The Zoo

THE ZOO

Life has always been easy for "A". Of course, when you have always been the most beautiful girl, young woman, and adult woman in the room, that makes it much easier. Anastasia Ambrose Anderson, or A as her friends have always called her, has a perfect figure with deep blue eyes and long, blonde, curly hair that perfectly highlights a face that stops rooms when she enters. She has always been the prettiest wherever she has been.

Of less importance to the people around her, but of equal value to her was her intelligence. She was smart enough to understand her looks would only get her so far, and she made it a point to not be a stuck-up bitch to other kids. She made certain to have friends in all areas, and being popular with the "normal" kids made her life easier.

Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia made her a southern belle, and she could play that accent to the hilt whenever it helped her. Otherwise, she downplayed the accent, understanding it would be a hinderance in the business world and some social circles.

By the time she graduated from college at 22, her social calendar was full of influential people in Atlanta, and beyond. She knew she would never need her financial services degree, but she hadn't taken it to work in banks or financial institutions. No, she fully intended to use her looks as leverage with the men who have hung around her like flies since she hit puberty.

By the time she hit twenty-five she had collected enough "gifts" from her boyfriends to lay a foundation for financial freedom if continued for the duration of her looks. She never asked for anything and was always a sweet and happy companion. In response her gentleman "friends" lavished her with apartments, bank accounts, cars; anything they thought she might like but had never had to ask for.

As she approached thirty, she was living in New York with a very successful investment banker. He was one of the one hundred richest men in the world, and she had everything she had hoped for. She traveled the world, always having private jets, yachts, and houses to use as she wanted.

It was while she was in the Middle East with Robert that she finally met "real" money. At the time, they were staying at a private estate of some royal prince in Abu Dabi as his personal guests. By then, she had an account in a Swiss bank, in the Caymen Islands, and her "known" accounts in New York.

Her financial future was assured, and she was beginning to grow restless. She could only fuck so many boring, rich guys without losing the façade she hid behind all these years. She was starting to not care much any longer, and she knew her shell was beginning to crack.

It was a hot, typical summer day and Anastasia was at the private pool of the prince, talking to one of his wives. She liked talking to the Arab wives. They are always quiet and deferential in public, but behind the scenes, this is where she could find the real power in the Middle East. The bored wife pointed out to Anastasia each of the celebrity Arabs at the event they were attending, telling her how important or rich each actually was, and which were pretending. Anastasia loved this, and they talked well into the evening. The wife explained to her that it was not "her" night with her husband, and she was free stay as late as her bodyguard would allow.

Suddenly the wife sat up straight and froze. The entire pool area stopped as if they had been frozen. Anastasia looked around to see what happened and noticed a large entourage moving through the side area of the pool. There were dozens of obviously well-armed men surrounding one man. Several women followed at a discreet distance. Once the entourage was gone, life returned to the pool area.

Anastasia had to know. "Okay, who's that?"

The wife leaned over and whispered. "That is Prince Saadian Al-Enezi."

She couldn't believe it. The richest man in the world had just walked by her. She knew his worth was estimated at almost 1 trillion dollars. It is believed he would become the first trillionaire. Now that's REAL money.

Once he was gone, the wife became a bubbling fountain of information and gossip. Anastasia loved this stuff, and you could never know too much.

"You saw the women that followed him?" Anastasia nodded. "Not his wives, his zoo."

"Zoo?"

"Yeah, yeah. See, he is a collector. He has the world's largest collection of paintings. He has cars, art works, anything that strikes his fancy. One thing that strikes his fancy is beautiful women. However, he has very strict rules about the women in his life. We don't know what those rules are, but they never speak to anyone in public. The older women leading them is their supervisor, or "handler" if you will. She is the only person they are allowed to talk to. We would all die to hear of some of the other rules they must follow to be with him."

The wife continued talking until Robert showed up to take her back to their suite. Anastasia had stopped listening after she heard about the "zoo". She didn't care how rich this man was, no woman had to be treated like that. She knew she'd never do that. She had all the money she would ever need.

However, as Robert fucked her that night, the boredom of her life came crashing back on her. It seemed to crush her like Robert's body weight. He always liked fucking her on top in the missionary position. Anastasia hated it; thought it provincial and boring; but if that was the price, that was the price.

By the time he finished and rolled over to start snoring, Anastasia was wondering who had the worse position, the "zoo" women or her. Since she would never have to worry about it, she forgot it and fell asleep, counting her money in her head.

Robert and the Prince were there for a seminar of financial leaders. While the seminar continued the wives and girlfriends had a private pool and dining area set apart from the general public. Anastasia didn't see her friend from yesterday. The first thing that popped into Anastasia's head was, maybe this was her night, and she was getting ready. The comparison to her last night hit too close to home for Anastasia. She realized the difference between the wife and her was culture, not person. Each was surviving in the circumstances they found themselves in.

Anastasia found a quiet chaise lounge to watch the crowd. She saw the "zoo" in a separate pool. They had four large bodyguards watching the crowd and the older woman watching them. Apparently, they could talk to each other, because they were laughing and splashing around, secluded from everyone else.

Anastasia fell asleep on her lounge. She had a large umbrella above her, keeping the sun off. However, as the sun shifted, her legs became exposed as she slept.

She was awakened by a deep voice beside her. "If you don't shift your umbrella, your legs are going to burn."

She looked up into the face of the richest man on earth smiling down on her.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I just would hate to have such beautiful legs burnt."

"Forgive me, your highness? I don't know how to address you."

"How about Saadian? That is my name. There are many "Princes" running around the Middle East. I would just prefer my own name."

"Well then, Saadian, thank you for rescuing my legs. I am sure I will thank you tomorrow when I don't have to take care of any burns."

"I know I haven't seen you at any of these conferences before. I would never forget someone as beautiful as you."

"You're too kind."

"Who are you here with?"

"Robert Whitaker."

"I know Bob. He's a good man." He pointed toward his ladies. "I'd better get back to my ladies before they get nervous because I'm talking to someone prettier than them. Maybe I'll see you again, here?"

He bowed and turned to leave. Anastasia had to admit; he was just as rich in the charm department as the wealth department. A dangerous man. Fortunately, Robert didn't travel in his circles, so she wouldn't have to worry about that.

Over dinner that night, she told Robert about her encounter with the prince. Robert got quiet. So quiet Anastasia finally had to ask.

"Sweetheart, that man is a shark of historic proportions. If he talked to you, he is intrigued by you. If he decides to pursue you, I'm dead. He never misses his mark."

"I'm not that shallow, Robert. I like what we have."

Robert laughed. "Comparing me to him is like comparing a Toyota to a Lamborghini. You can't imagine the world he and those women live in. It isn't the money. After a certain point, the money blurs everything around you. It is more than that. Everything around him is huge. Everyone around him is famous and powerful. He must always be on his guard. It is not general knowledge, but there have been a couple of assassination attempts at him. Some even think one of them might have been by our own CIA. I doubt it, but how knows?"

Anastasia looked down at her hands in her lap. She hadn't considered for a second that he might be interested in her. She had built her life on her looks and charm, but even she never considered herself a world-class beauty. The fact this man had stopped to engage in conversation with her made her shudder. She wasn't ready to join any man's zoo, no matter how rich he was.

"I'm sure he was just being polite to a pretty lady. He has all the beautiful women he would ever need."

Robert patted her on the hand. "My love, you and I are very much alike. We've both built our lives on moving up to better people and things. If he comes for you, I will have to just step aside. I don't want to tangle with him." He reached over and kissed her softly. "But that doesn't mean I wouldn't miss you terribly, my love."

She didn't sleep very well that night. Robert knew what troubled her. It made him sad; he'd really miss this woman. However, he had found her, and he'd find another. That would be better than tangling with Al-Enezi. He held her as she tried to sleep.

The conference was scheduled to end the next day. All Anastasia wanted to do was get the hell out of there. She stayed in the suite the last day while Robert finished the conference. When the limo headed out toward the airport, she finally let out a sigh of relief. Arriving at her apartment in New York made her feel a little bit better, and she decided to forget about the world's richest man who gets whatever he wants and move on with her life. She did know she was about to move on from Robert. It wasn't about the money any longer, she was bored. These things play out in a couple of different ways. Sometimes, the rich guy moves on to a new lady, and sometimes Anastasia just breaks it off. In the first case, it always came with a nice parting gift. The second case, not so much.

This was different. She got a call from Robert the next day to tell her his people informed Robert the prince was making inquiries about Anastasia. It came from one of Al-Enezi's companies in New York and had it had gotten back to Robert's people. Robert told her he already had her name, address, and phone number.

"It is better if we break it off before he shows up. If he appears to steal my girlfriend, it puts him in a bad light here in New York, and I'd rather not have that happen. Prepare for the onslaught. He can be overwhelming in his pursuit of anything or anyone he wants. It appears he wants you. Good luck, sweetheart. I'll miss you."

Anastasia was both angry and afraid at the same time. First, Robert is a fucking coward. He didn't give her a chance to choose. She may not have chosen Robert, but she sure as hell wasn't choosing the "zookeeper."

She didn't have long to stew. That evening, a man appeared at her door. "Miss Anderson. I'm from Arasia Oil Company." Arasia Oil Company is a joint venture between the prince and China. China needed a steady flow of oil years ago, and the prince needed a steady customer back then. It has worked well for each for many years. They have an office in New York, and does some sell oil to the U. S. "The Prince, Saadian Al-Enezi requests the honor of hosting a dinner for you and his excellency. He wonders if this Saturday evening would be suitable for you?"

