BY YOUR SIDE

4

CHAPTER 4

Around midday, the two brothers meet in the dimly lit study of Karim's expensive apartment, the heavy curtains drawn against the bright Cape Town sun.

Karim sits behind a large, ornate desk, his gaze fixed intently on Zayed who stands by the window, looking out at the distant ocean. The air in the room feels thick, charged with Karim's unspoken knowledge. He watches Zayed for a long moment, his eyes narrowed and assessing, before finally breaking the silence.

"Where were you this morning, Zayed?" Karim asks, his voice low and steady, devoid of any casual warmth.

Zayed turns from the window, meeting his brother's gaze directly. He knows Karim is aware that he did not spend the entire night at the villa. "I returned to my hotel suite to rest," he replies, "I needed a few hours of uninterrupted sleep after the late meeting."

Karim continues to stare, his expression unreadable. He leans back in his leather chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. A palpable shift occurs in the atmosphere.

Zayed senses his brother's suspicion, the feeling that Karim believes he is not getting the full truth. A flicker of irritation crosses Zayed's features, quickly masked. He wonders if Karim somehow knows about his early morning visit with Ingrid.

Karim's gaze remains locked on Zayed's. He does not comment on Zayed's explanation, but the silence that stretches between them speaks volumes. Finally, he shifts the topic, though his eyes still hold a hint of suspicion. "And the cleaner? How is she?"

Zayed turns away slightly, a dismissive wave of his hand. "She is fine, I presume. Zara is monitoring her."

"When was the last time you actually saw her, Zayed?" Karim presses, his voice gaining a sharper edge.

Zayed stops his movement and turns back to face his brother, a flash of annoyance now clearly visible in his eyes.

"What is the purpose of all these questions, Karim? I assured you I am

handling the situation. She is contained, and she poses no threat."

Karim shrugs, a seemingly casual gesture that does not reach his intense gaze. "Just making conversation with my brother," he repeats, his tone deceptively light. "Catching up on the details. Nothing much." The words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken doubts and veiled accusations.

Zayed walks towards the desk, picks up one of the documents, pretending to study it, though his mind races. He needs to deflect Karim's suspicion, to steer the conversation back to their business. "The Durban shipment is confirmed for tomorrow evening," he states, "The payment terms are as agreed."

Karim watches him, his gaze unwavering. He does not comment on the document in Zayed's hand. "And Zara's assessment of the girl?" he asks, his tone still casual but with an undercurrent of steel. "Is she truly as unassuming as you believe?"

Zayed puts down the document, meeting his brother's gaze again, this time with a carefully constructed air of confidence. "Zara finds her compliant. Scared, certainly, but manageable. She understands the consequences of speaking about what she saw."

"Fear is a temporary cage, Zayed," Karim counters, his expression hardening slightly. "Desperation can unlock it. We cannot afford any risks, especially with the Rodriguez cartel breathing down our necks."

"I am aware of the stakes, Karim," Zayed replies, his own tone now edged with impatience. "Do you think I would jeopardize our entire operation for a witness we could not eliminate cleanly?"

Karim leans forward, placing his elbows on the desk, his gaze intense. "Sometimes, brother, personal feelings can cloud judgment. I have seen it happen before." His eyes flick towards Zayed's, a pointed look that makes Zayed's jaw tighten.

A long silence stretches between them, filled with unspoken accusations and veiled warnings. The trust that usually binds them feels fragile, strained by the unexpected presence of Ingrid. Finally, Karim breaks the silence, his voice losing some of its sharp edge, replaced by a weary resignation.

"Just ensure she remains contained, Zayed. And silent. Our priority is to finalize our business here and leave without any further complications. The Durban connection is too valuable to risk."

Zayed nods slowly, meeting his brother's gaze. "That is my intention, Karim. Nothing more." But in his mind, a conflict simmers. He knows he should adhere to their usual ruthless efficiency, yet something about Ingrid…her vulnerability, her unexpected strength gives him pause. The situation is becoming more complicated than he initially anticipated.

INGRID

Back in the relative solitude of the hotel suite, she finds her laptop and phone placed neatly on the bed. A wave of relief washes over her at the sight of her familiar possessions.

Her first instinct is to call her mother, to hear her voice and reassure herself of her well-being. But then Zayed's words echo in her mind, the carefully constructed lie about the cruise ship job. A heavy sigh escapes her lips. She picks up her phone, her thumb hovering over her mother's contact, but she ultimately sets it back down, the need to maintain the deception outweighing her longing for connection.

Her thoughts drift back to the unexpected outing with Zayed, their shared breakfast, and their surprisingly candid conversation. She replays his laughter, a sound that seemed genuine and momentarily stripped away the dangerous aura that usually surrounded him.

Zayed is a study in contrasts. His physical presence is undeniably

striking, his dark eyes intense and often unreadable, yet capable of holding a surprising softness. His demeanor usually exudes a quiet command, an effortless authority that makes those around him deferential.

Beneath that controlled exterior, she has glimpsed moments of vulnerability, a weariness in his eyes when speaking of his life, a genuine smile that transforms his otherwise stern features.

