“I know you’re a Henderson. I know what you did to the poor child. There isn’t anything more I care to know. What you don’t seem to realize is I’m not going to let you get away with it.”
Alex looked down at her. Ziva meant exactly what she was saying. He had to give her credit, she could act tough, but that’s all it was. It wouldn’t get her far. If he weren’t really one of the good guys, she’d have found that out already.
“You’re not in any position to stop me from anything I choose to do.”
Alex regretted the words once they left his mouth. Ziva now a few feet away from him, reached behind her back and pulled out a gun. With it pointed square at his bare chest she said, “On the contrary, Mr. Henderson, you’re in no position to stop me.”
Ziva’s heart was pounding in her chest. She’d never threatened anyone in her life, never held a gun. Here she was with a loaded weapon leveled on Alex, a man she once dreamt about kissing. Now all she wanted to do was kiss his ass goodbye.
Her fingers trembled, holding the butt of the gun, and she had to remind herself what he’d done to Myla. If she didn’t stop him, Alex would just move on to the next girl, and the next after that, just like his father had.
“Put the gun down, Ziva.”
“Since you just had a knife pointed at me, I don’t think that’d be wise. And if you haven’t figured it out, I’m no fool,” she snarled at him. Ziva hated that, even with a gun in her hand and Alex wrapped only in a towel, she still found him intimidating. It wasn’t going to be easy to pull this off, but she had to try. “Now get dressed. You’re coming with me.”
Alex didn’t move. “Where are we going?”
“Don’t ask questions. Just do as you’re told,” Ziva said in a demanding tone that almost sounded authentic.
Alex nodded and turned back toward his room. She followed close behind him, never lowering the gun. Once inside his room, they walked to his closet. Ziva didn’t want to look, but his body . . . He was solid muscle from head to toe. At least, with your back to me, I don’t have to worry about you catching me looking.
Of course, those beautiful muscles turned out to be a distraction with a high price to pay. Alex took a step forward, and at the same time he brought his left arm backward, pushing the gun away from him. He spun around so fast and grabbed hold of her wrist that she had no choice but to release the weapon to him.
Tears clouded her vision. The girls . . . How would she protect the girls who would be left without a silent advocate in their corner?
Ziva lowered her head in defeat, and her entire body went limp. Alex, now with the gun in his hand, swooped her up against his bare chest with the free hand.
“It’s okay. I have you.” His voice was soft and consoling.
Ziva was full of anguish and pain. She didn’t want to give in. She’d worked so hard, stayed so strong. Lost so much.
Tears burst through and rolled down her cheeks. She sobbed uncontrollably, letting go of everything she’d held inside for years. The harrowing injustice she’d fought against, the hope for the future of Tabiq she’d held in her heart. When he pulled her into his chest, her arms reached up and clung to him. I don’t want this jerk to hold me, but it’s been so long since I’ve been held. So long since my father’s arms held me and soothed me. I’ve been so alone.
“Let it all out, Ziva.”
She didn’t want to enjoy being held by him. How was it possible his strength was becoming hers? This was a man she wanted to hate. He was evil, yet here she was drawn to him. What kind of person am I? Am I just as bad as he is? I know what he’s done, but I couldn’t pull the trigger. I couldn’t stop him. Whatever he does now is my fault. I’m as guilty as he is.
Even with that knowledge, she couldn’t pull away. Alex wiped the tears from her cheeks. She raised her head to look at him, another mistake. His eyes were as soft as she’d dreamed they’d be. As his head came toward hers, she closed her eyes and parted her lips in anticipation.
He didn’t claim her lips roughly, as she thought he would. Instead, he was so gentle and tender that she quivered from the touch. Ziva wanted to pull him closer. She wanted to hide in the feeling of calm and forget the emotional turmoil she always felt.
“Ziva.” His voice was husky against her lips.
