Authors Note: So I'm gonna be updating this quite quickly, I prefer to write a lot at once and there's no point not uploading my chapters! Thank you for the reviews so far, I appreciate them all! I look forward to your feedback on the next instalment, thanks for reading!
This time I woke up of my own accord. Most of the surrounding marines were softly dozing, having sacrificed their sleep for this op. I stole a glance at a watch on the wrist of a nearby man. 5.23am. No wonder I had slept so much, half my nights sleep had been stolen from me. The brightness outside was also deceiving. It felt later in the day than it actually was. My thoughts were interrupted by a crackling over the radio announcing we were now aproaching the base, Camp Dwyer.
The marines around me all slowly started rousing at an unspoken command as we began to descend. A few moved to crouch by the open door, packs and guns already in place, ready to leap out as we landed. Soon the ground was approaching at an alarmingly quick speed, and once more that day I squeezed my eyes tight shut and braced for a rough impact that never came. Of course. These pilots were the best of the best. They didn't do rough landings. I was hurried out of the helicopter by the men who had already exited, and followed the same procedure to be escorted out of the sandstorm created by the continuous circular motion of the heli's blades.
Once a safe distance away, I was allowed to stand up straight again as my saviour helicopters took off once more. As they grew smaller and smaller into the distance, I was able to get a look at my surroundings. We had landed on a large makeshift airfield, I could see a few large military planes sitting further away. My ticket out of here I realised. As we left the airfield, I could see the actual base itself. A few larger, more permanent buildings were visible, but mainly it was made up of tents and trailers, all designed to blend in with the desert colours. We passed through a huge metal gate, heavily guarded by men who shouted hellos to their comrades as we passed, and ogled me with an intense interest. I was surprised to find the base already in full swing, alive with soldiers bustling about already beginning their daily routines. Most paused whatever they were doing to glance at me - I had been told I had caused a bit of a stir in thier camp, a claim which I had brushed aside, until now. We continued our procession deeper into the camp, me all the while wondering where I could just have a shower. The buckets of dirty water I was provided with once a week back in my prison had had zero effect on reducing the layer of grime and sand that had built up over the weeks. But apparently, a shower would have to wait. The marine closest to me bent down to murmur in my ear as we walked.
"That's him over there. The FBI guy. Hasn't slept all night apparently, waiting for you." He said, pointing towards one of the open sided tents.
As we drew closer and I could see him better, I was still drawing a blank. Seeing him in person triggered no recollection in my head, although what I did recognise was his outstandingly good looks.
Oh boy was he gorgeous.
There were no two ways about it, this man was rocking some seriously good genes. He was tall, slim but obviously muscular. They'd dressed him in the same standard issue combat trousers, t-shirt and laced boots, all the same sandy colour. His deep black hair stood out against the beiges of his clothes, the sleek ponytail he was sporting framing his striking grey eyes and angular face. No wonder he had turned up and these soldiers had immediately jumped at his command, everything from his posture to his facial expression screamed authority. He was also very intimidating, even to the mass of soldiers surrounding me it appeared. His sharp facial features however did nothing to hide the beauty of it. I was more than happy to appreciate his good looks from afar after 3 months of near isolation. Yep, this man was like all my Christmas presents wrapped up in one.
Observing from afar didn't last long though. The mystery man rose from the bench he was sitting on and began marching straight for me. Oh man, even his walk was sexy.
No, stop it Soraya. Focus. You need to know who the hell he is.
He was maintaining a steady eye contact the entire time, only stopping when he was right infront of me. He held out his right hand, which I took to shake. Instead he pulled my hand horizontally so his was underneath and placed his other hand on top of mine, cradling it gently.
"Soraya.."
His voice was deep, but smooth like caramel. It made my heart give a little flutter. But however deep it was, nothing could hide the undertones his one word was laced with. It was full of love and endearment, and a tidal wave of relief. I gazed back up into his eyes, not even caring that this complete stranger was talking to me like we had known each other years not seconds. I felt safe. He, felt safe to me.
The man suddenly seemed to remember himself and dropped my hand, regaining his authoritative demeanour. Clearing his throat, he introduced himself.
"Miss Abdali, I am Agent Victor Benedict of the FBI." He paused, adding an after thought. "I also work for the Net."
