“Don’t worry about it. We’ve been granted permission to leave as long as we’re back for dinner.”
Well, I wanted an adventure. Guess I’m getting one. At least it would give me a place to go where I didn’t need to worry about bumping into James.
We weren’t in the air even five minutes when I reminded Zoey of her promise. “So, let’s talk about the Tabiqian woman. What don’t I know?”
Zoey rolled her eyes. “You’re not going to like anything I have to tell you.”
I figured as much. “Let me be the judge.”
“Tabiq has seen cruelty like you’d never imagine. As the women became of age, they were…sold to wealthy men for one purpose. Their virginity. Then discarded as…trash. What made it all the worse, was at that time, the government and police were supporting that behavior. When my family learned of the truth of what was going on, they stepped in and…with Bennett’s help, put an end to it.”
“You mean your family took down a government?” I know they were powerful, but hell, that was scary in itself.
“It is so much more complicated than that. I would say it was more like we…we’re helping them find themselves again. Tabiq was such a beautiful place with people focused on family. They are getting there, but…in baby steps. Even now the women are much more…reserved. I’m sure you noticed that they dress more conservative too.”
I had. “I can also see it in how they act at New Hope. They seem to have walls up,” I said.
Zoey nodded. “No matter how close we think we are with them, we are still foreigners. There is only so much they trust us. Not sure they ever will, but my brothers believe over time, that will change.”
“I think only time is going to answer that question,” I said.
“Might not see it in our lifetime,” Zoey stated.
The next two hours were spent learning even more of Tabiqian history. My head was pounding in disbelief. “I thought I’ve heard just about everything in the courtroom, but nothing like this.”
Zoey nodded. “I only know what I’ve heard but I know it’s even worse than what I’ve told you.”
I felt like I was going to be sick. “I…I had no idea.”
“It’s been a buried secret from the world,” Zoey said. “And like I said, now my family is here and trying to help them build their economy and maybe help them heal from the pain that was caused.”
I could see there was something she wasn’t telling me. At this point, I didn’t know if I wanted to hear any more. It made sense why the Tabiqian women who worked at New Hope were reserved. I wouldn’t trust strangers either.
“Come on. It’s time to put these thoughts behind us and shop. We don’t have long before the jet will need to take off again,” Zoey said.
“Do you even know where we are going?” I asked.
She nodded. “I came here before with my sister-in-law Ziva. In case you didn’t know, she is Tabiqian.”
“No, I didn’t. I know your family’s…reputation, but nothing about your personal life,” I admitted.
She laughed. “You must not read the tabloids, because the world seems to think they know us. They’re wrong.”
“I know what you mean. The media has more power than most people think. Maybe that’s why I don’t read the tabloids.”
“Well, we don’t have to worry about anything getting out while we are here. The shop is only a few minutes away and I’m so excited to see what they have,” Zoey said.
When we arrived, I was surprised to find it wasn’t a dress shop. There was a mannequin in the window wearing pasties and a matching thong. Ah. Hot and sexy. I get it now. I was really going to need to keep James away from Bennett tonight, because Zoey was going all out to grab Bennett’s attention.
Once inside, my jaw dropped. I wasn’t a prude by any means. This shop held about every kinky device you could imagine, along with the outfits to match.
“Okay, let me know if anything jumps out at you,” Zoey said.
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, something you think would get his attention.”
I chuckled. “I could close my eyes and pick just about anything in the store. It’s all pretty…”
“Fun. But just so you know, I don’t want anything that…well…hurts. Nipple clamps and stuff like that are out.”
Thank God. I didn’t want to help even my best friend pick out shit like this. Thankfully a salesperson arrived. “Hello, darling. What can I interest you in today?” they asked. I couldn’t tell their gender, but in any case, the person looked stunning in a leather corset and matching garter belt with thigh-high black leather boots.
Zoey mused for a moment. “I’m thinking something…”
“Red,” I said. Zoey looked at me in surprise, and I added, “It would look great with your dark hair and eyes.”
Zoey smiled. “See, I knew bringing you was the right choice. Okay, something red for me and maybe something black for you.”
“Me? I don’t need anything,” I said firmly.
She chuckled. “Your vacation is far from over. It might come in handy. I always say, better safe than sorry.”
“We’re not talking condoms here, we’re talking lingerie.”
“Exactly. I bet you didn’t pack anything like this in your suitcase,” Zoey said playfully, holding up what looked like a bunch of black leather strips with silver rings binding them together. The accessories were a black mask with cat ears and a whip. “What size are you?”
“I don’t think you need to know a size to wear that. And I’m not getting it, either,” I said, putting it back on the counter.
The sales associate struck a pose and said, “I bet you could pull off my outfit nicely.”
“Not as good as you,” I smiled. I knew I wasn’t getting out of there without purchasing something. I headed over to the babydoll lingerie. I found one in black and held it up. “This is more my style.”
Not that I cared what James would like, or that he’d ever even see me in it, but he struck me as someone who’d like something like this.
The salesperson came over and said, “Great! And we have the matching crotchless panties to match. Let me ring you up.”
Oh great. Easy access too. Another win. I bit back my laughter, but no way was I purchasing anything here. I didn’t need it. At least not now. But it was too late. The items were whisked from my fingers, and before I knew it, Zoey had paid for them. Then she said, “Okay. We have to find something for me now. Or did you forget, tonight is about me and husband celebrating our anniversary?”
“Not for a minute. Maybe I can pick out something special for you,” I teased.
“No, thank you. I think I see just the thing.” She pointed to a red sheer robe.
“Is that all you’re getting?” I asked.
“Of course not. I’ll need the pasties and thong too!” Zoey exclaimed. The salesperson squealed in glee as they rung up and packaged her items.
There was no doubt in my mind Zoey was going to enjoy her anniversary very much.
And I’m stuck babysitting James so he doesn’t bother you. Wonderful.