Page 18 of Cole
“I wish I could laugh but I know it would hurt,” he said. “Yes. They’re all this nice, some nicer. Handsome? I’m notsure about that. The women are all beautiful like my sisters and Autumn.”
“I didn’t have siblings,” said Hala looking out the window. “All I had was my parents, then my grandfather.”
“Why did he allow you to get an education from America only to force you to come back here? I mean, you could have gone to England or anywhere in Europe.”
“The truth is, Cole, I think my grandfather thought I’d come back with information about America that he could use. I wasn’t able to provide that for him. I refused to provide that for him. I mean, I went to classes, served my internship and that was about it. No friends. The bodyguards treated me with respect but they were not my friends.”
“That must have been lonely,” said Cole.
“It was. I was foolish to believe that he would allow me to stay in America. The minute I was done, he yanked me out of the country and told me I would use my skills on his men. Not the people who really needed it.”
“I’m sorry,” said Cole squeezing her hand. “My parents were wonderful at allowing all of us to choose what we wanted to do and where we wanted to do it. My sister, our sister, was a nurse on mercy ships.”
“That’s amazing,” said Hala. “I want to help people like that.”
“You will. Our hospital and clinic treat the entire community, not just our own.”
“Cole, how can you be so sure they will let me stay? I mean, my grandfather is not a good man.”
“But he’s not you,” he said. “We judge each person based on their own abilities, skills, personality, and their commitmentto doing what’s right. You’re going to meet people who have a lot in common with you, especially Sira.”
“Sira?”
“She’s the wife of one of our team members. You’ll understand once you two connect. As I said, don’t worry. Just do the right thing and you’re going to fit in with our family. I’m not sure how it happened but that’s been the core of my being since I was a child. Do what’s right.
“What were your parents like?” asked Cole.
“I don’t remember a lot,” she said shaking her head. “I feel like they were good people but my father was afraid of my grandfather. Maybe that’s why my grandfather killed them.”
“That’s horrible,” said Cole. “I know this is a terrible question but you’re obviously a strong, smart woman. You risked a great deal to help me. Why didn’t you attempt escape?”
“I saw the wife of one of his men attempt to leave once. What they did to her, how they abused her body was not something I ever want to see again. The worst part was, they didn’t kill her. They should have. She’ll never be the same again. Instead, they forced her to be a whore for all the men.”
“God,” whispered Cole. “I’m so sorry. I assure you that my family, our family, will ensure your safety. He won’t get near you.”
“I’m really stuck now, Cole. I can’t return or they’ll do the same to me but if I stay, I’ll put all of you in danger.” Angus and Bailey sat down across from them, hoping to help Hala feel better about her situation.
“No, you won’t,” said Angus taking a seat beside Bailey. “These people are different. You have to trust me. Your grandfather will not find them or you. Trust us.” She nodded at the couple, taking a deep breath.
“I don’t think I have a choice at this point.”
CHAPTER TEN
They only spent a few hours in Italy. Just long enough to get fuel, supplies, and a quick refill of the medical items needed. They were back in the air in record time, everyone ready to get to Belle Fleur.
“This will be about nine hours right?” asked Hala.
“No,” smiled Cole. “This osprey is specially designed just for us. It cuts the flight time in half. We should be home in about three or four hours now.”
“That’s impossible,” she whispered.
“Not in our world. Believe me, you’re going to see a lot of things that others will deem impossible and it’s normal for us.”
Hala nodded, checking his pulse once again. Turning, she stared down into his eyes, then reached for a stray shock of blonde hair, shoving it aside on his forehead. He piercing blue eyes connected with her green ones and she was suddenly nervous.
“Don’t be scared, Hala. My sister was right. What you did for me took a lot of guts and a lot of trust that I wouldn’t harm you or send you back to your grandfather. You’re going to be alright,” he said linking his good hand with hers.
Hala looked down, staring at her dirty fingernails, all ragged and terrible looking. It was one of the luxuries of being in America that she’d learned to love. Regular manicures and pedicures were a gift and she hoped to do that again one day.
