After Rebirth She Strikes Back (Simone) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Altre a few gongs, Simone slipped out to the restroom.

Phantom Beats was Sogin’s most exclusive club, where even the restrooms glittered with crystal chandeliers.

Since dried her hands and turned to leave when piercing screams cut through the music. Then, the followed the nose down the hall.

“Help! Somebody?” A girl in a slinky black dress cried out. Her hair was messy, and her legs were bare under a thigh–high shit. She struggled against. two muscular men who were dragging her toward the men’s restroom.

“Shut your mouth. One of them slapped her, and her head snapped to the side.

“Please… let me go, she whimpered.

The bald guy dug his fingers into her cheek. “Listen, lunch. Your dad sold you to our boss. So, you know what’s going on,

Simone didn’t recognize the girl’s voice. She stepped into their path. “Let her go

The bald man snerred. “Oh, look at this one. You wanna join us? With that, he reached for her.

ks his fingers grazed her sleeve. Simone just drove her boot into his gut. Fuck off”

The bold man crumpled, wheezing. He never thought a girl could be so powerful.

“You’re dead” His buddy swung a meaty fist at Simone’s head.

Simone ducked and punched him square in the eye. The

eskin beneath his

is lid purpled instantly

The bald man staggered up, snarling, “Stay outta this, or you’re next?

Simone mocked and tilted her chin, fists raised. “Try it.”

Around them, rich patrons passed by and glanced away. At Phantom Beats, this was just another Tuesday.

Themen lunged for Simone, trying to drag both Simone and the girl into the restroom.

Simone dodged their grabs and, in one swift move, stomped one guy’s knee into the floor while wrenching the other’s arm behind his back until he Howled in pain. They dropped to their knees, crying on, “Let go. Please!”

“Apologize, Simone said, her voice cold and sharp,

‘re sorry. Please, in un got the bald guy pleaded.

те

“Never again. We swear?” his burdy echoed

Two burly men were groveling to a teenage girl. It looked really creepy.

Not utasbed, Simone twisted their arms harder, nodding toward the trembling girl. “Apologize to her.”

Te sorry. We were wrong. Never again! They bowed dramatically toward the trembling girl while tears dripped from their chins

“Get hast, Samone snapped and released them with a grimace.

Sansone walled until they vanished before approaching the girl. She knelt down, keeping her voice gentle. “Are you hurt?”

The girl kept her head dowo, silent. Simone softened her tone–sething she rarely did. “They’re gone. You’re safe”

Joanine kept her face buried in her knees, but Simone’s voice eased the panic in her chest. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to look up.

Of all the ways to meet again.“Joanne mocked inwardly. Her eyes burned, and silent tears soaked into her black dress. Then something warm draped over her treinbling shoulders–Simodie’s cual,

“Op liome,” Simone said as she stood. “Don’t wander alone at night.”

When Janne didn’t respond, Sin

Simane dala’t push arad just walked away.

As Simone’s footsteps faded, a sharp, aching emptiness filled Joanne’s chest. She gripped the coat and lurched to her feet. “Simone,

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Chapter 38

Simone turned, her eyebrows lifting siglatly. “It’s you?” Her tone was flat, with just a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

“Thank you for saving ine.” Joanne’s pulse raced as she stared at Simone

Somone’s face still brld traces of the girl she once knew, but now it felt cold–like a wall Joanne couldn’t break through. “Surprised to see me?” Jonne laughed, but the sound was hirter.

Joanne’s thoughts raced with frustration. Of all people, Simone has to see me like this–going from that confident girl to a punching bag. Pathetic. She must think I deserve it!

“Yeah. What miten luck, Simone said bluntly. Her eyes locked onto her designer coat–the one that cost a fortune–slung over Joanne’s shoulders. She winced inwardly but couldn’t bring herself to ask for it back…

Joanne flinched like she’d been slapped.

in slapped. Do you regret saving me?

into her

“I know it was you?” Simone crossed her arms. “I wouldn’t have bothered. She never let grudges die–Joanne’s old slights were carved in