His For Five Nights

by Jeannette Winters

  Alex needed to know who Ziva was. Why had she followed him? Given she was a local, why would she take him up on his offer to stay in the hotel? Surely she had a home somewhere. Why follow me? That room would be perfect for monitoring his coming and goings. But why would she care? Against Bennett’s instructions, Alex went to her room and knocked on the door.

  No one answered. He knocked again, harder this time and called out, “Ziva, it’s Alex.” He heard the turn of the lock. When she opened it, he noticed the chain remained on the door so it only opened a few inches.

  “Good morning.”

  Not really. “Good morning.” He had intended to ask her if she’d seen or heard anything out of the ordinary last night. But, was Ziva hiding something? For all Alex knew, it could easily be a boyfriend. Whatever it was, he needed to know. “Do you think I can come in? I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”

  He could see the concern in her eyes. What did she think he was going to do to her? Surely she’d seen his concern for her yesterday, and how he’d—

  Oh.

  Of course.

  I’m a Henderson.

  I wouldn’t open the door to me either. That wasn’t going to stop him from pushing it further.

  “Ziva, I have a key. I could’ve entered anytime if I wanted to harm you.” Concern quickly became panic in her eyes. Alex knew his choice of words were stupid at best.

  “Is that some kind of threat?” Ziva asked firmly, but Alex could hear her voice crack slightly.

  He didn’t enjoy manipulating her, but he had to do whatever necessary to get inside her room. If she wouldn’t do it willingly, he’d kick the damn door down. She was hiding something. Either she was working with the guy who broke in yesterday, or she’d seen who it was. Either way, Alex wanted answers.

  He shouldn’t be standing there, wasting time on this. If they’d have gotten the weapons, it would be something to take seriously, but this was more about his ego, and he knew it. Someone ransacking his room was chump change compared to the big fish they were going after.

  Knowing that didn’t change how he felt. When his eyes met hers, he could see she was hiding something or someone. That irked him. At that moment, he didn’t care about anything other than getting into her room.

  Finally, Ziva closed the door, and he heard the chain unlatch. When the door opened again, she allowed him in. With her hand on the knob, she gestured for him to enter, but the look on her face said she was doing so reluctantly. Because I’m a man or because I’m a Henderson?

  Once inside, he scanned the room. It didn’t look like she’d been there, never mind having anyone with her. The bed was pristinely made, and nothing at all showed occupancy.

  “Are you alone?”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Does it look like anyone else is here?”

  Alex looked around again, knowing damn well there wasn’t anyone else. “I had an issue with my room. Did you hear or see anyone?”

  Although he didn’t make it obvious, he was studying her body language as she replied. She instantly crossed her arms and averted her eyes. “I didn’t hear anything last night. I’m a deep sleeper.”

  I don’t remember saying it was during the night. So what did you hear? He walked to stand directly in front of her. She practically dropped her chin to her chest. Reaching out, he placed one finger under her chin and tipped her head so she faced him. “Nothing at all?” Alex asked softly.

  Ziva closed her eyes before saying, “Your door may have opened a few times. But I didn’t see anything. I was in . . . asleep early.”

  And the story changes. Heard nothing, now saw nothing. I wish it weren’t true, but you, my dear Ziva, are a liar. A bad liar. Who are you lying for?

  Dropping his hand, he said, “That’s a shame. Something very valuable to me was taken out of that room. When I find the person responsible, they will wish they were dead.”

  Her eyes widened, and he watched as she swallowed hard. “I . . . I hope you recover your belongings.”

  Alex expected her to say he should’ve stored them away in the hotel safe with the manager instead of leaving them unprotected in his room. Or even where he was when whatever was taken. Yet, Ziva didn’t ask any questions. That’s because you already know the answer.

  She gave herself away when she said the door opened several times and not just once. That meant she might’ve seen Bennett leave with the duffel bag. He hadn’t planned on telling Bennett about Ziva, but with this new development, he had no choice. She became number one on his watch list. And not because I find you sexy as hell either.

