His pulse had warned him
Hours ago.
Now she stood,
Indignant in indigo,
Mingling, dazzling,
Romancing the slither of sapphires
Concealing her bruised heart
With a vermilion fingernail.

Champagne and charm concealed her aqua gaze
Trained on the doorway.


She stepped forward.

Suddenly, he knew.

He slid from the barstool.
Hurled insults and vodka ice down an unsuspecting cleavage.

Pandemonium.

She ran.

He nursed a bloody nose.
Closed his eyes.
Exhaled relief.

Once again, she was safe.