Her name never sounded so sweet. She wanted to hear him call her name again and again. Ziva’s hand ran down his bare chest, and Alex covered hers with his. His tongue traced her lips before darting inside. He tasted like sugar and coffee as her tongue entwined with his.
She needed more, so much more. “Alex I . . . I.”
Then she pulled herself away. This may be what she wanted, but it wasn’t right. He was Alex Henderson, the man who just forced himself on a poor girl. No matter what she thought she wanted, it wasn’t this. It couldn’t be this.
Pushing herself away from him, she ran back into her room and out the door, slamming it behind her. She needed to get away from him. Not for his sake but for hers. She thought she had the strength and fortitude to finish what she’d started. She was wrong. He was a charmer. A snake and master manipulator. He’d have me in his bed, thinking he could control me too. It won’t happen. Not now, not ever.
Chapter Seven
‡
Alex was left standing alone, wrapped in a towel, with his entire body throbbing. It wasn’t how he pictured it to end when he kissed Ziva. Then again, he hadn’t anticipated her pulling a gun on him either. She has me tied up in knots, but damn, tied up by her is pretty damn sweet.
Even if he was dressed, Alex wouldn’t have followed after her. Ziva might not know it, but that was exactly what he needed her to do. Walking to his bed, Alex picked up his SAT phone and called Bennett.
“She’s just about to leave the hotel.”
“Got it.”
“Whatever you do, don’t let her see you.” Alex had no idea why he was wasting his breath. Bennett was damn good at what he did, and Ziva was so flustered she wasn’t going to be paying attention to her surroundings. Things couldn’t have worked out more perfectly.
Unless Ziva and I were in a different place and time. Because I wouldn’t have let her go, and she would’ve never left.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be able to track her truck from this shithole of a room if I have to. Is there anything I should know?”
“She was armed.” Alex wasn’t sure if she had more than the one gun, but Bennett needed to know. “She pulled a gun on me.”
“Fuck! I never saw that coming.”
“Neither did I,” Alex admitted. She was a lot of things, but violent wasn’t one of them. Since she didn’t pull the trigger, he was betting he was right.
“This changes things. We need to—”
“It changes nothing. She was only out to protect Myla. Nothing more.”
“Alex. You don’t know what she’s capable of,” Bennett warned.
“You’re right. But I’m telling you, Bennett, nothing better happen to her. If she pulls another gun, you better fucking find a way to disarm her without injuring her. If anything happens to her, you’re answering to me. Got it?”
There was a brief pause but Bennett agreed. “We’re playing a dangerous game, Alex. We still have no idea who she’s working with. This could be a trap.”
“Then I suggest you keep your eyes open. In the meantime, I’m going to pay the manager a visit. It’s time we discuss his boss.”
“I can’t be there to back you up if I’m following Ziva.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“Alex, I think you’re in over your head. Hell, we both are. Look around. This place is so damn toxic; I’m not sure you can save it.”
Bennett was right. Saving Tabiq was going to take a hell of a lot more than their efforts alone. That didn’t mean he couldn’t put a dent into the smooth-running corrupt machine. I am going to shut this hotel down. I’m going to find my mother, and I will make sure nothing happens to Ziva if it’s the last thing I do.
“It’s not all bad, Bennett. Look at Ziva. If she hasn’t shown you the decent side of Tabiq, you’re blind.”
“Then get her to leave this place. I’m telling you, there is no way you can accomplish what you want to do all by yourself.”
“Funny, I thought I had you covering my six.” Alex tried to make light of the subject.
“You Hendersons are always looking for a miracle.”
“Nothing wrong with expecting significant results. Now go and get me some.”
“Roger.”
Alex disconnected the call and headed back to the bed where he’d tossed her gun. Picking it up, he realized it weighed less than it should. Sliding an eject button, he pulled out the clip. It was empty. She’s crazy. Pulling a gun on someone is one thing. My guess is she probably wouldn’t have pulled the trigger. But not to have it loaded . . . If I were anyone else, this would’ve ended so differently. And she wouldn’t have been able to run away. And yet, seeing her with the gun in her hand had been sexy as hell. She’s gorgeous. And to taste her lips . . .
