Rami

Chapter 10

Rami rubbed his eyes as he woke in the brightly lit motel room. He lay on his side, one hand resting on top of the blanket, over Ivy’s ribs. She lay on her back, her face turned toward him and her eyes closed peacefully. Probably the only moment of peace she’d had all night.

Several times he’d woken to her little moans of discomfort, and more than once she’d cried out “No!” The only thing that had settled her was the touch of his hand on her shoulder. He hadn’t spoken, hadn’t tried to wake her, but it seemed that her nightmares dissipated once she realized she wasn’t alone.

Her hair was strewn over the white pillowcase, the dark locks shiny compared to the matted mess they’d been before she showered. There was a little bit of color in her cheeks, either from warmth or, hopefully, nourishment. Her dry lips were still cracked, but at least they were a normal pink rather than deathly white. So soft and pretty. Ivy was everything feminine, her petite frame and delicate features a sharp contrast to his build.

Slowly, he peeled his palm away from her midsection. He must have moved closer to her while sleeping because he’d been careful to leave distance between them before going to sleep. Now, his knees were touching her legs and his face was snuggled a little too close to hers.

He inched away and rolled on his back. The muscles in his neck and lower back pinched, either from the tension of the drive or the shitty mattress. Taschen’s and August’s low voices carried from the room next door.

He rolled out of bed and scooped up his phone. For Ivy’s comfort, he’d stayed dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt—more than he normally wore to bed. He padded to the open door and walked into the adjoining room.

Food containers were spread on the table and the bags were packed. “How’s she doing?” August asked, as he fitted a shirt over his head.

“Sleeping.” Rami went to the food, the scent of cheese and bacon calling him. He unwrapped a breakfast sandwich and took a bite. Grease filled his mouth, and he groaned as he took another. Swallowing, he nodded at Taschen. “I hope you got her something lighter. She might puke if she eats this.”

“I figured. I grabbed a bagel, a fruit cup, and a yogurt parfait. There’s juice as well.”

“That sounds delicious,” Ivy purred.

Rami turned to see her standing in the doorway, a tube still dangling from her arm, stopping her from coming farther into the room.

Taschen cleared his throat and tipped his head. “Morning. I don’t think we met. I’m Taschen, the errand boy.”

A smile warmed her lips. “Then I have you to thank for the clothes and crackers.”

“He was also our getaway driver,” Rami clarified.

Her expression turned somber, and he mentally gave himself a kick in the ass.

“Here, let me get that thing out of you.” August led her back to the other room, and a minute later she returned without the bulky tubing. Only a small bandage covered the area.

The Henley shirt she wore was loose on her frame, but her nipples still poked the material. The pants hung loosely from her hips. If her physique was anything like her twin sister’s, then she’d probably lost a good fifteen pounds that she didn’t have to lose.

Rami motioned her to the table. “Help yourself.”

Her eyes were big in her face. “I’m starving. The crackers and banana created a beast.” She picked up the parfait and spoon and went to town. “What time is it?” she asked, between bites.

Taschen picked up a bag and went to the door. “Just after noon. I’m going to start packing up the van.”

Energy lit her eyes. “Are we leaving soon?”

“Soon as you’re ready.” August scooped up a few other bags and followed Taschen outside. Rami popped the last of the breakfast sandwich in his mouth and wiped the grease from his lips with a napkin.

“How long’s the drive?” she asked.

He made a face. “Twenty hours.”

“Oh god,” she mouthed.

“We’ll drive in shifts. You can rest in the back. It’ll go quick.” Everyone wanted to get home, but surely Ivy more than anyone.

“I wish we could fly,” she said hopefully.

“That’s out of the question, unfortunately. We’ve gotta get the van back to Seattle, and you don’t have any identification. Plus, we have to lie low. We don’t know how far the cartel will go to find us. They’ll be pissed that you escaped but even more pissed at us for stealing something they considered theirs—you.”

The color drained from her face. “Do you think they’ll try to find me?”

Rami shook his head quickly and crossed his arms over his chest. “That’s not what I meant. For them, it wouldn’t be worth it to come back for you. They’d be at greater risk of getting caught. But like I said, they’ll be pissed at us. I threw a grenade and probably killed or seriously injured their men. That would earn retaliation.”