Anastasia sighed quietly. As usual, Robert was spot on with his analysis. He usually was. He didn't become a billionaire by accident or inheritance. His instincts are good. Now what does she do? Does she dare turn him down? Does she go, and hope it turns out badly enough for him to move on? She made her decision in a second. She'll go and see what happens. "I'd be honored to have dinner with the Prince."

The man handed her a package. "My car will be here at six Saturday. Good night, Miss Anderson." He bowed and left.

She opened the package to discover a beautiful evening gown. She was sure it was her size. He wouldn't make a mistake about that. This is going to be a challenge.

The gown fitted perfectly, and she had to admit, she looked fabulous in it. She had her hair done that afternoon and spent an hour on her makeup with a beautician friend of hers. As she looked into the mirror, the woman standing before her was amazing. This was the best she had ever looked.

The limo arrived exactly at six, and she was off. It took her to the company's high rise New York headquarters. It went into the garage, where she was met by security, two male and one female. The female took her into a small room and searched her thoroughly. When she was satisfied, the three of them took her upstairs to the top floor.

The elevator door opened into a stunning suite fit for the richest man in the world. She was met by a butler who was old enough to have known Moses. He took her shawl and a maid that led her to the bar. The bartender asked what was her pleasure, and she asked for a glass of red wine.

The butler smiled and bowed. "The master will be here in a few minutes. He wishes to express his apologies for not being here to greet you. He was detained by urgent business but shall be here in a few minutes. If you'd like to sit in the living room." He pointed toward the huge room. It was not a question.

She headed to a large couch facing wall to ceiling glass displaying the skyline of New York. As she sat, sipping her wine, she stared out the window. She could see her reflection in the glass. She stared at herself and sighed. Anastaisa could see how this man could overwhelm most women. He was making headway with even her, and she has never been swayed by a man before.

That moment of indecision was the precise time he appeared. "Miss Anderson, please forgive me for being late. I assure you it was unavoidable."

"Please call me Anastasia, and my time is much more flexible than yours. I am at your disposal, Saadian."

"You're too kind." She stood up when he entered the room, and he took her hand and kissed it. "I hope you won't be too disappointed if we have our meal here in the apartment. I have found it is easier to not try to go to any restaurants here. Too many people, too disruptive."

She smiled her best smile. "That makes perfect sense to me. I'm sure it will be wonderful. Although, it does seem a shame to waste the effect of this beautiful gown on just the staff tonight."

"Don't be so sure it's being wasted, my dear." He hadn't dropped her hand after kissing it and led her into the next room. The dining room was larger and grander than the entry area. It looked like it would seat twenty or thirty, but there were only settings for two at the far end.

He carried her glass of wine and put it down at her place setting. Once he was seated, the servants brought the first course. It was fugu, the poisonous pufferfish that kills if not prepared correctly. She waited to see him bite into it first. He looked at her carefully. "What are you waiting for?"

She smiled, "I thought I'd wait for you to taste the fugu first."

He laughed out loud. "Very good, Anastasia, but I'm not going to kill you. At least, not until I sleep with you first. However, this is farm-raised fugu. The poison has been bred out of it by restricting its environment." He took a bite and swallowed. She ate hers. It was delicate and very good.

The rest of the meal continued in the same vein until the six other courses passed before them and they had consumed them.

Anastasia was impressed, which was his object, of course. "If I ate like this every day, I gain twenty pounds in a month."

"I can assure you I don't eat like this every day. Today is a special day. Tomorrow it's back to sandwiches and hamburgers."

She laughed. "I'm sorry. I just can't see you eating hamburgers."

"It's my favorite American food. I have an American chef with me just so I can have a hamburger whenever I want." He stood up. "How about we go back into the living room?"

He led her back to the living room, and he got her another glass of wine from the bartender. They ran through the usual small talk until he finally put his glass down. "So, Anastasia, what do you know about me?"

"I know you are the richest person on the planet. I know you have exquisite taste and are handsome to a fault. I do have one question. Are you married?"

He nodded. "I am, for twenty years now. I have three children with Amal." He could tell she was hesitating. "It's okay. Just ask the question you want to ask."

"I know you like to collect things, paintings, art, cars. Even women. You are aware of what some of your competitors call your women, right?"

"My zoo. I know. But it is not what you think it is."

"I hope not, because if you were planning on adding another exhibit to your zoo, you will be disappointed."

Anastasia could see him thinking about his next response. She had been as clear as she could where she stood. Now it was his turn.

"Are you aware of when an assassination target is the most vulnerable?"

"No, I haven't had to think about that before."

"Unfortunately, it is something I must think about constantly. No, the answer is with a woman, alone."

"I have heard rumors, but I'm new to all this. Robert never had this problem when I was with him. You heard he dumped me, right?"

"I believe dump is a little too strong. He didn't need to step aside for me. I'm not that vindictive, at least not in my personal life. I would not have attacked his company just because I wanted you. I would attack his companies if I thought I could make a profit from it. However, most of the richest men in the world tend to stay away from each other's assets. If it doesn't offend you any, I would consider you his most precious asset, and I never would have harmed him, even for you."

"I'm flattered, but back to the woman alone being a threat."

"For the obvious reason, when a man is wanting a certain woman, he wants her alone with him. If a trained assassin can get into the room with her target alone, he is dead already. Even without weapons. Their skill is the only weapon they need. I have survived two such women so far in my life. It is only because of those four women you call my zoo." He refilled her glass and sat back down. "Before I am alone with a new woman, they must pass the test of my women."

"But we are alone now."

He smiled. "Are we, now?" He pointed to a large mirror on one side of the room and waved his hand. The mirror became clear, and Anastasia could see two of the women standing behind the mirror. One had a gun pointed at Anastasia and the other was recording their conversation. Anastasia finally noticed the small hole in the ornately decorated frame. The gun could show through the hole. He snapped his fingers, and the mirror returned. "I'm sorry for that, but I needed you to understand who the four women are, and their purpose traveling with me constantly. It is also why they never talk to anyone but their team leader in public."

Anastasia couldn't get over having a gun pointed at her. "You had a gun pointed at me the entire time?"

He nodded. "Nothing would have happened unless you threatened me."

"So, if I had decided to sit on our lap and put my arms around you, they might have shot me?"

"I wouldn't let you do that. No one must get within an arm's length of me until I'm certain I'm safe. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying I haven't slept with any or all of them. I have, and they have done so willingly."

Anastasia could believe that. What's not to like about fucking this trillionaire. "So, where do we go from here?"

He smiled. "That is entirely up to you. You may leave now and never see me again. If you choose to, you may leave now, and we will see each other again. Or you may stay with me tonight. It is your choice."

Anastasia was intrigued but tonight was out of the question. "I choose door number two. I'm intrigued and would like to see you again, but I must meet these four women and understand the relationship better before I make that leap. I hope you can understand that."

He stood up, put his hand up to the mirror and walked up to her. He hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I accept door number two. I will arrange for you to meet my bodyguards and sometime lovers before we continue." He snapped his fingers, and the butler came into the room. "Amaad, call my car and have one of the four accompany her home." He nodded and left.

He called someone on his cell phone and one of the ladies from behind the mirror came into the room. "Anastasia, this Penelope. She will accompany you home, and you may ask her any questions you wish." Penelope nodded and guided Anastasia out the front door.

Anastasia waited until they were in the car, and she raised the wall between them and the driver. "Penelope, you obviously heard everything he said tonight." Penelope nodded. "Are you a trained soldier?"

"No, I am not."

"Then how could you shoot me?"

"I have been trained by the best for the Prince. I could have shot you through the opening easily if he had given me the signal. I have done it before, and I'd do it again."

Penelope could see Anastasia shudder. "Don't misunderstand me. I didn't come here as a trained bodyguard. I came here just like you. He saw me in Greece a couple of years ago, liked me, and did exactly what he's doing with you. He offered me the opportunity to live this life."

"So, he sleeps with the four of you often?"

"Most nights it is one of us. If you come here, he will start being with you only for as long as he wishes. It will give us time. But, understand this, until he trusts you completely, there will be two of us behind the mirrors whenever you are alone with him."

"I can honestly say that I've never put on a show before."

"It does take a little getting used to. I was embarrassed for the first few times. I finally forgot about the girls and enjoyed myself. You will too, if you come here."

"What would the other three think of me coming aboard, so to speak?"

Kara might not like it much, but Sasha and Imani would love it."

"How about you?"

Penelope patted Anastasia's hand and smiled. "I'm good. I'll watch out over you, I promise. I have been the new girl for two years. It would be good to have a different new girl for a change."

"About his wife."

Penelope looked down. "He loves his wife. She lives in Abu Dabi with the children. He sees them as often as he can, but it is difficult. His wife refuses to leave their original home where her children are being raised. He has guards everywhere, but he believes she is safer when he is away. Even the terrorists are afraid of what he'd do if anyone harmed her or their children. SO far, they have been safe, but he can't see them too often."

Penelope dropped her off at her apartment building. Anastasia went to sleep dreaming of that handsome man taking her. For the first time since she saw him, his money didn't enter her fantasy.

She didn't hear from him for a couple of weeks. When he finally called her again, he was in Saudia Arabia in meetings. He apologized for not calling her, but he'd been busy. He asked if she'd be willing to meet him in Paris in two days? She agreed, and he told her Penelope would contact her with the details.

His private jet picked her up two days later. Penelope was on the jet, along with a couple of his men. The two women talked about Saadian the entire trip. By the time they landed in Paris, Anastasia knew she'd sleep with him if he asked again.

He rented an estate outside Paris. When they arrived, there were armed guards everywhere. They went through several checkpoints until they were in the living room of the estate.

The butler took her bags upstairs, and they waited for him. Anastasia was happy to have Penelope with her now. It made her not so lonely, having one of the four with her. It took thirty minutes, but he finally came into the room. "I'm so sorry for the delay."

