A Deadly Affair

Thirty-Two

Everyone is quiet. I have everyone's attention, and I have no idea what to do with it. Obviously, I'm not really going to kill my boyfriend's sister. I mean come on; I can't even bring myself to kill bugs. But I like watching Chris squirm; and he is. He's trying to figure out if I'm willing to kill for Ryan, and something tells me he believes I will. I'm not willing to kill Skye: but Chris and the rest of his men? My willingness grows every minute. "Julie, let's talk about this." He starts, but I turn my glare to the men hovering around my bleeding boyfriend.

"Get the hell away from him." I demand, and they comply, almost immediately. Skye was the perfect person to hold me at gun point; they thought I was a weak girl who needed her boyfriend's protection, that was their mistake. I look to Ryan, who's bleeding and hurt, but is slowly getting his bearings back. I need to stall, figure out a way to get us out of here.

"Alright, now let her go." Chris says, as he slowly walks out of the pit. I can see the full effect of this situation on his face now, and I fight not to smile smugly. I wonder how he likes the feeling of desperation and your heart running so fast you're wondering if it will sling itself out of your chest. I hope he hates it. "I'll give you whatever you want."

"I know you need someone to run your little illegal business when you die, which I hope is soon by the way." I add, looking at Skye. "Since Ryan wants no part in it, it will be Skye. Everything you've built rests on her shoulders." I state, letting him know I have him figured out. He pales.

"Julie, surely-"

"Do you realize what you've done to me? What you are to me?" I ask evenly, tilting my head as I press the gun against Skye's back, making her stiffen. Chris swallows roughly before shrugging. "You're the source of all my problems. You've attacked my friends, threatened my family, kidnapped and cut me, hurt my boyfriend, and you murdered Ben." Emotion drips from my words, and I hope it shows just how far they've pushed me. "Surely, you can imagine why i'm pissed and why I'm more than willing to hurt you in any way possible."

He looks from me to Skye then back again. "She's Ryan's sister, you wouldn't kill his sister would you?" He hedges, and I shrug.

"She told me just moments ago, actually, that Ryan made his choice and has to pay for it." I repeat her words, causing her to sigh softly. You'd think she would be more scared with a gun pressed to her back, but it doesn't even make her squirm. The only nervous one here is Chris; and he lifts his hands as if in prayer, before locking eyes with me about to plead. "Try again." I state.

Chris opens his mouth to speak, then everything goes dark. I whirl my head around, feeling Skye run away, and someone grab me. I fight against them, but they're too strong, and I'm shoved into the room I just came from. I prepare to defend myself, until my assailant turns on a flashlight and I realize who it is. I cry out, in shock and relief, as a familiar smile grins down at me. "Ben," I breathe, grabbing him and hugging him tightly to me. "You were dead," My voice cracks, as he hugs me back. "I saw-"

"I know," He hushes me, rubbing my back before pulling away. "I'll explain everything later: but right now we have to get out of here." He tells me, gripping my shoulders.

"They have Maya," I blurt, remembering her, and feeling guilt wash over me. I need to help her. Ben's face morphs into rage, as he takes in the words. "I think they drugged her, but she didn't look hurt." I add, and he breathes deeply to calm himself. "Find her, I'll find Ry and we can get the hell out of here." I say, and he nods. I rush toward the door, him following closely behind, and we descend back into chaos. "Be safe." I whisper to him, and he squeezes my hand.

"You too."

He runs off, and I'm alone. Well, not technically, since there are a ton of people rushing around me, but I'm alone in the ally department. I have to find Ryan. At least the darkness gives me camouflage. Cloaked in the darkness, I'm just another person, running around trying to find light. I move toward the pit, straining against the darkness to make out anything, but I can't see. I resist the urge to groan in frustration, and turn back around. He's probably running around, bleeding, and looking for me.

It seems like the minutes are passing so much slower than they really can be. It seems like hours ago when I thought Ben was dead, and I was going to lose Ryan, possibly Maya and my own life too. My heart aches as I think all I have to do is find him, and we'll all be fine. Ben's alive; I have to find Ry so I can tell him, and also so we can run for our lives. This night is more of a nightmare and I want nothing more than to wake up from it. Right. Now.

I yelp when I run into someone, tall and obviously muscular, as hitting them almost knocks me off my feet. I smell amber, and feel hands grip my arms, and let out a relieved cry, before launching myself into his arms. He holds me to him for a moment, before taking my hand and rushing us through the crowd of stocky men. I thought he was going to die: but there isn't time for a proper reunion so I grip his hand tight, as he moves toward a back exit, a rush of freedom hitting me as the chilly air engulfs us. We're halfway to his car, when someone grabs my hair, yanking me back. I scream, causing Ryan to turn as I lose my grip on his hand. He rushes forward, ready to save me, when suddenly the attacker falls forward, bringing me crashing to the floor with him. I hit with a thud, wondering how many bruises I'll have if we make it out of this. Ryan quickly helps me up, checking me for injuries. I grip his arm for support, "What just happened?" I whisper, shock riddling my body.

"I just revealed myself." Skye tells us, appearing from the shadows. "I know, this looks bad: but trust me, I'm on your side big brother." She tells Ryan, who doesn't look convinced, but also doesn't have time to argue. If I can handle her, I know he can, so I don't doubt him when he pulls me forward, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and running toward his Lexus. The sight of his car has me grinning, and the sight of whose standing beside It has me running faster. I crash into Maya, and we hold each other for a long moment, before looking up to our boyfriends and Skye who's looking at Ben like she's seen a ghost; still, she looks as relieved as the rest of us. Ryan grabs the keys from under the passenger floor mat, motioning for me to get in, but before I can a gunshot sounds in the darkness. I scream, turning to the car, as Ryan grabs me, shielding me with his body. I grip his shirt, as a dark chuckle fills the air. Ryan turns, making sure I'm between him and the car, and allowing me to see under his arm; Chris stands before us, but he isn't alone. Dark brown eyes meet mine, and I feel all the breath leaves my lungs in one swoop.

"Josh," Maya breathes.