“Do they know who you are?”

He began packing the food into a small cooler they’d brought. “We were as careful as could be, but the longer we’re close to the border, the better the chance they’ll find us. So if you’re ready?”

She tossed the empty cup into the trash can. “Yes. I’m going to change into the clothes Taschen got me and then I’ll be set.”

She went to the other room, collected one of the bags, and then went into the bathroom. August and Taschen returned and finished packing their things. By the time they’d loaded the van, Ivy was dressed. Rami helped her climb into the back, and she got comfortable on the makeshift bed.

“I’ll take first shift,” Rami said.

August tossed him the keys, and he got into the driver’s seat. Part of him was eager to get home. Even more eager to return Ivy to her sister so she could get on her way to recovery. Her eyes might be a little brighter and her tentative smile full of life, but after sleeping next to her last night, he knew the demons that plagued her mind.

Ivy’s biggest battle had only just begun.

***

“Oh my god!”Gigi cried. Ivy welcomed her twin’s crushing embrace and inhaled the familiar Dior perfume.

I’m home.

Tears ran down her cheeks as she clung to her sister. Rami and Todd, Gigi’s fiancé, stood nearby talking softly while she and Gigi reunited in the foyer of Gigi and Todd’s large colonial-style house.

“Thank you for bringing her home,” Todd said. “Gigi wouldn’t have been the same without her. We owe you—”

Rami cut him off, but Ivy didn’t hear what he said because Gigi let loose another cry of relief. “I can’t believe you’re here.” She pulled back and stared into Ivy’s face. “I was so scared.”

The pain of her trauma hammered against Ivy’s chest. It was finally ready to be expelled now that she was in the safety and familiarity of family, but still, she didn’t fully break down. Something held her back. Maybe she’d been forced to be strong for too long and her recovery would look more like peeling back the layers of an onion.

“Thank you for... for all you did,” she told her sister.

“Ivy, you’re my life. More important to me than anything.” Her gaze shifted to Rami and then back. “Let’s get you settled, yes? I’ve got the guest room all ready.”

They hadn’t gotten a chance to talk about the details, but when Ivy had called Gigi on the drive home, her sister had insisted she stay with them for a while. Which suited Ivy just fine. Although she loved her apartment and her own space, right now, she didn’t want to be alone.

“Sure.” Ivy sent Rami a fleeting look and then looked at her sister again. “Can I have a sec?”

Interest sparked in Gigi’s eyes, and she stepped back. “Yeah. We’ll give you a minute.” She swooped her arm into Todd’s. “Can you get her bag, honey?”

Todd quickly scooped up the bag of items Ivy had adopted along the way—the clothes and toiletries Taschen had bought her as well as some books she’d grabbed from gas stations. They were a far cry from the things she really wanted from her apartment, but for now they’d suffice.

As Gigi and Todd headed toward the kitchen, Ivy approached Rami, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Um, I owe you more than a thank-you. But... thank you.”

His gaze somehow turned even darker as he studied her. “Don’t do that, remember?”

She chortled. “Don’t say thank you for saving my life? That’s silly.”

“Your life is worth saving ten times over. Understand?”

Her belly tied itself in knots at the ferocity of his words. It was as if he sensed all the doubts that brewed inside her. All the disgust and fear over what diseases could be riddling her body as they spoke.

Tears stung the corners of her eyes. He caught her chin. “You’ll be fine. You’re the strongest person I know.” He’d said it to her once before, but hearing it again was almost too much. Almost brought her to her knees.

If he knew how weak she was, how terrified, he wouldn’t say that.

He swept his thumb beneath her bottom lip and her senses sizzled with awareness. “Be careful.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Don’t trust anyone but your family. Even when you’re with doctors and police, make sure you’re not alone. I put my business card in your bag. If you need anything, call me. Anytime. Got it?”

The tears threatened to spill over. Why did it feel as if a limb were being severed? She’d been with this man only forty-eight hours, not even, yet he’d become a staple. A crutch, almost. She’d leaned on him in her darkest moments and exposed fears she hadn’t even spoken aloud to Gigi.

