Chapter 5

STEVIE

The morning sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across my small apartment. I take in my reflection in the foggy mirror as I stand in the bathroom. Wrapped in a fluffy towel, drops of water trickle down my skin from my freshly showered hair, which still smells heavily like the rosemary shampoo I used. Grim is perched on the edge of the sink, lazily grooming himself as if mornings are his favorite time of day.

We both know he's not a morning cat.

Since the moment I woke up, theres been an itch I can't scratch. A craving my body needs that has gone unsatisfied, but grows worse by the second. My eyes land on the packet of matches on the counter next to Grim, and I grab them. I open the small pack quickly, and prop my leg up on the side of the tub. Striking it, the sulphur scent tingles my nostril. With my free hand, I push the towel up my leg, and press the flickering flame against my flesh. My skin sizzles, the sharp burning pain sending a familiar sting throw my body, giving it the little boost it craved.

I craved.

When the flame goes out, I toss the match in the trash, and run my thumb over the wound. It stings on contact. Perfect. As the day goes on, my legs will rub together, inflicting just the right amount of pain my body so desperately craves.

"Alright, Grim. Time to get moving, " I murmur, patting his head gently before heading towards the bedroom to get dressed. Jesse is probably already at the shop, opening up and wondering why I'm running late again.

As I pull on my favorite pair of worn jeans and a comfortable t-shirt, the muted hum of the morning news on the television catches my ear. Pausing, I glance over my shoulder at the screen. A serious-faced reporter with a button-up shirt that looks like it was made from his grandmother's curtains is talking about a warehouse fire that happened overnight.

"...and authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. So far, no injuries have been reported, but the fire has left behind significant damage," the reporter said, his voice tinged with concern.

Reports of fires always catch my interest, as do those about missing children, because more often than not, I know who's behind the crime. But not this time. This fire wasn't mine, and yet my attention became fixated on the screen the moment the camera panned to show the aftermath—a scorched warehouse surrounded by blackened grass. The camera zoomed in on the ground where the grass had been burned away, revealing something you don't normally see: the words "I see you," spelled out clearly in the charred remains.

What the actual fuck.

My heart skipped a beat. "Another Pyro?" I whisper to myself. My mind begins racing.

As the reporter continues to speculate on the possible motives behind the fire, I find myself strangely amused by the situation. I never intended to draw attention to myself. Truthfully, it's the last thing I wanted. Especially knowing Sweet Dreams is out there, actively looking for me.

This little message isn't from them, though.

It's not their style. They don't do games.

They'd find me and get rid of me. I don't know who the fuck this is, but I can't help but feel a bit amused by them.

Grim, sensing my change in mood, pads over and rubs against my legs. I scratch behind his fluffy ears, my thoughts still on the news report. I need to get to the shop quickly. The shop will be opening soon, and Fridays are always busy. I can't leave Jesse there to handle it all on his own.

With a deep breath, I finish getting dressed and grab the keys from the kitchen table. I glance once more at the TV screen, where the reporter is now interviewing a witness who claimed to have seen someone fleeing the scene just before the fire started. Clearly whoever it is, isn't as good as they think. You never leave witnesses.

Rookie move.

"Looks like we've got some excitement, Grim," I reply with a humorous tone. Grim meows in response as if he understands a damn thing I'm saying or what this little news report truthfully means to me.

Not only is there another Pyro local to me, but they've seen what I can do. They've seen what I did to the Magnolia, and they're watching. It's a game now, and it's my move.

As I hurry out of the apartment and through the courtyard, I can't shake the feeling of anticipation. The morning air is crisp with a hint of humidity, typical for New Orleans in the fall. Yet, despite the weather, I have a feeling today is going to be anything but ordinary.

The day went smoothly despite the lingering unease sparked by the morning news report. I managed to focus on work, diving into the daily tasks of mixing balms and tonics while greeting the array of daily customers. Many of whom are regulars. Hearing about them and how my remedies have been helping them did manage to keep my mind occupied, for the most part. Locking the door, I sigh as I untie my apron. My eyes fall on Jesse and Micah who are chatting excitedly behind the antique counter and register.

