by Alta Hensley
“I doubt it,” Stryder said, “seeing as how I didn’t tell her a damned thing. The moment I mentioned Sophia, she went off. She hates that woman and now, well, she hates me as well. Hell, who can blame her? I promised to rescue her friends and failed.”
“She doesn’t hate you, son. She’s hurting.” When Stryder didn’t respond, Drake sighed. “Look, I know you’re hurting too, and I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all go away, but I can’t. I do know that there was nothing you or anyone could have done to save Anya. The truth is, we might not be able to save them all. The only thing we can do now is keep trying.”
Stryder nodded, lifting his hand to rub across his face. “Fuck, Pops, I can’t stand to see her hurting so much.”
“I know, son. Come on. Let Jennie take care of your knuckles and then come to the ops center.” Drake lifted his cell phone. “Maddox is waking Anson. I just got a text from Hadi. He’ll be calling in a few minutes. Evidently he hasn’t slept much, either.”
Father and son walked back into the house, Drake continuing out of the kitchen while Stryder found himself enveloped in Jennie’s arms for a few moments before she stepped back and took his hand in hers. “Sit,” she said, her voice soft and full of concern.
Stryder dropped into the seat he’d occupied earlier, looking at the blood that had welled and clotted across his knuckles. “You know, it’s funny,” he said as Jennie brought a bowl of water, a cloth and a bar of soap to the table. “My hand should be hurting like a son of a bitch but I don’t feel a thing.”
“Only because your hurt is elsewhere,” Jennie said, reaching for his hand again. “You were the same even when you were young. Physical pain that can bring another to their knees has no power over you.” She began to gently wash his hand, each swipe clearing away some blood, not speaking again until the water in the bowl was tinged pink and his flesh was clean. Jennie lifted his hand to her mouth, giving each bruised knuckle a kiss.
“I remember you always doing that,” Stryder said.
“You know me, I’m a firm believer that love can heal better than any medicine ever created.”
“Not everything can be fixed,” Stryder said.
Jennie reached for the bag she always kept supplied, opening it and pulling out antiseptic cream and gauze. “Don’t you doubt it,” she said as she began to apply the cream. “Love causes the deepest pain and sorrow but also gives us joy and contentment too wondrous for words.” When he just grunted, she shook her head. “You’ve always been stubborn too, but you know I’m right. You carry your pain deep, hold it close and are reluctant to share it, allow anyone to help you through.”
“I tried to share,” Stryder said. “Zoya refused to listen and I really can’t blame her. Everyone has their own pain, Jennie. It’s not right to burden her with mine.”
“Bullshit. That’s what family is for and before you say it, that girl is family. I’ve watched you and you’ve never once looked at a woman the way you look at Zoya. Don’t you dare give up on her, or on yourself.” Wrapping gauze around his hand, Jennie pinned it in place, setting it down on the table and reaching up to cup his cheek. “She’s hurting, you’re hurting. You not only need each other to heal, you belong together.”
Stryder turned his face to press a kiss to her palm. “I wish the world was full of people like you, Jennie. All I can prom…” Unable to say the word “promise”, knowing how Zoya felt he’d broken his word, he simply stood. “All I can say is that I’d rather die than lose her but that isn’t important. All that matters is I keep her safe until this is over.” When Jennie shook her head and began to speak, he said, “Let it go… I can’t, not now. Pops is waiting.”
With a reluctant nod, Jennie stood. “Take some coffee for your brother.”
After accepting the two mugs she prepared, he said, “Thanks, for the coffee and the first-aid. You’re not only a dear friend, you make one hell of a nurse.”
He couldn’t help but glance towards Zoya’s door as he strode across the living room. He knew that the old Stryder, the one who had fought to win every battle since puberty, would have knocked the door down and insisted that she listen to him this time. If she still refused, he could easily have her face down over his knees applying his hand, hurt or not, to her bare ass until she heard what he had to say. But not this time. This wasn’t something a spanking could fix. No, this wasn’t a matter of her risking her safety or even disobeying a rule. This went far deeper than that. Deep was something he could understand. Like Jennie had said, he’d been shoving his pain deep for years. He could shove it down a few more inches if he had to.