And now, now he’d be gone. Just like that.

She forced her head to nod. “Okay,” she whispered.

He winked and backed toward the open front door, stepped into the sunshine, and was gone. Panic assailed her, but her feet were rooted to the hardwood floor, preventing her from running to the door and begging him not to leave.

To stay and protect her.

“Ivy?” Gigi called from the doorway, an understanding smile on her lips. “Come. Let’s get you settled and you can take a bath.”

Ivy dashed away her tears and took her sister’s hand. “Sorry. I don’t know why I’m emotional. It’s all just—”

“Don’t be sorry,” Gigi said admonishingly. “Ever. The police want to come and take a statement from you. But you should leave Rami out of the details of your rescue.”

They reached the guest room down the hallway from the kitchen. The bright space forced some of the darkness from Ivy’s heart. A fluffy white comforter covered the bed along with a dozen lilac-and-navy-colored pillows—Gigi the pillow whore had probably just bought them.

A bright painting of a garden hung above the bed, and a wooden desk sat near the double doors that opened onto the patio, where the pool and hot tub took up a chunk of the half-acre lot.

“If you’re not comfortable being on the ground level, we can move you. But this room is my favorite. It has a huge soaker tub and is more private than being upstairs with me and Todd. Plus, it’s close to the kitchen,” she said with a wink. “I stocked up on all your favorite snacks.” She gestured to a small basket on the bed loaded with several varieties of Ivy’s favorite dark chocolate. “See?”

Ivy sank onto the mattress and pulled her sister down beside her. “Thank you”—she spread her arm wide—“for all this. I won’t stay long. Just enough to get my feet under me again, and as soon as I’m ready to return to work, I’ll move back to my apartment.”

Gigi’s eyebrows snapped together over her hazel eyes, which were an exact copy of Ivy’s. “Don’t be ridiculous. I want you to stay as long as you can—forever, actually.” She waved that off. “We’ll talk more later. For right now, you need rest before the police start asking you questions.”

“What am I supposed to say?”

“Just that you woke up in an alleyway, found a phone, and called me. That’s all you remember.”

“Why can’t I tell them about Rami?”

She shrugged. “I think they just want to lie low.” She rolled in her lips. “I also paid them under the table and, well, that could pose a problem for them. Plus, I didn’t tell Todd about the money.” She grimaced sheepishly. “I know he wouldn’t care, but with August and I having a”—she cleared her throat—“past, it’s just better this way.”

Ivy’s stomach tangled into knots. She hated lying, but at the end of the day she was home and what did it matter? “Okay.”

Gigi let out a heavy sigh, probably sensing Ivy’s hesitation. “I was desperate to find you. I took money from the safe. It was money he’s saved for emergencies over the years and, well, this was an emergency. Can you stick to the story?”

Ivy nodded slowly. “Yeah, of course.”

Gigi relaxed. “Good. Rest up and I’ll make you lunch.”

Three hours later she’d had a bath, eaten stir-fry, and drunk a green smoothie that tasted like grass, no doubt packed with the most nutritious things in Gigi’s pantry. Given that her sister was a chef and professional food blogger, Ivy was always happy to eat anything Gigi made.

Talking to the detective after lunch had been a little less pleasant. But under the policewoman’s sympathetic, watchful eyes, Ivy had been somewhat comfortable.

With little else to go on or question, the police had taken her story and left. Then her parents had arrived. Their tearful reunion had warmed Ivy’s heart. Her mom’s green eyes searched Ivy’s for answers, but she hadn’t pushed for information. Which Ivy was grateful for. She knew that as time went on, she’d find it easier to disclose more about her imprisonment and rescue, but for now she just wanted to hug her family.

She’d seen her dad cry only once before, when his mother died, ten years ago. But he hadn’t hidden his relief when he held her, thanking God over and over for her safe return.

Now, hours later, the house was finally quiet and exhaustion had Ivy curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her and a cup of tea warming her hands. An untouched chocolate bar waited for her on the coffee table. She hadn’t found an appetite for the sugary treat.

