Protecting Her Lost Soul

Chapter 7

I wake when I'm lifted out of the car and I nuzzle Flynn's neck. How did I fall asleep? "Have you been sleeping?" he asks. 
    "Ish," I mumble sleepily, "I always wake with nightmares as usual," I groan. "What time is it?" I ask. 
    "7pm baby." 
    "I need to get to work," I wake up more, panicking about the time. 
    "I wish you wouldn't but I guess we will be there. You haven't eaten," I roll my eyes.  
    "I usually grab something there." He nods and sets me on my feet at my apartment. He gets his keys out and opens the door. I go to the bathroom and freshen up, I touch up my make up in the bedroom and I enter the living room. Flynn's reading my diary when I return. 
     "I was the deciding factor to let him in?" he asks shocked. 
     "If you came to me at the hospital I would have pushed James out of my head. You didn't come so he was my only option. I knew I couldn't push him away without you. I'm too weak, if I had you then I knew I could do it." He screws his face up and shuts my diary. I grab my keys and head out the door. I lock my door and walk back out. 
    The cold air hits my skin again and I start walking to the ice rink but Flynn grabs my hand, "What are you doing?" 
    "Walking to work," I say confused. 
    "Why? I have a car," he pulls me back to Tyler's car. It's not even that far for god sake but I guess it is warmer. When we arrive, Flynn, takes my hand and I walk into the staff room and put on my beanie and gloves. "You look adorable in your little hat." He nuzzles my nose with his and I giggle. I walk into the boot room and Jax is serving a customer. 
    I jump on his back and he looks sideways at me, "Hey, babe. You look better," he holds a strawberry lace to me and I take it. 
    "I'm sorry I bailed last night," I whisper as he holds the back of my knees. He shakes his head and swaps some skates for their shoes and hands them over. I start chewing the lace. He kisses my cheek. 
    "Don't sweat it, you didn't look well at all. Do you have a bodyguard tonight or something?" he says eying up Flynn. 
    "Something like that, did you see someone yesterday? In the hoodie?" I whisper in his ear. He gets me to stand on the floor and he turns to face me. 
    "Yeah, why? I assumed he was your boyfriend," he frowns. 
    "Well yeah, he is, well kind of." 
    "If you see him again, call the police," Flynn growls. "He assaulted her, last night. Well, it wasn't the first time. We just thought he was out the picture."
    "What! Did he hurt you here? You looked white as a ghost," Jax says sheepishly. 
    "Yeah, he punched me in the ribs and forced me to go home." I quickly lift my top and his eyes widen. "Night before that," I say and pull my neck cover down and his eyes widen further. Bug eyes. I hug his neck and he stands shell shocked. "Jax, it's okay." 
   "Fuck it all!" he whispers. "Are you okay to work?" he says and releases me. 
   "Course," I smile and he shakes his head. 
   "Can I trust you to watch her here? I'll be on the ice with her brother." 
   "Sure, babe." Jax winks and Flynn cringes. 
    I put my arm around Jax's shoulder. "Did I mention, Jax is gay." I grin and Flynn raises his eyebrow and I giggle. Jax winks at Flynn again and I bite my bottom lip. 
    Flynn heads out the boot room, "Look at that fine ass, Babe!" Jax says to me and I laugh. Flynn freezes and he looks at us both checking him out and I smile. Flynn shakes his head and leaves the boot room. 
   Flynn returns to the counter with his shoes and I return with some skates. "Is my brother here yet?" I ask Jax. 
   "Yeah, he's here with a really hot bird. I'd tap that ass if I was straight. Hell, I'd probably do it now." I frown. 
    Flynn shakes his head, "She has nothing on you Ri, stop overthinking things," he walks away with the skates. 
    "You don't think I wouldn't take you, babe? He's right, she's got nothing on you," I roll my eyes and he places a kiss on my lips briefly. "See, I don't kiss girls." I laugh hysterically. I sit on the counter with my foot on the counter and knee in the air eating more strawberry laces. It's quiet tonight but I like working, luckily my shifts are always with Jax the boss's son. 
