We weren’t in the air even five minutes when I reminded Zoey of her promise. “So, let’s talk about the Tabiqian woman. What don’t I know?”
Zoey rolled her eyes. “You’re not going to like anything I have to tell you.”
I figured as much. “Let me be the judge.”
“Tabiq has seen cruelty like you’d never imagine. As the women became of age, they were…sold to wealthy men for one purpose. Their virginity. Then discarded as…trash. What made it all the worse, was at that time, the government and police were supporting that behavior. When my family learned of the truth of what was going on, they stepped in and…with Bennett’s help, put an end to it.”
“You mean your family took down a government?” I know they were powerful, but hell, that was scary in itself.
“It is so much more complicated than that. I would say it was more like we…we’re helping them find themselves again. Tabiq was such a beautiful place with people focused on family. They are getting there, but…in baby steps. Even now the women are much more…reserved. I’m sure you noticed that they dress more conservative too.”
I had. “I can also see it in how they act at New Hope. They seem to have walls up,” I said.
Zoey nodded. “No matter how close we think we are with them, we are still foreigners. There is only so much they trust us. Not sure they ever will, but my brothers believe over time, that will change.”
“I think only time is going to answer that question,” I said.
“Might not see it in our lifetime,” Zoey stated.
The next two hours were spent learning even more of Tabiqian history. My head was pounding in disbelief. “I thought I’ve heard just about everything in the courtroom, but nothing like this.”
Zoey nodded. “I only know what I’ve heard but I know it’s even worse than what I’ve told you.”
I felt like I was going to be sick. “I…I had no idea.”
“It’s been a buried secret from the world,” Zoey said. “And like I said, now my family is here and trying to help them build their economy and maybe help them heal from the pain that was caused.”
I could see there was something she wasn’t telling me. At this point, I didn’t know if I wanted to hear any more. It made sense why the Tabiqian women who worked at New Hope were reserved. I wouldn’t trust strangers either.
“Come on. It’s time to put these thoughts behind us and shop. We don’t have long before the jet will need to take off again,” Zoey said.
“Do you even know where we are going?” I asked.
She nodded. “I came here before with my sister-in-law Ziva. In case you didn’t know, she is Tabiqian.”
“No, I didn’t. I know your family’s…reputation, but nothing about your personal life,” I admitted.
She laughed. “You must not read the tabloids, because the world seems to think they know us. They’re wrong.”
“I know what you mean. The media has more power than most people think. Maybe that’s why I don’t read the tabloids.”
“Well, we don’t have to worry about anything getting out while we are here. The shop is only a few minutes away and I’m so excited to see what they have,” Zoey said.
When we arrived, I was surprised to find it wasn’t a dress shop. There was a mannequin in the window wearing pasties and a matching thong. Ah. Hot and sexy. I get it now. I was really going to need to keep James away from Bennett tonight, because Zoey was going all out to grab Bennett’s attention.
Once inside, my jaw dropped. I wasn’t a prude by any means. This shop held about every kinky device you could imagine, along with the outfits to match.
“Okay, let me know if anything jumps out at you,” Zoey said.
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, something you think would get his attention.”
I chuckled. “I could close my eyes and pick just about anything in the store. It’s all pretty…”
“Fun. But just so you know, I don’t want anything that…well…hurts. Nipple clamps and stuff like that are out.”
Thank God. I didn’t want to help even my best friend pick out shit like this. Thankfully a salesperson arrived. “Hello, darling. What can I interest you in today?” they asked. I couldn’t tell their gender, but in any case, the person looked stunning in a leather corset and matching garter belt with thigh-high black leather boots.
Zoey mused for a moment. “I’m thinking something…”
“Red,” I said. Zoey looked at me in surprise, and I added, “It would look great with your dark hair and eyes.”
Zoey smiled. “See, I knew bringing you was the right choice. Okay, something red for me and maybe something black for you.”
