Page 163 of Fixation
Because I am.
I say nothing.
But the moment I slam a hand on the bar, pistols are being pulled out of holsters.
All three of them are cocked together.
Click, click, click.
Loaded and aimed at me.
At Sergey’sfriend. That’s what he’s let them think for years.
Friend or no friend, it doesn’t mean they won’t shoot me on sight.
He’s their boss.
Not for long.
Sergey signals to the bartender and his guards to lower them. His condescending laugh churns acid in my throat.
My hatred for him is more powerful than the electricity that keeps my heart beating. “The fuck were you doing in my neighborhood?”
“Oh, that? Last I checked, America is a free country.” He takes a swig of his drink. The bartender fills the empty glass while glowering at me. “I’m free to walk anywhere I’d like.”
“Yeah, okay.” My fingers drum on the bar’s countertop. This isn’t a nervous gesture. It’s a threat, and we both know it. “If you think you scare me, better think twice.”
It’s quick, but I catch the flicker of fear on his face.
“In a month, we’ll go our separate ways,” I tell him in our secret code. “I’m done being yourfriend. Can’t fucking take it. Your cheap intimidation techniques might work on your dogs. It?—”
A growl at my back proves my point.
“—won’t work.”
He tilts his head. Considers me. I push Harper out of my mind, locking the memories away. Hiding her from him.
This bastard would see my love for her in my eyes if I only showed the slightest sign of weakness.
She isn’t his.
She’s mine.
“As I said, free country.” A switch has been flipped inside him. His voice is derisive, the amusement gone. “Except…it doesn’t apply to everyone. You, for example. You aren’t free. We’ll be friends today, tomorrow. Always. End of story.”
“Oh, no. No, no, no.” I laugh. The sound is sour and hateful. “The story ends when I say it does. It’ll end thewayI say it does.”
The barrel of a gun pushes against the back of my head.
I won’t grimace. Won’t cower from them. I sure as fuck won’t take my words back.
“Let him go.” Sergey flicks his wrist.
“What’s this?” Stas joins us from behind the secret door. His thinning brown hair is combed to the side. His light blue eyes match his ugly suit. “A guest?”
“The kid was just leaving.” We stare each other down, Sergey and I. If looks could kill, both of us would be skinned and carved to pieces right this minute. “Weren’t you?”
Adrenaline swarms through my veins, and all my senses come to life. I’m lit up from the inside out, hungry for blood. For a certain someone’s last breath.
