Darkest Desires [Joel Miller]

16

The air in the bar was filled with a hum of conversation, clinking glasses and occasional laughter. I noticed Joel, who has been sitting in the corner of a bar, drinking his regular whiskey and stealing glances over my way. His expression was stiff and firm but when I sent him a smile, a smile formed in the corner of his mouth.

I was doing my work but with Joel there, I couldn't forget the other evening. The evening where I was screaming his name with pleasure. The evening where it was just me and Joel and nothing else mattered. Not even the consequences if someone finds out about us. That evening was a confirmation that Joel wasn't indifferent towards me and it wasn't just me who felt the attraction.

Everything at the bar was going smoothly when suddenly a man I didn't know, crossed the line between friendly banter and uncomfortable advances. The moment I walked past him, his hand landed on my bum, massaging it gently. It was uncomfortable but I managed to hold my composure, asking him nicely to get off his hand. 

I looked at Joel and noticed how his jaw was clenched, his protective side on high alert. Joel's hands balled into fists and he stood up from behind the table, standing between me and the man.

"Everything okay here?"Joel's voice was calm but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

The man looked at Joel with a smirk. "Just having some fun, man. Is that forbidden?"

Joel crossed his arms, his stern expression remained. "Fun should be consensual. Looks like the lady isn't interested."

"Mind your own business, old man,"the man said, not taking his hand off.

Without a word, Joel grabbed the man's wrist, forcefully removing his hand from my bum. "I suggest you find a different definition of fun that doesn't involve making others uncomfortable."

I tried to interfere, before Joel did something stupid. I didn't want him to make a scene. "Joel, please... let him go. He's a client."

"Being a client doesn't allow him to act like a jerk and touch you in a way that's not allowed,"Joel said, still holding the man's wrist in a tight embrace.

"I'm thankful that you're protecting my honor but please... don't make a scene."

Joel looked between me and the man but eventually, he let him go. "I'll talk to your boss. They better escort him out, I'm not leaving it like this."

The atmosphere in the bar hung heavy with tension as Joel released the man's wrist, a promise of consequences lingering in his words. The man, now slightly taken aback, shot a defiant look at Joel before deciding it was wise to retreat. We both watched the man as he left the bar, throwing money on the counter.

Joel's gaze remained fixed on the man's retreating figure, his jaw still clenched in frustration. I approached Joel, placing a calming hand on his arm. "Joel, thank you for stepping in, but we don't need more trouble."

Joel's gaze softened as he looked down at me, a mix of concern and lingering anger in his eyes. "Daisy, you shouldn't have to put up with that kind of behavior. It's not right."

I offered a reassuring smile, appreciating his protective nature. "I can handle it, Joel. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last. I need to get back to work."

Later, as the bar began to wind down and I cleaned the tables, ready to close the bar, Joel approached me. "I'm going to talk to your boss, Daisy. You shouldn't have to deal with these jerks."

 "Joel, it's fine,"I sighed, cleaning the tables. "I appreciate your support but let's not make this a bigger issue."

"Daisy, it's not fine,"Joel said, anger evident in his voice. "I won't let anyone touch you in an inappropriate way ever again."

"But Joel..."

Joel shaked his head. "I won't argue over this with you. I'll talk to your boss and when you're finished, I'll take us home."

Joel went to the backrooms, talking to my boss until I was finished with my shift. His protective presence lingered in the air even when we were safe at home.