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Aaliyah didn’t have a drivers licence nor did she need one, in Saudi no one would bother asking an Al-Rashdi for verification and out of the country she always had security and a driver.
It was a necessary part of her life, and after what happened with Ehsan and her father security had only become tighter and she hated it. There was some freedom in Saudi, she never in her life thought Riyaadh would be a place of freedom.
So as she drove her Porsche on a deserted desert road she allowed her mind to wonder. It wasn’t a smart move but she was going through hell and needed some relief, the chance of her loosing her mind was a real threat at the moment.
It had been two months since she’d left the Hamptons and boarded a private jet to Riyaadh, she ran, she ran as fast and as far as she could, because the facing Zara was torture.
This situation the past events, it was all happening to her, she was an accessory of so many peoples miss guided actions.
Her father funding terrorist.
An arranged marriage she didn’t want.
Being set up by Zara, then falling in love with her, ok that was her fault. She should have acted with some common sense.
And now her brother roping her in to this whole CIA debacle.
She was just an accessory to everyone’s choices, never her own, no one cared though, she was suppose to be the perfect Aaliyah Al-Rashdi, no questions asked.
She could do a lot, fake a lot, she had been playing the grieving widow for the past three years now. She chastised herself for thinking that, it wasn’t fair to her husband, she actually missed Ehsan, they weren’t a love match but he was kind and he would have sufficed as a husband and a father. How different life would have been with Ehsan as her husband. As much as she hated the idea of being sold into a marriage to solidify ties between the Al-Rashid’s and Amrohi’s at least if the marriage had happened, she would have had a family of her own, children of her own, that would make such a difference in the empty existence she was floating through now.
So after three year of sheer torture, of trying and failing to get over Zara she was back in her life, texting her daily and making her loose her mind. How do you get over something like this, for any addiction the solution was to starve yourself, that’s what she’d done for three years, now without her permission or consideration Zara or Cruz was now a daily part of her life.
When would this end!
A phone call from her brother disrupted her daydream.
“Mrs Al-Rashid, I hear you enjoying the sand and sights of Riyaadh so much that you delayed your return once again.” She could hear her brothers smirk over the phone.
“Khalid, my assistant is in love with you, please stop using her for information on me!” Aaliyah couldn’t help joking back.
“I miss you Aali, please come home, don’t make me come fetch you.” Khalid was serious, hemissed her like crazy.
“I’m home licking my wounds, give me time.” Aaliyah didn’t believe in pretence, ever.
“Ok I will suffer in silence, where are you driving to anyway?” Khalid asked
“How do you know I’m driving?” Aaliyah’s temper was rising.
“You have a tracker on your watch. It’s for your safety so don’t flip out. I see you close to our old camping spot.”Khalid confirmed
“We need to go camping soon. All the brothers and sisters, like we used too. Maybe all their kids as well.” Aaliyah was thinking of their desert camping trips with all her siblings, non of their mothers though, Asmar always said he wanted them together getting along. How could such a considerate father be such a terrible man.
“When will you be coming back?” Khalid asked
“I’m spending a week with Salma and her kids, then I will head back to the USA and we can conclude this business with your new friends.” Aaliyah was a bit short with him but her emotions were a mess.
Khalid never took her serious even when she insulting him “Are you spending the week with Salma or Salma’s extremely infatuated brother-in-law?”
Salma was Aaliyah and Khalid’s half sister, her mother was a Syrian painter and Asmar’s second wife. Her and Aaliyah were only a year apart in age and they loved each other dearly. Salma had two boys and a girl, she was married to a Syrian Doctor whose family owned a private hospital chains around the Middle East.
The brother in law Khalid teased her about was the doctor’s brother Amir, a plastic surgeon pretty boy. Their family legacy was health care and hers was terrorism disguised as oil.
She would never subject sweet funny Amir to her chaotic life.
“Amir is a friend, a good friend he is one of the few people that is not looking to use me or the family for he’s gain. So cut him some slack.” Aaliyah was really in a bad mood and taking it out on Khalid.
“Is that a dig at me?” Khalid was already feeling bad for what he had asked her to do, for bringing Cruz back into her life when he knew she was only just beginning to heel.
