Ziva Gryzb hated holding back. Knowing a Henderson was back on Tabiq soil—and all she could do was sit back and wait—was killing her. Thankfully, it wasn’t James, but it was still one of his evil sons, Alexander.
Her hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel. He walked into the hotel holding his head high, as though he was welcomed here. She was sickened, thinking of how many bastards before him had come to this place for the same purpose. Their money paved the way, so almost everyone in power turned a blind eye to the dehumanizing behavior.
She needed to remind herself he was only here because her country was greedy and catered to his request. That’s why they come. Why he came. Because no one here will tell you no. Or so you think, Mr. Henderson. I’m here. I may not be able to stop everyone, but I will stop you. That I promise.
Her heart ached. Not for herself, but for her sister, Isa, who had fallen victim to such monstrous practices years ago. She barely remembered what Isa was like; she was so young when she disappeared. Nights of hearing her mother cry herself to sleep in sorrow still echoed through her soul. Her mother was never the same after that. None of us were.
She hated thinking back to those days, and hearing the name Henderson brought it all back as though it were yesterday.
It hadn’t been all terrible. Her childhood had seemed normal. She had friends and played outside until the sun went down each day. As she grew older, things began to change. Not just for her either. All the neighbors seemed to have the same issue. The smiles that once lit their faces faded. She was lucky to see any of her friends outside, and even then, it was brief and they weren’t allowed to speak.
Her father, Jaysin, also changed. He became overly protective and never let her out of his sight. One night she heard her parents whispering and her mother crying. Her father had said, “You know what will happen if we don’t do this.”
A few days later, on her sixteenth birthday, normally a special day for a young lady, her father took her for a ride far away from home. Everything about that night was still crystal clear. It was the day she said goodbye to not just her childhood but to life as she’d known it.
There were boxes and bags in the back of the truck. Her father hadn’t spoken the entire trip. When they finally stopped the truck, they were at a cabin away from any sign of life. Her father explained he couldn’t stay, and for her own protection, he needed to hide her. There were evil men who would come and take her from her family, and she’d be hurt. It had been the first time she’d been on her own. She’d been so innocent, naïve back then, and hadn’t thought she’d survive.
But after weeks of tears and numbing fear, she found something inside her she hadn’t known existed. Not only did she survive, she thrived in the solitude. She spent hours on end reading and educating herself more than she could’ve in their traditional education system. She read books most girls her age didn’t have access to or would not have had time to read. It was as though she traveled the world and learned about different cultures right from her little sanctuary. When she wasn’t reading, she kept herself physically fit. She’d make her way through the woods, down to the river, and swim against the current. Ziva knew she couldn’t outmuscle a man, but she was going to be the best she could be if needed.
Her father had left her with a gun, which she had sworn she’d never touch. It’d sat there unloaded; she’d never been able to bring herself to think about holding it, never mind pointing it at another living being. What started out as scary, lonely, and terrifying, became a blessing. Each time her father came to check on her, he’d replenish her supplies and include new literature. If it hadn’t been for the books, she’d have felt truly alone. Instead, she traveled the world through stories, learning about other lands and cultures. What she learned most was how to be a strong, independent woman.
Ziva grew tired of hiding. Over time, she figured out why her father hid her. Jaysin was afraid what had happened to Isa would also become her fate. After being hidden for almost two years, Ziva knew the time had come to break free from her hideaway. So on one of his trips to see her, she told her father her plan. She felt strong, and more importantly, she was determined.
Initially, her plan had appalled him. What father would willingly declare his daughter wasn’t a virgin and had been sent away to give birth to a child? Her intelligent but grief-stricken father eventually conceded and saw wisdom in her plan, although it had taken several trips to convince him the lie could work.
When he finally agreed she returned home and fully realized how her father had saved her. He’d saved her from being taken in the night and sold like property to the highest bidder. Sold to bastards like Henderson.
She took a job as a secretary at the local police department so she was close and could overhear things she otherwise wouldn’t be privy to. When she heard them say Alexander Henderson was here and wanted to talk business, she knew darn well what he wanted. And there is no way in heck he is going to get it.
Alex closed the door to the hotel behind him and seemed to be looking around. Had he noticed her following their taxi from the airport or when she parked several cars behind him? She’d tried keeping her distance, but she was no spy. Covert operations weren’t her forte. That didn’t mean she hadn’t picked up a lot of techniques by working at the police station.
Ziva couldn’t help but notice he didn’t look like the pictures of his father. Adjusting the binoculars, she focused on his eyes. They were dark, but they weren’t hard as she’d expected. Especially with the reason for your trip here. I would think you’d be wearing sunglasses covering those eyes in shame. But then again, maybe you don’t feel anything, just like your cold, immoral father.
She questioned her sanity. All these years she’d been training and preparing to make a move and bring down one of these men. The police department didn’t know the extent of her strength. Her knowledge. So, here she was, about to take on one of the richest and most powerful families by herself.
