Chapter 7

Artemis stormed in the room. Holly couldn't act like she wasn't glad to see him, because she was.

Now I'm safe again. Well, as safe as I can be like this. But I won't tell him about the baby... Not until it's absolutely neccessary. Who knows what he'll do?

He hadn't even taken the time to take off his jacket, she saw.

'Holly! Are you okay? I should never have left you.'

'I'm fine, Artemis. Now, I would be even more fine when you'd get the last handcuff off too.'

He was so glad about seeing her again, he didn't even react to that.

'Does your stomach hurt?' he informed.

'No, why?'

'Then why is your hand on there?'

Holly looked down and realised he was right.

I guess I want to protect the baby...

'I don't know, I just had to put my hand somewhere.'

'You're sure you're fine?' he asked, looking really worried.

'I am, Artemis. Stop worrying about me, that doesn't suit kidnappers.'

He also didn't react to that comment. He walked to her, and kissed her passionately. She let him, she missed him too. But she couldn't resist. She pulled quite some strands of his hair out. He didn't notice it.

Eventually, he had to break the kiss. Holly was out of breath, and so was Artemis. He stroked her hair back from her forehead, smiling.

'I missed you.'

I missed you too.

'I missed the key you have.'

He rolled his eyes.

'You'll never give up, won't you?'

No. I want to have this baby while I'm free.

She merely sighed. That was answer enough.

'Your hand is on your stomach again,' Artemis pointed out.

Holly sighed again. I'll have to watch that.

'You sure you're not in pain?'

'I'm not, Artemis. Get over it.'

'Okay then.' He didn't look convinced.

He took the supplies she had left, and cleaned them away. Holly was sad to see him go, again. She'd been alone for too long, even though it had barely been 2 days. But she cheered up again when he walked back in the room, carrying food and coffee.

'I thought you deserved something..' he explained without looking at her.

Uh oh. No coffee, please not. I've heard about this...

And, sure enough, the coffee was the first thing he gave her. The smell made her retch, and that nearly made her drop it. She did spill some. Artemis quickly took the cup away.

'That wasn't such a good idea. D'you maybe want something to eat?'

'No, not now.'

'Holly, I know something's wrong.'

'Nothing's wrong.'

'You're lying.'

D'Arvit. It's so annoying, to have a genius as your kidnapper...

'I'm not.' Stubborn as hell, that's her. All the time.

'You are. And I'll prove it.'

He walked out quickly, undoubtedly getting a liar detector.

When he came back, he wasn't carrying one, however.

'What were you doing?'

'None of your business.'

It confused Holly how quickly Artemis could turn into stone-cold again. She wanted him to be mad, irritated, yes. But not to be cold. She remembers all too clearly what he did to her the last time... Her hand dropped to her stomach, but she managed to stop it. She now knew why pregnant women touched their stomachs all the time. It's just instinct, they want to protect their baby. But they didn't have to deal with Artemis...

I hope this will work. If he hurts my baby, I swear to the Gods I'll kill him.

'Would you please stop doing that?'

'Do what?'

She punched him, and heard his nose crack.

Oh no! I didn't want that. It did feel good... But now he'll be so mad at me...