“Where’s Todd?” Ivy asked Gigi, as her sister sat next to her with a mug in hand. Todd had welcomed the police and sat for a few minutes during her questioning and then left to take a business call in his office. He hadn’t come down the whole time her parents had been at the house, but according to Gigi, he was always busy with work.

“Oh, probably working still. It’s been a rough couple of weeks. He’s been so distracted—we all have.” Gigi quickly placed a hand on Ivy’s lap. “God. I’m sorry. Listen to me act like we had things bad when you were going through all that.” Gigi’s eyes turned glassy.

Ivy knew her sister better than she knew herself. All day she’d been peppier than a cheerleader who’d had too much caffeine. Gigi didn’t do well with showing emotion and often resorted to plastering on a smile and powering through rather than breaking down.

“You’re allowed to say you struggled,” said Ivy firmly. “I would’ve been a wreck if the roles had been reversed. I’m glad Todd put work aside and focused on you.” Todd was sometimes a workaholic, but by the sounds of it, he’d been a rock for Gigi.

“He really did,” Gigi admitted. “I’m grateful for his support because I was a basket case.”

“Are you going to tell him about the money?”

Gigi widened her eyes. “Of course. I have nothing to hide. It was just easier not discussing it. I should have told him sooner. I was just... in a trance almost. A shell of myself.” Her voice grew small and then she straightened her shoulders. “That’s all over with now. Are you okay with going to the doctor tomorrow?”

Ivy sighed. Surely a hospital visit would only bring more exhaustion and put her on an emotional roller coaster. But she knew she needed to have some blood work done at the very least.

“Yeah.” Ivy took a sip of her tea wishing the whole nightmare could just be over. Soon she’d adjust to normalcy, but right now she felt as though she were pushing through a life-sized spider web. “I kind of have to.” She unfolded her arm, revealing the track marks she’d kept hidden beneath a long-sleeved shirt all day.

Gigi’s breath hitched, and she brought her fingers to her lips. “Oh god,” she moaned.

With that, Ivy spilled everything—from the moment in the parking lot to the moment she’d swung a nail at Rami’s face and every sordid, bleak memory in between.

Telling the story now was a little easier. Almost as if it’d happened to someone else. She was becoming detached from that person, that part of herself who’d been violated and broken. Maybe it was a survival mechanism. Maybe her mind was adapting to help her integrate back into the life she’d once had.

Gigi sobbed, holding Ivy’s numb shoulders in her hands. “I’m so glad you’re back. Everything’s going to be okay. I know you’re worried about the needles, but just keep the faith. You’re strong and all this will be behind you. Have you considered therapy?”

Ivy winced. “I guess, yeah. But not yet. I just feel like... it’s too fresh. I want to process it on my own before I have to unpack it for someone else.”

Gigi bit her lip, clearly not in agreement. “Okay, whatever you think. I mean, don’t worry about anything financial. Please. Just focus on you.”

Ivy took her sister’s hand. “Thank you.”

***

The cool plasticwas hard beneath her. Ivy tried to slow her heart rate, but it was no use. Doctors’ offices had always made her blood pressure jump, and today it was even worse. Three days ago, she’d had blood drawn.

Today, she’d find out the results.

Gigi sat next to her with her hand wrapped around Ivy’s.

Please, God, if you can keep me free of disease, I promise I’ll be forever grateful.

Dr. Jenkins walked in with a warm smile on her middle-aged face. Her blond hair was cut in a stylish bob, and her glasses didn’t hide her friendly gaze. Ivy appreciated that the doctor, unlike the police, wasn’t looking at her with sympathy and doubt.

Dr. Jenkins’s pleasantries went over Ivy’s head. She had no idea if she responded to the simple questions. Her leg hammered up and down, bouncing on the spot, while the doctor clicked on her computer to open Ivy’s file. “Well, dear. I’m glad you could come in today. You’re dangerously low in a lot of vital nutrients: iron, B12 ...I know you were malnourished when you came in, so I expect that’s improved a bit—”

“And the other stuff?” Ivy cut in. “Did, um, anything show? I’m concerned about the needles that were used and what they gave me.”

The doctor nodded. “Of course. You tested negative for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis...”

Ivy tuned out the rest of the doctor’s words, and sagged with relief. She brought a hand to her chest as tears leaked from her eyes. Her leg stopped bouncing.

