“S o, did he talk to you?” Lucas asks from the barstool next to me. I’m leaning against the bar so I have a full view of Simon and the guys.
“A couple of words. He’s still pissed.”
“Maybe it’s time to move on,” Lucas says, and just at that moment, Simon stands from the table and heads in our direction.
“Hold that thought, he’s coming over.”
Lucas looks over his shoulder and grins. “I think you may get a punch in the face.”
“I do hope so. He knows how I love to fight with him.”
Simon looks so much better. Dressed in his signature black shirt and black jeans, bracelets on each wrist and a couple of rings on each hand. I’m relieved he is starting to look like his normal self. I know he’s not there yet, because the closer he gets the clearer his face is. Haunted. I need to get that fire back in those eyes. The time for hiding is over.
“Carlos. Hey, Lucas,” Simon says.
“Good to see you, Si. Are you good?” Lucas asks.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“I’m gonna go find the bargirl, Jess,” Lucas says, standing to walk down to the other end of the bar.
“Be good, remember you’re working,” I say, and he just waves me off with his hand. Now that Lucas is preoccupied with flirting with Jess, Simon will get my full attention.
“You’re looking hot tonight, Si.”
“No, stop. None of that. I’ve only come over because Dima doesn’t want any awkwardness between us, affecting your business relationship.”
“Okay.”
“Thank you for getting me out.”
“You’re welcome, little lion.”
“Quit it with the fucking pet names.”
“Why? It suits you.”
Simon squares up to me, his face so close to mine, I know if I stick my tongue out, the tip would touch his pouty lips.
“This is all just a fucking joke to you, isn’t it? It’s not enough that your family tortured me, but now you have to act like nothing happened? Like we can go back to the way it was?” he snarls at me.
“I never said it was a joke, but you need to quit blaming me for what happened.”
“I don’t have to do shit. It was your fault. It’s your fault I’m like this.”
“So what would make you feel better Si? Huh? You want to hurt me too? Want to get your own revenge?”
“Don’t fucking tempt me,” he says, his hands now clutching my collar.
I whisper over his lips.
“Then fucking hit me. Go on, do it if that’s what it takes. Come on Simon, you accuse me of wanting to control you, now it's your turn. Take control. Be the big fucking man.”
Simon shoves me back into the bar before punching his fist into my stomach. I groan at the discomfort, taking my breath away, but I hold onto him, stopping him from taking it too far, knowing this must hurt his back.
“Better?” I say.
“Far fucking from it,” he says before going in for another hit. Before he gets a chance to connect his fist with my face, Dima and Lucas get in between us.
