Chapter 5 *You are the reason*

He was here.

Anthonio was here.

He wasn't looking at her but at the man before her, who had been trying to kiss her just now.

“And who the fuck are you?” The man turned facing Anthonio fully.

“Your worst nightmare.” Anthonio's voice was deceivingly calm but his gaze held something dangerous.

The man scoffed. “Scram off man. I'm talking to my babe here.”

“I don't think she is your babe, she wouldn't settle for a scumbag like you.” This time Anthonio spared her a fleeting glance.

“You are really asking for it man. Scram off.” The man snarled.

They were already getting people's attention and some had already stopped dancing.

They were anticipating a fight.

Marley's stomach twisted. This man here looked like someone who could crush anyone especially Anthonio who was a feet shorter than him.

“It is you that should scram off. The woman said she isn't interested. You should know when to accept a rejection.” 

“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?” The man jerked his forefinger into Anthonio's shoulder.

People jeered but didn't expect what happened next.

They heard bones breaking.

Anthonio had taken the finger and twisted it.

The man roared in hurt holding his broken finger.

“Don't ever touch me with that filthy hand of yours.” Anthonio stared at Marley with Jessica behind her.

He took her hand and dragged her off the chair. She staggered but was steadied by Anthonio.

He started leading them out but the fight wasn't over.

Anthonio heard the man standing up and dodged a blow from the furious man.

He landed a side blow to the man's nose and it broke.

People gasped.

The man sprawled on the floor with a bloody nose and Anthonio dragged Marley and Jessica out of the club.

“What were you doing in a place like this?” He lashed at Marley.

“Don't speak to me like I'm a baby.” Marley mumbled.

“You could have gotten into a lot of trouble tonight.”

“Yes I know, but that doesn't give you the right to speak to me like a kid. And you are the reason why I'm here in the first place.” Marley raised her voice.

“Me?” He narrowed his eyes at her.

“Yes you. Shifting the interview today, making me cancel a date with my boyfriend. We had planned a lot of things but you just had to go and spoil it.” Marley flared, her eyes screaming fire.

“You are the reason my boyfriend cheated on me today. I wasn't there for him and he went into another woman's pant, and it's all your fault. So don't you dare ask me questions when you don't know anything.” She said and breathed hard.

Anthonio just stared at her flushed face.

“You shouldn't justify a man's unfaithfulness.” His voice was calmer now.

Marley blinked her eyes and turned her face away from him.

“I am not justifying him. I'm just stating some reasons.” Her voice cracked.

“I want to go home.” She said to Jessica who had been quiet all along.

Jessica nodded.

“You know you guys can't get a ride by this time right? It's late. I'll take you guys home.” Anthonio offered.

Marley shook her head but Jessica grabbed the opportunity.

“Of course kind sir, we will be honored. Let's go Marley.” She took Marley's hand and they followed Anthonio to his car.

He opened the car door for them and they got in.

He made a phone call before getting into the car and drove them off.

~~~~~~

Back in the club, people continued their activities seeing that there was no more show for them to watch, leaving the injured man to his own discomfort.

Someone tapped the injured man on the ground who was still holding his broken nose. It was the manager of the club.

“You need to follow me somewhere.”

“Where?” The man groaned.

The manager signaled to two bouncers and they lifted the man off the ground.

“Where are you taking me to?” The man struggled against them but it was futile.

“Mr K needs to speak to you.” The manager said mysteriously.

“Who the fuck is Mr K?”

~~~~~~

Anthonio first dropped Jessica off at her house and proceeded to drive Marley to hers.

Marley was already sleeping and Anthonio stared at her through the rear mirror.

She had her head to one side and a bit of her hair covered her face.

He stopped at her house.

“Wake up.” He shaked her hand.

She got up with a start, her hand grabbing his in a defense stance.

She stared at him for a beat before realization creeped into her eyes.

“Sorry.” She released his hand and brushed her hair back.

“Where had you learned that defense skill from?” 

Marley's hand stopped at the door knob before opening it.

“None of your business.” She got out.

Anthonio didn't get out but watched her from the car as she fumbled with her house key, then she glanced back at him and bowed her head and then she stepped into her house.

Anthonio sighed and a call came in.

“Have you taken him to the room?”

“Yes sir.” a voice replied.

~~~~~~~

Anthonio drove back to the club frenzily. His face was darkened now and his eyes held something dangerous.

The club was more crowded now, this was the real hour of the night.

He wormed his way to a secluded place with no one around.

He approached a room and opened it.

It was dark , but Anthonio was used to the darkness, it was like his second home, where he found peace; peace from torturing monsters.

Something in his jaw ticked and excitement danced in his eyes.

“Welcome sir.” The manager came forward and Anthonio handed his coat over to him.

The two bouncers from earlier brought a third person forward and forced him on his knees.

The person was the man that was involved in a fight with Anthonio.

Anthonio sat on the stool offered to him, facing the man.

“Well, well , well.” His voice sounded like the devil himself.

“You?” Recognition hit the man and he struggled with the hands pr

essing him down.

“Who the fuck are you? Are you Mr K? What do you want from me?!” 

Anthonio chuckled darkly.

And the man's heart thumped faster than usual.