  His father had taught him young to keep his enemies close. Until he knew specifically what her game was, Alex wasn’t going to give her any room to avoid him. “I haven’t had breakfast yet. Join me.” He didn’t leave any room for a refusal, as he went to the door and held it open for her.

  Ziva opened her mouth as though she wanted to tell him no, or better yet where to go, but said nothing, reached for her room key on the table, and walked out the door. Wise choice. Your only one.

  As they made their way down the hall, Alex pulled out his SAT phone and texted Bennett. Room 204.

  Roger.

  Alex hated to do it, but they needed to know who she really was, and how big a threat she posed. She might be only five foot two, but if she was armed, she could be as lethal as anyone else they were about to mess with.

  “If you have work to do, I’m okay with skipping breakfast.”

  Oh, I bet you are. Alex slipped the phone back into his pocket and said, “No. I cleared my schedule. I’m all yours for the day.” He saw Ziva stiffen as she put on the prettiest fake smile he’d ever seen. Not buying what you’re selling.

  “My lucky day.”

  As they were about to leave the hotel, the manager called out, “Mr. Henderson. Your . . . package is scheduled to arrive around noon.”

  Shit. “Change of plans. Have it delivered tomorrow. Same time.” Alex didn’t wait for a response as he placed a hand on Ziva’s elbow and ushered her out of the lobby.

  “It sounded like your package was important.”

  He knew she was prying, and he wasn’t divulging. “It can wait.” Once outside, he hailed a taxi.

  “Where to?” the driver asked as he opened the door for them.

  Alex turned to Ziva and said, “This is your hometown. Take me somewhere a tourist wouldn’t usually go.”

  Ziva muttered something in her language to the driver. He nodded and shut the door. Once inside, the driver pulled away from the curb, his tires squealing. It became evident quickly they were heading out of town. He was tempted to ask exactly where it was she was taking him, but he hoped it would be a pleasant surprise.

  As civilization disappeared, he wished he’d kept one of those guns for himself. Or at least had Bennett tail us. Two for two on bad plans so far. I’m on a streak of bad luck. It better end soon. If I make it back to the hotel in one piece today, I’m going to have to pull my head out of my ass. He turned to Ziva, who sat quietly looking out the passenger’s window. He could see a serious look on her face. Was she contemplating how she was going to dispose of his body after they killed him? There were reasons travel advisories appeared for Tabiq. They were known for being ruthless, cold people. Two things he couldn’t picture Ziva as. But if I were going to set a trap, I’d use someone as stunning as Ziva.

  Alex lived his life on the edge. His family would never believe it. He was a highly successful author. He took the time to do hands-on research, which was the reason he was so damn good at it. Each time his family thought he was away on some fancy vacation, he actually was deep undercover with some drug lord, arms dealer, or terrorist ring. There had been a few close calls when his cover was blown, and he’d been doubtful about making it out alive. He didn’t want to just talk the talk. He wanted to walk the walk as well. It’d be like a virgin writing a how-to-please-your-man manual. Interesting, but no proven facts.

  As they continued to drive farther
away, all he could think was there are worse ways to die than at the hands of a beautiful woman.

  Ziva might be able to control what was happening on the outside, but inside, she was shaking to the core. At least, in the adjoining rooms they were separated by a lock on each side of the door. Here in the taxi, there was nothing. If he pulled out a gun and forced her to do whatever, she’d be defenseless. That doesn’t mean I won’t fight you with all my might.

  Her mind told her to be extremely cautious, the last thing she should do was be alone with him. Yet, here she was with him and a taxi driver, and by the looks of the driver, he’d side with Alex if anything went wrong. By the look on his face, when she told him where to drive them, he must have thought she was certifiable.