“Brother I love you, and would do anything for you, I’m taking out my bad mood on you, forgive me.” Aaliyah conceded
“I’ll tell you what, bring back your boyfriend with you, we spoke last week of building hospitals in some of the remote Afghan areas. Our family has funded terrorist in Afghanistan and those people have suffered because of the thoughtless actions of our father, I’d like to use some of he’s money to enrich their lives, Amir offered to help run that project, he’s seen he’s father build hospitals all he’s life, he has the connections.” Khalid explained
“That’s very noble of you brother, but why not ask Harun to help, he is after all our brother in law?” Aaliyah didn’t understand her brother’s thinking on most days.
He laughed “My dear sister, Harun is our brother in law yes, but I wouldn’t dare take him away from my sister and he’s family. Amir on the other hand is free and single he is also my friend, and is trying very hard to impress you, so as they say win-win.”
“I’m married.” Aaliyah rebuffed with an eye roll
“Give Amir a chance, I’ll tell him to liaise with you, you can give him a lift on the jet.” Khalid was relentless when he wanted something
“I’ll see him when I’m at Salma’s and offer him use of our jet. I think it’s honourable what you two are going to do for the Afghan people.” Aaliyah admired her brother for trying to change the Amrohi legacy but it seemed pointless, her father had done a stellar job cementing their family name is money laundering and terrorism.
That night while Aaliyah was attending to her million work emails, she got what seemed like the twentieth text from Zara, she hadn’t responded to any of them and she wasn’t planning on responding. But when she opened the text and read it she couldn’t help smiling.
“Hey Aaliyah, I don’t know if you remember me, it Cruz Manuelos. If you could stop ignoring me, that’d be great.”
Aaliyah wrote back “I’m not ignoring you, you’ll have my full attention when I’m back in the states, for now Riyaadh is my time to rest and spend time with family.”
Cruz began typing immediately “Can you call me, I hate texting like a teenager.”
Aaliyah put the call though
“Ms Manuelos, I hear you’ve been trying to contact me? I hope it’s important.” Aaliyah was really confused about how this was going to go.
“Yes, yes of course Ms Amrohi, I’m just checking if you alright and when you’ll be back state side?” Cruz was loosing it, Aaliyah always made her loose focus.
“It’s Mrs Al-Rashdi, it has been for the last three years. I’ll be back in the states next week maybe. Khalid’s friend is accompanying me so I need to check he’s schedule.”
Everything Aaliyah said in response to Cruz, triggered her, the green eyed woman was clearly trying to distance herself and put up walls, Cruz didn’t blame her but she wanted their old dynamic back. She was delusional but she could never think straight when it came to Aaliyah.
“Trying very hard to remind me that you’re married, aren’t you Aali.” Cruz was determined not to beat around, in her job you said what you meant, no room for miscommunication.
“It’s only the truth Cruz. And it’s a fact that has kept me safe for the last few years.” Aaliyah meant from other relationships and prospects of marriage.
“We’ll keep you safe, I’ll keep you safe during these missions, you have nothing to worry about.” Cruz was rambling but she just wanted to keep speaking to Aaliyah.
“I don’t doubt that, look Zara, if there’s not anything else, I’ve got an early day with my sister and I need to be in bed as soon as possible.” Aaliyah was hurt and Cruz didn’t expect her to be back to normal, but Aaliyah was one of the most generous spirited and loving women. To have her be all business and standoffish was so strange to Cruz.
“No nothing else, let me know when you confirm your return date, also this friend of your brothers, you need to give me a name so we can do a back ground check. Anyone who spends more than an hour with you needs to be vetted, that includes staff.” It was also killing Cruz to know who this friend was, Aaliyah even when she was engaged to Ehsan, she did what she wanted, no one else’s plans mattered, for her to alter her diary to accommodate another guy was crazy to Cruz so they must be another reason. Maybe they were dating.
“That won’t be necessary, he’s my brother in law Harun’s brother. We’ve know each other since preschool. He is no danger to me or this mission. Aaliyah thought of Amir the laid back pretty boy, he was to chilled to be a terrorist, a surfer yes, never a terrorist.
“We’ll still need a name.” Cruz was in a downward spiral.
“This is pointless, Amir AlJameel, he’s a plastic surgeon and a life long friend. If there’s nothing else, goodnight Zara.” Aaliyah always slipped up unconsciously calling Cruz, Zara.
“Good night Aaliyah.” As Aaliyah ended the call Cruz started searching Amir Al Jameel.