“Me? I don’t need anything,” I said firmly.
She chuckled. “Your vacation is far from over. It might come in handy. I always say, better safe than sorry.”
“We’re not talking condoms here, we’re talking lingerie.”
“Exactly. I bet you didn’t pack anything like this in your suitcase,” Zoey said playfully, holding up what looked like a bunch of black leather strips with silver rings binding them together. The accessories were a black mask with cat ears and a whip. “What size are you?”
“I don’t think you need to know a size to wear that. And I’m not getting it, either,” I said, putting it back on the counter.
The sales associate struck a pose and said, “I bet you could pull off my outfit nicely.”
“Not as good as you,” I smiled. I knew I wasn’t getting out of there without purchasing something. I headed over to the babydoll lingerie. I found one in black and held it up. “This is more my style.”
Not that I cared what James would like, or that he’d ever even see me in it, but he struck me as someone who’d like something like this.
The salesperson came over and said, “Great! And we have the matching crotchless panties to match. Let me ring you up.”
Oh great. Easy access too. Another win. I bit back my laughter, but no way was I purchasing anything here. I didn’t need it. At least not now. But it was too late. The items were whisked from my fingers, and before I knew it, Zoey had paid for them. Then she said, “Okay. We have to find something for me now. Or did you forget, tonight is about me and husband celebrating our anniversary?”
“Not for a minute. Maybe I can pick out something special for you,” I teased.
“No, thank you. I think I see just the thing.” She pointed to a red sheer robe.
“Is that all you’re getting?” I asked.
“Of course not. I’ll need the pasties and thong too!” Zoey exclaimed. The salesperson squealed in glee as they rung up and packaged her items.
There was no doubt in my mind Zoey was going to enjoy her anniversary very much.
And I’m stuck babysitting James so he doesn’t bother you. Wonderful.
Chapter 7
James
Bennett called with news that Lily didn’t show up for work this morning. I could hear what sounded like concern in his voice. Maybe Robin was right. If that was the case, New Hope had a bigger issue. It meant the resort wasn’t as secure as they thought.
That didn’t surprise me. They had been open for a few years now and over time, people tend to become less diligent in their duties. When patrolling the grounds, I had noticed New Hope was employing more locals than Americans. Since the Tabiqian people were generally tightlipped, many things could go unnoticed and even if noticed, unaddressed.
Staring off my balcony at the glistening ocean I got that feeling crawling up the back of my neck and I knew I needed to see Lily with my own eyes. “I’m going to Lily’s home and check on her. If there’s an issue, I know how to reach you,” I said.
Bennett had briefed me regarding the dangers and the history of Tabiq. He also knew I wasn’t foolish enough to go unarmed.
“I’d rather someone has your six while you’re out there,” Bennett said. “I can go with you.”
There were times a team was required, but this
was simple recon. Nothing more. “Only if you don’t trust me to do the job you hired me for,” I challenged.
“Wouldn’t have taken you on if I didn’t.”
“Good. So which vehicle did you want me to take?” I asked. Transportation of my own was one thing I hated to be without. That, and my Glock. And since I had a license to carry and conceal in all fifty states in the US, I never left home without it. Taking Bennett up on his offer to fly me to Tabiq in their private jet allowed me to travel with things I normally wasn’t allowed on a commercial flight.
“Take my Land Rover. It’s known around the island,” Bennett said.
Was that supposed to act as a warning to people to stay the fuck away? From what Bennett had told me, he and his team had gone head-to-head with some of the worst fuckers in the country. I can’t picture anyone intentionally wanting to piss Bennett off.
“I’ll let you know what I learn when I return,” I said.
“I’m having dinner with Zoey tonight, but I’ll keep my phone on just in case.”
I laughed. “Trust me. Zoey scared me a lot more than anything I might face out there. I don’t think she’ll be so sweet if I intrude on your dinner again tonight.”
Bennett asked, “Why do you say that?”
