Nikolet turned with a smile that shined all the way to her eyes. “Yes, my dear. I saw him last night. We had a . . . lovely time talking.”
Then her eyes glistened, and Ziva hoped something hadn’t gone wrong. When she’d told Nikolet about Alex, she wanted it to be a joyous occasion. She never thought it might cause her pain as well. That’s because I’m not a mother and was only thinking of the instant connection, not the goodbye.
She couldn’t begin to understand how Nikolet was feeling. It was breaking Ziva’s heart not to be with Alex. She could only imagine how a mother would feel. No matter how many times mothers had to face the cruelty of having a daughter taken away from them, the pain never got any easier. I can see it in the faces of the women. The dead look in their eyes, a black hole that will never be filled.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Nikolet forced a smile, but Ziva could see the pain written all over her face.
“You haven’t. I’m so grateful you came to me and told me my son was here.”
“I thought maybe he’d have asked you to go with him to Boston.” If you were my mother, I never would’ve left you here.
“He did.”
“Then why are you not on the jet with him?” Ziva was shocked.
“I almost did. If I hadn’t met you first, I most likely would’ve been.”
“Me? What did I do?” Ziva didn’t remember saying anything bad about Boston or Alex.
Nikolet reached out and patted her hand. “You opened my eyes to what Tabiq can be again. You gave me hope. Something I had lost.”
Ziva’s eyes welled up. “I know it can be a place to be proud of again. It’s going to take—”
“More than just you. With me here, we are at least two.”
“You mean you stayed to help me?”
Nikolet shook her head. “I stayed to help Tabiq. The same as you.”
Ziva understood. “Thank you, but do you realize what you’re giving up?”
“Not as much as you are.”
She raised a brow. “I don’t understand. The son you’ve wanted for almost forty years is back in your life.”
“I had no control of what was taken from me. I can’t get that lost time back. All I can do is live in the moment. Alex will always be in my life, in my heart, whether we are in the same country or not. Rest assured, my dear, we’ll keep in touch.”
“I’m sorry for what you lost, but I’m glad you finally have each other now.”
“It’s none of my business, but you, my dear Ziva, why are you letting go of the man you love? He isn’t being ripped from your arms. You are sending him away. I fear it’s going to be the greatest regret you carry when you reach my age.”
It was something she battled over and over. She wanted to be with him. And I do love him. “It’s not that simple. We’re from two different worlds. I don’t fit in his.” And he doesn’t want to be in mine.
“I may not have married, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what love is. It is a life of its own. His hopes and dreams become yours, and yours become his. You don’t give up one for the other, but together you blend your natural gifts and help each other be the best you can be. I truly believe if you’re not a better person with a spouse, then you’re with the wrong spouse.”
The way Nikolet presented her view on love was very beautiful. It touched Ziva’s heart, and she wanted to believe she and Alex could’ve had that. But it’s too late. He’s gone.
“I guess we’ll never know.” Although she tried, her voice didn’t hide her own heartbreak.
There was a knock on the door and Nikolet got up to answer it. She said, “Sometimes you have to open a door and let love in so you can find out.”
When she opened the door, Nikolet stood back, and Ziva could see Alex standing there. He entered the room and headed right toward her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nikolet leave the house and close the door behind her.
You’re smooth, Nikolet. I know where your son gets his gift of words.
“I can’t believe you took off like that.”
It wasn’t the welcome Ziva had anticipated. Seeing his handsome face again warmed her heart.
He wasn’t the only one surprised either. She knew his jet was supposed to leave at sunrise. Yet he was standing in front of her, only inches away, and it was sweeter than honey. “I thought you were gone,” Ziva said breathlessly.
“You think I could leave without knowing you’re safe?”
Her heart sank. He’s still leaving. This visit is just another goodbye. In a much softer voice, she said, “I guess not. So you see I’m safe. Now you can go.”
She hadn’t meant for her voice to sound so pitiful. The last thing she wanted was for Alex to know how ripped apart she was. After all she’d experienced in her life, she was a strong woman. So why don’t I feel strong now? Why do I feel like pulling a blanket over my head and crying until the pain is gone?
“Is that what you want, Ziva? For me to walk right back out that door?” Alex looked at her so intensely she couldn’t bring herself to look away.
“I don’t know.” It was the truth. Part of her wanted him to be here with her, but she didn’t want him living the life she lived. This place is not a dream. It’s a nightmare. One I can’t wake from. Why would I want the man I love to share such a fate?
Alex reached out and touched her cheek. “Were you crying?”
A tear or two may have sprung free when she was talking to Nikolet. When I realized what I wanted and knew I couldn’t have it. “Your mother and I were talking about . . . Tabiq.”
“Yeah. This place would make most people cry.” He didn’t remove his hand as he continued, “Tell me what about Tabiq brought tears to your eyes, Ziva.”
That you won’t be here with me. “All the work ahead of me . . . us.”
“Us?” Alex asked, cocking a brow.