It only solidified his initial thought. They had to find Ziva. She was going to get herself killed if they didn’t. If he thought they were playing a dangerous game, it was nothing compared to what she was doing. I’ll find you. There wasn’t anyone else who’d protect her. All she had was him, and she didn’t even know they were on the same side.
Do nothing while waiting for Bennett to report back wasn’t Alex’s style. He needed to stay busy. Walking to his suitcase, he grabbed some clean clothes. He needed to reach out to the manager. Now seemed like a good time. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to say to convince him to introduce him to his boss. Not sure playing it by ear is the way to go on this, but I need to get a feel of the situation first.
Alex could almost hear Bennett complaining. No one agreed with how Alex handled things. Good thing I don’t report to any of them.
While he was dressing, his phone rang. It should’ve been Bennett, but to his surprise it was Brice. He didn’t recall providing him with the secure line. That meant Bennett and Brice had been chatting. Thanks for the heads-up, Bennett. I owe you one.
“What is it, Brice?”
“What’s the status?” Brice asked.
“Sun is shining. The water is great.”
“Cut the shit, Alex. I know you’re in Tabiq. I know you’re looking for your mother. You should’ve waited for me.”
“Brice, you had no intention of ever telling me what was going on. It’s obvious Bennett reports to you, but don’t forget . . . I don’t,” Alex barked at his brother.
“You have the right to know what we do. I know how you operate. You’re hot-headed and stubborn. Two things that will get you killed over there. You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
“No, I don’t, so why don’t you tell me?” It was better late than never. Of course, he wasn’t sure Brice actually had any valuable information. If he had, Bennett would’ve told him by now. Or not. My character judgment is lacking lately.
“The corruption goes right to the top. We cannot go in and take down the local level. If we do, it will reappear with different people in charge. We have to start at the top.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do. I was going to meet with the manager to set up a meeting.”
“You’re one Henderson. Think about it, Alex. What do you think they’ll do if there was two or even three?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m on my way, and I’m not alone.”
Fuck. This news is the last thing I wanted or needed. “You might as well turn around. I don’t need you.”
“Alex, that’s where you’re wrong. You need us, no different than we need you.”
It was the first time Brice had ever spoken to him in such a manner. Actually, Brice wasn’t a big talker. Something must be up to have him opening up like this. And it’s not just being married. “I’m not alone, Brice. But then again, I’m sure you already knew that.”
“I did.”
“Then you know why I’m here, and what I’m doing.”
“And I know it’s a dangerous game to play. They might think you’re like our father now, but eventually, your true colors will come through, and then you’re fucked.”
“I’m a better actor than you might think.” God knows I’ve been lying and hiding things from you all my life. I’m sure I can pull a scam on one guy. No issue. No worry.
“Alex, wake the hell up. We want to help. You’re not the only one who has a mother there. Or have you forgotten that part?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Good, then get ready because our plane touches down in four hours. Do not meet with the manager or anyone else until we talk face to face.”
“And you don’t think they’re going to question why we’re all coming to town now, out of the blue?” Alex didn’t think Brice thought this through at all. All my hard work will go up in smoke, once they figure out it’s all a lie.
“It’s not all of us. Dean and I are coming. And no, they won’t question anything except the color of our money.”
Alex saw the greed here firsthand. But were they really going to be that naïve? He wasn’t so sure.
“Alex, you’re the one who doesn’t plan and jumps in with both feet and your eyes closed. What’s changed?”
It was a good question. Maybe I’m not only thinking about myself. “That’s a question I should be asking you. I know how you like every detail set in stone.”
“That I do. I had only two choices: do it my way and watch you get yourself killed or join this fucking crazy idea of yours.”
