Perseverance

Chapter Seventeen ~ April

I can't tear my eyes away as Ellis steps back from the guy in front of him, his entire body tensed, fists still clenched as he looks down at his victim. I'm startled by what just happened, unable to comprehend that Ellis swooped in to help me.

A sudden gasp has my attention turning to the end of the corridor, other customers of the bar gathering and looking on in panic and shock. Shit.

"Ellis!" I exclaim, grabbing hold of him, his angry blue gaze meeting mine. "Let's go!" I reach for his hand, ignoring the tingles that erupt from the contact, instead yanking him after me, not letting him argue as we push past the crowd.

I don't slow in my pace, making a beeline for the exit, ignoring as Miss Blondie calls for Ellis, shooting her a death glare. Pushing the door open, we leave the bar and I finally take a deep breath, allowing the fresh air to fill my lungs.

"Becky." Ellis' voice is low, ridiculously quiet, and I turn to look at him. His eyes meet mine, the two of us drawn into a silent conversation, needing no words, the intense emotions burning between us. Something just happened in there, and I can't shake the idea that suddenly, everything has changed.

"We need to get out of here," I force out, reluctantly tearing my eyes from his, letting go of his hand and looking back up the street. "Someone might call the cops."

"Wait!" he exclaims, gently placing his hand on my arm, turning me back to him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I retort with a shrug. "We need to-"

"Becky!"

"I had it under control," I reply, shaking my head. I did. I was okay back there. "But... thank you. For your help."

He merely nods, letting go of my arm as I turn away. We fall into step, silent as we walk down the next street, away from the bar. I don't need to open my mouth and say anything to know that neither of us will ever be going back there.

I've never had problems like that in there before, the bar has always been a little rundown, but never unpleasant. It only takes one bad fish to ruin the entire plate of food.

"You're not dressed like a slut," Ellis says suddenly and I turn to look up at him.

"I know." I shrug. "Some people like to make their own opinions about me. That's fine."

Ellis is silent for all of ten seconds before he speaks up ."I never thought it was okay. Not even back when we were in high school."

"You... you knew what they said about me?"

"I knew what Ashley used to call you. All the cheerleaders chatting shit behind your back," he admits with a grimace on his face. "It may surprise you to learn that most of the football players never listened to a word."

"I am surprised!" I exclaim. "And I'm not sure I believe you."

"Brett used to say that women and men are the same," he replies. "If a woman scores a man, you cheer for her as you would cheer for each other."

"That's funny." I smirk. "How long was that before he cheated on Savannah with her best friend?"

"People make mistakes!" Ellis objects, laughing slightly. "God, it was such a mess back then."

"It still is," I remind him, shaking my head.

"I can't believe the two of them are still ignoring each other. Especially seeing as us two are together."

"Whoa!" I come to a grinding halt, holding my arm out. "Do not use the word 'us' and 'together' in the same sentence."

"Why?" Ellis replies quickly, stepping closer, the tip of my finger pressing against his chest. "Does it scare you?" The low tone he uses, coupled with the actual words, has my heart skipping a slight beat, irregular breathing leaving my lips.