Anastasia shook her head. "It is no problem. It is a small inconvenience, nothing more." He smiled and looked at Penelope. Penelope nodded, and he looked back at Anastasia. Penelope left and they were "alone". Anastasia didn't think he had time to put in his trick mirror in a rented estate, but she wouldn't put it past him.

He sat down on the sofa. He held out his hand. She took it, and he pulled her down into his lap. She whispered into his ear. "Maybe you should search me to see if I have any weapons on me?"

He whispered back, "Your body is a weapon. It is a weapon I hope to enjoy this evening."

She kissed his ear, and he squeezed one of her breasts. His touch sent shock waves through her. She knew the two were watching them, and she didn't care any longer. "Maybe we can give the girls a show?"

"There is no mirror in this room. I'll just have to check you for weapons myself tonight."

He picked her up and started for the stairs. She could figure they would be alone that night. They passed a very large, armed man in front of his bedroom who didn't look at them as they went by.

He took her into the bedroom and sat her down on the bed. "Maybe you'd like to freshen up? It was a long flight."

Anastasia nodded and he pointed toward the bathroom. A long flight in a private jet, talking to Penelope, wasn't a problem, but she did want to freshen up a little. She shouldn't have been surprised, but, in the bathroom suite, there hung a negligee. She knew it would fit, and it did. She twirled around in the mirror. She looked good and felt good.

When she returned, he was already in bed. He threw the covers open, and she climbed in beside him. She whispered into his ear, "It fits, of course. You have excellent taste in clothing."

"I'd like to think in women as well." He kissed her as she leaned over the bed and helped her into bed. For a man of fifty, he was in very good shape. His grey hair made him stately. It would only make a woman unfuckable. Of course, with his money and power, he could have been a troll, and he would still have his choice of beautiful women. She was trying to convince herself she would not have been that obvious, but she was beginning to lose that battle.

He smiled at her and pushed her down on her back. The "troll" images disappeared when she saw him towering over her. He was fit, and well-endowed. She figured she'd get the "Robert" treatment first, but he surprised her and went down on her first. It was so surprising that she got wet and hot quickly. Her mind reeled as he worked on her happy valley. He continued until she came. When she came, she came hard. He watched as she bounced around under him. When she finally relaxed, he kissed her from her vagina to her breasts in a not so straight line until he was sucking on her breasts, tenderly.

Whatever reservations Anastasia he before, they were forgotten. This man had skills, and he knew how to use them. If he had even an adequate package, this was going to be a habit with her for a long time. When he pushed her legs apart and pushed himself toward her, she nearly fainted. He knew how to use his more than adequate package. She closed her eyes and allowed him to take possession of her body. She knew it was her body and soul, but one thing at a time. Fuck the body now, we'll worry about the soul later.

She lay still and enjoyed this man inside her. She felt his every move, and it seemed to her his control was moving further upwards into her body with each thrust until her head exploded in the best orgasm she could ever remember. It came over her, and she allowed it to take possession of her mind. She looked into his eyes and instantly understood what the others had discovered. He now owned her body and soul. She knew she'd learn to shoot, and she'd kill any woman who tried to harm this man. She knew she'd do whatever this man told her to do. Her past didn't matter to her any longer.

Saadian lay down on her chest, smiling. He really enjoyed this beauty, and he had every intention of keeping her. He knew he could teach her whatever he wanted to teach her, and she'd do it without question. Just like the other four. Now he had five bodyguards with privileges. After all, every billionaire needed at least one American beauty in his entourage.

Penelope smiled to herself in her room. He likes his new pet. She had seen this before, with her. Now he had a new toy. Maybe she could rest more now and let this filly take his best shots for the foreseeable future.

Saadian and Anastasia fell asleep where they lay. In the morning, he was still on top of her, and she put her arms around him and held on tight until he wore up.

When he looked down at her, she whispered to him. "Please fuck me one more time, please."

He smiled, nodded, pushed her legs apart again, and started a new assault. It didn't take long before they both exploded together. He laid back down on her and enjoyed possessing her body as he had done twice. The satisfied look in her stary eyes, combined with that beautiful body lying under him, submitting to his lust and desires made him feel like a bull.

They finally got up, took a shower, and got dressed. Her clothes were there, but he had all new clothes for her, and she decided to wear them instead. Everything was the best, and it looked like the best on her.

They went down for breakfast. Saadian called the four and introduced the other three to Anastasia. "This will be your fifth person in your little group. Please help her until she becomes integrated into the squad." He then called their boss in. "Farrah, please help Anastasia to integrate into your charges."

Farrah nodded. "When do we start?" She knew her boss. She should. She had been with the family since he was a child. She was old now and was tired. But she felt it was her duty to his parents to protect him, and she knew she would until the day she died.

"We can start in a few days, Lolo." Lolo was a word for old woman, but with affection. He loved this old woman. She had been with him for most of his life.

She nodded and left. Saadian looked at Anastasia and the other four. "I must go to the conference here in Paris. I ask each of you, does Anastasia come with us, or is it too soon? I want to hear your honest thoughts."

Penelope looked at Anastasia. "You do understand that the minute you walk with us, you are labeled as a member of his zoo? If you are ready for that label, then I'm for it."

Everyone looked at Anastasia. She smiled. "There is no time like the present. I just need to understand the rules before I go in public. If you think I'm not ready, I'll remain here this time until I know the rules. If you can guide me through it, I'll happily go."

Kara was the oldest and longest member of the group. "I'll watch over her if you wish her to accompany us." She was talking directly to Saadian. He nodded. "It is settled. Anastasia, stay by my side. I will help you get through this." Anastasia couldn't help herself. She hugged Kara, hard. It made Kara uncomfortable, but the others laughed.

Anastasia hadn't packed for a trip, but when they arrived at his jet, a woman handed her a bag. Looking into the bag, she saw her toiletries and makeup. He had sent the woman to her apartment and had her pack a bag with whatever a woman would need to travel. Anastasia was beginning to understand how this man had been so successful all this time. He seemed able to anticipate needs and see around corners, even better than Robert.

During the flight, Saadian was in his private office in the back and Anastasia took the opportunity to talk to the four to begin her initiation into their lifestyle. A limo and a van were waiting for them when they landed.

As they sat in the van taking them to the conference, Kara re-iterated. "Anastasia, the first and most important rule. Speak to no one in public. Even us. Keep your eyes directed at your assigned direction. We will need to change the areas of coverage later. We have each covered a quarter of the surroundings, but now we can shrink our areas. For this trip, we will keep our areas the same, and Anastasia, you can copy Penelope. See how she scans her area. You must do it subtly, like a girlfriend, not a trained assassin. We are the last line of defense. The only voice you will listen to is Farrah. She has an earpiece and is listening to the security network. Do what she says without question or hesitation. The other rules are procedural, and we can go over them later." Kara patted Anastasia on the shoulder and smiled at her. "You'll be fine, I promise."

When the security team gave the word, Saadian stepped out of the limo. He was quickly surrounded by his security men. The ladies stepped out of their van and formed the informal looking, but very specific pattern in how they walked together. Anastasia followed Penelope, watching what she did, quietly, trying to not be too obvious.

Penelope was watching the left side of the crowd they were walking through. Anastasia watched Penelope as she casually surveyed her area. To Anastasia, it looked like she was just wandering through the crowd, not paying attention to anyone. Anastasia now knew better.

Anastasia had no idea how Kara could watch their back without walking backwards, but she was doing it, somehow.

They passed quietly into the conference center without incident. When Saadian was safe in his secure area, the ladies were led to the large room where they could watch the proceedings.

When everyone had settled in, Farrah came up to Anastasia. "You did well." That was it, but Anastasia felt like she had won a prize.

Two hours later, they repeated the process in reverse until they were in the van on the way to where they were staying.

That evening, Saadian told Anastasia she would be staying with him while they were in Paris. After dinner, they headed to his room. She took a shower while he waited outside. When she was finished, he took a shower while she lounged in bed. She thought this was perfect.

When Saadian came to bed, he took her in his arms and whispered. 'I'm told you did well today. I knew you could do this."

She knew what he was doing with that simple comment, but it made her want to please him even more. She began by pushing him down and moving to his member. She took him in her mouth, and all those years of experience satisfying old, rich men took over. She worked him like her life depended on it.

Saadian lay back and let her service him. She was very good at this, and visions of her mouth on his dick for years to come made him fire prematurely. She kept him in her mouth and swallowed his entire issue without a problem.

Anastasia came back to him while licking her lips and smiling. Saadian thought he may actually be in love with this one. He hadn't known "love" since his youth with his wife, but this will do.

She lay down on his chest, and he held her in his arms and kissed her neck and ears. He ran his fingers through her long, blonde hair. Her body was so soft and willing, it didn't take long for him to return.

When he was ready, he told her to ride him. She sat up and rode him fervently until he came again. When she felt him explode into her, it caused her to come. She now knew that her orgasms were going to be tied to his when she was with him. Her mind was okay with that. Her mind loved the idea of him being satisfied with her body, and it excited her mind for him to need her body.

They settled into each other's arms and fell asleep.

At breakfast the next morning, Saadian informed the girls they were going to the Eiffel Tower without him. He had arranged for a private tour of the upstairs area, and lunch in the restaurant on the top.

While they were gone, He had a couple of private meetings concerning things the women didn't need to know about. By the time they returned, he was sunbathing by the pool. They joined him and enjoyed the pool and hot tub until nearly dark.

After dinner, everyone gathered in the den and played games and shot pool until late. Saadian and Anastasia had only a short session before falling asleep.

In the morning, they flew back to Abu Dabi. Anastasia was told she would be given her permanent new living quarters in his compound.

