(A continuation of the "Will of Jennifer Keller" and "Holding "Back" world. hope you will considering coming along on the next part of the journey.)

Ronan gripped the railing in front of him and took in the view of the water. One of the perks of access to Jennifer's room was the balcony. It was obvious, and maybe a little ironic, that this group from Earth felt more at home in this city in his galaxy than he did, but looking out over the water with a bright sun in the sky made it more familiar.

As did Jennifer, who was the other reason he found himself on that balcony. He didn't need to check a clock to know that she should be coming into view any minute. He knew the length of her stride and the pace of her step, and could tell by how she held her shoulders how the run was going. Focusing his attention on the East Pier, he saw Jennifer come into view.

With her shadow.

Releasing the railing and taking a few steps back, he molded his body to the arched doorway obscuring him from sight and watched them. He could tell that Jennifer was putting in a good effort and was starting to tire. If she had taken her normal path, she was nearing the four mile mark, and was in the home stretch. Not Abatello. He looked like when he finished running with Jennifer he could turn around and do it all again. And a lot faster. Which begged a question:

Why was he running at half speed just to accompany Jennifer?

They weren't talking of laughing. No interaction between them at all. A respectful distance between them at all times. All business. But Ronan couldn't shake the feeling that Abatello was a little too much in Jennifer's business for Ronan's liking.

He had no doubts about Jennifer. They shared a commitment and a bed. And sometimes the shower, or the floor. She had declared her will and he wore her token. There was no reason to be unsure.

If he was being honest there was no reason to be unsure of Abatello, either. Top notch on missions, a good shot, and decent at hand to hand. Terrible with sticks, but most of the Marines were when they got there. He was confident - not in a hurry to prove anything. That made him measured and deliberate in a way that many of his counterparts were not. He also wasn't bad to drink with. His team had been charged with Jennifer's safety many times since her return from Colorado, and she'd had little more than a scratch in three months. She seemed as comfortable on missions with his team as she had ever been. All the same, something about Abatello didn't sit right with Ronan.

Jennifer finished her run at the end of the pier and then cooled off by walking back to the main buildings. When they came back from the end of the pier they spoke for just a moment. Then Jennifer walked inside as Abatello stood and watched her. Once she was through the door he turned south and began a run at would actually challenge him.

He got about ten paces and stopped, turning back towards the city. Abatello looked directly at Jennifer's balcony. He gave a quick nod of his head to Ronan, partly as a greeting and partly just to let Ronan know that his presence hadn't gone unnoticed. Ronan made an aggravated smirk he was sure Abatello couldn't see given the distance, and reciprocated the head nod.

And someone standing on the balcony might have detected a growl.

It was only a matter of minutes before Ronan heard the door chime as Jennifer entered.

"Hey!" She said with a smile taking over her face. "I thought you were off world today. Didn't think I would get to see you." She came across the room and kissed him, trying not to share the sweat from her run. He grabbed her into a huge hug, not caring about the sweat at all.

"The mission got delayed. I have the afternoon free."

"Of course," she said. "And I have to be at work in a few hours."

"I can get a lot done in a few hours." The mischievous grin on his face made his intention clear.

"I bet you can," Jen replied. "Let me grab a shower and I will be right out."

Ronan nodded and Jen disappeared. He gave her a two minute head start, and then started getting undressed. He knocked in the door.

"I'll just be another minute."

"Can't wait that long." And with that he stepped into the steam.