Cherish Every Moment Book 1: A Chance Encounter

1 Able

"What the...." Rayne said, as she moved quickly away from the new arrival. She was more than a bit startled to realize that she'd seen that face a couple dozen times over the past week or so. As she turned to face the threat she rose gracefully to her feet. She momentarily forgot about the person that had bent to help her pick up the dropped ice bucket. Her back pressed into his chest, as he too gracefully rose to face the intruder. He squared his feet to steady himself, wrapped a protective arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"What are you doing with him?" The boy questioned, as he stepped closer to her; immediately putting her on edge. It was none of his business, or anyone else's who she was with. She scrunched her face as she looked at him.

He had been following Rayne around for nearly two weeks and had never seen that dark haired, bearded man with her before. He was offended by his presence and very concerned for her safety.

She examined the new stranger as he approached them. He was slight of build, young and kind of gangly looking. His clothes appeared clean yet oddly out of date. He looked uncomfortable in them. His hair was a dirty blond, his eyes an unremarkable grey. He was too thin for his unremarkable, average height. He was altogether unremarkable. His gait looked like the gait of an awkward teenager before he grew into his arms, legs and feet. He seemed just a little off and very young. He had a strange look in his dull gray eyes. That arm around her waist pulled her closer in a protective embrace.

"With him?" Rayne asked raising a delicately arched brow.

"Yes, him!" What, was she deaf? He nearly barked his defiant reply at them. His voice did not match his eyes they were meek and perhaps even mild; his voice was possessive and wild. His bark was worse than his bite. It was clear that he didn't even believe what he was saying. Carefully she said, her voice confident and strong.

"I fail to see how that can be any concern of yours." She grew angry, very quickly. She held that anger in check, felt the arm around her tighten, sensed his growing anger and frustration. She assessed the situation calmly; detached herself from the moment. She noted the ways of egress available to her, measured the distance between her and the pretentious little boy. She measured him quickly, quietly, assessing his threat level. He didn't really pose one to her. She knew full well what she was capable of. What she didn't know was what that stranger behind her could or would do. That was more frightening than the little boy child before her, coming at her pretending to command authority. She patted the arm that held her; she would handle it.

"B-b-b-but I love you." The boy stammered. All resolve melted away under the scrutiny of her powerful gaze. Rayne's eyes, green and vibrant, locked on his. The look she gave him wasn't pleasant. Her brilliant green eyes shifted rapidly to blue. As they did they took on a hard edge, the light in them gave her a predatory appearance. She glared at him for just a moment, before her eyes softened and something outside of anger took control of her emotions. He did not miss her glare, or its warning.

"I don't believe that it's possible to love someone when all you know about them is their name and a few random facts." Rayne's voice took on the same hard tone her eyes held. She stood strong, straightened her back and squared her hips. She felt the welcome touch of the man behind her, holding her to him. He shifted his weight to allow for her adjustments. His stance was light, despite holding her so tightly. He squared his shoulders and hips, distributing his weight equally on the balls of his feet; he prepared for a fight. His arm was unyielding, his back straight. He stood, holding her, silent and listening to the exchange between this fascinating creature in his arms and the poor creepy little boy in the doorway. He wanted to crush him and yet he felt bad for him. He felt her confidence flowing through her as her body pressed up against him.