When she arrived, a butler told her he was her butler, and he would take care of whatever needs she may have. She was surprised to see all her stuff from her apartment now there. She was told they had given up the apartment and brought everything she owned here.

She spent the next couple of days arranging everything in the way she wanted. She quickly understood the way things worked there. If Saadin called for her, she would go to his suite and spend the night. Otherwise, she was free to roam the grounds and discover the opportunities they afford.

She had the butler, a maid, a chef, and a bodyguard that rotated at her door. He followed her at a discreet distance whenever she left her suite.

She spent her days with the four, learning the tricks of the trade to help protect Saadian without appearing to. She learned they had to dress as provocatively as they could when they traveled, and less so in the conservative Muslim countries.

She was taught how to use a sniper rifle (she wondered how a sniper rifle would come into use while walking through a crowd, but she did as she was told). She was taught how to use a handgun and knives. She had three hours of hand-to-hand combat every day for the first two months. She only got the weekends off. This seemed a little extreme, but whatever. She knew these skills could come in handy, no matter who she was with.

Anastasia took lessons in Arabic. If she was to spend most of her time in the middle east, she would need to speak at least one of prevalent languages in the area. Arabic was spoken in most of the countries on the Arabian Peninsula.

Anastasia learned Saadin's pattern after she had been there for a while. He would take each of the four one night a week, and for now, Anastasia the other three nights. As time passed, it leveled up until it was almost a normal rotation.

Penelope hadn't been with Saadian for almost ten days by the time he called her to his bed. She was missing him terribly, and very happy when he called for her. "Penelope, my love. I've missed you and promise you will never go this long again. Please come to me now."

Penelope removed her robe to show her naked body to him. He kissed her on the lips, and then moved down her body, kissing as he went. She closed her eyes and let the electricity of his lips move down to her breasts, then her stomach, and finally he pushed her down and went between her legs. He worked on her until she exploded under his tongue. This is why she loved him so, most rich men would never try to satisfy the woman but expect her to earn her keep and do all the work. This man was the richest man in the world, but behind these doors, he worked on her until she exploded under his tongue. Penelope had a theory that his attention to the woman's needs was his secret to their undying devotion. He may not really care that much for each, but when he is with them, he treats them like they are the most important thing in his life. That goes a long way with anyone, man or woman.

After recovering, Penelope spent the next hour doing everything in her power to completely satisfy this man. She rode him once, sucked him off once, and asked him to fuck her once. Her favorite position was on her knees with him behind her. He knew this and mounted her from behind each night she was with him. It was always the last thing they did before going to sleep, and her mind would just melt into her own fantasy world when he climbed on her back. By the time he was finished, she had long gone into a world of submission and domination that she couldn't get anywhere else. Saadian considered this one of his favorite positions with any of the five. The sight of her ass in the air and her head down, waiting for him to mount her brought him to a consistent hard orgasm every time. He loved this little Greek girl.

For the next six months, Anastasia continued with her daily training and twice weekly fucking of Saadian. When he left for a conference or meeting, he would take the four but leave her there to continue her training. By the end of six months, her marksmanship was as good as the others, and she was lethal with a knife.

The hardest thing she had to endure during her training was the cutting of her long, blonde hair. She loved that hair as much as any asset she possessed. Farrah came in one day with a woman Anastasia didn't know. Before she knew what they were doing, the woman had begun cutting her long hair off until she was cropped. She cried as they finished, but Farrah just patted her on the shoulder. "My child, it will be okay. Trust me. Nothing permanent has been done." Farrah handed her a couple of nice wigs and told her to model them for her. Farrah had pictures taken of her in each wig.

The other thing they did to her was a small tattoo beside her vagina, next to her left leg. It was small and the only way anyone would see it was if they were in her happy valley. Anastasia believed it was his marking her body as a way to remind her she was his and should not be showing her pussy to another man.

Saadian made an announcement at the evening meal soon after this. "Ladies, I wish to make an announcement. Anastasia has passed every test needed to join your ranks as a full-fledged member. As such, she will begin joining you for your special duties. Salute." The other four and he raised their glasses and welcomed Anastasia to her new status.

After they broke up and Saadian had taken Kara with him, Anastasia pulled Penelope aside. "What did he mean by your "special duties"?"

"We are occasionally sent to run special errands for Saadian. Delicate errands. It is a special honor and given only to the one that he is the most confident can accomplish that particular job. I am curious to see what job he chooses as your first." Anastasia was even more curious.

Saadian and Kara held hands as they walked to his bedroom. It had been a couple of weeks because Kara had been on assignment for the last several days. Kara knew how this worked. First, he would have her lay out in detail how it had gone. When he was satisfied, he would fuck her as many times as he could that night. He loved her. She had been with him for ten years and was getting older. She was approaching forty, and her days as one of the five would be coming to a close soon. Each knew this. Kara understood that one of the reasons for Anastasia was as her replacement. Kara was not worried about it; in fact, she was ready for it. He had put aside more money than she would ever be able to spend. She picked where she wanted to live after leaving Saadian, he purchased the estate she picked out and put it in her name. It was already staffed by his people, and they would watch over her for the rest of her life. Other than being careful, she would be able to live her life as she wished. She was ready. Now that Anastasia was proclaimed ready, all that remained was for her to accomplish her special mission to complete Kara's service to Saadian. Saadian continued to promise Kara he would see her after she left his service, but both knew that was next to impossible. Logistics alone would be a nightmare, and if her new neighbors ever got wind of him coming around, she would attract killers like flies. She had to stay quiet and away from him for her own safety.

Two weeks later, Saadian called Anastasia to his office. Penelope was already there. "Anastasia, it is time for your special mission. For this time, I am sending Penelope with you. She will tell you what to do, and you must do so without hesitation. Do you understand?" Anastasia was happy to get this last test out of the way and quickly nodded.

He handed Anastasia an ID and a passport. Penelope handed her a black, mid-length wig. Anastasia recognized the picture as her in the black wig. She had no idea whose name was on the passport and ID. She assumed it would be her name for this mission. She nodded.

"Good. Go with Penelope and good luck, my dears."

When they were outside his office, Penelope put her finger to her lips. Silence. Not a word. Anastasia nodded and they headed to Penelope's suite. It was right next to hers, and they even had a connecting door.

Once inside, Penelope handed Anastasia an airline ticket. "We are going to Budapest this afternoon. There is a man we must see. The car will take us in two hours." She handed Anastasia a package. "Here are the clothes you are to wear tonight. Be ready in two hours."

Anastasia nodded and took the connecting door to her suite.

She opened the package to see a dress she would never be able to wear around the Prince. It was very revealing. She didn't care. She had worn dresses with much less around Robert several times. He loved taking her to receptions dressed like that to piss of the old biddies. He wanted the husbands to be off-balance. He knew they'd have to listen to their wife bitch, and they would be distracted while he was doing business. He had survived in the ruthless business world by pulling every dirty trick he knew. This is the main reason the Prince liked Robert and would never bother his business as long as he stayed away from his.

She had the dress on and a coat covering it when Penelope knocked on her door. The two of them were taken to the airport by their two bodyguards to an anonymous private jet. It was not one of the Prince's jets. Anastasia had never seen this jet, but she knew enough to know that it was by design. Nothing to tie the Prince to whatever they were going to do that night.

The flight was easy and quiet. None of their many bodyguards had come with them. For the first time since she had been with the Prince, Anastasia felt alone. Even Penelope's presence didn't shake the feeling she had that they had no protection. The events of the night would erase those concerns.

There was a car waiting for them and they were taken to a very nice resort in downtown Budapest. A man met them at the door and led them upstairs to the top floor. They passed through several checkpoints and even a female strip search. Fortunately, neither had enough on to conceal anything of substance. The woman just felt them up to ensure they had nothing inserted into their vagina and nothing hidden in their bras. That was the first time Anastasia had even been searched by a professional woman who would take no chances with her ward. She hadn't been kind, and it hurt when the woman shoved her finger into her, but this was the price to see this man.

Finally, they were at his door. The bodyguard knocked at the door, and someone inside called out. "Come in."

He opened the door, let the two women pass, nodded at the man, and shut the door. He was a man somewhere in his sixties, a little overweight, and balding. Anastasia knew immediately this was a man that had been paying for sex for a very long time. He tried to be nice in his conversation, but she could tell he hadn't cared about the women he fucked in a very long time.

He walked up to Penelope and squeezed her breast. Penelope smiled at him. "You like what you see?"

"Oh yes, ma-am. I do." He squeezed the other breast and then turned his attention to Anastasia. He reached for Anastasia's breast. "Let's see if you're just as ripe." She let him squeeze both breasts. They stood there while he groped each woman's breasts for a couple of minutes.

He was only in a robe and turned to walk to a large chair in the room. He sat down and opened his robe. "So, who gets the honor of draining the lizard first?"

Anastasia looked at Penelope, but Penelope held up her hand. "I'll take the drink, if you don't mind?" Looking at Anastasia, she could see the relief in Anastasia's eyes. It was her first time, after all, and Penelope was there to help her. Her part would come later.

Penelope got down on her knees between the fat man's legs, took him into her mouth, and worked him over. He was small, old, and not long for this world. She had finished him within a couple of minutes. He was actually angry he had come so quickly that he held Penelope's head on his dick long after it had shrunk.

Anastasia saw what he was doing and moved in to defuse the situation. "What about me? Don't I get a turn?"

The man releases Penelope and lay back in his chair. "Give me a minute, okay, honey. I'm just going to sit here for a couple of minutes. There's some champagne on the table while you wait."

