Lucifer's Fire

Chapter 2

“So it seems she’s not going to back away yet after all. Loyalty can be such an annoying trait sometimes.”

He paced the room, running his fingers agitatedly through his hair. The frustration burned like wildfire in his eyes. He knew he had to do something, and fast.

“There’s something different about this one,” he muttered to himself.

With the others he could see how things were going to play out, and never needed to get involved. This time had started like that, but now? Now things were different. He couldn’t see how this one would end. He didn’t leave anything to chance, not when it came to his obsessions. He would have to take a more hands on approach this time, and the window to do so wouldn’t be open long. He picked up his phone.

“Get things ready for me, I’m coming. This acquisition looks like it’ll need a more personal touch.”

He hung up the phone and looked at the prisoner chained to the wall.

“Don’t worry dear. You’ll soon be complete again and we’ll have all of eternity together for you to fall.”

The expressionless violet eyes rose to meet his as he laughed.

                                                                                        ******

So far the night hadn’t been anything to write home about. Don’t get me wrong, each passenger had been new and exciting. The problem being that the type of passenger had been no different than any other night. There had been a few good conversations, a bad date, and the typical drunk, jokingly trying to take me home. At least this job boosted the ego, sort of. This still left me with nothing more than a temporary distraction from my thoughts, though.

The last passengers had been fun, but they had left my emotions in a bigger knot than they already were. They had just gotten engaged. Their happiness had been infectious, and I had easily picked up on it. I had admired the absolutely gorgeous ring of the soon to be blushing bride as we discussed wedding ideas. I had gotten caught up in the moment with them, but it had also reminded me of what I had lost. 

Hmph. If I ever really had it to begin with.

It also reminded me of what I didn’t think I’d ever have. For as long as I could remember, when I pictured my future I saw myself standing on a porch, drinking coffee, and gazing out at the landscape. Every time I had seen myself alone. When my ex had proposed to me I thought that vision would change, but it never did. I had to force him into the picture in my mind’s eye. Then James had come waltzing into the picture somehow. I could easily see him standing there next to me with his own coffee.

Not that I had pictured me and James married or anything. I loved weddings and all, but after the last disastrous marriage the idea of going through everything again didn’t exactly appeal to me. I still hadn’t quite figured out where all the broken pieces fit back together. 

Maybe if I wasn’t so broken I wouldn’t have been so blind.

I’m not sure which hurt more, what he did or the fact that I would’ve seen it if I were still the old me. I sighed and looked at the moon.

“Ok, you couldn’t have sent the chicken my way tonight?” I grumbled. “Or at least give me a little bit of an interesting night? I could use the distraction.”

Remembering that the universe had a twisted sense of humor I immediately began wondering if I should clarify what type of distraction. Before I could think any farther on it though my app went off, indicating I had a ride request. My heart did a nervous flip. I wearily accepted the ride, hoping that my apprehension would be unfounded. The clock on my display indicated that it had just turned bar closing time. Not much reassurance there.

I pulled up to the bar and began scanning the crowded sidewalk. A twenty-something year old that looked like he had spent more time getting ready for the evening than most of the females there hopped in my car. 

“Sam?”

“Yep.” 

I hit the pick up button and started to pull away. I could feel the grumpiness rolling off him. The time on the route said it would take me 7 minutes to reach his destination. Great.

“So how was your night?” I tried to keep my voice sounding calm and friendly.

“Horrible. I went to the bar to get laid and not one of them teases came home with me.”

I inwardly groaned as he continued on ranting about not being able to get laid tonight, apparently his sole purpose for the evening. I knew it had been too long since I had gotten one of these rides.

“you know? Seriously what’s with… Hey!” He looked me up and down as if seeing me for the first time.

Don’t do it.

“You’re a chick…”

Thanks for noticing. You can un-notice now.

“And we’re already going to my house…”

And there it is. I really needed to clarify to the universe my idea of interesting. I looked in the rearview mirror to see his hopeful grin. My app told me I still had 5 minutes left on the route. I plastered on a smile.

“Awwww thank you. I’m flattered.” I’m so glad you thought of me because I happen to have the right parts and am your last hope. “But unfortunately I have to work. I have 3 kids at home and this is my only job. Those damn bills always wanting my money.” I shrugged with a little laugh.

“Oh you got kids?”

I smiled. Works every time. “Yep!”

We made small talk for the rest of the way. He didn’t seem that bad to talk to. You know, once he stopped complaining about not getting laid then inviting me to fill the spot.

