Freddie had to tense and tell himself that this was for the best. He didn't need her. He didn't want her in his life and he certainly hadn't asked her to come. He didn't love her anymore. He was in love with someone else. Someone who loved him back. He watched her as she began to walk away and forcibly reminded himself of their conversation in the bar. It didn't matter how much he tried, she was always going to reject him. He just needed a thicker skin.

There was a particular glint as he looked at Anatoly. He'd come here to help the other man get out a little aggression, maybe figure out what was going on with him, but now he was beginning to lead toward just beating him senseless.

"I think you can do better than calling me a child."