RIVER'S POV

"You know I should charge you extra for this!"Dean groaned shifting me on his back.

"That's okay, I can afford it. Now pick up your pace horsie it's gonna get dark soon."I demanded tugging at his hair.

"This is how colonialism started."Dean bit out.

"First of all the USA did nothing to Kenya, that was all the Brits."I defended.

"You're still white aren't you?"Dean asked.

"Yes but I'm Italian not British, there's a difference."I argued.

Dean didn't bother saying another word to me so I took that as a victory.

The reason he was being such a sour puss is because I was forcing him to give me a piggy back ride. In my defense it was his fault in the first place. He is the one who had taken me hiking. Sure I'd asked for it but he had taken me too far and halfway back my legs had failed on me. Dean's only choice was to carry me back because he couldn't as well leave me there.

"Look, a pretty bird."I commented pointing at the winged fellows perched on a tree branch.

"Glad you're having a blast back there. I'll need a massage and a whole week off after this."Dean demanded.

"It's Friday so you can have the weekend off, we don't have to do anything tomorrow."I replied.

"I'll take the offer but don't think you're getting out of tomorrow's plans that easily. We are still going clubbing."Dean declared.

He was being so bossy. I should have found it irritating especially as someone who hated being told what to do after growing up with an extremely controlling father. Instead it was a turn on for me and I nearly keeled at his gruff dominating voice.

After telling Dean that I didn't get to properly celebrate my twenty first birthday, he had made it his mission to make up for it. It was a sweet thing for him to do but no matter how many times I protested, he still wouldn't budge. We were going clubbing the following night and there was nothing I could do about it.

I lay my head on Dean's shoulder my arms wrapped around his broad chest. I was not heavy and Dean was well built enough to manage my weight so I knew he was okay otherwise I wouldn't have made him carry me all the way back. His hands held me securely against him and I couldn't help but enjoy the feeling or our bodies pressed against each other.

It was a bad idea to let my lust for Dean grow especially when I knew nothing but heartbreak would come of it but I couldn't help myself. It was impossible not to be attracted to Dean. As someone who spent every waking moment with him and knew that his insides matched his outsides, it was difficult not to be attracted to him. I just had to be more careful because as long as I didn't act on my feelings I would be safe.

"Get down, we're here."Dean demanded as the parking lot came to sight.

"Just as I was beginning to enjoy it."I teased jumping off his back.

"My back was ready to give out, I should stop feeding you."Dean retorted.

"You wouldn't dare."I gritted out.

"Calm down tiger and get in the car. I need to get you back to the hotel and me a much needed rest."He requested.

He unlocked the car and without another word ushered me into the passenger seat. Being the designated passenger princess was growing on me especially with Dean as my driver.

We had spent the whole day at Karura, bike riding, bird watching, taking lots of photos and finally hiking when my legs had eventually given out.

"Thank you for today Dean, I loved it."I said to him on the drive back.

"You're welcome."He replied sparing me a glance.

Everyday with Dean was better than the previous and I knew it would be hard to say goodbye when my Visa expired. Meeting his family had been another treat and they were all great. By the end of the day his mom and sister adored me, while his father accepted me with the same indifference he treated everyone with. I didn't let it bother me because I knew it was his personality and not isolated feelings towards me.

"Get some rest tonight and tomorrow, I'll pick you up at six."Dean said as he stopped infront of the hotel.

"That's all you're going to tell me?"

"Yes, now get out of the car. I need to go home."

"You're a bully but lucky enough for you, I've had enough of your grumpy face as well."I retorted undoing my seatbelt.

I grabbed my phone and purse and got out of the car.

"Goodnight waridi."Dean said using the nickname that always managed to melt my insides.

I couldn't be mad at him when he was using such sweet words.

"Goodnight Dean."I replied closing the the door and backing up to get into the hotel.

Dean always made sure I was in the hotel before driving away and today it wasn't any different.

"Good evening Miss Anderson."Felista greeted as I walked past the reception.

"Good evening Felista."I replied politely.

"What would you like for dinner tonight?"She asked me.

"Nothing for now, I'll call down when I wasn't something."I replied.

We'd had a heavy late lunch at the restaurant in the forest so I was still full.

"Okay, have a lovely night miss."

"You too Felista."

I took the elevator to my floor and as soon as I was in the safety of my room, I started stripping. I needed a shower and a nap. My body was exhausted so even if it was only five pm, I had to rest.

I skipped washing my hair and just took a shower to take less time. I didn't even have the energy to change into pajamas so I dropped on the bed in a robe and was asleep in seconds.

I woke up at around nine pm feeling hungry and in the mood for pizza. I checked the hotel menu and they didn't have that on their list of dishes. It was late and I thought about having something different but my body wanted pizza and pizza it would get.