“Have a good night!” 

“Thanks.” He started to get out but paused and leaned back in. “You sure you don’t want to come inside really quick?”

“Sorry hun, those pesky bills. But thanks.”

He laughed and finally started towards his place. As soon as I pulled out I rolled my eyes.

“We seriously need to work on your idea of interesting.”

As if seeing it as a challenge my app went off again. I went to accept it and noticed the app said the ride would take over an hour. I looked at the name. Luc. I wondered if I should even bother trying to figure out how to attempt to pronounce it. 

I had gotten 3 ride requests before, each on different nights, showing long destinations like this. Each time I had gotten excited for them. Each time they had cancelled when I arrived, or a few blocks before I pulled up.

“Alright Luc. Let’s see if you’re for real.”

I pulled up to the waterfront industrial district. The place looked abandoned for the night. This did not bode well. But when I turned the corner there he stood, phone in hand, waiting for me to arrive. This could be my lucky night after all. 

As an added bonus he looked good. He looked out of place there in his stylish ripped jeans, loose fitting shirt and chain bracelets. Too nice to be in this area, but still… damn good. Then the light hit his face more and I felt dirty. Really dirty. He looked to be in his early 20’s.

So not cool. You’re not a cougar.

“Hi! Is it Luke?” I asked as he slid into my backseat.

“What else would it be?” His voice portrayed a hint of arrogance.

So it’s going to be one those rides. Wonderful.

“Well it could have been Luck. Or Luce, or even an odd spelling of Lucy.” I tried to keep the bite out of my tone and keep it as friendly as possible. Instead it came out even.

“Well obviously I’m not a girl, and Luck? Really?” His tone matched mine.

I shrugged. “You never know. You’d be surprised some of the names I’ve come across doing this.”

I thought I heard him mutter something like “stupid” under his breath. I shot him a glare through my rearview mirror, but he had started staring out the window, his hand running through his short dark hair. A design on his forearm caught my eye. A night sky with an intricate phoenix constellation.

“Cool tattoo!” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.

“Look,” he started with an annoyed sigh, “I’m not in the mood to sleep with anyone tonight. Especially not a driver.”

I felt my jaw drop. “Excuse me?!?!” My shock began to subside and anger began replacing it as I pulled the car over to the side of the road. 

“How about this. How about I save us both a headache and you can get out here and call for another driver.” My voice portrayed calm, but had dropped much lower than normal. Anyone who knew me would know to back away. Luc on the other hand had the audacity to scoff at me.

“Just drive. Just because your pissed I rejected you…”

At that point my anger reached critical mass. “Can’t reject something that was never offered.” I said through clenched teeth. “Hate to break it to ya but you’re not God’s gift to women, and with an attitude like that I’d be shocked if you even knew how to even please one.”

He gaped at me from the back seat. I turned towards him. 

“And for another thing,” I continued, “even if I was the type of person to have s*x with some random stranger that hopped in my car two seconds ago it sure as hell wouldn’t be with some little boy that looks a couple years older than my son.”

We sat there staring at each other for what felt like forever, but had probably been less than a minute. If this had been the universe’s idea of interesting then it needed a serious timeout. 

“Well?” I finally broke the silence and gestured to the door.

“Don’t you want the money and the tip?”

“Oh ya, like you were going to tip. Please.” I rolled my eyes. “And there are other rides.”

“Please drive.”

I folded my arms over my chest. “Why?”

“I just… I really need… and I think you might be the only driver…” He looked like he couldn’t quite find the right words. He ran his hand through his hair again, in what I had decided must be a nervous habit.

“Fine.” I put the car in first and started back along the route.

“And I’m not a little boy.” 

I had barely heard him say it. I glanced in my rearview again. His face looked somewhere between offended and pouting.

I snorted in response.

“I’m not. I’m probably older than you.” His voice came out more confident. For the first time I noticed a huskiness to it.

“Doubtful.”

He leaned forward in his seat, propping his arms between the two front ones. His breath seemed to caress my ear. “Wanna make a bet?”

Not a cougar. He’s an ass. Not a cougar. He’s an ass.

I turned slightly so I could see him out of the corner of my eye. “Not when you look like the cat that ate the bird.” I turned my full attention back on the road again.

He sat back and laughed. I felt like I had gotten whiplash with how fast his demeanor had changed. The tension in the car had gone from smothering to practically nonexistent faster than my car could go from 0 - 60. Well, I still needed some time to cool down.

