathy.
“Yes?”
Jenna swallowed. “I have to thank you…for saving my life.”
She knew that these words were not sufficient. She wasn't sure there was anything she could truly say to let him know how grateful she was. How grateful she would always be.
“Jenna, you do not have to thank me. It was simply the right thing to do.” He leaned in closer to her. “But I am especially glad that you have decided to stay and help me. I’m looking forward to learning more about you.”
Her mouth went dry.
She finished her glass of wine, then fought a yawn that had suddenly come upon her.
“Come now, you should get some sleep,” Balal said, his easy, casual nature returning, and he stood to his feet. “You’ve been up all night.”
“At least let me help you clean up,” she said, stifling another yawn.
Balal took the plate from her hands. “Nope. You need to sleep. You are my guest.” He smiled at her. “I will see you at breakfast, whenever you wake up.”
Jenna smiled in return, and realized that now that she had eaten, the giant bed she would be sleeping in seemed more inviting than any other bed had before in her life.
“If you insist,” she grinned.
Adina was waiting down the hall for her and walked with her to her room. Jenna noticed she was wearing the necklace, and it suited her olive skin.
“You need something, press this,” Adina instructed, and showed Jenna a small whi
te button beneath the light switch.
Jenna nodded as she yawned again. A shiver passed over her.
“Goodnight,” Adina said, and she smiled a curious smile at her. Jenna only thought about it for a minute.
A silky pair of pajamas was waiting on the bed. Jenna had barely slipped between the sheets before sleep took her.
Chapter Eight
Jenna wasn't sure if it was sheer exhaustion or the several-thousand-dollar mattress that helped her to sleep so well, but she sure was grateful for it when she woke up, hours later.
Bright sunlight was reflecting off of the buildings around her, dazzling her. She laid in the bed, wrapped up in soft, lightweight blankets, her hair sprawled over the pillow, and simply enjoyed the view. She could have stayed there for hours, but Adina appeared after a while, offering her another warm bath before breakfast.
“No, thank you,” Jenna replied, finally sitting up in the bed, running her hand through her hair. “I think I’m cleaner than I have ever been after that bath.”
Adina seemed amused and gave her some privacy to change and get ready.
A few minutes later Jenna walked out into the hall and caught the distinct aroma of baking bread. She followed the smell down the hall, her feet covered in cushy, aloe-blend socks, barely making a sound.
She came upon the kitchen and found Balal standing at the stove, wearing an apron, humming. He hadn't seen her, as his back was to her, and she leaned quietly against the wall, watching him.
He flipped some eggs in a skillet, grabbed a jar of unidentifiable spices, and threw a pinch into the pan. He tapped his foot along to the tune he was humming and stirred something in a different pot, wafting some of the aroma toward himself.
Jenna couldn't help but smile. There was something so easy about the way he carried himself, despite his large, toned physique. He seemed happy, and it was contagious to her.
She took a fluid step forward and put her hands on the wraparound counter, a gleaming white and silver marble, and said, “You seem cheerful this morning.”
She laughed as Balal nearly jumped out of his skin, whirling around, wooden spoon in hand. When he saw her, he relaxed, but his smile was reserved.
“Very funny,” he said, but his voice was not unkind. He gestured to a barstool in the middle of the kitchen at the large marble island. Copper pots hung on a rack overhead, glinting brightly in the midday sunlight that poured through the windows.
Jenna obliged, and took a moment to appreciate her surroundings.
“This place is fit for a king,” she commented, and then realized who she was speaking to.
Balal shot her a glance over his shoulder and grinned. “Yes. I love to cook, and this was my biggest splurge in the penthouse. I wanted to be able to feed as many people in here as I could.”
He returned to the island, wiping his hand on his apron, and set a glass of dark pink juice in front of her.
“I hope you like pomegranates,” Balal said. “It’s one of our biggest crops here.”
Jenna lifted the glass to her nose and inhaled. The juice smelled sweet and pungent, and when Jenna took a sip, she let out an, “Ahh,” before she had finished.
“Thought so,” Balal said warmly, then returned to the stove.
Jenna watched the muscles in his back ripple as he rolled his shoulders, and she felt a low burn in her chest. He was just too good looking. A man like him would never be interested in a girl like her. She thought about what Adina had said, about how Balal hadn’t made dinner for anyone else before, and how amused Adina had seemed because of it.
What was different about her? Why had he treated her so kindly? Even when they’d been sitting in the limo at the airport the night before, he’d seemed almost sad that she was going to be leaving.
She pursed her lips, considering for a moment.
“Why did you want me to stay?” she blurted out. She immediately regretted it, wondering wildly if she was way out of line.
“I beg your pardon?” Balal asked, turning to look at her. He didn't seem angry, she realized with relief, but he definitely was hesitant.
Jenna wasn't sure if she was overstepping her bounds, but she continued anyway. “If you didn't want me to, you wouldn't have given me the alternative at the airport.”
