Page 35 of Shattered

“You were amazing, beautiful.” His lips land against mine and it only fuels the rampant emotions pumping through me.

When he pulls away, we’re both breathless. “Check that off your list. I’ll be right back.”

I’m so lost in my thoughts, I don’t even think to stop him, but he better not do that to me again.

I order us a round of drinks just as a big biker stops at my side. “Hi, gorgeous.” The tip of his wide nose is slightly red, along with his ears. I can tell from looking at him that he is three sheets to the wind.

“Hi.” I smile, hoping that’s all he’s seeking and will leave me alone.

“Did you come here with someone?”

I nod. “Yeah, he just went to use the restroom.”

The bartender places our drinks in front of me and I hand over some cash. I grab the drink and take a sip, hoping the biker at my side takes the hint that I don’t want to talk.

“Me and my buddies are about to head out. You ever rode on a real man’s bike before?”

I snort in laughter. “No, I can honestly say I haven’t.”

I see River walk out of the bathroom from over the bikers shoulder. Thank God.

“Do you want to?”

I scrunch up my nose. “Not tonight, but thank you,” I reply, trying to be polite and not start trouble.

“Can I get your number then? Maybe tomorrow.” What a persistent little shit.

Lightbulb! “Sure.”

He hands me a napkin and pulls a pen from his leather vest.

I write down a fake number and slide it across the bar. He looks cocky as he picks it up and folds it in half. “I look forward to talking to you again.”

I smile and nod. Yeah right, guy. You’re never going to hear from me again.

Before he turns to walk away, he wraps his big arm around my shoulders and pulls me in for a kiss. His mustache rubs against my face as his fat, wet lips press against mine.

I’m in complete shock. My eyes are wide open while I’m completely frozen. River’s eyes land on mine and he sees the panic written in them.

“Hey!” He pulls the big man away from me.

The man doesn’t even say anything. He just swings, connecting with River’s jaw.

One hit was all it took. The whole atmosphere of the bar changes. Everyone saw the exchange and it seems to give them the permission they needed to hit any person who’s annoyed them all night.

I stand stunned as a huge fight breaks out all around me. River is throwing punches at the biker, landing one after another. And somehow, he tosses the man down long enough to grab my wrist and pull me towards the exit. Just as we’re running through the door, a beer bottle flies behind me, shattering off the wall and I duck instinctively, heart hammering.

We rush to the car and the people fighting seem to trickle out with us.

When the cops speed into the parking lot, we kick up dust leaving fast.

“What the fuck happened?” he asks me with blood dripping from his lip.

I smile with realization. “I get to cross off three things.”

“Sing karaoke, give out a fake number, and what?” he asks, his eyes glancing from the road to me and back.

“Start a bar fight!” I pull the list from my bag and cross off three more.

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