Page 20 of Petals of Blue: Part One
Just as I'm about to protest our dismissal, a douchebag squeezes in beside Felix. "Blue, babe!"
In unison, the four of us stiffen. EvenBluefucking stiffens which doesn't sit right with me. She may not want our attention, but she clearly doesn't want this frat boy's attention either. What is he, twenty? Zero facial hair and high cheekbones aim right at Eri—Blue—completely ignoring the other bartender who starts making his drink.Dale...Stupid name.
"Blue, how 'bout that shot tonight, hmm?"
Christ, how drunk is this kid?
Blue's eyebrows twitch and her nose scrunches a little, yet she still plays nice. "Not tonight. We're too busy."
What bordered on disrespect turns into complete hostility. "Seriously? Just one shot. You fucking owe me, bitch."
My eyes snap from Blue's shocked face just in time to see Felix grab the guy by his throat. "What thefuckdid you just say to her?!" Felix snarls, spinning Dale around. The bang of Dale's back on the edge of the bar would make me cringe in any other circumstance, but I'm fucking furious.
Jared backs up, giving Felix space to threaten Dale. Meanwhile Declan, my younger brother, rushes toward Felix.
"Fuck!" I hiss and lunge for my brother. "Dec, don't get in the middle!"
My fingers brush the back of Declan's shirt, but I'm too late to save him from the violence. We all know not to get between Felix and his prey when he gets like this.
The four of us have the same demons, but the way we fight them is very different. Felix is the most volatile version.
Declan's worry about Felix blinds him. My brother grabs hold of Felix's arms to pull him off of Dale, but that one tug gives the frat boy the opening he needs to punch Declan right in the goddamn mouth.
"HEY!" Blue screams, drawing our attention as other people shout around us. Like a raging bull, Blue swings a big ass water bottle through the air, only for it to bang on the bar top when Dale moves out of the way.
"Holy fucking shit!" the dead man bellows. "Crazy fucking bitch! I'm gonna?—"
"Get arrested, you son of a bitch!" another man says, snatching Dale's arms and dragging him through the crowd.
Plenty of cursing continues around us, but I only hear Declan's mumbled sound of pain.
"Let me see." When I pull his hand from his mouth, I'mnot shocked at how much blood comes pouring out. "Tooth?" I ask, already searching for some clean napkins.
He nods, but his attention is on Felix arguing with a security guy. My friend is probably demanding he gets his own chunk of Dale's flesh. Unfortunately, that's not how the real world works.
"Here!" A hand thrusts into my line of sight holding a washcloth with what I assume is ice bundled in it. "Ice makes a great weapon too, but it's usually best for swelling."
The other two bartenders laugh, and Declan sputters out blood.
Startled by that statement, I look at the woman who used to be my girl. "Explain why you know that while I help Dec."
What opening I just had dissolves behind shuttered blue eyes. "No. Take this and get out."
With that, she drops the offering on the boozy bar, and stomps away to help some girls requesting her attention. They're all smiles and hugs, as if watching Blue swinging a steel fucking weapon around is normal.
Ice is a good weapon?
What in the hell happened to Erica?
Thirteen
BLUE
I'm debating moving out of state. If I had known this was going to happen a few months ago when my aunt ditched me and Violet, I would have moved across the country.
I don't want anything to do with the four fuckfaces who think they reserve the right to defend me. Honestly, I need protection fromthem.
Felix and his brooding, sexual, strong presence. Declan with his pushy, reckless attention. Confused and gentle Jared. Roman's puppy dog eyes and obvious pain.
