From Aliya to Hafiz

Thirty-two.

Hafiz.

There's a buzz in my head.

I knew I was angry, but it was like my mind couldn't keep up with my emotions. When I tried to go back to the source, the buzzing grew increasingly louder. But I had two things that were as clear as day to me.

One, I needed to salvage this partnership before Father found out. And he would, eventually. But I wanted to have rectified the situation before he did.

Two, I wanted to strangle that little bitch. I just knew it was too good to be true, her willingly agreeing to help me out just like that. What, a favour? How could a greedy bastard like her be satisfied with something like that?

No, it was all my fault. How could I ask her to help me? How could I when I knew how our relationship was more than anybody? Was I fucking out of my mind or was I possessed by something?

Shoving down my irritation, I drove to the hotel where Sofia was staying and went to the reception to inquire about her room number.

"Sorry sir, that guest specifically stated she didn't wish to receive any visitors today."

"Tell her it's Hafiz and it's urgent," I tapped on the counter, anxious.

"I'm afraid I'll be going against the guest's wishes sir," the woman smiled, polite and professional.

"Can I speak to her on the phone?"

"You're putting me in a tough position sir," she said. "Why don't you call her up privately?"

"Will I be going back and forth like this with you if she was fucking picking up my call!? Just get her to allow me upstairs to her room!"

"Sir please remain calm, I don't want to call security," she said, a slight frown on her face.

"Who do you think you are, telling me this!?"

"You are creating a scene sir, please don't raise your voice, and disturb our guests."

Dasilva's fucking hostels and their fucking rules that won't be bent for anybody.

Cussing, I stepped backwards. It wasn't like l could tell her who I was or call up Dasilva. The last thing I wanted was to let this slip out. The board would go feral if they learned of it.

Resigned, I could only drive back home and figure out how to get in touch with Sofia. Even her assistants weren't picking up my calls.

When I passed by the step that led to the third floor, I hesitated for a beat before taking it to Nine's room. He was in the living room, on a phone call.

I didn't even know where he got that from because it wasn't on him when I found him.

"Did you find out who the mole is? I can't stay here long, the American government are part of the countries hunting me," he said to the person on the other side of the call, making me freeze mid-step.

"Don't let them know you've found me for now, whoever orchestrated this would be anxious to seize power away from me now that I'm gone. Play the person's game well, I don't need to teach you what to do, right?"

His eyes flickered to me and he looked startled before something fitted across his face. "Take care of everything, I'll call you later," he hung up the phone.

His gaze narrowed on me. "How much did you hear?"

I maintained my spot a few metres away from the living space. "Just enough, you're fugitive?"

Something dark settled on his expression as he drew his frame, which suddenly appeared alarmingly big, off the couch.

"What are you doing?" I took a step back, reading to defend against any attack thrown at me.