She had just finished cleaning the counter when the biker gang came in. She sighed and wished that she had waited to clean up. This bunch had been in before. They left truly memorable messes. They had just settled into seats when the door opened again and the biggest man she had ever seen walked in. He stood at least seven feet tall. His long, red-gold hair was loose around his broad shoulders. He wore biker's leathers and a vest with no shirt. The vest was open, revealing his muscular chest and arms. Studded leather bands were around his wrists. She saw the edge of a tattoo on his left shoulder. His sunglasses hid his eyes. The sudden silence at his entrance made his lips twitch. He took off the sunglasses and looked over the café with cold topaz eyes. She was startled by the unusual color of his eyes and by his extreme good looks.
He went to a seat near the end of the counter and away from the other bikers. He was as quiet and graceful as a huge cat. The others soon resumed their raucous behavior. She finally got away from them and got to him.
"What can I get you?" she asked softly, gratefully for his patience.
"Just coffee, black," he said. His deep, rich voice was soft and pleasant. She noted his order on her pad. As she turned away, he touched her arm. A shock went through her. She looked back at him, eyebrow raised in question. His eyes warmed as she had not flinched or pulled away. "Do you have any cake?" he asked softly.
"Only devil's food," she replied. His lips twitched again.
"That, too, please."
"Sure," she said, "be right up." She poured his coffee and gave him a generous slice of the chocolate cake. He'd been very polite and she appreciated it. Then taking a deep breath, she went back to referee the other bikers. In between evading their grasping hands, she managed to get them served and refill his coffee. His end of the counter was a welcome island of peace. The bikers finally finished up and surged out the door. She sighed in relief as the roar of their engines finally faded. Then she cleaned up again.
The big man was the only one left when she was ready to close. His presence had been comforting, somehow. She went back to him.
"I'm sorry," she said, "we're closing now." He smiled slightly and nodded.
"You make good coffee," he said softly as he paid.
"Thanks," she smiled. She went with him to the door. "Good night," she said, "please come back anytime." His topaz eyes held an odd expression. He simply nodded and left. She watched him mount a huge black motorcycle. The quietness of it surprised her as he rode away. She sighed, locked the door, and flipped the sign to "Closed".
Everyone else had left by the time she finished up and turned off the lights. She went out, locking up, and headed for her car. Suddenly the bikers were surrounding her. "We decided you needed to party with us," said one as he tried to kiss her. She managed to bite him. Cursing, he let go of her. She tried to run. They caught her easily. She snarled and fought as they tore at her clothes.
"I think the lady does not wish your attentions," said a cold, deep voice. The bikers held her struggling body.
"Butt out, jack," growled one. "You don't wanna mess with us."
The huge man stepped out of the shadows. He looked at her. "Miss?" he asked softly, "do you want them? Or would you come with me?" His offer was clear. And she found him infinitely preferable to the pack that had her now. Before she could answer, one of the bigger bikers swaggered towards the big man.
"We might let you have her when we're done," he sneered. "If she's still alive and kicking."