“Yes. Your mother and me. She’s going to help me.”
“Just the two of you?”
“Two is better than one.”
He pulled his hand from her and paced the room. “I don’t like this. There is no way I’m leaving you two when this country is so unstable. Who the hell knows what crazed maniac will step into power next?” He turned back to her and asked, “What do you think is going to happen to both of you then?”
“The risk is no different than it always has been.”
“And you think that makes me happy?” Alex barked.
“There are more important things than being happy.” As long as I’m separated from you, I don’t think I’ll ever be happy again.
“Are there more important things than your safety? If you ask me, the answer is no.”
She knew he was trying to show he cared. It was obvious, and she was being a jerk by pushing him. “I don’t have a death wish. Yet, what I’ve been doing and what I need to do next is important. You know that. Think of your mother. What she’s been through. I don’t want any other woman to face such hardships. This is not about me, or what I want, it’s about what . . . I have to do.” Ziva reached up, and this time she touched his cheek. “Please, Alex, try to understand. And don’t hate me for staying.”
Alex pulled her into his arms and squeezed her so tight she thought her ribs would break. “Sweet, I couldn’t hate you if I tried. Staying here scares the hell out of me because all I want is to keep you safe and make you happy. Back in Boston, I know I can do both. Here, I’m not sure.”
“Alex, no one can guarantee safety. The world is changing. Even here we see the news. Evil has taken root in the most innocent neighborhoods. All one can do is live their life, and treat others the way they want to be treated. Everything else is out of our control.”
“I won’t ever sleep with you here and me there.”
“I can’t leave.”
“Then it’s settled.”
“I guess it is,” Ziva answered softly.
Alex put a finger under her chin and tipped her head up to meet his gaze. “We st
ay in Tabiq.”
She blinked. Stunned and not sure she heard correctly.
We?
Ziva knew she was tired and her emotions were playing tricks on her mind. There was no way Alex Henderson told her he was staying.
“You heard correctly, Ziva. If you won’t come with me, I’ll stay with you.”
“Why?” The question was so simple, but such an important one.
He chuckled. “For one of the most intelligent women I know, do you really need me to tell you?”
Yes.
I need to hear the words.
“Alex, I don’t want to have misread anything.”
Alex smiled at her. “Then, my sweet, let me clarify for you. I am staying with you because I can’t picture my life anywhere but with you. I know we haven’t known each other very long, but in that short time, for the first time in my life, I want to be a better person, and I want to be that person because of you and what you’ve made me feel. I love you, Ziva Gryzb. And if this is where you want to be, then here is where I’ll be. Your fight is now mine. Besides, if you think two are better than one, can you imagine what three can do?”
Ziva couldn’t think past the words I love you. “Say it again.”
“What part?”
“That you love me,” she said, smiling and beaming from her toes to the top of her head.
Lifting her off the floor so they were face to face he said, “I love you more than I ever thought possible. What do you say about facing our tomorrows together?”
“I’d like that.”
Pulling her even closer he lowered his voice. “Is that a yes?”
She hadn’t recovered from him telling her he wanted to join her on her mission in life. Everything happened so fast she needed to slow it down a bit. There was no question in her mind that she loved him. Spending the rest of her life with him would complete her. This wasn’t something he should rush into. She wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly in the first place. “Wait, what was the question?” She hadn’t heard one that required a yes or no.
“Not very romantic, I know.”
“Alex, it’s not about romance. I don’t want you to feel . . . pressured . . . in any way. You can stay here with me, and we can do this together. You don’t have to mar—”
Alex kissed her briefly, muffling her words. Then he let her slip from his arms. Instantly she wanted to throw herself back in his embrace. It was the one place she felt safe. Loved. She hoped she didn’t push him away. The walls she kept around herself so she couldn’t feel pain were the same walls she’d built so she couldn’t feel love. Since Alex entered her life, the mortar had cracked and each stone had been removed. He was in, and without him there, the void would be impregnable.
When she stood on her own two feet, he dropped down to one knee.
“Ziva Gryzb, will you marry me?”
Her heart was pounding so fast, she barely caught her breath. This man’s name was synonymous with much torment for her country. A name that to this day instilled fear and caused mothers to hide their children. How could she consider taking that name as her own? But this is not just any name. It’s Alex’s.
With tears rolling down her cheeks she choked out the word, “Yes.”
Alex peered at her. He was still on a bent knee, so he gave her a slight tug, bringing her closer as she now sat on his knee. Now they were eye to eye. “You hesitated. Are you sure?”
“It’s just that this is so different from Boston. I’m not sure you’ll be happy here.” We’re not the rich and famous. Well, not famous for anything good.
“There is plenty here that I want to do myself.”
“Like?”
“I found my mother. Or I should say you found her. My siblings don’t know theirs, and I want to locate all of them. It’s going to be difficult for all parties involved. I know what I felt, and I can’t imagine what my mother is feeling. I could use your help with finding them and the transition to meeting their children.”
