James and Jane simultaneously cried foul, turning on Kimberly.

'Rick asked for moral support!' she defended innocently.

Rick hung his head, shaking it from side to side, a slight smile, acknowledging defeat.

Ross was jubilant, he did not care how they won, just pleased that they did.

'Well done, Ms. Sloane, your team has successfully completed the race!'

'We demand a rerun without obstruction!' James grinned.

Kimberly feigned ignorance.

'I'm looking forward to our reward! Ross exclaimed.

Rick and Kimberly exchanged a smile.

'Remember, you need to be in agreement!' he reminded her.

Kimberly knew had he won, her virtue would have been compromised. Rick's reminder was, though he lost, Ross had to be in agreement with her decision, and she could not use, the weapon, she skillfully deprived him of using.

'Congratulations,' Rick grinned. 'Underhanded though, a victory nevertheless,' he accepted like a good sport.

The result quickly forgotten, everybody in a celebratory mood, Rick guided Kimberly by her elbow, away from the rest, to the one of the front rows of the bus.

'So I've been out maneuvered, I guess I'll have to devise another strategy to get you into my bed,' he mocked.

'Rule number one, always watch your back!' she divulged, as she took the window seat .

'So Kimberly, you want to finish what you started when you so masterfully distracted me?' he invited.

'No thank you, mission accomplished,' she quipped.

'You should not start something you can't finish,' he needled her.

'Oh, I can finish, I just choose not to.'

Feeling in a somewhat reckless mood, she placed her palm on his thigh. Immediately she felt his muscles under her palm become taut.

'I want you Kimberly,' he moaned huskily.

'Sorry for you, you'll have to settle for a cold shower,' her hand was still casually wreaking havoc on his thigh.

'Would you like some drinks?' Jane enquired

'I'd love some coffee please,' Kimberly responded, feeling indifferent, that her hand was still on Rick.

'How about a scotch please Jane?' Rick smiled lazily.

'How did you become so merciless?' Rick groaned.

'You don't really want me to answer that, do you?'

'Tell me you don't want me,' he dared.

She wanted to look away, but she couldn't, her eyes were mesmerized by his. She attempted to speak her voice failed her.

'No,' she groaned loudly, removing her hand from his leg.

'No you don't want me? Or no you can't tell me?' he asked confused.

'Can I get past you?' she tried wanting to escape from him.

'No, my love,' he took pleasure in informing her,' 'you most certainly cannot.'

'Can we change the subject then?' she pleaded.

James came to chat to Rick about their evening plans.

'You're quite the expert with the bike, Ms. Kimberly,' he complimented, with a grin.

'No comment about losing?' she threw.

'All's fair in love and war,' he repeated.

Her eyes met Rick's as she pondered on whether James' thinking alluded to love or to war.

When they got back to the hotel, Kimberly went straight to her room, avoiding the rest of the team. She was having difficulty keeping her emotions in check, highly aroused from her flirting with Rick on the bus. The entire afternoon she had been toying with the idea to give in to her desire to make love with him. She wanted him so badly, she ached for his touch, and just to be in his pleasurable arms.

Kimberly groaned, locking the door between her and Rick. Best she remember why they were separated, and keep a low profile.

The next morning she chose to have breakfast in her suite as she worked. She had called James to enquire on the time the bus was leaving, and said she'd meet them at the appointed time. After putting in some four hours of productive work, Kimberly felt pleased with the results, and made her way downstairs.

She quickly stopped at the front desk, before getting on the bus to exchange some foreign currency to buy a few souvenirs, for her dad and friends back home.

'What are you doing Kimberly? Rick asked suspiciously, seeing the wad of notes in her hand.

Would he ever stop trying to control every area of her life?

'You manipulate every other area of my life, my finances is the only area you have not yet poked your nose into, isn't that so Riccardo? She accused, turning around, and almost fell over Jane.

Oh! This is all I need damn it!

'Sorry Jane,' she apologized for almost knocking her off her feet and hurriedly made her departure. The cat was out of the bag now for sure, she supposed. There was no way Jane would not deduce that she and Rick were an item past or present, after having heard her ranting at him. Summoning the effort required, Kimberly dragged herself to the bus. The back seat was already in use jointly by Rick and Ross, when she made her appearance.

'Good morning,' she greeted, to nobody in particular.

'Good morning Kimberly, they all chorused.

