One Million

Chapter Six

Ryan ran down the stairs, taking them two at a time. His nine millimeter was held firmly in his right hand. He ran into the meeting room and ducked behind the stage.

"What's the situation?" He snapped. Flicker smiled.

"Not to worry boss, those damn punks won't get in here. Luckily we were aware. Otherwise we would have been in trouble." Ryan nodded. He peeked around the stage at the entrance. His men were all grouped at the door, waiting for the signal to charge outside and join the fight.  Ryan walked out from behind the stage and joined his men.

"Are you all ready?" He asked.

"I was born ready." One said - his name was Freddie. The men chuckled.

"Good." Ryan said. He took a deep breath. "Let's go." He said. The doors of the warehouse swung open and the men all charged out into the night.

***

Skylar huddled in the bathtub as she heard gunshots going off. Every time one went off she jumped. She felt hot tears prick her eyes and she did nothing to stop them. She was terrified and she figured that the tears would make her feel better, but they didn't.

She pulled her knees to her chest and buried her face in her arms and sobbed. Her hair fell around her in a curtain. She missed her safe apartment and her dog. She wanted to be home where gunshots were not a part of everyday life. She even missed her parents. Skylar didn't know how long she stayed like that but when she heard banging on the door she started.

"Skylar it's me, it's Ryan. Open the door!" Skylar breathed a sigh of relief and flew to the door. She swung it open and threw her arms around the stunned man.

"Thank god." She sobbed.

"Well I'm glad you're happy to see me." Ryan said, patting her back. Skylar realized who she was hugging and pulled away, a blush gracing her cheeks.

"I'm sorry." Ryan chuckled.

"Don't worry about it." Skylar wiped her eyes and looked at Ryan.

"You're hurt!" She said, noticing the blood pouring from a cut above his right eyebrow. Ryan touched it and looked at the blood on his finger.

"Oh this? It's nothing." Skylar shook her head and saw Flicker in the doorway.

"Flicker," She walked up to the man. "Do you have a first aid kit?" Flicker nodded and strode out of the room. Skylar led Ryan to the bathroom and looked at the blood staining his white shirt. Flicker came in with a kit and handed it to Skylar. "Thank you." She cleaned and dressed Ryan's wound and before long, he was all fixed up.

"Thanks for that." Ryan said. He walked to the bedroom and grabbed a black t shirt. He went into the bathroom and changed out of his bloody white shirt. Ryan came out of the bathroom deeply engrossed in a phone conversation.

"Yes." He said. "Yes... No! I want him back now. I don't want any excuses." He hung up the phone and sighed. 

"Is everything okay?" Ryan shook his head.

"One of my men got captured." He collapsed on the couch and Skylar took up her spot on the chair.

"That's not good."

"No it is not. I sent Flicker and a group out to go get him. I just pray that they can make it to him in time." Skylar studied the man. He leaned his head back and rubbed his temples.

"You sound like a good leader." Ryan let out a short laugh.

"You think so?" Skylar nodded. "Well thank you. These guys are my family. I would die for any one of them." Skylar looked down at her hands.

"Other than that, is everything okay?" Ryan glanced at her.

"We have a few injuries but the guys in SNK are terrible shots so no casualties to report."

"That's good." Skylar muttered.

"I''m sorry  if that scared you." Ryan said. He looked at her and she met his eyes. "It's normal for me but I forget that not everyone is used to this kind of life."

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault."

"I scared you when I pulled out my gun didn't I?" Skylar swallowed and nodded. "Sorry, that was my fault."

"Do you still have it on you?" Ryan pulled up his shirt to reveal his nine millimeter in his holster.

"I always carry it, just in case." Skylar nodded. "Does that make you uncomfortable?" Skylar hesitated.

"It's not that I'm afraid, just not used to it I suppose." Ryan nodded.

"That makes sense." Skylar tried and failed to stifle a yawn. Ryan chuckled. "You've been through a lot today. You should get some sleep." Skylar nodded and stood.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Ryan nodded.

"Good night." Skylar walked into the bed room and collapsed on the bed. She really was exhausted but found it hard to fall asleep. It wasn't that she felt unsafe, quite the opposite really. Skylar was surprised at how at how safe she felt with Ryan sleeping next door. Yes, the gun made her uncomfortable, but for some reason she knew Ryan would never use it on her and she knew he would protect her. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

***

Skylar woke in the middle of the night. At first she wasn't sure what had woken her and so she rolled over, planning on going back to sleep but then she heard shouting from the next room. She sat bolt upright and froze. Who was shouting? What was going on? After a few moments, Skylar mustered up the courage to climbed out of bed. She suck into the living room and found Ryan tossing and turning and shouting. Skylar ran to his side and shook his shoulder.

"Ryan!" She yelled in his ear. Ryan sprang to his feet suddenly and took up a fighting stance. Skylar held up her hands. "Relax Ryan, it's me." Ryan took a deep breath and tried to relax but Skylar could see that he was trembling.

"Sorry that I woke you." He said and Skylar shook her head.

"It's no problem." She said. then, "What was your dream about if I may ask?" Ryan sighed and sat down on the couch. Sky sat next to him.

"My parents died when I was five. There was a house fire and they didn't get out. The only reason I did was because of my older brother. I was cowering in my room as the flames got closer. He ran in and saved me." Ryan chuckled. "Look me." He sighed. "I'm talking to the girl I kidnapped about my nightmares." Skylar chuckled.

"It does seem strange doesn't it?" Ryan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She was really pretty when she smiled - even with her messy hair and her tired eyes. Ryan leaned back and stretched.

"Our demand goes out tomorrow." Ryan said. "You'll be going home soon." Skylar nodded.

"How are you delivering the demand?" Ryan cracked an eye to look at her.

"By mail." Skylar nodded.

"So you know my father's address too."

"It's not that hard to figure out you know." Skylar smiled.

"I guess not." They sat in silence for a while.

"I think I'm going to try to sleep some more." Skylar said and stood.

"Good idea." Ryan said. He laid back down on the couch and covered himself with the blanket.

"Also," Skylar stoped in the doorway. "Thank you for letting me sleep on the bed." There was a long moment of silence.

"You're welcome. Good night Skylar."

"Good night Ryan." Skylar climbed back into the bed and fell asleep.