Because I have eyes in my head, dumbass. “No reason. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow morning.” Unless shit hits the fan. I ended the call and headed for the lobby to retrieve Bennett’s keys. Bennett had already called down and given them permission to release them to me.
I was tempted to leave a note for Robin with the receptionist, but wasn’t sure what I should say. It wasn’t any of her business that I was going to out see Lily, and it’d only cause her to worry knowing Lily never showed up for work. Robin might not be pleased with me, but she was going to need to chill and let me do my job. Right now, it’s on a need-to-know basis. And honestly, there wasn’t much I know either.
This felt like the old days when we were out on a mission. Each knew what to do and didn’t need to worry about someone following through or not. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be working for Bennett, but so far, it didn’t suck.
As I started to pull out of the parking lot, I noticed a vehicle pulling in. The driver was the same man who’d picked me up from the airport the other day. I scanned the vehicle and slammed on my brakes. What the fuck! That was Zoey and Robin in the back. Where the hell were they coming from?
I know Bennett never would’ve allowed them to go gallivanting around the island alone. And even if he approved Zoey taking off, I sure as hell didn’t want Robin out there. I threw the Rover in reverse and backed up until I was alongside the other vehicle. The driver stopped and rolled down his window.
“Is there a problem, Mr. Stone?” he asked, quickly correcting himself when he realized I was the driver. “I mean, Mr. Burke.”
“Where are you coming from?” I asked.
“From retrieving the ladies from their outing.”
That wasn’t an answer. “And this outing was where, exactly?” I growled.
“I do not know. I only drive and do not ask any questions,” he said.
Well, I sure fucking do.
Zoey rolled down her window and said, “Hello James. Don’t look so concerned. We were on an approved adventure today.”
I assumed that meant Bennett was aware, but I wasn’t. Zoey had people watching her, but Robin didn’t. In the eyes of security, Robin was just another guest. Not to me. I was seeing Robin later–I’d get my answers. Then I’d stress the dangers of leaving the resort without an armed escort. Right now, I had to check on an employee who didn’t show up to work.
With a curt nod, I put the Rover in drive and headed to Lily’s. It wasn’t very far from the resort, but the landscape was definitely changing the further I went. The homes in this part of town weren’t kept up. But the country was poor, and no matter how hard people worked, most only made enough for basic living expenses. Remodeling their homes was a luxury far outside their means.
I reached Lily’s house and assessed the situation quickly from my vehicle. No cars in the yard. Maybe she’s not home. I parked on the street and got out of the Rover. Before going to the door, I tucked the Glock under the back waistband of my pants. I didn’t plan on using it, but wanted it close just in case.
When I reached the steps, a man opened the door. “Who are you? What do you want here?” he barked, his fist clenched, ready to fight.
Watch yourself, buddy.
“I’m looking for Lily,” I stated, ignoring his threatening tone.
“What do you want?” he asked again.
“Lily. Is she here?” I didn’t know who he was–he might just be hesitant to give out information to a stranger. “I’m from New Hope Resort.” I waited and he still just glared at me. “She works there.”
“I know where she works. What I want to know is why you are here,” he demanded.
Keep it up and you’re going to find that I’m the guy who is about to storm past you and go look for her myself.
“I’m only going to ask one more time,” I said, meeting him square in the eyes. He didn’t break contact, but took a step back. “Is she here?”
“Yes.”
I wasn’t about to accept his answer without proof. Stepping forward, I said forcefully, “I need to see her.”
“She is not going back there. She no longer is working for them,” he responded, holding his ground.
I assumed he was referring to the Hendersons. “That’s not my concern. I just want to see her and hear it for myself.” If she looked okay and didn’t appear to be held against her will, I’d be on my way. If that wasn’t the case, I’d take her back to New Hope with me, one way or another.
“I told you…”
Two long strides up the steps and I was grabbing him by the shirt and lifting him off the ground. “I wasn’t asking.”