Negative.

Thank you, Jesus.

“Results showed Rohypnol in your system. Which fits with your recollection of being unconscious for hours at a time. It’s possible other drugs were used, and that they left your body by the time you came in.” The last part of the sentence held a note of admonishment.

The vise around her chest released its grip, and she sucked in a breath of air. She’d truly been given a second chance. Since the prick of the first injection, Ivy had felt as if she were carrying a dirty cloak around her shoulders. No matter how many showers she took in a day, no matter how hard she scrubbed her skin or how many prayers and affirmations she said, the filthy film kept coating her skin like a layer of rubber.

Now it was gone.

“Okay. Thank you.”

But Dr. Jenkins’s smile now carried a pound of pity. “Physically, you’re going to be fine. I’d like you to reach out to some therapists, maybe a nutritionist, but honey, you’re very lucky.”

Gigi wrapped her arms around Ivy’s neck. “See? I told you!” She squeezed until Ivy let out a squeaky laugh.

The doctor gave her some names of specialists she recommended, and then she was gone.

Gigi babbled the whole way home, giddy. “So,” Gigi said, as she came to a stop at a red light. “I’d like you to move into the guesthouse. I already talked to Todd and he thinks it’s a great idea. It’ll give you your own space and—”

“Gig—”

“Don’t. I want you close to me. Always. And you’re welcome to stay in the guest room as long as you’d like, but I know you’ll want your own space. Especially if you start seeing someone. Like, I dunno, Rami Mitry.”

Ivy guffawed. “Seriously?” Rami’s face popped into her mind and she dashed it away to the little compartment in her head. It was an image she took out only in desperate moments when she was ready to break down. Somehow, picturing his face gave her strength.

“He texted me, you know. Asked how you were doing.”

Hmm. He’d texted her sister but not her? Because he saw her as too fragile, probably. As appealing as it was to envision being held in Rami’s arms, she knew the fantasy was out of reach.

Scratch that.

She was too unstable, and he’d never be able to look at her as anything but a victim.

“So instead of our trip,” Gigi continued, dropping the whole Rami thing, “we’re going to get you all moved in.”

Ivy gasped. “Oh my god, I completely forgot about your wedding! You need to go to Colorado.” Gigi was getting married in September, and although she’d made a lot of the plans from afar, she needed to go to Colorado Springs to oversee some things in person. Ivy did a quick mental calculation—Gigi was supposed to leave tomorrow.

Her sister waved her off. “Don’t be ridiculous. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than helping you through this.”

“Gig, I’m fine. You’ve been looking forward to this trip for months. It’s for your wedding.”

“That was before. Besides. We can push back the wedding. I’m in no hurry.” But sadness clung to the words.

Ivy frowned. “You can’t push off your wedding. That makes no sense. Life has to stop for you because I’m back?”

Gigi flicked her an annoyed glare. The light changed, and she brought her attention back to the road. “Life stopped when you left, and supporting you right now is more important. I can get married anytime. Besides, who even needs to see the venue in person nowadays?”

“I dunno, a normal person.” Ivy laughed. “I want you to go. It’s only for a few days anyway.”

“Will you come with?” Gigi asked hopefully.

“No.” Getting on a plane and putting on a happy face for four days sounded like torture.

But Gigi’s talking about putting her life on hold had brought a new kind of anger to the surface. Defiance prickled Ivy’s insides.

She’d essentially already taken a hundred grand from Gigi and Todd. She’d taken a room in their house. She’d take everything they gave her while she got on her feet—while she waited to feel whole enough to work and support herself.

But she wouldn’t take this. Not from Gigi, who deserved every drop of happiness.

Ivy shrugged and leaned back in her seat. “And if you don’t go, then I’m not moving in.”

“What?” Gigi’s shrill scream made Ivy scrunch her left shoulder to her ear.

“You heard me. I’m not moving in unless you go to Colorado tomorrow.”

Gigi fumed. “There’s no way.”

Ivy gripped her sister’s arm. “Go. Please. I’m safe in your palace.”

Gigi snorted. “We’ll talk about this later. But, maybe...”