She knew there was no way Alexander could see her, but when his eyes looked her direction, a chill ran through her. It was ridiculous because it wasn’t just Alexander she needed to worry about. The police were working hand in hand with the government to provide the ladies to the creeps. All it would take was the wrong person to see her spying on the hotel or Alexander, and she would disappear, no different than anyone else who questioned the treatment of their young women.
Lowering the binoculars, she closed her eyes for a minute. This stunt is beyond crazy. How do I expect to pull this off? Doubt was slowly taking over. If she allowed it to persist, she was sure to fail. Failure meant whatever young woman was about to be delivered to that bastard would have no chance of escape. I’m her only hope. God help us both.
She needed to get inside and make contact with him. Exactly how that was going to happen wasn’t clear. Ziva ran a few scenarios through her mind. No matter what, it would look suspicious.
I have to pretend to be the virgin. The one he’s expecting to be delivered. It sounded easy, but the women were normally eighteen years old. Here she was, twenty-nine and far from looking all young, sweet, and innocent. If there was any way she thought she could pull it off, she would go for it. Although she could pass for a few years younger, eighteen wasn’t going to happen. If he takes one look at me, he’ll be demanding his money back. He wasn’t young, and it made her sick, thinking a man of his age would so callously take a young girl’s life away.
She had to cross that plan off the list. The only thing she could do was watch and wait. Henderson held all the cards right now, and she felt helpless.
It was now or never. She opened the door to her truck and headed toward the hotel. Once inside, she noticed Alexander was still at the front desk, discussing something quietly with the hotel manager. I don’t want to know, so I hate that I have to know.
She gingerly made her way closer, grabbed a magazine, and with her back to them both, pretended to be reading. It was a pathetic attempt as no one else wa
s in the lobby. She stood out like a sore thumb, standing so close to them.
However, they were oblivious to her. Not surprising. I’m not what he’s into. Not young enough. Not innocent.
In Tabiq, women her age were normally married with children. She often wondered what her life would’ve been like if her father hadn’t hidden her away. Would she have found someone who’d love her, even though she wasn’t a virgin? Had her father done things differently, she’d have suffered the same fate as many girls did. Or like my Isa. Sold and never to see again. No one would know what happened to me.
But her father had protected her, and because of his actions, she had a chance for a full life. Not the quiet family one, but a good one nonetheless. And she was determined to help other girls, other families, avoid the grief her family had.
Marriage was still out of the question. Her reputation was ruined by her own choice and lies. It had been a necessary evil. I did what I had to do, and I’d do it all over again if it means I can stop this madness.
Ziva didn’t consider herself lonely. She thought of herself as driven. It might not be the dream most women around here had, but then again, it was better than the nightmare so many were living. Choices. At least, I had one to make.
“You want an adjoining room?” Ziva heard the manager ask.
“Yes.”
“And the name of the occupant in the room?” he asked Alexander.
“My name on both,” Alexander replied.
“Out of the ordinary, but whatever pleases you.”
Ziva heard the manager’s remark and knew exactly what he meant. How she wanted to turn around and tell him off. It would ensure instant gratification, but the price was too steep. She refused to threaten her one opportunity. Forcing herself to stay calm, she inched a step toward them.
The heel of her shoe caught on something, and she tumbled backward, landing flat on her back. When she looked up, Alexander had turned and was already bending over to assist her. Her natural instinct was to scream and tell him to keep his filthy hands off her.
Biting her lip, she pretended to be dazed.
“Miss, are you okay?” How could a monster’s voice be soft and his concern genuine? He’s a liar, Ziva. Liars know how to mask their depravity.
The only thing hurt was her pride, what little she had left. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
She tried to get up, but he wasn’t going to allow her to do so without his helping hand. Smiling, she placed her slender hand in his, and he easily pulled her to her feet. When she looked down, she noticed there was a raised stone on the flooring. Alexander must have noticed the same thing she did, because he barked at the manager.
“What the hell are you trying to do? This woman could’ve cracked her skull open on this stone floor. How are you going to compensate her?”
She stood there wide-eyed as the manager glared at her. There was no way he would open his wallet or anything else to her. He would easily identify her as Tabiqian. It wasn’t as simple as what she wore, because they dressed in Western attire. It was the subtle downcast of her eyes from his first contemptible stare. No matter how she wanted to be bold and braver, she knew her place, and most of all, so did he. “You shouldn’t be here, woman. You tripped because you are clumsy,” he hissed in their native tongue even though in Tabiq they also spoke fluent English.
There was so much she wanted to say to him, but her mouth remained shut. Even though she could’ve responded in her native language, it would’ve been out of character and brought more unwanted attention onto her.
Turning from her, the manager said, “Is this woman with you, Mr. Henderson? Because we don’t allow loitering here.” The manager looked her up and down, shook his head, and said sternly, “Be gone and do not come back here. Do you hear me?”
Ziva had no choice but to comply. If the manager called the police, not only would she be physically removed, she’d be fired as well. She nodded, but to her surprise Alexander interrupted.