The guy’s eyes widened and I could see the panic flowing through him. “She…she…”
“I’m here,” Lily said, from inside the doorway.
I let the guy down, but didn’t release him. Looking her over, I thought she looked okay physically, but so damn skittish. Is she afraid of me, or him?
I softened my tone and introduced myself. “Hello, Lily. I was sent from New Hope. Do you know Robin?” She nodded. “I’m James, a friend of hers.” Lily didn’t say anything, but her eyes never left the guy at the other end of my arm. “Is this a friend of yours?” I asked.
She shook her head and looked down, and the guy said something in another language. From her reaction, I knew he’d threatened her.
“Shut the fuck up,” I snarled at him, then turned back to Lily. “You don’t have to listen to him. You can come with me.” Lily looked petrified, unsure what to do.
“You can trust me,” I said. Why would she? We’d never met. I just showed up at her home making threats and promises. Hell, I’m not from this country.
Maybe I should have allowed Bennett to accompany me-Lily would recognize him and be more willing to accept help. I had to do something to gain her trust.
“If you don’t believe me, will you believe Robin?” I asked. Her answer might be the same. Robin is also American, but I was banking on the fact that a woman, would make Lily feel less….intimidating.
Lily shrugged slightly. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed New Hope and asked to be through to Robins room. I wasn’t even sure if she would be there. With any luck, she was resting after her and Zoey’s outing. Bennett would have grounds to terminate me for going to a guest for assistance, but I didn’t think Lily would believe Bennett any more than she did me.
“Hello? This is Robin,” she said in a very professional business tone.
“Robin, this is James. I’m here with Lily.”
“Oh, good. So everything is okay,” she said.
“Not exactly. I need your help,” I said. “Can you please let her know she can trust me?”
“To do what, exactly?” Robin asked in a
very questioning tone.
Guess Robin trusting me would’ve made this easier. “I asked her to accompany me to New Hope,” I said. It wasn’t like I could go into details in front of Lily. Shit, I didn’t really have much to give Robin either.
“Can she hear me right now?” Robin asked.
“No.”
“Is this what’s best for her? Bringing her to New Hope?” Robin asked.
“Yes.” I kept my responses brief. Didn’t know what the long-term effects would be-that would need to be figured out later. All I knew was there was no way in hell I could leave Lily with that guy. My gut said it wouldn’t go well for her if I did.
“Put her on the phone, please,” Robin said.
I waved to Lily and extended my hand so she could take my phone. Trusting Robin to convince her was the best option. If that didn’t work, Lily was still coming with me, just maybe not willingly.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t hear what they were discussing, because Lily turned her back to me and was now whispering. From what I could tell, she was doing more listening than talking. Come on, Robin. You’re a lawyer. Sell this, will ya?
Lily walked back inside the house, my phone still in her hand. Fuck. I waited a moment and she came out with a beat up suitcase. It was in still in better shape than her house. She walked up to me and returned my phone.
I nodded and asked softly, “Do you want me to make him leave your house?”
She shook her head. “It’s not my home. I…was…just made to live there.”
What that fuck did that mean? Lily wasn’t a prisoner because she held a job, but I know there is different…techniques used to…control a captive. I don’t know exactly what was going on here, or who that guy was to her, boyfriend, husband, family or stranger. It was going to take time to learn and understand the Tabiqian ways. Time isn’t a luxury I have right now. I felt confident I had the upper-hand in the situation right now, but that could change quickly if anyone else arrived. I needed to put distance between this guy and Lily.
I felt for her. She was barely twenty and although she didn’t appear physically injured, I could see the emotional pain in her eyes. In a gentle tone I said, “You can wait in the Rover. I’ll be right there.” I didn’t want Lily to fear me, but I sure wanted this bastard too.
Eleven Days in Paradise (Barrington Billionaires Book 11) Page 6
