That's on me.
Dain leans forward, tilts his head. His eyes light up with some crumb on knowledge he's somehow gained and he starts smiling-
"Did she dump you already?"
That's it.
There's no warning.
No buildup.
My fist connects with his jaw before the thought finishes forming, the solid sound of the crack reverberating through the room. All other noise ceases.
It feels like a minute later, but it can only be seconds when Dain stumbles back into the bar. Bottles rattle, fall. One shatters as it hits the ground. Someone yells.
Leon grabs my arm.
Justin's hand clamps onto my shoulder.
I don't swing again.
I'm not blind.
I just needed one. One chance to shut the smug bastard up.
Dain straightens slowly, lifting a hand to his mouth. Blood slides from the corner of his mouth.
He laughs.
Actually laughs.
"You that defensive?" he asks, wiping at the blood.
I don't blink.
"Guess she got bored quick," he adds.
He watches my face.
I say nothing but my jaw tightens.
But that's enough.
"Ah," he says softly. "So, she did."
Leon stiffens. "Who did what?"
I shrug his hand off.
"Stay away from her."
My voice is quiet. Flat.
It's not loud, not threatening. Final.
Dain snorts. "Seems it's not your problem anymore."
That one lands harder than the rest.
