Page 14

A dense breath fell off my lips. “Sorry, it's been a long night,” I said. My initial reaction was unwarranted, he wasn't a threat to me.

His eyes studied mine as he spoke, “Ha! Yeah, I bet half the guys in here could say that, Son.” The massive hands fell to his knees, aiding his body as he slowly lowered to sit. Pulling a red handkerchief from his coat pocket, a wet cough exploded into it. His brows crawled like caterpillars across his eyes, fixing on my face as he said, “You look familiar.”

My forehead arched upwards, shoulders lifting to my ears. “I don't know why, I've never seen you before.” Plopping down beside him, my head fell back against the cement wall.

Exhaustion had filtered its way in. Tiny weights seemed to hang from my lids, pulling them down. Clasping my fingers together, I rested my palms on my head.

All I want to do is go home, crawl into my bed, and sleep for days.

I could feel his gaze, the intense anchor of his face studying mine. I didn't have to see him to know they ran over me, looking me up and down. He shifted from face to arms and down to my waist, then back again.

Cracking one eye open, I shifted it in his direction. “What? Why do you keep staring at me?” My head turned to meet his. “Weren't you ever taught it was rude to stare?” I didn't like the way he glared at me, it was fucking weird.

The stranger crinkled his forehead, dirty nails scratching at his ragged beard. “Watch the flies, kid. You seen it, I seen it. Don't screw it now, hit'em hard.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Agitation riddled my muscles. I didn't want to get frustrated, but I was tired as fuck.

He's an old, drunk bastard. Just ignore him.

A cackle filtered through his dried lips, one tooth hung crooked in the front of his mouth. “Watch the feet, they'll be quick. You seen it. Go low.” His drunken smile rose to his ears as his head tilted back and his laugh ensued.

Who is this guy? He's fucking crazy!

Pressing against the bench, I stood and crossed the room. I had to move away, if he kept up with that shit, I couldn't promise myself I wouldn't pop him in the jaw just to shut him up.

This wasn't the place to lose control, especially on an old fuck like him.

A lot of time had passed since I was in a real fight. Nico, in a way, had popped my cherry all over again. Electricity charged my body when my hands met his raw, unexpected flesh.

It was comforting, similar to throwing on an old pair of shoes.

That felt great. Next to good pussy, fighting always gets my blood pumping.

Cadence, now she really got my body going. I wanted to get the hell out of here, go see her again and get what was rightfully mine.

I wanted her, not this. Ending up in jail for the night had not been on my list for the evening.

All I wanted was to get wasted and get laid. She was gorgeous, mine for the taking.

Then that piece of shit Nico had to go and screw it up.

Stupid motherfucker.

She was coming around, a hairline crack had split the porcelain, and I was ready to shatter it wide open.

Hooking my thumbs into my pockets, I leaned against the bars.When the hell are they letting me out of here? It can't be much longer.

Watching the cops, one stood bullshitting with another, holding their mugs of coffee as chatter filled the space.

Come on! I'm not drunk anymore, it was just a stupid fight. They've got to let me go soon.

Looking over my shoulder, the old drunk still gleamed at me with his toothless grin, motioning empty punches into the air. The insane laughter rolled from his gut as he muttered to himself.

People around here are messed up. What the hell is he on?

“Delligatti!” The words rippled through my ears.

Finally!I thought, lifting my hand. I felt like I was back in school, showing my attendance.