A Deadly Affair

Seventeen.

I fight the urge to groan as my head pounds; the unanswered homework questions glare back at me, taunting me. It's another night of shadowing Melanie who as it turns out is pregnant and not here again because she has morning sickness; which left me at the empty reception desk because Nora is on vacation. I decided that since I'd be here for quite a few hours, it'd be best to finish up my homework. We're heading toward the end of the semester and I am counting the days. Between all the homework, work and my personal life, I feel as though my head is spinning constantly and I'm a circus clown, juggling everything. And of course, the one day Ryan has off, I have to work, which is technically not true since I'm just sitting here doing homework. I'm thankful Ryan has the day to rest; though he said he had a lot of software developing to do.

"Hi Julie."

My head pops up, and I push my chair away from the desk, glaring at the man leaning against the counter. Of course he'd be here; he can't get to me at home anymore, so this is his only option to terrorize me. I should be grateful he hasn't found my new address but I can't seem to muster the gratitude as his stupid smile invades my sight.

"What are you doing here?"

He smiles, but it only makes my stomach twist. My hand itches to grab my phone, to call or text Ryan: but I refrain. Do I really need to involve him? "I want to take you out to lunch." He says simply, and I stare at him, trying to decide if he's a threat.

"I already took my lunch." I lie, staring at him, not willing to back down. I'm not a damsel: but Ryan was so worried last time, and he told me it was his job. He would be more upset if I didn't call him, right?

"Really? I didn't see you leave." He comments, that stupid smile still plastered on his face.

"What? You're following me now?"

He shrugs slowly, infuriating- I want to punch him like Ben taught me. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I want you to leave." I state firmly, hoping my voice doesn't give away the level of discomfort I am feeling.

He shakes his head, before standing to his full height, towering over me. "I'm taking you to dinner, Jules. I'll wait over there." He gestures to the waiting area, and I grimace because my name feels dirty on his lips. I inhale several deep breaths, willing myself to stay calm; I have to stay calm. I dig my phone out of my scrub pocket; calling the number I know by heart. It rings twice before a voice that washes calm over me sounds through.

"Miles is here." I say, watching as he leans back in his chair and turns to smile at me.

"I'm on my way."

It's a fifteen minute drive from our apartment to the hospital; a time I know by heart because I like to be at work five minutes early so I time when I leave. Ryan shaves that time down to eleven; I expected him to fly in here, like a mad man, wild and ready to fight. But when he walks through the automatic doors, he's calm; he strides in, looking around casually until his eyes land on me behind the desk. It isn't until he's near me that I see the look in his eyes, and I realize he's angry. Is he angry with me for calling? Maybe I shouldn't have; I feel like a damsel in need of defending.

"Is that him?" Ryan asks, as he stands with his body turned toward the waiting area.

"Yes," I whisper, feeling guilty for ruining his only day off. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have called, I-"

"Jules," Ryan frowns, placing his hand palm up on the counter. I slide mine in his, and he squeezes. "You're my girl, of course I was going to come. This idiot needs to be taught a lesson." He states, looking back toward Miles who Is now zoomed in on us. My heart squeezes; how did I manage to get him? Ryan squeezes my hand again, gaining my attention. "How much longer is your shift?"

I check my phone, sighing softly. "An hour."

He nods, before kissing my hand. I watch him as he moves to sit in the chairs that line the wall, closest to the desk; where he can see me, and watch Miles, who I notice is becoming increasingly agitated. I steal a look at Ryan, who nods once, in assurance. Despite Miles' growing temper, knowing Ryan is here is all I need for calm to wash over me.

My shift is almost over and I think everything Is okay until Miles rises from his seat and strolls over to the desk. He's a few feet away before Ryan is standing in front of me, his back to me. "I don't think she wants to speak to you."

I can't see Miles, but I know he doesn't like my boyfriend's words. "Who are you?"

"A guy you've really pissed off." Ryan replies, his anger evident now in not only his voice but his body language; he's as stiff as a board, yet composed.

"You're her new boyfriend." Miles states, his anger growing as the air tenses. I hold my breath, feeling like my lungs are constricting; I look around, thankful no one's around. "Or is she paying you to pretend to be? God knows she's let herself go." Miles laughs darkly, and I swallow; I know Miles is trying to bait Ryan by insulting me: but the blonde doesn't seem to bite. He only stands stoically in front of me, seemingly willing to take a bullet for me.

"I think you should go." Ryan states calmly.

"I think you should mind your own business." Miles fires back, his anger growing. "This is between Julie and me."

"When a guy is stalking my girlfriend, I make it a point to make sure he understands who he's screwing with. I hope you know that."

"And who exactly is that?" Miles barks an ugly laugh, "You honestly think you could hurt me?"

"I don't want to," Ryan assures, squaring his shoulders. "But I will, if you don't stay away from her."

Miles remains silent, and everything seems to be dissolved until I see Ryan duck and I realize Miles just tried to punch him. I hop up, watching in awe as my boyfriend speedily performs a technique that leaves Miles on his knees. Ryan pulls him to his feet, before walking toward the exit; I rush after them, wide eyed as Ry shoves Miles out into the cold air. Miles stumbles, before gaining his footing and turning around. I stand beside Ryan who watches Miles evenly. "Let it go." He warns. Miles sneers before charging toward him. "Move back," Ryan tells me quietly, as Miles advances him. I move closer to the door, distancing myself as the two males spar. I quickly realize Ryan is only on the defense; he makes no move to hurt Miles, who continuously swings on him, and even attempts to kick him. I watch Ryan, notching how focused he is on his opponent, never letting his eyes leave him, and always anticipating the next move. Eventually, Miles get sloppy because of how tired he is and Ryan shoves him away. Miles glares at him, before pointing at me.

"This isn't over you whore." He spits; before grinning at me, that is until he's on the ground, unmoving. I gasp as I realize Ryan knocked him out. He sighs heavily, his shoulders hunched.

"Jules," He calls, and I try to regain my composure. Ryan just knocked Miles out with one punch; I look down to be sure Miles is still breathing, partly thankful he is. I look up to Ryan who's watching me with a guarded expression. "Is your shift over?" I nod quickly, blinking to get away from the shock. "Get your things, I'll take you home."

I nod, turning and walking swiftly to the reception desk. Once I've got everything, I hurry out to the parking lot to find Miles regaining consciousness and sat up against the brick wall. Thank God no surveillance cameras are out here; I reach Ryan and wrap my arm around his waist, keeping myself a safe distance from Miles. Ryan wraps his arm around my shoulder, leading me to his SUV. After we're down the highway, he takes my hand.

"I'm sorry," He tells me, and I shake my head.

"Thanks for defending me." I respond, earning a hand squeeze. We ride home in silence, but I can't help my mind from wondering how Ryan learned to knock someone out with one punch. And how many people has he done it to? Is there more to him that I don't know? Do I share a bed, and my heart with someone who is half a stranger?