Chapter Four.

~AVA's POV~

“Thank you so much for your help. Those men have been harassing me ever since I started working here a few days ago. It's been so hard keeping them away, but because of both of you, they're finally gone for good,” Archie stepped forward, speaking with genuine gratitude.

“No, it’s fine. I just did what any other woman would’ve done—” I began to say, but a voice suddenly cut in.

“Archie! Stop gossiping around and get your lazy ass over here! I step out for a few damn minutes and come back to meet chaos in my shop? What nonsense is this?!”

Archie flinched. “Oh no, my Madame is pissed. I’ve got to go,” she whispered, then rushed off in a panic.

I exhaled deeply as I looked around. The customers had begun to leave after the fight. Maybe because they got too uncomfortable and scared to stay back and besides, the fight was over, and the coffees weren't ready so they had no reason to stay.

Slowly, the coffee shop became empty with only me and Jaxon being left in there as the customer.

I turned my gaze to him. He was still sitting at my table, calmly smoking like nothing had happened.

He hadn't budged since the commotion, and yet… if it weren't for him stepping in, things could’ve turned out much worse.

I hesitated, then slowly stepped forward, nervous energy pulsing through me as I fidgeted with the hem of my T-shirt. There was something about him—an aura that said, “stay away,” but I ignored it.

“Hey,” I said quietly, stopping beside him. He glanced my way but then looked away the next second without saying a word.

I swallowed hard before I continued.

“I just wanted to say… thank you. If it weren’t for you, I don't know what could have happened. Those men might’ve—”

“Wrong,” he interrupted bluntly, blowing a slow stream of smoke in my direction. I winced, holding my breath.

“I didn’t do it for you,” he added coolly. “I just hate weak men who think bullying women makes them look strong. And, by the way, saying thanks won’t bring back my damn coffee, Bambi Eyes.”

‘Bambi Eyes?’

My brows furrowed. Yes, people had always said I had eyes like that…but no one had ever called me that. Not even Kayden.

“I… what?” I stammered.

“Don’t tell me you forgot already. Or did you knock your pretty little head on something?” he said with a dry laugh.

My lips parted, but no words came out. I hadn’t realized it was his coffee I’d thrown. He had a magazine covering his face, so I just grabbed the closest hot drink to defend Archie.

Looking down, I muttered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was yours. I can replace it right away. I’ll get you a new one.”

He scoffed. “Sure, you can buy me another. But it won’t fix my ruined mood. You hijacked my peace and brought drama to my table, Bambi.” He sneered.

My cheeks flushed. “I really am sorry. What can I do to make it up to you? I didn’t mean to ruin your day. Just… tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”

He leaned back slightly, a crooked smile playing at his lips as amusement lit up those cold, silver eyes.

“You really want to make it up to me?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.

I hesitated. “Maybe…?”

He scoffed then suddenly pulled my arm, forcing me onto his lap. I yelped.

“Hey! What are you doing—!” I squirmed, but his arm was already wrapped securely around my waist, keeping me close.

His lips brushed the shell of my ear as he murmured, “Maybe a good fuck would brighten up my day, and put me in a good mood, Bambi.”

I froze. My heart thudded wildly in my chest. My face was burning.

“You confidently said you'd do anything so what's that hesitation for, Bambi Eyes? You're scared” he added with a grin I could feel against my skin.

And God help me, I didn’t know whether to slap him or stay right there. On his damn lap! That somehow felt comfortable…

“Yes. Anything but this!” I gritted.

Dammit! I was trembling so hard from his slight touch on my skin. I didn't know how he did it, but he left a burning sensation on every spot his lips and fingers brushes.

“Easy now,” he murmured, eyes gleaming with amusement as he traced the fine line of my face.

“You're shaking like a leaf, Bambi. What happened to that brave girl from a minute ago? Don’t tell me you’re scared of me.”

“No, I'm not. I am just not that type of girl. So release me now before I do something,” I threatened, making sure my voice was hard enough, but he cackled.

“And what could that be?” He titled his to the side, peeking at my face as his eyes scanned my face. I swallowed.

“You're such a jerk! I thought you were a nice man when you helped, but I was wrong! It turns out that you are no different from that dick face who just wants to get between my legs!” I spat, anger flaring in my chest.

I wasn’t prepared for what happened next.

Without warning, he shoved me away. My knees buckled, and I hit the floor hard with my face kissing the ground first.

The impact shot through my skull, and pain throbbed at the front of my head.

Wincing, I tried to push myself up, only to cry out as his boot came down hard on my wrist, pinning me to the ground.

Pain screamed through my arm, it was paralyzing. I couldn't move an inch!

“What the hell are you doing?!” I cried out, clutching at my wrist. “You’re hurting me, you bastard!”

He looked down at me, eyes like steel, cold and merciless.

He let out a dark, mirthless laugh that sent a chill through my bones. His eyes turned dangerously dark as he spoke.

“Call me a jerk? Fine. I’ll laugh it off. Call me a bastard? I’ll let it slide,” he said calmly, but it was clear that he was damn pissed off. “But compare me to those worthless scums who prey on women without a single respect? That I won’t tolerate, Bambi.”

His voice dropped to a low, dangerous murmur that chilled my blood.

“So next time you think about spitting words like that—bite your tongue, unless you want me to rip it out myself with my bare hands.”

He finally took his boot off my wrist, and I gasped, cradling my arm against my chest. It throbbed so bad. I could barely bear the pain.

I didn’t move right away. I just laid there, shaking, humiliated, in pain.

Jaxon stood over me for a second and I could feel his eyes burning on me, almost like he was calling me a pathetic bitch.

The bell jingled the next second as he pushed it open, letting in a cold gust of wind. Then he was gone.

I stayed on the floor, breathing hard, trying not to cry, but the tears came anyway.

I thought this town would be a fresh start. A safe place to figure things out. But I was wrong and too quick to judge the damn Town!

And Jaxon Cross? He’s not a good man. He’s not even close. He's such a jerk! A bully.

Coming here was a mistake. A huge one.

And now I’m stuck on deciding if I should run back to the city where a mad man was or remain here.