Page 18 of Bee

It almost did but that's not what where talking about.

A deep sigh to my side reminds me that I've forgotten something very important. Rye is still here standing next to me obviously feeling like a very uncomfortable third wheel. I wonder if that's how the woman feels as well.

Neither one of us, Cage or myself, bothered to introduce the people that we were standing with.

"Oh, sorry, I was caught off guard." I grab hold of Rye's shirt and tug him forward a little. If anything the man deserves the respect of at least being introduced. "This is Rye."

Cage nods once, puts his hand out and shake his hand. "Cage."

"Good to know you." Rye is respectful but I can tell from the way he's looking at Cage that he's sizing him up.

If I'm real, I'm not sure who'd win in a one to one battle between the two of them. Cage is all raw, crazed muscle but Rye is dormant, untapped bear like strength. It would be a great fight.

Not that I want that to happen...well at least not very much.

Cage takes the time to introduce me to the woman he's standing next to and I shake her hand.

Part of me feels bad for her like I know what kind of devestation he can bring to someone's life and I hope she's doing what she can to protect her heart. I'm not here to be her savior though. I've got my on shit to deal with.

"Anyway, I've got other vendors to talk to. It was nice to see you." I give Cage one last smile, one that I'm sure doesn't reach my eyes before I turn and walk away.

Somehow it feels like I'm closing a door to a part of my life that has held me in a noose for so long. It's freeing and every step I take away from Cage feels lighter than the last.

"You good?" Rye asks.

I thought I'd done a good job at hiding my true feelings, but just like everything else it seems like Rye has seen right through me.

"You remember that guy I told you about. The one who left me in a hotel after I basically professed my love to him."

"The one that was taken away by the cops?" Rye's head twitches as if he wants to look back but thankfully he doesn't.

"Yup, that's the one." I sigh and shrug.

"Damn, well, at least there's no hard feelings. Right?" he slows his pace.

"Not at all. We're both on different paths in our lives. I don't know what demons he's fighting but I wish him the best as long as I'm not part of the battle." I let my head fall back so the wind can brush against my skin.

If this were any other day I'd be searching for the nearest bar so I can erase all the memories that are surging through my body. Seeing Cage is overwhelming too say the least.

Rye reaches up and places a soft hand on the back of my neck, massaging the small space where my hair meets my skin and instantly all the tension leaves my body. I don't know whatit is about Rye that simply connects with me but it just feels so good.

"You're so fucking strong. It amazes me." He whispers and I have to gulp down a lump in my throat. He barely knows me but the fact that it seems like he genuinely means that strikes a chord in me. How long have I wanted someone to see me as strong. As something more than just a wild child?

When the fuck did this happen.

"Yeah well, it took a long time for me to get this way. I had some help along the way." I wink at him and he chuckles slightly.

I stare into his eyes and see something more there. Something all of me wants to identify but I know what that will open me up to. I'm not sure I can handle it. Slowly, I move away from his touch so I don't hurt his feelings. What I need right now is some space. I need to get my mind right before I even attempt to look for something more with anyone.

"Let's get these donations!" I clap my hands together forcing some enthusiasm into the atmosphere.

"I'm right behind you." Rye gestures with his hand that I should walk ahead of him.

After all the headache I've already brought into his life I wonder how long he'll be behind me, supporting me, encouraging me.

I definetely know I don't deserve it but it's good feeling.

When it's gone I'm not sure how I'm going to cope.

---