A strangled cry escaped from within, as our eyes met for the first time in what felt like, a lifetime.

All my worries slipped away.

All those wounds which I'd received from being captured faded away. All those negative thoughts became an epiphany to hope.

I could physically stand tall, no longer feeling as if the weight of the world was on my shoulders. Finally I could breath again.

Happiness supported every muscle In my face as I smiled brightly. Tears of joy overflowing from my eyes.

"You, young lady are In a lot of trouble" came his reply. I didn't care of the consequences. All I cared about in that moment was going back home. I was saved, ya Allah. Thank you.

Upon the sudden outcome, tears of happiness and sorrow fell freely. I didn't comprehend when Rafael stepped closer, until I no longer felt the cool temperature of the room. I looked at myself, to see he'd taken off his blazer, in order to shield me. My body. My hair.

I couldn't be more thankful.

His piercing gaze rested on my face for longer than he'd ever stared before, as the rough pad of his hand traced my cheek.

Not expecting what happened next, he reached down towards the crown of my head, a flutter of a kiss being lay upon my forehead. A mixture of feelings erupted within my body, as he pulled back, looking at me as if he'd found the answer to all his problems.

"Did you buy me for a million dollars?" Came my gentle question. Tears fell from my eyes knowing that my humanity had been decreased down to nothing but money.

"You don't get to question me. You lost that right the moment you stepped into the hospital, against my orders" he gritted fiercely, a storm brewing in his eyes. At that moment, all signs of the previous Rafael changed into the Mafia Lord I'd come to know.

I stepped back, partially out of fear and partially because I knew I was at fault. Just like I'd recited in my head, for the past few days, it was all my fault.

But still. How was I to know I'd be kidnapped. And tortured. And sold. I looked down at my feet, as if been scolded by my mum, a slow frown overtaking my features. A wave of sadness overpowered my body, and in that moment, I'd realised how foolish I really was.

Suddenly, the previous man from before walked into the room, his hands in his pocket and his eyes straight on Rafael. Rafael came to stand infront of me, which I was thankful for.

"Ty vozvrashchayesh'sya v Ispaniyu?"

"Da" Rafael answered back, looking equally as dangerous and frightening. I watched the enicunter between the two with wide eyes, occasionally switching my stance. I could cut the tension with a knife.

It was even more frightening that I didn't know what was going on. What were they saying, and how did Rafael know Russian? So many unanswered questions, yet they could wait.

"And I'm guessing you already know this woman" the man's gaze wondered to me, before averting back to Rafael. I stood there still, shaking like a leaf, whilst Rafael stood straight as if this was his game to play.

Rafael didn't reply and the man didn't seem to mind. My attention was focused back on the man, as he sauntered towards me. Rafael shifted from the front, going to stand behind me. I looked at him, unsure of what was going on. His eyes were already on me, as he revealed a slow nod, which meant everything was fine, for now.

"We didn't have the pleasure of meeting well before. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Adrik Leonard" I stood wary of his actions. He stretched his hand out, but I didn't bother to greet him in such a way. Instead, I smiled and bowed my head, although every cell in my body was quaking with fear.

I didn't think I'd need to tell him my name, considering that he practically sold me, and in that, I'm sure he knew more about me than just my name. As much as I hated to come to terms with.

He emitted a deep, raspy chuckle, one that could only be let out by a heavy smoker. Meanwhile I didn't find anything funny, and I'm guessing he noticed this too, as the crumbs of a smile were removed from his visage. What was with everyone and showing fake feelings. It irked me.

"Nu, yesli eto vse, ya poydu" came Rafael's voice from behind causing hair to rise on my skin. I'd completely forgot about his presence.

"Okay. Have a safe flight, Rafael" he nodded once at Rafael, before his gaze rested on me. "And you too, Laila Bakhash. Have a safe journey" he smiled, which I didn't like one bit.

It didn't take long to reach the airport after the encounter with Adrik. It came as no surprise that Rafael had a private jet which he could use anytime. Anywhere.

All thoughts of what happened this past week flew out of my mind the moment my eyes soaked in the luxury that this aeroplane had to offer. It was like walking into a dream. These people did not play around. They had luxury in the palm of their hands, whether it be on ground or in the air.

A couple of hours had passed and so had my nap time. I woke up to find myself alone in the cabin. I briefly glanced at the view from the window, excited that I'd finally be able to speak to my family. I was thrilled.

However, I'd come to realise above all my excitement, that some of my wounds were still not healed. Such as the raw skin around my mouth, and the bruises on my face. A mirror was attached to the seat, and I couldn't help but wince at the sight before me.

