HER BODYGUARD

“We might be here a little longer. I should go back to your house to get more of your things.”

“Oh, right. I wasn’t thinking about that.” Kimberly said.

“Tomorrow,” he said.

When she pulled out her chair and sat down, some of the tightness in his chest eased.

“And I should question you some more.” he said.

Her head jerked up. “About what?”

“I don’t get why they keep coming back for you” he said. “Their plan failed, why do they keep coming back for you? It has to be someone who knows you. Someone who knows your dad is loaded… Maybe someone with a plan.. maybe some kind of grudge. I don’t know. You have to think hard, is there anyone you suspect?”

She turned her coffee mug in her hands. “You want me to dredge up every little thing? Well, one time at the grocery store a man and I both wanted the same space, and he shook his fist at me.” she said sarcastically.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Come on,” Asher said. “Be serious”

“I am being serious,” Kimberly replied. “The truth is that I have no idea who these people are or what they want. I have no one in mind. I’m sorry I can’t help”

“It’s fine. You don’t have to apologize” he said. “You are safe. That’s what’s important now”

“I really wish you didn’t have to go back to my place.” She looked uncomfortable. “I don’t really love the idea of you going back there alone. What if those people come back? So let’s do it together.” she said.

Asher smiled. “Worried about me?” he asked.

Kimberly shrugged. “Yeah” she said. “Of course I am.”

“Well you don’t have to be. I’m fine. And you shouldn’t come with me. You will be much safer here… Or, maybe I could send some members of the team down to your place instead” he said.

Kimberly liked that idea better. “All right.” she said. “I prefer that. I gotta go shower and then go to bed. Good night, Asher”

“Good night, Kim,” Asher said.

She stood up, wondering if should give him a good night kiss or something, but she decided that they weren’t there yet… She wasn’t even sure what they were or where they were.

He didn’t make a move either, so instead she walked out of the kitchen.

———————-

Asher lay in his bed, stripped down to his underwear, with only the sheet covering him. His arms were propped behind his head and he listened to the strange sounds of the house as it settled.

He’d left the door open in case Kimberly needed him. He had been doing that ever since she told him about her night mares.

God, what a mess.

He’d behaved like a rookie with no experience at all. He knew better, hell, he was damn good at his job. But he just kept thinking of what could happen. The thought of Kimberly being hurt was untenable. He had to find some way to wrap this operation up, and quickly. He hadn’t wanted to get involved with her, and hadn’t wanted to care about her. But he knew it was too late.

Did two people ever come from more different backgrounds? Kimberly was cultured, refined, elegant. She had a poise that never seemed to leave her, and a way of talking that implied gentleness and kindness and… all the things he wasn’t. That refined speech of hers turned him on.

Everything about her turned him on.

He had to quell those thoughts. Kimberly wasn’t for him. From what he knew of her father, he would balk at the mere mention of her getting involved with someone like him. And he didn’t want to add to her problems. She had enough right now.

She was way out of his league. Filthy rich. And he couldn’t be certain, but he thought the teacup she’d used one time at her apartment was authentic china. It had seemed delicate and fragile–just like her.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to close out the image of her lying soft and warm in her own bed, her dark hair fanned out on the pillow, those big brown eyes sleepy, her skin flushed. He wanted her, more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life. He hadn’t known a man could want this much and live through it. She was right down the hall, and he suspected if he went to her, she wouldn’t send him away.

But as bad as he wanted her, he also knew he had no right to her. So he continued to stare at the ceiling.

Somewhere downstairs he heard a clock chime eleven. Then he heard a different noise, one he hadn’t heard yet, and he turned his head on the pillow to look toward the door.

Kimberly stood there, a slight form silhouetted by the vague light of the moon coming through the window. He couldn’t quite draw a breath deep enough to chase away the tightness in his chest.

When she didn’t move, he leaned up on one elbow. His voice sounded low and rough when he spoke. “Are you all right, Kim?” he asked.

She made another small, helpless sound, then took a tiny step into the room. Every muscle in his body tensed. He couldn’t make out her face, but he could tell her gown was long and pale and he could feel her nervousness. He didn’t know why she was here, but his body had a few ideas and was reacting accordingly. He was instantly and painfully aroused.

“Kim?” he called again.

She took another step, then whispered in a trembling tone, “I know you said it was wrong. And you’re right, of course. But after that phone call… I couldn’t…. I told myself this wasn’t proper, that I should behave with some decorum.” Her hands twisted together and she drew a deep, shaky breath. “But you see, the thing is…” she stopped talking.

Asher knew his heart was going to slam right through his ribs. He couldn’t wait another second for her to finish her sketchy explanation. She was here, she wanted him, and despite all the reasons he’d just given himself for why he shouldn’t, he knew he wanted her too badly to send her away.

He stared at her in the darkness, and then lifted the sheet. “Come here, Kimberly,” he said.