I put on some underwear, a hoodie, pair of sweatpants and some slippers, grabbing some cash as I left the room. I only realized I'd left my phone when I got to the lobby but I didn't go back for it. I didn't plan on being gone long anyway.

I found Felista and a young man in a guards uniform flirting by her desk. I cleared my throat and they jumped apart turning to face me.

"Miss Anderson?"Felista stuttered.

"Hi Felista, sorry to interrupt."I apologized.

"You didn't. How can I help you miss?"She asked shyly.

"I'm craving some pizza and you guys don't serve that. Is there a place I can get one nearby?"I asked her.

"Yes ma'am. There's a pizza inn at the petrol station up the road. Would you like me to order you one?"She asked picking up her phone.

"No need, I've see that gas station and its not that far. I'll walk and get it myself."I replied.

"Are you sure? It's really no trouble ordering for you."Felista insisted.

"I'm sure, I'll be okay, thanks."I replied pushing myself off her desk and walking to the door.

I glanced back and Felista was looking at me worriedly while the guard was looking at her like a lovestruck middleschooler.

"He's cute."I mouthed to Felista giving her a thumbs up.

She blushed and looked his way meeting his eyes. They looked so cute together.

The cold of the Nairobi air hit me as soon as I stepped away from the warm hotel lobby. I was so glad I'd wore a hoodie so I pulled the hood over my head and walked out of the hotel's compound.

Yes it would have been easier to send someone but getting it myself gave me a chance to experience the Nairobi nightlife. And besides the gas station was only a ten minute walk from the hotel. Some of the streetlights were faulty but the cars on the road gave enough light for me to walk comfortably. It was my first time going out on my own without Dean and it felt especially freeing. There were other people on the sidewalk so I knew I was safe.

I made it to the gas station and it was easy to spot the pizza inn. I walked in and waited for my turn to be served.

"Good evening miss, what would you like to order this evening?"The server asked me.

"A pepperoni pizza with extra cheese."I said narrating my favorite pizza.

"What size?"She asked showing me the sizes they offered.

"It's just me so a medium will suffice."I answered.

"Anything else?"She asked me.

"A soda would be nice. Fanta orange."I replied recalling my new favorite drink.

She punched in my order and after I paid she gave me a receipt and soda, asking me to wait for ten minutes.

There were a couple of empty seats so I took one sipping my soda slowly as I waited for my pizza. It didn't take long and I didn't want to go back to the hotel quite yet so I decided to have my pizza there as I watched people come in and out of the gas station.

I was on my third slice of pizza when a shadow loomed over me. I looked up expecting one of the servers but I was surprised to see a completely unfamiliar face without the red uniform worn by the pizza inn servers.

"Is this seat taken?"He asked pulling out the seat across from me.

He didn't even wait for an answer and immediately sat down. Besides me there was only one other couple meaning there were a lot of empty seats so I had no idea why he was choosing to sit with me.

I refused to talk until he did because I was unaware of his intentions.

"Hi, I thought I should come say hi. A beautiful girl like should never have to eat alone."He flirted dishing out a charming smile.

The man was good looking, probably in his early thirties with a bald head, a bushy well kept dark beard around pouty pink lips and a burly physique.

"It's by choice."I replied trying to be as polite as possible.

The man was ruining my meal. I just wanted to eat alone and in peace.

"I'm Malik and you are?"He asked failing to notice the hint that I wanted to be left alone.

"Myra."I replied giving a false name.

"Nice to meet you Myra."He said holding his hand out.

I was eating so I offered him a fistbump instead. He looked down embarrassed knocking his fist against mine.

"So Myra, where are you from?"Malik, if that was even his real name asked me.

"New Zealand. I'm sorry can I help you?"I asked trying to reign in my reputation.

"No need to be so defensive Myra. I only wanted to say hello."Malik defended.

"Which you already did? Clearly I want to be left alone."I gritted out.

"There's no need to when I'm here beautiful. So are you in Kenya for business or pleasure?"He drawled that last word sounding more dirty than it should have been.

"Both now please leave me alone. I've had a long day and all I want is to eat in peace."I requested politely.

"That's okay but maybe we can do this again when you're not so tired? Can I have your number?"

Honestly the dude was either dumb or I was terrible at hints.

"I haven't mastered my number yet."I answered honestly.

"Socials?"

"I'm not on social media."I replied which was also true.

The free River was not on social media.

"Wow, you're not gonna give me a chance huh?"He chuckled.

"Sorry."I shrugged unapologetically.

"It's okay, enjoy your pizza Myra. It was nice meeting you."He said pushing his chair back to leave.

I sighed in relief watching him walk up to the counter to get his pizza. I caught the sparkle of a silver band on his left hand as he waved goodbye and chuckled. Of course the asshat was married. He probably wanted to score with a white girl adding me to his wall of sexual conquests. Unfortunately for him only one Kenyan man had my interest at the moment and since I couldn't have him nobody else was getting a chance. I chose to forget the whole unfortunate encounter and enjoy my pizza.