  Crazy or not, Ziva had to do this. No matter how scared she was, or what he tried to make her believe, she still hoped she could talk Alex out of going through with what he had planned, but that was totally irrational. He was a Henderson. Men like him weren’t swayed once they made up their minds. There had been something when they’d first met that held promise for him. Something tells me you’re not all bad. I’m just not sure if there’s enough good in you to be saved. But I have to try.

  As far as she knew, this was his first trip to Tabiq. Even contemplating doing what he was about to do was morally wrong. Yet, Alex was expecting the virgin today, but he canceled so he could spend the day with her. She was positive it wasn’t her charm or looks that garnered his attention. He was fishing for information. Ziva had none to give. He knew she’d noticed the mess in his room. That didn’t mean she was going to admit to anything. If she could get him to stop today, maybe she could tomorrow too.

  How she would pull that off wasn’t clear. If she had to, she’d tie Alex up and make him listen to her rant about how wrong and sick it was to take advantage of helpless young women until it made it through his thick skull. Physically she was no match for him, and he knew it. In his eyes, I’m no threat. How mistaken can he be? She was driven by something more powerful than physical strength. He couldn’t touch her when it came to motivation. Her anger, pain, and determination had been building for years. If she couldn’t persuade Alex to stop and leave before he acted on his sick desire, then she’d make sure he paid the price. And he has no idea what I’m capable of. Heck, I’m not sure I know.

  Ziva had many different emotions running through her. She wanted to make him pay, punish him, but something deep inside her wanted to save him. The conflict was tearing her apart inside. When she heard a Henderson was returning to Tabiq, she knew what needed to be done. She planned and was focused.

  After meeting him, things weren’t as black and white. Although the signs were there, she had to remind herself that he wasn’t his father. She couldn’t let what James Henderson did blind her to who Alex was. If she was going to play judge and jury, she needed the facts first. All she had now were her suspicions. She needed concrete evidence before making a decision. Is he savable? Is he worth saving? Does he want to be saved?

  Her country didn’t care about such things. The government didn’t value its citizens. Justice was only a word in the dictionary. It held no meaning when it came to crimes. She hated the laws of her land. The abuse against women was ignored, or worse, condoned. Yet if someone was caught with a gun, it was punishable by imprisonment. Alex didn’t need to know that. She wanted him to fear what his fate could be if he continued down this disgusting, immoral path.

  Ziva wasn’t sure if it’d change anything, but he needed to be warned that the prisons in Tabiq weren’t like the ones in the United States. There was no Internet. No television. No air conditioning or visitation. And absolutely no privacy at all. And no one to care if a brawl breaks out and you’re killed. Just one less body for them to take care of.

  The facility was just beyond the horizon. It would appear in their view in a few minutes. It wouldn’t take long for Alex to see the tall guard towers at the gate and also scattered throughout the prison. It was surrounded by a ten-foot fence with barbed wire circling the top.

  As a secretary for the police department, she’d made this journey several times to deliver paperwork when a prisoner was approved for release. It was rare, but it happened. In most cases, once you saw the inside of this place, you would plan on dying there.

  She’d heard rumors of people trying to escape. If the guards didn’t shoot you, or the attack dogs catch you, the electrified fence took care of it. The people of Tabiq never had to worry about a hardcore criminal escaping, but with a corrupt government, she knew there were innocent people sentenced to life there, through no accident. Their only crime was not complying, or speaking out against the inhumanity of Tabiq. Ziva knew if she was caught doing this, she wouldn’t have to worry about seeing the inside of the prison. This place was for men only. Women were handled in an entirely different way. They deal with us swiftly and permanently. Our life sentence is short.

  This knowledge should be enough for her to stop the taxi, turn around, and pretend to have never met Alexander Henderson. Yet, she couldn’t do it. She wanted, no needed, to break the cycle of immoral behavior. If she could make Alex see how wrong it was, maybe he would enlighten others. If the billionaires of the world didn’t take part in such acts, her government wouldn’t have a choice but to find an alternative income. Hopefully a legal one.

