Page 33 of Bleed for Me

Would they be so cocky if they were missing a couple dangly bits?

I stifle a laugh and then feel horrified.

I cannot believe I just laughed at the thought of mutilating someone. Sure they deserve it, but still, that’s not me.

Or is it?

Angry, I push the thought away and pour steamed milk over the shots, creating a simple leaf on top with the foam. Gently carrying the drink over, I set it down and look up to call out the order when my breath catches in my throat. My eyes widen and I take a half step back. Staring back at me are a pair of steel blue eyes, twinkling with barely concealed fury. I raise a trembling hand to my throat and back up another step.

“No,” I whisper, shaking my head.

I look around and see people all around with mixed expressions ranging from concerned to bored. I look back at the man that has haunted my dreams and watch as he slowly lifts a finger to his lips, shaking his head almost imperceptibly while gesturing around with his other hand, eyebrows raised. I look around again and see all the faces surrounding us. There are a few couples, an elderly woman, some teenagers, and a few other patrons scattered throughout the space. I look back and the expression on Mick’s face leaves no question as to his intention. If I make a scene, at least some, if not all, of the innocent people around us will be paying the price. And if I’ve come to know him correctly, I’d bet that price would be their lives.

I gulp down the scream that’s trying to force its way out of my throat and take a shaky step back toward the counter. “Vanilla l-lat-latte for Jessica.” I manage to stammer out, my voice trembling as my gaze stays fixated on Mick. Someone comes and snatches the drink with a quiet thanks. I smile robotically and turn back to the bar to start on the next drink.

Fine, if the asshole is going to come threaten me at work, he’s going to have to wait while I do my job.

I give myself a mental pat on the back for the small act of defiance and continue on through the rush.

Orders start to slow down and my palms get sweaty. I’m terrified of what’s going to happen when everyone leaves. I don’t see how I’m going to get out of this. Mick has continued to watch me, not saying anything. He doesn’t need to, I can see his intentions burning in his eyes. He told me what would happen if I left, and I did it anyway. And then I just went back to my life like nothing had happened.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! What were you thinking? You should have run far, far away, not stayed here like a pretty little sitting duck.I close my eyes and breathe.I just need to think.

The sound of the door chiming has my eyes opening and I’m overwhelmed with relief. Until I glance at Mick and see the murderous look in his eyes.

Oh fuck.

“Hey Paige!” Seth calls as he strolls in.

I wildly swing my eyes back between him and Mick. Seth seems relaxed and happy, completely unaware of the danger he’s in. How this man is supposed to be a detective when he has the observation skills of a golden retriever is beyond me. I snort and quickly cover my mouth when Mick turns his glare on me, shoulders tense and lips thin.

I shift my focus back to Seth and try to plead with him through my eyes to leave but he doesn’t notice. Instead he walks straight up to the counter and leans over. “So, I know you said to leave this morning but Kristoph asked to meet me first and we thought we’d swing by and grab a coffee. If that’s cool?” He starts to look a little sheepish as he finally takes in my expression, obviously misreading it as a reaction to him being here. Straightening, he shoves his hands in his pockets and turns around mumbling, “Sorry, I know. I’ll just leave.” Seth’s shoulders slump and he starts heading to the door when he freezes, gaze locked with Mick.

No. No, no, no. Just keep walking Seth.

I have to keep both hands over my mouth to avoid shouting at him as I watch everything in slow motion. Seth squares his shoulders, pulls his hand out of his pocket, strides forward to Mick and…shakes his hand?

What the fuck?

Laughing, Seth claps Mick on the shoulder. “Hey man! I can’t believe I ran into you again. Sorry for my appearance last time, I’ve had a chance to clean up since.” Seth chuckles and drops Mick’s hand, still oblivious to the thunder cloud floating over his new friend’s head. “Have you met my girl?” Seth gestures to me and I stiffen. Mick’s eyes narrow to slits and I rush forward.

“I’m not your girl, Seth.” I snap, more harshly than I mean too but, seriously, does the man have a death wish?

Waving me off, Seth returns to his conversation. “Yeah, yeah. I know. Anyway, it’s good to see you man.” He claps Mick on the shoulder once more before brushing past and greeting another man walking in. My eyes widen even farther as I recognize the detective I spoke with shortly after returning to Taylor’s condo. “Kristoph!” Seth calls loudly.

The older man shakes his hand, inclining his head. “Detective O’lanne.”

Seth waves him off. “Dude, I told you. Call me Seth. I’m off duty.” He chuckles.

Kristoph grumbles and looks over, seeing me paralyzed behind the counter. His eyes narrow and I have a feeling his observation abilities are a little better than my ex’s. I straighten my spine and drop my hands, trying not to fidget with my apron, a familiar churning in my stomach as I remember the way his eyes raked over my body the last time we spoke. Kristoph makes his way toward me and nods his head in greeting. “Hello Miss Greene. How are you?”

I swallow and force my eyes to stay on him as I reply. “Fine.” It comes out more of a squeak so I clear my throat and try again. “I mean, I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” His eyes burn into mine, trying to pull out my secrets and I mentally curse myself.

I want to scream “It’s him! He’s right behind you!” But I can’t, not if it would endanger other people. And I know there’s not enough evidence to really do anything but make Mick mad. When it came down to it, it would be a he said, she said situation. I don’t know much about him, but Mick gives off an air of authority that I don’t think I'd stand a chance against. It’s one of the reasons I never gave a name or description to anyone about who had taken me. So, instead, I plaster a smile on my face and ask, “What can I get started for you?”

Seth and Kristoph order and make small talk as I work on their drinks. Once I’ve handed them over, the two men go to head off and I let out a relieved sigh. Just when they’re about to leave, Seth turns around and strides back toward me, an intense look covering his face. Stopping in front of the counter again, he murmurs, “I’ll be in touch.” He reaches over, meaning to brush my cheek with his fingers, and I flinch back, shaking my head.

“You should go Seth. Really, it was very sweet of you to come all this way to check on me but we’re over. You need to get back to Brie and let me live my life.” I stare at him, pushing all of my emotion into my expression and willing him to listen. I know, without him having to say anything, that Mick is going to kill Seth. I can’t bear that. Even though he hurt me deeply, he still holds a piece of my heart.

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