Chapter 2

Melanie gave me that look, full of contempt, like I was some dirt she wouldn't even bother to step on. Her disgust was written all over her face.

I'd seen that same look from plenty of people like Melanie, rich types who think they're better than folks like me, just trying to survive at the bottom.

It used to bother me at first, but after seeing it so many times, I just stopped caring. It was just a look, and getting worked up over it didn't change a thing. In the end, I was the only one left feeling hurt.

Seeing me standing off to the side, barely daring to breathe, Melanie let out a mocking laugh. "Kohen, when did your standards drop so low? You actually have your eye on a bartender like her?"

Her holier-than-thou tone was just like something I'd see on TV.

She was the star, and I was just background noise, not even worth a line.

Kohen let go of my hand and yanked me into his arms. "So what if she's a bartender? I like her, and honestly, she's a thousand times better than you."

His grip on my waist was so fierce, I honestly thought he might break me in half.

That was it for Melanie. She finally snapped.

She stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.

My mind went blank, totally knocked senseless.

My face was on fire, and it puffed up in no time.

People always liked to pick on the easy targets. She wouldn't dare do anything to Kohen, but she took all her frustration out on me.

I glared at Melanie, resentment burning in my eyes. If she dared to hit me again, I'd give it right back to her. I was not afraid of her.

Just as Melanie was about to take another swing at me, Kohen swatted her hand aside.

Melanie's eyes went teary in an instant, staring at Kohen like she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "So you're really going to stand up for her?" she yelled.

Seeing Melanie about to cry, Kohen couldn't stand it. His voice softened right away. "Come on, Melanie, don't be like this. I—"

Before he could finish, Melanie slapped him hard, tilted her chin up all proud, and snapped, "We're through, Kohen. And for the record, I'm dumping you."

With that, she spun around and stormed off.

Kohen was fuming, yelling after her retreating figure, "Fine, break up. Whoever crawls back first is a loser."

Melanie's steps paused for a moment, but she didn't stop.

I kept sneaking glances at Kohen. When he saw Melanie hesitate, his eyes lit up. If she'd just backed down a little, I bet he'd have patched things up with her right then and there.

But Melanie was way too stubborn, walking out as she meant it, leaving Kohen standing there, secretly hoping she'd turn around, looking like a complete idiot.

Even though Kohen was pissed, his eyes stayed glued to Melanie's back until she vanished out the bar door.

As soon as Melanie walked out, Kohen just slumped onto the couch like he'd been hollowed out inside, totally out of it.

The crowd, never missing a chance for drama, started making a scene.

"Hey, man, your ex was way off. You've actually got great taste. This girl's totally your type," someone blurted out.

"Seriously, she's way prettier than your ex, and she took that slap for you without even saying a word," another chimed in.

"Hey, beautiful, your face is all puffy. Need me to kiss it better?" a third voice added.

"Let me have a turn too," a third voice added.

Kohen came back to himself when the crowd started jeering and shot them an annoyed glare.

He looked at my swollen cheek and said, "Sorry about that. Let me transfer you some cash for the doctor, just to make it up to you."

I was short on cash, but my ambitions were bigger than that. I wanted more.

I gave him a playful smile. "You've already covered the doctor bill. If you really want to make it up to me, just make sure you ask for me at the bar next time you want a drink."

He hesitated for a moment, the dark look on his face fading away. "Alright."

When a guy was nursing a broken heart, he'd reach for the bottle to drown his sorrows, and that was when it was easiest to slip right in.