When he entered the operations center, he found Anson already seated in front of the monitor where Hadi would soon be appearing. Though Anson had only slept a couple of hours, Stryder had no doubt that he was fully alert. He knew his father and brothers well. When they were in full-blown mission mode, there was no stopping them.
“Hadi will be calling in any minute,” Drake announced after Stryder took a seat. “His text said he has some crucial and time sensitive information that we all need to be aware of.”
Stryder took a sip of his coffee after passing Anson a mug.
“Thanks,” Anson said, the one word speaking volumes as the two looked at each other. Stryder could see the regret in Anson’s eyes and knew that his father had informed his brothers of how the conversation he’d had with Zoya had gone. He shook his head slightly, letting him know that he didn’t hold him responsible for Zoya’s reaction. With a nod in return, Anson pulled up the video conference screen just as Hadi was connecting. Seeing the image appear instantly pushed everything else into the background. It was good to see the man’s face. He had become a good family friend over this whole ordeal. The Steeles didn’t trust many, but they did trust Hadi Nazar.
“What’s going on?” Drake asked Hadi.
In a very thick Arabic accent, Hadi began to talk. “You’ve heard about Hildalgo?”
“Yes,” Drake said.
“I can’t tell you how sorry I am that my team was too late to save Anya.”
“You don’t have to,” Drake assured him.
Hadi gave each man a glance and then nodded, accepting that they understood there had been nothing anyone could have done to save the woman. His next statement showed that he also understood it was time to move forward. “How would you like a bit of justice? Vasily Poplov is going to be in Dubai the day after tomorrow… your time. My sources tell me he is arriving for business.”
“In Dubai? He has the nerve to set foot there after everything he did?” Maddox asked, his tone showing his disbelief. “The man really does think he’s invincible. Fucking moron is what he is.”
“I’ve been laying low since the death of my family,” Hadi began. “I spend most of my time in Africa because the memories are just too much. Even with Hildalgo’s death, I don’t think I am on Vasily’s radar right now. Frankly, with what you’ve told me, I don’t think he cares who takes his enemies out. But he misjudged the power and connections I still have, especially in Dubai.”
“A costly mistake on his end,” Stryder added as he stood. “Well, I guess we need to make a trip to Dubai.”
Drake nodded. “Agreed.”
“Hold on,” Anson said, raising his hand. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t, but let’s think this through. Are we sure this isn’t another trap of Poplov’s?”
Hadi answered that question with, “I can guarantee you that Poplov might not have set this meeting up but even if he is leery, he can’t afford to miss it. It’s not a plan against me or any of the Steeles. He is meeting with two men about him smuggling arms in exchange for equipment he needs for the oil drilling he’s planning.”
“I don’t care what he’s planning. His being in Dubai is rather poetic if you ask me. Plus, there’s no reason we can’t end things now with Poplov,” Stryder said. “We have the names and locations of every woman he sold. There’s not a fucking reason to keep him alive. Poplov is worthless to us
now.”
“What about Adira?” Maddox asked. He looked at Hadi on the screen. “Do you want us to bring Adira with us so you can see her?”
Hadi shook his head sadly. “No. I would much rather have her return to her home country be on happier and more peaceful terms. I don’t want her to be surrounded by even more security than she was used to before. It’s far too dangerous, and I can’t risk losing my only family member to Poplov or any of his hired men.” He cleared his throat, and his expression changed just enough to show a hint of sadness. “And I don’t want her to see the bad side of me that is about to come out. I have decided that it’s time I retire the dark and only focus on the light. But before I hang up my coat, I have one more evil task to do, and I don’t want my granddaughter to witness it.”
The Steeles were silent for several moments. Stryder understood that they were all accepting Hadi’s statement, as well as understanding his unspoken intent.
