Page 2 of Wylan

The protective side of me rears its head. The side of me that is all caring, nurturing, and protective. It’s a side of me I’ve kept buried deep since Justin passed away. All sense of professionalism momentarily leaves when I argue with Carl.

Seriously, fuck him for putting that broken look on his date’s face.

Cool fingers lightly brush against mine, and I have to remind myself not to be another villain in the little flower’s life. I take a deep breath and compose myself. I squeeze the young man’s fingers before pulling away and tucking my hands into my pockets.

Carl still doesn’t notice the exchange. Instead, he flings his arm toward the offensive couple with a huff. Carl admits that one of the guys making a scene is his ex. I slowly spin around, only to spot my friend Kingston on a date with his boy, Jamie. They are sitting in the VIP booth that’s shaped like a half circle. It’s tucked in the corner for privacy, but not too far away.

Half-eaten desserts are displayed in front of them, and Kingston’s arm is draped over his boy’s shoulder. His fingers are casually brushing over Jamie’s nipple. The sight is a beautiful one, but completely inappropriate in the middle of a damn restaurant.

I bite back a smile.

Kingston is a fellow Dom, and Jamie is an exhibitionist, like me. A hundred bucks says he’s discreetly fooling around with his boy under the tablecloth. The lust-drunk look on Jamie’s face gives them away. Anyone glancing over at them could easily become suspicious.

“My apologies, sir,” I say, interrupting the asshat. “Let me go speak with the couple.”

When I reach table twelve, Jamie’s eyes are closed, and little whimpers are tumbling from his mouth.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” I laugh.

Jamie’s eyes pop open, looking dazed and confused. “Ma-Master Seth?”

Kingston growls. “No, Jamison. It’s just Seth when we aren’t at the club.”

He pinches Jamie’s nipple with his thumb and forefinger. Hard.

“Oh, fuck,” Jamie whimpers.

“Hot, damn. Kingston.” I chuckle, trying to hide my own body’s reaction. “I didn’t know you were willing to play in public.”

“Oh my god, King, please. I can’t think straight. What’s Seth doing here? Am I dreaming?”

Kingston swipes at his phone, and just then I hear a slight vibration before it turns off. Jamie’s body relaxes before he makes a disgruntled sound.

“King,” he whines.

“Enough, Jamison. How can I help you?” Kingston asks.

I shake my head, amused. As much as I want to let my friend continue, I can’t let him feel up his boy in the middle of my restaurant. That’s what Dark Satin is for. “I’m so sorry, Kingston. I’m going to have to ask you to take it to your place, or the club, if you still want an audience.”

“Are you serious, Seth?” Kingston barks.

Kingston and Jamie launch into their story of how Jamie’s abusive ex is the one at fault here. My mind races for a solution before drifting back to the young man at the table with Carl. Is he okay? Is he in a similar situation? It’s none of my business, but damn. I want it to be. I make a silent promise to myself to follow the young man out to the parking lot. Just to make sure he’s safe. The protective Daddy side of me is back with a vengeance, but if the young guy tells me to back off, I will.

Call me stupid, but I felt something, and I’d be devastated if Carl lashed out at the young man because of what I plan to do next.

“As much as this has been entertaining, your ex has made quite a stink, Jamie. I apologize, but several people overheard, and I have a business to run,” I say in a tone loud enough for Carl to hear. Let the asshole think he’s won. I’m hoping by saying this out loud, it will reassure any of the other guests who are eavesdropping. I’ve acknowledged the complaint, but I’m also shining a negative light on Carl.

Jamie starts protesting, but I interrupt. “That being said, between us,” I whisper. “I fucking hate abusive pricks. I will make sure his name is on the banned list. He will not be allowed to set foot back in my restaurant. You two finish this dessert. Dinner is on me today. Next time you come back, I will reserve this table for you. Your next date is also on the house. Enjoy.”

Kingston relaxes, giving me a small, thankful nod.

I make my way back to Carl’s table, lean down, and whisper in his ear. “You have one minute to leave my restaurant, you abusive piece of shit.One minutebefore I call the cops.”

Carl’s face flames with embarrassment and rage. He stands abruptly, making his chair screech his chair in the process. He crumples his cloth napkin and throws it onto the table.

The balled-up napkin hits the wine glass. Before I can even react, it topples over and spills all over Carl’s date.

Carl shouts one last time before walking around the table and marching out the front door.

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