Page 9 of Fight
"All right, I'll go."He said, slowly moving around me so that I wasn't between him and his escape."But I'll be back."He turned and walked away.I watched him go, waiting a few seconds after he'd gone out of sight before I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, draining the tension I'd held in my body with the air.
He's gone, you can come out now.I sent to Devon and I headed up the stairs, taking them two at a time in my hurry to get inside.Devon was up the stairs before I'd closed the door behind myself, he followed me inside.
"What did he want this time?"
"Same thing, me."I hung my bag on the inside door knob and collapsed onto the sofa."Thanks for hiding until I could get rid of him, by the way."Devon set the small bag he'd picked up at his apartment on an end table.
"You're probably right, he wouldn't have left if he'd seen me.If he'd tried to hit you again, I don't think I would have been able to hold back."
"But he didn't, and you didn't have to beat the shit out of him.We all win."I kicked my shoes off and propped my feet up on the coffee table in front of me.
"Doesn't feel much like a win to me."Devon grumped.
"I know you wanted to pound on him.You have ever since he slapped me.I understand that.You know Bill's already had it done, but you want to get your two kicks in too.I don't blame you, I would too.But in the long run, it would only cause more problems.Wait until he gives you a reason, before you let go with the fists of fury routine."
Devon sighed.I had enough brothers that I understood his desire to protect me, I even appreciated it, but sometimes the testosterone overloaded good sense.
"Will you hand me my purse?"I pointed at the door where it hung."I need to call Bill, and let him know what's just happened."
"No problem.You still want me to stay?I can go if you'd rather."
"Nah, this won't take long."I took the bag from him, and dug through it for a moment, searching for my PCD."Why don't you get us a couple bottles of beer out of the fridge?We can find something to watch, or listen too for a bit before bed."I suggested, trying to distract him a little.
"All right."He agreed.
I quickly called Bill, and filled him in on what had happened, from the time I found Brandon on the steps, until he left.I didn't mention that I'd invited Devon to stay the night.
"You sure you're all right?"Bill asked, concerned.
"I'm fine.It was just talk, and I convinced him to leave."Devon came back and handed me a beer bottle, the lid still on, I twisted the top off, and handed it back to him.He took the open bottle and handed me a second, still lidded.I twisted the lid off and took a sip.
"I'll send someone over to watch, in case he comes back."
"There's no need, I'm sure he won't be back, at least not tonight.He's going to need some time to build up his nerve before he'll defy you again."
"You have a point there.Are you sure you'll be all right there alone tonight?"
"I'll be fine.Don't worry about me."I still didn't tell him Devon was staying the night.I wasn't hiding it, I just didn't feel the need to advertise.
"If you're sure."
"I am."I said confidently.
"All right.I need to decide what I'm going to do with him.He's defied me enough."
"I'm glad that’s your job, and not mine."
Bill just laughed.We said our goodbyes, and rang off.
I sat the small electronic device on the table beside the sofa, as I looked up at Devon."Now you know how I felt, knowing I could handle the glass, but that I'd break it if I tried to open the bottle."
Devon nodded."What did he say?"
"He wanted to send someone over, a guard, in case Brandon comes back, but I convinced him there was no need."
"Did you tell him I'm staying with you?"
"No."I took a long pull from the cold bottle."I would have if he pushed, but I didn't want the whole world knowing, not just yet."