Their family had never told each other how they felt. This conversation and group effort was the closest any of them came to expressing sibling love. It was unfamiliar, and yet Alex found it comforting. He’d been willing to do this alone. Hell, he knew the consequences and prepared himself for the worst. Having Brice and Dean here would be great moral support, but he didn’t know how they were going to help if a shootout took place. I don’t want them in danger. They have their wives, but I have no one, so it doesn’t matter if I go down.
“Are just you and Dean on the jet?”
Brice laughed. “On the jet, yes. There is a commercial flight that should arrive shortly before we do. I believe Bennett has a few friends coming to the party.”
“A few?”
“I don’t ask questions. Sometimes it’s better I don’t know.”
Alex laughed. I don’t think he’d tell us if we asked. “Must be jet lag, because you don’t sound like the brother I grew up with.”
“Having a family of my own has changed my perspective. Lena’s shown me what normal is supposed to be. Who knows, maybe after you get the answers you’ve been searching for, you’ll think about settling down?”
It was something Alex had contemplated over the years, but he’d never found anyone he pictured spending the rest of his life with. It would take a special woman. One who understood he hated being tied down. Even someone as intriguing as Ziva would tire of me.
His brothers might be able to handle being stuck behind a desk and running business meetings. That wasn’t him. Even when they were young, and their father made them all work at Poly-Shyn in the family business, he intentionally screwed up so his father would kick him out.
That’s why he enjoyed his career as a novelist. He was free to travel any place anytime, and live the adventures he wrote about. Settling down would eliminate that.
“I think the single life is for me.”
“I remember saying those exact words. Now I can’t picture my life without Lena. And being a father, damn, it’s a good feeling.”
He was glad Brice enjoyed his life. But it wasn’t for him, and telling him that would be like talking to a wall. Never listened to anyone before. I don’t think you’ve changed that much.
“If you’re done with my love life advice, how about sharing your brilliant idea on how we meet the big guys?”<
br />
“We ask for more. More than the local guy can provide. Tell them we’re willing to pay, but we want to see the ladies first. And that we’re not thrilled with the arrangements at the hotel. Our father may’ve been willing to stay in something substandard, but we’re not.”
“Yeah, that’ll piss the manager off. And what exactly do you think that’ll do?”
“He’ll go running to his boss, who will want to keep us happy at all costs. Our name has a reputation here, Alex. I say let’s use it to our benefit.”
“I like the way you’re thinking. Let’s show these assholes that dear ole Dad wasn’t as tough as his sons are,” Alex added. He figured the people here would eat up that lie in a blink of an eye.
“See you when we land. Can you update Bennett with the change of plans?”
“Will do.” Alex would call Bennett, but right now he needed Bennett to stay on the current assignment. Follow Ziva and make sure nothing happens to her.
It all sounded good in theory, but there was one thing Alex hadn’t mentioned. Finding and protecting Ziva.
Ziva drove down the winding road, rip-roaring mad at Alex. He was so damn arrogant to think he was above the law. If we had any laws that prevented such things. He’d brushed everything off, as though he hadn’t hurt Myla at all. As though Myla hadn’t been in his room, in his bed. His actions were despicable.
And even though he knows I know everything he did, he still had the audacity to kiss me. Ziva brought her right hand up and slammed it into the steering wheel in frustration. She was angry at Alex and had every right to be. But she’d kissed him back. Hell, I practically gave him an invitation. What kind of woman am I? How can I think of anything other than disdain for him?
Ziva pulled up and parked the truck behind the trees as she had earlier with Myla. This time she stomped her way to the cabin. Each time her foot made contact with the ground, she pictured it crushing Alex’s foot.
It was funny, because the worst thing she could think about doing was stomping on his toes, yet she’d pulled a gun on him. What had she been thinking? A man like that wasn’t afraid of someone like her. It’d been written all over his face as she’d ordered him around. Alex had played along, only until he had the upper hand. Which wasn’t too long. Ziva could pretend to be fierce, but he obviously knew she’d never pull the trigger. And it wouldn’t have done any good since it wasn’t loaded.
His For Five Nights Page 8
