He watched her take a step back and smiled inwardly. For some reason he just felt like they were in some kind of fight. Like she was taking something from him. Something he knew he shouldn't let go of, and he just had to fight to hold on to it.
"Or would you prefer to get kidnapped again?" he continued. "If you do, that's your problem, not mine. But I'm getting my money from your dad first. Then if you wish to get kidnapped again, suit yourself. So that means that for now, you are stuck with me. And if this place isn't good enough for you.... Well, you are just going to have to suck it up"
For once she didn't reply. He was a bit surprised, she seemed to have a reply to almost everything. But she just stared at him. Her beautiful eyes shone. She didn't move away from him anymore and he was standing right in front of her. He leaned towards her. She didn't flinch. He had to acknowledge that she had some backbone. And she wasn't a screamer. Two small points in her Favour.
He was so close. So close that he could see her bottom lip quiver. He could also see she had a cut on her cheek.
He felt horrible immediately. He didn't want to feel sympathy for her... He didn't want to feel anything for her. But at that moment all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and hold her close. She looked like she needed a hug. A long, warm hug. And to be honest, he felt like he needed one too.
He stepped away from her. Before he would do something crazy like give in to those thoughts. They confused the hell out of him.
He glared at Kimberly. He didn't have time for this or her. He wanted her gone. But he couldn't shake this feeling in his gut. "I have to go take care of some things. Try to get some sleep. You will feel better after you sleep" he said. "Or should I get you something to eat?"
Kimberly shook her head.
He didn't say anything, just turned and left the room. Shutting the door firmly behind him.
Kimberly waited until he locked the door before she dropped into the bed and let it all out. She cried so hard.
For two weeks, she had put on this tough act. She hadn't wanted to show her kidnappers just how scared she was. She had tried too hard to be brave, even when she wasn't, and now she couldn't hold it in anymore. She was bruised, hungry, tired and sleepy.
So she cried.. Letting it all out.
Outside, leaning on the door, Asher stood. Listening to her sobs. The sound of her crying did things to his heart that he couldn't understand. His heart went out to her... And he had to fight to keep from opening the door and pulling her limp, tired body against his.
He moved away from the door, shaking his head. This kind of attraction and attachment to her wasn't good for either one of them. Getting emotionally involved was a terrible idea. He pushed her out of his mind and went away. He had work to do. And the sooner he got rid of her, the better for him.
Kimberly had a good cry. Which was exactly what she needed to feel a little better. After that, she fell into a deep, troubled sleep.
She dreamt that she was safe, away from her kidnappers and away from Asher. Away from everything that hurt... And she was with her Dad, with Phoebe. In her house where she felt safe and loved.
-------------------------------
Asher left Kimberly in the holding cell and returned to the front office of the small building he rented.
He reached for his phone and his thoughts went back to Kimberly. She wasn't anyone he would respect, but that didn't mean he wanted her in danger. She was his responsibility, but he wasn't entirely sure that was the only reason he wanted to her safe. He sighed and made the phone call.
"Hillary Blake" a voice answered.
"Asher Adams"
"Oh at last. Mr Adams" Kimberly's father said. "I have been waiting for your call. But I didn't want to bother you by calling insistently. Please give me some good news. Where is Kim?" he asked.
"I have her with me," Asher replied. "She is safe"
Hillary breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God. I'm so glad I involved you in this. Is my daughter alright?" he asked.
"She is perfectly fine. Anxious to see you" Asher replied.
"Good, good. Well done. Mr Asher."
"Just doing my job." Asher said. "I'm sorry I haven't brought her back yet. I just want to make it's safe before we leave"
"Oh that's perfectly fine." Hillary said. "Just take good care of my baby girl. Do whatever needs to be done. I don't mind if it costs more"
"I will look after her, Mr Blake," Asher said. "Oh I almost forgot about the ransom..."
"Oh yes... Was it paid?" Hillary asked.
"No... once I had Kimberly, I sent my men to intercept it. I'm having the ransom delivered to your office. I wanted to bring it with me but I changed my mind. I have notified your banker as well, so he will be there to take possession of the money. It's a lot of cash to have lying around. I wouldn't want anything to happen to it"
"Oh... You are very thorough" Hillary said, barely able to conceal his happiness that his daughter was safe.
"That's what you pay me to be. Speaking of which, you still owe me the second half of my fee"
"That will be waiting for you as soon as you and Kimberly get here... I'm so grateful for your help... Thank you so much" Hillary said.
"You are welcome"
Minutes after he hung up the phone, Asher came back into the holding cell. She had finally fallen asleep and she still looked beautiful. He carried a blanket in his hand which he carefully put around her. She curled into it immediately, murmuring words he didn't understand. Good thing she was finally asleep. He thought. She needed it.