Chapter Seven
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Alex was left standing alone, wrapped in a towel, with his entire body throbbing. It wasn’t how he pictured it to end when he kissed Ziva. Then again, he hadn’t anticipated her pulling a gun on him either. She has me tied up in knots, but damn, tied up by her is pretty damn sweet.
Even if he was dressed, Alex wouldn’t have followed after her. Ziva might not know it, but that was exactly what he needed her to do. Walking to his bed, Alex picked up his SAT phone and called Bennett.
“She’s just about to leave the hotel.”
“Got it.”
“Whatever you do, don’t let her see you.” Alex had no idea why he was wasting his breath. Bennett was damn good at what he did, and Ziva was so flustered she wasn’t going to be paying attention to her surroundings. Things couldn’t have worked out more perfectly.
Unless Ziva and I were in a different place and time. Because I wouldn’t have let her go, and she would’ve never left.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be able to track her truck from this shithole of a room if I have to. Is there anything I should know?”
“She was armed.” Alex wasn’t sure if she had more than the one gun, but Bennett needed to know. “She pulled a gun on me.”
“Fuck! I never saw that coming.”
“Neither did I,” Alex admitted. She was a lot of things, but violent wasn’t one of them. Since she didn’t pull the trigger, he was betting he was right.
“This changes things. We need to—”
“It changes nothing. She was only out to protect Myla. Nothing more.”
“Alex. You don’t know what she’s capable of,” Bennett warned.
“You’re right. But I’m telling you, Bennett, nothing better happen to her. If she pulls another gun, you better fucking find a way to disarm her without injuring her. If anything happens to her, you’re answering to me. Got it?”
There was a brief pause but Bennett agreed. “We’re playing a dangerous game, Alex. We still have no idea who she’s working with. This could be a trap.”
“Then I suggest you keep your eyes open. In the meantime, I’m going to pay the manager a visit. It’s time we discuss his boss.”
“I can’t be there to back you up if I’m following Ziva.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“Alex, I think you’re in over your head. Hell, we both are. Look around. This place is so damn toxic; I’m not sure you can save it.”
Bennett was right. Saving Tabiq was going to take a hell of a lot more than their efforts alone. That didn’t mean he couldn’t put a dent into the smooth-running corrupt machine. I am going to shut this hotel down. I’m going to find my mother, and I will make sure nothing happens to Ziva if it’s the last thing I do.
“It’s not all bad, Bennett. Look at Ziva. If she hasn’t shown you the decent side of Tabiq, you’re blind.”
“Then get her to leave this place. I’m telling you, there is no way you can accomplish what you want to do all by yourself.”
“Funny, I thought I had you covering my six.” Alex tried to make light of the subject.
“You Hendersons are always looking for a miracle.”
“Nothing wrong with expecting significant results. Now go and get me some.”
“Roger.”
Alex disconnected the call and headed back to the bed where he’d tossed her gun. Picking it up, he realized it weighed less than it should. Sliding an eject button, he pulled out the clip. It was empty. She’s crazy. Pulling a gun on someone is one thing. My guess is she probably wouldn’t have pulled the trigger. But not to have it loaded... If I were anyone else, this would’ve ended so differently. And she wouldn’t have been able to run away. And yet, seeing her with the gun in her hand had been sexy as hell. She’s gorgeous. And to taste her lips...
It only solidified his initial thought. They had to find Ziva. She was going to get herself killed if they didn’t. If he thought they were playing a dangerous game, it was nothing compared to what she was doing. I’ll find you. There wasn’t anyone else who’d protect her. All she had was him, and she didn’t even know they were on the same side.