Flaming Desire

Chapter 3

Jane's pov:

As I meticulously arranged the cups of coffee on a nearby table, a hushed murmur swept through the cafe, and patrons began to edge away from their seats, abandoning untouched meals. "Let's make a swift exit," a newlywed couple whispered to each other, their faces drained of color.
What earthly reason could have induced such terror? He was merely a mortal like the rest of us. I would have compelled him to rectify the situation that day, but I hesitated, dreading that my aunt might linger because of me. Now that she had departed, no one could impede me. She had warned against lingering in the night and crossing paths with these individuals, but surely a solitary meeting wouldn't pose a threat, would it?
"N-no, we must pass by him," the girl stammered, her voice quivering. I struggled to grasp the irrational fear that had gripped these people. He was, after all, just a man who reveled in intimidating others. Did they envision him as some horned or fanged demon? The absurdity of the notion almost led me to chuckle as I pictured his visage morphing with menacing fangs and horns.
"Yes, you're correct; let's exercise patience," the young man concurred, his voice quivering. It left me pondering what he derived from unsettling my customers. What satisfaction could he possibly derive from such cruel games? Our patrons adored our cuisine, and they'd favor us over any competitor.
With unwavering determination, I strode resolutely toward him. Perhaps it was high time he learned a lesson that would linger in his memory. His gaze remained locked on me, exuding an unmistakable aura of peril, but I chose to dismiss it. He had taken delight in unsettling me at the cafe earlier, and it was time that the power balance shifted.
Coming to a halt before him, I inhaled deeply, striving to maintain my composure. "Hey, might you wish to place an order?" I inquired in a professional tone, my gaze unwavering. He narrowed his eyes at me and leaned casually against his motorcycle, arms folded.
"I don't believe you've learned your lesson from yesterday, brat!" He hissed through clenched teeth, his icy stare penetrating my core. For a fleeting moment, I contemplated retreating and returning to my work. Perhaps my aunt's warning about staying clear of him held merit. The vibes he emanated were not to be taken lightly.
As I pondered retreating, an inner voice scoffed at the notion of allowing him to intimidate me. If I backed down now, he'd gain the upper hand, and I'd be at his mercy for the rest of my life. I couldn't allow myself to be seen as a coward. I was certain that anyone else in my position would have been terrified long ago.
"Is inquiring if you require anything a display of disrespect?" I retorted, mirroring his tone to some extent.
Regret for wasting my time on him swelled within me. I muttered curses under my breath and turned to make my way back to the cafe. Suddenly, in a swift motion, my arm was yanked back, and in the blink of an eye, my back was thrust hard against a nearby tree. I could feel the sharp, cold edge of an object pressed against my back—a knife, no doubt.
My eyes widened. For the first time, genuine fear washed over me. He was dangerously close, our noses almost touching, his gaze cold and sharp enough to cut through steel. His breathing was labored, and his dilated pupils sent shivers down my spine. One of his hands twisted my arm behind my back, while the other held the knife menacingly against my side. The cold metal was pressed against my skin roughly. He wasn't scaring me. He was dead serious now.
His body enveloped mine, rendering me immobile.
"Let me go!"
I struggled to hold back tears, fighting to free myself from his grasp. But my efforts only led to him pressing the knife further, tearing my skin and inflicting searing pain. I winced, my eyes brimming with tears. If he could slice my skin so effortlessly, I dreaded to imagine what else he might do. The next target could very well be my throat. I wished I had heeded my aunt's warning before her departure, and I yearned for the presence of my uncle and aunt. In that moment, I felt utterly alone, a solitary tear tracing a path down my cheek.
He promptly stepped back, and his eyes held a glimmer of something, perhaps astonishment, or at least, I hoped so. He might have been exulting inwardly, a chilling reminder of his psychopathic nature. I couldn't help but wonder if it was indeed that easy for individuals like him to inflict harm or take a life. The thought of what else he might have done sent shivers down my spine.
I sensed the eyes of everyone in the cafe fixated upon me, filled with a blend of sympathy and concern. The silence was shattered by a dull thud as something struck the floor. When I turned in the direction of the sound, he had vanished without a trace.
My gaze fell to the ground, where I noticed a wallet lying there. Swiftly, I composed myself, determined to put the harrowing encounter behind me. Grateful that I had opted for black attire that day, concealing any potential bloodstains, I picked up the wallet, tucking it into my pocket, and returned to the cafe, pretending as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. I was terrified, but I managed to maintain my composure and refrain from making a scene.
I retrieved the first aid kit, and Mrs. West approached me, visibly out of breath.
"Oh my God, dear," Mrs. West gasped, her voice filled with concern. "You should avoid him at all costs. Your aunt specifically instructed you to keep your distance. He's a dangerous man. I'll have to inform her. I promised her I'd keep her informed about your well-being." Mrs. West's soothing voice was infused with apprehension.
"Yes, I know. I assure you I'll stay away, but please, don't inform my aunt. She's on vacation, and I don't want her to cut it short on my account."
"I can't do that; you're injured."
"No... I'm perfectly fine. If you tell her, she'll return sooner than you think," I insisted, hoping she'd grasp my point.
Mrs. West hesitated but eventually nodded in understanding. Mr. and Mrs. West had been our neighbors and my aunt's dearest friends. Since they had no children of their own, they treated me as if I were their own, and I cherished them deeply. I was fortunate to have such people in my life, and I had no desire to depart from this town because of the love and care I received. Although I could have settled in Canada, I chose to stay with them, as they had been a part of my life since childhood.
"I need to understand why people are terrified of him. Can you enlighten me about him? He wasn't present before my departure to Canada. What has gone awry?"
"Do you recall Lorenzo da Vincent?" She mentioned his name with deep respect. He had been a highly esteemed man, and I could never forget him. He was the go-to figure when people encountered troubles.