BLACK – POV (Edited)
We were in the limousine. I don't know why my father and Lisa were so comfortable. I hate riding in a limousine—it feels like I'm inside the back of a snake. I know it's stupid, but that's how it feels.
"We're here."
Yes, Dad, the car stopped. It's obvious we're here. I hate fancy restaurants. It's like being in a TV show—always under the eyes and flashes of the press and paparazzi.
"Baby, what's wrong? Your face is pale."
"Lisa, you know how much I hate the fucking limousine. Why do you make me ride with you?"
"I told you, Frank. Look what you did to my baby."
"He's not your baby," Dad said. "I'm your baby, and I want you to ride like the princess you are."
"Dad, can you keep your flirting for your bedroom? I'm her baby, so stop being jealous and let's go. I have work waiting for me."
My parents are loyal customers, so they welcomed us immediately and took us to our table without questions.
"Welcome, Mr., Mrs., and Mr. Claude. Your waiter will be with you shortly. I wish you a good evening."
"I'm going to the restroom. I want red wine—and don't order for me, Dad. Wait until I'm back."
I washed my face and was about to return to the table when I felt a hand on my shoulder. My body stiffened, my heart beating too fast. When I turned, it was a girl I didn't know.
"You're the famous Black Claude. My name is Jude. Do you want to have some fun?"
"I want you to step back and never touch me again."
I took two steps away, but she grabbed my hand. I panicked. I wasn't listening anymore. She wouldn't let me go. She got closer, talking to another girl who reached out and touched my face.
---
SUNNY – POV (Edited)
I was swaying between the tables, just like my boss always tells me.
"Mr. John, I need to take my break."
"Okay, Sunny. Tell Gloria to take your place."
I was heading out when I saw the man in black with two women—one holding his hand, the other touching his face. He didn't look like a womanizer this morning. I was about to keep walking when I saw his face.
I panicked.
He looked terrified, like he wasn't even here anymore.
"Maybe we should go to the club you own. How about giving us a pass to the VIP section?"
That bitch was harassing him. Why was he reacting like this? He was so mean to me earlier—maybe I should go back to work.
But then he started shaking.
I couldn't stop myself.
"You bitch, stay away from him or I'll call security."
"What's your problem, stupid waiter? I'll get you fired. This is my uncle's restaurant."
"Hey, bitch, I'm not afraid of kicking your fake ass."
She stepped away. I turned to him—and froze when he suddenly threw his arm around my neck, hugging me tightly.
"What's going on here?" a man in his fifties asked angrily.
"We were just having some fun when this stupid waiter came in and started hugging our date."
"You stupid bitch, I'm not hugging him. Don't you have eyes? Or do you use your brain to grow your ass?" I took a breath. "Sorry, sir. Maybe you won't believe me, but these two women were harassing this man. I'm not hugging him—he's the one hugging me."
"Oh my God. Virgin Mary, have mercy on us," the woman gasped. "What did you do to him?"
I felt like I'd kidnapped him.
"Listen, ma'am, I didn't do anything to him. I stopped them from harassing him."
"He's lying," she said. "He's our date, and he's the one harassing us."
Oh God. Who was going to believe me now?
"You bitch! How could you do this to my son? I'll make you pay for this!"
"I told you, it's not—"
"What?" she snapped. "He's your son?"
"Yes," Lisa said calmly. "This is my son, and he's with us. And you two—you'd better leave before I call the police."
They ran.
"Hey, sir, can you let me go? The evil women aren't here anymore."
He didn't move.
"Sir, can you tell him to let me go? I need to get back to work or I'll be fired."
"He'll calm down in a few minutes," Lisa said softly. "Please stay. This is the first time he's touched someone other than us. Look at him—he's terrified. Don't worry about your job. I won't let anyone fire you."
I won't lie—I felt safe. Even though he was shaking, even though he was afraid, I felt safe in his arms. I placed one hand on his shoulder, the other around his waist, and closed my eyes.
"We're going outside," John said. "He'll be more comfortable when he comes back to himself."
I just nodded.
And there I was—hugging the man I pissed off this morning in the café.
---
BLACK – POV (Edited)
Slowly, I began to feel the world around me again. I felt safe. I thought my father had found me—thank God.
My eyes were heavy, but when everything cleared, I realized I was hugging someone.
A boy.
He was small. His scent was addictive. When he looked at me, I recognized him.
The café boy.
"Thank God you're okay. I was starting to panic. I was about to call 911."
His lips were so close. I wondered what it would feel like to kiss someone.
"I'm sorry I hugged you without permission."
"Your girlfriends were about to kill me. I'm sorry—but you really need to improve your taste."
"Maybe you can help me."
"I will—but you need to let me go first."
"If anyone—anyone—hears about this, you'll find yourself in hell. I promise you'll never find a job in this city."
Why did I say that? He didn't look like that kind of person. Why—
I felt his hand on my cheek.
"You're a horrible person. I could lose my job for staying here with you, and you're threatening me. I hope I never see you again."
I grabbed his hand—and was shocked by how normal it felt to touch him.
"Don't touch me. Don't talk to me. Don't even look at me," he snapped. "You stupid, handsome, black-hearted evil man."
Did he just say I'm handsome?