Choosing the closest empty seat she pulled open her laptop. Ignoring Ross's snide remarks from the back and his pestering for her to join them, she clipped on her earphones and began working. The pestering eventually subsided. It took about twenty minutes to block out the distraction and give her work, her undivided attention. She always marveled at Rick's ability to be so disciplined, but before long she was absorbed in her work, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

Her mobile buzzed the flashing light alerting her to the call.

'Dad hi,' Kimberly greeted uncomfortably.

Her dad was not yet aware that they had separated. They had met a few times in Leeds and her dad went over to visit at the estate in Manchester once or twice. Citing work pressures, she had avoided him in recent months.

Four months ago her dad had wanted to see them, she had dragged Rick along, demanding that her dad not know they were separated. And did he put on an award winning performance for her dad. He was all over Kimberly more for the sake of his own indulgence that for her father's benefit. Kimberly had tolerated his advances for the sake of appearances, but when they had left her dad's place, she had set the record straight in no uncertain terms.

'Honey, I'm trying to get hold of Rick, I can't seem to raise him on his mobile.'

She cringed unhappily.  Kimberly turned around to look at Rick, his eyes were on her, curious as to who was on her phone.

What the hell was she to do now? Should she say, "honey, my dad would like to chat?"

She was thankful her conversation could not be overheard. Speaking softly she responded, 'dad, we're on a bus,' she smiled into the handset,' I'm in the front and Rick is right at the back of the bus. Can he call you back in a few minutes?'

'Sure honey I'm waiting for the call please,' her dad hung up.

'Are we indulging in a cold war Kimberly?' Rick questioned when they were at the next venue. His critical eyes scanned the cherry blossom coloured trousers and matching jacket she had on.

'I don't know what you're talking about?' she lied.

'Shall I draw a picture for you?' he asked sarcastically, as they walked ahead of the rest of the team.

'You did not join us for dinner last night. This morning you were not at breakfast. Might I add from a personal point of view, your deliberate choice of wardrobe this morning, adds to my suspicions.'

She knew he disliked her wearing trousers, and he was correct about her choice of wardrobe.

'You're over reacting,' she down played her dodging tactics. 'I have deadlines to comply with,' she lied again, thankful that Rick was unaware that she was ahead of her scheduled deadlines by two months .

Turbulent relationships seem just the recipe to spur one to work, for in trying to combat her emotional frustrations, she worked! Worked! Worked! Now she was wonderfully ahead of schedule. Rick was not convinced that her need to meet deadlines was the reason she kept a low profile. His accusing look told her just that.

Her mobile buzzed again.

'Honey, sorry to be insistent.  You managed to get Rick?' her dad was apologetic.

'Yes, we're together now, would you hold a second please?'

'My dad is looking for you,' she murmured uncomfortably holding the phone out to him.

Rick's face did not register any expression as he accepted the phone. Kimberly dared not look around, but she was acutely aware of the glances from the team, especially Jane. All their curiosity sparked as to why Rick would answer any call on her mobile. Kimberly walked away from Rick, but not before she heard him respond.

'Peter good morning?'

She wondered what her dad wanted to talk to Rick about. She thought it impolite to question her dad.

She was in the middle of a discussion with the Programme Manager, when Rick returned to her side, handing her phone back to her.

'What did Dad want?' she asked curiously.

'He wanted to take some students to the estate this weekend, to do some soil and crop analysis. I told him we were not around to entertain him, but he could go right ahead.'

'Does he call you often?' Kimberly questioned, not looking at Rick.

'He's called twice, since you __.' Rick left his sentence unfinished.

She gazed into his eyes, confused, lonely, in need of him and totally frustrated.

'Why is your mobile not on?' she demanded.

'It's routed to Jacqui,' he stated.

'Can you redirect it back please!' she was irritated that she had to field her dad's call and risk exposing the level of her association to Rick, after having done a marvelous job herself in front of Jane.

His look was mocking.

'What?' she challenged.

'Your instruction, is it because you are not my secretary, and don't want to field calls for my attention?' he teased.

She realized how unreasonable she was being, as the call on her phone was not business related, at all.'

She gave him an embarrassed look.
'I'm sorry,' she apologized, 'I was out of line,' she lowered her head.

'What I'd give to hold you in my arms right now Kimberly,' he groaned softly.

'Is Jane going to repeat what she overheard?' Kimberly questioned, regretting her outburst that created that very awkward situation.

'My staff are discreet, they are thoroughly screened for that very purpose.' he assured her.

