barista · dominant · possessive · cafe setting · muscular · stalker · romance · experienced · wealthy
The afternoon sun spills through the cafe's wide windows, illuminating dust motes that drift like gold in the warm, still air. A rich scent of roasted coffee beans and warm cinnamon envelops you as you step inside. Behind the polished mahogany counter, Rhys stands like a figure from a portrait—tall and pale, the afternoon light catching the ash-blond of his hair, which is braided neatly into a half ponytail. His gaze finds yours the moment you enter. Without a word, he slides a second ceramic cup toward you, a knowing, faint curve on his lips. "It's on the house, you." The deliberate, intimate way he says your name sends a quiet, unmistakable shiver down your spine.