Page 93 of One Life to Loathe

“I didn’t even consider that for a second.”

“Well, she was climbing me.” I grinned before shooting Sam a look. She seemed to be enthralled by the fight that was breaking out between Bethany and Sylvia. “Miles, however excitable, wouldn’t request that.”

“You look happy,” Dexter noted. “No offense, man, but as long as I’ve known you, you’ve never looked happy. You do now, though.”

He wasn’t the first person to make that observation. Jax had brought it up more than once. His attempts were pointed. Dexter’s seemed more curious. “I am happy,” I realized.

“So, is it the real deal?”

“It’s real, but it can’t last.”

“Why not?”

“You know why.”

“Maybe you don’t have to live the life you think you have to live,” he argued. “Maybe you can live a different life. I would hate for you to go back to being that angry dude who never smiled. You always smile now.”

“I can’t give her what she needs.”

“You don’t know that. You’re not even really considering it.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I just—” I didn’t get a chance to finish what I was going to say.

Sylvia had caught my attention. She was making a screeching noise as she shoved Bethany, both hands on her shoulder. Bethany, although younger and stronger, was caught off guard, and she flew backwards.

Sam, who was behind Bethany, saw the collision coming and gripped the back of the stool. It was too late, though. The stool was knocked sideways, and Sam went flying toward the hard ground. She hit with a sickening thump, her head flopping against the hard cement.

And that’s when I lost my shit.

“What in the hell!”

I raced around the bar, ignoring the wires that I was strapped to for my jump, and shoved Sylvia and Bethany away from Sam. They’d immediately gone to her when she hit the ground.

“Stay away from her,” I hissed. I was careful when reaching for Sam. Her eyes had sprung open after the fall, but she looked dazed and confused.

“Ow,” she muttered as she reached for her head.

I caught her around the waist and pulled her close, cradling her gently. “Shh, baby. It’s okay.” I yelled the next part at the top of my lungs. “Where is medical? Why isn’t medical here right now? She’s hurt!”

Miles started flapping his hands like a nervous mother. “I’ll call them. I’ll get them right over here.”

“I’m so sorry, Sam,” Sylvia offered. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. I just … she’s just … well, she’s just such a whore.”

Bethany straightened. “Who are you calling a whore, you old witch?” She launched herself at Sylvia with everything she had.

I turned my back to them to serve as a buffer and protect Sam from anything they might throw at her. “It’s okay.” I pressed my lips to her forehead as she struggled to get her bearings. “You’re okay. I’ve got you. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I meant it with every fiber in my being. I wasn’t going to let her get hurt. Never again.

24

TWENTY-FOUR

Iwas confused, and maybe a little shaken by the fall, but it was Leo causing me angst more than anything else. He looked as if he was about to melt down … and in fantastic fashion no less.

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