"What's got you two so worked up?" I ask as I hang my apron on the wall in the back room.

"Oh, nothing; Micah just won his biggest case yet!" Jesse explains proudly as he takes his fiances's hands in his. "Seriously, babe, this is amazing. You worked so hard for months on that case. We need to celebrate!"

"BB?" Micah replies, cocking his brow.

"Hell yes! and you…" Jesse adds, turning his attention to me. "You're coming with us,"

My eyes widen, and my body stiffens briefly, "Yeah, think I'll pass on that, but congratulations, Micah, that's so exciting."

"Thanks, Stevie. I'm just glad it's over, honestly. That case was so mentally draining," Micah admits.

"Oh no, you're coming with us, girl. You never go out and let loose. It's always work, work, and more work. You need a break from these solitary habits of yours, and I will not take no for an answer, not tonight. Tonight is for Micah, so let's fucking go. Suck it up, buttercup."

I laugh, "You know I'm your boss, right? I could fire you for talking to me like that,"

Jesse scoffs, releasing Micah's hands as he crosses his arms over his chest, "Yeah, you could. But then where would you be? We both know you need me around here and besides," he adds, checking the time on his watch. " as of three minutes ago, I'm off the clock. Right now, you're not my boss; you're my friend, and friends celebrate other friends when they accomplish shit, so get your bag, let's fucking go."

A smile forms on my face and my jaw drops at the sheer audacity of Jesse. I can't even fault him. Everything he said is true. I don't go out and socialize. Every day of my life is a revolving door of work and home life. Going out for one night wouldn't be such a big deal, right? I mean, it's better than going home and watching reruns of Love Island while I await the new episodes, isn't it?

"Fine," I reply with a roll of my eyes.

"Well shit," Micah whispers, "Babe, you actually did it,"

"Hell, yes! Tonight is going to be so fucking good! And wait till you see BB. Let me get my stuff, and we'll head out," Jesse adds excitedly.

When we finally get to BB, it's well into the late hours of the night. The air is buzzing with laughter and the clinking of glasses, and the speakers around the DJ booth are booming. The dimly lit bar is a sanctuary of sorts, filled with familiar faces and the comforting scent of aged wood and bourbon. Jesse and Micah lead me through the crowds of people to the bar, where a tall, striking man with dark hair and tattoos is busy mixing drinks. I don't normally pay attention to men, but something about him instantly catches my eye.

I watch as he hands off the drinks to a trio of women who have had way too much to drink and are clearly desperate for his attention, not that their efforts seem to be paying off. By the unbothered look on his face, he's not even the slightest bit interested in them.

He moves on to the next customer and begins prepping the drinks. While he's pouring and mixing, his eyes rise and begin to scan the room before landing on me. Under the weight of his heavy and curious gaze, my stomach knots, and my breath catches in my throat.

"That's Lennox Arecenaux," Jesse explains with a loud tone, ensuring I'll hear him over the music. "He's one of the bar owners and one of the best-looking guys in the Quarter. Not that you'll ever catch him with a woman."

"Hm, maybe he's into guys," I add with a smirk as I playfully elbow Jesse.

"Not a fucking chance. Girl, that guy is as straight as they come. He's just selective,"

"Jesse is right. He's definitely into women, even if we've never actually seen him with one. I mean, you'll catch him entertaining the customers once in a while, but it doesn't usually last long, and it's clearly just to be polite. But other than that, he never really interacts with any of them," Micah chimes in.

"Well," Jesse chokes out, "apparently that's changed. It appears someone here caught his eye, Stevie."

I roll my eyes and flip my hair thick red hair over my shoulder, doing my best to seem unimpressed by what the guys have told me or this man's apparent interest. Truthfully, I'm intrigued. He's definitely good-looking, and I may prioritize my shop over everything else, but I still have needs. Needs that haven't been tended to in fucking weeks. I lift my eyes to meet his briefly before trailing them down his face and body. Piercing green eyes, a chiseled jawline, tanned skin, and thick, strong arms that could easily rough me up a bit.

Looks like this guy would do more than tend to my needs, and that might be just what I need tonight, especially after watching the news this morning. I could use a distraction. A night of fun. But regardless of how badly I'm inclined to entertain this new mystery man, I'm Stevie Sheperd, and I'm not so easily swayed.

