Chapter 5 - Paper Birds and Warm MilkMarcus gasped in pain, immediately releasing Alara as he was spun around.
Julian stood towering over him, his dark eyes cold as ice, his expression radiating an aura of lethal authority.
“Take your hand off her,” Julian commanded in a quiet, dangerous tone that silenced the entire diner.
Marcus tried to pull away, but Julian’s grip was unyielding. “Who the hell are you? Her new sugar daddy?” Marcus sneered, trying to mask his terror with bravado.
“I am a man who suggests you walk out that door before I have my security detail process your outstanding arrest warrants for fraud and unpaid child support,” Julian whispered directly into Marcus’s ear.
Marcus’s eyes widened in realization. Recognizing that he was outmatched by someone with immense power, he ripped his arm free, spat on the linoleum floor, and backed out into the torrential rain, cursing under his breath.
The diner fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.
Alara stood breathing heavily, rubbing her reddened wrist. Her pride was wounded once again, exposed before the customers and the man who sat at Table Seven.
Julian turned to her, his harsh demeanor vanishing instantly, replaced by a deep, aching concern. “Are you all right?”
Alara looked at him, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I didn't ask for your help, Mr. Vance.”
“I know,” Julian said softly, stepping back to give her space. “And I didn't offer it to make you indebted to me. I did it because no one should ever put their hands on you.”
He walked back to Table Seven, sat down, and picked up a paper napkin. With slow, methodical movements, he folded the paper into a delicate, perfect origami crane.
Mia stepped out from her booth, walking slowly toward him. Julian handed her the paper bird.
“Is this a magic dinosaur?” Mia asked softly.
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“It’s a crane,” Julian smiled gently. “In old stories, if you fold a thousand of them, your wish comes true.”
Mia looked up at her mother, then back at Julian. “Can I sit with you tonight, Mr. Julian? Mommy looks like she needs a paper bird too.”
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