   "Your turn to go on the ice, Babe." I nod and leave the boot room to get my skates. I shut my locker and the hooded figure is standing in front of me and I jump back. 
    "Hey Riley Bear," he pulls me in for a hug. "What's wrong?" he asks. 
    "Nothing, you just startled me, I have to get on the ice JJ." He pins my hands above my head and kisses me. His free hand grips the side of my face and neck keeping me still. He bites my lip too hard. When he pulls away I wipe my bottom lip with the back of my hand and I see a small streak of bloodstain my hand. 
   "Am I coming over tonight?" 
   "I er, I don't know," I say awkwardly and he keeps me pinned against the locker. 
   "Why not? You seem distant today, what the hell is going on Riley Bear?" I shake my head. 
   "Nothing, I'm just tired." 
   "Early night for us then," I lift one side of my lip and he releases me. I walk briskly out to the ice. I relieve Ron from the ice and I survey the area. I notice Flynn holding Ariel's hand as they skate across the ice. She seems rather wobbly on her legs. I catch Tyler sitting on the bench outside the rink having a laugh with his date. They both look animated with each other like they are hanging on each other's every word. 
    Tyler looks in my direction and he stands up. He says something to his date and she stands up. They glide back onto the ice and she slips on her ass. I make my way to them as Tyler tries to help her up. He's not much better on the ice than she is. I help her up and she thanks me. "Riley, this is Ruby. Ruby this is my sister." 
   I hold my hand out and she takes it, "Hey, it's nice to meet you," I say. 
   "You too," she says timidly. 
   "What no rude comments?" Tyler says surprised. "I warned her you might be rude."
   "So rude," I slap him. "She's good for you, I approve Bro. I just. . ." I shake my head and go to skate off but he grabs my arms and I flinch. 
    "You just what? Does your wrist hurt?" he asks. 
    I lean towards his ear, "Everything hurts," I admit and lean away from him and he glares at me. "I just wish you didn't choose a girl prettier than me," Ruby blushes and Tyler winks and I skate-off. I help another little kid off the floor. 
   "Ri!" Flynn yells and I spin to face them. When he reaches me he grabs my jaw and looks at my lip. I push him off me and wipe my lip again incase I have blood left on my lip. "What the hell happened?" 
   "Not now, Flynn," I warn. 
   "Yes, now!" 
   "He bit me, okay? He kissed me and then bit me too hard," I turn away from Flynn hiding from him. He turns me to face him. 
    "He's here?" 
    "Was, I think." I don't know anymore. "Calm down, Flynn." Flynn grabs my hand and he pulls me to where Tyler is standing. 
    "Bro, he's here." Flynn growls and Tyler's eyes widen. "Or was, she's unsure. Why didn't you tell me as soon as you saw him?" 
    "He was in a good mood, he won't hurt me unless we antagonise him. I needed to act normal," I reassure them. 
    "You moved on so quick, like I meant nothing!" I roll my eyes at Barbie's whiney voice. I turn and pull away from Flynn. I can't hurt this bitch here as it's my place of work but it's still my duty to keep the peace on the ice. I stand between Tyler and Barbie, how did she even know we were here? "I loved you and you bring this ugly whore here." 
     "I warned you yesterday, Barbie. You need to leave if you aren't going to be civil," I say calmly. 
     "My name is Britney you depressive alkie!" I roll my eyes, is this the best she can come up with? I'm not even offended. 
      "Whatever, you need to leave now," I place my hand on her arm to escort her and she shoves me hard causing me to lose my footing. I feel like I'm in slow motion but it's inevitable. I fall on my bad ribs and I grit my teeth blocking out the pain. 
    "Ri," Flynn says kneels next to me. "Tyler get her the fuck out of here before I do something I'll regret." Flynn growls. "Ri, are you hurt?" I take a minute to control the pain. 