'Kimberly why did you not ask me to pay for whatever you needed to purchase?' he asked in a wounded tone.

'Rick please!'

'What kind of man allows his wife to pay her own expenses?' he questioned.

'You transfer a more than generous allowance into my bank account each month, so it's not like you neglect my needs,' she reminded him.

Not that she was in need of finances. She had tried reversing the funds back to his account, the very first month she had left him, but their bank was under strict instructions not to do so. The money remained untouched in her investment account.

'I want to see to all your financial needs Kimberly.'

'I just drew the money to buy souvenirs!' she told him irritatedly.

The Programme Manager started the proceedings, compelling them to abandon their tête-á-tête. Kimberly feeling a bit subdued, allowed Rick to field most of the questions, putting on a polite and professional front when the questions required a direct response from her. She opted rather to spend more time with the children, signing books and chatting to them. Outwardly nobody could tell she was 'out of sorts' but Rick was perceptive enough. Their close proximity the previous day certainly unnerved her, short though it was, it brought all the desire flooding back and opening wounds she had hoped was on the way to healing. Kimberly chatted and laughed with the kids. Inviting their input in how the next book should end. She received some hilarious responses, and some Rambo style solutions, which she knew she would not use. Media briefing over, she sensed Rick's presence next to her. A little boy tugged at Rick's legs, wrapping his tiny arms around Rick.

Oh no! This is all the ammunition Rick would need to pursue his harassment again.

She did not want to but her eyes were drawn to Rick. His eyes met hers, conveying the torture he felt. She sighed, her eyes falling to the little boy, who could not be more than four, his arms raised towards Rick, demanding to be picked up.

'Hey tiger,' Rick hoisted him up in the air. To which came gurgles of laughter from the youngster.

She was drawn to them, she found herself next to Rick, her hand spontaneously touching the gorgeous boy's unruly blonde locks. Kimberly and Rick were gazing into each others' eyes, when one of the cameramen, thought it a perfect photo opportunity, snapping away with the little boy between them.

'Excuse me,' Kimberly escaped hurriedly, wanting to get away from Rick. Finding a ladies' cloakroom, she locked the door, leaning her weight against it, and closing her eyes.

How much more would she have to endure?

It was punishment enough that she ached for Rick to satisfy the sexual need she had for him, now the both of them were like panting dogs, broody for a baby, and in full view of the public!

She cringed at the thought of what the morning paper was going to make of them together with the baby.

Some ten minutes later, a little more composed, Kimberly went back out, sitting inconspicuously in one of the chairs, waiting for the gang to finish their packing up. She wanted out, she wanted to get as far from Rick as could be possible. She wished right now she could be in her studio safe and in control of her life.

'Are you not engaging in a reading session today, Ms. Sloane?'

She looked up into the eyes of one of the volunteers at the event.

'Not this afternoon,' she replied politely, 'we are scheduled to appear at another venue shortly.

'Why don't you read just one chapter?' he persisted taking the seat next to her.

Kimberly started to feel uncomfortable at his insistence. Her eyes searched out for Rick's, he acknowledged her.

'Time does not permit,' Kimberly smiled not wanting to be rude. She excused herself and stood up, preferring to rather wait in the bus for the rest of her team.

'Then why don't you read to me Miss Sloane? Your voice is very sexy. I heard you singing the previous night,' he breathed close to her, grabbing at her arm forcefully, and pinning her against his body. 'You were singing to me, weren't you?' His eyes blazed like a man possessed.

Kimberly screamed out, petrified with fear.

Lightening could not have moved faster than Rick. He scaled over the chairs that were in his way, and his fists were pummeling into the young man with no respite. Kimberly did not know whether to run to the bus for safety or save her assailant from near death.

'Riccardo stop before you kill him!'
Hearing her voice somewhere in his distant mind, Rick came back to his senses, she turned her back on them, her hands covering her face, as she sobbed uncontrollably, but not before she saw Rick's eyes angry enough to want to commit murder had she not yelled for him to stop.

Rick quickly covered the distance between them his hand on her shoulder. She flung her arms around his neck, hiding her face in his shoulder, sobbing hysterically.

'It's okay my love, I will never allow anyone to harm you. Never!' he whispered into her ear. He hugged her trying to calm her down.

'You're safe now I'm right here,' he soothed into her ears.

The police appeared in record time on the scene. The Programme Manager apologetic, informing Rick the assailant had registered as a volunteer to help at the event, and was subsequently taken into custody.

