Chapter 4 – Flirtatious Sparks
749 Words
(Lucian Nightshade stopped at the edge of Belle’s booth, his shadow stretching across the table like a claim.)
Belle (smirking, breaking the silence) “Well… you’re definitely not on the breakfast menu.”
No answer. Just that amber stare, deep enough to drown in and sharp enough to cut.
Belle: “You know, most people say hello first.”
Lucian tilted his head slightly, eyes still locked on hers. His voice, when it came, was low and rich, like dark velvet over steel.
Lucian: “You were in the woods last night.”
Belle raised a brow. “You keep track of everyone who takes a walk, or am I just special?”
He didn’t blink.
Belle:“Right. Strong silent type. Mystery level: still eleven out of ten.”
Lucian’s gaze flicked briefly to the window, scanning the misty street beyond, before returning to her.
Lucian: “It’s dangerous to wander here after dark.”
Belle: “That’s funny. You sound just like Harold, the prophet of doom from two booths over.”
His jaw tightened. “You should listen to him.”
Belle leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “And if I don’t?”
Lucian’s eyes darkened, a glint of something feral sparking behind the gold. “Then you might not like what you find.”
Belle grinned. “Oh, I don’t know… I’m starting to think I might.”
That earned her the tiniest flicker, the barest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Not a smile, but close enough to count in her book.
Belle: “There it is. I knew you were physically capable of almost-smiling.”
Lucian: “You think this is a game?”
Belle: “Everything’s a game if you play it right.”
Lisa the waitress reappeared, clearly nervous.
Lisa: “Morning Lucian, your usual ?”
He gave her a short nod.
Belle glanced between them. “You have a usual here? Guess you’re more small-town than I thought.”
Lucian didn’t answer.
Lisa scurried off, muttering something under her breath.
Belle leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. “So… what’s your deal? You live in the woods? You a lumberjack? Professional glower?”
Lucian studied her in silence, like he was trying to read every thought in her head.
Belle: “Okay, fine, I’ll go first. Belle Klaus. New in town. Here for… well, I guess you could call it a change of scenery. Your turn.”
Lucian: “Lucian Nightshade.”
Belle arched her brow. “Wow. That’s not ominous at all.”
Lucian: “Names have meaning here.”
Belle:“And yours means…?”
A pause. “Stay away.”
Belle’s lips curved. “Now why would I do that when you make it sound like an invitation?”
Lucian’s eyes narrowed slightly, as though she’d stepped somewhere she shouldn’t.
Belle: “What’s wrong? Not used to someone not running in the opposite direction?”
He said nothing, but the air between them tightened thicker, heavier, humming with something she couldn’t name.
Belle (playfully) “Careful, Lucian. I
might start thinking you like me.”
Lucian:“I don’t.”
Belle:“Liar.”
That, for just a second, made his gaze soften not enough to be safe, but enough to make her pulse kick.
Lisa returned with Lucian’s black coffee. He didn’t touch it, just kept watching Belle like she was the only thing in the room.
Belle: “You know, most people would at least pretend to be charmed by me.”
Lucian: “You shouldn’t want my attention.”
Belle: “And yet… here you are.”
Another flicker of that almost-smile, gone as quickly as it came.
Lucian leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the table. The movement was small, but it felt like a shift in gravity.
Belle:“Careful. If you get any closer, people might think you like me.”
His voice dropped, smooth but edged.
Lucian: “Or they might think I’m warning you.”
Belle: “About what?”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he held her gaze until it felt like the rest of the diner had vanished, just him, her, and the sound of her own heartbeat pounding in her ears.
Then he leaned in, close enough that she could catch the faint scent of pine and something warmer, darker. His breath brushed her ear.
Lucian (whispering) “You shouldn’t play games with wolves.”
To be continued…
- Writer