The two headed for the table. When their back was turned to him, they winked at each other and poured some champagne into goblets. "Would you like a glass?" He nodded, and Penelope took him one. She put a small amount of sleeping powder in it. Not enough to be still in his blood the next morning, but enough to begin him in the direction of slumberland.

He drank it down in one swallow. They sipped theirs and waited him out.

Twenty minutes later, he removed his robe, went to bed, and spread out in front of them. He was a disgusting sight, but they weren't there for lovemaking.

He pointed to Anastasia. "Your turn, bitch." Anastasia knew exactly what they were going to do to this man. Penelope hadn't said anything, but it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out they were there to kill him. She just didn't know how they were going to do it. Penelope had enough of a problem sneaking the small amount of sleeping powder into the room. It had been in the lining of her dress strap. While scratching her shoulder, she worked it out of the dress and poured it into his drink. She replaced the empty paper back into its hiding place so they could remove it when they left.

Anastasia climbed on top of him. "Ride me, bitch. Ride me." She inserted his small dick into her as far as it would go and began gently rocking back and forth. She had to be careful he didn't fall out with each motion.

Anastasia was surprised to hear Penelope at the door talking to the bodyguard. "Could you please have more champagne sent up?" Anastasia could see the guard trying to look past the naked woman in front of him. He finally adjusted his eyes over her shoulder to see the other naked woman riding his boss. He shook himself a little and turned his eyes back to the naked woman closest. "Yes ma-am. Yes." She shut the door and smiled at Anastasia.

By then, he had come again and was almost finished. He didn't object when Anastasia climbed off him. He was snoring softly by the time the champagne arrived. Penelope had Anastasia put one of the short robes from the bathroom on and met the waiter. Penelope climbed on top of the sleeping man, held his furthest arm over her back and appeared to be fucking him while the waiter brought it in.

Anastasia looked bewildered. "I'm sorry, sir. I don't know what to do. He is busy right now, and I don't want to interrupt them. It's his room, and I can't sign for it. Could you just add it to his room, please?" She handed him a hundred-dollar bill from her purse. He looked at it, smiled and nodded. "Thank you, sir. You're a sweetheart. Good night."

Once he was gone, Penelope went back to her dress. From the lining of her bra she took out a very thin needle that she handled very carefully. She went over to the man, carefully pushed the end of the needle under his big toe's nail. She held it there for a minute, then pulled it out, and returned it to its original place.

"Now, we wait." They drank a little champagne, a lot of water and some of the things in the fridge. They were careful not to touch much, and they wiped everything they touched off. Penelope was sure there would be no investigation, but they still weren't taking any chances.

An hour later, they put him under the covers. He was dead by now. They got dressed and opened the door to see the same guard. "I think we wore him out. He's asleep now. I'm sure that will be the best sleep he has had in a while."

The guard smiled to himself and closed the door behind them. One of the other guards walked them to the lobby. Once outside, their car pulled up from the shadows and took them back to the airport. They were home and in their beds before dawn.

Saadian called each early the next morning. "Ladies, a wonderful job. It appears the poor man died of a heart attack after a strenuous session of sex with two professional ladies from his usual service. The service is professing no knowledge of the job, and swears they never talked to his people last night. There seems to be no question about the cause of death. Very good job. Now you see the need for shorter hair, Anastasia?"

He took out a package and handed it to her. In it was a wig that was made entirely of her original hair. When she put it on, she looked just like she had before. She was so happy, she cried. "Thank you, Saadian. Thank you. I love my hair."

There was no doubt about Anastasia now with the other four. The only thing left was for her to kill alone. She felt she'd be able to do it when the time came. She didn't know who the man was, and why Saadian wanted him killed, and she didn't care.

That night, Saadian called her to his bed. She wore her wig and fucked him three times before he finally begged off. He was fifty, after all, and she was only thirty-three.

Not long after her first kill, Saadian announced that Kara was leaving them to retire. They threw a large party and celebrated into the night. Kara spent the next couple of nights with Saadian. It was her who finally told Saadian it was time for her to leave. He would have kept her in his bed for a week if she had let him. He knew he'd never see her again, and it was difficult for him to let her go. She was only the second to leave, and the first had not been by choice. The whole reason he now has multiple women around him was because the first turned on him, and he had no one to notice or stop her. She had luckily only wounded him before he had been able to kill her, but he was never going to take that chance again without options.

After Kara was gone, Anastasia felt like she was one of them fully now. No one questioned her opinions any differently than they would any other person. She knew her solo mission would come soon enough, and she was correct.

A couple of months later, Farrah came to her and told her to go to the Prince's office immediately. When she arrived, he motioned her to come in and close the door.

"I have a situation that has come up suddenly. I have a threat. It is someone that has been close to me and has seen the other three women. You are the only person he has not seen before. You will have to deal with him without them. Do you think you are ready for that?"

Anastasia knew this was not the time for bravado. "I will do my best, master."

That was the first time she had ever called him that, and she could see it pleased him, as much as he tried to downplay it. It had just come out. She hadn't thought about it, hadn't planned it, didn't necessarily like calling him that. But his reaction told her it was settled. At least, in private.

"Will it be a problem that the man is American?"

That caught Anastasia by surprise. She understood that she knew very little about the Prince's business, and even less about who he knew. She assumed he knew everyone and everything. It made her life simpler that way. "If he is threatening our lives, then I have no problem with whoever he is."

"I normally just set up the mission and not disclose the details of how or why to you ladies. I feel it clouds your minds with details that you don't need to accomplish your mission. However, in this case, I want you to understand clearly why we must do this, and what will happen if we fail. You understand?"

She nodded. "Yes, master, I understand. What would you have me do?"

"I will set it up and let you know. He has been underground for six months. The last time he surfaced, I had just met you at the conference, and you had not been seen with the other ladies yet. I am hoping he won't make the connection before it is too late, but I don't know that for sure, and you will be taking a terrible risk. The Cia is also looking for him, so I know they won't be giving him any help. I will send help with you to handle the Cia, if they show up. Give me a day to set this up, and we will go over the plan and who is going with you. Please come to my room tonight."

As Anastasia walked by to her suite, she thought through her options. A Cia operative is always vigilant and prepared. If he is warned about her, or figures out who she is, she is probably dead. Anastasia's a newbie, and she was smart enough to understand her limitations. She shrugged. At least she was going to get a couple of good fucks out it, like a lamb led to slaughter.

Saadian desperately didn't want to send Anastasia to what he was sure was her certain death. He just didn't have any other options. This man knew the other three very well, and Saadian didn't have anyone else he could send. He had already put a bounty on him, only to have that fail spectacularly. At last count, before Saadian finally withdrew the bounty, the man had killed at least four or five would-be assassins. He is now on high alert, and Saadian knew no one would be able to sneak up on him now.

However, Saadian knew something the man didn't know. Saadian knew he had been able to infiltrate Saadian's bodyguards with a traitor. Saadian didn't know who it was, but Saadian knew about the assassin.

Saadian paid a disgruntled Cia field agent in Abu Dabi and had been given the details of the plan to kill Saadian Al-Enezi.

He knew when and where the attempt would be made, but not which of his own people would be the one to do it. The man had gone underground six months ago, preparing for this attempt and even the Cia can't find him to see how he was going to do this. That is why they are looking for him so intently. They don't mind if he kills Al-Enezi, they never do, they just want to be the ones that decide if they do. They never consider the consequences of their actions, never have and never will. Just kill, overthrow, chaos for chaos' sake. That is the Cia's moto.

Saadian had three options.

He could skip the conference altogether and go to ground for the foreseeable future. He could attend the conference but replace his entire security staff. He knew of at least two Middle Eastern governments that would provide him with their special forces in leu of his men. Imbed one special person near enough to him that they would be able to stop them when they expose themselves.

There were problems with each option. In the first option, it would not solve anything. They would just set up another attempt later. He would be in limbo forever. The second option is possible, but that only increased the likelihood that someone in his detail would take the money and try to kill him. Instead of having to worry about one assassin, he would have to worry that every man they give him could make a run at him for the amount of money they would be offered. The last option meant he would be putting his life in one person's hands. That person would HAVE to identify and stop the assassin before they could succeed.

Faced with these options, he had chosen number three, and his choice for his protector was Anastasia. Only the men directly involved with Saadian's personal security even know who she was. That is only ten or twelve men and the other three women. He rarely took the women with him now. They were more important to him than to use them as a show of wealth. His regular detail was now responsible for his safety when he travels. He only took two women with him now, Sasha and Imani. Penelope hadn't been seen with him for nearly six months, and Anastasia only twice overall. All he could hope was the man hadn't started following them until after Anastasia stopped traveling with his entourage. Either way, she was his best choice for this assignment.

When she called him master, it nearly broke his heart. He felt he was sending her to her death, and she just obediently complied, "Whatever you command, you are my master to use as you need." That was how he saw her use of that word as meaning, and it broke his heart. The tough old man who had survived untold attempts to destroy his business, deceit from the Chinese from the very beginning, and numerous attempts to kill him by both sides, now found himself considering protecting this one woman from the harm that always seems to follow him. He was getting too old for this shit. Sometimes he just wanted to take one of his women and disappear to an island somewhere. Especially now that he had found the woman he would take with him if he could do such a thing.

When she came to his rooms that night, he made love to her like she was the most important thing in his life, not like she was one of four beautiful women that he could fuck any time he wanted. Afterwards, he held her as she slept and enjoyed the sound of her breathing and the smell of her hair. He fell asleep considering the idea of sending her away like Kara. At least she'd survive, even if he didn't.

Anastasia had no idea of any of this. But she was a woman, and she knew something was very wrong with her man. Even a man she shared was still her man, and she could see he was very worried. He hadn't been this worried the entire time she had known him. He was always in control, calm and forceful. This day he was nervous and worried. She could feel his indecision in his hands and his body. To say she was worried was a huge understatement. If what he needed her to do would alleviate his nervousness, she was willing to die to accomplish it. She fell asleep on his chest, listening to him breathe and sigh.