The results were not good, she hoped he resemble the hunchback of Norte Dame but no, Amir was tall, olive skin and designer stubble, he wore he’s hair slightly overgrown and he looked like the typical playboy billionaire. And that what Cruz’s first impression was. She opened he’s family website, it detailed most siblings success stories, Amir was different he didn’t have a board position, preferring to spend time doing surgeries for underprivileged communities in the Middle East and Africa.
If Cruz thought Ehsan’s face irritated her, Amir did exponentially more.
No wonder Aaliyah was changing plans to spend time with him.
Josie chose that moment to walk into the living room. She was preparing dinner at Cruz’s house. Their relationship had been slightly strained recently, but when your girlfriends lost lover come back into the picture, that was almost guaranteed.
“Who’s the hottie?” Josie asked
“Cruz Manuelos, marine.” Cruz replied with a wink.
That earned her a peck on the lips from Josie as she took a seat next to Cruz on the coach.
“You’re my hottie, but am talking about this guy?”
“This is Amir Al Jameel, saint, model, plastic surgeon. The reason I’m checking him out is he’s all of a sudden spending time with the Amrohi siblings, he’s also their brother in law.” Cruz realise she still battled to say Aaliyah’s name in front of Josie.
“Are you stalking him?” Josie asked with a chuckle
“No, I’m really just checking him out. But this guy is reading like a pageant contestant, it’s crazy?”
“You need to be careful with this case Cruz, Aaliyah brings out a very protective side to you!” Josie cautioned
“It’s not Aaliyah, it’s the nature of this case, I killed their father, to be anywhere near them is stressful, and they have a list of enemies a mile long!”
______________________________________
Aaliyah was at her sisters house, it was basically a compound in Riyaadh, quiet close to her fathers primary residency. From what Salma said their father was a great grandfather, taking the boys hunting and camping, her daughter was only eight months old she never got the chance to meet Asmar, she was named for him though, Amara.
Aaliyah could believe that her father excelled in he’s grandfather duties, in he’s busiest time her father was an attentive father, and he favoured he’s daughter like all Arab fathers. Whatever they wanted, they got.
As Aaliyah entered the house her nephews cannoned into her. She was so happy to see them. Sticky fingers, dirty faces and all. A though went through her head, if Cruz hadn’t completed her mission and they actually called a drone strike, none of her family would have survived, she hugged the boys a little harder at that thought.
They squealed and moaned, Omar and Aayan kissed her and held her hands to bring her to their mom. The two little boys had a slightly American accent because of their international school eduction. They had a private tutor to teach them at home on most days because of security concerns.
Salma was in the living room, or one of the living rooms, surrounded by plastic building blocks. She jumped up when she saw Aaliyah, she hugged her and kissed her.
“It’s been too long Ya helo, I’ve missed you, we’ve all missed you, didn’t we boys?”
They both nodded along and Omar hugged Aaliyah again, he was a softly.
“I’ve missed you, you need to spend some time in the states, there’s so many things we need to do, shopping in New York, shopping in Beverly Hills, shopping mainly.” Aaliyah laughed and hugged her sister again.
“Where’s my niece?” Aaliyah asked.
Amir chose that moment to enter the room with an almost sleeping Amara in he’s arms.
Aaliyah got up to greet him, in Arab culture women didn’t really allow touch men, not even a handshake, but with Amir they were family, they kissed each other on each cheek. Amara wasn’t sleeping already but she was on her way there.
“Sit down Aali, I’ll put her in your arms.” Amir instructed with a dimpled smile.
Aaliyah sat down and he placed the baby in her arms. She looked like a cherub angel.
Amir sat really close to her while they both looked at Amara.
“She has your eyes.” He said in he’s deep voice.
“Be glad I’ve added valuable Amrohi genes to that Al Jameel pool. And given you brother gorgeous children, and a daughter he’ll go to war for!” Salma joked, Amir and her were great friends.
“I’m hoping to get ahold of some of those elusive Amrohi genes as well.” Amir joked and put he’s arm on the back of sofa.
“I’m a married woman Amir, if you value your life you’d remember that. We could fix you up with a Amrohi cousin, there’s plenty, young and beautiful too.” Aaliyah joked
“I’ve chosen the one I want, thank you for the offer.” Amir was all smiles now, Aaliyah was as red a tomato.
“My brother said I should offer you a lift to the states. When would you like to go?” Aaliyah changed the topic.