  She waited for Alex to speak when the towers came in sight. It didn’t take long.

  “Not very romantic, are you?” Alex said, his tone dry as he stared straight ahead at the prison.

  If circumstances were any different, she’d have laughed, but too much was at stake for even a grin. Although Alex’s words didn’t appear to be serious, the look on his face was.

  “You wanted to see someplace that a tourist doesn’t normally see. Unfortunately, some have. Once inside they’re no longer considered a tourist but become a permanent resident of Tabiq, whether they like it or not. And trust me, Alex, they don’t like it.”

  In her language, Ziva instructed the driver to pull onto the shoulder of the road and to get out of the vehicle. He did as she asked. She needed time to speak to Alex alone. If the driver overheard, he might turn her in. All would be lost at that point.

  “I’m familiar with how prisons work.”

  “Even here in Tabiq? It’s not a hotel, believe me.”

  Alex turned to face her. His dark eyes seemed to bore into hers as he stared. “Why did you bring me here, Ziva?”

  This was her chance to tell him exactly why. She should be honest and lay it all on the line. Tell him she knew why he was here and what she thought about it. As she opened her mouth, panic filled her. What if I tell him and he doesn’t care? What if I’m wrong about him and there is nothing good inside? He could go back to the manager and tell him what I did, where I took him. I’d have signed my own death sentence.

  Ziva held her head high and said as confidently as she could, “I thought someone of your . . . intelligence might want to see all sides of Tabiq.” Since you seem to be interested in the ugly side, thought I’d show you a different view. One you might have to get used to.

  Sad thing was she knew he’d never see the inside of that prison. With his kind of money, he could buy his way out of anything. Even now, if he chose to kill her, nothing would be done. My life would be over, and no one would blink an eye because of who he is. And who I am too.

  Alex raised a brow and looked back toward the prison. It was odd, but he seemed to really be looking at it, with some interest. Odd.

  “How many inmates does it hold? What are the living conditions?”

  It was her turn to be stunned. Alex was asking her questions and really was expecting answers. She knew the facts, but for the life of her, she couldn’t understand why he wanted to know.

  Ziva provided him those answers, then he came up with more questions. They spent the next hour talking about the prison and the judicial system in Tabiq. Ziva forgot why they were there. It was supposed to be a scare tactic. Instea
d, it became a history lesson on her country. I’m not supposed to be enjoying myself, and neither is he. What is wrong with us? This is not a date, yet here we are sitting in the back of a taxi, practically holding hands while debating world politics.

  Ziva called for the taxi driver, and their way back continued with deep, serious, yet engaging, conversations. If this had been an actual date, she’d have considered it one of her better ones. That was sad, considering he was a man she could never allow herself to care about. He was and always would be a Henderson.

  As they arrived at the hotel, Ziva pulled herself back onto task. She needed to think logically. If not, she risked him walking her to her room and kissing her goodbye. Neither of those things could happen.

  As they exited the taxi, she said, “I have to check in at work. Thank you for accompanying me today. It was . . . interesting.”

  Alex looked at her as though he was going to stop her. His phone must have vibrated, because he pulled it out from his pocket, checked it, then said, “Have a good night, Ziva.”

  He left her standing outside the hotel as he made his way back inside. She hoped it wasn’t the manager saying the young lady was there, waiting. Whatever the message was, Alex seemed in a rush to respond. Think positive. He told the manager tomorrow at noon. There’s still time. It’s not over yet.

  Ziva walked across the street to make it look as though she had a place to be, in case Alex was watching. Today hadn’t been a waste of time. She’d learned more about Alex, and she’d provided him with the information she’d set out to. Actually, more than she’d thought possible. Now all she could do was hope he’d contemplate everything she’d said. Her window of opportunity was getting shorter, and her ideas were running low. Tonight would be another sleepless night as she formulated plan B. And hopefully it won’t be haunted by his beautiful eyes or smile. Neither is part of any plan I have.