Page 7

Cadence tried to put out the fire, attempting to step between us. “No! Knock it off! That's enough, just go home you guys.” She threw her hand to the side pointing at the door, eyes narrow as she glared.

“What, Cadence? You don't want me to break your little friend's face?” A crooked smile spread over Nico's cheeks, the hollows of his deep sinister stare expanding wider.

The rage inside me had filled to the brim, between the alcohol and my need to protect her—protect Cadence—from this filthy bastard, there was no stopping myself now.

There was a challenge being thrown my way, one that I was going to grab by the balls, and make him regret he had even crossed my path to begin with.

Stepping forward, I brought myself inches from his face. The smell of cheap liquor and sweat filled my lungs. “This is the last time I'm going to tell you to leave. Your last warning, Fucker.” The arms of my shirt tightened, grasping around my swelling muscles.

Nico threw his hands against my chest, but my stance stood strong. I was a wall between her and him, and he wasn't getting through me.

His arm came up, swinging towards my face. On reflex I gripped his wrist, twisting his arm behind him. With an open palm, I slammed his face onto the bar. A surprised grunt expelled from his lips. The once glossy surface now smeared with saliva and blood.

Cadence stood silent. There was no opposing my dominance, no further demand for this to stop.

If I didn't know better, she wanted this.

I half expected his friends to step in, throw a punch from behind, grab my arms and pull me back. Neither happened. The room fell silent, crowd dispersing around us.

Nico threw his elbow back, hitting me in the ribs. Releasing his arm, I stepped back, catching my breath from the jab.

Fury filled my insides, adrenaline coursed through my veins.

I wanted to look at Cadence, shoot her a glance that this would end here tonight. He wasn't going to bother her anymore after I was through with him.

Tomorrow he won't say shit to her.That I was sure of.

Swiftly, Nico turned, arms up ready to fight. He wasn't new to this, I could see he had a few good fights under his belt.

His stance said it all. Arms locked against his face, feet moving around me in circles, waiting for his next chance to strike.

Unfortunately –for him—he didn't know me from a hole in the wall.

His lip drew up, showing his teeth like an animal. A canine, glaring their bite at its prey. His massive hands lunged at my throat, my fist flying up and jabbing between his arms, connecting with his jaw. A crunch echoed through the room.

Without pause, my hands gripped the back of his neck, forcefully yanking his head down onto my knee. The crackle of his skull was reminiscent of glass shattering against pavement. Nico's body hit the floor, falling limp, lifeless.

Gasps from around the room filled my ears, followed by cheers, then sirens.

I didn't even have to time to react. Within seconds I was thrown to the floor, a knee in my back, and cuffs on my wrists.

Rapidly, I searched the room looking for Cadence. She was off to the side, a smile resting proudly on her face as she peered down at Nico.

His friends pulled him to his feet; dazed, he rested against the wall. Blood was inching its way down his chin from the split lip already swelling in size.

And I smirked, proud of the way it all turned out. He was going to have one hell of a headache tomorrow, and a pretty severe swollen lip.

Her rich blue eyes shifted to mine as the police lifted me to my feet. The room roared to life with excitement, clapping, and strangers patting my back as the cops dragged me out.

The lush, red lips that had graced me with half a smile before, now shined from ear to ear.

I had made my mark with her. Stamped myself in her memory.

And hopefully, cracked the shell she was encased in.

She would never forget me now.