“The second room is for this young lady.” Alexander’s next words sounded more like a threat. “I’m sure no one will be questioning her again.”
The manager averted his eyes from meeting Alexander’s and nodded. “I’m so sorry, sir. It will not happen again.”
“I believe the apology belongs to her, not me.”
The manager, still with his head lowered, said in English, “I beg your pardon, miss.”
He may have acted as though he was sorry, but when he looked up, Ziva didn’t miss the hatred lying deep within him. Alexander might hold power over things now, but she didn’t want or need his protection. The last thing she could afford was to be in debt to him. He was and always would be nothing more than her enemy.
Alexander reached out, took hold of her elbow, and guided her past the manager. Once out of earshot he asked, “What’s your name?”
She was tongue-tied.
“You have one, I’m sure,” he said sarcastically.
Oh, she knew her name; it was whether or not she wanted him to have the real one. Lying was easy, but if they encountered anyone who knew her she’d blow her cover. “Ziva Gryzb. And yours?” Not that I need it.
He smiled and said, “Alex. I don’t know what you’re doing here, but the room is yours. Feel free to use it.” He reached out his hand and dropped a room key into hers.
“Mr.—”
“Alex.”
She nodded. “Alex. Thank you for what you did, but I cannot take a room from you. It would look . . .” Like I’m the one you are having sex with.
“You should’ve thought about that before you decided to eavesdrop on my conversation with the manager.”
She blushed. “I’m sorry. That was very disrespectful of me.” Although she didn’t have any respect for the man, she had some for herself.
“May I ask why you were listening?” Alex asked, his brow arched.
Think fast. Come on, Ziva. You’ve been waiting for this day, and you can’t blow it in the first few minutes. “News travels fast around here of a newcomer, and I wanted to meet you. Guess I could’ve chosen a more subtle way.” She forced a light laugh.
He chuckled as well. “Well, Ziva Gryzb, you do know how to make a memorable first impression. I guarantee you’re not someone I’ll soon forget.”
His eyes roamed over her as he spoke. She wanted to be angry, but for some unexplainable reason, her body reacted to his look. That infuriated her. Now red-faced and confused she said, “I can’t say the same about you.”
With that, Ziva turned and left the hotel. When she got back in the truck, she realized the hotel room key was still in her hand. Smiling that something actually went right with this day she slipped the key into her pocket. I may need this to keep an eye on your disgusting ass.
Chapter Two
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Although he found her to be a sweet distraction, he wished Ziva hadn’t interrupted his conversation with the manager yesterday. The hotel manager wasn’t the man in charge, but he was the only contact he had. Alex had hoped to encourage the manager to let him speak to his boss right away; he wasn’t one who liked waiting around. Since that conversation hadn’t taken place, he was now stuck in a hotel room, waiting for the manager to “deliver the goods.”
Recalling how coldly the man had spoken about the women he could choose from infuriated Alex, but it was more than that. He would like to take a match and burn the hotel to the ground. This hellhole was the same place his father had come all those years ago. His own mother had been one of the women mistreated, sold as a possession instead of a person. How many contemptible men had ignored the evil that occurred here?
He’d wanted to know why his father had been the man he was. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined such sick and evil behavior. More than thirty years later, the Henderson name still caused people to tremble. Had his father returned here throughout the years, used more young girls, then simply tossed them aside? I thought growing up under his thumb was bad enough. I guess we h
ad the best of him, which doesn’t say much. I can’t think anything good about him at all.
Alex couldn’t help but think how his sister, Zoey, would feel if she knew what their father had done. He wasn’t sure Bennett would share that type of knowledge with her. Alex knew Bennett loved his sister, and telling her the truth would cause more pain than she could handle in her condition.
Zoey must’ve suspected something; their father treated her differently from the boys. Although he hated them all, which he had no qualms reminding them, James had honed a deep resentment for Zoey. It was one Alex didn’t understand until now. Having to raise a female, when he viewed them as worthless property, must’ve pissed him off. What Alex still needed to know was why he’d have children at all. He didn’t love us, and we sure as hell weren’t conceived in love, so why the fuck do it? Why keep us? Were there more he hadn’t kept?
These weren’t answers he could find here. With James dead, they’d probably never know. That didn’t mean he’d stop searching, and that was something he’d need to do himself, not with Bennett.
Alex and Bennett traveled the last leg of the trip separately with Bennett flying on a commercial flight. Weapons wouldn’t have made it through the airport. That meant he and Bennett had to touch base so his backup would be armed and ready. Without anyone seeing them was going to be very difficult. This town was a close-knit community, and not much happened without being observed by someone. So much so they had to stay at different hotels. Alex laughed softly. Not sure Bennett considers his lodging a hotel or a barn.
He didn’t feel too bad. Alex hadn’t asked him to come, so whatever accommodation Bennett suffered through wasn’t his concern. Making the people here believe he was like his father was his first priority.
His For Five Nights Page 2
