"Baby, come on." His voice softens, turning wheedling. "Let's talk about this at home. Just you and me. You know I love you. You know I'm sorry about what happened."
Olivia shakes her head. "No more talks. No more apologies. No more chances. It's over, Devin."
"Because of him?" Devin jerks his chin toward me, anger flaring again. "You leave for one night and already you're spreading your legs for this guy? Is that it?"
I feel Olivia stiffen beside me, but she doesn't take the bait. "This isn't about anyone else. It's about me not wanting to be afraid in my own home anymore."
"Afraid? Of me?" Devin laughs incredulously, playing to the onlookers now. "You hear this shit? My girlfriend disappears, blocks my number, shows up with some biker, and tries to make me the bad guy?"
"I think we're done here," I say, speaking for the first time. My voice is low, controlled, but with an edge that makes Devin's eyes snap to mine. "She's made her decision. Accept it and move on."
"And who the fuck are you to tell me anything?" Devin steps closer, puffing up his chest. "You think that vest makes you tough? You think I'm scared of you?"
"I think this conversation is over." I keep my voice even, but my stance shifts subtly, preparing for any sudden movements.
"The hell it is." Devin's eyes narrow. "Olivia, get over here. We're going home. Now."
"No." She doesn't flinch, doesn't back down. "I'm not going anywhere with you. Not now, not ever."
Something ugly twists in Devin's face. "You ungrateful cunt. After everything I've done for you—"
"Watch your mouth," I cut in, my voice dropping to a dangerous register.
"Or what?" Devin sneers, emboldened by the alcohol and the audience. "You gonna do something, tough guy? In front of all these people?"
I step forward, putting myself between him and Olivia. "If necessary."
The bartender, a heavyset man with a salt-and-pepper beard, calls out, "Take it outside if you're gonna have trouble. I don't want no fights in here."
"There won't be any trouble," I say, not taking my eyes off Devin. "We were just leaving."
"Olivia's not going anywhere with you," Devin insists, reaching past me to grab for her arm.
I move faster than he expects, catching his wrist before he can touch her. "Bad move," I say quietly, applying just enough pressure to make him wince. "Don't ever try to touch her again."
He tries to pull away, but I hold firm, increasing the pressure until I feel the bones in his wrist grind together. His face contorts with pain and fury.
"Let go of me, you son of a bitch," he hisses.
"Gladly. As soon as you understand the situation." I lean in closer, my voice pitched for his ears only. "She's done with you. If you try to contact her, follow her, or come anywhere near her again, what I'm doing to your wrist right now will seem like a fucking caress compared to what I'll do to the rest of you. Are we clear?"
His eyes widen slightly at the cold promise in my voice. He's used to intimidating others, not being on the receiving end.
"You threatening me?" he asks, but there's a flicker of uncertainty now.
"Not a threat. A guarantee." I release his wrist with a slight push that makes him stumble back. "Walk away. Now. While you still can."
For a moment, I think he might actually listen to reason. Then his eyes drift to Olivia again, and something ugly and possessive flashes in them.
"This isn't over," he says, directing his words to her. "You think you can just walk away? After everything? You belong to me, Olivia. You always will."
"No, I don't," she says firmly. "I never did. Goodbye, Devin."
I begin to guide her toward the door, keeping myself between her and Devin. We've made it about halfway to the exit when I hear his footsteps behind us, fast and heavy.
"Don't you fucking walk away from me!" he shouts.
I spin around just as he lunges, his fist already swinging toward my face. Combat instincts take over. I sidestep the punch, grab his extended arm, and use his own momentum to slam him face-first into the nearest table. Glasses crash to the floor as Devin goes down hard, blood immediately spurting from his nose.
