Taming of the beast - Completed.

Chapter Seven

Tucking hair behind her ear, Callie kept an eye on the car in the side mirror and caught glances now and then. Not too close, not too far. Probably enjoying the views as she was. Going home as they were, spotting more cars behind, relaxing. Just an overactive imagination, lowering further into the seat, also kept an eye on the car behind, a dark SUV, still on their tail, yet where could they pull off or go around?

Sitting up more as they approached another village, and with indication, Riyad drove into the filling station, stopping alongside a pump. "A five minute stop," he warned. Callie was out of the car before he had finished and charged across to use the facilities, then headed into the shop, where she pointed to receive nos. She grabbed a coffee and a chocolate bar, headed back towards the car, climbed in, joined by Riyad, and was driven away.

One thing she had noticed that every one of the cars behind them had driven pass after they had pulled in. Munching on chocolate, sipping coffee, she was contented, thinking about what to cook for dinner.

Still, on edge, Riyad glanced sideways pleased to see Callie none the wiser. However, he wasn't even sure if they had been followed. He couldn't afford anyone to find out where he actually lived. They wouldn't expect him to move out here, using a dummy company to purchase the land, under an assumed name, many years ago, never expecting to live here permanently.

He kept a close eye on the traffic, even took a detour, showing Callie another quaint village that she loved so much. Even pulled into another driveway, removing his phone, making a call, before finally driving up the driveway, gates closing behind, and disappearing out of sight.

Stopping in front of the garage, he drove in as the doors opened, closing behind, where they climbed out of the car. Riyad joined Callie helping her with her purchases, carrying them inside. Leaving her alone with her purchases, Riyad headed towards his office, making another call.

"Anything?"

"No. Not as I could see. No suspicious drive-bys."

Thoughtful, Riyad placed down the phone. He hoped so. Also hoped today hadn't been a mistake he would regret. Then he thought of how happy Callie had been, she had glowed and over such a small thing.

Also worried over spending so little. Maybe it was time to change that, removing the phone, sinking into the chair, calling his broker, setting into motion something that would see her right.

Feeling restless and unable to concentrate on work, Riyad left the office and headed towards the kitchen, wondering what she was up to now. Was it only the other day they had hit the shops, it seemed so long ago. Far too quiet. No loud racket.

Maybe she was making one of her creations again, using him as the Guinea pig. Never saw that coming, like so many things since she had been here, weaving her little spell of magic upon them. It was a hit and miss thing.

At least she was trying, sometimes very trying his mouth half curved as he opened the door entering the small entryway before opening up into the kitchen and stilled at the sound of voices. What the hell? He took a step, only to stop at the belly laugh of a man. Hidden from sight he stepped towards the side of the wall as another voice joined in.

What she was having a gathering with his staff, peering around the corner, his heart clenching at the sight of them sharing refreshments and something to eat. An ache filled him that he hadn't felt before that washed over him like a heavy burden.

"Riyad?" Stunned he straightened and dug his hands deep into his pants pockets and leaned against the wall edge, in full view of everyone.

"Are we having a union meeting?"