    "I'm good," I say winded. I sound like I did when he strangled me. I move and sit on my ass holding my ribs. 
    "No, you're not," he cups my face and I shut my eyes. "Let's get you up," I nod and he stands up, he places his hands under my elbows and pulls me to my feet. I groan and Flynn lifts my top to look at the damage. Like he'd see anything anyway, other than the bruising that's already there. 
    "Maybe we should take her to the hospital," Ariel says. I roll my eyes, I didn't even realise she was still with us. 
    "Just shut up a minute," Flynn snaps. 
    "Flynn, don't speak to me like that!" she protests. He doesn't look at her he just continues to look at my side. He pushes gently against my ribs and I grab his hand. I don't stop him but it hurts too much. "Flynn!" she yells. 
    "Just go Regan, I'm not doing this with you now!" 
    "Why? I've given you chance after chance yet you run back to her. You say there is nothing between you but I don't think there is anything between us either. If she needs you, you go running. When have you ever been here when I need you?" 
    "Christ!" I say hoarsly. "I'm going to get Ron to swap back with me. I'm not getting in the middle of this," I cough and gasp. Flynn lets my top fall and he lets me skate off the ice. I walk on my skates to the boot room customer side. 
    "Babe?" Jax says confused. 
    "Can you get Ron to switch with me? My brother's Psycho ex caught me off guard. I've fucked my ribs up," he jumps over the counter and lifts my top up to examine it. 
   "Ron!" he shouts. Ron appears in the boot room, "Take over from Riley, she's injuried." He nods and leaves the room. "You okay?" 
    "Sure, I'd be okay but after yesterday's hit," I cringe and he cups my face. 
    "Umm, Riley?" I turn to see Ruby Tyler's girlfriend. "Are you okay?" 
    "Yeah, I'll be okay." I reassure her. 
    "Tyler asked me to check on you. Can I help you with anything?" She's so sweet yet she doesn't annoy me for some reason. 
    "I need to change into my shoes. Jax needs to stay here and I can't be alone right now." She nods and walks with me to the staff room. I collapse on the bench and Ruby assists me taking my skates off so I don't need to hunch over on my ribs. "Number Nine," I say and hold my key up to her. 
   She takes it and unlocks my locker. "Riley Bear!" I inwardly groan. He's being very brave tonight. "I saw what that skank did to you." He kneels down in front of me and touches my thighs with his hands. "Are you okay?" 
   "I'm fine, JJ. I promise," I stroke his cheek and he shuts his eyes. He grabs my hand that's on his cheek and he holds it there. 
   "She's dead for this," he whispers. A shiver runs down my spine, "I let it pass when she marked my face but this is crossing the line," he opens his eyes and they look murderous. He pushes my beanie hat off my head.
   "Riley, here are your shoes," Ruby says and I hold my hand out to her but James takes them from her. 
    "Why don't you find my brother?" I smile at her and she stands awkwardly. "Tell him, I'm fine my boyfriend is looking after me. I'll be out to finish my shift in a minute," she nods and walks briskly out the room. 
    "How is brother dearest doing?" James smirks and holds one of my shoes open for me. I slide my foot in it. 
     "A pain in my ass," I smile and he chuckles. I slide my next foot in and he pulls me to my feet. He hastily clasps my hands behind my back and holds them with one hand and I gasp. 
     "Same old them, babe." He grabs my hair and pulls my head back, it's only just painful. He looks at me for a moment and then his lips press against mine. 
      "James," Tyler growls and James looks at the door. I move my eyes to look at Tyler and he looks pissed as hell. I can't move an inch only my eyes. 
      "Bro, long time no see," James smirks. James doesn't seem concerned and doesn't release me either. "You haven't changed one bit," James looks at me like I'm his prey ready to kill when he chooses. 
      "Sis, you okay?" 
      "Yeah," I croak. 
      "Why wouldn't she be okay?" 