Maddox nodded. “Fair enough.”
“I don’t want to sound selfish, but I’m actually glad she’ll stay behind,” Stryder said. “I know she wants to see you but I also know that Zoya needs her. They can stay with Jennie. I’m sure the ladies will be just fine without us for a short trip.” And he meant it when he said short. He had no intentions of spending any amount of time he didn’t have to away from Zoya. No matter how she felt, for the first time in his life, he refused to give up all hope. He’d never forget the way it had felt to hold her, to kiss her, to join in both body and mind.
Drake snorted and broke the tension that had begun to seep into his sons by saying, “You do know that those girls are likely to get into trouble, right?”
“And he’s not talking about trouble from any outside source,” Maddox said, as if needing to assure Hadi that his granddaughter would be perfectly safe despite their absence.
Hadi didn’t question either man, and simply said, “I have no doubt my new grandson will keep my beloved granddaughter safe and toeing the line.” When he and Maddox both chuckled, Hadi added, “I’ve already sent the plane. It should be landing in El Paso soon.”
“Then we’ll take the Cessna,” Drake said.
“We’ll leave now and be in Dubai soon. I know you’ve got this handled, Hadi, but please wait until we get there to give you backup,” Stryder said. “Don’t underestimate Poplov.”
“Let us be part of bringing the bastard down,” Maddox said. “We deserve to see the man before he rots in hell.”
Hadi nodded. “Nothing will be done without you. Give my love to Adira, and I will be seeing you all soon. Safe travels.”
The Steeles watched as the screen went dark. Drake stood first. He turned to Stryder. “Son, all of us will understand if you feel you need to stay here.”
“Not a chance in hell,” Stryder said, standing as well.
Drake nodded and said, “All right. Grab your go bags. Even though we are flying on Hadi’s plane, leave any weapons here. I’m sure he’ll be able to provide whatever we need once we land. We leave immediately.”
Stryder waited for Anson as Drake and Maddox left the room. Anson flipped off the equipment and then spoke. “Pops told me what happened.”
“I figured, and it’s not your fault.”
“I know,” Anson said, the two walking out of the room. “I’m just saying don’t give up, and don’t you dare leave without telling her.”
“Kind of hard to do when she’s not speaking to me.”
Anson slugged him. “Grow a set! Shit, I never thought I’d hear you whining like a baby. I don’t care if she pokes her fingers in her ears and sticks out her tongue. You just make sure you tell her you are leaving but you’ll be back. Don’t you get on that plane with her thinking you abandoned her. Understand?”
It wasn’t often that his brother spoke to him in that tone of voice and Stryder didn’t care for it at all. Still, he couldn’t fault him, as he had a point. “I will.”
“Good. She needs to know that no matter what, you are there for her.” They entered the office, taking the time to close the bookcase to conceal the tunnel’s opening. Anson headed for the stairs, pausing on the first step. “Your bag in the closet?” At Stryder’s nod, he continued. “I’ll grab it for you.”
“Thanks,” Stryder said, moving to walk behind the staircase. At Zoya’s door, he took a deep breath and lifted his hand. His knock didn’t have the door opening but he could hear Zoya’s voice. It sounded muffled, which he understood could be caused by the fact that she was still crying, but hoped it was due to the thickness of the oak.
“Zoya, it’s me, may I speak to you a minute?”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“Then just listen. We’ve got to leave for Dubai but don’t worry. Jennie and Adira will be here and know what to do if something happens.” Fuck, he hadn’t meant to scare her. “But don’t worry about that. Everyone on the ranch will keep you safe. We’ll be back as soon as possible. I just didn’t want you to think I’d left without telling you.”
“Fine, you told me, now leave me alone.”
Despite himself, Stryder felt his temper flare. “This isn’t over. When I get back, we’re going to talk. Do you hear me?”
No answer came this time and yet he knew she was standing just on the other side of the door. Lifting his hand, he pressed it against the wood. “I… I’ll see you soon. Take care of yourself.” When his words were again met by silence, he shook his head, turning away. He’d taken three steps before he heard her calling. Instantly he was back at the door.
