Page 34 of The Tattoo Artist

“You just spilled that fucking drink on my girl, you piece of shit.” I hear an angry voice shout, and I turn my head slowly, locking eyes with the man and his friend standing next to our table. I couldn’t help but notice the attire of the woman next to him, her drink spilled all over her.

“Get out of my face, man,” I speak, turning back to my phone, trying to ignore the confrontation whilst thinking about what to text Alexandra.

I don’t want to come off desperate or even clingy.

So how should I start it off?

“What did you just say to me?” He spat back, and I felt Adrian shaking his head in warning.

“You heard me,” I said calmly, not wanting to escalate the situation.

How about Hi? No. sounds weird coming from me. I sound like a desperate girl.

He didn’t take kindly to my response, grabbing Adrian’s drink and chucking it at Atlas. “You fucked up,” Adonis snickers.

Enough was enough.

I stood up, towering over the man and his friend, my height advantage intimidating them both. I step into his personal space and without a moment’s hesitation, slammed my fist right into his face. He stumbled, crashing into the bar.

Seizing the opportunity, I grab his shirt, lifting him up from the fallen chairs, and slammed his head against the counter.

He let out a pained grunt, and his friend tried to make a run for it. But I was quick, grabbing the back of his shirt and throwing him back into his friend. With a swift move, Adrian handed me Adonis’ drink, and I wasted no time spilling it over both of them before smashing the glass on top of their heads.

“Come near my brothers again, and I’ll make you eat the fucking glass,” I warned, my voice dripping with menace.

The two men nodded frantically, fear etched across their faces, and they scramble out of the bar, tripping over each other in their haste to escape. The other customers looked on in stunned silence as the chaos settled.

The waitress steps over the glass on the floor and slides me my drink, “Thanks.” I speak, as she hands Atlas his food.

“You want some ice for that, sugar?” She asks me.

“No, I’m good.” She nods her head and walks away.

“How nice it is to have a brother the size of a Viking.” Atlas smiles, shoving a chip into his mouth.

“Atlas, I think you’ve done enough for today.” Adonis speaks, I glance down at my fist, and it was red.

“Anyways-they scored again!” Atlas screams.

Ares (5:55pm): you finished work?

Fuck. Too soon? I begin typing again until I see bubbles appearing on my screen.

Alexandra (5:57pm): heading out soon actually, you still at the bar?

Ares (5:57pm): yeah, rather be kissing you again though just to prove that I don’t regret it.

Alexandra (5:58pm): no one’s stopping you…come over.

Alexandra (5:59pm): I forgot-I’m going out with Catherine.

Fuck.

Ares (6:00pm): where?

Her lack of response gnawed at me, and I eventually decided to switch off my phone after staring at the chat for what felt like an eternity. Why isn’t she responding? I couldn’t shake off the unease that settled in my chest.

“Someone looks angry?” Adonis chuckles.

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