I glanced back at him again. He had stretched out some and made himself comfortable. His light colored eyes challenging me. That’s fine. I didn’t need to know. The silence dragged on.

“Ok. Are you going to tell me or am I just going to keep referring to you as a baby?” I sighed.

“Calling me baby already? I knew you wanted me.” His eyes twinkled with amusement.

“Do I need to kick you out again?” I used my mom tone on him.

He held up his hands in surrender. “Ok. Ok. And I’m almost 40 by the way.”

I almost swerved. I turned quickly to look at him in disbelief before once again focusing on the road.

“No way.”

“Want me to show you my license to prove it?”

“No I’m good.” Ok his willingness to provide his ID meant that he actually might be turning 40. I dared another glance at him. Damn he did look good.

He’s still an ass. A hot ass, but still an ass.

“You’re thinking about it now aren’t you?”

“What?” I glanced at his smirking face.

“Having s*x with me.”

Egotistical hot ass.

It took everything in me to hold back my irked groan. I couldn’t stop the eye roll, though.

“Why would I be thinking that? I still maintain that you wouldn’t know how to please a woman.” The venom in my voice when I had originally said those words had almost disappeared. Almost. “Why would I waste my thoughts on something that would just be disappointing.”

He stayed silent for a few minutes and my thoughts started drifting back to James. 

“Why?” I asked trying to keep the tears from falling. “Why did you lie? Why did you pretend? You were supposed to be someone I could rely on! One of the few I trusted. Why did you do it?”

James stared at the center of his steering wheel. He looked as though he would cry at any moment as well.

“Why did you purposefully hurt me? You had to have known it would!”

“I don’t know. I thought… I don’t know.. I didn’t think…” His voice came out broken. His eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“I’m sorry” He whispered as he went back to staring at the steering wheel.

“I’m sorry.” His voice, although quiet, pulling me from the memory.

“Huh?” I didn’t know if I had heard that right.

He sighed. “I’m sorry.” His voice a little louder this time as he fiddled with his hair again. “It’s been a frustrating night.”

“So you decided to take it out on me by assuming I wanted to sleep with you?” 

I had gone into full blown mom scolding. When I hit this mode even the biggest, baddest, tough guy would hang his head and get in line, even before I had kids. My words had no mercy, and I took no prisoners.

“Ya… I guess. Something like that.” He sighed. “It’s just women usually just tend to want…” 

It seemed to be a struggle for him to find the right words to explain. Dealing with drunktards all the time, I could kind of relate to what I thought he must be trying to express. Hell if I thought he had been hitting on me after my previous ride I might have been a little snappy towards him too. That didn’t excuse the demeaning attitude, but at least I could understand a little.

“Just tend to want to throw themselves at you? Want to use you for your hot body?”

He must have noticed the change in my attitude because his head snapped up, meeting my eyes in the mirror. Upon seeing my teasing look he began laughing.

“No the launch themselves at me or beg. And see even you think my body is hot.”

I groaned. I had completely set myself up for that one.

“So why was your night so frustrating?”

“You really wanna know?” He c****d an eyebrow at me.

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.” I shrugged without glancing back. 

“I own an import/export company where you picked me up at.” He started. “I deal in fine arts and antiquities. I have a client that just inherited a very nice collection that he has no want or use for. It’s ‘not his thing’. We’ve been in negotiations for weeks.” He let out a frustrated sigh.

“And I’m guessing since it’s not his thing he has no clue of real value and the negotiations haven’t exactly been the greatest.”

He perked up a little and nodded. “Worst negotiations I’ve ever had to deal with. But the pieces are rare and some would make some of my other associates very happy and help broker deals with others.”

“So not something you can just walk away from.” 

“Exactly.” He smiled, seemingly pleased I actually got it. “Well tonight I found the one thing I needed to sway the deal. I arranged to pick it up in the morning.”

“That’s awesome! But I’m sensing a but…”

“Perceptive.”

“What can I say? I must’ve been Sherlock Holmes in another life.” I teased. “With my keen powers of observation I noticed you were in a foul mood when you got into my car. Add that to the fact that you’re in my car at this time of night and you told me you had a frustrating night I cleverly have deduced that something went amiss.”

He let out a genuine laugh, making me smile. Even his laugh had a sexy quality to it.

He’s an Egotistical ass. No finding him sexy.

“You would be correct. I called up my client and finalized the deal. After faxing over some initial paperwork to be signed we arranged to meet in a couple weeks. I was so relieved that it was finally over with I dug into my office whiskey for while I worked on some neglected paperwork and called up some… ah… entertainment.”