“I’m here, honey.”
“Take care of yourself, too.”
She hadn’t said she was sorry or that she was willing to listen and yet he instantly felt lighter. “I will. When we get back, we’ll talk.”
She didn’t speak again but he was able to walk away with hope. He returned to the living room to find Drake talking with Jennie and Maddox holding Adira. Stryder gave Anson a nod as he took his duffel from him.
“You boys be careful,” Jennie said.
“We will,” Drake said, giving her a hug and then swatting her butt, causing her to squeal. “You remember to behave yourself and be a good role model or there will be more where that came from.”
“Promises, promises,” Jennie said, gray curls bouncing as she shook her head.
Stryder grinned and went to her. “Look in on Zoya, will you? I don’t care if she thinks she needs to be alone. She doesn’t. She needs you and Adira.” As his father walked towards the door, he leaned a little closer. “I don’t care what it takes, make sure she knows we are all here for her.”
“You don’t have to ask,” Jennie said. “But just hearing you do so tells me I am right. Don’t worry, we’ll take care of your girl. You just wipe that asshole out of this world.”
“We will,” Stryder said, grinning at her rather colorfully stated request. He gave her cheek a kiss before joining what became the Black Stallion team the moment the men stepped out the door. Walking towards the truck, he had to grin to hear Anson arguing that he wasn’t too tired to fly.
“Give it up, little brother,” Maddox said, “I’m pulling rank.”
“Fuck that, I was in the Air Force. I’ve got far more rank than you do, you grunt.”
Maddox shook his head as if saddened by his brother’s stupidity. “This grunt is the older brother. I’m the pilot today.”
Anson rolled his eyes. “Fine, but when we get back, I’m flying home.”
Drake just shook his head as he settled into the back seat. “How about someone actually drives the fucking truck first?”
Stryder threw his bag into the bed of the truck and walked around to the driver’s side, hearing other duffels landing and doors opening and closing as he started the ignition. The banter was normal, the teasing and poking at one another easing the tension they all felt but refused to keep them from performing their duties.
“What the fuck! It’s as hot as Hades here,” Stryder said, wiping the sweat forming
on his forehead within moments of stepping off the plane he’d been on for almost twenty hours. “You guys weren’t joking when you spoke of the heat.” He thought Texas could get hot, but this was downright miserable. If it weren’t for putting an end to Vasily Poplov, Stryder would have turned right back around, hopping in Hadi’s nicely air-conditioned private plane, and demanding that the pilot take off immediately. The sun was setting, though, which gave Stryder some hope that at least the evening would make this place a bit more bearable.
“Yes, this is a hot time of year for Dubai as well. Not the best time of year to travel,” Drake said as he lugged a duffel bag over his shoulder.
They walked to the black town car that Hadi told them he would have waiting for them. There was one other vehicle in front, as well as another behind. The literal train of security would guarantee their safety to wherever Hadi Nazar was. It was clear the man was taking no chances after the massacre of his family.
“Let’s just get this over with fast and get back to the ranch,” Stryder grumbled. Not only was the heat getting to him, but his anxiety about leaving Zoya was a little more than he had expected. He knew she was safe. If Jennie even thought something was endangering her girls, she’d have them hunkered down in the panic room that was located in the deepest section of the tunnel system. It was a room seldom used but one kept supplied and ready. Drake had told them that he’d spoken to Kurt, their right-hand man. He’d make sure security was beefed up and would have one man on each of the ladies with the directions to never let them out of their sight. But it still unnerved him. They might not be on the best of terms, hell, she had barely spoken to him when he left, but he hadn’t been without Zoya since that awful night in Moscow. Twenty hours in the air had only served to convince him that once this mission was over, they would be turning directly around and heading back to the ranch. Sightseeing in Dubai was definitely not on the agenda this trip. The only sight he wished to lay his eyes on was Zoya.
