A Deadly Affair

Thirty

I can't breathe. They have Maya. Ben is dead, and the gang has Maya. I start to move toward her, needing to help her in any way I can, but Chris grabs me back again. I thrash against him, shouting curses as he fights to maintain grip on me. I swing my arm out, landing a punch against his cheek, and hearing him swear at me before I'm thrown roughly to the ground. I land hard, against the rough wooden ground, the fall ushering all the breath from my lungs. I gasp, as I stare up at the ceiling, wishing I was strong enough to fight Chris myself. Wishing I was strong enough to help Maya and myself without having to endanger Ryan. I'm pulled off the ground, gasping sharply when pain erupts from my arm as I'm hauled to my feet; Chris's angry face is inches from mine, and I feel tears prick my eyes. 

I refuse to cry.

"Listen to me, you little-" His words are cut off by someone whistling. Chris's eyes go wide, as he turns his attention to the balcony, before looking toward the door. The air in the room changes, and I realize they've been waiting for something. Not something, someone; and that whistle was the signal. I know he's here before he throws open the barn door, strolling in with that same expression he had when he came to help me at work. I want to scream and cry at the same time. The sight of my heroic, sweet and stupid boyfriend causes my knees to feel weak; and for the first time since Chris grabbed me, I feel like things might be okay.

My heart lurches, wanting to run to him but not being able to as Chris holds my arm in his grasp. I sag in relief, just seeing Ryan has a great affect on my spirit, as our eyes meet across the room. Unlike the day at the hospital, he marches toward us with intent, daring any man in his way to stop him. No one does, and even Chris has dropped my arm by the time he reaches me; I swallow down a sob of relief, shakily taking the few steps to meet him, sighing as he cradles my face in his hands, eyes boring into mine as everyone's attention zones in on us. I place my hands on his hips, just to ensure he's real, and shut my eyes in relief when I find he is. Ryan turns slightly, blocking me from everyone's view, as more tears form, which I try desperately to vanquish.

"I'm so sorry," He whispers, pain written on his face. "Are you okay?" He asks quietly, eyes searching over my body. I nod quickly, feeling the affect of every horrible thing that's happened tonight rush over me, but one is prominent.

"He killed Ben." I whisper, feeling the sob work its way from me. Ryan's grip on me loosens, and for a moment, I'm worried he might lose his footing: but then he swallows roughly, running his thumb along my cheek. Then he moves me behind him, as his eyes land on a smiling Chris, the first time in two years they've been face to face.

"You really love her don't you?" He asks his nephew as if in awe, who I watch straighten, standing rigid. "It's so good to finally see you again. You know, In person." He smiles, but Ryan doesn't respond, only stares. "I didn't want to do any of this, Ryan. You know I saw you as a son."

"I'll never be your son." Ryan states, his anger evident in everything about him.

Chris nods, staring blankly. "You made sure I knew that didn't you?" He sighs, "I didn't want to kill Benji, but you gave me no choice. It's really your fault when you think-" Ryan lunges, punching his uncle so hard, something cracks from the impact. I jump back, as Ryan punches again, knocking Chris off his feet. Guys rush to Chris's aid, but he shouts at them to stay back. Ryan punches him again, drawing blood from his nose, as he continues his assault. I've seen Ryan punch Miles; and he was angry that day, but In this moment, he's furious, and the way he beats his Uncle has me almost fearful. Not that I blame him for his anger, and not that I would ever think he would hurt me: but to know he's capable of such violence- I look around me, at the dead man laying in the center of the room, from a fight he agreed to. Ryan's a miracle when you think of how he grew up; it doesn't mean seeing him using what he's learned from here isn't hard to watch. He's swift, and dangerous- Chris can't even get a punch in, can only throw up his arms to defend himself from his nephew's blows.

"Call him off." A soft female voice says from behind me, and when I turn, I'm met with determined green eyes, until my gaze travels down, and I realize her anger is the least of my problems. I can't find my voice, so she does it for me. "Enough, Ryan." She states firmly, causing him to pause and look over his shoulder at us.

"Skye," He's breathless, as though what he's seeing has knocked all the breath from his lungs- I know it has mine. He raises his hands in surrender, standing slowly. "Please don't." He pleads quietly, fearful eyes meeting mine before returning to his little sister's.

"Just do what Uncle Chris says." She replies smoothly, and I watch as Ryan swallows roughly.

"Just let her go." He tries again, taking a step forward; which causes her to jam the gun into my back. Ryan glances at Chris, then meets his sister's gaze. "You can do whatever you want with me; just let Jules go, she doesn't have anything to do with this."

Skye shakes her head, a sad smile crossing her lips. "She has everything to do with this, Ry." She whispers, as Chris gains his footing. "She's our weapon against you. You have to answer for your traitorous actions."

His eyes meet mine, before flashing back to his sister. He nods once. "Whatever you want, just don't hurt her." He agrees, and I shake my head, but he won't look at me, or my protests.

"You'll do what all traitors do." Chris explains, wiping the blood from his nose and glaring at his nephew. Ryan knows what he's saying, but I'm lost; Ryan's gaze locks with mine as Chris turns to the gang members around us, hanging on to the edge of their seats as they watch- like this is the finale of their favorite show. "For his betrayal, Ryan Pierce is to fight in the pit!" He shouts to the crowd, and as cheers and shouts break into the tense air, Chris turns back to Ryan, adding quietly. "And you'll win, unless you want you girlfriend to die too."