Page 45 of Fought and Freed

Deke made his way to the table. “Aww, too bad.”

Deke lined up his shot, made it, then sank one ball after another. They took two more turns, with Skylar clearing all but the eight-ball.

Then Deke took the table, but just like Skylar, he missed on the eight-ball.

Skylar sneered. “Aww, too bad.”

“Don’t worry, Deke, he’s never going to make that shot,” said Deke’s friend.

Skylar studied the table while chalking up his cue. For him to make this next shot, he’d have to bank it twice.

Taking in a steadying breath, he let it out slowly.

He lined up his shot, adjusting a bit, then let it fly. He watched the eight ball bounce off one cushion and the next, then slowly roll into the pocket.

“Yes!” Skylar yelled.

Deke’s eyes narrowed. “You hustled me.”

“No, I didn’t. I won that fair and square.” Skylar held out his hand. “Where’s my three hundred?”

“There’s no way you could have made that shot as drunk as you are.” Deke stabbed a finger toward him. “You cheated me.”

“I did no such thing. It’s called muscle memory. I’ve made that shot so many damn times at home that it doesn’t matter how drunk I am.” Skylar snapped his fingers. “Money, please.”

Deke grumbled, reached into his back pocket, and pulled out his wallet. He counted out the money and slapped it against Skylar’s palm.

“Thanks for the money.” Skylar saluted him with the cash. “If you need any lessons, let me know.”

“Fuck you, asshole!” Deke swung at Skylar.

Skylar didn’t even try to block, taking it right on the jaw, his head jerking to the left.

Calmly, he tucked the money into his back pocket and licked the blood from the corner of his mouth. “Dude, my girlfriend can throw a punch harder than you.”

Next thing Skylar knew, three guys came after him, and he started swinging.

He didn’t care that he got hit more than he landed as he pushed toward Deke. He pulled back and socked the guy right in the temple, knocking him down.

Skylar looked around. The whole bar was fighting.

Oops. Oh, well.

The blond guy took a swing at him, and Skylar knocked him down, then swung at the ones who came after, losing track of how long the fight went on.

When a hand touched his shoulder, Skylar spun around, ready to punch this new opponent, before he saw a face he recognized. “Ryder? What the Hell are you doing here?”

Ryder’s gaze moved past him. “Duck.”

Skylar ducked, and Ryder smashed the face of the guy who was coming up behind him.

Ryder pointed toward the door. “Let’s get you out of here.”

“Why? I’m having fun.” Skylar turned to hit another guy.

“Come on!” Ryder dragged him out the door. “How did you get here?”

“Bike.” Skylar stumbled toward it. “Do you need a ride home?”

---