“I’m easy, whenever you’re ready.” Amir shrugged.
“Maybe I should join you’ll, see my brother and my nephews. Spends some time relaxing in the sun without being roasted.” Salma suggested
“That would be great, and Aaliyah and I can borrow these kiddos and go on our first date to Disney land. Hey boys, you want to go to Disney land?” The boys ran to Amir shouting their delight.
“That’s a great idea, minus the date, then we can leave asap.” Aaliyah finished with a smile, at least she didn’t have to spend the whole flight alone with Amir.
They were boarding the Amrohi Jet to fly back to the states, it only took Salma a day to finalise her plans, her husband Harun was on a business trip to Singapore so he would be away from home for a week anyway.
Three kids their nannies and tons of luggage plus a protection detail, the plane was filling up fast.
Once they got in and got settled. The boys played then dosed off, Amir carried them to the king size bed at the back of the plane, Salma joined with Amara, leaving Amir and Aaliyah alone.
The man left six vacant seats and chose the one across from her.
“Look Aaliyah, you gonna say no again for the fifth or sixth time, but I’m asking you to please give me a chance, or tell me why you don’t want to.” Amir got straight to the point
“Amir, pick someone else for your sake and mine, pick someone else, the Al-Rashdi’s feel that they own me, if I show any interest in moving on, it’ll have to be with another Al-Rashdi, they are the royal family of Saudi, you will be killed if rumour of us start.” Aaliyah tried to make him see.
“I’m a doctor Aaliyah and I’m Arab I understand, but you’ve shut yourself off, you don’t want a relationship. You know you think I’m a playboy and I’m infatuated, but the truth is I fell in love with you when you were eleven years old. It was your grandfather’s funeral and one of the hottest days in Saudi. I made you sit on the cool tiles and gave you water, I moved the hair of your face and wiped away a tear. Do you remember that?” Amir asked
“Yes, I remember thinking you were my Prince Charming.” Aaliyah confirmed with a smile.
“Well my father also saw my smitten act, he called me into he’s office and asked me if I wanted to be killed, that I should get my adolescent hormones under control, you were promised to Ehsan and I was to avoid you at all cost.” Amir seemed irritated by this even now.
“I did what I was told, but now that I have a second chance, I will not give up without a fight.” Amir finished.
“ I might not be what you want in a wife.” Aaliyah challenged.
“I don’t want you to be my wife Aaliyah, I want you to be my partner in this crazy life, my lover and my friend. I want a love marriage, I want to bring children into a home filled with it, like my brother and Salma.” Amir was saying everything Aaliyah wanted to hear.
“I was so mad at my brothers wedding, he got he’s Amrohi bride and he was so happy. And you were at the wedding with Ehsan. If I could have punched him I would have.”
Aaliyah laughed there was nothing else to do, maybe giving Amir a chance wasn’t the worse thing, she was going back home to face Zara and her girlfriend, having Amir by her side might not be the worse thing. And he was relentless, he would not waver from this mission.
————————————————————-
They set up in the Hamptons Aaliyah offered Amir the guest house but he confirmed that he’d use he’s father's house further up the beach.
Before he left, he helped Salma with Amara and asked Aaliyah and the boys if they’d like to go for a walk and get an ice cream. Amir was unlike Ehsan, he was extremely outgoing and not once had she seen him near a laptop, he took the occasional call but he was very much in the moment.
Omar held Aaliyahs hand as they walked, while Aayan rode on Amir’s shoulders. To anyone who didn’t know them they looked like the perfect family.
To any stranger and to Cruz who was sat in a black SUV with Josie doing surveillance on the Amhori’s. It wasn’t really necessary but Joe was worried the Amrohi’s might be threatened by other power players in the area.
Watching Aaliyah with Amir confirmed her worst fear, there was definitely something more than family ties and friendship between them.
“She sure knows how to pick ‘em!” Josie whistled
“These high society types all choose from within the same circle.” Cruz said with some disdain.
Cruz felt lightheaded, seeing Aaliyah with Ehsan was easy, it was an arranged marriage and she was forced into it, with Amir she was choosing him, she might be in love with him.
She checked herself on her jealousy and hypocrisy because she was seated next to her girlfriend, she wanted Aaliyah to be happy and have a future.
They both loved each other deeply but it would never work. This was inevitable, but it was ripping her heart to shreds.
