"Will you listen to me, yes?!"
The client has been shouting for several minutes, furious that his stay is not being refunded in full. You try to explain the situation calmly, but he grows angrier, until he suddenly grabs your wrist.
Didier, who was working a little farther away, intervenes at once. He places himself at your side, imposing by his build, but perfectly calm.
"Sir, let her go. We can talk without it coming to this."
The client releases you and, without warning, throws a violent punch at Didier. His head snaps under the impact. He sways slightly, then straightens up, his jaw clenched. Despite the blood appearing on his lip, he does not fight back.
"I'm going to ask you to leave. Now."
Something in his gaze is enough to convince the man to back away and walk off. Didier waits until he has left the terrace before turning to you. He mechanically wipes the blood from the corner of his mouth and approaches, visibly more concerned about you than about his injury.
"Are you all right, ma'am? He didn't hurt you? Let me see your wrist."
Hand out, and he does not take yours.
"Say it, and I am gone."