AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ashok clutched his drink. “I’m not really one for clubbing. This type of dancing is not my style, but it’s good to see Seb and Dom enjoying themselves.”
“They do love to dance. I don’t even know why I come with them anymore. I don’t really dance either. Two left feet, despite them trying to teach me.” Hayden felt sorry for Ashok. He looked as if he wanted to go home as much as he did.
“So why do you come?” Ashok’s brown eyes drew him in, flecks of amber glowing in the spotlights.
“I don’t know. If I didn’t, I’d only leave the house for work and the odd night I do at the shelter.”
Ashok opened his mouth, and Hayden knew what he was about to ask, but before he could speak, Dom took hold of Ashok’s hand and whisked him away to the dance floor. Hayden sat in stunned silence. Guess the conversation was over.
He couldn’t take his eyes off Ashok; his movements were fluid and effortless. He used to think Seb was good, but Ashok was in a league of his own. One song led to another, but Hayden was still entranced, barely touching his drink.
Heaven was an inclusive club, frequented by many of the LGBTQ+ community, so he wasn’t surprised when a couple of guys sidled over to his trio of friends. Seb and Dom could handle themselves, but he watched with interest to see what Ashok would do.
Hayden didn’t like what he saw one bit. Ashok froze on the spot as one guy stepped behind him, placing his hand on his waist. He shrugged him off and moved out of his reach, only for the other guy to do the same. Seb and Dom said something, and the guy backed off, hands held up in defence.
Ashok looked terrified, and Hayden was having none of it. He slammed his drink on the table and powered over to where his friends were standing. With his height and physique, Hayden had presence, and he puffed out his chest, coming to stand just in front of his friends.
“Everything all right here?” He addressed his question to the two guys. They’d been in here before causing trouble. Making advances where they weren’t wanted. Not to him, mind.
“Oh, look who we have here.” This one was either brave or stupid…or both. “Come to save your man?”
“Just leave them alone. We’ve had this talk before. Take your friend and go home.”
“I’ll do whatever the fuck I want. I don’t need a jacked-up twat telling me what to do.” The guy swayed as he talked. Obviously alcohol had a lot to do with his bravado.
Hayden hated confrontation, but in this instance, he’d make an exception. He took a step forward.
“I won’t tell you again. Leave them alone.” By now, they’d attracted a crowd, and Hayden could see security making their way over. The other guys noticed it too and backed away.
“Whatever.” Hayden shook his head. Was that the best they could come up with? He watched as they walked away, and the crowd dispersed.
Seb and Dom led a shaken Ashok back to where they were sitting, Joe and Jacob looking on with concern.
Ashok reached for his coat, and Hayden helped him, holding it for him while he slipped his arms in.
“Thank you for inviting me, but I think I’ll be going home,” Ashok said to Seb. He still looked worried, and Hayden was troubled. What if those two were watching and waiting? He couldn’t take that chance.
“I’ll walk you home. Let me just grab my coat.”
“There’s no need. You stay if you want to.”
Hayden shook his head; he really wasn’t getting it. “I’m about done for the night. Let’s go.”
Ashok opened his mouth to say something, but Hayden turned away to speak to Seb.
“I’ll text you when we’re home.”
“No worries. I hope he’s OK. Thanks, Hayden.”
Ashok still looked like a startled rabbit, and Hayden placed his hand on the small of his back, guiding him out. Ashok flinched slightly at his touch but slowly relaxed into it, allowing Hayden to walk him out into the cold night air.
Conscious of where his hand still lingered, Hayden removed it, pushing his hands into his pockets.
“Are you OK? They didn’t hurt you?” He didn’t think they had, but the way Ashok had reacted had him asking the question.
“No, I was just taken by surprise, just wasn’t expecting it. I’m alright, though, really. I’m not often propositioned by men.”
“Strictly a lady’s man, eh?” Hayden laughed softly, waiting for a response.