Aaliyah always felt like she was being watched, she was used to it. But today more so than most, Amir was an amazing guy, the time and consideration he gave her and he’s nieces and nephew was shocking for someone so busy.
“Your mind is wondering, are you thinking what a bad idea this is?” Amir asked
“No actually, I was thinking you’d make a good father.” Aaliyah laughed
“I would be, I’d dote on our kids, my daughters especially.” He said with a wink
Aaliyah shoved him “Don’t say stuff like that, you never know who’s listening.”
Amir took that moment, with Aaliyah smiling a bit off kilter to kiss her, he started of slow then kissed her into submission, she made a noise in the throat and deepened the kiss.
Omar hit straight into Amir stomach and ended the kiss, Amir was laughing now, a deep happy chuckle.
“What’s wrong little man?” Amir gave him a hug, he squirmed out and sat on Aaliyahs lap.
In the most perfect outraged Arabic Aaliyah had ever heard, “You can’t kiss my aunty!”
“She is my girlfriend Omar, I can kiss her.” He spoke to the boy with so much love.
Omar wasn’t convinced, and he looked at Aaliyah for confirmation,
“He is OMmie, uncle Amir is my boyfriend, he can kiss me. And I can kiss him.” Aaliyah flashed her extra bright green eyes at Amir.
Aayan was the least concerned, he cuddled up to Amir as if he was ready for sleep.
“Let’s get back.” Amir settled Aayan on he’s shoulder and held Aaliyahs hand as they walked back to the house.
Cruz had an audio amplifier and to say the conversation had left her heart broken was an understatement.
“We’ve got a meeting with the Amrohi siblings tomorrow, we might as well head home. I’ll debrief Joe once we there.” Cruz said to Josie, she was extremely short with Josie and that was not fair.
—————-——————————————
The next morning Cruz was at the Amrohi mansion, they were told to keep to the East wing, Aaliyahs sister was on the other side.
Khalid was there also, waiting for a debrief.
Cruz and Josie were at the house. And Cruz didn’t know how to act, knowing Aaliyah was in a relationship now, being there with her girlfriend, it was just too much. She wanted to be back in Afghanistan, in the field, no feelings just a clear target.
“Good morning ladies. I trust you’ve been offered breakfast.” Khalid asked
“We were thank you, but we run on coffee, Khalid I’d like you to meet my partner Captain Josie Carrillo.” Cruz introduced
Khalid shook her hand and gave one of he’s dazzling smiles.
“Captain Josie, nice having you with us.”
He knew about her ties to the Mexican cartels but had enough tact not to mention it.
Khalid took out he’s mobile and made a call to Aaliyah, speaking in Arabic he told her to rush up whatever she was doing.
Cruz feared it was more who she was doing.
Aaliyah walked in, greeting everyone, introduced herself to Josie, even welcomed her to the team.
“Right so I guess you want to know if the Al-Queda guys have made contact. They have, we requested a meeting in Afghanistan, we will do the transfer. Once he’s on route to he’s base you can get him. And please for God sake get him, with the amount of many we handing over to him, if he kills anyone using it, it would be blood on our hands.” Aaliyah pleaded
Josie was transfixed, this women was a goddess, the hair, make up, wardrobe and speech, she was just pure class.
No wonder Cruz was beating herself up over this.
“Yeah we will get him, this team is the best, there’s nothing for you to worry about.”
Cruz reassured them.
“Thanks Cruz.” Khalid was ever the gentleman
There was a knock at the study door, this study was used by her father and the walls were sound proof, Aaliyah didn’t appreciate why until now. It was Amir.
Khalid answered and saw that Amir was there with their niece Amara. He immediately took the baby, dibbling drool at her excitement of seeing her uncle and made Amir come in.
“Amir I’d like you to meet our private security, Cruz Manuelos and Josie Carrillo. Josie is actually a pilot, so if you need the chopper, you can give her a call.” Khalid finished
“Good to meet you both, you wouldn’t mind me shaking hands, I never know how to get this right, some people are huggers, then in the Middle East we don’t even make eye contact.” Amir joked. “Don’t worry Captain, I won’t bother you with free rides, I’m actually a helicopter pilot too. When I was younger we had helicopters that we used for my dad’s hospitals, whenever patients needed to be air lifted. I became obsessed and eventually learned how to pilot.” Amir was charming, he was reeling Josie in.