She finds his protectiveness towards her confusing. He is her captor, the reason her life has been so violently disrupted, yet he ensures her comfort and safety.

His handsomeness, which initially registered only fleetingly amidst her fear, now lingers in her memory, the sharp angles of his jawline, the way his dark hair falls across his forehead, the strength evident in his build.

His world is dangerous, a world of violence and hidden dealings, a world so far removed from her own. Yet, in their brief interactions, he has shown a surprising level of consideration, arranging for her studies, answering her questions with a degree of honesty. She recognizes the peril he represents, the inherent threat in his very being, but she also detects a loneliness in him, a sense of isolation despite the power he wields.

She is caught in a bewildering emotional landscape. Fear and resentment war with a reluctant curiosity and a dawning, unsettling awareness of the man who holds her captive. She knows she should despise him, fear him without reservation, but his unexpected moments of humanity, his intriguing contradictions, create a confusing undercurrent beneath her fear. He is a dangerous man, a glimmer of something compelling in the shadows of her captivity.

LATER THAT DAY

In the quiet of the hotel suite, Ingrid lies asleep, the day's unsettling events having finally taken their toll. Zara sits in the living room, her senses alert despite the late hour.

A sudden craving for a cigarette prompts her to step out onto the small balcony for a quick smoke, leaving the suite door slightly ajar, a precaution she usually avoids but deems acceptable for a fleeting moment on a secured floor.

Using forged credentials and exploiting the lax security protocols on a lower floor, he makes his way up to Ingrid's level. He moves with a practiced skill, his footsteps silent on the carpeted hallway. He notes the slightly ajar door of Ingrid's suite, a stroke of unexpected luck.

He slips inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering from the city outside. He moves silently towards the bedroom, where he can hear Ingrid's soft, even breathing.

Just as his fingers are about to close around Ingrid's throat, Zara steps back inside the suite, the faint scent of smoke preceding her. A flicker of movement in the bedroom doorway catches her eye. Her training kicks in instantly. She moves with lightning speed, drawing the silenced pistol concealed beneath her jacket.

She fires a single shot, the suppressed sound barely audible within the suite. The bullet strikes Elias in the shoulder, disrupting his attack.

He cries out, a muffled sound of pain and surprise, and stumbles backward.

Ingrid jolts awake, her eyes widening in terror as she sees the dark figure looming over her and then the sudden appearance of Zara, gun in hand. Chaos erupts in the quiet room. Elias, wounded but desperate, shoves a nearby table towards Zara as a distraction and makes a dash for the door.

Zara fires another shot, grazing his arm. He curses under his breath but manages to escape the suite and disappear down the hallway before she can effectively apprehend him.

Zara quickly secures Ingrid, her gun still raised and scanning the room. "Are you alright?" she asks, her voice firm despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Ingrid sits up, her body trembling violently, her eyes wide with fear. "What…what was that?" she stammers, her voice barely a whisper.

"Someone tried to hurt you," Zara states grimly. "But they will not try again."

Zara immediately contacts Zayed, her voice calm but urgent. "Sir, we have a situation at the hotel. Someone attempted to gain access to the woman. I intervened, but he escaped."

Zayed's voice on the other end is sharp with alarm. "What happened? Is Ingrid harmed?"

"She is physically unharmed, Sir, but shaken. The assailant managed to flee before I could apprehend him. I believe he was a professional."

"Seal off the floor," Zayed orders immediately. "No one in or out. I am on my way."

Zara ends the call, her gaze hardening. She looks at Ingrid, whose eyes are still wide with terror. The safety Ingrid had begun to feel has been shattered. The reality of her dangerous situation crashes down upon her once more. She is not just a witness, someone actively wants her silenced.

Zayed arrives at the hotel suite, his face etched with a mixture of concern and anger. The moment Ingrid sees him, she rushes towards him, her body trembling, and throws herself into his embrace, burying her face in his chest as she sobs uncontrollably.

Zayed holds her tightly, stroking her hair in a comforting gesture, his gaze hardening as he looks over her head at Karim, who stands silently in the doorway, observing the scene.

"Ingrid," Zayed murmurs, his voice low and soothing. "I am so sorry. I failed to keep you safe." He pulls back slightly, looking into her tear-filled eyes. " I promise you, whoever did this will answer to me." His tone is firm, carrying an undeniable weight of authority.

He turns to Zara, his eyes sharp. "Seal this floor completely. I want every inch of this hotel swept. Find out who gained access and how. I want answers, and I want them now." He then looks at one of his other men. "Get my security team down here immediately. I want a full report within the hour."

Karim steps further into the suite, his expression a mask of concern. "This is unacceptable, Zayed. Who would dare to do this?"

"I will find out, Karim," Zayed says, his voice clipped. He turns back to Ingrid, his grip on her hand tightening. "You are not safe here tonight." He looks at Zara. "Move Ingrid's belongings to my suite."

Karim raises an eyebrow, a question forming on his lips. "Zayed, what are you doing?"

"Ingrid is coming with me," Zayed states, his gaze unwavering. "She will spend the night in my suite. I will not risk her safety again." He looks down at Ingrid, his expression softening. "You will be safe with me."