Although makeup was used to cover the abuse, it was still there. Both visually and physically. Trying to remain positive, I decided to explore around the plane for some food. I didn't have the oppertunity to eat anything, and only now did I register how hungry I was.

It's like God was helping me, as I followed the scent of bread. There, I stood behind the flight attendant like some creep, oogling the food on the tray. I must've looked like a witch, as the lady emitted a small squeal of shock upon turning around.

"Ah Misses Bakhash. I was just about to come to you" she exclaimed, smiling at me. I tried to smile but instead grimaced, embarrassed we had to meet in such a way.

"It's no worries, Vanya" I eased, eyeing her name tag.

"Please, come sit down. Mister Rey instructed we'd serve you food once you'd woken up from your nap"

I looked up from the food, nodding at her. She smiled before walking off to another room, I'm presuming. Meanwhile I savoured the taste of the food on the tray, from the bread and freshly made pasta, to the water and trifle. Everything was divine. And expensive tasting.

Vanya returned back to me, this time with something in her hand. I looked at the cloth curiously, as Vanya took no hesitation in explaining.

"Please take this headscarf"

I took it from her, my heart on my sleeves. I looked up at her grateful, as tears lined my eyes.

"Thank you Vanya"

"Oh no! Don't thank me, Misses Bakhash. It was under strict instructions that you were given this headscarf. And may I also add, Mister Rey switched all the male staff to female. I was confused at first as Mister Rey never requested as such but now, I understand the reason. You're very lucky to have a man such as Mister Rey by your side" she smiled before walking away, a twinkle in her eyes.

Meanwhile I was left in a state of gratitude and shock. Could this really be the way of Rafael? Or was it someone else. Don't be silly Laila, of course it was him! I'd chastised myself. I shouldn't be feeling so engulfed by his actions. Whatever.

I wrapped the scarf around my head, making sure all of my hair was hidden from sight. I'd noticed the dress from earlier was still on me and I wished nothing more than for it to be off. It was suffocating, just like the first time I'd realised it to be on.

I felt bare to the world. Once I'd eaten and offered God my thanks, I returned back to where the women was, and asked her if there were any clothes I could wear. She was more than happy to leave her work behind, as she lead me the way.

I followed behind quietly, stopping infront of a door. She opened it for me, and pointed at the different areas within the room. It was marvelous. From the huge bed directly centred, to the windows on each side. And not to mention the lights and furniture!

I walked, mesmerised, to the closet and almost squealed at the number of modest clothing. And the material. The material was softer than any babies bottom. I almost fell down, eager to take off my dress in a hurry.

I practically jumped into the joggers and sweatshirt sighing as I did do. My body couldn't have been more thankful for the change of clothing.

Just as soon as I placed my hijab back to it's rightful position, Rafael walked out of I'm guessing the bathroom, with only a towel wrapped around his form. I turned around in shock, not wanting history to repeat itself.

I didn't leave time for further interaction, as I departed the room without any hesitation. I attempted at cooling the redness of my cheeks, and I guess it worked as after a couple of minutes, my face was no longer hot.

I looked out at the view, as Rafael sat next to me. He didn't even sit for one second before the flight attendant, Vanya, served him his food. Rafael signalled for her to go, and to make up for his rude behaviour, I offered her a smile of gratitude. She nodded once, walking behind the door and out of sight.

From there on, I was left deep in my thoughts. Rafael had finished his meal, I'd noticed, but then again he also hadn't. He'd only had a few bites of his steak and a few bites of the other dishes I couldn't pronounce or know the name of.

He lived in opulence that's for sure.

The smell of custard suddenly wafted into my nose, making my mouth salivate. A spoon full of the goodness was placed in front of my mouth. I was beyond shocked to witness this side of Rafael, whom all this time I'd been calling a demon. Perhaps he was not.

He urged the spoon forward, but I kept my lips shut. It was too embarrassing to be fed like a little kid. I was more than capable of doing this myself.

"Open" came his demand. There was no sign of playfulness and so I took the decision to not bring out his angry side. At least not yet.

And so, I opened my mouth, allowing him to feed me. My face burned upon his watchful gaze, as it lingered around my face for longer. I licked away around my lips, still feeling his gaze on me. I looked up realise his eyes following the movement of my tongue.

In that moment, I'd grasped the feeling that it would be a long flight back home. My body relaxed into the seat, and soon enough, my head was lolling from side to side.

I didn't realise when I'd been picked up, or when I'd been transfered to a soft bed, except for the feeling of comfort. Something my heart had been yearning for. They do say, after all, comfort is where your heart is. Or perhaps I made that up myself. Whatever it was, I was too sleepy to decipher anything else.

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