His For Five Nights

by Jeannette Winters

  She looked confused. “But you had them bring me here when I didn’t want to come. That is hurting someone. Hurting me.”

  “Yes, I did. I needed you here so they would . . . think I’m like my father.”

  “Everyone thinks you’re like him.”

  He’d felt that from the moment he disembarked from the plane. “I know. I want them to think that.”

  “Why would you want people to think that you’re . . . evil?”

  Sounds crazy even coming from you. “So they would send you to me.”

  Myla got up off the couch and started to pace. He could see her looking around the room, hoping to find an escape. Alex couldn’t let her leave. Not yet. Not until the week I’ve paid for is over.

  Alex reached out and took hold of her arm. “You can’t leave, Myla.”

  “You lied. You are going to hurt me. I knew it. I knew it,” Myla whimpered. Tears poured down her cheeks, and she shook with fear. Her voice became louder, but just above a whisper. “You’re hurting me. You’re hurting me!”

  He hadn’t realized how tightly he’d gripped her small arm. Letting her arm go, she slipped to her side, but he could see the red spots where his fingers once were. “I’m very sorry.”

  Myla brought a hand up to rub where his hand had left its mark.

  In a much softer voice, Alex tried to calm her. “Please, Myla. I need your help. If you can trust me, I’ll show you I don’t mean you harm.”

  “Why should I believe you? You’re a Henderson. I know why you’re here.”

  “No. You know why my father came here. That is not why I came.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  His other family didn’t know, yet here he was about to open up to someone he’d met only minutes before. They shared something. We’re both knee-deep in this, and we both need someone to trust. He hoped she could shed some light on what happened to the other women of Tabiq who had faced what their mothers had. It was obvious this was an ongoing practice. He wasn’t sure if it was for the same reason his father came. Children. Unwanted or not. No matter what the reason for the others, it had to stop. To stop it, you have to know what you’re dealing with. For that I need someone on the inside who’s willing to speak the truth. Alex wasn’t sure if it was foolish betting on Myla, but his options were limited.

  “My mother is from here. I’m here to find her and to put a stop to all this . . . this abuse that is happening to girls like you.” And like my mother.

  “Your mother lives here? Who is she?” Myla asked, her eyes getting as big as saucers.

  “I don’t know. It’s what I need to find out. I need you to help me, and trust me. If you do, I promise to help you and your family so no harm will come to any of you again.”

  Myla looked at him, meeting him square in the eyes. “So my sisters will not be sold like me?”

  His heart was ripping apart as he saw the pain in this young girl’s eyes. She was well aware of what was expected of her and the others. “I promise you, Myla. No one will hurt them. I’ll make sure of it. Will you do as I ask?”

  She nodded. “For my sisters, I’ll do as you ask.”

  “Good. First, you must promise not to tell anyone about this. It appears no one here can be trusted, maybe a few can be, but they’re afraid to take a stand against this. Everyone must think you’ve provided the services I paid for.”

  “They’ll think I’m . . . tarnished.”

  “Only for now. Once this is done, we can tell them the truth. For now, no one must know.” He could see she was torn about making such a promise. “This is only until I have the information I need. Then the truth will come out.”

  “Okay. I will not tell anyone, and I’ll help you so we can stop this evil from happening.”

  “Good. I’m counting on you.” Originally, he’d had the adjoining room set aside for Myla. But it was occupied by Ziva. Although he liked having her close by, it made the sleeping arrangements more difficult with Myla. On the positive side, it also meant she couldn’t slip out during the night, without him noticing. Thank God, I’m a light sleeper. “There is only one bed. I’ll take the couch. If for any reason housekeeping or room service comes in, we must make it look as though we share the bed. Understood?”

  Myla looked toward the bed then back to Alex. Her eyes were wide with concern. “And you’ll not come in the bed with me there?” Her voice shook slightly when she asked.