      "Are you fucking kidding me? Do you see nothing wrong with how you are restraining my sister right now? Not to mention the bruises you made on her body!" Tyler walks further into the room. 
      James looks at me and moves his face closer to mine, "What did you tell him! What the fuck did you do Riley?!" He pulls my hair tighter and I scream. Tyler lunges towards us but James clasps my throat with his hand. "Don't" he warns Tyler. I wrap both of my hands around his hand trying to get him to stop. 
    "Stop it," Tyler says anxiously. He grips tighter and I struggle to breathe. I swat James's hand but he doesn't let up. "Please," Tyler begs. 
    I try gasping for air but I can't, I look at James and he's watching Tyler. I reach up and touch his face and he grips my hand, "Don't, you betrayed me, more than once!" My vision is clouding. The darkness is suffocating me, literally. 
    "I. . ." I gasp. "Love. . . you." He glares at me and then softens. He launches me into Tyler and he makes a run for it. Tyler and I fall back onto the floor and I struggle for air. I cough holding my throat and huddle on my good side. 
    "Sis, it's okay, breathe." I heave, my throat was already sore. "Bro, get to the staff room. Now!" Tyler demands. I stay heaving for air on the floor as he touches my hip hovering over me. "In and out, Lee. Keep going," It's easing but hell this hurts. My eye sight is returning. The door slams open. 
    "What the fuck happened?" Flynn is kneeling in front of me within seconds pushing the hair from my hair. 
    "Ruby came to find me to say that Riley was with her boyfriend. I came in here and he had her restrained kissing her. I went to take him down but he started strangling her. What did you say to him to get him to stop Lee?" My breathing has eased slightly. 
     "I. . ." fuck this is harder than last time. "Said, I. . ." It hurts to talk, "love. . . him." Flynn tries to sit me up but I push him off. I'm not ready to sit up yet. 
     "Why the hell would you say that?" Tyler asks. 
     "Because. . .it's true. . .and he. . .needs to. . .hear it. . . when he's. . .scared." I feel and sound like I have the worst cold sore throat ever. 
    "You love him?" Tyler says in disbelief. "But you love Flynn," Tyler says.  
    "Yes. . . It's complicated. James can. . .make me do. . .anything because. . .he plays on my. . . love for him. I love Flynn. . . so much more. . . If we were together," I swallow hard, "I wouldn't let him in." I take Flynn's hand and he helps me sit up. 
     "So you're saying this is my fault?" Tyler growls. 
     "No!" I protest and hold my throat. "This is. . .all on me. If I couldn't push him. . .out I wouldn't be here." 
     "If you were to choose James or Flynn, who would you choose?" Why is he asking me this? 
     "Flynn. . .but doesn't mean. . . I'd get the. . . choice. I'd probably. . .still end up. . .with James. . . It's what he. . .does." 
     "What about Nath?" 
     "It will only. . . ever be Flynn, Ty. Or James. . .  I guess." I reach to Flynn's top and I pull him closer to me and I rest my face in his neck. He strokes the back of my head. 
      "We need to get her to the hospital," Tyler says and Flynn lifts me off the floor. I grit my teeth and call out. "I'll let her friend know." 
      "Tell Jax I'll. . .make it up. . .to him," I croak and he nods. Flynn carries me out of the building and I search the streets. "He's. . .always. . .watching," I whisper and Flynn looks down at me. 
      "I'm actually going to kill the fucker," I rest my head in his neck. The cold air makes me shiver. Flynn unlocks Tylers car and he sits in the back with me. "I told you not to go anywhere alone." 
      "I wasn't. . . Ruby. . . I sent a. . . secret message to. . .Tyler," I smile at him sleepily. He shakes his head and Tyler jumps in the car. He starts the car, "Ruby," I try to project my voice to Tyler. 
     "It's okay, Lee. She understands, I called her a cab." I frown, he shouldn't put his life on hold for me. Flynn strokes my hair and I fall asleep on his lap.