Page 12 of Knight Watch

She quickly pulled her hand away, her eyes wide with fright. “I don’t have the money to pay for an army.”

Something dark swirled in his stomach, seeing her reaction to his touch. “I’m not asking for money. Just for a chance to help you. I promise if you want to leave at any time, I won’t stop you. You’ll be free to go.”

Despite the honking from behind them, Kingsley couldn’t look away and break the connection. It was Sydney who finally faced forward. As he moved through the intersection, he debated trying again to convince her to give him and Alliance a chance. Damn, he didn’t understand this pressing need to help her, to not let her wander into harm’s way. He was usually so detached; it didn’t make any sense.

“Stop the truck.”

Watching the traffic, Kingsley made his way toward the curb before parking and switching on the hazard lights. Jaw tight, he watched as Sydney looked forward, breathing hard. Just as he was about to say something, anything to try and convince her he only wanted to help, she opened the car door and got out.

Remaining by the open door, Sydney looked around like a deer caught in headlights. Hands in fists, she stood there for a long, agonizing minute until she finally addressed him. “You really can help me?”

All the air seized in his lungs in released in a sigh. “I can. Me and my team. You’re not alone in this.”

She ran her fingers through her blond hair, making the soft strands float gracefully in the wind. Bedraggled, tired, and scared, he could see this woman wasn’t even close to quitting. It was admirable.

“Why? I’m nothing to you. It doesn’t make sense.”

At that, he shrugged. “Call me old-fashioned. I’m not the kind of man to turn my back on a damsel in distress.”

When she blinked and looked at him like he’d lost a few marbles along the way, Kingsley almost felt insulted. But his irritation was quickly replaced by a nagging question. The kidnapping alone wasn’t what caused her reaction; it was embedded way deeper. The way she had pulled away at his touch, combined with the look of panic on her face, had warning bells ringing loudly in his head. What had happened to her to create that kind of fear? To make her suspicious of a sincere offer of help? He hated the thoughts that were running through his head but he couldn’t dismiss them.

He hated her hesitation almost as much as waiting like a sitting duck on the side of the road. He had to fight his inner caveman that urged him to grab her and run. He knew deep down in his gut she had to trust him, to come willingly with him. In a sign of trust and appeasement, he extended his arm to offer his hand.

Sydney looked at it for a long moment, but he didn’t waver. “You promise at any time I’ll be able to walk away?”

At that moment, he felt as if he had won the greatest battle of his life, but he knew he was still on probation. So he smiled when she awkwardly took his extended hand and sat back in his truck and closed the door.

“Can I at least pretend I’m here to protect you? Otherwise, I’ll lose all credibility with my team.”

As she relaxed a bit at his joke, he didn’t wait and swerved back on the road toward Alliance.

* * *

Sydney was still debatingif she had made the right decision to stay. Her head told her she was a fool to trust a man who had admitted being hired by Raymond, but her gut told her if she had to choose between running alone or hopping in the truck with him, the bearded stranger was the best bet. And by gut feeling, she didn’t mean the warmth that spread every time he looked at her, or when he touched her. Her reaction to him surprised her almost as much as his sudden appearance at the fire escape door.

Since her childhood violation, arousal and intimacy of any kind had been difficult. Not that she hadn’t forced herself to have a good life that included a boyfriend, but intimacy had been a challenge. It took loads of trust and time, and her body didn’t flare up as she hoped. She had come to terms with the fact that sex was something she didn’t enjoy and was only there for the other person’s pleasure. What was happening now was unexpected, raising many questions and more importantly, was a dangerous distraction. Could she let her guard down with Kingsley Knight? Why was she having such thoughts for a man she had just met? Maybe these sudden lustful thoughts were messing with her brain… a brain she needed more than ever.

When he turned into another street, Sydney automatically made a mental note of it, keeping track of her location. After taking a couple more turns, they finally reached a large compound. When he turned into the entrance, she couldn’t help but grab the door handle.

Kingsley drove around the building and parked. She saw a few cars and a couple of motorcycles, which meant there were people inside the building—unknown people. Her hand tightened on the handle as he turned off the engine.

“We’re here. This is the Alliance Agency. I’m sure you’d like a shower, clean clothes, and something to eat. And if after that you change your mind about staying, you’re free to go. I won’t renege on our deal.” To her surprise, he gave her the truck’s key. “If you do decide to leave it’ll be easier in the truck.” With that, he opened the door and got out.

Strangely, the way he offered her an escape route made her decision to follow him easier. Was this some ninja move to mess with her brain? It wasn’t as if she had many choices. She knew on her own she’d be able to hide for a while, but Raymond’s resources and his extensive network would eventually track her down. Her best bet was to stay with him inside this building and pray her gut instinct was right.

It was a surprise to see a smiling receptionist at the door with fantastic violet hair framing a delicate and beautiful fairy-like face.

“Hello, I’m Cleo. You must be Sydney. I’m so glad you’re okay. You’re in good hands here. Kingsley and the team won’t let anything happen to you.”

At the familiar name, Sydney looked at Kingsley who smiled. “Sydney would probably like a shower.”

Cleo nodded. “I thought as much. The women’s locker room is free, and I’ve asked Mercy and Caitlin to get you some fresh clothes. Food and coffee will be ready in the conference room if you’re up to it.”

Sydney felt like she was caught in a small lilac tornado. “How… how do you know my size?”

Cleo laughed. “Don’t look at me like that; I’m not clairvoyant. It’s just handy that you get most of your things online. A couple of clicks and there we go.”

“Wait, isn’t hacking illegal?”

Winking at her, the pretty woman steered her toward the changing room. “Let’s say Alliance is more concerned with justice than the law.” Cleo frowned, her demeanor changing from playful to serious as she looked her up and down. “And your safety and comfort are what matters for now. You probably won’t believe me, but you’re safe here. Go and have that shower. You’ll find everything you need inside. The girls are two minutes away with some clothes. Rest assured that nobody will enter apart from them, not even the lumberjack here. I’ll stand by the door until you’ve finished.”

Sydney hesitated, torn between the very fragile trust she had established with Kingsley and the desire for a shower and some food. She wanted him to remain close, but saying so would put her in a vulnerable state. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, it steadied her, which was another feat.

“I’ll stay here with Cleo while you get your shower. Cleo will bring you the clothes, and I’ll stand guard. I promise I’ll stay here until you’re done.”

A weight lifted from her shoulders and a sense of security filled her, bringing newfound energy. And the disturbing thought of him joining her in the shower confirmed she was more exhausted than she’d thought. “Aren’t you worried I’ll escape through the window?”

As she expected, a smile tugged at his lips. “I told you that you’re free to go any time, but if you manage to escape and use my truck, please be gentle with my baby. I may be British, but I love American rides.”