  “No, Myla. I will not touch you in any way to hurt you. I’ll stay on the couch. If anyone does see us together, we’ll have to make it look like you and I have had relations.”

  “Relations?”

  Damn it. “Sex.” Alex wasn’t shy about such things, but saying it to someone who was half his age, disturbed him.

  “What will you do?”

  “I will not take it too far. Maybe put an arm around your waist or hold your hand. Trust me, Myla, we are not having sex. This is strictly for show. We’ll pretend.”

  Myla seemed to have calmed down and headed to the couch. “If anyone comes in, I will help make it look real, as long as you promise that it’s not. What happens if they do not believe us?”

  “You know Tabiq better than I do. I’m sure they’ll not be happy.”

  Her eyes darkened with sadness. Her voice sounded as though she was about to cry again. “They will put me to death. You? I’m not sure. You are rich, and they will not want to lose your money, but they’ll not be happy. Lying to them is a very bad and dangerous thing to do.”

  He didn’t want her life at risk like that. Maybe he could set her free now before it went any further and try to find another way. If there was one, I’d have taken it already. If I stop now, I better be on the next flight out of Tabiq.

  “Don’t worry about me, Myla. If you do just as I tell you, we both will make it out of here alive.”

  Myla yawned, and he could tell she was worn out from her ordeal.

  “Would you like to rest?”

  She nodded and headed for the couch. He raised a hand and pointed to the large king-sized bed. For the first time since he’d opened the door, Myla smiled. “May I use the bathroom?”

  Alex was relieved she’d relaxed somewhat. This entire ordeal must be scary as fuck. The fact you’re willing to trust me even a little blows my mind. No time to question it.

  “Yes, of course. I placed pajamas on the bureau for you to change into. I didn’t know what size to bring, but hopefully they won’t be too large on you.”

  Myla tensed up again. She walked to the bureau, picked up the pajamas and held them up. Her smile returned when she saw his choice. They were modest and not sexy in the least.

  Turning back to face him she said, “Thank you, Alex. I have heard so many stories about your father and feared my fate would be the same as the others. The thought of meeting you had me shaking with fear. I won’t lie. I’m still afraid.”

  “That’s perfectly understandable. If you weren’t, you’d be foolish. I’m a stranger, and all I can give you is my word. Give me time, and I’ll prove that you can trust me.” After all these people had been through, trust was going to be a hard thing to earn, if not impossible.

  “My options are limited. My life was in your hands the moment you answered the door, and I hope I am wise to do so, but I’ll trust in your word.”

  Alex nodded, and she headed off to the bathroom with her pajamas in hand. This was the first step, a very small one, but he knew it wasn’t going to be easy. What he hadn’t expected was how emotionally difficult this was going to be on him as well. Myla was barely eighteen. If it had not been him, he knew they would’ve sold her to another man, and her safety and innocence wouldn’t exist any longer. As long as I’m here, no one will hurt her.

  While she was in the bathroom, Alex pulled on a clean white T-shirt. Normally he slept in his boxer shorts, but fully clothed was the way to go while she was in his room.

  After she finished in the bathroom, she went to the bed, pulled down the covers, and cl
imbed in. He turned away before she pulled the blankets up around her.

  Alex went back to the couch and lay down. He looked over at her several times, and she was lying wide awake, gripping the sheet tightly around her neck. Alex wanted to reassure her he wouldn’t hurt her. Words were simple; actions were all that mattered. He wasn’t sure if she was going to get any sleep.

  He was exhausted himself; last night he’d tortured himself over this meeting. Now with the initial contact out of the way, he had to plan out phase two. We’ve got a long way to go before I can get the people in charge of this ring to trust me. All I can do for the moment is hope I can keep Myla believing in what I have said, with no proof to offer as validation.

  A few hours after tossing and turning ideas around in his head, he heard a noise from the other side of the room. Looking over the back of the couch again, he saw Myla sound asleep and snoring. Asleep, she looked younger than she said. Her situation sickened him, but for now, Myla was under his protection. He’d given her his word, and if it was the last thing he’d do, he’d ensure she and her family were safe.