Balal seemed surprised, but he laughed.
“To be honest?” he began, leaning on the counter. He took a swig of his water. “Well firstly, you were a lot calmer than some of the other girls I’ve helped in the past. You seemed less like you wanted to be as far away as possible, as soon as possible. Second…and perhaps above all, you thought of that other girl instead of yourself. You were concerned for her safety, even in the midst of your own ordeal.”
Jenna felt a tug at the corner of her mouth which turned into a sheepish half-smile. She hadn't thought of it that way.
“It’s not often that I see that kind of compassion. I knew then that you could prove to be a great asset to my team.”
Is this what destiny feels like? Jenna asked herself. Is this what I have been preparing for?
She licked her lips. “I hope that I prove to be just that.”
Balal seemed pleased, and then set about ladling food onto plates for the both of them. He had laid out fresh fruits, breads, and a jug of coconut milk coffee. Apparently, it was his favorite. He put a plate in front of Jenna and then slid into the seat beside her.
“So, what's the plan now?” she asked as she picked up a piece of sweetened bread and nibbled on the corner. It was light and fluffy, and she fought the urge to cram the entire piece into her mouth.
“I'm glad you asked. This morning I received word from one of the Collectors—” He hesitated when she looked at him curiously. “This is the name we have given ourselves; it doesn’t give much away, and if the traffickers hear any rumblings about us, they won't think we’re anything aside from competition.”
Balal mixed his oatmeal with his spoon, having just covered it in cinnamon, and Jenna got a brief, faint whiff of him. He smelled like vanilla and cloves. It was a heady smell, and Jenna realized she had never noticed the way a man smelled before—his musk was so unique, and alluring.
“The Collectors…” Jenna murmured. She was rather pleased with the name on her tongue. It made her feel like she was a part of something. “What did they say?”
“He said there is going to be another auction tonight,” he said. “Usually they spread them out more, but it seems as if there are too many girls who need to be moved around at the moment.”
“How many of them are we going to rescue?”
Balal looked at her intently. “Just one. The Collectors will be there to bid on any other girls that are auctioned. As for us, we have a slightly different plan in mind.”
“Oh?” Jenna asked, also reaching for her cup of coffee.
Balal chewed the inside of his lip, considering for a moment.
“Well,” he began. “Let's just say that you are going to be the perfect fit for the job; that is, if you are up for it.”
“What is it?” Jenna asked.
Balal spent the next hour or so explaining the plan, and Jenna was surprised to find that she wasn't horrified or terrified by any of it. Instead, she asked questions, listened closely, and repeated everything back to him until he was sure that she was ready.
After breakfast—which was really more like lunch—Adina helped Jenna to pick out her outfit. She chose a pair of close-fitting black pants that were stretchy and flexible. She also donned a dark, breathable black camisole, and pulled a black cotton running jacket over it, zipping it all the way up.
Balal gave her a mask like the one he had worn, saying that if anyone happened to spot her, they at least wouldn’t be able to recognize her.
When Jenna added that she was concerned her green eyes might be a dead giveaway, when those of nearly everyone around her were brown, Balal cupped her chin in his large, warm hand, and lifted her face toward his. He searched her eyes for a long, lingering moment
.
“They are like a forest, your eyes,” he murmured simply. “The leaves, the grass, the sunlight. It's all here, in your eyes.”
Jenna had to tell herself to keep breathing, for it had suddenly become a difficult task.
Chapter Nine
They delayed their departure until just before sunset, not long before the auction was due to start. Balal must have some friends in high places, for when they stepped out into the street of the city, Jenna was surprised to see an off-road Jeep sitting next to the curb instead of the illustrious limousine. She soon realized why, when he and Jenna hopped in the backseat, behind the driver and another man, both of whom were wearing the same dark masks.
They quickly made their way through the city, but as soon as they were outside the city limits, the all-terrain vehicle did exactly what it was made to do; it left the road and started driving through the rolling desert hills.
It didn't take them nearly as long to reach the mansion as it had when they had been following the roads the day before. Or, maybe it didn't take as long because Jenna was afraid of what would happen when they arrived.
They parked the Jeep out of the way of prying eyes, behind a dune where Balal and his driver were sure they would not be discovered. As darkness fell around them, the Sheikh helped Jenna out of the vehicle, and together they made their way toward the mansion.
Seeing it again so close made Jenna's skin crawl. If it wasn't for the sake of the other girls, she would have refused to go back. In truth, she hadn’t known just how much she would tremble at the sight of it.
“Are you all right?” Balal asked, his voice laced with concern.
Jenna looked at him and nodded fervently. “I am. Let's go.”
Balal walked with her to the side of the house where their plan would begin. There was an access shaft for the air vents that let out of this side of the mansion. He pulled a screwdriver from his backpack, handed it to her, and helped her to climb up onto his shoulders. He stood, and Jenna swayed a little. She was just tall enough now to reach the cover of the air vent. The cover was only attached by four small screws.
