“You need to cool it,” I say.
Usually my size is enough to break up a fight, but whatever provoked them must be simmering too hot. They turn back to each other, shoulders squared like they’re still thinking of going for it. The smaller one takes a step closer to his opponent.
I quickly slide between them, putting a hand on each of their chests to push them apart. My right hand tingles immediately—all pins and needles, hot and useless.Not now.
“Back up,” I say in a firm tone. They don’t move. I push harder. “You can finish your drinks, or you can leave. Those are your options. We don’t allow fights here.”
The bigger guy opens his mouth to argue, but I tilt my head to get my message across. He takes one final look at the other guy, mutters something under his breath, then steps away. A few of his friends tag along.
His opponent hesitates, still seething.
I step into his line of sight, pulling his attention back to me. “I mean it. Walk away.”
The man’s jaw flexes, like he’s chewing on all the things he wanted to say.
I tip my chin. “Go on. I’ll ban you from the bar if I need to.”
He finally leaves, spitting a few curse words. A few people gawk, murmuring, “That was close,” and “What a jerk.” But they forget the drama as quickly as it had begun. Seconds later, conversations pick right back up.
I let out a breath. Crisis averted. For now, anyway. I’ll need to watch the men for the rest of the night. Looking across the room, I see Declan, Melody, and River watching me. Declan nods appreciatively, then turns back to his customers.
I start to walk away, but my left leg cramps enough to make me stumble. I grip a nearby chair and barely manage to keep myself upright.
A steady hand reaches for me. “Hey, you okay?”
The deep resonant tone hits me square in the chest, but I refuse to look up. All I can focus on is the pain in my thigh and the dull, empty sensation where my foot should be. It’s just… gone.
I stay quiet, skin hot and breath uneven as I wait for the feeling to come back. Pressure builds behind my ribcage as I try to keep the panic contained. Did someone shine a damn light on me or something? It feels like everyone’s watching.
Gingerly, I force myself to walk away. My leg is heavier now, tingling painfully. It’s like a dead weight attached at the hip. Useless. My hand is just as painful, the prickling sensations are almost too much.
I pause by the door and rub my palm against my thigh. A swell of anxiety engulfs me, suffocating me. I look around, hoping no one notices as I brace against the wall for support.
That’s when I see he’s still watching me. Not gawking—just watching, light brows pinched together in worry.
My stomach sinks. Of all people to see me stumble, it had to behim. Fletcher Rhide, one of our most loyal customers. I’ve had my eye on him for as long as I’ve worked here.
I turn away quickly. I can’t let him ask too many questions or see too much. It’s already dangerous as it is, getting this much attention,. Just a matter of time before Declan demands answers. And then what? Will he throw me out? Tell me I’m incapable of my job?
If he does, I’ll be in trouble.
The truth burns hot under my skin. I need to get my shit together. Next time, I might not be fast enough to break up the fight. Not strong enough.Not in control enough.And I don’t know what I’ll do if that happens.
Maybe I need to add browsing for jobs to my nightly tasks, right along with browsing for apartments.
Fuck my life.
Panic crawls in, swift and unforgiving. I peek outside. The parking lot is empty of incoming customers for now, so I duck into the storage closet around the corner, letting the door swing shut behind me. The noise muffles instantly, the music fading, replaced by the faint hum of the vent and the steady thud of my heart.
I stare down at my hand, as if the tingling is evidence I’m falling apart. Shaking it out, I clench and unclench my fingers, wishing the numbness would go away. I even rub it against the rough brick wall, hoping the gritty texture will coax some feeling back. But it doesn’t. It just shifts deeper, like my nerves are disappearing under my skin.
“God damn it,” I mutter, leaning against the wall.
Closing my eyes, I breathe through it. It’ll pass. It always does.
I just need it to passfaster. I don’t have time to wait.
“Get it together, Mercer,” I say quietly.