  Myla rolled over and hugged the pillow. No matter what his stress level was, he couldn’t imagine what it’d been for her last night, thinking about what was to transpire today. He felt good right now. It wasn’t much, but he’d saved one. Or at least, he was trying to ensure she didn’t become a statistic like so many before her.

  Rest now, little one. This week is going to be long and tense for the both of us.

  Ziva’s heart sank. She’d honestly hoped that Alex had heard what she was saying yesterday and would’ve changed his mind. Knowing he wasn’t strong enough to resist was disappointing, to say the least. So many men had come before him, yet Alex was different. She’d seen something in him, something she believed was good and honorable. I was foolish and only saw what I wanted to see. He’s just like his father, and I can’t forget that.

  Even though she’d hoped he wouldn’t do anything, Ziva had been hanging close by her bedroom door, waiting for the slightest sound. When she heard the woman’s footsteps she knew one thing, Alex was about to get his visitor.

  Ziva had opened her door the slightest crack to peer at the girl. She was maybe eighteen, but not a day older. And the white dress of innocence made her look even younger. When Ziva saw Alex reach out and take the girl by the hand and lead her into his room, she barely controlled herself. All she wanted to do was fling open her door, go up in his face and tell him what a lousy piece of shit he was, and he truly was no different than his father.

  The only thing that prevented her taking immediate action was her understanding of how these things went down. The girls were never let out of sight until they were in the room. That meant someone had been watching. Ziva couldn’t have risked being noticed as well. If she’d been spotted spying on Alex and the girl, never mind trying to intervene, the manager would’ve turned her over to the authorities. She couldn’t do any good if she was six feet underground.

  Ziva felt so helpless with the whole situation, as she had on so many occasions, living in Tabiq. She hurt for the young girl next door and for the girl’s family. She knew the grief they would experience. All she could do was lie on her bed and cry herself to sleep. She’d been so close yet still unable to prevent the act from happening. She’d told herself so many times if she died saving at least one, she’d given her life for a worthy cause.

  Instead, she was in the room next to theirs, trying not to imagine what was taking place. Ziva put a pillow over her head so no sound would penetrate. She was angry with herself. This was her chance, and she’d blown it. I failed her. I’m sorry, whoever you are. I wanted to do something, but I wasn’t brave enough.

  Tears rolled down her face, and her sobs muffled under the pillow. She wasn’t going to give up. She may not have been able to stop Alexander Henderson today, but she wasn’t going to give up. Somehow Ziva was going to get the girl alone and get her out of that room and the hotel. She’d take her to the one place she knew was still safe. The place her father had taken her all those years ago. If the government never found it, she knew Alexander wouldn’t either. She might not have been able to prevent it, but she was going to cut it short.

  Ziva needed to let the pain of what happened go. Holding on to it would only interfere with her pulling off the next step. She needed to be on top of her game.

  Brushing the tears from her face, she thought how to get the girl alone. The only thing she could think of was to knock on Alex’s door and invite him to come to her room. That’s not going to save the girl but maybe buy her enough time to escape. If she gets free, maybe I can help her. As long as no one else finds her first. How would the girl know where to go?

  Ziva let out a heavy sigh. It wasn’t much, but she had a plan. First thing tomorrow she’d knock on that door. Until then, she’d close her eyes and pray for sleep, because tomorrow she needed to be rested and ready to go. With Alex, I can’t guarantee how anything is going to go. Yesterday I would’ve bet he would’ve sent the girl away. So wrong. I won’t underestimate him again. She’d never forget who he was. A Henderson.

  Chapter Five

  ‡

  Alex couldn’t talk to Bennett in front of Myla. He was willing to put himself on the line, but he wouldn’t risk putting Bennett in more danger. So far no one had made the connection, and he was going to keep it that way.