The next morning, he took his most trusted head of security, Anastasia, and Farrah with him in one of his big, bulletproof limos. His cars are routinely swept for bugs before every use. There was an entire team that did nothing but look for bugs. It was a large team, and that was all they did. Every day, in every room, building, every vehicle before it was used, everything. He also made certain no important communications were conducted anywhere a boom microphone could reach. In this car, he has a white-noise generator and a scrambler. Even in this car, he was afraid something could get out, but that was the best his money could buy.

The driver didn't leave the compound. Instead, he went to the employee's and servant's garage and parked in the lowest level.

Saadian looked at the people he had chosen. Mohammad had been with him from the very beginning. He was there when he struck the original deal with the Chinese, and he has been there ever since. Saadian trusts his life and his children's lives in this man's hands.

Farrah has been with him since he was a child. She had sworn an oath to his parents that she would never allow anything to happen to him as long as she was alive. He believed she would do anything to protect him.

Anastasia was the newest, and most unlikely to be in this car. He has known her for less than a year, but he feels like he's known her his entire life. When he met his wife so many years ago, he thought he knew what love was and what commitment meant. Now, nearly thirty years later, he was faced with a woman who demonstrated what commitment to him was every time she spoke or did as he asked. He was torn if he was going to ask this of her, but he decided to give her the option of accepting this responsibility.

"I speak to each of you now not as your boss, but as your friend. Mohammad, you are my most trusted friend on the planet. I know you'd do anything and everything to protect what we've built with our lives. Lolo, I love you with all my heart. You've been here since I was a little boy. I know you're old now, and it is time for you to rest. However, I must ask for your help one more time before that rest. I'm sorry. Anastasia, I understand your confusion about being in this car with these two most important people in my life. Circumstances dictate the necessity of this, but I am content to tell you the role you will need to play for all of us to survive the next week."

The other two looked at each other, then Anastasia, then back to him. He could tell they were completely lost. If they thought they were lost, Anastasia was in another universe. She closed her eyes and looked down. What the fuck was she doing here, and what the fuck was he talking about? She was beginning to wonder if this type of drama queen shit goes on around here often. Just tell me what to do, already, and I'll die trying to do it. Do we really need all this drama?

When she looked up, she saw the other two staring at her, and she could guess what they were thinking. "We know why we're here, but why is this gold-digger that he has known for less than a year here?" And the sad thing was, she agreed with them.

"I have it on solid intel that we have a mole in our security department. There is someone among us that has accepted a contract to kill me. Next week at the Pan-Arabic Conference in Riyadh."

Mohammad and Farrah gasped. Anastasia just looked down at her hands. So, this is the job he wanted her to take on. It only meant his life or death. She knew why he had been so disturbed. She had no illusions of the challenge facing her. She knew if she failed and died, he probably would too. She looked up to see the three of them staring at her.

He continued. "I have three options. I could skip the conference, but that would only delay, and we need to find out who this man is. The only man who knows is the man who hired him. He has gone into hiding. Everyone from the CIA to me to the Saudi government is looking for him, for different reasons. This is what I want you three to do. Mohammad, I need you to go through your entire staff one by one. Look for anything new or different. During our time at the conference, I will need you right by my side. If anyone, and I do mean anyone, makes a suspicious move, kill them. I don't care who they are, or who they work for, if anyone makes an aggressive move, kill them. We can deal with the consequences later. Farrah, I need you to watch the other three women. I am not sending them to the conference. I want you to carefully watch each. If any of them leave the compound, we have our killer, and we will act accordingly.

Anastasia, you are tasked with finding the Cia man before the conference. The Saudi secret service is at your disposal. The Cia is swarming there, and that makes the Saudis believe they think he is there. They will assist you. We can't kill him until he tells us his mole. That is the largest problem. I give you any option you think will work." He handed her a card. "This is the name and number of the head of the Saudi secret service. He is expecting your call."

"Any questions?"

Anastasia had one immediately. "May I take Penelope with me?"

"I would prefer you didn't, but I will leave that up to you. If you take her, you are responsible for her actions. Be careful. Anyone else?"

Both shook their head, and the car headed back to the front of the compound.

Anastasia called the number Saadian had given her. Alei Ben Laudan answered the first ring. "This is Alei. May I help you?"

"Mr. Ben Laudan, do you know who I am?"

"Yes, Miss Anderson, I do. How may I help you?"

"Is it possible for us to meet?"

The line was quiet for some time before he finally answered. "We would need to be careful about how. It is dangerous at the moment. I'll call you back with details."

She next went looking for Penelope. She wasn't going to tell her everything, but she needed someone with her she could count on. Anastasia felt like there was no way Penelope would betray Saadian. However, they would be looking for the agent, not the killer. Even if they find him, and she betrays herself, they might still be able to stop the killer.

"Penelope, I have an assignment. Saadian says I can bring you in on it. Are you interested?"

She smiled. "You bet I'm in. There is a lot of tension here right now, and if I can do something about it, I'm in."

Anastasia filled in Penelope about finding the agent. She left the assassination threat out of it. No need to tell her everything. Besides, if she was the mole, let her be more comfortable, thinking no one is looking for her.

An hour later, she got a text with an address and time. Anastasia grabbed her bodyguard, and they headed to the airport. When they landed, they headed for the address. It was a soccer stadium and there was a game going on with thousands in attendance. They began walking around outside the stadium. They were looking for a man with a hat of the Manchester United soccer club. That was an English club, and there shouldn't be another man with that hat on in this crowd. Sure enough, he came walking by and stopped to look at the souvenir stand. She stopped to look at something near him. Her bodyguard was trying to be discreet, but that large a man in a suit kind of stands out. As he turned to leave, he bumped into her and dropped an envelope. "Excuse me, miss. I believe you dropped something."

She bent down and picked it up. "Thank you, sir. I can be clumsy sometimes."

He smiled at her and walked away. She and the bodyguard returned to the car. She sat in the back and read through what he had given her.

The man they were looking for was a small little American named Wanton Butler, but he was better known as "The Mouse" in spy circles. He trades in information and has survived twenty years in the agency. He speaks three languages, including Arabic, and is well known in Saudi Arabia. However, his dark complexion and flawless Arabic, plus his years in the country makes it very difficult for them to locate him if he chooses not to be found. There is one official in the Saudi government that was his friend years before. Alei says in this report that the man claims he hasn't spoken to the mouse in years and has no idea where he is.

She told the driver to return to the airport, and they flew back to Abu Dabi.

How could she convince a man that was being pressured by everyone from the Cia to the Saudi government that she was the person he needed to trust?

The only way would be Saadian's money. She called Alei and asked him to speak to the man quietly and ask if there was any amount of money that would convince him to help them talk to the Mouse. They didn't need to see him, just talk to him. But it had to be confirmed it was the mouse, and not an imposter. He agreed and promised to call them back. Anastasia was betting the mouse knew he was in trouble and might be tempted to sell his way out of it.

She asked to see Saadian during the day, an unusual request, but she was sent straight in to see him. When there, she updated him with the identity of the Mouse and told him she had offered money and a way out if he would help them. Saadian agreed with that approach and told her to keep on it.

She also asked Saadian if she could take Penelope and their bodyguards to Saudi Arabia for the next week. That was where the mouse was, and where he would be found. He agreed and they were off to one of Saadian's properties in Riyadh in the morning. Anastasia had to admit it was nice working for a man that had properties almost everywhere they needed to go.

The head of security for that resort met them at the car. He had been warned they were coming, and he was there to meet them. "My name is Abdullah Habib, and it is my honor to be head of security for this resort. Let me take you to your suites, and if there is anything you need in Saudi Arabia, let me know."

"Thank you, Mr. Habib. I will talk to you after we are settled in."

Once they were settled in, they called for Habib. "Mr. Habib, do you know this man?" They showed him the name of the friend of the mouse on their card.

"Yes, I know him."

"Do you think you could get me a meeting with him for the Prince?"

The man looked uncomfortable, so she upped the ante. "If you have any doubts about my authority to speak for the Prince, you may call Mohammad and ask him." The name of the head of security for Saadian's entire empire was all he needed.

"I'd be happy to help. May I have a few minutes?"

"You may take as long as it takes for me to speak to him, understand?"

He understood and left for his office. Within thirty minutes, he was back with an appointment for them and their bodyguards to see him at a café nearby.

The two women dressed modestly so as to not attract attention, and they waited for him to appear. He finally slipped in from the back and waved one of the bodyguards over toward him in the dark hallway.

The bodyguard returned and told Anastasia to go to the bathroom. She immediately rose up. "Penelope, if you will wait here for him, I must go to the ladies room." Penelope nodded.

From behind a fake palm tree. "You trying to get me killed?"

"No, I'm trying to keep you alive. The Prince will find the Mouse. Anyone who doesn't help him is his adversary. You know what he does to adversaries, don't you? I will find the Mouse, one way or another. The man who helps me will be rewarded extremely well. The man that does not, will die a horrible death. Your choice. Make it now. I have no time for this. Yes or no."

She saw a hand appear out of the tree with a piece of paper. There was an address on it. She heard the voice again. "You must say the password to get into the house. The password is "Allah be the One." I didn't tell you this."

"If that is true, how can the Prince give you thousands of American dollars as a thank you?"

"He can keep his money. Just keep him away from me."

"He doesn't even know your name. You are safe. Disappear."

She gathered her people up and headed back to the resort to figure out their next move.