I felt my jaw drop. “I thought you said women basically threw themselves at you.”

“I did.”

“Ya… but I got the impression that it was something you didn’t…”

He cut me off with a chuckle. “That was your assumption. I just didn’t correct you because, well, it seemed to calm you down and you can be a little, um…  fierce when angry.”

I shot him a glare.

“See like that! If looks could kill… what’s wrong sweetheart? Want to be part of the celebration next time?” He teased, waggling his eyebrows at me.

Now that I knew he owned a company I could somewhat understand where some of the lack of respect to my job came from. In his world I would be considered nothing more than the hired help. Just because I understood though, didn’t mean I had to accept, or like it. It definitely didn’t mean that I had to give him a pass on it either. 

“Gee, I wouldn’t want you to slum it with a lowly driver like myself.” I said with mock concern.

He at least had the decency to look slightly ashamed. “Ya… sorry about that.”

“Hmph.” I grunted with a self satisfied smirk on my face.

“But I’ll have you know they ALL leave satisfied. No matter how many there are.” He had his own self satisfied smirk on now.

“Anyone ever tell you you’re a walking STD?” I asked shaking my head.

“You know that was the first thing my mother ever said about me.”

I went to give him a “not amused” look when I noticed a sad expression flash briefly across his face. Before I could say anything though he had positioned himself right next to my ear again. I could practically feel his lips on it when he spoke.

“You know one of these days you should let me prove you wrong about my talents.”

I caught a sparkle on his ear where a passing streetlight had reflected off the diamond stud. Great. Tattoos and an earring. This boy would be my undoing. I never could resit that combination.

Snap out of it. He’s an STD infested, egotistical ass. No more bad boys. No more heartbreakers. Done.

“Sure. When hell freezes over maybe.”

He sat back again laughing. “You know I could arrange that. I know a guy.”

“Ya, sure you do.” Boy were my eyes getting a workout with this guy. They may never stop rolling after this. “So now back to what you were saying. You were celebrating and then I’m guessing something happened.”

“Ya. A few glasses in, too many for me to drive tonight, I get a phone call from the guy I found that had the leverage I needed. Apparently something came up and he needs the money tonight. He says if I can’t come tonight he has another interested party.”

“Well that doesn’t sound shady at all.”

“My thoughts exactly. So here I am, without my car, heading to who knows where, with someone who seems extremely questionable, and  I have no one to bring me my car till the morning, meaning I’ll be stuck there.”

“Wait… why would you be stuck there?” I had to be missing something.

“Because what I acquired I highly doubt anybody would let in their car.”

My mind began turning with all the worst possibilities of what it could be. Body parts? A whole body? Could Luc be part of some sort of mob? Did I just find myself an unwilling accomplice to some sort of nefarious deal?

Get a grip. This is real life, not one of my books.

I had to know. “What is it?” 

“A snake. A cobra to be exact. My client’s interests include snake charming and it sounds like this guy I’m heading towards now thought it would make him a bad ass to own one and got in over his head.”

“REALLY?!?!” I had a hard time keeping the relief and excitement out of my voice. “That’s so… COOL!”

Luc looked at me like I had come from another planet. “Snakes don’t bother you?”

“Why would they? And Cobras are the coolest of all of them.”

He shook his head in disbelief. “So if you had one in your car…”

“Best ride ever! Look… if you want… I mean I know this ride is probably already expensive… but…” I stumbled as I tried to figure out how to propose my idea without seeming too forward. “I don’t mind giving you a ride back so you’re not stuck there.”

“Seriously?” 

I couldn’t decipher if he had meant it as sarcastic and annoyed or if I had just shocked him.

“I mean, if you don’t want to no big deal but ya, I don’t mind.”

He must have sensed my unsureness because he quickly answered, “Please! That would be ideal if you could. Do you want me to just put in my home address when we get there?”

“That or you could add the destination. Up to you. I do have to warn you it does charge you while I wait so if you like I guess I could turn off my app and then you could call for another ride once you get back in.”

As soon as I finished talking the app let me know that the ride had been updated to include an additional stop. I grinned. 

“Well that answers that.”

We laughed and talked for the remainder of the ride. As we neared the destination my stomach started forming knots. I felt on edge. The road even seemed darker and deadlier.

This is the type of area you go to get murdered.

“Not the most upstanding areas is it?” A look of unease had replaced the smile on Luc’s face. Apparently he could sense it as well.

“Do me a favor and make sure the cobra is devenomized.” 

