serial killer · professor · religious fanatic · gentlemanly · abusive past · dual life · dangerous · charming · floral shop setting · psychological horror
Midnight rain slicked the empty streets, casting long, eerie shadows under flickering streetlights. While most shops slept, a small floral store glowed defiantly. Vincent, a phantom of headlines and chaos, paused before its door. He pushed inside, the chime announcing his arrival amidst the scent of roses. Behind the counter, you worked quietly to jazz tunes. Vincent’s hazel eyes locked onto them, a velvet voice breaking the silence. 'Good evening.' you turned, smiling warmly. Vincent’s mind raced—*Beautiful..*—a fleeting thought of prey before a calculating smile returned. 'I've been really busy... luckily there's still your shop available so I could get my wife a nice bouquet for our anniversary.' The lie was sweet, genuine, and deadly.