Ziva grinned. He genuinely wanted her to be part of his life. Not just here, but to become part of the entire Henderson family. She’d already met two of his brothers. If the rest were as kind, she knew she’d love them. And hopefully, they’ll love me in return.
“Alex, I’d love to help you. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For trusting me.”
“My sweet, I should thank you for trusting me. I know what my name means here.”
It was sad but true. They were hated. Unless you were greedy and only wanted their money. “Alex, that can change. I actually believe it has started. It will take time, but the people will see the man I see. And they’ll feel the same way.”
“And how is that?”
She smiled. “They’ll love you.”
He kissed her gently. “I don’t care who loves me, as long as you do.”
“Well, Mr. Henderson, I do love you, and in case you have any doubt, yes, I’ll marry you.”
Alex kissed her again. This time so tenderly it made her yearn for more. She pulled away and reminded him gently where they were. He laughed and said, “I can’t help but lose myself when I’m near you.”
Ziva got off his knee and said, “Maybe we should find someplace more . . . private.”
“Ah, like my island.”
“Your island?” Ziva asked.
“Yes, the one I took you to. I thought we could build a home there. You know, travel back and forth for times when we need a little . . . quiet.”
“And how are you going to work there?”
“I’m an author, Ziva. I can work anywhere.”
“Even here?”
“I might find some inspiration here.”
“I’d be flattered if you told me you wrote romance instead of intrigue,” Ziva teased.
“Hmm. Let’s get out of here,” Alex said, dragging her to the door.
Following him out of the house, they saw Nikolet sitting on a bench. Alex turned to Ziva and said, “Give me a minute.”
She nodded. I’ll give you my lifetime. She watched as he went to his mother. They spoke briefly but from the look on Nikolet’s face, Alex told her what transpired. She stood, placed a kiss on her son’s forehead, gave him a hug, then sat back on the bench. When Alex turned toward her again his eyes were sparkling.
“Mother said welcome to the family,” Alex said as he took hold of her hand again.
She’d gone a long time without family. “I’m so happy you found each other.”
“No Ziva. You found both of us. Without you, none of this would’ve been possible. Not stopping Rajani or the manager. Finding my mother probably would’ve taken more time, and who knows how receptive she’d have been without you? I call you my sweet for a reason. Because life has been noting but sweet since I laid eyes on you.”
She wanted to remind him about their little hostage situation, but looking back, it was something they’d shared together. Therefore, she’d agree, it was sweet.
They held hands as they headed down a path that led to a small field not far away. There was a chopper in the clearing, waiting for them. She must’ve been deep in conversation with Nikolet to miss hearing its approach.
Alex didn’t slow his pace as they continued to make their way to the chopper. He seemed focused. On what she didn’t know. “Is something wrong?” Ziva asked, perplexed with the sudden change.
“Nope. I was just thinking about changing genres and needing research.”
“What genre?”
Alex spun around and swooped her high into his arms. “I was thinking erotica.”
Her eyes widened. “You want to write that?”
He shook his head. “Nope. Just do the research.”
“What exactly do you have in mind?” Ziva asked him seductively.
Alex came close to her ear and whispered, “To love you from head to toe and then start all over again. Unless you have any objections?”
“A lovely way to spend a night.”
“I was thinking five nights.”
“Five?”
“For starters.” Ziva arched a brow then Alex continued. “If I thought I could keep you away from here longer, I’d have said a month, but I know how anxious you are to get back and begin your work.”
“I’m that obvious?”
Alex nodded. Giving her a nip on her earlobe, he asked, “Are you with me?”
His for five nights? Yeah, it’s a good start. She liked this playful side of Alex. It was refreshing after all they had been through. Ziva laughed. “Till death do us part.”
She leaned close to his ear and whispered a dirty little desire she had. Alex stiffened and said, “Oh, yeah. A lot of research will be needed.”
As he carried her to the chopper, Ziva knew everything wasn’t perfect. They would face many difficulties, and the mammoth effort to rebuild Tabiq could possibly be heartbreaking. But what was different now was neither would face them alone. For so many years, that had been all she’d known, and knowing she had two people by her side, her heart soared. She’d probably lost her job after being gone so many days, but then again, with Alex by her side, maybe they could have an actual police department that upheld the law instead of breaking it. The possibilities for the future were endless. All because one man, Alexander Henderson, would be by her side.
Today, right now, they were happy, and she was going to learn a new lesson. I’m going to live in the moment and hold on tight.
Tomorrow would come soon enough, but today all she wanted was to be Alex and Ziva. And one day, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson.
The End
Don’t miss book 6, After Six!
Be the first to hear about my releases
Click here!
Other Books By Jeannette Winters
The Billionaire’s Secret
Billionaire Jon Vinchi is a man with one passion: work. His friends decide to shake him up by entering him as a prize at a charity event.
Accountant Lizette Burke is dressed to the nines and covering for her boss at a charity event. She’s hoping to land a donor for the struggling non-profit agency that employs her.
His For Five Nights Page 19