Asher pulled into the parking lot of the nearest hotel, went in, and got himself a room. He almost instantly regretted leaving but couldn't bring himself to go back. He paced back and forth in his hotel room; he didn't know how to process these emotions. Yes, he wanted her; yes, he was - very - sexually attracted to her. Yes, he wanted her to stay with him. He wanted to keep her safe and happy and all of that, but when he had looked down into her green eyes and saw her looking back at him with so much trust and… devotion... because there was no other word to describe it, he realized he was hopelessly in love with her, and he didn't know what to do with that. He didn't know if he could trust the look in her eyes. He had kidnapped her.
He was almost afraid that what she was feeling was some hero complex or that he was the lesser of two evils, and the moment she was in the clear, she would go back to her life, and since he had promised her that she could, he would have to let her.
He dropped down on the bed and put his head in his hands. "You weren't supposed to fall for her. You're not capable of this, remember?"
His phone rang, and he saw Eric was calling. No doubt to ask what was going on and why he left. He steeled himself and answered curtly.
"Is something wrong?"
"I don't know. You're the one who left Mina sobbing in Les' arms. What the hell man?"Asher felt a moment of hope but it was quickly dashed. "You need to get back here and fix this. She's asking to leave."
"So, take her to the airport." His voice came out robotically. "If she wants to go, it'll be better for everyone."
Eric was quiet for a second as he digested what he was told. Then, "Where are you?"
"A hotel."
"Are we still leaving early tomorrow?"
"We'll figure it out when I get back."
"Listen, you can fire me if you want, but I gotta tell you, you're being a real prick right now. She's crying and asking to leave because you left her without explanation. Are you really just fucking willing to let her go, get on a plane, and practically deliver herself to Draco, or have you forgotten what he wants to do to her and her plan to get out of it?"
"She knows the risks of leaving." Asher's stomach twisted at the thought, but then he realized she'd rather face that than stay with him, and his heart hardened. "Make sure you get the list of places from her before she leaves."
"Goddamn it Asher!" Eric yelled.
"Go with her if you feel that strongly about it." Asher shrugged.
"You know what? I just fucking might. You're willing to give up the best fucking thing to ever come into your life, which makes you an idiot, and I don't know if I can keep working for someone so stupid…" Eric's rant was suddenly cut off, and Greg's calm voice came on the line.
"Asher, you need to think long and hard about your next move here. If you can honestly give her up like that, then I don't know. Maybe you don't care for her. But if you do, you need to come back here and explain yourself to her." The line went dead, and Asher threw his phone onto the bed beside him.
He had made her cry. He hurt her, and if she didn't feel something for him, she wouldn't have cared about him leaving. "If it makes you happy, I will seriously consider it." He would do anything to make her happy, and right now, he was making her hurt. Eric and Greg were right; if she went home or Draco found out she was no longer with them, she would be in great danger. Not to mention her escape plan, he would never be able to live with himself if she killed herself because he failed to protect her.
He groaned. He told them to take her to the airport. Grabbing his phone, he sent a text to Les.
"Is she gone?"
"No, I couldn't let her leave in good conscience with how upset she is. So I gave her a sleeping pill and told her I would take her in the morning."
Asher let out the breath he was holding. Okay, he could still fix this. He ran his hand through his hair. He was a little surprised at Eric's reaction. He was the least worried about telling Asher what he thought of his decisions, but for him to yell and swear at him was new. They all seemed to agree that he was making a mistake.
He stood up and left the room. Time to eat crow, apologize and hope she forgave him.
He arrived back at the RVs and saw that his and Mina's was dark. He parked and sat for a minute, staring at the trailer, utterly unsure about what to say or do when she woke up. There was a tap on his window, and he turned to see Joe standing there. He opened the door and climbed out. "You came back."
"I had to." He said quietly. "I'm not sure how to fix this. I can't make her stay if she decides to go."
"Asher, you need to tell her about growing up. If anyone will understand, it's her." Asher nodded resignedly and looked nervously at the RV. "She's asleep. Les had the presence of mind to get her to take one of her sleep aids, so she gets a good night's sleep and approaches things a little calmer tomorrow."
Asher walked up the stairs and went inside without another word. Switching on the light, he stopped when he saw her curled up into a ball on the couch, trying to keep herself warm under her jacket. He walked over to her and gently pushed her hair back off her face. "Come on Princess, let's get you to bed." he murmured. He gently pulled her jacket off her, causing her to whimper, and picked her up, holding her tightly to his chest.
He managed to get her into the bedroom after some finagling and quiet cursing at the narrow door, gently laid her on the bed, and pulled the comforter up over her. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. As he started to leave her hand came up and fastened on his wrist. "Please stay." she mumbled. "Don't leave me again."
"Are you sure?"
"Asher." she barely opened her eyes. "Please." her voice cracked and he immediately gave in.
"Okay, princess. If you want me to stay, I'll stay." She nodded slowly and her hand slipped off his wrist. He quickly turned off all the lights, undressed, climbed in bed with her, pulled her into his arms, and held her tightly. "I'm sorry Mina, I promise to be better." He spoke in her ear.
"Just talk to me." she breathed. "I can't…" Her voice trailed off.
"In the morning, whatever you want to know." He kissed her temple. "I promise."