He'll have to work for it.

As the night goes on, fueled by rounds of cocktails and Jesse's persistent nudges, I find myself dancing with some random guy who, by his New Orleans t-shirt and neck covered in Mardi-gras beads, is clearly a tourist. With every sway of my hips, a sharpe sting courses through me from the burn mark on my thigh. It's a euphoric feeling, especially mixed with the alcohol flowing through my veins.

Lennox hovers nearby, watching my every move but never approaching me. Bored with the lame dance moves of the tourists, I head off the dance floor in search of my friends. Finding them still seated by the bar, I push through the crowd of people, and just when I'm about to reach them, someone's hand wraps firmly around my wrist.

I spin around and find Lennox's tall frame towering over me. He's easily 6"3, and from behind the counter, I could tell he was toned, but this close-up, it's clear he is a solid wall of fucking muscle.

Fuck he is sexy.

He smells good, too.

"Dance with me," Lennox shouts with a demanding tone as he tugs me closer to him. Pulling my arm from his hold, I smirk.

"Sorry, sweetheart," I drawl, leaning casually against the bar next to Jesse and Micah. "Not interested."

Jesse and Micah watch with amused astonishment as Lennox's confident facade falters for a moment. He's clearly not used to being told no, but he recovers quickly, flashing a charming smile. He signals to the woman behind the bar to give us another round before he disappears into the crowd of people on the dance floor.

Huh. Who'd have thought he'd give up so easily.

As the night goes on, I allow myself to relax into the rhythm of the music and the feeling of being out and social. Jesse and Micah's laughter fills the air. Seeing them so happy as they celebrate Micah's success makes me smile. I don't remember my family, but I can say that in my short time here in New Orleans, Jesse and Micah have become probably the closest thing to a family that I'll ever have.

Even when they continue to tease me about my encounter with Lennox.

But as the hours slip by and the weight of Lennox's lingering gaze becomes palpable, I decide it's time to head back home. Grim is probably wondering where I am and I do have yet another early morning again at the shop, and by the way the bar seems to be spinning, I can already tell I'm going to regret the last three cocktails I tossed back.

I say my goodbyes to Jesse and Micah, once again congratulating him on his success before slipping out through the door and into the cool night air.

I don't make it more than a few blocks before I sense I am being followed. The hairs on the back of my neck prickle as the familiar weight sets over me.

I turn a corner and lean against the cool brick wall of an alley, fishing a cigarette from my pocket and lighting it with steady hands as I wait for my pursuer to make his appearance.

Sure enough, Lennox rounds the corner moments later, his footsteps echoing against the pavement. Taking a drag of my cigarette, I exhale slowly.

"Couldn't take no for an answer, huh?" I remark, cocking an eyebrow as I meet his gaze head-on. "Had to resort to stalking me. It's a little creepy."

His eyes widen slightly, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

Lennox freezes for an instant, surprise flickering across his features before a low chuckle escapes him. He steps closer, his presence filling the narrow alleyway as his tall frame hovers over me. This close his scent invades my nose. It's musky, with a hint of gasoline and bourbon.

"Yeah, well, can you blame me? You're not like anyone I've met before," he admits, his voice low and husky. "Most women in that bar would've jumped at the fucking chance," he adds, taking a loose curl of my fiery hair in his hand. He drops his eyes, watching as he threads it through his fingers. "But not you…"

I shrug nonchalantly, masking the faint flutter of excitement in my chest. "Well, I'm not most women."

Lennox's grin widens, revealing a hint of intrigue mixed with lust. "I can see that."

We stand there for a moment, the silence thick with unspoken tension and the distant sounds of the city's nightlife. Despite my initial resistance, I find myself captivated by his boldness and the playful challenge in his eyes.

"Buy me breakfast," I finally reply, stubbing out my cigarette with a defiant flick. "And we'll see if you can keep up."

Lennox's laughter echoes in the alley, rich and deep. "You're on,"

And with that, we step out onto the street together, ready to explore where the unexpected twist of fate might lead us next as I lead him toward my small apartment.