They ordered lunch in the suite while Penelope and Anastasia discussed their options. Obviously, the Saudis didn't want them to find the mouse, so they are out. They have no idea how many men are in that safe house. They called Habib and asked him how many men he could spare for them for a couple of hours.

He promised four men whenever they needed them.

They asked for the men at dusk, and they all gathered in their suite. She addressed them. "I hope this is just talking. However, the Saudis and Americans appear to not want us to find him, and it may get messy. I need you to be prepared for shooting. Does anyone of you wish to not go with us?" No one stood up. "Great, let's go."

They headed toward the address. Habib told them it was an old warehouse, and that they would need to be careful of the back. When they arrived, they stayed back and looked around first. There was another old warehouse near there, and they quietly went to the top to reconnoiter. Once their eyes had adjusted to the dark, they were able to make out snipers on two corners of the building. Since Anastasia believed her and Penelope were the best shots in this group, she told the six men to split into groups of three, one to the front, and one to the back. When they heard the gunshots, they were to rush the building. The women would arrive as soon as they could.

It was agreed. They watched until the men were ready below them. They each picked out their target. Anastasia counted down from three. When they hit one, two shots rang out as one, and both snipers fell. As they were headed for the stairs, they saw their men burst through the doors. Gun shots rang out from each side of the building.

By the time the women arrived, it was all over. They had lost two of Habib's men, but their two bodyguards had survived. Four or five men had died, but the Mouse was still alive. He was tied to a chair and had dove toward the floor when the shooting began.

Anastasia helped him up. "The Mouse, I presume?" he nodded. "Good to meet you, Wanton."

"Same here. I'd already given up. Imagine, my own boys turning on me after twenty years."

Anastasia had the bodyguards untie him from the chair but then retie his hands. "Just to be safe."

"Whatever, let's get the fuck out of here before their reinforcements arrive."

They hustled him into their van and headed to the resort. Once there, they smuggled him into their suite and tied him to another chair. Habib's men that had survived left to inform Habib about the other's deaths and were their bodies could be found.

Anastasia had been thinking about how she would handle this next step without giving anything away to Penelope. When Habib's men left, Anastasia looked at her people. "Penelope, how about you have some food ordered up, and boys, please check our perimeter, okay?"

Penelope appeared to nod, and she left. The men just did as they were told. She turned to the Mouse. "Okay, you've got about ten minutes until she returns. You need to tell me who the mole is in our organization. The Prince will reward you greatly for helping him. You have already seen the consequences of not."

"That's what I had been trying to tell my friends, the CIA, when you rescued me. I didn't turn anyone in the Prince's organization. I don't want the Prince killed, that's something from higher up."

"As in Washington?"

"I have no idea where, but it was above my pay grade. I can't get anyone to believe me about this."

"Here's the deal. We are going to Abu Abi, and you can tell the Prince yourself. Until then, don't talk to any of my people, okay? They are not in the loop." He nodded. Right then Penelope came back to say the food would be there in thirty minutes.

Anastasia told Penelope Saadian wants this man back with him immediately. Forget the food, when the bodyguards came back to say everything was quiet outside, Anastasia told them to get the van. They were heading home immediately.

The flight was quiet. Anastasia tried to read Penelope's face, but she just went to sleep. If she was worried, she had a funny way of showing it.

In the wee hours of the morning, the Mouse was safely strapped down to a metal table in a basement room that doesn't exist in the Prince's compound.

When Saadian came in the door with Mohammad, he dismissed their two bodyguards and suggested Penelope get some sleep. She left, hesitantly, but didn't look over her shoulder as she left.

It was now just the four of them. The Prince stepped up beside the table and looked the Mouse in the eyes. "You've caused me quite a bit of trouble. Why should I not just waterboard you, or some equivalent?"

"First of all, I haven't caused you any trouble. I've lived in the Middle East for nearly twenty years. I'd no more mess with you, than spit at the Royal Prince of Saudi Arabia. Why do you think the Cia was holding me as a prisoner? They were waiting to see if they needed a fresh body as the guilty party. You can ask the pretty lady here. She rescued me."

Saadian looked at Anastasia, and she nodded.

"Why would they want an American to be guilty?"

"It removes suspicion from their real allies. The Royal Prince and Aramco. You and the Chinese. They have grown tired of the competition and are concerned the problems within the Chinese economy may force you to increase production. You have been talking to the Chinese about that, true?"

"What are you talking about? We're members of Opec. We play nice with them."

"True, but there have been plenty of times a rogue country would over pump their allotment, and there was really nothing any of the others could do about that, other than economic pressure. Is that not true?"

Saadian had to admit that was true. "They are counting on the confusion of the leadership void if you are suddenly removed from the equation to give them time to box the Chinese in. The Chinese really have no oil and need the oil from your Indonesian plants for their economy to survive."

"So, what is your role in this?"

"My role is I've grown tired of the same old capitalistic bullshit I've heard from my country for twenty years. I had informed the Cia that I was out a month ago. Unfortunately, it would appear they decided to get two birds with one stone. Take you and me out at the same time."

Saadian sat down. It made perfect sense to him. It is what he'd have done if he wanted to go the other way on Aramco. "Cut him loose and get him something to eat. "Well, Mr. Mouse, I guess we are on the same team, at least temporarily. If I give you a room and not kill you, will you promise to at least try and help us. If I think you've really attempted to help us, I will make it worth your while."

"Your highness, my life is the only reward I request."

"You have a deal, and you can call me Prince."

He took Anastasia aside. "You've done really well. I'm very impressed."

"Thank you, master." That word again. "But we are no closer to finding our mole now than before I found him. By the way, Penelope shot one sniper while I shot the other. I have made sure she has not learned of our mole or anything else but him." She pointed at Mouse.

Saadian smiled. She does show promise. "Good call." He whispered.

The next morning, after breakfast with the women, Saadian called Mohammad and Anastasia to his office.

"Mohammad, have you learned anything about any of your men that might narrow this down?"

"I have several men with question marks now. I will assign them to remain at the house and not go to Riyadh next week. I'm keeping one of my assistants here to quietly watch over each of them. If one disappears without cause, he will let us know. I'm still checking on the others."

"Anastasia, I'm sorry, but this time Penelope stays here with Farrah. The three of them can sit this one out."

She bowed her head. "As you wish, master. I will work with the mouse to see if we can narrow down who the Cia might have chosen for this."

For the next two days, Anastasia and Wanton Butler ran through the names of every operative he had used during the last few years in Saudi Arabia. They finally had the names of five men and one woman that he thought MIGHT still be alive and still in Saudi Arabia. Saadian gave the names to his computer people, and within a few hours, they had the current information.

It turned out, three of the men were now dead, confirmed. That only left two men and the one woman. The woman has been missing since her last mission. They haven't called her deceased yet, because they can't confirm it, but they suspect she died in her last mission.

The woman, who was of Persian descent, was named Arianda Sharifi. She should be in her mid-thirties by now. Anastasia asked how long ago she had disappeared. He counted back and it was nearly five years now.

"I don't suppose there are any pictures of any of them?"

"Really, a picture is a death knell for a field agent. There are never any pictures in any file except their home file in Langley. I don't think I can even picture any of the three in my mind. And I'm sure they would have disguised themselves. We are pretty good at that."

She sat and thought for a couple of minutes. "So, if the Cia wanted to kill the Prince and blame it on you, they would probably use someone they think they can either trust or dispose of later. Either way, one of those three would make a perfect assassin."

Wanton liked this woman. She was smart. "That is exactly what they would do. I'd bet my life it is one of those three."

She looked at him for a second. "I think we are all betting our lives on this now. Do you have any idea how many agents will be in that crowd at the Conference?"

"Dozens. They don't trust any one person. They will probably have at least half a dozen shooters there. You really need to get him to not go."

"Good luck with that. He wants this over with, and he is willing to risk everything to get what he wants. That has been the story of his entire life."

The morning they were scheduled to leave for the Conference in Riyadh arrived. They now have a pretty good idea who the Cia killer was, just no idea what he or she looked like.

After discussions with the royal family, it was decided the Prince would skip most of his activities and concentrate on the most important one, a speech he was to give concerning the necessity of co-operation between Arab states. When he realized it was the Americans and Saudis that were trying to kill him, he thought his topic ironic.

For the first two days of the conference, the Prince stayed in his quarters while Mohammad, the mouse, and Anastasia worked the crowds, looking for anyone who might fit the general descriptions Butler could give them.

The day of the speech arrived without any improvement of their odds.

He was the keynote speaker that night, so they had six hours to find out who it was. The Saudis had snipers in the rafters, but Anastasia wanted Penelope with her to watch the snipers. That was the perfect place to do it, and if they got to the speech, she would be in the rafters with her rifle, watching them. She knew she'd be too late. She wouldn't know which one until he fired his gun, and then it would be too late. But she had to do something.

Three hours before the speech, Anastasia called Penelope. "How's it going there?"

"Still quiet."

"Do me a favor. Go see Farrah and stay with her. I have a bad feeling about today."

"You bet. I'll call you back."

"Twenty minutes later Penelope called her back. "Anastasia, Farrah is dead, and Imani is missing. I can't understand why."

"I can. She means to kill the Prince tonight. Get on a plane now. Bring your bodyguard and as many shooters as you can get on the plane. The Saudis are in on it, and I'm going to need help."

"Oh, my God. I can't believe it. I'll be there in a couple of bours."

"Hurry."

It was only two hours until the speech. Anastasia had the sad duty of telling Saadian that Farrah was dead and that Imani had killed her. She was the mole and was on her way there now.

He collapsed in his room when he heard about Farrah. He loved that woman more than he could ever know. He didn't remember a time when she wasn't there for him, beside him, taking care of him, advising him. She was like his mother in many ways. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Anastasia told him Penelope was coming to help, but he needed to cancel the speech. Now that they knew who it was, it would be simple to find her without risking his life.

