His chest rumbled as he grasped my chin gently, searching my face. “I think you know that we aren’t talking about being friends, Maya.”
I winced and shook my head, “Marco…”
He pressed a kiss to the corner of my lips and I shivered, leaning closer to him. Grasping his arms as he let out a soft dangerous sound, nuzzling my neck gently. I whimpered as I felt his grip tighten.
“Marco,” Sai stated carefully as Marco looked up, narrowing his eyes, but shaking his head muttering a curse. I clung onto him still.
Clara handed Atlas a bag. “How do you feel about starting this Sunday?”
I snapped out of the odd haze I was in and nodded, “I’d love that. I will be here, what time?”
“We open at noon, wear something you don’t mind getting paint on.”
With that, we were out the door and I tried to take the bag from Atlas, but he just tucked me under his arm. When we reached a velvet overhang, the sound of soft music in a language I didn’t completely recognize came over head. It sounded a bit like French, but I only knew that because I’d listened through the floorboards to hear the old french films my mother liked.
I made the mistake of voicing this and all three men stilled as we made it through the door. I acted like what I’d said was perfectly fine and instead focused on the young man standing at the booth in the front. A million different senses hit me and a warm flush had me taking off my jacket and laying it across my arm.
“Hi there.” The younger man flashed me a grin, “what can I do for you?”
“We want to eat here,” I offered a smile as he chuckled like I was joking. His eyes flickered over my shoulder, “the four of you?”
I noticed all three men seemed to be having some conversation so I ignored them. I shrugged, “sure.”
His grin grew as he grabbed menus, “quite the handsome entourage you have there.”
My lips pressed together, “they are pretty handsome,” I murmured following him. I heard footsteps behind me as Atlas’ arm wrapped around me protectively. If Sai was all fire, Atlas was calm and steady, making me feel protected. Marco though made me feel like a flame was bursting out from under my skin, dangerous and extreme. At the same time, there was a contrast of safety and control he exuded.
“Calm down,” the man ‘tsked’ to Marco’s frustrated expression, “her and I bat for the same team. If anything, it’s you who should be worried.”
Now, Ididknow what that meant.
Father had hated men who liked other men. I didn’t understand why it mattered, so I let loose a small laugh because the host seemed to find it so funny. I wiggled from Atlas and walked next to the man as he began to talk about a bunch of different foods before finally reaching the small circular booth that was lit up by candles. He winked and I slid in running my hands over the soft material of the seat as Atlas slid in on one side and Marco on the other, my eyes tracing Sai’s still darkened expression.
“What can I start you with to drink?” He asked curiously.
Marco barked off some order and the man rolled his eyes, amused before walking away. I looked over the carefully polished silverware and very clear glasses. I touched my finger against the flower arrangement and realized they were very much real.
“Maya,” Atlas started, “what do you mean, you used to listen to them through the floorboards?”
I frowned, confused, “I’m not sure how many different ways that can be taken.”
Sai chuckled, “she makes a fair point.”
Marco grunted, “honey, I think it would help all of us if you gave us just a bit more knowledge about where you lived before this. I mean, you can’t blame us, you aren’t even registered with the state, Maya.”
I sighed and crossed my arms, “I told you I lived in Louisiana. I lived in a church. I don’t know why we need to talk more about it than that. I mean, realistically, it’s over and as of this Saturday, when I turn 18, it really won’t matter. Isn’t that enough?”
“No,” Marco stated evenly. “Can you at least tell us where the bruises were from?”
“An accident,” I mumbled.
“Maya,” Marco was practically begging.
“Remember earlier when you told me I should just relax and enjoy this? Well, let’s do that. I can explain tomorrow if you want me to,” I whispered, knowing once they realized what a freak I was, they wouldn’t want to spend time with me anymore.
“Tomorrow,” Atlas stated softly and I nodded.
I let out a happy hum as the waiter appeared and offered us menus. I took a moment to breathe in their different warm and fresh scents, knowing that when tomorrow came, I would at least have a job to look forward to on Sunday.