The dropped pin on his GPS guided him through the airport, past buildings and parked aircraft until it showed they’d arrived. A jet waited within the open hangar doors, from which strode a man of stocky build, who yelled, “You are the Warrens?”
“Yeah. Where should I park?”
“To the side.” The man waved. “You can board the plane while I finalize our departure.”
The jet had to be the most luxurious thing he’d ever seen. The hockey team usually flew on charter planes that were nice, but notthisnice.
Plush leather seats, a bucket of cold ice holding some cans of pop and bottled water. A tray with packaged snacks and fruit.The washroom, bigger than expected, had washcloths that wiped the dust from their trip.
When he emerged, slightly refreshed, he collapsed into the seat across from Leila and sighed. “My ass might never be the same.”
“Didn’t enjoy the massage?”
“Feels like I’m still vibrating.”
She laughed. “Good thing we have the next dozen or so hours to relax and recover.”
“Best plan I’ve heard all day.” He first partook of the snacks and downed two bottles of water, after which he then enjoyed a much-needed nap. The jet engines had a lulling effect, and he didn’t wake until they made their first stop to refuel. They set off again on the second leg of their journey, and he spent it talking with Leila, asking about the tests she’d been doing, loving how animated and bright her expression got when she explained her work.
To his surprise, she wanted to know about his career in the NHL, a sport she admitted to knowing little about, and yet she seemed impressed by how much he had to train to get to his level. Oddly, she was the first woman he’d met who’d inquired about his life. Most tended to want the social clout of claiming they dated a hockey player, but never showed interest in the physical and even mental toll it took.
They arrived in Arusha just after two in the morning and grabbed their things before hitting customs, which proved surprisingly easy to pass—without the need of a bribe. The promised rental waited for them with sealed boxes in the back, but rather than head straight to the lake, Leila said, “Mind if we rent a room for a few hours? My hair is so gritty. I could really use a shower.”
“Your wish is my command.” He wouldn’t mind sluicing off as well.
The Range Rover’s GPS guided them to a hotel, and he parked out front.
She tapped her window. “Ooh, I see a restaurant open. While you handle the room, I am going to get us something to eat.”
“Sounds good.”
The check-in process didn’t take too long. Grayson simply had to show the passports and then hand over a stack of bills, but he froze when the clerk automatically assumed they’d need a single room. After all, married couples wouldn’t usually ask for two. Grayson debated requesting a second, despite how odd it would appear, but decided against. Wouldn’t want to draw attention. Guess he’d be bunking on the floor.
With the room key in hand, Grayson headed for their truck to grab their bags. As he strode through the doors, he caught Leila exiting a restaurant across the way with a bag in hand. However, before she could cross the road to join him, a man stepped in front of her.
She tried to maneuver around, but he grabbed her by the arm. Grayson began sprinting. However, a passing car forced him to halt. The delay allowed the man to shove Leila into the car parked by the curb, and off they went.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Grayson raked his fingers through his hair. Now what?
Hold on. Part of Aquarius’ travel packet included cell phones for both of them. Grayson pulled it from his pocket and eyed the three contacts listed. Leila, Aries, and Aquarius. He dialed the latter, and when the man answered, said, “Someone just kidnapped Leila right off the street.”
“Fuck.” The appropriate response.
“Does she have her cell phone?”
“Yeah, but I doubt they’re letting her take calls.” That seemed like basic kidnapping 101.
“If they haven’t turned it off or ditched it, then I can track her.”
And that was how Grayson found himself outside a different hotel, nervous as hell, but also determined.
Whoever these bastards were, they’d regret abducting Leila because he was taking her back.
CHAPTER 12
The journey had been going sowell. The trip to the airport happened without incident, the flight comfortable and interesting as she got to know Grayson, the food she’d bought for them to share smelling divine.