“Of course you have a definitely more stressful environment than a kid with a hobbie. What’s your helicopter of choice?” Amir asked
“Apache, always apache.” Josie confirmed with a smile.
“We shopping for a few for our hospitals in Afghanistan, while I’m in the states, maybe we can go on a few test flights and you can give me your opinion?” Amir asked, and the world fell at he’s feet.
“Sure, if Khalid is ok with it, he’s the one paying me.” Josie agreed
“It perfectly fine, these hospitals are a joint venture between the Amrohi and Al Jameel families, a donation of good faith.” Khalid confirmed to Josie
All Cruz could think was that wasn’t the only joining of families.
“Anyway let me get my niece and her out
of here, I was actually trying to track Aaliyah down.” He looked at Aaliyah
“You left your phone on the table at breakfast.”
He handed Aaliyah the phone and kissed her quickly on the mouth. She played it off and kissed Amara and said goodbye.
“I’ll see you, later at dinner.” Aaliyah reassured him with a smile.
Cruz wanted to break something, mostly Amir’s nose.
Amir had left. Aaliyah could feel a flush from her chest up.
“Josie I introduce you to Amir because he’s gonna be at the house a lot and I don’t want unnecessary questions. Helicopter shopping is at your own discretion. You’re welcome to decline.” Khalid explained
“Khalid my family has a terrible history in Mexico if I could do something to redeem my family name, I would. I admire what the two of you are doing and would love to help.” Josie offered
Cruz knew Amir was only doing this to impress Aaliyah but there was no way of saying that without showing her jealousy.
The meeting was over, Cruz was fuming and Aaliyah left at the speed of light.
——————————————————————
A few hours later the whole Amir thing was keeping Cruz awake. She hated this situation , she hated Amir but most of all she hated herself. Her relationship with Aaliyah was all based on a lie. A sickening lie, a future was never possible. But that didn’t mean she didn’t wish they could have a future.
Where did that leave her and Josie. This was a mess, she should have never taken this mission, it was tearing her apart.
The next morning Josie was bouncing with the thought of trying out new choppers.
They got to Amirs house, it was bigger and spread over acres it seemed. There were the obligatory five luxury cars in the drive way.
The house was beautiful high ceilings marble floors everything oozed luxury.
The living room they were led to over looked the pool area.
Cruz could see Aaliyah on a sun lounger, she was lying down with Amir sitting along side her, they were laughing and kissing. Before one of the staff announced there were guests waiting.
He gave Aaliyah a long slow kiss then left to get dressed. He had a swimmers body, but Arab men were also very modest so he dressed before he came into the house.
“Josie, Cruz I didn’t realise the time. Please allow me to shower. Josie well use one of the choppers instead of driving. I hate manhattan traffic. Cruz you’re welcome to join.” Amir offered.
“No actually Aaliyah is planning some big Disney trip for her sister and the kids. We actually going to go over security detail. I was heading over to the Amrohi house, but since she’s here, I might as well discuss it in the meantime.” Cruz was seething.
Her and Josie waiting in the lounge are, Aaliyah walked in, in a bikini no less with what she could only imagine was a designer sarong.
“Ah Cruz, Josie nice to see you.” Aaliyah was a bubbly person, her smile lit up a room.
“Yeah nice to see you too.” Josie said a bit flabbergasted at her looks.
“Please help yourselves to anything, you know how Arab hospitality goes.” Aaliyah said while walking away.
“Mmm Aaliyah, do you want to discuss security plans here or at your home?” Cruz asked
“Rather here, I want to tan a little more and Khalid would have a brain aneurism if I wore a bikini.” Aaliyah said with a huff.
“Imagine if he walked into the scenes we walked in on!” Cruz regretted saying it, but she already did.
“He’d be jumping for joy, he’s been trying to match make Amir and I for years.” Aaliyah turned on her heel and left.
Josie glared at Cruz, this was not going well, but Cruz couldn’t help herself.
“That was uncalled for!” Josie warned
“I know, I’m still getting used to all this, I’m not good with undercover work, even with your case, I mess up, my emotions get the better of me.” Cruz was being honest
“We’ll get it together, I can’t imagine this is fun for you to watch but, Amir and Khalid will pick up on this, you need to just forget about the past!”
“Khalid knows, knows everything.” Cruz couldn’t make eye contact.
