I almost laughed. “How much money do you think we make off a tour like this? Scott and Trash Gun are the draw, we’re making up the numbers. It’s not like we’re Guns ’n’ Roses on a comeback tour.”
His expression didn’t change. “Then I guess you’ll have to find it from somewhere else.” He reached out and ran a hand down my arm and I flinched away from him. “Maybe sell some of your…” Carl didn’t finish his sentence, as Tris’ voice floated along the corridor.
“Saff! What’s taking you so long?”
I let out a relieved sigh.
“Well, well, this is a nice surprise,” said Carl as Tris approached us.
A look of uncertainty clouded Tris’ expression, which soon changed to one of recognition as he clocked Carl.
“What’s going on?” He looked between me and Carl, eyes dark, suspicious.
“Reacquainting myself with your lovely girlfriend. Seeing if there was anything she needed. You know, after last time.” Carl gave a harsh cackle.
Glancing down at Tris’ hands, I saw him ball them into fists. “We should walk away, he’s not worth it, Tris.” My voice was low, but not enough for Carl not to hear.
“Not worth it, huh? It’s not what you were saying when you were practically begging me for smack. Not to mention how much you wanted me. It was such a shame I didn’t get the opportunity to shag you. I bet you’re filthy in bed.”
Carl barely had time to breathe before Tris pounced on him, the first to throw a punch. It was a heavy blow and I swear I heard a bone crunch. Had Tris broken Carl’s nose again? I had never seen him this angry. It almost scared me, even though I knew he was only doing it to protect me.
They fought and tussled, each of them throwing punches. The noises of fist against bone jarred through me. I was rooted to the spot, not able to speak as Tris drove his fists relentlessly into Carl’s body. Carl retaliated, getting a few weak shots in around Tris’ ribs, before catching him unawares with a crunching right hook to his jaw. Tris stumbled clawing at the wall for balance, but fell, landing awkwardly on the ground. Carl loomed over him, raining sloppy punches as Tris cowered away. Then, as I thought he’d given up, he twisted and hooked a leg around Carl’s ankles, causing him to topple with a heavy thud. Before I knew it, they were wrestling, each of them trying to get the upper hand. As Carl’s fist made contact with Tris’ right eye socket, I suddenly found my voice and screamed.
I hollered as loudly as I could to catch people’s attention, to get help.
The corridor, which moments ago had been so quiet and empty suddenly buzzed with at least half a dozen bodies, all trying to pull the two men away from each other. Tris struggled to get out of the grasp of the two security guards restraining him, aiming a kick in Carl’s direction where he could. I tried to get closer to him, to say thank you, to get him away from this place. But in the confusion, I saw two police officers appear and speak to another man, who I guessed was either the manager or at least some person in authority. They spoke in hushed tones and I struggled to hear what they were saying.
Before I knew what was happening, Tris had been handcuffed and was being led out of the bar.
“No!” I screamed after them. “You can’t arrest him; it wasn’t his fault!” I tried to follow them, but one of the security guards stopped me.
Carl was also escorted out, blood seeping from a cut lip. “He’s going to pay for this, bitch. I’m not going to let it happen again.”
My legs gave out from under me and I collapsed on the floor, tears streaming down my face. What the hell had just happened?
22
Tris
“Saff! Saff!” I twisted and tried to yank myself out of the grasp of the police officer who had a vice-like grip on my upper arm. Pain shot down my ribs and I cried out.
Being dragged through the main body of the club like some kind of animal was humiliating. I could feel the stares of the assembled crowd on me, judging me, deciding I was guilty without knowing any of the facts.
Darren tried to grab me as I went past him. “Tris? What the fuck’s happened? Where are they taking you?”
I swivelled my head around. “Make sure Saff is okay. Look after her, Darren, please? She’s going to need you.”
When we were outside, the officer bundled me into the back of a police car. As we waited to leave, I saw Carl come out. His face was a mess.
I’d done that.
Not one part of me regretted it. The way he’d been talking to Saff… how he’d insinuated she wanted him… wanted the drugs he’d plied her with.
He deserved everything he got.
Did it mean I did too? I was protecting the woman I loved more than anything in the world.
Surely they would be able to see that.
