Smiling wide, I threw my arms around his neck and squeezed tight. It had been purely instinctual, and I was discovering with Nicco how natural it felt to be myself. I didn't doubt or second guess. It was odd and different, but it felt right.
"What was that for?"
"Just wanted to say thanks for believing me, and, I don't know, it felt right."
"Well, you can hug me anytime, beautiful," he purred into my hair, and the heat started to sizzle again. Pulling back a smidge, I stared into his eyes as we held the embrace. A million promises swam in his depths, and I felt seen by him.
A glass slammed down on the table and sloshed over onto me. The noise and liquid caused us to jump as we took in the pissed-off waitress staring daggers into me. Old me would've started to apologize immediately, feeling I must've done something to offend her. Emboldened me had a different idea altogether.
My cheeks blazed red with outrage at her entitlement, her belief she deserved Nicco despite his non-interest in her. It was the Barbie wannabe from Windy City version 2.0, and I was sick of being treated inferior. Narrowing my eyes at her, I zeroed in on her face and imagined I could shoot fire from them, burning her to a crisp.
Unfortunately, or perhaps, fortunately, before I could say or do anything, Nicco motioned, and in a flash, the bitchy waitress was pulled away as she screamed profanities. I had to give it to her, she fought against a guy twice her size and didn't let up. I wanted to feel bad for her, but she didn't have to be rude. I'd done nothing personally to her, and yet she had zeroed in on me from minute one because I was with Nicco.
Sorry, but if he wanted to be with you, sweets, he would be. Get over yourself and your fake boobs.
There was a small part of me that didn't like how I was feeling. Her behavior was rude, but I didn't have to belittle her. Was I any better by demeaning her or her body parts? Shame sat heavy in me, and while I knew it was an ingrained belief to feel bad for wanting to stand up for myself, the quicksand was strong, and I sank. For a moment, though, I had felt pretty bitchtastic.
Trying to focus on that and not the shame, I calmed my racing thoughts and felt better after my self-chastise. The patriarchy wanted us all to hate one another, but screw that. We got nowhere as women by knocking each other down. Even the bitchy waitress deserved some kindness. If I didn't show her, who would?
Feeling self-empowered, I held my head high as I watched the bottom of the warehouse begin to fill up. Nicco had apparently gotten up during my inner turmoil and returned with some paper towels and two drinks, non-spit-filled ones.
"Thanks, Nicco."
"You're welcome, beautiful."
Comfortably leaning back into his arms, we sat and watched the people milling about and the energy the crowd infused into the space. Only a select few joined up top, and I began to understand the importance of this section. Nicco kept a light graze over my body in different places, causally leaving me breathless as we sipped our drinks.
I was a panting mess when I recognized a person below who'd just walked in. Shock hit me first, not expecting to see him in this setting, except when Nicco leaned over and pointed him out, anger built within me at what he was implying.
"There's Crash. He's a badass fighter and often brings in a lot of money for his matches."
Twisting my head, our faces only centimeters apart, I zeroed in on Nicco's eyes. "There's no fucking way he's fighting tonight!"
Nicco blinked, taking in my pissed-off expression, unsure how to respond to my declaration. Crossing my arms, I glared at him to make sure he understood.
"I mean it, Nicco. He can't. If I mean anything to you, stop it. Please."
My voice broke a little on the plea, but I think it was what swayed him to take me seriously. He slowly nodded his head and waved for someone to come over. He whispered into the man's ear before sending him off to hopefully stop Wells from getting killed.
"Okay, Loren. I asked Beau to gather Crash. What don't I know?"
Ascertaining he trusted me and didn't doubt my demand, I exhaled, some of the anger leaving me. "He was attacked last night and had at least a couple of broken ribs, a concussion, and several bruises and cuts. If he fought again, he'd probably puncture a lung and die. He can't fight, Nicco. He just can't."
As I'd been detailing this out to Nicco, Wells had been delivered to the table, hearing my plea.
"Well, well, kitten. It seems someone has been keeping secrets."
Glaring at the asshole whose life I was attempting to save, I almost wanted to take it back and let him suffer for being such an insufferable ass. Nicco stepped in, stopping Wells and me before we could throw any barbs.
"Crash, just the man I've been trying to gain an audience with for months now. Please, have a seat. It seems we have something to discuss."
Wells sent me a death glare as he gingerly sat across from us, only proving my point.
"Now, where would you like to start?" Nicco questioned. His voice had this whole new level of authority, and while it wasn't the right time to feel aroused, I couldn't help the slow buildup he'd been doing the past hour to my body. Warring emotions filled me as I attempted to focus. Logically, I knew I needed to take this seriously and maintain my guard around the surly asshole. Yet, Nicco's hand kept up an insistent movement as he rubbed up and down my leg while he spoke. Unabashedly, I found myself spreading wider, tempting him to touch me where I wanted him to.
"There's nothing to discuss. Whatever kitten here told you, is a lie," spat Wells.
"Hmm, is that so? Well, okay then, there's an easy way to prove this. Let's get Beau back here and let him hit you in the stomach, and if you stay standing, then I guess beautiful was mistaken. Fair?"
Wells swallowed but knew he couldn't deny it, so he nodded. I saw him flick his eyes to me before he stood up, derision heavy in them. Sorry, asshole, I tried to save you, but you threw a temper tantrum. It was time you made your voice heard. Admitting your weakness was the strongest thing you could do. I just didn't know if Wells was strong enough.