As I ate I got to eavesdrop on some conversations even if I didn't understand most of it as they spoke in Swahili. I should have made the effort to learn the language but I didn't see the need as I was only be in the country for a while and would probably never come back.

At least I knew some basic words that Dean had taught me like Hello- habari, goodbye - Kwaheri, morning - asubuhi, night - usiku, Thank you - asanti and no - apana. Past that I knew nothing. It was okay though because most people understood English and if they didn't Dean was always there to translate.

"Excuse me miss, we close in ten minutes."One of the servers informed me about an hour later.

"Oh I'm sorry."I apologized realizing I'd lost track of time caught up in my people watching moment.

"It's okay."She assured me with a smile.

I hadn't finished the pizza so I picked up the box planning to finish the rest of it back in my room. I got up, tossed the empty soda bottle in the trashcan and left the facility making my way back to the hotel. There were less people and cars on the road by now so I increased my pace just to be safe.

The hairs at the back of my neck pricked in alarm as I walked past a section of the road with no streetlights. I thought I heard someone walking behind me but when I turned to look there was no one there. I shrugged it off as paranoia since I was outside when I shouldn't have been. Dean would scold me to death if he knew I was outside an hour to midnight.

I could see the lights of the hotel in the distance and I quickened my pace clutching the pizza box close to my chest like a shield. I only had a couple of more feet to walk before I was back into the light when three men dressed in all black and bandanas over their faces appeared infront of me. I turned back ready to sprint when I ran smack into a hard chest. Before I could scream the man clamped his sweaty dirt hand over my mouth while another grabbed my hands behind me making me drop the pizza box.

"This is how I'm going to die."I thought to myself as they pulled me further into the shadows.

"Now here is how this is going to go, you are going to give us your phone and all the money on you if you want to live."The tallest of the thugs demanded.

I didn't have that much money on me and my phone was back in my hotel room on my nightstand.

I couldn't move my hands or scream so I was literally at their mercy. Being the daughter of a mafia king meant I was bound to know self defense but it was dark, I had no idea how many men I was up against or what kind of weapons they had. My best option was to let them search me, take whatever they wanted and walk away free.

I stopped struggling and stood still letting them search my pockets.

"Good girl."The thug infront of me praised.

I could barely make their faces out so there was no way I could identity any of them. They searched all my pockets and all they could get was the few hundred shilling bills in my pocket.

"Hana simu."One of the men gritted out.

I knew simu meant phone so I presumed they had realized I didn't have it on me.

"Where's your phone?"The man infront of me demanded.

I couldn't say anything because another one still had his hand around my mouth. He lifted it slightly enough for me to get a couple of words out but not enough to scream.

"I don't have it on me."I replied.

"Bure kabisa, twende."One of them gritted out tugging at my hair making me moan in pain.

"Hatuwezi mwacha hivi."Another one said.

Before I could understand what was happening someone hit me in the stomach with what felt like a steel baseball bat.

I hunched over in pain my mouth filling with saliva and bile. Another punched me in nose and the crack assured me that it was broken. The man holding my arms pulled me upright giving two more guys the chance to rain a couple of more blows on me. The last hit against my temple knocked me to the ground and I hit my head against a rock knocking me out.

I had no idea how long I lay in the dirt shrouded in darkeness but when I came to my head and my nose were throbbing and I was finding it hard to breath.

I needed to get back the the hotel to get help but it was hard getting up. Good thing I was not far so I used the wall of the building next to me to get up and dragged myself the rest of the way. It had to be past midnight already because there was not a soul in sight and the guard at the gate was dozing off. My whole body was on fire but I managed to push the gate open and let myself in. The guard jerked awake his baton at the ready but he relaxed as soon as he recognized me. The look on his face went from relieved to shock really fast when he saw the kind of state I was in.

"Miss Anderson."The cute guard Felista had been with earlier exclaimed rushing to my side.

"Don't touch me."I gritted afraid that one touch would be the end of me.

"What happened to you?"He asked.

I didn't bother replying because even talking hurt. I limped the rest of the way to the reception holding my stomach in pain. Felista looked up from her phone her eyes widening in surprise to see me.

"Jesus! Miss Anderson."She cried rushing to my side.

All the strength I'd mustered to get me to familiar ground faded out and I collapsed to the floor.

"Kim get call Dishan."I heard Felista yell as she knelt by my side pulling my head onto her lap.

I knew Dean would be so mad because he had demanded that I never go anywhere without him. With that thought in mind and in the presence of people I could trust, I passed out from all the pain unable to handle it any longer.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Dean's gonna be pissed 😂😂😂.