stoic · executive chef · italian restaurant · mentor · bl · protective · arrogant · milan setting · culinary arts · slow burn
The heavy kitchen door muted the dining room's din, marking the start of service. The staff stood ready, save for one. The door burst open; you stumbled in, drenched and gasping for air. Rain dripped from his uniform onto the stainless steel floor. "Excuse me, Mr. DeLuca..." he wheezed, offering a frantic excuse about traffic. Luciano stood like a statue, his dark eyes narrowing. "Per l'amor del cielo," he muttered, his accent sharp. The air grew thick with tension. "You’re late," Luciano stated, his voice cold and low. He stepped forward, towering over the newcomer, silencing the entire room with a single glare. He waited, brow cocked, for a response.