Page 35 of Dark Bonds

“Well, wait until you see the place I’m taking you to. It will all be worth it.”

“You know, I could be more excited if you told me where we were going.”

“You do know the definition of a surprise, right? Why don’t we stop and have coffee and something to eat.”

“Coffee would probably be a really good idea. There’s a café I go to all the time about ten minutes from here.”

“Sure, whatever you like.”

We pulled into the parking lot and I parked, both of us getting out of the car. I led her into the café with my hand resting on her lower back. I had to admit, it smelled absolutely amazing.

“Do you want to get a table for us, Jason? I want to surprise you with breakfast.”

“You don’t need to…”

“Listen, I get to surprise you sometimes, too. Please let me do this.”

“Okay, I see a booth near the back. I’ll grab it now.”

I shook my head, telling myself to ignore her smug grin. I slid into the booth and took out my phone, checking my work email. The sound of shouting drew my attention. When I realized where it was coming from, I saw red.

“You whore! Do you have any idea how badly you fucked up?”

“Tad, fuck off,” Leah hissed.

“You got my friend fired. You had to open your fucking mouth and get me banned.”

“Seriously, just leave me alone!”

“I don’t think so. You’re going to come with me and give me what I should have gotten that night,” he yelled, grabbing her arm.

The tray with our breakfast went clattering to the floor and Leah started falling with the force of Tad’s pulling. Without even thinking about it, I ripped his hand off her arm, grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the closest wall.

“The only people to blame for that night are you and that dumb ass bouncer. You aren’t owed anything. You leave her alone. If you ever touch her again, I’ll fucking end you,” I growled, my breaths coming fast.

A small hand landed on my arm and I knew in an instant it belonged to Leah.

“It’s okay, Jason. He’s not going to bother me again. Isn’t that right, Tad?” she asked pointedly.

He tried to respond but my hand was still wrapped tight around his neck. He clawed uselessly at my hand, his face bright red.

“Jason, let him go. Don’t let him ruin our day together.”

Realizing she was right, I released the little prick, getting some satisfaction as he sank to the floor, gasping for breath.

“He tried to kill me!” he wheezed. “You all saw it!”

“I didn’t see anything of a sort. What I saw was you accosting one of my customers and this nice young man stepping in to defend her. Now, get the hell out and stay out. I don’t need your bullshit in my café,” said the manager in a steely tone.

Tad looked around the room and when it was clear that no one was going to step in to help him, stormed out, the door slamming against the wall.

“Sam, I’m so sorry,” Leah started.

“Leah, don’t say another word. This isn’t on you. Why don’t you two go sit down and I’ll bring your breakfast to you.”

“Let me pay you for…”

He cut me off too, refusing payment of any sort for the extra food. Leah and I simply walked to the booth and sat, waiting for our breakfast to be delivered.

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