Desert Sunrises ✓

Chapter 14

"We gotta tell Kabede that we're being shut down." Ari tells us once we've rejoined the others. "We're taking him with us and I really don't give a rat's ass what Ethan or Isaacs or anyone has to say on the matter. We owe it to him to get him out. I'm taking Max and Sammy and we're going to go let him know."

They get up to leave and I follow. "No, Ily. You're stay here. Get every thing situated for our departure. Give some story to the workers."

I look at him helplessly before I grab his face, placing a desperate kiss on his lips. "Please don't get yourself arrested this time." I beg. He smiles slowly and nods, before going to the truck with the others. Rachel comes up and puts an arm around me, holding me, keeping me from running after him. I shed a single tear, send up a silent prayer, and turn back to Rachel and Jake. "You heard him. Let's start gathering our things."

...

It was almost nightfall when I heard trucks on the road approaching the hotel. Excited, and filled with worry, I ran out of the front door, only to be met by Colonel Ahmed and his men. "We were hoping we could have some of Chef Aziz's famous cooking."

"Of course. There's plenty." I say as I turn back to Jake. I feel a slap on my ass and I turn back around to see Ahmed and his men laughing. I walk ahead quickly, falling in step with Jake. "Keep an eye out for Guy. Angela and I can handle this." He looks like he wants to argue but I'm able to stop him with just a look.

We're sitting down to dinner a little while later, the 3 of us with Colonel Ahmed and his men. They insisted Jake join us. The 3 of us are sitting awkwardly amongst them, with myself being given the lucky spot next to Ahmed. They're laughing and enjoying themselves when one of the soldiers whispers something into his ear. "It seems your husband is back." He says in my ear, pulling me closer to him. I'm trying my hardest to keep my face neutral, not show any fear, but the disgust is harder to hold back.

"Good. I'll make sure sure he comes right in and joins us." I say, getting up.

"I will join you in welcoming him." He says, making me pause.

"As you wish." I say through my teeth. He gets up and his men follow. Before turning back to the hallway I see Jake and Rachel exchange a look. I subtly shake my head.

As we approach the door, Ari walks in. He takes one look at my face and I see a thousand emotions flicker through his eyes before he corrects himself. "Colonel. To what do we owe this pleasure?"

"I was just treating my men to some of Abu Aziz's famous cooking."

"Great, let's not keep him waiting." Ari says before walking to join me.

"Stop." He then commands his soldiers to check our trucks. "I just want to see what is in the back of your truck."

"What for?" Ari asks.

"It will please me." He says with a creepy smile. One of his men run and inform him that the trucks are empty. "So dinner."

"Great." Ari says before we turn back around and lead the way back to the dining room. We watch as his men search the property. "Is there something I can help them find?" I squirm under his gaze.