Luc gave me a funny look. “Of course it is. I mean I’m pretty sure…”

“I’m pretty sure too, considering you said Mr. Shady bit off more than he could chew. And he’s obviously still alive to get rid of the cobra, but venom could be a part of the ‘in over his head’. You’d be amazed at some of the stupidity of some people.”

“No unfortunately I wouldn’t.”

I pulled up to a dilapidated house that looked like not even bugs or rodents would go near it.

Yep. So getting murdered tonight.

“So I had planned on inviting you in with me since I don’t know how long this will take, but now…” He wore a frown, all the while keeping his eyes on the residence. “Now I’m not sure if that would be the safest idea. You might be better off out here.”

“Thanks.” My nerves were all on high alert at this point. “I might step out and have a cigarette if you don’t mind.”

“You smoke?”

“Ya.” I hung my head blushing and waited for the lecture that never came.

“I’m a social smoker myself. Only once in awhile.” He shrugged. “Hate the taste, hate the feeling, yet crave it once in awhile.”

“I can understand that.”

He walked up to the house and I stepped out of the car to light up. I had just taken a long, calming drag when the door to the house opened.

Oh good that didn’t take long!

I looked to the porch expecting to find Luc. Instead there stood a man who looked like life hadn’t just given him the short end of the stick, it had also beaten him with it. He looked mean. Something about him made me uneasy.

I focused on my cigarette, trying not to look in his direction. I could feel his eyes boring into me. It took everything in me not to squirm under his stare. I quickly finished my cigarette and had started to go for the handle of my door, putting him directly in my line of sight. He had an odd smile on. I politely smiled back while I fumbled with the door. He began to take a step towards me, his eyes looking like they were glowing red.

It’s just a trick of the light. Either that or I’m about to be dragged into hell in some horror movie, but I’ll go with light trick.

I stood my ground. I’m not the type to run and hide in situations like this. I would have never survived driving nights if I had been. Besides, I had my car separating us. Maybe he just wanted to be polite and say hi. Before he could come fully off of the porch, Luc stepped out carrying a large burlap bag. He noticed the guy coming over towards me and didn’t seem pleased. Luc stared him down as he passed him.

And he thought my looks could kill. Yikes!

We both hopped in the car and I drove off.

“I think Mr. Shady definitely fit that guy.” Luc said after a little bit.

The farther we drove away from the house the more my stomach untied itself.

“Ya his porch buddy fits the bill to be called Mr. Creepy.”

Luc let out a laugh that almost sounded like a snort. We fell into an easy conversation for the rest of the way. We talked about everything under the sun it seemed. He finally got my age and asked about my kids. I got to hear more about his business and his furry kids. I began feeling completely relaxed around him. And he only tried to teasingly hit on my three more times that whole ride back. 

In what seemed like no time at all I found myself pulling up to a gate and punching in Luc’s code.The soothing sound of the man-made waterfalls welcomed us as the gate open. They stood on either side like regal sentries. I followed the long treed driveway towards the house, admiring the beauty of it all along the way.

I heard Luc chuckling in the back. “If you like this you’re going to love my house.”

My face must’ve betrayed my awe and I blushed. That is until I saw the large mansion I had just pulled up to. At that point my blush stepped aside to let my jaw drop. 

“Ok. I’m going to say two words that don’t come out of my mouth often. You’re right.”

“I have now heard it all. I can die a happy man.” He mocked.

He sat in the car another minute before finally, “So I have something to ask you and I’m afraid you’ll take it the wrong way.”

“Ok. I’ll try to be open minded?”

“So I really didn’t think things all the way through. I have a tendency to get called away for business often. I’m not sure if my pet sitter will even come near the gate, let alone the house with the snake inside.”

I felt my eyebrow c**k.

“I guess what I’m asking is, can I have your number? You know just in case she won’t. Would you be willing to be a backup pet sitter?”

“Of course!” 

I quickly gave him my number. Then it dawned on me.

“Did you really mean that? Or were you just trying to get my number?”

A devious grin crossed his face as he started to grab the snake and climb out of the car.

“Both.”

“Well in that case feel free to text me whenever.”

We waved goodbye and I headed back down his drive. I had just reached the main road when my phone notified me of a text.

Now you have my number too. Same offer applies. Ball’s in your court.

A winking devil emoji followed immediately after. I thought about it at the stop sign before I sent back my reply.

Thank you. And since this is me replying I’m giving you your balls back.

I ended the text with an angel emoji.

I have the feeling that this is going to be exactly my definition of interesting.