He walks over to us, ignoring the fact that I’m standing next to her. “Ember, it’s good to see you. You look….” His eyes drag down her body then back up and my skin crawls. She crosses one arm over her chest, using the pool cue in her hand to block him from coming any closer. He’s already close enough. I can smell the alcohol leaking out from his pores. “…Gorgeous,” he finishes. I catch her wince, like if she could wipe the compliment off, she would.
“Thanks,” she acknowledges with a nonchalant air. Then she turns to me with a tight smile. “Vance, this is Connor. Connor, Vance.”
Connor extends his hand but I refuse to shake it. He snickers as I nod my head, letting his hand drop to his waist. “Would you mind giving us a second, Vance?”
The condescending way he says my name makes my pulse throb in my neck. Itchy fingers flex at my sides, aching for just one punch. I look over at Ember to be sure she’s all right with this.
“It’s okay.” Her fake smile returns, and I’m not sure that it is okay. But she’s a big girl and can take care of herself.
With a nod, I reluctantly step back. Not far enough away where I can’t still pick up bits of their conversation—especially the part where this piece of shit is her ex-boyfriend. That part comes through loud and clear. It ticks me off because I should have pegged him earlier.
My head tilts as I strain to listen. Normally, I might feel bad about eavesdropping. But remorse isn’t remotely close to what stirs in my chest.
“Hey.” Julian appears beside me. “Who’s the douche?”
“Her ex-boyfriend,” I ground out, still watching him like a hawk.
“Really? I can’t picture that at all.”
“Join the club.”
My blood boils when I hear him speak. “Still wearing Mickey Mouse, huh? Aren’t you a bit old for that?” Ember’s lips curl into a sneer and she says something I can’t make out. I take a step forward and Julian places a firm hand on my arm.
“Vance,” he warns. “Let it be. She can handle herself.”
I know she can. And I certainly know she doesn’t want to be rescued. But my protection instinct kicks in, and I have to suck in a sharp breath and let it out slow to maintain any sort of composure. All that composure goes to shit when I catch the harsh bite of his next words.
“Maybe things would’ve worked out with us-s,” he slurs, “if you hadn’t been pining over your dead brother.”
Ember’s face pales. Tears spring up in her eyes and I’m fucking done. Even Julian doesn’t try to stop me.
My legs carry me over there in two large strides, and before Connor knows what’s happening, my fist connects with his face on a loud crack. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” I hiss, spitting the words at him.
He stumbles backwards, blood spurting from his nostrils. “What the hell? I think you b-broke my nose.”
“Yeah, and you fucking deserved it.” I flex my fist, jonesing for another hit. “You’re lucky that’s all I’m doing.” Sniffling from behind makes me whirl around. Ember’s eyes are dimmed with sadness and my insides crumble. I reach out to cup her cheek and wipe away a falling tear. “Let’s get out of here.”
The crowd that gathered to watch our little sideshow disperses. As we walk past Connor on the ground holding his nose and muttering a string of curses, I wrap a protective arm around Ember’s waist and lead her toward the exit. We leave Julian who decides to hang back for a while.
Ember hesitates in front of the bar. “I need a drink,” she admits. “Maybe more than one.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“I think it’s a very good idea.” She sidles her way up to the bar, tapping on the counter to attract the bartender’s attention. In rapid succession, she sucks down two shots of Tequila and a shot of Vodka. If it were any other time, I’d probably stop her. But I can’t imagine what’s going through her mind right now other than wanting to numb it.
Dragging her wrist across her mouth, she stares at me over her shoulder. “Okay, I’m good. Actually,” she pauses, her lips spiraling upward, “one more.”
“Ember—”
“Ah, ah.” She lifts her hand. “I think I’m entitled.” I don’t argue with her but I know she’s going to pay for this later. Plus alcohol never solves a damn thing.
The bartender slides one more across the counter and she tosses it back before slamming the tumbler down. She gathers in a deep breath. “I’m ready now.” She holds her head high as she dives into the crowd. But she doesn’t fool me. My hand rests on her lower back, guiding her. I stay behind, waiting for her to fall apart—and wanting to be there to help pick up the pieces.
The temperature has dropped, a blast of cool air greeting us that I think we both need. Ember is pensive, staring up at the spattering of stars brightening the sky. A streetlamp above casts a glow on her face, highlighting the sadness behind her eyes, in the fold of her lips. My chest hurts for her, and I want to erase that deep frown pulling at the corners of her mouth.
I touch her elbow gently and lead her to the car, directing her toward the passenger side. Opening the door, I bend down to help her in then tug on the seat belt, lifting it up and over her shoulder until it clicks into place. I’m inches from her face but she doesn’t see me. Her gaze is clouded, her mind elsewhere. She’s lost and I need to bring her back.
But then she laughs.
“You broke his nose.”