A media frenzy was snapping away around Kimberly, 'Rick, get rid of the media,' she whispered.

'James, stay with Kimberly.'

'No! Don't leave me,' she clung to him hysterically.

'Confiscate all the film!' Rick instructed James, who nodded and set about the task.

'You okay honey?' Rick asked softly.

'Take me away from here Riccardo,' she pleaded.

'Would you like to press charges, Ms. Slone?' the officer enquired.

'No,' she murmured, wanting to get away from the scene as quickly as she could.

'Kimberly you should,' Rick instructed.

'Get me out of here please,' she begged.

'James, the backup vehicle, get somebody else to drive the bus, let's go,' Rick's voice was urgent.

'My laptop please,' she reminded Rick, who nodded.

Ross took the front seat with James. Rick was alone with Kimberly in the back. She clung tightly to Rick, her head on his chest, her arm around his waist. Her body shivered with anxiety.

She could feel Rick was seething with anger for what she had been subjected to. Kimberly could not get rid of the image of Rick's eyes filled with such uncontrollable rage. She lifted up her head looking into his eyes, she shuddered to think what would happen to anybody who provoked his wrath.

'What is it Kimberly?'

'That guy ... you almost killed him,' she whispered.

'He deserves nothing less my darling, you should not have stopped me.'

He hugged her to him, as if shielding her from the world.

'What good will you be to me in prison?' she whispered.

'That was the only sobering thought that stopped me Kimberly, not being able to be there for you.'

'What about our next scheduled promotion?' she queried, looking at her wristwatch.

'Ross has called it off. He's preparing a press statement that he will read out instead. Let's see how he's faring shall we?'

Kimberly nodded, shifting to allow Rick some room to chat to Ross.

'Rick tapped on the window separating them from the front. Instantly James had the window down.

'You okay, Ms. Kimberly?' he asked with concern.

'Yes thank you,' she murmured.

Ross leaned over, his hands clasping hers, 'I'm glad you're okay kiddo?' he smiled.

'Thank you,' she answered softly.

'All set? Everything under control Ross?' Rick questioned.

'Yes, I've called off the next event but I believe there's a media circus outside our hotel.'

Rick whipped out his mobile, calling the hotel manager, 'Taylor, I'd like access through another entrance into the hotel please, one the media is not familiar with. We will be there in eight minutes,' Rick instructed assessing the time on his wristwatch.

Ross raised his eyebrows at Kimberly, she looked out the window.

'Is there anything you don't have control over?' Ross asked Rick.

'You don't want to find out!' Rick cautioned.

'I believe you after what I saw earlier,' Ross did not know when to shut up. Kimberly suppressed a smile.

'How's that press statement coming along?' Rick questioned.

'Done,' Ross handed his media release to Rick to peruse.

'Perfect,' Rick handed the statement he had instructed Ross to prepare, to Kimberly to read.

'You can read out the statement outside the hotel, whilst I get Kimberly in without being harassed by those hounds.

'Would you like to take a shower?' Rick asked Kimberly as he settled her inside her suite.

She hesitated, not answering.

'I will be here in your suite honey. James and I will be making arrangements for your round the clock security for the duration of our stay here,' he assured her.

'Okay,' she nervously murmured.

'I promise you my love nobody will try to harm you ever again.'

Kimberly looked at James, he nodded agreement, 'That's right Ms. Kimberly nobody will come near you after tonight,' he spoke soberly.

She put her arms around Rick, drawing strength from his protective arms. 'Will you make sure only Ross and James have access to our rooms?' she made him promise.

'Yes I promise,' he spoke without hesitation. He walked with her into the bedroom. James and I will be making some phone calls arranging for the security detail. Take your time, I'll arrange for dinner to be served here.'

'Thank you,' she acknowledged appreciatively.

Rick nodded searching into her eyes. She looked down uncomfortably.

'Call me if you need anything,' Rick spoke, leaving her to shower.

Kimberly basked in the effects of the hot shower, pulsating on her face and therapeutically pounding over her body. Half an hour later she felt sufficiently revitalized. Slipping on a pair of jeans and a T shirt, she joined the men.

'Feeling better?' Rick stood up giving her a dashing smile.

'Yes thanks,' she even shyly managed to summon a half smile.

Rick handed her a glass filled with a shot of brandy, 'drink up,' he urged.

She meekly took the glass, sipping on the brandy, wrinkling her face with every sip.

