26
Mark knew this wasn’t the time for introspection. He frantically tried to mediate, restraining Ethan while simultaneously signaling to Peter. “Ethan, you misunderstood. Maybe Peter and Natalie met abroad… I mean…” Mark stumbled over his words; no matter how he phrased it, it
Who furious. be
could tolerate their was wrong.
Given
Any
man
would
their
long
friendship,
stealing their girlfriend?
best friend
Mark didn’t
want
a
‘bitter
feud. He
hoped
Peter
would
back
down.
However, Peter delivered a crushing blow. “I never got in the middle of anything, and I knew Natalie before you. You’re the one who came later. I don’t deserve that label.”
His
tone
calm, was
stating a
simple
fact.
Mark’s hope
died. He rubbed
his temples, whispering, Crap!”
As Mark expected, Ethan was enraged and lunged at Peter. A dull thud echoed. Peter stumbled slightly; his face flushed. He wiped the blood from his lip, the calm in his eyes replaced with a cold fury.
Ethan, still seething, threw a second punch with the force threatening to rip the air apart. But this time, Peter caught his fist. Peter’s eyes were icy, his gaze sharp.“I took that first punch, and we’re even. You don’t get to throw me a second one!”
He retaliated with
a
well
powerful
and
punch.
Ethan
stumbled
back,
barely
you
her abandoned
for
another
woman.
maintaining
You
his balance.
had
it
coming!”
“You didn’t
her treat “You gave her hope, then dashed it. Ethan, what’s the difference between you and those who looked down on her?”
Ethan’s
Peter’s
voice
low was
and powerful,
word each
a
heavy blow.
eyes
reddened. He lunged again.
Two exceptionally capable men, transformed into irrational beasts, fighting like crazy. The sounds of impact, shattering glass, and flesh colliding filled the room.
Mark shouted anxiously, “Stop it! Stop fighting!”
They ignored him. As Peter removed his jacket, he glanced at Mark, a mocking smile playing on his lips. Pointing at Mark, he said to Ethan, “Ask Mark how he feels about her someday.”
Mark froze. He wanted to explain, but the fight resumed.
Mark went outside to call the bar manager, who was equally panicked. He dared not intervene. The two men were both bigshots, and he couldn’t even call the police. He looked at Jack.“What do we do?”
The assistant was sweating profusely, wondering if he should intervene. Then, an idea struck him.“Let me try contacting Miss Ellis.”
< 27
