Worthington Wives

Chapter Four

Ben was at the hospital early the next morning getting paperwork signed for his dad to go to a skilled nursing facility for some strengthening exercises until Reyanna was well. He hugged his dad and hurried off to see Reyanna. He was smiling all the way there, anxious to see her. Even through her bruises and swelling, he still thought she was adorable.

Ben made it to her door and heard voices. It sounded like Reyanna was arguing with someone. He stood there a minute to try and find out what was going on first, so he listened to the conversation.

“How did you find out I was in here, Jared?” Reyanna shouted. “Get out of my room! I don’t want you here,” she said. “Come on, Baby, Please let me just hold you,” Jared pleaded. “Stop it! I said get out! Don’t touch me!” She shouted.

That did it. Ben could hold back no more. “She said to get out,” Ben said as he burst into her room with a fierce expression. Jared stood

there looking confused and getting angry at this stranger bursting into her room.

“Who do you think you are?!” Jared demanded. “I’m someone interested in Reyannas welfare, and you are upsetting her. So do you want to leave on your own or do I need to help you out?” Ben asked in a domineering voice.

Jared whipped his head around and stared at Reyanna. “So, you get upset with me for being unfaithful and you’ve been w*****g around behind my back?” He accused her angrily.

“No I did not!” Reyanna cried out in anger, holding her head. “I was faithful to you, Jared. How dare you say that to me!” she warned.

“Stay away from Reyanna or you will regret it!” Ben told him as he took a stance in front of the man. Jared worked his jaw in anger, but he did not say another word as he jerked the door open and left the room.

Reyanna was crying and holding her head when Ben turned around. He quickly went to her side and handed her his handkerchief. It was expensive material with his initial embroidered on it. “Oh Ben, just get me a piece of toilet paper, I can’t ruin this,” she said, handing it back.

Ben took the fabric and gently wiped the tears from her face. The girl sniffed and looked up at the kind man. “Your tears are far more valuable than this piece of cloth, Reyanna,” he said in a soft voice. “Thank you for being here, Ben. Thanks for running Jared off. I don’t want to see him again. He really broke my heart,” she said. Ben nodded in understanding without saying a word.

“Here, drink some water, it’ll make you feel better,” he said, holding the bottle to her lips while cupping the back of her head. He watched her swallow and smiled at her.

Just then, Reyanna’s parents came into the room. They were suprised to see Ben sitting on her bed so close to her. He respectfully jumped up and straightened his suit, embarrassed at what they must be thinking of him.

Her father frowned, looking Ben in the eye as if to question his intent. Her mother, with pursed lips and raised eyebrows wondered what they just walked in on. “Uhm I was…..I assure you…” Ben fumbled as he searched for words.

Reyanna was quick to come to his defense, though. “Jared was here and upset me. Ben ran him off and he was just making sure I was okay,” she explained.

“Well then, Ben, we appreciate you taking care of our daughter and sending him on his way. He has no business up here bothering her,” Tom said. “We want to thank you for that and for allowing us to stay in your apartment,” her father said, shaking his hand.

“Yes, it was so comfortable and pleasant. We so appreciate your generosity,” her mother told him, smiling. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you need to,” Ben said.

“If you need anything at all, Remember,

I’m just a phone call away,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be back to check on you later, Reyanna,” he promised, turning to her. “Do you need anything?” He asked.

Reyanna smiled and shook her head, dropping it quickly to hide the heated flush she felt in her face at his familiarity and gentle tone. Ben excused himself and left the room.

“Ohh, you two are into each other!” Her mother teased. “Whaaat?! No!” Reyanna protested, but she could not stop the smile betraying her that she tried to hide by dropping her face. “He’s my boss. And he’s like a billionaire. You got it wrong, Mom. He’s just a very nice guy,” Reyanna rationalized.

“Mmhm that just happens to be very Hott and smells really good…,” her mother teased. Reyanna blushed. “Momm!” She said, embarrassed at her words. “He’s my boss!” She repeated.

“Reyanna’s right, we can’t make such assumptions. You’ll have to treat him respectfully as your employer, my girl. If he’s interested in you in any other capacity, well….you let him tell you,” he told her.

“But be careful. You had one man play with your heart. Just….don’t let him use you,”her father said with concern. He kissed her on the forehead. “Or you know your daddy will have to stand on a chair and beat that big man up,” he teased. They all laughed at the idea.