After parking the car, Ryan walked into the hotel as if he owned the place and like he wasn’t wearing tactical gear, minus a helmet. Although he caught a few eyes, people were more interested in Aziza and Sunita.
Aziza tipped her chin up and did not make eye contact with anyone.
As though attuned to her discomfort, Ryan reached for her hand, and she allowed him to fold her fingers in his warm grip. He drew her closer. “We’ll be upstairs in a minute. I’ll come back down and do the necessaries later.”
The elevator came in seconds, and she couldn’t help being relieved that it was empty. She hoped it stayed that way until they arrived at Ryan’s floor.
Aziza got her wish, and minutes later they walked down a carpeted corridor to Ryan’s room. As he let them in, he said, “The Sheikh has treated me like royalty, so we have a suite.”
She glanced at Sunita. “Thank God for that.”
The living area, decorated in cream, gold, and touches of silver was elegant with heavy sofas loaded under plump cushions. The drapery was pulled back from the windows, letting in light and giving the impression of even more space. Aziza was more than grateful to exchange her previous meager confines for this luxurious space..
Sunita stood by her side, as if afraid to touch anything.
“You can sit, sweetie.” Aziza accompanied her words with an encouraging smile. To Ryan, she said, “The first thing we need is a shower. After that, we can think about food and clothing.”
“I’ll get room service,” he said, reaching for the dining card on the center table. “Fancy anything in particular?”
“Nope, I’m so grateful to be out of that prison, even a hamburger would do.”
“Leave it to me. You ladies can take care of your needs while I organize our dinner.”
“Where’s your comb?” she asked.
“Huh?”
“We’re going to need one in a few minutes.”
“Sure, they’re in the bathroom. I’ll call housekeeping and have them send up some extra toiletries.”
“Thanks, love.” In that moment, Aziza was so grateful for that small favour, she almost burst into tears. She rested a hand on her chest and swallowed hard to get a grip on her emotions.
Ryan watched her, his face radiating affection and tenderness.
When her eyes filled again, Aziza looked away and motioned to Sunita. They both made a beeline for the bedroom and the bathroom, which was the size of a small living room. The jacuzzi was something out of an upscale home and gardening magazine, and large enough for a small child to swim. The beige-and-brown tiles and gold fittings provided an elegant backdrop for a relaxing self-care experience. But that could wait.
Given Sunita’s history, Aziza was cautious about how she introduced the idea of a bath.
Sunita’s eyes were wide with wonder as she ran one small hand over the edge of the bath.
Pointing to her right, Aziza said, “We can use the shower if you prefer.”
With a vigorous nod, Sunita settled that matter.
“Will you let me wash your hair?” Aziza asked.
Again, Sunita nodded but didn’t move to get inside the stall, shielded by glass. She hunched and stepped back, twisting her fingers together.
Aziza kneeled in front her, sensing what was wrong. “I won’t hurt you. All we’re going to do is wash your hair, then allow you to bathe, okay?”
Going on instinct, Aziza rose and pulled the dress over her head. She let it fall to the floor and, wearing her undies, stepped into the granite enclosure. While she selected the shampoo from among the hotel personal care samples, Sunita removed her dress and walked inside.
Aziza turned on the tap and frowned when no water emerged. She twisted another nozzle and water hit her from three directions, plus the showerhead. Aziza let out a squeak and tried to dodge the water. Her frantic clawing at the gold spigot amused Sunita, who laughed for the first time since they met.
When Aziza finally got the pipe turned off, she chuckled. “That’s not funny.”
Sunita laughed again. “Yes, it is, Auntie.”
Aziza beckoned to her. “Now that I know how these pipes work, let’s wash your hair.”
She shampooed, conditioned, and detangled Sunita’s hair, then allowed her to soap and rinse herself. When she wrapped a fluffy towel around the girl and another around her head like a turban, Aziza chuckled. “You look like a queen.”
A grin broke over Sunita’s face and snatched Aziza’s breath. She deserved this moment of laughter and all the good things life had not afforded her as yet. Aziza used another few minutes to gather Sunita’s hair into two plaits, and told her that she would return in a moment. On her way out, she wrapped a robe around herself.
Ryan met her outside the bedroom door and handed her a container of personal items. “Everything all right?” he asked.
“Thanks, that was quick,” she said. “Can I borrow two tee-shirts?”
“They’re hanging in the cupboard. Take whatever you want.”
She smiled, tipping her head to one side. “I hope you remember those words when I ask you for something bigger.”
He rose and came to her. After dropping a kiss on her forehead, he murmured, “Nothing will ever be too hard, or big, for me to do for you.”
A lump rose in her throat, and her eyes smarted. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Ryan wore an enigmatic smile, but even without declaring his heart with words, Aziza knew this man loved her. No way would he leave his comfortable existence in what amounted to Paradise to chase someone halfway around the world if he didn’t. He could have considered me dead and forgotten about me, but thank God he’s persistent.
She sent up a brief prayer for the women. If they were lucky, they could rest without having nightmares. And hopefully, the men that had been assigned to do the job would find those girls. She took the shirts and hurried back to Sunita, who stood in front of the dresser reaching into the bowl of soap bars in gold wrapping.
The girl pulled her hand back as