He would have none of it. Farrah had died because of him, and he would make sure her killer would die tonight, even if he had to risk his life to get it done.

He looked at Anastasia. "It will just be up to you and Penelope to make sure she doesn't kill me. I trust you, and I'm glad for your faith in Penelope. The two of you will save us yet."

As Anastasia left, she called the office and asked for a recent picture of Imani. They had it in five minutes. She put out a companywide memorandum notifying everyone to be on the lookout for Imani. She met with the Saudis and looked at them with cold eyes. "IF this woman gets by your security, and anything happens to the Prince, I can assure you our company will destroy your oil price tomorrow. Inform the Royal Prince it is on your country to stop this woman."

She had way overstepped her authority, but she didn't care. She wanted the fear of Allah put into them, and by God, she didn't care what name He used, but God had better come through tonight, or there would be Hell to pay by someone.

When Butler saw Imani's picture, he confirmed it was the former CIA agent Arianda Sharifi.

Anastasia had an idea and went to the head of the Saudi security team. "We now know who the killer is." She gave him a batch of pictures of her. "I need something from you that you are not going to like. I need you to bring down all your snipers from the ceiling. I know that sounds crazy, but this woman is an excellent shot. She will kill one of your snipers, replace him, and kill the Prince from your own platform. The only way that doesn't work is if they aren't there. I am a sniper, and I have another arriving momentarily. We will replace at least some of your snipers and wait for her. If one of your snipers refuses to leave, that is her. Can I have a commlink so I can listen in on your team communications? That way, all you must do is tell me which number on this sheet refuses to leave, and I'll kill them myself. What do you say? Please, if you do this, I will take full responsibility. If it works, you will be a hero. If not, we'll both be dead by morning. I know how this works."

Anastasia stood quietly waiting for this stranger to determine if she lived or died tonight. She knew this was what Imani was going to do because that is what she would have done. He finally looked at her. "Fuck it, if we're going to die tonight, at least let it be our own decision."

"Give me a commlink, and I'll call you when I'm in place. Then call your men off, and let's see who doesn't move."

As she got to their position headquarters to get her sniper rifle, Penelope came screaming up in a police car. She was out of breath, but there. As they loaded their sniper rifles, Anastasia explained the plan and they ran up the stairs toward the employees' entrance to the ceiling. The introduction speeches had already begun. She called the man to say they were ready, and he called his men off. One by one, they began putting their rifles away and climbing out of their perch until there were only two left.

Anastasia pointed one out to Penelope, and she decided to take the other. Just as the Prince was making his entrance, one of the last two got up to leave. That only left one, and both shot her at the same time.

The effect was hard to describe. First two shots, then a falling body nearly hit some people in the seats, and all hell broke loose. Mohammad had the Prince down and was covering him with his body. Anastasia's bodyguard headed for the shooter with Butler close behind.

By the time they got down, everything was over. Butler confirmed it was the former CIA agent, the former Imani. You couldn't tell very well because she was splattered all over several rows of seats, but her face was still there.

The conference was cancelled, and the Prince was back on his own property, safe and alive.

It took most of the night for the Saudi police and secret security to finally release Anastasia and Penelope. Maybe it had something to do with Anastasia's threat, maybe not. But one call from the Prince to the Royal Prince, and they were released.

When they finally arrived at his resort in Riyadh, they were met by everyone as heroes. The Prince wanted to toast the two, but Anastasia suggested they toast Farrah first. That stopped all noise, and they did so before toasting the two women.

The night was almost over, but they still managed a celebration that lasted until mid-morning the next day.

Anastasia and Penelope flew back with the Prince on his plane. Most of their people flew back on the second jet.

Saadian wanted to speak to the two women. "First, Penelope, I wish to apologize to you for doubting you. You have only been a faithful servant and lover since I've known you, and I have treated you badly. Anastasia was firm in her defense of you. You have a good friend there. I will make it up to you, I promise."

Penelope bowed. "Master, you owe me no apology. You had to do what you thought best. I would put my life in what you think is best every time. I am just thankful I got there in time to help Anastasia with her assignment."

She hugged Anastasia and they cried together. Saadian let them until they were able to compose themselves.

He then continued. "Anastasia, you have fulfilled every wish I have ever given you. I love you like none other. I will have to think about what I can do for you."

As they flew home, Saadian finally sat back and remembered Imani. "I found her in Riyadh over five years ago. I've been thinking back, and that was when it was. She was in one of the pools in my resort there. I had just lost a woman that had decided to return to her regular life." Anastasia made a shocked face. "It does happen, you know. I've missed on several women. There really are women in the world who aren't swayed by my looks, charm, and money."

Anastasia laughed. "I could believe the looks and charm part, but your money, impossible." Penelope and she laughed again.

Saadian smiled. He loved these two women, and he liked when they were happy. It was going to be hard without Farrah, and he wasn't sure he would want to recruit any more women. He still had three. Maybe that would be enough now. He was over fifty; maybe it was time for no more twenty-five-year-old beauties running around his place. Well, he'd think about it, maybe.

The next morning, they gathered for breakfast. Sasha had taken care of Farrah, and the preparations were almost complete for her. They spent the breakfast each telling their stories about Farrah and what she had meant to them. It was a sad morning.

Anastasia then made a suggestion that Saadian loved immediately. "Maybe you should hire Wanton Butler. The Cia wouldn't dare kill him if he worked for you, and he knows all the skeletons in their closet. He also speaks three languages and knows half the people in the middle east. At least it seems like that to me. I'm sure you'd find something for him to do."

Saadian called him in as he was wondering how he was going to live the rest of the week after walking out of this magnificent compound. He was so relieved, he almost lost his composure before accepting and promising his undying loyalty. "After all, sire. If it weren't for Anastasia here, I'd already be dead. I owe her and you, my life. I will try to make it worth your while."

They toasted the new job, and Saadian called his butler to find the man a room for now, until they could send him wherever they thought best.

For the next few months, Saadian rotated between the three women until Sasha wanted to speak to him. She could tell she was the third wheel in this arrangement, and she wanted to leave.

Saadian was sorry to see her leave, but he understood her predicament. He couldn't help how he felt about the other two.

He helped her find where she wanted to live, a nice estate she liked there, then put his staff into it. They would take care of her for the rest of her life if she wanted them to. She could do whatever she wanted. He also gave her millions of dollars in several accounts. As with Kara, Saadian knew he'd never see her again. It would cause her too many problems. As with Kara, he assigned a woman in his personal office to watch over her, help her when she asked, and tell him if she needed anything.

They threw a big party on the day she left. Anastasia and Penelope were going to miss her greatly, but they knew it was the right thing for her to do. She was still young enough to find a handsome man of her own and live out a normal, albeit rich life of her own.

After Sasha left, they closed Farrah's office. Saadian decided he wanted no more young women. He was happy with the two he had left. After a while, he grew tired of the need to pick one each night and decided to have them both with him every night. He wouldn't fuck both, or even one every night, but they always went to sleep intertwined in a bundle of legs and arms. Each woman maintained their private suites and could spend any night there they wished without explaining themselves to Saadian. He was happy they had the confidence to do so.

The years went by. His oldest son came to begin working at the company and he lived with them. Saadian began spending more time with his wife. She had enough protection, and he wanted her around him as he grew older.

She understood about the two women. She was happy he had stopped "collecting" women, and she could live with just the same two that had been there for years.

On her sixtieth birthday, the two women finally met her. Not at the party, of course, but afterwards, at the compound. The children had all grown up and left on their own. They now lived at the compound. It was now only the wife who still lived in the original house.

She finally decided she wanted to be around her children and moved to the compound. She was given a separate house of her own, and her entire staff was brought there with her. He would stay with her at least twice a week. They even had sex once in a while.

On his sixty-fifth birthday he announced he was becoming the Executive President of the parent company but was splitting the operating companies between his three children. They had worked for these companies for several years now and had proved themselves worthy.

When his wife finally died a couple of years later, he truly grieved her loss. A year later, he bought an island off Greece. It had a small village on it, and he left the people alone, but took care of whatever problems they had. He and the two women had the entire other side of the island to themselves. He built a home each helped to design. It took three years to build, but they weren't in a hurry and didn't move there until it was finished. It had a private harbor, and a wonderful beach. He built a dock for his yacht.

He brought Mohammad and his entire family with them and made him the head of security for the island. The constable in the village could call on him whenever he wanted, but otherwise, he left the village alone.

Saadian rebuilt any building in the village that needed repair for nothing. The people had been nervous when he first bought the island, but after several years, they loved Saadian.

Anastasia loved her life. She loved Penelope, and she loved Saadian. Saadian knew how the two women felt about each other, and how they expressed it frequently. He didn't care. He even joined in or watched if he didn't have the strength. He knew his old Muslim mother would be dismayed if she saw how he lived his faith now, but he was comfortable with it. He was comfortable with these two beautiful women who were happy to keep him warm on the cooler winter nights.

Anastasia couldn't believe how her life had turned out. She had gone from a rich man's plaything to a member of a super-rich man's zoo collection, to a woman who helped her lovers, both male and female, grow older with love and tenderness. She had even helped her lover bury his wife when the time came.

His children had grown up to be strong enough and determined enough to continue his company after he left. The trusts he set up will ensure they will control the company and the money he has forever.

He had become the world's first trillionaire, but he never cared about that. The three of them gave away money as fast as they could find a worthy cause to give some to. But, even then, when he died, he was still the richest man in the world. Anastasia considered him a rich man in his soul and never considered how much money she and Penelope got when he died. They had never asked and never cared. They mourned him for the rest of their lives.