'James, is Jane not expecting you?' Kimberly enquired, noting the time as she took a seat next to Rick.

A knock on the door had Kimberly hastily rushing into Rick's arms. She did not see the flash of anger in Rick's eyes.

'I will be on security detail here Ms. Kimberly, till the protection services get here,' James answered, seeing her fear filled eyes.

'Darling that will be our dinner,' Rick tried to calm her.

'Are you sure?' she whispered, her eye on the door expecting somebody to barge in.

'James will check okay?'

She nodded, her hands reaching out for his.

James opened the door slightly.

'Room service sir.'

Kimberly visibly relaxed, 'I'm not really hungry,' she murmured as the trolley was wheeled in.

'Thank you, I'll do the rest,' James dismissed the waiter, quickly getting rid of him.

'Won't you see what's being served first,' Rick pleaded.

When the waiter left, Kimberly lifted the lids inspecting the trays. Rick had ordered everything he knew she enjoyed having for dinner. She cast her eyes to him, as he expectantly awaited her response.

'Thank you,' she smiled shyly. She made a determined effort to try and eat just a little, seeing Rick and James would not eat, if she did not.

Handing out a plate to Rick and to James, she served herself.

Rick and James indulged in light, trivial conversations, drawing her in, trying to keep her mind away from the incident. She accurately perceived their motive and made a concerted effort to help their cause.

Her mobile buzzed next to Rick, he glanced at the screen.

'It's your dad,' Rick informed her.

Kimberly groaned, 'don't tell me this incident is gone to England already!' Kimberly shook her head, not wanting to take the call.

'Peter hi,' Rick answered, 'yes, she's okay. The police suspect he may have been a crazed fan trying to get close to Kimberly,' Rick spoke into the handset.

Kimberly closed her eyes not looking forward to the reception that will be awaiting them when they arrived back home.

'Honey, just say hi to your dad please.'

'Daddy hi,' Kimberly spoke softly.

'You okay, honey?' Her dad asked with concern.

'I was a little shaken up dad, but I feel a bit better now,' she murmured.

'Yes Rick has arranged that already. I love you too daddy,' she handed the phone back to Rick.

After dinner the security detail arrived. Kimberly not wanting to be involved went to the bedroom, whilst Rick conducted the meeting with the security. She lay on the bed, flicking through the channels. She had made the evening news on almost all the channels. Kimberly could hear Rick instructing that he wanted twenty four hour security available. There would be two people covering twelve hour shifts in the day and exactly the same at night, wherever they were, including in the hotel. She said a silent prayer that Rick was with her when the incident happened.

As much as Ross was supportive and dependable, Rick was definitely her foundation, her pillar of strength. She was unsure how this was going to affect them going into the future. It just complicated her life a whole lot.

She called Ross from the bedroom, 'How are you faring?' he asked.

'Not as together as I'd like to be,' she admitted, still haunted by the stalker's crazed eyes. Her wrists still nastily bruised from the violent way his fingers had clasped so tightly around them.

'It will take a little time, but you'll be okay soon,' he predicted.

'Ross he was a youngster, I can't believe how this has freaked me out!' she moaned.

'I tell you what,' Ross confessed, 'I never want to be on the wrong side of Rick Buchanan.'

'Tell me about it,' Kimberly agreed.

'So do I hear wedding bells soon?' Ross teased.

'I thought you were under the impression, he was not the marrying kind!'

'So we wage a bet on when the wedding will take place? Ross challenged.

'You want a sure financial tip?' Kimberly offered.

'Yeah!' he cagily accepted.

Don't wage any money on a date you're going to lose!'

'Com'on, are you chicken? The guy is crazy about you. You would be foolish to turn him down,' Ross commented.

'Why because Rick Buchanan is a lucrative business proposition?' she asked.

'I know you are too scrupulous, to think along those lines.' Ross complained, 'but heck the guy has fallen for you hook line and sinker Kimberly, you might as well say yes. He's attractive enough, you can't be immune to his charms!'

'I'm beginning to question your increasing attraction to the man,' Kimberly teased.

'Don't be crazy, just say yes to the guy. I've noticed the two of you can't keep your eyes of each other when you are not fighting, but then opposites attract don't they Kimberly.

'I suppose they do, and attractive is an apt description for Mr. Buchanan,' she smiled naughtily.

'Ah ha, I like the sound of that,' Ross laughed.

'Goodnight, talk to you tomorrow,' Kimberly hung up.

-      End Chapter Thirteen-