  Slipping out of the room while Myla slept, Alex left the hotel and headed across the street. He could still keep an eye on the hotel but was far enough away not to be overheard.

  He pulled out his SAT phone and called Bennett. “Need you to pull more information.”

  “Roger.”

  He proceeded to give him Myla’s information.

  “That’s not a lot to go on, Alex.”

  “It’s all I have. People aren’t forthcoming on information. I’m sure you can guess why.”

  “From what I found out about the manager, I can see why this town is so fucked up. That bastard is in deep with this shit. He’s pulling all the strings here, but is just a puppet to the ringmaster.”

  “You’re telling me if we take him out, this shuts down today?”

  “No. He’d be replaced. We need to get to him so we can get to his boss. Then we’re making headway. Until then, it’s not going to have any long-term effect.”

  Alex hated waiting, yet trusting Bennett’s judgment was his only choice. He was only one person, and he’d never make it out the front door of the hotel if he acted irrationally. Besides, he needed to start the ball rolling on Myla’s family. If they acted before the family was out and safe, they most likely would pay the price. He wouldn’t let that happen.

  “You keep track of every move that bastard makes. I want him out as soon as we can. First I need that information on Myla.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I made promises I plan on keeping.” He didn’t feel the need to share the details with Bennett. This secret was between Myla and himself. I wish I could do more.

  “Don’t do anything stupid,” Bennett barked over the phone.

  “You handle your end, and let me worry about mine,” Alex snapped back.

  “Famous last words from someone when they’re about to fuck up.”

  Alex disconnected the call. He wouldn’t argue that point. If Brice were here instead of him, things would be going like clockwork. But if Brice was in charge, they’d still be in the States and who’d be protecting Myla?

  Somehow his gut told him Ziva would. She was keeping her distance from him, yet he knew she wasn’t far away. It was weird, but he sensed her watching him. It wasn’t in a sexual way either. But he wasn’t sure if she was out to protect him or take him down. Ordinarily, he could read women clearly, but Ziva was entirely different. From the moment he spotted her, she’d been a mystery. If it were any other place or time, he would’ve taken on the challenge of unraveling the layers she had cocooned around her. He found her utterly intriguing.

>   Unfortunately, the last thing he needed was another person to be involved in this mess. Bringing her any closer to him than he already had might put her life at risk as well. I’m not willing to do that. For her own good, I need to stay away from her. Once I let Myla into my room, I became a man Ziva should run from. Even though it’s a façade, there are people who won’t believe or forget it.

  He knew Ziva was far more observant than she pretended to be and probably heard or saw Myla entering his room. Whatever connection he thought they might have shared would’ve vanished and have been replaced with hatred. In her eyes, Alex was another sick bastard taking advantage of a young, innocent girl. Ordinarily, he didn’t care what anyone thought of him, but for some reason, Ziva was different. It was troubling him. That didn’t mean he could knock on her door and tell her the truth. She worked for the police department. The less she knew about him and the real reason he was there, the better for her. I’d rather read the disdain in your eyes now than the desire I believe I saw when you took me on our little expedition.

  There were difficult choices to make, but he needed to protect Ziva. If he told her the truth, she’d be all-in and ready to help. That would put her life at risk too. There was no need to do so. She was safe right now, and he would do anything he had to for that to continue. Even if that means making her hate me. As long as she lives through this fucking mess, it’ll be worth it.

  As Alex made his way back to the hotel, he looked to the floor where their rooms were. He could see the light turned on in Ziva’s room. What are you up to? Something felt off. He needed to get back there quickly. Even though he’d told Myla not to speak to anyone, Ziva could be very convincing. I’m the proof. She took me with her for an entire day, when I had no intention of going. I can only imagine the power she’d have with a naïve kid.

  When he entered the foyer, the manager called out to him. “Is everything okay, Mr. Henderson?”

  “Fine,” Alex barked. His gut said otherwise. Let me be wrong.