The cafe was not quite a cafe, more of a bar if anything, and it was quite crowded. Having only been here once before, with Nate after his shift, I was uncomfortable. I walked around, searching for Luka, finally spotting him in a far corner. I rushed over to the table, the fluttering butterflies in my stomach turning to twisting snakes.

“Hey, Luka,” I breathed nervously.

“Alex! Hi!” Luka jumped up and excitedly grabbed my hands, “It’s so nice to see you! Please sit!”

“Alright,” I sat down, Luka across from me. He pushed a glass toward me, I glanced at it, confused.

“It’s for you, don’t worry, it’s not alcohol,” He grinned at me, “Try it?”

I picked the drink up, it was a startling blood red. I carefully brought it to my mouth, it was slightly bitter, but not bad. “It’s good, thank you.” He smiled agin, his eyes glittering, and my heart pounding.

“How was your day?” I stuttered, caught up in his stare.

“Busy! I got to assist in a surgery today and I had quite a few patients to take care of, and all that paperwork.” He rambled about his job, one of those people who loves what they do, all passion and flame. A lot like someone else I know, someone else who works at the hospital.

I never realized how similar Nate and Luka were. Both drop dead gorgeous, passionate, caring, and surprisingly gentle people. Although I don’t know Luka very well, so far he has only been a gentleman, and I hope to get to know him better as we talk. Although to start, I should probably listen to him. He wrapped up his summary of his day, noticing I had finished my drink, waving someone over for another one, and we talked, and talked, and talked.

And so the night continued, my awkward conversation starters and his charm and light. An interesting combination, with no clear ending in my sight.

~

The night was coming to a close, but Luka had ordered me one more drink, and it would be impolite to refuse.

“Luka, I’m going to go to the restroom quickly, I’ll be back to walk you to your car, if that’s alright?” He nodded, and I walked off, ready to go home after this. In the restroom, I splashed my face with water, attempting to stay awake and hurried back to the table. Luka had paid the bill, so I quickly downed the drink, choking slightly on the intense bitterness. Luka’s eyes narrowed, but he linked our arms and led me out of the cafe, into the pitch black.

His car was only a few blocks away, but my eyes were growing heavy and my body felt disconnected from my mind. Luka’s eyes became steely as he pulled me closer to his car. I struggled in his arms, growing panicked. He opened the door, just behind the drivers seat, and simply let go of my arm. It was enough to get me inside, I had no control of my body, but I couldn’t even comprehend this. The snakes in my stomach twisted and turned, will I survive this night? I looked at Luka for an answer, but his cold eyes dashed my hopes. I close my eyes, tears falling down my cheeks, he’s nothing like Nate. And I want to go home. I’m scared.