Cross My Heart I'm Dead

Chapter 22

"I'm not gonna leave," Ash said stubbornly.

"Then I will," I jumped off the stool only to be pulled back down again by Derek.

"Why? I was just about to pound this guy," Derek said.

"Yet you didn't pound Toby," I replied.

"You didn't let me and besides he had a gun," I smiled and sat on the bar table.

"Okay, Ashton do you dare take on Derek?" I challenged knowing that his pride would get in the way of his brain. If he had one that is.

"Yeah whatever," he said, getting off his stool. Derek chuckled and faced me and Bartender.

"Get me a victory beer will ya?" He asked, getting up on his feet.

"Okay, everyone gather round and move the tables and pool table to the side. Fight one is to begin!" I cheered out and everyone did as told and made a ring around the two of them.

"You have two minutes to knock out your opponent and Derek, go easy on him," he shook his head.

"I'll think about it." I rang a bell and the fight had started. Derek had already punched Ashton twice in the stomach and it was only twenty seconds in. He hadn't been hit once and I think that Ashton was going to go out with the next hit. Ashton stumbled back a few steps and Derek lunged forwards and planted one of his hardest punches to his face; making a cracking sound and knocking him down.

"1, 2, 3. OUT!" I shouted and there was an applause from the crowd. "Who wants a fight next? It doesn't have to be with Derek," I said and everyone went quiet.

"I do. Against Alexis Redmond," it was a voice that I would recognise anywhere.

"What do you want Jester?" I asked. Everyone cleared away, leaving me, Derek, Ashton, Bartender, Jester and Jester's crew.

"Oh I think you know exactly what I want. Don't you?" He smirked and I glared at him.

"Get. Out." I growled, my hand already reaching for my gun.

"Or what?"

"That's it. Sorry sir but I do not want any trouble here. These fights are fist fights between opponents of the same ability. No one too skilled and no one too weak. The fight before was an exception as we had a stupid, stubborn trouble maker. Please either get a drink and don't start a fight or leave," Bartender saved me and I gave him a thankful smile which he returned with a curt nod.

"So you will allow members of the Shadow gang but not us? Bit onsided isn't it?" Cray asked which caused Bartender put down the wine bottle in his hand.

"They have proved to not start any fights and to keep all gang business out of here. I only allow a few of them and I never said that you couldn't stay. I said you have to leave if you cause any mischief," he replied.

"Fine, but I'll be back for you Redmond. Spend your last few days wisely," I narrowed my eyes at him as he turned around and left the pub.

"Okay, so who wanted a fight?" I asked, resuming what we were doing and ignoring the new threat.

"What the fuck Alexis!? You just got a death threat from a gang leader!" Bartender exclaimed.

"I know that! Just let me forget that for one night. All I want to do is forget about who I am okay? Can I have that for one day?" I sighed as I sat back down on a stool, taking another shot.

"Of course you can," Derek said softly, wrapping his arms around me. I leaned back into his chest and he kissed my forehead. "How bot you have a fight? Let off some steam," he suggested and I nodded. "Anyone up for a fight against Alexis?" There was complete silence and Derek chuckled.