To Torture a Duckling- Continuation

Chapter 7

Finn awoke once, not as nicely as the first time. This time, she was startled awake with a scream. She was in a room she couldn't place, none of it was familiar in her half asleep state. All she knew is that she was in danger. Ransom was here, somewhere. Suddenly footsteps pounded outside the door. The door swung open and hit the wall with a bang. Finn, not caring about her injuries, jumped up out of the bed and backed away to the far corner. The figure that came into the room was speaking to her, but in her panic, Finn couldn't understand.

"Stay back!" Finn warned with a shaking voice. 

The figure spoke again and made an attempt to move forward. Finn grabbed the closest thing near her, which was a small flower vase, and wielded it as a weapon.

"I said: stay back!" Finn yelled again.

Suddenly, Finn was blinded by the light turning on. She clenched her eyes tightly. 

"Open your eyes, Finn. C'mon honey, it's okay. You're safe. I swear you're safe here." A southern voice called through her panic.

Somewhere in the back of Finn's mind she knew she recognized this voice. This voice felt safe and calm. She opened her eyes tentatively and took a look around. She was in the hotel room, Benoit's hotel room. Finn spotted him staying across the room, by the light switch, with both of his hands up in a placating gesture. When Finn locked eyes with him, she sagged to her knees with relief and dropped the flower vase. Tears dripped down her face from the overwhelming relief she felt.

Benoit rushed over to her. He stood over her for a moment, not sure how she would react to touch. Finn looked up at him and held a hand out, asking to be comforted. He immediately sunk to his knees and pulled her into a firm, yet gentle hug. Her tears soaked into his shirt. Finn soon cried herself out and was barely able to hold herself up. Benoit pulled her up and got her back into bed. He turned away to leave, but a hand catching his arm made him turn back around. 

"Stay, please." Finn asked.

Benoit sent her a hesitant look.

"I'm asking you, you're not taking advantage or anything." Finn assured quietly. 

Benoit nodded and climbed into bed. The bed wasn't big enough for them to not be touching. Finn made a pained sound as she tried to get comfortable.

"Let me help, sweetheart." Benoit whispered.

He pulled her into his arms gently, so that no portion of her injured body had to bear her whole weight. She sighed and relaxed against him. She was ready to fall asleep on the floor, so the comfortable position and Benoit's body heat sent her to sleep almost immediately. 

"Thank you." Finn whispered, as she drifted off. 

Benoit knew she was thanking him for more than just staying with her.

"You're welcome." He whispered back, but she was already asleep.