“And he’s ok with you being here? Good for him.” Josie admired Khalid immensely.
Amir was dressed in a cashmere sweater and tailored pants. The man was gorgeous.
He had a strange mark on he’s neck and Cruz almost groaned thinking it was a hickey from Aaliyah.
Hypocritical it might be but Aaliyah was Cruz’s weakness.
Once Amir and Josie cleared out of the house, Aaliyah and Cruz were alone and it was more painful than before.
“You can do whatever you think will work for Disney, and instruct us accordingly. Anything to keep my nephew and niece safe.” Cruz just nodded along with what Aaliyah was saying.
“If you want to say something, just say it. It’s a little late for silent treatment!” Aaliyah was more than a little annoyed now.
“ There’s nothing to say, I guess.” Cruz sat down on the couch furthest from Aaliyah.
“You don’t like Amir? You don’t approve?” Aaliyah asked, not condescendingly more like how they used to be, like friends.
“I’m not paid to have an opinion, I’m paid to keep you alive.” Cruz was being an ass and she knew it.
“Ok, this was fun, I’m going home. You can make yourself at home here, Amir wouldn’t mind.” Aaliyah got up to leave and by this time they both were on the verge of loosing their tempers.
“Do you love him?” Cruz asked through gritted teeth
“What?” Aaliyah heard her she just needed extra time to respond
Cruz annunciated slowly “ Do. You. Love. Him?”
“He’s not Ehsan, he’s kind and funny, we’ve been friends for years, I love him, I’m not in love with him, but that will come.” Aaliyah was honest to a fault
Cruz felt as if she’d just been shot and she was bleeding out. In all fairness she would prefer being shot. She woke up and started pacing.
“I don’t understand the outrage, you are in a relationship. Why do you get to be mad at me?”
Aaliyah asked with tears in her voice
“I loved you, only you and you lied to me and left me without a second thought. If the CIA didn’t drag you back into my life, kicking and screaming, I wouldn’t have ever seen you again.”
“I fucking love you, only you. And I’ll get over it, I’ll work through it, but not right at this minute. Seeing you with Amir bothers me. I’m not blaming you, it’s all my issues.” Cruz was vulnerable and honest.
Aaliyah stopped her from pacing, they faced each other for what seemed like hours but was only a few moments, so much like that first morning they kissed in the Hamptons.
Only this time it was Cruz who made the first move, Cruz who held her close as she deepened the kiss.
There was a bedroom off the pool area, which seemed like a guest suite, Cruz steered them through there. The kissing intensified, Cruz kissed Aaliyah like her life depended on it, she kissed her neck and down her chest. The bikini gave her a lot of access really quick. And speed worked well for Aaliyah because she was burning up.
Cruz kissed the upper part of her breast before moving the cup aside and circling her nipple.
Aaliyah moaned and that drove Cruz insane.
“You have too many clothes on!” Aaliyah started pulling at Cruz’s shirt. “I’ve missed you” Aaliyah confessed
Cruz kissed Aaliyah again and it felt like heaven. Aaliyah had a habit of holding your face close too her as she kissed and it drove Cruz absolutely crazy. She knew Aaliyah needed more, so with her free hands she slowly drew them down Aaliyah’s body caressing her abs, and slowly going further.
When Cruz got to Aaliyah’s bikini bottoms she broke the kiss and looked at her for confirmation. Aaliyah nodded and lifted her hips to help rid herself of the hinderance to her pleasure. Cruz moved her hand to touch Aaliyah were she needed it most, they were still kissing but as Cruz touched her and rubbed her she couldn’t take it anymore, she broke the kiss to let out a scream of pleasure. Aaliyah’s first orgasm broke.
While Aaliyah was still recovering, Cruz took the advantage and moved down her body and replaced her fingers with her mouth. By this time Aaliyah was inconsolable, she was crying out in pleasure. On the brink of her second orgasm, Cruz inserted two fingers where she needed it the most. She was coming, and hard. Cruz smiled while she was still licking and kissing her mound.
Aaliyah was spent her body a writhing mess on that bed. Cruz stood up and used her discarded sarong to wipe the evidence from her face. Aaliyah was experiencing too much pleasure to feel embarrassment.
She pulled Cruz down on top of her and kissed her. Aaliyah was a good kisser.
“I think it’s my turn, to return the favour!”
Aaliyah said between kissers “ Twice, actually!” Cruz replied