7.1 Strain

To your dismay, you find that the lingering tension from your interaction has gone from uncomfortable to approaching unbearable. In the passing days, James has grown somewhat possessive of you and your time. So far you've done your best to avoid him by diverting your attention to efforts on your map. Unfortunately, as you near completion, you know your only excuse will also be ending. You're in the process of adding some final details to the project when a long shadow suddenly covers part of your work.

"James." You huff out exasperatedly, pulling the map back into the light. "I told you I'll be done when I'm done."

"Is that so?"

You jump slightly at Boyd's unexpected voice. Flushing lightly, you quickly turn to look at the large, older man. His stern face appears weary and somewhat annoyed as he glances over your work. Frowning, you follow his line of sight and grow marginally self-conscious.

"What?" You ask softly, keeping your gaze averted.

"This is the best you can do?" He questions harshly, stepping forward and snatching the rendition before you can stop him. "It's barely legible."

"That shows what you know." You mutter bitterly, trying to grab the object back.

Boyd's eyes flash angrily before his free hand roughly grabs your wrist. Gasping in surprise and slight pain, you're powerless to stop him from forcing your arm still.

"What was that?" He demands, roughly pulling you towards him.

"I'm sorry," You snap, suddenly completely fed up with being intimidated. "Has fiddling around with that plane engine effected your hearing?"

"You little-" His angry response is cut off by the sound of one of the side doors being open.

"What's going on here?" For once you're relieved to hear James' voice.

"Stay out of it." Boyd growls brusquely, turning his attention back to you.

Your eyes widen slightly as you find yourself unable to pull out his tight grasp. Biting the inside of your lip, you look up at the man warily.

"I won't allow disrespect." He states sharply, digging his fingers deeper into your soft flesh.

"That's enough Boyd." James interjects, quickly striding up to stand beside you.

His eyes remain fixed on the other man while he places a hand on your shoulder. There's a brief pause before you're finally able to slip your arm out of Boyd's now loosen grasp. Exhaling softly, you swiftly take a step back towards James. The man in front of you gives a cold look at the both of you before turning to leave. Trembling slightly as adrenaline leaves your body, you inattentively lean back. The sudden feel of James' hand running down your arm quickly alerts you to your somewhat close position. Stiffening, you debate pulling away but suddenly feel too drained of energy to move.

"It's okay." James remarks in a not so reassuring tone while his hand continues rubbing your arm. "He's all talk and no action."

"Why do I doubt that?" You mumble back, finally gathering the strength to step away.

When you turn to face the man you see a slightly discordant look pass over his face. Straightening back, he looks down at you rather grimly.

"You don't trust me to protect you." He questions, his tone has become sharp and accusatory. "Do you?"

Frowning lightly, you feel yourself growing uneasy at the unexpected hostility. However, rather than backing down you **** yourself to confront the imposing man.

"Considering this is the first time I've seen you stand up for me." You state bluntly while defensively crossing your arms over your chest. "No, I don't."

James' eyes narrow as he steps forward, his lean frame looming over you.

"Then it seems Boyd and I finally agree on something. " He replies coldly, leaning down to speak in your ear. "This attitude of yours is unacceptable."

"My attitude?" You scoff incredulously and lean away from him. "What about your attitude?"

You keep your eyes locked on his, ignoring the annoyed look he gives you. Your muscles tense again when you feel his hand slip around your lower back. You stumble forward as you're pulled against his broad chest and feel a deep rumble pass through it when he chuckles softly.

"My attitude is the only thing keeping you here." He retorts somewhat darkly and runs his other hand through your messy hair. "It seems it's time you've been reminded of that."